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!