A school Psychologist's Christmas in a basement

Note to our dear readers: This posting is from about 3 weeks ago. It seems it never actually posted. So it really only makes sense if you read it as though it was December 20th or so.

Sounds so sinister and dark. Like the little space Harry Potter lives in under the stairs. But, alas, the basement is finished and now looks like the rest of our house! Drew's mom was here a few weekends ago for graduation and made a little video of the space. We liked it so much we wanted to put it on the blog. Beware of a bit of sea-sickness though, the camera turns frequently, so either flip your laptop or try to stick with it so you can see all we've done. See for yourself how our Christmas tree and basement turned out (and a small cameo appearance from my mom).

Isn't my husband handy? Its hard to believe we (and by we I mean he) did it all ourselves. I only did the tile, and the only thing we hired out was the carpet, because lets face it, who knows how to lay carpet?
In the video you can see our little Christmas tree. Our first real one. I'm very excited to share our new space with the little baby come May.

We're now in the 17th week, creeping up on the 5th month (20 weeks) and I'm finally starting to get a little belly. It seems our little baby Hollman likes to hang out on my left side and in the morning makes the most action as I often wake up to a bizarre sensation and my belly feeling rather hard, suggesting he, or she, is moving around in there. We haven't had an ultrasounds in quite a bit because our last visit was with an alternate doctor since Dr. Olson was on vacation (and the office forgot not to schedule her that day). On the 5th wee get to find out what the baby is, so if you're itching to see the little baby Hollman you'll have to wait at least until then. However, if you're interested in what happens at 17 weeks, here's a random sample via the magic of YouTube. Again, its NOT our baby, but it does make you wonder how ultrasound technicians can tell so much from these hard to decipher videos. Toward the end you can see the little guy, or girl really move around. Thank goodness I'm not feeling those kicks and punches just yet.

So on to the school psychology perspective. The kids at both my schools now know that I'm going to have a baby, although since I'm not showing some are a little skeptical. Because I work with many kids who don't have the verbal filter we all use so graciously, here are a few of the fun quotes I've heard about being pregnant and having the baby:
- After letting a small group of kids know I'm pregnant, one boys said,
"Well, who's the father?"
- After telling a student during a one on one session that I'll have a baby
before the end of the year, he said, "Well that's a bad idea. Summer break is
at the end of the year. You know you can't even go on summer vacation if you have a baby?"
- "You know, you still have to do your work even if you are going to have a baby. My mom used that once as an excuse to stay home and she said she had to do double the work!"
- After commenting on me not gaining weight for a few weeks, 2 students announced "hey, you're starting to have a baby belly. You're getting fat. I can tell."
As the days at work go on and kids become more aware of the baby their comments are more common and just crack me up. I can't wait to hear what they have to say when I'm near the end of the pregnancy. Oh, the joys of being a school psychologist.

Baby Hollman's first graduation

This past Friday I made my final walk across the stage to receive my PhD, which coincidentally, is little Baby Hollman's first trot across the stage, albeit in the wrong order. However, it is fun to say that our baby is one of a mere few who has been hooded for a doctor of philosophy at the ripe age of 4 months. Top that baby Einstein! Where exactly did you walk at 4 months??? Harvard?? Ha.
So here's our little family, with the annoying mortar board (which makes me look ridiculous) and without, for your comparative viewing pleasure.

The ceremony made it feel at that more final, and afterward for about 5 minutes my family called me Dr. Wackerle-Hollman. I'm fairly sure its the only 5 minutes of my life that I'll hear that out of them. Being hooded was specifically special as it marked the final crossing over of my educational career, and by crossing over I mean going from the place where you accept financial aid to the place where you pay off your financial aid.
Having our family in town for graduation was tons of fun and we were extra blessed to have my grandma make the flight from Michigan to be there for graduation. We entertained them all thoroughly for the weekend by taking them to local eateries (which they seemed to enjoy much more than the Bay City Apple Bees and Saginaw Outback Steakhouse- their local fine dining establishments). There were oohs and ahhs over everything from catfish to frog legs. Then we were off to the Holidazzle parade, which for Minnesotan's is our version of a winter walking celebration, with lights, holiday cheer and negative temperatures. Wee children brave the frigid temps to catch a glimpse of Santa at the end of the parade as they align Nicollet Mall nearly frozen in place because their layers of winter-wear prevent fluid mobility. The kids make all of the adults viewing from their toasty windows (my family included) feel like sissies for not being able to handle the frostbite and hypothermia that comes will seeing the parade eye to eye. Children are so darn resistant and fearless. I couldn't help but imagine our little family bundled up and huddled around a light post hoping to steal the measly amount of heat a halogen lamp might produce on a -15 degree evening. What happy thoughts :)

Then on Saturday we went to the cathedral at 8 in the morning for mass joining the sparse set of the other 55 Minnesotan's who were silly enough to get up that early to go to an ice cold cathedral to see its enormity and listen to a stone-cold mass without music. Silly us. And, what does mass do to a frozen catholic? (besides light a little fire under our asses). Stir up a good sense of hunger of course. On to more eateries. Once we'd stuffed ourselves we made our way back to our home for afternoon naps and then feasted again in the evening, dinner theater style, before a viewing of "A Christmas Carole Peterson" at the Ordway Theater. We arrived home about quarter to 11 on Saturday, put everyone to bed and sent them on their way back to Michigan early Sunday morning. Phew! That was exhausting just writing it down.

All along the way we were happy to have my family and Drew's mom here. It was fun to imagine how exciting it will be to have a little baby among the mix and we look forward to next holiday season with a little one crawling about. Since Baby Hollman has already graduated, with a PhD no less, we'll be expecting great things, so maybe by his or her first Christmas he or she will be able to recite Christmas carols, or maybe write a fantastic Christmas toast. I can't wait to see what comes next year. Then again maybe our baby will defy our aspiration and spend Christmas with drooling as his or her most fantastic talent. Only time will tell. We'll love Baby Hollman all the same whatever comes along during the next holiday season.

Christmas Wish

This weekend was particularly hard in our home, as our puppy, Granola passed away on Friday. Granola was an amazing dog, who always was full of energy and love. People always commented on how well-behaved she was and she was incredibly full of life. She loved marshmallows and popcorn. She preferred people food to dog food, so much so that she would push her bowl of dog food into the wall and get it stuck so she couldn't eat it. She was silly. She was warm and cuddly. She loved sitting in front of the heat vent, cuddling up in her favorite white blanket and pushing Drew and I off of the couch. But most of all she loved us unconditionally. So we're a bit heartbroken, and miss her so much already.

About 3 or so months ago we learned that Granola had both an arrhythmia of the heart and heart disease, which meant that her heart couldn't pump efficiently and was beating erratically. The combination of these things, as well as with her age and other ailments gave her a grim prognosis- the cardiologist told us she'd have six months to live. Yet, in all honesty, I truly expected her to surpass the 6 months. No one seemed to have told her she had a heart condition. She still was so happy and active. She'd go just about nuts when she arrived at the park, and as hard as we tried to prevent her from getting excited, she still bolted outside to find the nearest squirrel or stick to gnaw on. Her excitement for the small things was contagious. She loved to chase tennis balls but not return them. Without fail every time we went to Milwaukee she forced her nose into a rain gutter to see if the squirrel who had been there years ago, was still indeed there.

A few weeks ago we took our annual Christmas card photos. This year we decided to feature Granola, so we placed the letters to 'Happy Holidays' around her neck and took photos of her doing what she does best- playing at the park. She was excited to be there, and best of all she found an enormous stick, which she quickly devoured- with pleasure. She loved the park. There were other dogs to smell at the park, things to pee on, small children to play with and lots of geese to chase. At the time, we didn't realize it, but these photos were a blessing in disguise. We now have lots of candid shots of Granola, and we can look back on them with lots of love and admiration. We'll cherish this year's card more than we usually do, as its our last photos with our adorable puppy.

Granola was the type of dog that followed all the etiquette rules, she was nice to other dogs, she walked on her leash, she rarely barked. We were spoiled. For me, Granola was part of the package deal. She was there the first day I met Drew, and as we walked around Lake Calhoun she pulled one of those 100-Dalmatians move where the dog wraps two wandering single people together in her leash until they are face to face about to kiss. No kidding. She actually did that. Its always been Drew, me and Granola. So imagining a day without her puts me in a new perspective that I haven't had for over 3 years. I'm lonely without her, and our house feels much too big.

For those of you without pets whom you are close to, its hard to understand how we could miss a pet so much. But in reality. She was part of our family. She greeted us each day at the door, she always enjoyed our company and never once doubted us. Dogs are amazing that way, their ability to love is endless. So this Christmas, if I had one Christmas wish, it would be to show this baby as much unconditional love as Granola showed us. Its something, in all honesty, I doubt we'll ever be able to do, but spend our lives trying.

Oh Christmas tree, oh christmas tree...

We've returned from Thanksgiving, where we had a great time and jumped head-on into Christmas! We came back on Saturday so that we had Sunday to get our first Christmas tree! I was so excited to get our first real tree. Now that the basement is finished we finally have room for a real tree. We'll post pictures of our lovely tree soon.
This week we are in the 15th week and quickly approaching our next ultrasound. We are looking forward to January 5th when we find out what we are having, a boy or a girl, but in the mean time I'm biding my time by coveting other people's wine (oh, I miss wine so very much) and clenching my teeth through round ligament pain. I had no idea such a sharp, intense pain could be related to our sweet little baby.
For all those of you unfamiliar with round ligament pain, its a stabbing pain that runs from your ovaries downwards in such an intensity that you double over. Its usually quick, but a ridiculously painful surprise. Its labeled in the 'baby literature' with a handful of colorful terms, such as 'lightning crotch'- (which I might add, seems fairly accurate). Apparently this is caused by your uterus growing and stretching to make room for the baby, which is now the size of an orange. On random occasions, when I am doing the most boring things like reading a book, folding laundry and then, BAM! I am doubling over because our little baby has decided to remind me that he or she has complete control over my uterus and I am at his(or her) complete mercy.
This week I'll continue on with the baby pains, and look forward to our next appt on Thursday. Its hard to believe that next week we'll be at 4 months (and no, I still haven't gained any weight). Hopefully we'll get to hear our little guy (or gal's) heartbeat and see a wave or too if we are lucky :)

Giving Thanks

On Tuesday we'll be taking the proverbial 'over the river and through the woods' trip to grandma's house for Thanksgiving. Well, now that I think about it, its quite literal for us. Over the river (Mississippi) and through the woods (all of western Wisconsin) to grandma's (well-soon to be grandma at least) lands us in Milwaukee.

We enjoy the trip every year because its one of the few times that all of the family members on Drew's mom's side (Montgomery) pile in one house for merry making. These happenings usually fall around holidays (namely Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas) and provide us with loads of calories, a few boxes of Franzia (oh, how I'll miss the Koolaid this year) renewed card-playing skills (Ever heard of Sheepshead?- me either until I married into this family), and the many comings and goings of family events. We love seeing everyone and being reminded of the strength and love that flourishes in our family. We also love the turkey and of course, Aunt Jan's special crunchy potatoes (sorry Jan, had to put that in there for you!)
So, this year as we reflect on what we are thankful for, I find myself with a never-ending list. If Thanksgiving were like the academy awards, they'd be playing the 'wrap it up and get off the stage' music for me for a whole month. Even then I'm not sure I'd get through everything and everyone. This year we've been especially blessed. So, drum-roll please, here is our abridged version:
We're exceptionally thankful for the tiny life we will be bringing into this world in May. We know so many couples who find themselves unable to have children and it breaks our hearts to see people so deserving not be able to share in the miracle of birth. I'm particularly thankful that the little squirt inside me is no longer making me feel incredibly sick and tired. Having an appetite again is fantastic. Especially before thanksgiving. I would have been so sad to not be able to eat all the delicious dishes. We're also particularly thankful for the blessings that have been bestowed upon our family and friends. One of Drew's cousins, Shanel, is currently winning her battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma, an invasive cancer. We are so happy to see her on the road to recovery and truly believe that all the prayers paid off :) We've also been able to share in a handful of successful adoptions, new babies, and engagements, and sadly, we've been thankful for the time we've had with those we've lost this past year. We're also thankful that we've been able to share so many wonderful memories with friends and family, thanks to all those who traveled to Minnesota to see us, and thanks to friends and family for great holidays, like Traverse City, Hong Kong and China, and Family Girls weekend in good ol' Bay County. Drew and I are exceptionally thankful for each other, as this year was one of change for us. From finishing our basement, to finishing my doctorate we've added a tremendous amount of strength to our relationship, and I know we will both be grateful for it when the baby arrives.
Its nearly Turkey Day, and while this post isn't so much about the baby and more about being thankful, we'd like to remind each one of you (we know you are out there reading this)one more time to enjoy the holiday and share your gratitude with those you love, because its not all that often that we actually participate in a day of thanks, let alone celebrate it.

Too Much Information. Read on if you Dare.

Well, today started off okay. And by started off I mean the first 15 minutes or so. I've found recently, jumping right in the shower as soon as I roll out of bed isn't always the best idea, as lately I feel as though my legs won't hold me up. I write this off to a few factors 1) my interrupted love for sleep, 2)my difficult-to-get-moving-morning-sleepiness and 3) being pregnant. So together, these fun factors make me feel as though I need to just sit down, to which I often respond my leaning in the corner of the shower, balancing precariously somewhere between half awake and relief. So today, as usual, my morning routine stayed nearly the same, except for one small adjustment- along my route to the corner of the shower I realized I was going to be sick, and not the 'oh, I have a sore throat I better drink some tea' type of sick. About two seconds after I reasoned about what I should do (as in get out of the shower and worship the porcelain throne)I'm still standing in the shower, at which point I determined it was far too late for going anywhere. So there I lean in the corner of the shower. I slowly slither down to the edge of our baby blue 1969 bathtub and find myself throwing up into the tub rather than out of it thinking, well, at least I can take another shower afterward, all the while day dreaming of a new bathroom with one of those nice tiled benches that you can sit on, you know, the ones designed for aesthetics and shaving your legs. Here this: somewhere out there someone could make a fortune by marketing 'shower upgrades' of this sort to pregnant women. I promise it would be a success.

Soon after, I called in sick to work, because in all honesty, I have no idea if this is the flu (to which I respond- boo, hiss) or if its baby related. If this is the baby, then its the first time I've experienced such violent cookie-tossing, and it makes me wonder if I should rescind all my thoughts about the second trimester....
So here I am blogging away on my sofa, because in all reality, I have nothing better to do (such a huge lie on my part, I have loads of work to do. Just call me queen procrastination).
And, my friends, all this blogging under a cozy blanket on my sofa, got me thinking about those days that we are home sick, actually enjoying our get well respite. I wander back to college memories of three or four movies, I giant glass of fruit punch gatorade, some soup to sooth my freezing cold bones and the most comfy quilt. A sense of panic sets in. Those days are nearly over. When this baby arrives I will be able to do no such thing. Babies require care regardless of how sick you are. Oh no. No more quiet, soothing sick days. So, I've decided to make use of my last days of 'sick freedom', have gathered up my laptop, comfy blankets and dressed in layers of sweatpants and sweatshirts to retreat to our basement, where I find DVDs, access to a drink and soup and a little corner of comfort. I'm prepared to say goodbye to days like today, but not until I savor my one last chance. Here's to being sick while single. Drink a Gatorade on me.

Countdown to Baby

Here's our ticker to countdown our time until Baby Hollman arrives!

Second Trimester = Heaven.

Its officially the second trimester. 1/3 of our time is over, 2/3rds to go until we meet this new little guy (or girl). Our ObGyn has continuously told us that the second trimester would be better, things would improve and I would feel, and I quote, "better than I have in my entire life". I'm here to tell you, that after just a few days into the second trimester, these pipe dreams are coming true.
Now, me, with my critical-examine-the-research-show-me-the-hard-data eye had no intentions of conceding to such suggestions. I mean seriously, how can this little baby moving around in there have such a change of heart? Where before he or she was intent on making me feel like my stomach was on a never-ending roller coaster and squelching even the tiniest bit of energy that I could gather up just to finish some research agendas, is now giving me a break. There must be some connecting piece- like the baby is thinking, "hey mom, way to grin and bear my first test of endurance. Now lets rest up for the next one, because I'm planning something huge, exhausting and maybe even a little painful!" But, its true. Things are on the up and up. I'm feeling tons better, and since I've only spent a hot second here in the second trimester I'm hoping it is only going to get better and maybe by the end of february I'll be shouting from the rooftops how the last three months were the 'best of my life' (although, somehow, I'm doubting it, because after all I do have an exceptionally critical eye....).
The newest guy on the scene is my new, and rather annoying friend heartburn. Apparently, there are many a wives tale out there that make blanket statements about heartburn. Here are a few I've heard:

• Clearly, its a boy. Only boys give you hearburn.
• You're kiddo is going to have a ton of hair. That hair is causing all the heartburn (at which point I presented with the not so friendly visual of a little baby hairball lodged in my esophogus- possible? No. Still a weird visual? Yes.)
• You'll be overdue. Who on earth would tell you this? Yet, its made its way to me? As if indirectly, they are saying, go ahead and plan for 11 months because you didn't make the cut for the regular 10 months of pregnancy.
• and my favorite. Your baby will be a good swimmer. Gathered from the notion, that people who believe this, believe your baby is doing summersaults in that little placenta and all the waves and commotion are in turn causing heartburn. How you ask? Don't ask me.... But, I'll be sure to take our baby swimming right after birth to see if this one holds up. ha ha. Just kidding ( I don't want anyone to think we have any intentions of plopping our kid in a pool at two days of age).

So, thats the story of heartburn. I'll add on when I hear more exciting old wives tales. But word to the wise, I'm fairly sure that there are no hard and fast data to support any claims provided here.

On another topic, lots of people are requesting of us the 'profile belly pictures'. We think its nice that you want to share in me getting bigger and bigger (as I simultaneaously become more and more reluctant to me getting bigger and bigger). We haven't put any photos up yet, because you can't tell I'm pregnant by looking at me. I don't have a belly yet and in fact, I'm still losing weight. Now, for all of you who are out there getting alarmed that I am not eating right, or doing all of those things that allow you to add on the extra pounds, not to worry. I am indeed doing all the right things. The problem is (was) that during the first few weeks of our pregnancy I ran a marathon, which I trained for for 10 months. I was fairly fit. My calves were especially fit. I had lots of nice lean muscle. Then I met my dear friend nausea. He hit me like a ton of brick and I pretty much quit working out. So, all of my nice lean muscle melted into gross fat, and as we all know, muscle weighs more than fat, so here I am still losing the muscle. As soon as it actually looks like I'm pregnant we'll start sharing photos. Currently, the votes are falling around the fifth month, which would be in January. So maybe check then. I'm sure all the Christmas sweets will only help the cause of making me look like a little whale. And, I do mean a whale because our ObGyn suggests I gain 30-40 pounds. I about fell off the table when she told me this. I quickly began reciting research I had read saying 20 pounds is more than enough. She wasn't having it. She kept referring to nonsense about my 'body-type' and 'height', blah blah blah. All I heard was 40 pounds. How the heck am I going to lose 30 more pounds when the baby is born? What are those 30 pounds needed for? Good lord. Someone pass the oreos. I suppose I have to start somewhere.

When is our due date again????

Another doctors visit, another day. We went to another monthly visit with our ObGyn and learned a few more facts about our little baby to be, and to top off the day, determined we are yet again not where we thought we were in the pregnancy. The new due date is May 31st, which is what we heard before, but our progress is a bit different than what we thought. This Sunday we'll be 11 weeks, so a bit off what we thought before, but okay with us nonetheless as we continue to approach the end of the first trimester, which has proven to be a bit overwhelming with the suprise symptoms of pregnancy. So, in celebration of the end of the first trimester we decided to let the papparazzi loose and share our first photo of the baby. So, here he, or she, is, in all her huge head glory. Those are the little tiny hands that waved to us next to the giant head and there are two little legs too. In a few weeks we'll have another ultrasound photo to share with a bit more definition and baby-like features.

Baby 'Bama O' Baby McCain?

Its election day, and I'm tired of the election. Tired of politics and simply wondering, who will our baby have as his or her first president McCain or Obama? We'll find out in a few short hours. Quick and painless. Even though I hate all the political hoop-la, right now I wish pregnancy had a lot more common with the election process. For example.

• Quick, quick, quick. None of this anxious awaiting for nine months, you put in your vote, you get a result the same day. Maybe 9 hours. not 9 months. It feels like this will take FOREVER.
• You get a vote. I would vote for "healthy" to win out over all other options. I'd like to have confidence that my vote is a determining factor, unfortunately, with the pregnancy we just hope and pray that the baby will be happy and healthy.
• Pre-arranged decorations. In election its elephant or donkey. Nursery decor decided. Cute elephants or barnyard theme. Has anyone spent time looking at the world of nursery bedding. How on earth are we ever going to chose? If I looked at one for everyday of the pregnancy I wouldn't get through even a quarter of them.
• You can ignore the campaign, turn off the commercials, tune out the solicitations. In the pregancy we have no such choice. Friends and family share their ideas, suggestions for names, disgust for your ideas with names, thoughts about diapers, suggestions for if you should find out the sex, demands that you don't find out the sex, and many more opinions. Because these people love us and feel incredibly comfortable with us they are usually sure to use their most convincing tactics to force these on us, regardless of how much we love or dislike their thoughts. We love that people are so interested, but its particularly interesting to hear points of view that are a bit different from ours. We smile and continue to aknowledge their amazing influences. We still love you though and get a good laugh out of it.
• There are no election side effects! Has anyone every thrown up because they had to get to the polls or just because they saw a political comercial (okay, so maybe thats not so far fetched)? In all seriousness, the side-effects, symptoms, or whatever you want to call these 'issues' during pregancy (read torcherous nausea) we could all go without. As an example, I am currently battling a case of pregnancy brain. I didn't believe in this before becoming pregnant. I have an elephant's memory and usually can recall ridiculous memories from childhood, random instances from interactions with people and on occassion names of people I've only met once. All of this was true, right up until about 2 weeks ago. Today when I went to the poll to vote, I left my phone there and then after leaving to go home, sitting down, checking my email and thinking all was well, my neighbor comes over to let me know that they still have my liscense at the voting station. I completely forgot to pick up my liscense?!? How do you forget that? You need it to drive? and, to top it off, I had no idea that this happened. My brain is fleeting.

In all seriousness, we're thankful for every aspect of the pregnancy, and can't wait for the baby. Regardless of who the new president is, we hope that by the time our baby arrives, or nation is moving in a new, positive, direction.

Was that a wave?!?

Today we had our second ultra sound. A second ultra sound was needed because our first indicated that we were not measuring as far along as the computational mathematics associated with gestation suggested we should be. So, today we traveled to the swanky specialty clinic at the Uof M Fairview hospital to get a much improved super-power, lots of gadgets ultra sound to see really just how far along we actually are.
First, I should tell you about the first ultrasound. So the first ultra sound was after a few weeks and the baby looked less like a baby, and more like a little blog with a manic heartbeat. There was no form to it, just this little blob, and while we were both happy to see the little being, I must admit there wasn't much of a baby to be excited about. So we had the ultrasound, got a due date, were excited to see a heartbeat and went on with our day....
Today was our second ultra sound. This was ridiculous! We saw a baby. A real baby. It waved!! I about jumped right off that table and through those ridiculous stirrups when I saw the little tiny arm wave around, as if to say, "hey mom and dad, I'm here." "It is indeed, me, who makes you want to throw up every day, and I continue to drain you of all the energy you can muster. But I'm here, so you are thankful for it all. I'll show you with my little wave." We saw little hands, little feet, a little heart and heard a heartbeat. We actually heard the 174 beats a minute, oh-so-soothing sound of the baby's heartbeat. It was amazing. As I stared at the screen a single little tear stole away from my eye and trailed down may face. I was so happy! (but also so emotional, so its difficult to tell if I would have shed a tear without the hormone rages that have overcome me). We schedule our next amazing ultra sound for January 5th, where we find out what we are having. Its finally starting to sink in that I'm really carrying a baby. I've become more relaxed with telling people and have finally let 'the cat out of the bag' to some of the staff at work and friends from the University. As time passes it gets easier to believe we've been so blessed. I can't wait to see what is to come in the next few months, even if it does mean falling asleep at work and eating at weird hours, weird substances. Its all so worth it when your baby waves to you!

Symptoms?!? They call these Symptoms?!?

So, if you google pregnancy symptoms you'll get about 50 different things that are you going to experience and how they progress as you move along in your pregnancy...blah blah blah... Not one of these sites manages to display with adequate disgust how these so called symptoms will change your life. The headlines should say things like "Forget Food, you will devote your time to gut-rot" or "Prepare yourself for methane explosions!" or possibly, "Don't even try to get out of bed without 15 hours of sleep!". You are likely laughing at these titles, but they are the God-honest truth. Why does no one describe this?!? I expected a little mid-morning sickness. Just enough to remind me that I am pregnant and make me smile. HA! Then I quickly learned that the 'morning' part was the biggest misnomer in the UNIVERSE. If anything, mornings are when I am most likely to eat something and not feel like death afterwards. I expect to want to take a nap once in awhile, and during those naps dream of how the nursery will look or about the names we are mulling over. Instead, I usually try to sleep to get away from the nausea and hit the pillow like a rock. To top it off, I need, no, I require at a minimum, 13 hours of sleep. 13 hours! This is such a long time. About 2 pm my body goes into shut down and I wander off to a sleepy place that makes me so completely nonfunctional that the kids I work with must think that I am useless when it comes to their issues. I identify with those women who think that these 9 months are the longest of their life- and while I am sure I will cherish every day of it in hind sight, right now I just wish I could eat. Eat anything outside of cheese and bananas. Oh how I want the things I used to love to sound tasty and delicious instead of repulsive. Maybe tonight, in my 12 hours of sleep I'll try to channel all my energy on dreaming about that.

Here we are, parents to be. At home in the fantastic twin cities, with our puppy Granola. This one's on the Stone Arch Bridge, which happens to run parrallel to the (in)famous 35-W bridge, which collapsed last summer (07') and just recently re-openned.

Surreal. Surreal. Surreal.

Here we are, struggling to actually swallow (and by swallow think large, as in sailboat) that we have a baby on the way. We're so excited, but so alarmed that we actually did this! Could it be possible? Do I have a fertile-myrtle tattoo somewhere on my body that I have been oblivious to my whole life? Does my husband have super sperm? Some days I spend time laughing that we've been so blessed, and then weirded-out that we are actually expecting a baby.

We're at 8 weeks, so we really haven't told many people (except for all of you out their reading this blog of course, but the likelihood that you actually know us, that is know us in at the very least, a "hey neighbor can we borrow some sugar" kind of way is minimal- so read on stranger.), instead we've made a habit of telling those people who we'll rarely see again. This is weird, but somehow more comforting if something were to happen to this pregnancy (God forbid). Case in point, last weekend I ran the Milwaukee Lakefront marathon. About the last 5 miles I teamed with this nice man named David. I had never met David before in my life and I learned fantastic things about him while we ran. He's run a marathon on every continent and in every state. He likes to walk them 'for fun' and thinks that his 16 minute walking miles are just too slow. I counter this plethora of information with, "my husband and I recently found out we're expecting a baby." Post event, this seems ridiculous. I'll never see David again. But now he's one more person that knows and one more person who won't care what happens to our little family good or bad. So no harm, no foul, I suppose. Nevertheless, we like spreading the news. As time goes on and we share with our families our happy news I'm sure they'll catch wind of this blog, so we apologize in advance for telling someone before you that is likely much less important than you'll be to our baby's life.