Thick around the middle

How is it possible that something the size of an avocado can make me feel SO enormous? I am at 16 weeks and the baby is at about 4.5 inches long... I know that some of you (if anyone actually reads this blog) may be waiting for the “belly” pictures but the truth is that I just feel thick around the middle and far from that cute pregnant look I was hoping for. So no pictures of me anytime soon. I tried on maternity clothes at Old Navy for the first time... quite an experience. I could have done without the full length mirror in the dressing room...

Upcoming dates of interest: April 4th -- Ultrasound #2

Heartbeats and baby gifts

Yesterday was my 2nd prenatal doctor’s visit at which I heard the baby’s heartbeat! It was nice and strong -- the doctor’s word was “Perfect!” According to her, it was at just the right speed and sounded just like it should. I was just happy to hear it and be reassured once again that the little life inside of me was doing well! Our next appointment and the “big” ultrasound are scheduled for March 26th -- at that point, if we decide we want to, we can find out if it is a boy or a girl.

I have also posted a picture of some of our first baby gifts. The bunny’s name is Baxter and is sure to become a constant companion of little Lauer. The onsies and socks are from one of the coach’s in Josh’s club... it is funny to try to find a place to store baby clothes when there are still days I don’t even feel pregnant!!

Leave of Absence

I have been teaching 7th grade science for TEN years! That is sometimes hard for me to believe. I taught for 4 years at Cross Keys Middle School in Ferguson-Florissant and now 6 years at North Kirkwood Middle School in Kirkwood.

Now, with Little Lauer on the way, we are considering the possibility of me taking next year off from teaching. My principal has graciously agreed to hold my spot, hiring a permanent sub for the year. What a blessing! It is weird to think of NOT being in the classroom next year but exciting to imagine the fun I will have at home with Beano (once I figure out how in the world to take care of a baby!)

I have also begun a conversation with our district science facilitator about doing some contract work from home -- they definitely could use the help and I think it would help me stay connected to department during my year away. It would also give us a little financial cushion... but it is still in the very beginning stages of the discussion. We’ll have to wait and see!

Heeeerrrrre's Beano!

A tiny little miracle. Heart fluttering and hands waving. Here’s *Beano!

Our first ultrasound was today and I think it is fair to say it was one of the most amazing experiences of our lives. Beano cooperated perfectly with Dr. Krasnoff, even giving a little wave to me and Josh as we stared at the screen in awe. She measured him at 3.31 cm (about the size of a grape) and said that I am 10 weeks along -- that matches up perfectly with my guess of our due date, August 22nd!

After the ultrasound, we met with Dr. K about all the things we need to know about being pregnant -- diet, vitamins, registering for the hospital, etc. An overwhelming amount of information in a huge folder. She also told us about all sort of testing options to find out whether a myriad of things might be wrong with the baby... just what I needed, more to worry about! But seeing two arms, two legs, little hands, head and tummy, seems to put my mind at rest -- we will trust God to make sure all the parts are in place and working properly!

*Josh is responsible for the nickname “Beano”... I think it originated after I told him the baby was the size of a lentil bean. He claims to have never heard of the anti-gas medication of the same name! I protested... but it has stuck!

T-Minus one week

One week to go until our first ultrasound. It still seems like forever away... I keep struggling with the reality of being pregnant and am anxious to have some official confirmation of my “condition.” I am also ready to spill my secret to my friends and colleagues... although I am still rehearsing the conversation with my principal!

Our first new baby

There is nothing quite like a new car. Last night, Josh and I ventured in the world of leasing and got a new Honda Pilot. Both of our cars (Josh’s Honda Civic and my Saturn) are at or well over 100,000 miles. The Saturn has been rattling like crazy for the last 20,000 miles and random warning lights pop on for no apparent reason. The Civic is in much better shape, but it is only a two-door... not exactly ideal for the upcoming days of baby seats.

We had looked at the newly re-designed CR-V to buy...but it is the hot car on the market right now so the car dealer was in no mood to strike a bargain with us and we walked away. Then I spotted a pretty nice lease deal on the Pilot... much less money down, less money each month. We pondered and weight the pros and cons... and decided to go for it. So I had to say goodbye to Mazie, my car of 10 years (although Josh had been her primary driver over the last two), and we welcomed a new car into the family to join Zeke. Now we just need to come up with a name for her!