Nursery style

This is the twin bed we just bought for Sables room. I also posted a picture of the bedding I've registered for at Pottery Barn Kids to give a better idea of what the nursery will look like. The walls are light green.

First Teddy Bear

Our nephew Caine found this little Teddy Bear (holding pink gloves) and asked his mom if he could buy it, with his own money, for his cousin Sable. He said "That's what big cousins do for little cousins." He's such a thoughtful kid...

Baby due date

The countdown clock says 100 days

Nursery update

The house is a disaster! We have three pieces of furniture planned for the baby's room and the first piece is going in today. My computer has been moved into the bedroom and all my files, books and office stuff is on our bed. I'll be cleaning, organizing and consolidating all day. Joel is on a mission to start converting the office into a nursery. Thank goodness for the storage space and house-wide wireless projects being done. This move could have been frusturating, right now the house is just cluttered

Happy Christmas!

I'm 25 weeks pregnant!
Joel and I are all signed up for childbirth classes and a newborn preperation class. I have my January appointments set up, Dr visit, Glucose test and another Ultrasound (because the baby is big.) I'll be in my third trimester soon.

24 weeks

I'm not throwing up any more!!

Snow

I didn't make it to my doctors appointment today because the snow closed down Capital Hill, where my Dr. office is at. Joel stayed home and played Fallout 3 while the puppies and I napped and watched the snow fall. I got to sleep last night around 2:30.
I've been working on geneology stuff online to make a book for Sable. It's been very interesting. There is english and french royalty on my Grandma Rose's side. I keep sending out updates to my Dad. We're decendants of William the Conquerer of Normandy. I can prove it! also one of my heros, Elenore of Aquitaine. That was exciting to find.
It's amazing to think of how many people it takes to finally get to you. Sable will be a little piece of everyone.

I can't sleep

Sable is awake and kicking. I can't sleep. It's 1:05 in the morning. Joels asleep and the puppies have given up waiting for me. My hips and back feel sore too. (Hey! I'm tired, I get to complain...) so now I'm up surfing the web. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow (...well today now) to check for Diabetes. The office move is going well, We should have the baby's room ready on schedule. Man, I'm tired...

Nursery theme

We've picked colors and a theme for the baby. Light green (like the walls)and the bedding is pink and white toile. The furniture is dark cherry like the floors. So far the theme is flowers, there are a lot of Rose patterns. My decorating style has always been old world/romantic, function first.

The Sphere that I am

I'm so big my shoes even feel tight. But It's all for the kid and I'm not the only one going through this.

(Here you go Laura C.)

Earth like

I'm huge! I feel bigger that 24 hours ago.

Sables first shoes

A gift from Aunt Jessica

"Every girl needs pretty shoes"

Oy

Pregnancy headaches are killers...

Gamer baby

Sables Popularity

Origin: Russian
Meaning: Sable, black

Year - Rank - Total Out of 1,000,000 Babies
2008 - #5757 - 10 babies
2007 - #3941 - 17 babies
2006 - #9267 - 4 babies
2005 - #10147 - 4 babies
2004 - #10683 - 4 babies
2003 - #6388 - 8 babies
2002 - #3609 - 18 babies
2001 - #2544 - 29 babies
2000 - #3125 - 21 babies
1999 - #3479 - 19 babies
1998 - #1932 - 42 babies
1997 - #3350 - 20 babies
1996 - #2586 - 27 babies

"Green" baby room

Joel and I have decided to be environmentally aware of the things we put in the baby's room. We're not big recyclers or environmentalists but we try to keep up with that stuff. The thing we're worried about most is neurotoxins found in veneered furniture. Because I have Epilepsy the baby has a 5 to 10% chance of having it too. My Epilepsy is not genetic and we never found out how I got it, so I feel better reducing Sables exposure to anything that can bring on seizures. I don't want to hear that she got her dads eyes and her mom’s seizure disorder.

Baby update

Sable likes to kick and move the most while I'm trying to sleep. I still throw up everyday but it's less annoying, I expect it. I'm still pretty sleepy but I feel happy. Joel is too. We talk about our "daughter" and smile.

21 weeks

It was difficult getting to sleep last night. Sable was squirming like crazy. I think she's excited about eating turkey (I am).

Doctor update: I still don't need my seizure meds and my blood pressure is still perfect.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

The names meaning

Sable: Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Middle Low German sabel or its fur, from Middle High German zobel, of Slavic origin; akin to Russian sobol' sable or its fur Old French meaning black

Date: 14th century

1 : of the color black 2 : dark , gloomy 3: the color black b: black clothing worn in mourning 4:a carnivorous mammal (Martes zibellina) of the weasel family that occurs chiefly in northern Asia 5: the fur or pelt of a sable

Rene' means Rebirth

Baby Fingers

Her name is

Sable Rene' Hills

First photos

A picture of her back with her arm behind her head

She looks like Joels neice Emma!

She weighs 13 ounces, and is considered a "Larger" size baby. She was very active while the ultrasound was happening. It was fun to watch her tapping her feet and hiding her face with her hands and ducking from view. She's completely healthy, so am I. No problems at all

from baby center

"Your baby weighs approximately 8 1/2 ounces, and his or her five senses are developing rapidly."

* THUMP *

Joel felt the baby bumping around today. I'm lucky I can feel it, the little thing isn't very strong. I'm so happy Joel could feel it too!

19 weeks

Nearing the halfway point. Pregnancy takes so long... If I wasn't sleeping 13 hours a day it would feel even longer. My birthday was on the 9th and I proudly showed off my baby bunp along with my best friend Jen. (see her blog for a super cute picture of her passed out!)

5 days till we find out what it is!

click on image to enlarge

countdown...

10 days until we know the sex of the baby (November 17th)

18 weeks

"your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long and he weighs almost 7 ounces. It's busy flexing their arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead."

Poor Joey

Joel has been so sick this week. His temperature has been 100+ degrees. I got a flu shot last week (thank god) so the baby and I should be ok. We're watching the elections and going to bed early. The baby is a little dancer, it moves around a lot.

Hitting the holidays in first gear

Still pregnant, still sleepy. Joels been sick and home more, I like when he's around (even if he make gross throat noises). We've been a bit lazy getting ready for the holidays. I haven't started shopping yet. We're mostly counting down the days until we find out what the baby is.

Baby Bump

I'm huge. There's no hiding it. Joel thinks it's cute. I'll post a picture soon.

It's ALIVE!

I felt the baby kick! I talked to my doctor to confirm it. I felt our baby moving! It was awesome and strange and I can't wait until Joel can feel it too.

17 weeks

19 days left until we know if it's a Boy or Girl! (My reflexologist said it's a girl)

Baby Center says...

"Your baby measures about 5 inches and weighs about 5 ounces."

Weight

I weigh a lot. I've never weighed this much before. I hit a certian weight and start working out to control it, but this is just weird. My doctors are proud of me...

Dr. Appointment at 16 weeks

I had my 16 week Doctors appointment today. My weight gain is perfect, blood pressure is perfect and everything else that I'm noticing is normal. I heard the heartbeat again today and that's great every time.

Baby Shower

The Baby shower is being planned for Saturday, February 7th. (So Cool!)

Joey and Baby's horoscope

An afternoon of chasing your Aries child around the house, yard, or park really wears you out -- but little Aries is still raring to go! This passionate, energetic child rarely slows down, which will be an adjustment for you. You make a dreamy, tenderhearted parent. You want to cuddle with your little one and spend hours playing games. But such slow-paced, relaxing activities only make your child more restless.
Don't expect many sweet, softhearted moments throughout your little one's childhood -- this kid is always on the go. It's a good thing you're such a natural at tapping into other people's feelings. You can intuit what your child needs in any given moment and do your best to supply it for her, even if it goes against your nature. Of course, when little Aries needs some attention, she just steps right up and demands it!

hmmm

OMG

I didn't throw up this morning. Is that good or bad?
(update: I threw up, all is well)

P.S. There are lots of strange things happening to my body... it's really weirding me out.

Joels big hurry...

I'm not even half through carrying this pregnancy and my husband (The Joel) says, "I think our first two kids should be close in age." He's getting a bit excited and ahead of me. We're planning to finish our adoption for our second child, though I'm not sure what the rules are about spacing our kids out concerning age. I need a nap...

What is it already ?!

We are about one month from finding out if it's a boy or a girl and I'm feeling impatient. I really want to know. I think it will be easier to picture our family plus I can finish up the registries when we know the sex/colors for the nursery.

15 weeks

Only 25 weeks left... wow

"2 weeks and 4 lunches later"

Keith and Joel finish the shed! now we can clean out the house for the baby's room. Awesome!

Sleeping Woes

I can no longer sleep on my belly comfortably.

from Babycenter.com

"This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb. In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body."

What's happening now

I'm still sleepy and throwing up, but I'm not feeling as sick. I'm hungrier too.
One of my friends in Arizona just found out she's pregnant after trying for a long time. It's so great to know so many women that are PG with me. I have 9 people to call.
Joel thinks the pregnancies are all due to the writers strike.
I like it when people feel my belly.
I'm behind in my school work and trying to catch up. I sleep all the time and my brain isn't really working lately.
I feel like I'm actually going to have a baby.

14 WEEKS!!

2nd Trimester !

Pregnancy is Magical

throwing up is nothing compared to the headaches.

13 weeks 5 days

Joel and his stepdad Keith spent the weekend building a shed in our back yard. They are close to finishing and the shed will be really useful. It's "Phase 2" of getting the baby room ready. The 3 phases left involve cleaning storing and moving rooms around.

Joel is starting to talk about "Our baby". I love when he says that phrase

13 weeks 1 day

The baby is 3 inches long now!

The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland

I think being pregnant is similar to being Alice in Wonderland. Here's why:
- You body changes in weird ways.
- places seem distorted (The college campus seems bigger this quarter, stairs are steeper and my car is lower)
- I can't remember anything (people I talk to at school seem like a blur, where are my keys and what happened to my ATM card. Do I have homework due tomorrow?)
- Time escapes me. (Last night had to be the shortest night ever. and my days are just flying by, except while I'm throwing up)

How do you feel? (long answer)

- Lately, I feel good (normalish) for a longer amount of time. My stomach is less of a lava lamp, although it's not totally perfect.
- I feel tired, to tired to walk, to tired to speak, to tired to make new friends at school.
- I feel like a woman who is getting everything in life that she wants. I had a career, I married a cool guy, I own my dream car and a cute house in Seattle, my friends and family are all great!
- I feel like I have earned my happiness and I am deserving of it.
- I feel able to handle change.

Short answer:
I feel fine. :)

ugh

I hate throwing up...

"Sex" appointment

I like my doctor a lot. She's funny and very relaxed with me and all my odd-ball questions. We have an appointment on November seventeenth to find out if it's a boy or a girl! I'll be disappointed either way. There's a part of me that really wants a girl and another part that is hoping it's a boy. Joel, of course, is happy with either. The whole thing is very exciting.

Week 12 revelations

- I'm coming to terms with the fact that my body is no longer mine. It has a new master now. It's a very odd feeling to be the second priority within your own skin.
- The great news is that I'm in week 12 so EVERYONE... breath a sigh of relief. I'm no longer high risk. My doctors are all communicating with each other and agree there is no problem with this pregnancy.
- I'm going to have a BABY!?*! Holy **** !

My partners-in-napping

These are the puppies (Bexley and Beverly) that nap with me every day.

Look at them, they want to snuggle

pregnancy... phff

I think I can officially say that I don't like feeling exhausted and sick all the time. I'd rather be cleaning, reading, shopping, exercising and going places than being tired with an upset stomach for 7 more months. There is no doubt in my mind that pregnancy is worth it, I mean we get to be parents and watch this new person learn and do things. I'm just not very comfortable right now.

Fatigue vs Tired

School starts Monday and I'm worried about falling asleep in class. I'm still so tired. I'm so close to my 2nd trimester that I'm starting to get impatient about being there. I desire more energy and to feel normal for a little while.
I bought maternity jeans the other day. I love them. I couldn't show up at school with only yoga pants.

11 weeks 1 day

"Your baby is about 1 1/2 inches long, the length of a book of matches. This week his or her fingers and toes have separated."

Best part about being PG

So far my favorite part about being pregnant is that my best friend Jen is too. It's great to be able to talk to someone in the same situation and week as me. I'm less worried about my own, and I feel like the excitement for both of us is doubled. It's a relief to call her and say "this happened what do I do" and she's doing the same thing. Both of our bellies are puffing out, we have good days and bad. Jen has always been a great friend to me and my Husband. I can't wait to introduce our kids to each other.

Protein Leech Monster

I can tell what foods the baby likes and hates. So far it's favorites are Mexican food, rice, Apple sauce, cheese and crackers, and our family favorite "Hotdish." It does not like Honey Nut Cheerios, Chinese food, Mac N Cheese, Alfredo sauce or ice cream. I'm eating every two hours and I can really tell when those two hours are up. The baby is sucking up all my energy. I need more protein in my diet. I should feel better at week 12, right?

Joel

My husband is awesome! He just went to get me an "emergency" burrito.

in Joels future...

click on the picture to enlarge

Baby blogs from friends

I have links in my "Baby blogs from friends" section to my best friend Jennifer Andersons site (Due the same week as me) and Ginny case's site (friend from high school).

Here is Jen's:

http://littlebabyanderson.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html

10 weeks

Heart rate is 163 - perfect

"Sticky" update

OK, I'm 10 weeks. I have NO morning sickness but I'm extra sleepy all day. My Doctors have given me tons of reading materials and new vocabulary to learn, most of it is graphic. This pregnancy stuff is not for the weak stomached.

Interesting facts

"Your baby is just over 1 inch long, weighs a fraction of an ounce, and is busy kicking and swallowing." (9 weeks and 6 days)

Joey and his nephew Jack

Does Jack look a little like Brad Pitt?

Baby's best friend

My best friend is due the same week I am. I'm thrilled to have someone so close that is going through the exact same thing I am, not to mention my "Honorary Aunt-hood." I get to play with two babies!

What mood swings?!

Mood swings have hit this week. I was watching a design show on HGTV and started to cry over how beautiful the room looked. That is not my usual reaction. Joel would have laughed at me if he had been home to see it. (I laughed)

Girls names

Here is where the girl names are from: Sable is Keri's favorite name. Rene' is Keri's moms maiden name. River is a name we both really like, and Noel is after Keri's sister, Stacy Noel. Anika is a character from the Pipi Longstocking books (Dad used to read them to me and Stacy) Joely is after Joel. Margaret is for Joels grandma Hills and Marie because it's Keris and her moms middle name. We love all of these names.

This is how cute the kid will be...

8 weeks

I'm feeling extra sick today... I hope to fall asleep early. Joel has been a huge help. He goes to the grocerey store with odd new things on the list every time.

bored

I don't have anything going on until school starts in a month. My plans include a birthday party, a dinner party and a pile of books that I'm going through quickly. I'll be at the end of my first trimester when school starts so the timing is excellent. I'm trying not to drive at all because I'm off of my Seizure medication.

Mmmmm.....

Caine

My nephew Caine is 7 years old and at disney land with my mom. Today they found the wishing well and Caine threwin a coin. When my mom asked him what he had wished for he said "I wish my cousin was here." (This baby will be his first cousin) Caine is such a thoughtful kid, I'm very proud to be his Aunt.

the Babys Horoscope

About the Aries Child
A Natural Born Leader - Aries children are always pushing ahead of the pack. With an "Are we there yet?" outlook, they are impatient to arrive and get started already! Aries children possess a passionate, creative, and restless nature. They seem to have more energy than other children, with a vitality that's matched only by their natural bravery. Their "me first" attitude can be a challenge for anyone who has to contend with their high spirits and frequent self-absorption. Legendary for their straightforward honesty, Aries children tell it like they see it. They can overstep boundaries because they're naturally impulsive and tend not to look before they leap.

Aries children have a hard time keeping their emotions under control, but there's a positive side to this: They don't hold a grudge. Once the fireworks are over, so is their anger. Since Aries children are great at starting grand projects but not as keen on sticking with them, you'll need to be patient as you guide your child gently but firmly, helping her stay on track. Also make sure she gets plenty of exercise. Any vigorous activity will be an excellent outlet for her energy, and if it's a competitive sport, so much the better. But be sure she wears a helmet or any other essential safety gear. In their eternal hurry, Aries children tend to be accident-prone.

6 weeks, 5 days

Does it look more like me or Joel?

Joel Junior

So far I go to bed and wake up early (just like Joel) I get hungry quick and crave Beer brawts (just like Joel) There's going to be two Joels!!! (Thank god he's so handsome)

234 days left

I'm starting to feel sick now... it's a relief to FEEL pregnant. Joel has started to worry about dismanteling his office to make it into the baby's room. Our house seems smaller.

ZZZzzzzzzzz.....

Fatigue hit today. I had a 5 hour nap. I can't believe how tired I am, and so quickly.

6 Weeks

I got my test results back and my "Levels are rising nicely" which means I'm still pregnant. It has a heartbeat now. I feel great!

What's with all th e Sean Aric Todd votes?

Nervous

So now that we've told everyone, I'm really nervous about having another miscarriage. My Doctors say I'm fine, I'm just scared. I wasn't with the last ones. (Sticky sticky sticky)

The boy names

I'm getting questions about the names so here is where they're from. Clifton is Joel's paternal grandpa, Michael is my dad. John Henry is Joels dad. The last name we like is all middle names for Joel and his brothers; Joel Sean, Jevon Aric (I spelled it wrong sorry Jev) and Jonathan Todd. We want a name that fits preschool age to 90 years old. We are open to suggestions

Ultrasound today

So the US showed that I'm actually 5 weeks pregnant, not 7. Everything looks perfect though. "Sticky" seems to be sticking just fine. I also had blood work done today to check my "levels". I am nervous...

P.S. I'm not having twins.

The news is out

Ok, So most everyone knows. I've seen all my doctors and they say not to worry. I'm eating great and napping regularly. At the bottom of the page is a baby countdown (cute!) so it's easy to keep track. Love you all!

Keri

Baby Hills

I just found out that I'm 7 weeks pregnant. We have been trying for almost five years and we had just started an adoption. We still plan to adopt. We love kids, the more the better. We've felt unlucky for so long, it's wonderful to feel this blessed again. Everyone think "sticky"