*sniff*

UGH!! Luckily, I am writing this on the tail end of a nasty little cold. I am talking everything in me has been clogged from the chin on up. I have literally "blown" our house out of any soft or semi-soft substances. Wes had to stop on his way home from work to buy more kleenex, toilet paper, AND paper towels!! I do feel better now, but its been a heck of a ride. Finally some relief. Just to give you an idea of what I have felt like over the past 3 days - I have attached a picture. Sesame Street fans will remember.

This was just a cold, so everything baby-wise is going great. We have or next appointment February 7th - just after my return from a conference in Spartanburg, SC. Nothing much else to report, just work and a little bit of play here and there.

And, yes -- for those of you who have asked and those of you thinking it... I am growing quite the little belly. At time of publishing this blog, I have had only one moment of pity to Wes. I came down the steps in a new maternity shirt and asked with teary eyes, "Wes... do I look fat??" Being the quick thinking husband that he is, he replied with a hug, "No honey, you look pregnant". I quickly backed away and stated, "And there is a difference, RIGHT?"

After a couple pats on the belly from strangers, I have begun to flaunt it! We are having a blast preparing for the future! *less than a week until I am 20 weeks... halfway there!*

My sweet husband...

A little joke on his behalf.

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A man speaks frantically into the phone, "My wife is pregnant, and her contractions are only two minutes apart!"

"Is this her first child?" the doctor asks..

"No, you idiot!" the man shouts. "This is her "husband"!"

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So, how do we think Wes will handle the big day once it arrives? I often wonder.

All things to come.

Its funny the things people tell you when you are pregnant. Knowledge that just HAS to be told to you as an expectant parent.

- "You guys are going to have to change alot of diapers."
- "You guys are never going to sleep"
- "Enjoy your free time now, you'll never have it again".
- etc. etc. etc.

I think its humorous. Sure, I am new to the whole parenting thing - this we know - but some things are a tad bit common knowledge or just what you make of them, don't you think? We realize it is going to be hard... we know there are going to be all sorts of tough times. But, as one of Wes's uncles has told us from day one, "Millions and millions of people have survived having their first child -- so can you". So, I wanted to take this time to tell you some of the things we are excited about.

- Having a perfect little mixture of MM and Wes.
- I love the idea of being present for a child's "firsts" (steps, words, smile, etc.).
- I look forward to raising a child with the same values I was brought up with.
- Bringing another Cardinals fan into the world excites me. (kidding - sort of)
- Someday this child will be taking care of us.
- Grandchildren seem to be well worth the wait.

We are well aware of the pressures to raise a child these days. But we are confidant in our abilities. You have to be. What an accomplishment - having a child that could make a true difference in this world. Maybe we are carrying the next President, the person who will cure cancer, a teacher or entrepreneur. What if the child is happy just being admired by their own children? Either way, the first years of crying, diapers, feedings, tantrums, etc. are small potatoes in the giant scheme of things, don't you think??

We Hear You... Loud and Clear

Yesterdays appointment was just as sweet as the rest, but for a new reason. No ultrasound this time, but we did hear the heartbeat... in stereo! The nurse did the usual boood pressure routine and "how you feeling update" then said, "Well, go ahead and sit back, and we'll see if we can hear the heartbeat while we wait on the doctor". She put this little stick on my stomach, and all we heard was static. She moves it around and a very soft "thump thump thump" could be heard. We were so excited. But -- then she moves it just a hair more, and "TH-THUMP, TH-THUMP, TH-THUMP..." just as loud as could be came over the airwaves. Loud, strong, and fast - just how we like 'em. So cool.

Everything else is going great. Next appointment Feburary 6th. They plan to do the "big" ultrasound then. This would be where you'd find out what gender baby you are having. WHICH WE ARE NOT. I repeat... WE ARE NOT. So, the biggie for us will be used to check that all the bits and pieces are in the right palces.

We are soooo getting one of these.

Cashel Daddle™

A soft, stuffed "saddle" for Dad (or Mom) to strap on, to give the give kids (age 2-6) a horsy ride. Offering interactive fun for kids and adults, the Daddle™ is made of washable sturdy cotton, complete with soft saddle horn and adjustable stirrups.

knee pads sold separately.

Daddle Up!

The Year of the Baby

Happy New Year! I can't believe it's 2007... I just got used to writing 2006 on my checks! I hope the best for everyone reading this in the upcoming year. It appears we will have an exciting one in the Baker house!

Our holiday season was great -- hectic, but great. We spent the first part of Christmas with Wes's family in Lenoir, NC and the second half with MM's family in a rented mountain cabin in Valle Crucis, NC. What started out as a nice relaxing trip came to a screeching halt when in the mountains Wes fell on the ski slope and cut his knee open on the sharpened side of the ski. After he finished the run, he went to exchange his skis for another pair, and found that he was bleeding. Ski Patrol took a look at it and determined he needed to take a trip to the hospital. Off they go (Wes, MM's brother Alan, and nephew Luke). Wes is taken to triage around 8:30pm, and around 11pm, Alan brings Luke back to the cabin, and picks MM up to be with Wes at the hospital - he has yet to be seen at this time. So, MM, Wes, and Alan hang out in the ER umtil Wes is sewn up at 2:30 AM!!! 8 stitches!! Wes was put in a knee imobilizer and taken home. He had to wear that for 2 days - so he could lay up and relax. But - not finished there... Wes then caught some sort of stomach bug that was affectionately passed around the family (MM never got it!) for 48 hours. Yuck. Luckily Wes he was feeling better by the 31st as we headed back down the mountain to Hickory to ring in the new year. Never the less, we had a great time over the whole holiday and were very lucky to have such wonderful families to spend it all with.

MM is now finished with her first trimester, yeah!! One down - two to go. Its still been pretty smooth sailing - feeling great and ready to go! You know MM is holding up well when she can watch as 8 stitches are put in her husbands knee, bypass a community stomach bug, and make it back happy and healthy to work by the 2nd of January! It's a bird - its a plane -- its Super-Baby!!

Next appointment, January 11th!

Starting to kick in...

Well, Its really starting to hit me, I'm pregnant! We had our 2nd doctor's appointment this week, and I think I was more nervous this time than last! From what I hear, I am very lucky to have a doctor who has an ultrasound machine right in the exam room. So, the normal routine thus far is to walk in, have a little small talk, then on to the ultrasound! The doctor always turns the screen towards himself first to do some doctor things... then a few minutes later he lets us see. This time being no different, he and the nurse are looking at the screen and are as quiet as could be. Then the doc mumbles something about the baby... I nervously blurt, "WHAT DID YOU SAY?!?!" He then giggles and says, "I said the baby is upside down and sleeping... don't worry, everything looks great". Oh. Yes - well then, carry on. He then turns the screen to us and there it is... a REAL baby. You could tell and everything. He points out a couple of things, then shows us a leg and an arm -- then counts out 1-2-3-4-5... fingers!!! Amazing.

Now, as you see, I am including a picture below. I am told no matter what I see or how excited I am, no one else has really been able to pic out the baby. But, trust me - its all there. Keep in mind how tiny the little dot was in the first pic a month ago!

Still no morning sickness or icky feelings. Only a couple weeks until the end of the first trimester! Next appointment, January 11th.

Can we register for this??

www.babytoupee.com

*Update*
All is well here in Charleston. Staying busy and trying to make it to the holiday break. We are so ready for some time off. The tree is up, candles in the window, and not a bit of Christmas shopping is completed. Good to know I am right on schedule.

MM is still feeling great! 11 weeks down! We will be off to the doctor for the next visit December 12th. Send happy thoughts our way!

Classic...

Many have asked how we told people... well - we have done it several ways, but one of the best was with Mary-Margaret's parents. We staged a photo that MM wanted taken with her Mom, Dad, and their pups. After a couple other single shots, Wes gathered us all and said, "Everyone smile and say Mary-Margaret's pregnant!" A hush fell over the crowd from confusion just before this picture was taken...

Anyone care to try and caption the moment??

I love it.