My Heart

March 9, 2011 my heart grew larger then I ever thought possible. Everything "they" say is true, "you are in love instantly" "You never thought you could love like this" "The pain disappears the minute you see your child for the first time".  I was in labor for 18 hours and pushing for 3, yet the minute I saw my son, I was ready to do it all over again. So much has happened in the last 6 weeks, here is the short version. My beautiful baby was born weighing 8 lbs 2 oz 20.5 inches long, we hugged, kissed, smelled him and watched him. We got little sleep. Changed 8-10 poop and pee diapers a day... repeat, repeat, repeat. We are starting to get the hang of the parenting concept. Tripp is beautiful and has been a great baby. He actually sleeps really well so far, fingers crossed it continues. My favorite part of the day is our cuddle time, nothing is more perfect then sweet baby breath rhythmically hitting your chest. Up till now I was very unproductive during the day, setting everything else aside to hold him in my arms and watch/feel him sleep. Thankfully, a wise mother introduced me to the moby wrap. LIFESAVER! I can be as productive as I want and still have my sweet baby right there against my chest, listening to my heartbeat, breathing on me- perfection. For those of you who may not have seen him yet, here are a few pictures. I will be more diligent about updating our days filled with firsts and new beginnings.

The dogs have been fantastic with him. Maddie has been protective since we came home from the hospital, it was a few weeks before she allowed any other dog to go near her baby. Radley on the other hand was a bit nervous about the change. She still jumps to with every coo he makes. She is always worried about her baby and checking to make sure he is ok.

That is all I have for today, I'm off to watch my baby sleep. Sweet dreams.

Daily Miracles

I have a new favorite past time.... sitting and watching my stomach move as my baby turns and churns inside. I feel him moving more and more every day and each time it brings a huge smile across my face. The other day I was watching a movie, and he started up. I hit pause and just watched my stomachs little movements for at least a half an hour. He is tricky this boy of mine, so far he only does it when I'm alone. His daddy has yet to see or feel him go. I like our bonding moments, but I want Gary to experience this miracle as well. Hopefully in the next week as he gets stronger, we will get to share that moment together. I'm sure Gary will be glad when I stop waking him up in the morning to try and feel his son's actions in my belly. As promised, here is a picture of my growing profile. 

21 weeks

Thanks to some well versed Mom's I found some great websites for adorable baby items today. I found the bedding we like at www.polkatotdesigns.com. I really wanted a calming room for he and I to go to and relax. I don't want too many bold prints or objects to distract him from sleeping and unwinding. He will have the world at his fingertips but I want a soothing room to unwind from the days adventures. 

I also foundsome great items for the nursery at www.etsy.com. Everything on this website is handmade and can be customized- its fantastic! I love these distressed wood letters for his room, rather then Jackson, it would say Tripp (obviously). 

If you have any suggestions, good websites, or fun products SHARE!!! I love shopping for him. My sister showed me Restoration Hardware's baby section and they have some really cute stuffed animals, onsies, and blankets on there that would go nicely with the theme that is developing in his room. I can't wait to start buying things and getting his room ready! 

I'm happy to be able to share these thoughts with you all. Lately, the blog has been working for me- here's hoping it continues! I'm so excited about every days developments and can't wait to share my thoughts and ideas with everyone! 

Fat Cat

Since finding out we are having  a little boy, it has become more tangible. I'm constantly thinking about how I want to decorate the nursery and looking for cute little boy items for our registry. Speaking of registry, holy overwhelming! THANK GOD FOR MY SISTER! There are so many things on the baby check list and I'm not sure what I NEED, what would be nice and what I absolutely can do without. Heather to the rescue. She is giving me inside tips and pointers into the world of baby products. Even with her help, it is still overwhelming.

I can tell he is growing. 1. I'm getting huge! 2. I am feeling him move around so much more these days and I love it! Sometimes I stop what I'm doing or eat something just to get him going. But back to 1, the topic of my hugeness. thighs, thighs and more thighs is what I see when I look in the mirror. And my belly has popped which I love until my neurotic self starts looking at pictures of friends who are also pregnant and I am much larger then they are or were at 20 weeks (yes Candice, I'm talking about you!). I really need to get pictures of my ever growing self up here. This weekend, I will make time with Gary to take some pictures and post them.

Apparently with 5 months came my belly and my hormones. I was pretty stable until the last week and suddenly I feel like I can't get ahold of my emotions. If I'm frustrated, I cry, sad, I cry, angry, I cry, etc. And once I feel one of these emotions it takes hours for me to settle myself. It doesn't help when I am shopping and feeling frustrated because all of the cute clothes I see couldn't even get over one of my thighs and the maternity clothes are boring me. But on top of that as I try on new pants and stare at my thunder thighs in the mirror my lovely adoring husband says " Your thighs are getting bigger". Geeee, thanks dear! I wanted out of the mall at that very second. After that lovely shopping experience this weekend, I get to school on Tuesday and one of my students tells me I should be Garfield for halloween, he proceeded to explain because he is a fat cat and I could easily pull that off. Oh boys.. I have an 11 yr. old and a 28 yr. old making me feel self conscious, I guess they never learn.

Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

IT'S A BOY!!!!! No doubt about it, he is a he.

I thought Gary's face would forever be ingrained with the biggest proudest smile. To carry on tradition, his proper name will be Gary Ronald Obert III but he will go by Tripp Obert ( Tripp for the third, like triple). It was surreal watching him move all around during the ultra sound and see all of his features. His profile is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Thats my baby, my boy, his face, and its perfect.

Now that we know the gender, we can start planning. We found a crib that we love!

Bedding.... that's another story. Everything is so themed, and I don't want that. I don't want the entire room to be sail boats, or animals, or lambs. What if it doesn't match the personality he is born with. I want a mix, a hodge podge, a collection of things in his room to introduce him to. Luckily, he has a Grandmom that is very talented and skilled who has agreed to take me fabric shopping. I love the idea of designing the perfect room just for him. I have resisted the urge to go baby clothes shopping, but I'm not sure how much longer I can hold out. Especially if I am surrounded by adorable tiny outfits and I now know the sex. I have it in good faith that he will proudly represent Philadelphia! I can't wait to dress him in Phillies, Eagles, and Flyers outfits and sit on the couch with he and his proud Daddy to watch the games. Luckily, his other Grandmom happens to be a huge Philly sports fan and can hunt for adorable outfits back home! This little man is lucky and blessed to have such an amazing family, as are his parents!

I apologize for not posting lately. For some reason, I have had difficulties with this sight. I have tried multiple times every day with no luck. Today at 4:31 a.m. seems to be the lucky day. I always manage to blog in the wee hours of the morning. I will continue trying to keep everyone updated and post belly pictures soon. I finally popped this week. You still wont look at me and go "Man she is pregnant" but I'm getting there. He is growing and developing and will soon be stretching out my belly!

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