Things That Go Bump In The Night = Baby Webb

So, we are now into Trimester 3, and oh how different it already is. I had grown quite accustomed to Tri 2: the not-so-tired feeling, the getting bigger but not uncomfortable yet feeling, the no more nausea feeling, the I can feel her move but it's not that strong feeling. Tri 2 was very bearable. Tri 3, however, already starting to worry me. I can happily report that, thus far (knock on wood), I have yet to have the nausea return (oh please oh please oh please say I'm one of the lucky ones that doesn't have the nausea return). But, I've already begun experiencing the exhaustion by the time I reach home after work moments, my ankles and feet are blowing up like balloons (quite often), and my belly continues to grow even though I think each day "There's no way it can get any bigger; I don't think my skin can stretch any further!!" To top it off, this past weekend I began to experience what had only been up-til-now a rumor: the up half the night running to the bathroom preparation for pulling all nighters with baby. I went from waking up maybe 2-3 times a night to waking up once an hour (or so it seems)...starting Friday night. Uggghhhh!! Is it too much to ask for this Mom-To-Be to get a full night's sleep?!?!? My friends joke that it's the preparation phase for when the baby comes, the only difference is: when the baby arrives, I won't be expected to go to an eight hour shift starting the next morning...no, I'm not oblivious to the fact that being a mom is a full time job (I fully understand that), but I figure Baby has to sleep sometime (which means this Mom-To-Be will sleep sometime), not to mention, Grandma has already volunteered to come over regularly to give me some time to get in at least a nap (yeah Mom!!). However, in addition to the now frequent requests from my bladder to be emptied, Baby Webb began to prove last night that she is definitely getting stronger, and last night she was either squished and uncomfortable or she was saying "where's the party?!?!" My husband experienced it too, that is before he rolled over and began "counting sheep"...he was going thru his usual "Hi Baby!! What are you doing?" bedtime ritual of talking to baby and then waiting patiently with his hand on my belly to feel her move, when she began bumping all over the place. Up until now she would usually get in a little bump here, a little swish there, but not last night...it was bump, bump, bump...I think she was throwing her own personal, private inside-Mommy's-belly party. It's cute, though, so I can't truly complain...I actually love feeling her move...reassures me that she's doing ok. I just wish she would get on my schedule and bump bump bump in the middle of the day, instead of in the middle of the night.

Well, off to bed. Maybe I'll actually get a couple of hours in tonight!! Cross your fingers.

TaCito says "Welcome Baby Webb!!"

I was pleasantly surprised, today, by a group of my co-workers, when they threw me a Surprise Baby Shower at the office.

The afternoon started with yesterday's invitation to join my co-workers Angela and Tara for lunch today. As we piled into Tara's car, they asked me where I wanted to go. I volunteered to let them choose, but they insisted that since I was the "pregnant one" I should choose, and even went on to say that they were treating me to lunch. I wondered, "What are these ladies up to?" But happily suggested La Madeleines...I LOVE La Madeleines (and I rarely get to go for lunch, because I usually spend my lunch hour relaxing by myself). When we arrived, I insisted that they not pay, but they insisted right back that they wanted to treat me to lunch as a congratulations on my upcoming arrival. I didn't want to hold up any line forming behind me, so I gave in. Lunch was quite delicious!! Salad sampler: caesar salad, strawberries and tomato basil soup (they have the best). Yum!!

After finishing lunch, they requested that we stop at a park up the street from our office, so they could have a quick smoke...not wanting to smoke around me in an enclosed area due to my current condition. It was very nice weather outside, so I didn't mind at all.

Ten minutes or so later we were heading back to the office.

As we pulled up, Angela asked me to meet her in the conference room, said she had something to show me (I thought this was a little odd and wondered again, "What are these ladies up to?"). Then, as we walked in the door, Tina told me that a woman named Sabrina was waiting in the conference room for me...I don't know any Sabrina...however, after clocking in, I headed to the conference room. Tina was standing near by and said "she's in there" and pointed...I peaked over the cubicles, in the direction of the conference room, and the darkness of the room made me realize "something's up!!"

As I rounded the corner, I saw baby gift bags sitting on the table and knew. A giant grin came to my face..."A shower for me?!?!" As I walked in, I saw all of the girls of the office surrounding the conference room table..."SURPRISE!!"

It was so very sweet of them!! The girls had brought presents, Tabatha made a wreath of diapers, there were pink streamers and even a pink message on the flip chart welcoming baby, plus punch and cupcakes on the table. As I continued to grin, I blurted out "sneaky sneaky" while glancing in Angela and Tara's direction.

I can not wait to get home tonight to show Eddie all of the wonderful things they bought for our baby girl. It was a very pleasant surprise to my day!! Thank you to the ladies at TaCito!! Baby says "Thank You" too!!

Baby Webb is Movin' and a Shakin'

One of the moments that I've been overly excited about throughout my entire pregnancy was when I'd first feel Baby move. So, I'm sure you'll understand when I say that I was a little disappointed to find out that the beginning stages of feeling a baby move feel identical to the regular, every day feeling of a stomach grumbling, gas bubbles, etc. How are you supposed to say, exactly, when it was that you first felt your baby move, when there is no real way to know the difference?!?!? Keeping this in mind, I can only assume that I've been feeling my Lil' Bundle of Joy moving for many weeks now, but unfortunately I can not report when the first encounter happened.

I can, however, report that our little one is definitely getting stronger each and every day, and growing like a springtime flower. The first baby movements may have not been distinctive enough to tell which were her and which were me, but as each day passes her movements have become more and more identifiable, and it's definitely to the point now where I no longer have to wonder "Was that you, lil' one?"

She is active throughout the day...oh wait, yup, she actually just moved :) ...but she moves the most in the evening. I love feeling her move!! It's amazing, absolutely amazing. My book says that many mothers actually feel more connected to their baby when they first feel them move; I feel like I have had a connection to mine since Day 1, but I can definitely say that there is nothing like feeling your Lil' Miracle move!!

If you've read my Blog before, you'll also know that Dad-to-Be has been anxiously awaiting the moment in which he would feel Baby move. So, when I began announcing that I finally could feel her, he started growing more and more impatient and eager. But, I'm excited to announce that his moment FINALLY came!! (This announcement is actually a little late, and I apologize for not blogging sooner...it has been a busy couple of weeks). On the evening of Thursday, September 23, as we were laying down to go to sleep, Eddie was in the middle of his evening, bedtime routine of laying his hand on my tummy to see if he could feel movement. We were softly talking, as he waited...all of a sudden he paused, looked at me in excitement, and said "Was that her?" It completely disappointed him when I replied with a no, that I didn't feel anything...and I was so disappointed that I couldn't tell him otherwise. But he didn't give up, and I'm so glad he didn't, because all of a sudden I did feel her move, and at that very same moment we looked at each other, and I grinned...before he could say anything, I knew, he had felt it, too. With more excitement than the moment prior, he asked again "Was that her?" I was so thrilled to be able to reply "Yes!!" He has been waiting for that moment since Day 1, and I was so excited that it finally happened for him. I knew that her movements had been growing stronger, so I knew it was only a matter of time. It was definitely exciting for the both of us.

Well, if that exciting moment wasn't enough to report about, as of last night, I have a new update. Yesterday evening, Eddie and I were at WalMart, getting groceries for the week. We were nearing the end of our list, which included lunch meat from the deli counter. Eddie volunteered to stand in line, and I decided that I wanted bagels for breakfast, so I headed to the bread isle. As I grabbed my bagels and headed back towards the deli counter, it happened...I felt a quick, hard-to-describe feeling in my lower tummy. It wasn't a pain, and it definitely wasn't like any of the movements I've felt thus far, it was more of a poke. I grinned...I knew it was my first experience feeling Baby kick. I eagerly headed to the deli counter, goofy grin on my face, and announced to my husband "she kicked!!"

Eddie and I have only 3+ months to go til we become parents. We are still pretty nervous, but we are also so very excited!! Oh, by the way, the excited Parents-to-Be finally registered this weekend!! Yup, after only 3 hours at Buy Buy Baby on Saturday and 2 1/2 at Babies R Us, our registration is complete. We still have so much preparing to do, but we are now one step closer!!

We Love You, Willie!!

Rest In Peace, My Friend

I was having a regular Tuesday, yesterday, when I received a call from my sister. I didn't think anything of it, as I picked up my phone and hit talk, it was around 12/12:30, so I assumed “She's probably calling me because she's at lunch.” I answered and immediately could hear the sadness and tears in her voice. I asked her what was going on, and through a tear-filled reply she informed me that our dear friend, Willie Agent, had been in a motorcycle accident and it wasn't looking good. I tried to get more details, but she didn't have any; a friend of a friend contacted her boyfriend who contacted her, he knew very little, and she relayed the message. After a few moments, she told me Jim was calling through on the other line, I knew he probably had more information, so I told her to call me back as soon as she knew something more.

While I waited, I immediately called my best friend, Brynn. She was very close to Willie, and I knew she needed someone like me to be the bringer of the bad news, rather than a stranger or a site like Facebook. I asked her if she was in her office or driving, knowing neither was the place for her to hear such a story. She was at home (her son is sick). I tried to put it to her gently, but how do you put such news in a way that will hurt any less? I could immediately hear her gasp for air, could see the tears streaming down her face. She demanded more information, information I didn't have, but I assured her, she would be my first call when I knew more.

Sadness truly had not hit me yet, it was so unreal. Immediately, I was disappointed in myself for letting the busy-ness of life get the best of me: Willie and I had been such good friends for so long, yet it had been over 5 months since we last saw each other. I thought, “You always assume your friends will be there, but you should know better!!”

Tiffany called me back within minutes, this time the news got worse. They pronounced him brain dead. WHAT!?!?

I found out where he was, went back into my office and informed my boss that I had to leave. I rushed to Brynn's house, knowing she couldn't drive, and together, we headed to Medical Center of Plano.

The drive seemed to last forever!! But yet, we were there before we knew it.

We walked in, found out how to get to his room, but he wasn't there. They took him for one last round of testing, for any sign, any hope, any last prayer that there still was brain activity. We waited, we cried, we thought back.

While standing in the hall, waiting for Willie to return, watching all the friends and family streaming in...he was loved by so many...I heard a laugh. It was Willie!! Well, so it sounded, actually it was his Mom...it had been years since I've seen his Mom, I think I have only met her once, at his graduation, but I knew, without a doubt, it was her...he had the same laugh. I smiled. I thought about my friend and the good times we have had and prayed for a miracle.

Our miracle never came. He returned from testing, they confirmed the worst: no activity.

I, along with so many friends and family, said our last good-byes. I rubbed my belly, as I took his hand, realizing that my daughter would never be so lucky to meet him. And after many, many tear-filled “we love you's” they disconnected life support. We waited, hoping still for a miracle, but again, our miracle never came and heaven received one amazing angel.

We love you and miss you already. Rest in peace, my friend!!

Prego/1st Time Mom Moment

Ok, so I had my first true "Prego/1st Time Mom" moment this morning. I've heard of the emotional roller coaster you're supposed to be on as a pregnant woman, but up until now, I feel like I've handled my emotions quite well. Yes, I may have had some mini moments, but I have wondered each time: was that the hormones talkin or would I have reacted the very same way prego or not? That is, until this morning!!

I left my house early, pre-warned that today was the first day of school, prepared to hit the "20 mph" zones while leaving Rowlett, one just as you turn out of my neighborhood. Immediately after jumping in my car and backing out of the drive, I flipped on the radio and turned on the Kidd Kraddick In The Morning show, as I do almost every morning on my way to work. They were welcoming parents to call in to tell about their experiences of the 1st day of school...especially parents dropping kids off for their true 1ST day of school (kindergarten, pre-k, etc). And, this started my mind racing about my little one...

Do you know that in six short years, I'll be dropping my little girl off for her first day of Kindergarten?!?! I sent Eddie a text to ensure that he knows it's only 6 short years away...he, of course, replied "{that's} a long time"...I, of course, being the prego that I am, thought "it will be here before we know it!!" And a tear came to my eye.

But if that wasn't enough, then Kidd began reading a "poem" called "I Trust You'll Treat Her Well." Why o why did I not change the channel?!?! Why would I want to put myself thru the torture?!?!? But I wanted to hear it, maybe deep down in side I knew I needed a good cry!! And so he began...

Dear World, I bequeath to you today one little girl ... in a crisp dress ... with two blue eyes ... and a happy laugh that ripples all day long ... and a flash of light blond hair that bounces in the sun when she runs. I trust you'll treat her well. She's slipping out the backyard of my heart this morning ... and skipping off down the street to her first day of school. And never again will she be completely mine. Prim and proud she'll wave her young and independent hand this morning and say "Goodbye" and walk with little lady steps to the schoolhouse. Now she'll learn to stand in lines ... and wait by the alphabet for her name to be called. She'll learn to tune her ears for the sounds of school-bells ... and deadlines ... and she'll learn to giggle ... and gossip ... and look at the ceiling in a disinterested way when the little boy 'cross the aisle sticks out his tongue at her. And, now she'll learn to be jealous. And now she'll learn how it is to feel hurt inside. And now she'll learn how not to cry. No longer will she have time to sit on the front porch steps on a summer day and watch an ant scurry across the crack in the sidewalk. Nor will she have time to pop out of bed with the dawn and kiss lilac blooms in the morning dew. No, now she'll worry about those important things ... like grades and which dress to wear and whose best friend is whose. And the magic of books and learning will replace the magic of her blocks and dolls. And now she'll find new heroes. For five full years now I've been her sage and pal and father and Santa Claus and playmate and friend. Now she'll learn to share her worship with her teachers ... which is only right. But, no longer will I be the smartest, greatest man in the whole world. Today when that school bell rings for the first time ... she'll learn what it means to be a member of the group ... with all its privileges and its disadvantages, too. She'll learn in time that proper young ladies do not laugh out loud ... or kiss dogs ... or keep frogs in pickle jars in bedrooms ... or even watch ants scurry across cracks in sidewalks in the summer. Today she'll learn for the first time that all who smile at her are not her friends. And I'll stand on the front porch and watch her start out on the long, lonely journey to becoming a woman. So, world, I bequeath to you today one little girl ... in a crisp dress ... with two blue eyes ... and a flash of light blond hair that bounces in the sunlight when she runs. I trust you'll treat her well. - Dad

I don't think I made it through the first 15 or so words and the tears came flowing!! I thought back on the moment when I was talking to my girlfriend Brynn, shortly after her son Cayden was born, and she started crying on the phone, because she was thinking about how he would be grown up soon, graduating from high school. I remember giggling at the idea of crying about such a thing...he was like a week old, maybe less...I just thought it was silly for her to even be thinking of him as a man, when he was only days old. I smiled...now I understood, it was clear to me now, it's a "Mom Thing!!" I don't think any one will get it, that is, til they jump in these shoes.

Well, if that wasn't torture enough, what followed next was the torture of all tortures. Immediately following Kidd's poem came "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle. And was Kidd satisfied playing the regular version of the song? Noooooo, he had to play the version with the extra commentation between the lyrics. As soon as I heard the sound of the little kids laughing that starts the song off, I knew what it was, and immediately I heard a voice in my head screaming "TURN IT OFF!!" But did I listen? Yes, but not to the voice in my head, I listened to the entire "tear-jerking for any parent" version of "Butterfly Kisses" and completely bawled my eyes out, mascara running down my face, no back up make up in the car, puffy eyes and all, ending just minutes before I would walk through the door of my office. And as each stage of the girl's life (in the song) passed, I imagined my little girl in that stage of her life. Uggghhh!! Ladies, why do we do these sort of things to ourselves?

Yup, Baby Webb is Definitely a She!!

Eddie and I had our 4th appointment with Dr. Denning today. We had a little bit further to drive, this time, because Dr. Denning moved to the Baylor Frisco location...so Eddie picked me up around 25-30 minutes til. After I jumped in his jeep, we immediately hit the road (no lunch today, our appointment wasn't til 1:00, so we both decided to have lunch on our own). We arrived just in time, parked the car, and went in. Baylor Frisco is very nice...I believe it's fairly new.

After checking in, Eddie and I sat down, and he started digging through the magazines. He felt a little left out, as you can imagine the magazine selection was very tailored toward women, pregnant women of course. But, after a little searching, I found an article for my Dad-to-be. He grinned!! As he read his article, I thumbed through a few other magazines, looking for fun baby ideas. However, we didn't have to wait long, they called us back within a few minutes.

Immediately, we were invited into the sonogram room. The woman conducting today's sonogram was very nice. I really liked her!! She took a lot of measurements of baby and then came the news: yup, she's a girl!! I feel a lot more confident after today's visit. This time Baby Webb was sitting in a completely different angle. We got quite a few pictures, but the "shot that tells all" was wonderful...it was if our baby was sitting in a glass chair and we were looking up through the bottom of the chair...I don't think there is much room for error with this one. We also found out that the baby's foot is about 3.08 centimeters, she currently weighs about 10 ounces, and her heartbeat is around 153. Baby Webb was still being difficult with some of the angles that she needed to be in for the measurements they were getting, so we get to have another sonogram at our next appointment (which will be in four weeks). I really enjoy the sonograms...it's so amazing to see how much our baby has grown from one visit to the next!!

So, I guess the next step is shopping for lots of pink!! How fun...I can't wait!!

Baby Webb Is Healthier Than Ever!! And It Can't Get Healthier Than This!!

As reported in my last blog, Eddie and I visited Dr. Koster's office again, this past Monday. We went in for our second round of testing. The whole process had me very nervous, that is until after the reported results of our 1st visit, and because of the great results of Round 1, I felt very at ease going in on Monday. However, all of my fears were set completely in comfort mode this morning, after receiving my results phone call from Dr. Koster's office:

I was told that not only were our results good, but that they actually could NOT be any better: we had the best results possible from that level of testing. And even better, the 2nd round has a 90% accuracy, as opposed to the 80% accuracy of the first round. Our little girl only has a 1 in 10,000 chance of being born with Down Syndrome, a 1 in 10,000 chance of having Trisomy 18 and a 1 in 6000 chance of Spina Bifida.

Eddie and I have always said that the most important thing to us is that our baby is healthy, so these results couldn't be prettier “Music To Our Ears”!!

We have our next appointment with Dr. Denning on August 18th. I'm quite interested in that appointment, as well. With the not so great angle of Baby Webb during Dr. Koster's revealing, I'm eager to hear what Dr. Denning's office has to say about the sex of our baby. Before rushing out to buy pink, pink and more pink, I just want to make sure we won't be buying the wrong color.

It's a Girl!!!

Eddie and I had our second appointment with Dr. Koster yesterday. All weekend, we were more excited than ever about the appointment, because it was the day we were going to find out Boy OR Girl?!?!

Eddie picked me up, as usual, looking quite handsome, I might add...he worked yesterday and just took part of the day off, so he was all dressed up in his work uniform...he looked hot!! Despite our usual routine, it was a little early for lunch, so we just decided to head straight to the doctors office and have lunch later. On the drive there, so many thoughts ran through my head: "Baby Webb, are you a boy or girl? Will you cooperate during the sonogram?" And then I started to imagine our life with a boy and our life with a girl: what will we name him/her, what will he/she be like, will he/she take after one or both of us, what kind of activities will he/she participate in (when he/she gets older), etc? As we approached the doctors office, I gently rubbed my belly and said “Baby Webb, please cooperate today. We want to know if we should plan for a boy or a girl.” Eddie laughed.

We walked in to Dr. Koster's office and I signed us in. I think we were both excited but a little nervous, as we looked at one another and just smiled...I think we both knew what the other was thinking.

We didn't have to wait long. We were called back within minutes and found ourselves in one of the examination rooms. Shortly after, Dr. Koster walked in and invited me up to the examination area. As she started the sonogram, I immediately saw Baby Webb practically doing a head stand. I giggled and was like, “what is he/she doing?” It looked so uncomfortable, but yet cute and playful like. Dr. Koster assured me that the baby was fine, for that is the position the baby will be in before delivery...I guess I hadn't thought about that. Baby Webb was just kicking away...I can't believe I don't feel that. The legs had grown quite a bit since the last sonogram, too...I wondered where those came from...Eddie and I are both so short. Baby Webb had decided to give us another side view...Dr. Koster did her best, going back and forth and up and down with the sonogram monitor-thingy, but it was all sides and no frontal. Dr. Koster spent a lot of time just trying to get a good angle. Finally, she got a shot, not of the front, but a shot, and said “You have a little girl!!” I looked at Eddie, somewhat expecting a look of disappointment...he had told me previously that he would be happy either way and all that matter was that our baby was healthy...but I know every man wants his little boy...he just smiled. I squeezed his hand, gave him a grin, and then turned back to the monitor. It's amazing how fast they grow!!

We have another sonogram scheduled with Dr. Denning in a week and ½. Since we couldn't get a great shot of the front, I'm going to use it as a confirmation sonogram...just to be sure. But for now, we're planning on a girl.

As we left the doctors office, I asked Eddie if he was disappointed and he assured me he was excited...adding in that we would just have to keep trying til we got a little boy...and then he cracked a smile.

I couldn't wait to share the news...but I decided I'd rather do it in person...so I waited until after work. Tiffany asked all day, but I told her she would have to wait...I think she got a little antsy. I went up to Michaels at the end of the day and purchased a box of their pink bubblegum cigars to announce the news. Tiffany met me up there and was so excited when she saw the pink. Everyone was excited. When I went by Brynn's, we told her son Cayden that he already has a girlfriend...he just gave us the “what are you talking about” glare (he's 2 ½...don't think he's quite ready for a girlfriend, yet).

Now, I can't wait to pick out the nursery theme and the colors and baby girl outfits. It's so exciting!! I still can't believe we're having a girl!!

Have I Mentioned How Much I Love My Husband?

So, I know this blog used to be more like "The Adventures of Newlyweds: Magan & Eddie Webb" but has quickly turned into "How's the Baby", so I feel as though I've neglected my husband. I'm sure many pregnant women do, with all of the raging hormones and sleepless nights and current trips to the bathroom and complete lack of energy, but I just want to make it known that I, Magan Webb, am head-over-heels, unbelievably and deeply in love with my husband. He is the most wonderful man!!

I was thinking about the way this blog started. I talked a lot about our Monthly Anniversary Celebrations: each month, a new date, to celebrate the happiest day of our lives. And I realized that we don't do that anymore. Already, just over one year in, and no more "Happy One Year and ___ Month to us!!" Don't get me wrong, we still have frequent date nights, but I just feel like I don't celebrate my husband quite like I did...and that saddens me!! I know it's about the chaos of moving and the pregnancy and my cake business and our every day lives, but I don't want to let those things get in the way of the love I have for my husband. I am blessed to have him in my life: he is unbelievably amazing and wonderful and sweet!! And he deserves to be recognized!! So, here I am, recognizing just how wonderful I know he is: Here's to you, babe, and to us!! And here's to the most amazing One Year, Three Months & 11 Days of my life!! I love you!!

Hello? Are you there?

So, I've been anxiously awaiting the moment in which I first feel Baby Webb. I read in my book, The Pregnancy Journal, that most women first feel their baby between weeks 18 and 22, but that some have reported feeling their baby as early as Week 16. Well, we are halfway thru Week 17, so I'm starting to get very excited. With every passing minute I wait, hoping to feel the little life inside me moving around. I regularly rub my belly just to let our Lil' One know I'm there, to give him/her comfort, but all the while hoping for a reply from the inside.

I was sitting at my desk on Monday, working a way, when all of a sudden I felt what I could only describe as the feeling of someone poking me (lightly and just once) but it was from the inside of my belly. My immediate thought was: "Is that you, my Lil' One?" I rubbed my belly and even lightly pressed back, more of a belly jiggle, if you will...hoping the baby would respond, but nothing. I haven't felt that feeling again, so maybe it was my stomach saying "Hello? I'm hungry!!" But I guess there are no guarantees unless it repeats itself. Brynn told me that when she first felt Cayden, it felt more like an air bubble, and this definitely was no air bubble, so I can't say for sure it was Baby Webb (but I'd like to think it was).

The cutest part about waiting for movement is "Daddy" Webb...he started a couple of weeks ago, regularly laying his hand on my belly, just as we're laying down to go to sleep. I know he's hoping to feel the baby, but each time I assure him that I haven't even felt the baby yet...he hushes me quietly and patiently waits, keeping as still and quiet as possible...after a few moments, he eases back to his side of the bed, slightly disappointed, or so he seems. I think it's adorable; it always makes me smile, knowing that my husband cares that much, is that excited!! I know there are so many dead-beat Dads out there, yet I have a good one, a great one, an AMAZING one (not even born yet, but I am completely confident knowing just how lucky Baby Webb already is).

I also read in one of my books that Baby Webb can now hear me...how cool is that?!?!? So, yesterday, on my way back from lunch, I had my first official Mommy-to-Baby conversation. It wasn't long, but I did tell Baby Webb just how excited we are and that we're looking forward to seeing him/her again on Monday. I made sure to let the baby know that we are hoping it won't be quite as shy as he/she was during the last sonogram, so we can find out if we should prepare for a boy or a girl, and that if he/she would give us a frontal shot, that I was even excited about beginning the shopping sprees for "gender specific" items, including the theme for the nursery. I look forward to the day when I'll be able to have two-way conversations, but for now, I'm content knowing that I can talk to our Lil' One and that he/she can hear me and be comforted by the sound of my voice. "Hello, Baby Webb!! We'll see you soon!!"

Great News for Baby Webb!!

I received a call from Dr. Koster's office today. The results were in!! And the nurse had nothing but good things to tell me...

She said our results came back and they were sooooooooooo good!! All tests revealed that Baby Webb is healthy!! They did remind me that the NT Screening (1st round) was only 80% accurate, but with a 1 in 10,000 chance of something bad going wrong, I'm not worried. The nurse told me that before our test, we had a 1 in 700 chance of our baby having Down Syndrome, but now, after reviewing our results, we are up to a 1 in 10,000 chance. It was music to my ears.

We go back for Round 2 on August 2nd. Round 2 will give us a 90% accuracy. But the nurse sounded as though we really had nothing to worry about. Baby Webb is doing great!!

Hopefully, we'll also find out on August 2nd if Baby Webb is a boy or a girl...but stay tuned for that.

Doctor's Apt #3

I had my third doctor's appointment with Dr. Denning yesterday. It was the first appointment that Eddie was unable to attend, so I was sad that he could not be there. However, this was just a "follow up appointment": no sonograms, no "congratulations, it's a ______", no special news that we didn't already know. This was simply a "let's see how you and Baby Webb are doing" type of appointment. So, there was really no need for him to take time off from work.

They checked my blood pressure, as they do at every appointment, and it was normal. They weighed me, and I've actually lost two pounds...the nurse asked me if I've been eating healthier or if I've been sick lately, but no, I can only account the weight loss towards the increase in activity that I've had within the last week or so. Unfortunately, I have not begun some kind of exercise regimen, as I know I should, but I have been more active: Eddie and I are trying to get the rest of our boxes unpacked and our house finally in a normal living condition, and we were Busy Lil' Bees this past weekend. In addition, when I was getting nauseous every morning and evening, I was pretty quick to toss the crackers in my mouth, but now that I'm not getting the queasy feeling, I haven't been stuffing my face. Other than that, my eating habits have not changed. But, the nurse didn't seem concerned, so neither was I.

Then, the nurse sent me into an examination room where I was met by Dr. Denning. She asked me how I was doing and looked over my file and said that everything appeared on schedule. I was lucky enough to hear Baby Webb's heartbeat again, but this time she just listened to it...no sonogram. She said it sounds good.

This appointment was quick and to the point. But, Dr. Denning did tell me that at my next appointment, I will have another sonogram. I'm already so excited to see how much Baby Webb will have grown by then...it's not for another 5 weeks, so I'm sure Baby Webb will be so much bigger than he/she is now. And the best part, if the August 2nd appointment doesn't reveal the sex, this appointment will.

Yeah, Baby Webb is Healthy!!

Eddie and I had our NT Screening done on Friday. This took place at Dr. Koster's office, which is also at Presbyterian Plano, a recommendation from Dr. Denning.

Eddie picked up lunch at Chick Fil A (he loves Chick Fil A) and then picked me up from my office. We were running a little late, because we didn't know where Dr. Koster's office was in the hospital. But after a few twists and turns, we found it.

Dr. Koster was very nice. She welcomed us and made us feel right at home. This test consisted of a sonogram and more blood work (what is it with these doctors wanting to poke me with needles?!?!). Eddie and I were both very excited about the sonogram, though: TODAY we were finally going to find out if Baby Webb was a he or a she!! Or so we thought.

Dr. Koster began the sonogram. This one was much more comfortable than my last. I guess because Baby Webb was so small, the attendant at the last had to push really hard on my stomach to find the baby, BUT Dr. Koster was very gentle. Before we knew it, there was Baby Webb on the screen. I love how you view the sonograms too...they put them up on this huge screen (like a big flat screen television)...it's just like we're watching the Baby Webb channel. Oh my, how Baby Webb has grown!! He/she was moving all over the place too...as if he/she knew they were on television...he/she started doing a little dance for us to say "Hello Parents!!"

Then, I asked..."Can we find out the sex?" Dr. Koster tried and tried, but apparently we have a shy one on our hands. He/she twisted and turned, but refused to give us a frontal view. It was still amazing to see just how much the baby has grown. We also saw the heart beating. It's amazing what they've done with technology.

The best news was that we found out that Baby Webb's neck is a great length...1.5. Dr. Koster said a good length is between 1 and 3. So, "Ahhhhhhh!!" ... huge sigh of relief. The doctor also told us that Baby Webb is looking very healthy and growing at a great rate. Currently, he/she is 74 mm in length (or 7 cm).

We should receive the blood results sometime mid-this week.

Dr. Koster said we would have a follow up appointment with her in a few weeks, and at that appointment she would try again to find out the sex of the baby for us. We have that appointment scheduled for August 2nd...so keep your fingers crossed that Baby Webb decides to put on a better show for us.

My next appointment with Dr. Denning is actually this afternoon. But that is just a regular check up...my 14 week appointment. Can you believe it...14 weeks!?!?! I'm not sure what all I'll find out. At my last appointment, she said we wouldn't even have a sonogram today...I think she just wants to make sure that I'm feeling well, etc. After that appointment, I'll give you another update.

Eddie and I are so excited to know that Baby Webb looks healthy. And can't wait to share more great news with you. Stay tuned!!

Doctor's Appointment #2

Eddie picked me up from work this afternoon and took me to our 2nd Doctor's Appointment. He was so sweet, I didn't have time to make my lunch this morning, so he brought me lunch...we had a Chick-Fil-A picnic on the way to the doctor's office. It was quite tasty, Baby Webb really enjoyed it.

Baby Webb is doing absolutely wonderful. They said the heartbeat was normal (around 165-167) and that he/she is about 3 cm long. I have only gained a little over a pound, which was a huge sigh of relief for me, I was really expecting more than that. The best part of all, we had a 2nd sonogram....not only did we get to see how big Baby Webb has grown, but we got to hear the heartbeat (it was so wonderful to hear that little sound) and we got to see him/her move (Our baby actually moved. It was absolutely amazing!!). And even better, Baby Webb no longer looks like a little blob, he/she now really looks like a baby!! I could totally see the profile of the face and a little arm...I can even pick out the nose. So, watch out ladies...our baby is already looking like the cutest baby ever...I think you have some competition on your hands!! :)

Oh, but I totally misunderstood my doctor. We are not due January 20th, we are due January 12th. I thought, by my count, that the 20th seemed late, but figured the doctor knew way more than I did (all I have to go on is what the books say), so I didn't question her. So, MANN, I'm going to be far along come Christmas...I guess I can dress up as Santa this year...I'll definitely have the belly!! :)

Today marks 10 weeks. My doctor schedules appointments about 4 weeks apart, so we'll have another "Doctor's Appointment" update in about 4 weeks.

Dear Baby Webb,

Hi!! You are 9 1/2 weeks today and continue to grow every day. Your Daddy and I are already so very anxious to meet you. The entire family can not wait for your birthday to arrive.

Today, Daddy took us to lunch at the Macaroni Grill. I know this made you happy, because you didn't make me sick all day. Thank you!! This made Mommy very happy.

We have already been lucky enough to catch a peak of you at the first doctor's visit. You were so small and barely visible, but we were amazed to see that your heart was already beating (and beating very strongly). We hope to have the chance to say "hello" again and to see how much you've grown come Monday at the 2nd appointment. The doctor is going to see how you're doing and how you're growing, and she is even going to check on Mommy.

I can not wait to share so many wonderful things with you. You are already so loved, and yet we haven't even met face-to-face. I hope you're comfortable, though, you have a long ride ahead of you before you come out to say hello to the world.

See you soon,
Mommy

Oh The Places We Will Go!!

Yesterday evening, I joined my friends Brynn (& her son, Cayden) & Donny, Kristen & Stanley, Tiffany, and Ryan & Allison (& their kids, Taegan & Ava) at the "Concert On The Lake" that is put on every Thursday at the Harbor in Rockwall (during summer months). It was my first time to go, and I was super excited.

I didn't realize just how popular this event was, until arriving. I arrived slightly late (I had to deliver a cake order yesterday) and there was NO parking available, accept along the street outside of the Harbor area. There were SO many people!! But I can definitely see why. This is a free event, plus you can bring your own beverages and food, so no spending money on expensive restaurants or event vendors. The music was great, too. Plus, it was kid-friendly and even pet friendly.

While there, I did a lot of people watching. I noticed all of the kids having a great time, running around, being kids AND all of the families sitting together for a wonderful summer evening out of the house. That got me thinking, imagining really, what my future is going to be like. This time next year, Baby Webb will be here, and it's so exciting to think about the places we'll be able to take him/her and the events, etc. I've actually, already, done that a lot. Just since finding out we were expecting, every time we go to a family get together or go out to eat or hang out with friends, I think about the fact that this time next year, Baby Webb will already be here, enjoying life, experiencing the world that is currently waiting for him/her. By June 2011, he/she will already be 5 months old...OMG!! Hasn't even arrived yet, currently is smaller than an inch, and yet within 12 months, he/she will be almost 1/2 year old. Wow!!

Baby Webb has some great "Aunties"

Tiffany asked me last week if I'd like to do a little "Lil Slice of Heaven" shopping on Sunday. We had been wanting to buy a new mixer, and we had some money saved up, so we decided now was a good time. Since Eddie was working, she asked if I'd like to go to dinner too. I was totally up for that!!

She met me at my house early Sunday evening, so we could make it to Bed Bath & Beyond before they closed (since it was Sunday, we were afraid they were going to close at 6:00). We decided to go to the Rockwall location since it's near-by, plus there is a La Madeleine's in the same shopping center (and I LOVE La Madeleines). We went to Bed Bath & Beyond and found our mixer...we got the Kitchenaid mixer...and it is fabulous!! Next, we made a pit stop at the pet store, so Tiffany could get her little princess, Mercedes (she's a Maltese who truly believes she's a princess), a sparkly new collar (and of course it had bling). Then, it was off to La Madeleines.

By this time, Baby Webb had already been asking "when's dinner?" So, I was super excited about getting my prego grub on. We walked in and order our food. Then, I went to get my bread and drink, and Tiffany disappeared around the corner, saying she was going to find a table. Just as I rounded the corner...

"SURPRISE!!!" I about jumped out of my shoes and dropped my tray. I looked up to see Tiffany, Kristen, Brynn (and her son Cayden) and Allison waiting for me. I was so surprised!! They were throwing me a "Congrats on being Pregnant!!" gathering. I could not believe they had done that, it was so sweet of them!!

They even presented me with a HUGE basket of baby goodies...it was filled with onesies, a packet of diapers, a couple of toys, bibs, a book for Mom-to-Be, some safety items (the things you stick in the electrical sockets and lock down the cabinets with), lullaby CDs, the cutest bath robe (it has a hood that looks like a puppy), etc. One of my favorites were the books my sister found...they were Texas Tech 101 and A&M 101 books...which contain all of these pictures of things having to do with the universities and even has a page in the back that says "Class of ???" and a spot where you can put the baby's picture...so cute!!!

I was so thrilled that they did that for me. And, it just re-assured me that Baby Webb is definitely going to be loved...and spoiled!!

8 1/2 Weeks and Counting!!

Yes, we are about 8 1/2 weeks along now, and I am well into my First Trimester. All the rumors are true, the 1st Tri is a "B" (capital B).

Thus far, my symptoms include nausea, exhaustion and fits of continual burping. I not only suffer from the typical morning nausea, but also from a daily "evening" nausea...it's lots of fun (can you sense my sarcasm?), I can pretty much predict it down to the half hour now. I guess I can consider myself lucky, though...I have yet to experience true morning "SICKNESS"...so far, just nausea. I am happy to announce that I did skate thru the morning today with no nausea at all...you could have picked my jaw up from the ground, I was so shocked...it had actually become a part of daily morning routine, and then, this morning, nothing. Hallelujah!!! Now, all I have to do is get thru this evening. As for the exhaustion...that sucks!! It is unlike a "tired" I have ever felt before...I honestly feel like "death warmed over". It started out where I was just plain wiped out for the entire day, but after beginning the pre-natals, I am happy to say that I think it's getting better...now I just have patches in the day in which I feel super tired. The evening is usually the worst, though, but why wouldn't it be, it follows a long day of work...totally makes sense...but when you have a cake business on the side of your usual day job, which means cake decorating after work, it makes for one hell of an evening. Thankfully, Tiffany (my sis) is a trooper and is being totally understanding to my new found energy level (which is LOW) and totally picks up the slack!! I do have a wonderful business partner!! BUT, the best symptom is the burping...j/k. It isn't all day, and not even everyday, but once it starts, it takes forever to stop!! If you're asking yourself, what does she mean by continual burping...imagine yourself burping every 30-45 seconds and it lasting anywhere from 20-30 minutes, sometimes longer...that's my continual burping. The other night, I was with Tiffany at Wal-Mart picking up some supplies for this weekend's cake orders, and the burping began before we arrived and lasted throughout Wal-Mart and into the drive home. I did my best to keep them quiet, but secretly all I could do is pray they would stop. The best ones are the ones that follow my daily pre-natal vitamin, which contains Omega3...for those of you who have never taken an Omega3 supplement, it comes from fish oil, and it tastes like it comes from fish oil...these burps have now been nicknamed "Fish Burps"...probably enough said.

Thus far, we have only had the one doctor's appointment. We go back for a follow up on June 14th. We were lucky enough to have our first sonogram during the first visit, which was really neat, because we were already able to see the baby...didn't look like more than a little blob on the screen, though, but it was a cute blob, just beating away (you could see the heartbeats). But, I am hoping to have our 2nd sonogram during the second appointment, hoping that our baby will be more of the peanut shape that I've seen in my friends' sonograms, so I can stop calling our little one "Our Little Blob" and begin calling him/her "Our Little Peanut".

Congrats!! It's a Boy...or a Girl!!

Yes, that's right, Eddie and I are expecting. We couldn't be happier. I wasn't able to make a post thus far, because we wanted to tell the family first, so I know I'm way behind...here are all of the juicy details...

Eddie and I had been discussing wanting kids since before we were married. Of course, we could never come to the same conclusion on a number, but we both knew we wanted at least a few little “Magan's” and “Eddie's” running around some day.

Well, the topic of conversation got even heavier back in October of last year. The entire time we were in Midland, I tried to stay with the doctor I had here in Dallas...I came in town often enough, so I thought it's easy enough to set up appointments for when I visit. Then, in the fall I decided it was time to switch to a Midland doctor...so I called up a doctor there and set up an appointment and told my doctor here that I was switching. Not only did I want to switch because of distance, but my current doctor was only a Gyno, and I knew Eddie and I would want to have kids one day and I needed a OBGYN. Days before my appointment, I received the news that we were moving!! Yeah, we were finally heading home!! But UUUUUggghh...what's the point in starting a new relationship, with a new doctor, just to switch again? So, I decided to cancel my appointment with the Midland doctor. But because I had no doctor, I had no pills, either...hence the start of the baby conversation. I had already done my research and knew that it would take time for that to get out of my system, so after a quick 1-on-1 conversation, we decided for me to go off of birth control and let nature take its course.

At first, there were no plans for trying, we were just going to see what happened. We really wanted to get moved to Dallas, find a home, get moved in and get settled, before truly beginning any Baby Making. Months passed, and as you're fully aware, no house. But after months and months of Ups and DOWNs, we finally made an offer on a house...it was March 20th...I still remember the day, because it was on that day, shortly after making our offer, while were in the car driving to Fort Worth for an evening that we had planned with friends, that we stumbled across the idea that it was time to start a little family of our own...

I was super excited. I went out during the first week and bought about 4-5 books and began reading up. It was quite interesting hiding them from family, though...how do you hide a huge pile of books that say “PREGNANCY” all over them?!?!? But, we didn't want to spill the beans til we could SPILL THE BEANS...I knew it could take time, so I just wanted to wait until we were actually pregnant, instead of having to hear the constant “Are you pregnant?” ... “Well, any news?” … “Has it happened?” conversations and questions. The first month came and went with no success. But I knew that it would take time, so I tried to be patient.

We were on to Month #2!! Our Anniversary Month!! It was a very exciting month, not only were we celebrating our 1st Wedding Anniversary, but we were going to close on our house. I won't go into details about our Anniversary celebration, because I already have, but as you know from my last blog, we started by celebrating with our family & friends, and then we went on an amazing trip to the Hot Springs area where we enjoyed plenty of relaxation and “us” time. It was just what the doctor ordered!! I couldn't have asked for a better vacation. And then, the week after we returned from our trip, we closed on our house!! Everything was falling into place!! I felt like I had the perfect life, with the perfect husband (at least perfect for me), a new house, I was happy and healthy, everything was great.

I knew by stories from friends, that when you're pregnant you're not supposed to lift heavy boxes, so despite the fact that it was about 5 days early, I took an at home pregnancy test, just out of curiosity...figured “if we were successful during Month #2, I'll want to take it easy during the move.” But it was negative, so I was like: “Bring on the move!!” We moved in the weekend after our close with the help of family and friends and have been unpacking ever since.

Things began getting busy!! My business with Tiffany, Lil' Slice of Heaven, began to boom. I didn't seem to have any free time with my husband, I was struggling to find the time to unpack, and I was exhausted!!

Monday came and went with no “fairy” as my best friend likes to call it, or at least that's her code word for every woman's little monthly visitor. I didn't think anything of it, I had already seen the negative prego test, so I assumed it was coming. Tuesday came and went, no fairy ... Wednesday … Thursday … Friday … I was starting to get a little suspicious. Saturday morning and still no fairy had me heading to the grocery store. I was scheduled to deliver a cake that afternoon, so I rushed up to the store and purchased the test. After having received a negative result three previous tries, twice in Month 1 and once before the move, I decided to try a different brand: Clear Blue Easy...it's digital!! Expecting to receive the 4th “NO, you're not pregnant!!” from the pee stick, I was starting to feel like the stick was mocking me or something, I went into the bathroom, followed the pretty self-explanatory steps: pee on stick, replace cap, set it on counter and wait ... then I waited. While waiting for the inevitable “no” that I knew I was going to receive, I began wondering what was wrong with me … almost a whole week late, I'm never late, very regular … and then I looked down “PREGNANT” … yup, it was right there on that little digital stick “PREGNANT” … what?!?!? pregnant?!?!?! I couldn't believe it. I looked again “PREGNANT” … it was still there, no “not” before it, no “just kidding” popping up, just “PREGNANT” … and I was like “Whoa!!!” I was excited and nervous and didn't believe it and couldn't believe it and was like what do I do now and holy crap!! I attempted to relax, I had a delivery to make. I wanted to seem like everything was just fine. I finished the day with my little charade. I didn't tell anyone of my findings, thinking, “Surely this test isn't right, I'll take another one tomorrow.” I took it with me in my car and kept glancing at it, expecting it to change, but every time it was the same “PREGNANT.”

The next day was Mother's Day. I had a lot to do, but all the while that constant “PREGNANT” was in my head. With the belief that the first test had to be wrong, I thought, “I'll get the type of test I took the first three times … it kept saying no, so surely it will be more accurate.” I purchased it along with other Mother's Day materials and went home. After unloading the groceries, I went into the bathroom and again went through the steps again, more careful than before: pee on stick, replace cap, set it on counter and wait ... the whole time thinking yesterday must have been a false positive. I waited and watched and then it came...not one line but two!! I was pregnant. OMG!! I was pregnant. I placed the tests under the blanket on our bed to keep them out of sight and went to find my husband. Eddie was outside trying to start up the grill, we had invited the family over for a little Mother's Day barbeque. I asked him to come inside and follow me into the bedroom. Just as he walked in, I said, “Looks like we had a very special delivery just in time for Mother's Day” and pulled out the tests. He looked at them, looked at me, and with excitement in his voice he said, “Are you sure? Did you take both of them?” I know I had just caught him totally off guard, but I thought, “Well, isn't that an odd question? Both of them? Of course I took both!!” He was so excited!! Freaked out, but excited. We decided not to say anything until we had a doctors confirmation. But hiding it from my family as they began piling into our house was tough.

We went two weeks keeping the little secret. I just knew I was going to blurt it out to someone, but I did good. That first Monday, I set up an appointment with a OBGYN not too far from my office for Thursday, May 20th...a week and a ½, I had to wait a week and a ½ for confirmation...WOW, that's a long wait when you're a possible first time prego wanting to know if the test was accurate or if your body is just falling apart. That weekend, Eddie and I made our first baby purchase: a “Pack N Play” for my parents for their birthday present...it was how we were going to deliver the news. We arrived at Baby's R Us and walked towards the bassinets and play pens. Halfway to our destination, Eddie yells “No way” and takes off towards the stroller isle. Of course, I was curious. As I approached with I'm sure a true look of “what are you doing” on my face. In excitement, he said “Look” as he pointed at a box, giant grin on his face. I looked at the box and saw that it was a twins stroller (two-seater) and began to wonder “why is my husband excited about a stroller for two?” By now, I'm sure my confusion was obvious by the look on my face and he said “Jeep!!” It was a Jeep brand stroller, and what you may or may not know is he is a true Jeep LOVER!! Having one of his very own parked right out side of Baby's R Us. He was like a kid in a candy store. I told him let's consider that later, right now we are on a mission, secretly excited that he was excited about shopping for baby stuff...even if it was because Jeep was on the label. We found the “Pack N Plays” and began to weigh the options. Before long we were heading to the check out counter, “Pack N Play” on Eddie's shoulder. We couldn't believe we were on our way to make our first baby purchase. OMG, we're going to be parents!! We had to hide it in our closet for a week, so no one would see it.

The second week was just like the first. It seemed like forever before Thursday finally arrived, but it did. Eddie picked me up from my office, and we traveled down the tollway to the doctors office. Having never been there before, it was lots of fun finding it (I know you can't hear my tone, but I can assure you that I'm being sarcastic...our doctor's office is located in Plano Presbyterian Hospital, which can be a HUGE hospital when you don't know where you're going). But we finally found the office, only 15 minutes late. Northlake OBGYN, Dr. Denning (thank you Karie for the suggestion). After filling out the paperwork and waiting and waiting and waiting, they finally called my name, and off we went down a long hallway, following the nurse. She took my weight “Eww, that wasn't pretty.” Then, I asked if they were going to do any kind of test to confirm the pregnancy, and it came...we were going to have our first sonogram. OMG!! She sat us down to wait for Dr. Denning...it wasn't a long wait, but it was an excited wait. Our first sonogram, this was the real deal!! After having a short conversation with Dr. Denning, she walked us down the hall and into the sonogram room. And it began, and I patiently awaited. As I'm sure many mothers before me have, I looked and looked and all I could see was a blur. “Where is it?” I wondered. “Where is my baby?” It seemed to take forever...all blur, no baby. The operator clicked away, never seeming nervous, never seeming concerned … just click, click, click. I got really nervous, certain that there was no baby, just the false positive I had assumed less than two weeks before. And then it happened, I saw this little blob ... then it blinked and it blinked and it blinked and it blinked … “That's the heartbeat,” the operator said. Eddie and I looked at one another and smiled. Of course, I teared up, too. I just couldn't believe it. “There's our baby,” I thought as I sighed the biggest sigh of relief ever. After finishing our sonogram, we went back down the hall and finished our conversation and my list of 20 questions for Dr. Denning. Then, it was off for blood testing. I got a queasy feeling in my belly...I HATE needles, HATE HATE HATE them!! But I was a big girl, repeating over and over in my head “This is for the baby.” After we left, I gave Eddie a gift I had put together to celebrate our first appointment: half A&M baby stuff and, of course, half Texas Tech. He loved it!! He took me back to work, and it hit me, “Oh my goodness, we are going to be parents!!”

FINALLY the weekend came...we were finally going to share our news with the world. We continued as if nothing was different and patiently awaited Sunday afternoon. I wrapped my parents gift, first by posting a message on all sides that said “You're going to be grandparents” and then wrapped it up with white polka dotted wrapping paper and finished it with a bow. I included a card from the baby inside the gift and placed a card from Eddie and me on the outside. Then I went to Wal-Mart and made photo copies of the sonogram. I purchased frames for the Grandparents-to-Be (both sets), one for our house and one for my office. I wrapped the one for Eddie's parents to use as their “We're Pregnant” message delivery. We piled everything into the car and off we went to my parents house. I was so nervous when we arrived. I couldn't stop shaking, I was so anxious. We made it through lunch, and then it was present time. After they opened their presents from everyone else, I invited them into the kitchen to open ours (there was more room in there). I think everyone else was curious what we got them, because everyone piled into the kitchen. I video taped their reaction on my camera...first, they opened the card and laughed (it was a funny one) ... then they began to tear the paper, I know I must have held my breathe, my mom got a confused look on her face when she saw the message and tilted her head to the side to read it (it was sideways), looked at me and began screaming. She ran over and hugged me. She, and everyone else, was so excited. Finally, the news was out!! They asked lots of questions and everyone kind of dug thru the box to check out the new present. They were so happy for us. Then, after cake and more visiting, Eddie and I were off to his parents house. When we arrived, his parents and Caitlin (our niece) were inside. Bill, Melinda, Becca & Rachel were driving up in front of us. We walked into the living room. Eddie called his Dad into the room and handed his mom the gift bag. She opened the card and immediately knew as she read “Grandparents” on the front of the card. She didn't have to see what was in the bag, she knew. Caitlin asked, “What does it say?” As Eddie's mom read the card out loud, Melinda paused in the hallway and looked at me and smiled. She slowly took a few steps back and her smile grew. Just as my family was, his family was just as excited too!! His mom jumped on the phone and called his sisters and brother to share the news. Everyone was so happy!! We visited for a little bit longer, but then we had to go...Eddie had to go to work.

After Eddie went to work, I rushed over to my best friend, Brynn's, house. She had been asking me for months when we were going to hurry up and get pregnant, so I was super excited to share the news. When I was on my way, I found out my other best friend, Kristen, was going to be there within a few hours, too. So, I decided to wait and tell them together. I was really wanting to tell them together, and this was the perfect opportunity. I waited and waited and visited with Brynn and waited and waited and entertained her son and waited and waited. Kristen was running behind. Ugghhhh!! I was bursting at the seams. I was so ready to tell the world. After what seemed like FOREVER, Kristen pulled up out front. I was relieved. FINALLY!! I was going to get to share the news. I waited for Kristen to say her hello's and then pulled Brynn and Kristen to the side. I said, “I just wanted to know if January works for yall!!” A confused looked covered their faces as they asked “for what?” I slipped the sonogram picture out of my pocket, and their SCREAMS immediately filled the house. They were SOOOOOO excited and so were Brynn's mom and sister-in-law and brother. They asked lots of questions and even informed me that they are planning my shower...how fun!! They truly are the best-est friends a girl could ask for!!

Well, so FINALLY the family knew and my girl friends knew, and it was time to shout it to the world. After a few attempts at calling others on the phone with no answers, I decided to send out the mass text messages. Before I could even get them all out, I was flooded with positive “congratulatory” responses. I got a phone call from my other best friend, Anvia, who was so excited for us. We probably chatted for a good 30-45 minutes. She shared her prego experience and asked me about my journey thus far and I asked how her family was doing. It was great to catch up, we had not talked in a while.

This weekend was a fun weekend!! And it's so nice now that I don't have to keep any more secrets. I shared the news with my co-workers today, who were also very excited for me.

I still can't believe that I'm going to be a Mom. I don't know if I'll ever truly believe it til the day I say, “Eddie, it's time to go!!” But I really am so excited about starting a family with the man of my dreams, my husband.

Baby Webb is due January 20th, so you can anticipate plenty of more prego stories to come.

Cheers to One Year!!

My o' my how things have changed over just a few months...

I'd like to take this moment to first say, "Cheers to us!!" Eddie and I celebrated our 1st year wedding anniversary one week ago yesterday. It has been one amazing year!! And I am so thankful for my husband. We began our celebration with a "rememberance day" the day before our official anniversary. We started the day with massages at Massage Envy...something we also did the week of our wedding. Then we had a picnic lunch at the Dallas Arboretum, which is where Eddie proposed. It was a little rainy that day, but we didn't care. We found a nice, dry place on the exact bench where he proposed, under some beautiful trees, enjoyed our lunch just the two of us and thought back on that day just two years ago, when he made me the happiest girl in the world. After strolling around the Arboretum, we stopped by the house to get ready for our evening. Then, we went to Fridays for dinner with the family...the same Fridays where Eddie and I shared our first date. It was a lot of fun, and we really enjoyed spending that moment with our family. Lastly, it was off to Sherlocks, to have a toast with friends and take a glimpse at the spot where Eddie and I first met. We really enjoyed that day!! And enjoyed thinking back on the wonderful five years we've had together and on our first year as husband and wife. On Sunday (our anniversary), we stopped by Swan Court (or what used to be Swan Court...they have since closed their doors) to stroll the very area where we said "I do" just one short year ago. It was a lot of fun, and very romantic, visiting the place that currently holds the title "The Best Day of My Life!!" Then, it was off to Hot Springs, Arkansas to continue the celebration of our first year together...we actually stayed outside of Hot Springs in a resort near Mt. Ida, which is about 25-30 minutes from Hot Springs. We spent that evening in our room, which had a view of the lake and mountain range, enjoying the top layer of our wedding cake, watching our wedding video, and truly soaking in the wonderful moments we've shared together. On our first full day there, we enjoyed sleeping in, the glorious view from the deck of our room, and a stroll near the lake. Additionally, on our trip, we enjoyed a horseback ride through the mountains, a nature hike (which was quite a bit of exercise), a dinner cruise on the Hot Springs riverboat, a stroll down the streets of the tourist part of Hot Springs, a trip up the mountain to the mountain tower (where we soaked in a breathtaking view of the city) and we visited the beautiful gardens. It was truly what the doctor ordered!! Not only did we enjoy some tourist activities, but we found plenty of time to just relax and enjoy each other. I would not have wished for a better vacation!! We ended our trip with a drive to Neosho, Missouri, where Eddie's niece and her husband graduated...Jake finished his Fourth Year and Crystal finished her Third. We are so very proud of them!!

But if celebrating our first year of wedding bliss wasn't enough to raise a glass to and say a toast, we also decided to ditch the idea of renting and go straight to buying our own house. I won't go into detail (it's a long story), but let's just say that we quickly realized renting is no longer our cup of tea. No, we have not had a chance yet to find land, design a house and have it built (unfortunately), but we did decide to find a house which we both can love for at least a few years, while we make our building dreams come true. I think we have said our final ADIOS to the idea of renting for the remainder of our days!! We found a lovely two-story house in the city of Rowlett, only one short mile from the lake and very close to my parent's house. This house will be a wonderful place for us to start a family, which we hope to do in the very near future. The most exciting news of all is that we close on it tomorrow!! And, we couldn't be more excited!! All we have left to do is sign the dotted line and we will be homebuyers in DFW!!

What more could we possibly ask for?!?!

Cheers to Ten Wonderful Months, Plus

Well, we survived the first 10 months and are now on Month #11.

We celebrated our 10th Month Anniversary on Friday, along with we FINALLY got to have our romantic Valentines dinner for two. We decided that with all the commotion this month, that we would combine the two events. Our original Valentines reservations were made at Ferrari's Villa near Addison, so we decided to stick with that decision...only 13 days late. It was nice and very romantic!! What's not romantic about Italian, right?!?! We were sat in a corner table, off to the side of all the other Ferrari guests, giving us the feel of “just the two of us”. Our table was lit with a candle in the center. And although we ate with silverware and he didn't give me a meatball, it truly was a Lady and the Tramp “Italian dinner date” experience. We laughed and smiled and held hands. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and our first Valentines as newlyweds.

Oh, and I have the first big news of Month #11: Eddie and I are finally moving out of my parents' house!! We have been looking for a house for quite some time now...each with our own wants and visions of our ideal house. But each time we've gone to tour a house, we've never had that “this is it” moment; each house has always had something about it or was missing something, keeping us from feeling like it was “our” house. So, we finally decided that the chance of finding the house that perfectly matches each of our visions is like finding a needle in a haystack; the only possibility of finding our perfect house is not by buying another couple's vision, but by creating our own vision and having it built. We know that this will take time...we still have to find land, purchase it, contact a builder, have the blueprints designed and, not to mention, wait for the house to be built. So, for the next year we're going to rent. Our real estate agent, Kristen Wall with All Star Real Estate, showed us some rentals over the weekend, and we found one. It's in Rowlett, close to Hwy 66 and Chiesa. It, by no means, is our perfect house, but it will work perfectly for the next 12 months, while we anxiously await moving into our perfect house.

What Better A Way To Say "I Love You" Than Taco Bueno In Bed

Well, my 30th birthday came and went. Ugghh!! I still can't believe I've reached the Big 3-0!! Eddie was wonderful, though. He got me a GPS for my birthday. It's so AWESOME!! It has already come in handy and I've only had it a couple of weeks. I don't know how I lived without one for so long.

The big kicker of the month is how Eddie and I celebrated Valentine's Day. Friday night of V-day weekend, we went to Ponder to help co-host a kid's Valentine's Day party that my sister-in-law was hosting for my nieces and their friends. That was a lot of fun, but half way into the evening Eddie started complaining that he wasn't feeling well. We decided to stay in Ponder for the night, rather than drive back to Dallas (we crashed at Eddie's parents' house). The next day, Eddie and I went to see a house (we're still shopping for houses) with Kristen's sister. Eddie continued to mention that he wasn't feeling well, and it seemed to progress throughout the morning, so after viewing what we thought was going to be a good buy, but turned out to be something slabbed together using cheap materials and inexperience, we headed for home. Initially, Eddie had made reservations at what sounded like a REALLY nice Italian restaurant, but our “Romantic Table for Two” was quickly canceled after I realized that this wasn't just a case of lack of sleep. Eddie curled up in bed and that's where he stayed...under 3 layers of blankets...for the rest of the day. I decided that if we weren't going to his Valentine's plans, then I was going to bring V-day to him in bed. So, I ran out to Hallmark, stood among the many husbands who had waited until the last possible moment to get their wife a valentines card and picked out a card that perfectly illustrated my love for him, went to Tom Thumb and picked up some chocolate covered strawberries, went to Target for some fun little additions to complete a Valentine's Day basket surprise, and then, just as I was heading to get some Chinese before heading home, I received a text asking for Taco Bueno. I couldn't ignore my sick husband's plea for his favorite fast food, so I detoured to the closest Taco Bueno and picked up his usual "Beef Buenochilota, chips & queso and a side of Jalepenos" plus a little something for me and then headed to the house. We relaxed in bed for the remainder of the evening, watching Star Trek (the newest movie version recently released to DVD) and just enjoyed each others company.

I awoke the next morning totally sympathizing with Eddie and his need to post-pone our Valentine's Day dinner plans...for I had what he had!! Talk about a bummer: having no ounce of energy to get out of bed to spend Valentine's with your newlywed husband!! We spent the entire day in bed, minus a few hours we spent with my family who had planned a family get together to celebrate my and my sis's birthday. We were sick and there was nothing we could do about it!! Yuck!! Eddie was sweet enough to get out of bed long enough to run to the store and get me a card, flowers and cough drops...how sweet is that!!

Continuing into the week with my cold was no enjoyment either. We were going to postpone our Valentine's Day ron-de-vu to the following weekend, but I ended up sick all week and needed the weekend to re-coop. So, our V-day dinner date has continued to be put on hold. I think we're FINALLY going to get a chance to enjoy our reservations this upcoming weekend with a side note of Happy Month #10!!

Rewind, Rewind, Rewind...Press Play!!

So, I guess I'm a little bit behind on my blog and need to do a little rewinding. The last five months have been super eventful, so where do I begin...*cue the rewind sound effects*

Our Fifth Month anniversary was quite interesting, I guess I would have to title it “I Quit, Bring on the Drinks!!” I had one week and a few days left at the Chamber when I finally decided I had endured enough mental frustration to last me the rest of 2009. So, on September 18^th, I loaded up my car with all of my personal office possessions, wrote the boss a letter (because, of course, he wasn't there), sent out a “Fair Well” email to my co-workers and walked out the door...never to return. Eddie and I celebrated our Fifth Month Anniversary that night in the Chili's Bar, eating and drinking. Then we went home and had a few more.

I began our sixth month in Dallas, separated from my husband. I think I would title the month “OMG!! Will it ever end!!” Despite the fact that I was more than relieved that I was no longer enduring the mental frustration of working at a job where you no longer feel wanted, I quickly realized why I had endured those feelings throughout the three months prior...being away from your spouse sucks!! It only took me a little over a week to decide that I needed to be back in my husband's arms again...well, it actually took me less than a day to realize that...and the rest of that time to decide that I had worked enough with my Dad for the time being and it was time to be with my husband again!! So, back to Midland I went. It was a yo-yo of a month...back and forth, back and forth. If I didn't have every rock and crack memorized along the I-20 “Dallas to Midland” stretch of highway, this was the month that sealed the deal!! Our Sixth Month Anniversary came and went. I was in Midland the week prior...our plan for that particular week was for me to visit Eddie for the week, him drive me back to Dallas that weekend (our Anniversary was on a Sunday), and then him go back to Midland and leave me in Dallas for the following week to work with my Dad again. We spent our Sixth Month anniversary saying good-bye (AGAIN).

So, it was month #7...the month I'd like to call “OMG!! Woohoo!!” At the end of the week after our anniversary, it was planned that Tiff would bring me back to West Texas for the Tech VS A&M game weekend...and then, after the game, I was going to return to Dallas with Tiff for another fun filled week of being away from my husband. Our plan was in motion, going exactly as we had imagined, I worked with my Dad for the week, and then, on Thursday, Tiff and I loaded up her car and headed for Midland. We planned to stay in Midland that night, run some errands the next afternoon, and then head to Lubbock once Eddie got off from work. Eddie actually worked in Big Spring, which was about 40 miles outside of Midland...so we three decided to meet at a central meeting point on the way to Lubbock (which was Lamesa). On the way to Lamesa, Eddie called me and said he was already there (Tiff and I were still a little bit out), so he was going to stop and grab a bite and wait for us. Upon arriving, I misunderstood where Eddie was waiting and we drove right by. Eddie pulled out behind us, so I figured we were just going to keep driving to Lubbock...Lubbock was less than an hour away. But, Eddie pulled ahead of us and then pulled off into a park area, so we followed. I was like “What is he doing?” Once parked, I got out of the car and walked up to Eddie. He gave me a big hug, so I thought “How sweet, he couldn't wait until Lubbock to hug me!!” I asked about his day, and he said, “I got transferred.” It completely caught me off guard. I was under the impression that a transfer was out...he didn't get picked. I was like “What? To where?” The best words I have ever heard followed “To Dallas!!” I think I asked like a million times to make sure I heard him correctly, but his story never faltered...we were moving to Dallas!!!! I had waited so long to hear those words, and it was finally coming true!! The rest of my weekend was amazing...well, minus the Tech loss to A&M (so disappointing!!). Our giddy-ness actually appeared to be quite annoying to my sister!! But oh well...we were moving to Dallas. And then, came the ton of bricks...we had a month to do it!!! Needless to say, I didn't go back to Dallas...a month to move an entire house...oh my, that was a lot of work. I spent the remainder of the month packing up our house. Eddie and I were both so super busy...remember, we had begun re-decorating our bathroom...which was currently a disaster area. Eddie remodeled and I packed...it was VERY tiring, but for the entire month, the same thought remained in the back of my mind: “We're moving to Dallas!!” And, despite the chaos, we did get to celebrate our Seventh Month Anniversary: we interrupted the Packing Packing Packing with a lunch at Olive Garden...which was SOOOOO good. We also got to have a date night to Red Lobster and an evening watching a FREE hockey game between Tech & A&M (didn't even know they had hockey teams...found out from an ad in the newspaper, which I found while wrapping our breakables). It was a lot of fun!!

We began Month #8 (our “Dallas, Here We Come” month) loading up our dogs and boxes into a moving truck. Melinda & Bill (Eddie's sister and brother-in-law) came to Midland to help us move...thank you so much to the Pirkle's!!! It was such a great feeling!! After taking the time to drop off our belongings and our babies (the dogs) in Dallas, we headed back to Midland to finalize our house...Eddie had to finish the bathroom and I was going to clean, clean, clean...getting our house ready to put on the market. That week was a long, stressful week!! But we finished it on the last possible day and loaded the rest of our stuff into our vehicles. We were so wrapped up that week, trying to get everything done, that I never had time to stop and think...and then, the moment everything was loaded up, it hit me “We have to say good-bye to our very first house!!” As much as I was ready to go, to head to Dallas to begin our life here, I was sad. It's hard to explain the feelings I felt that evening. It was happiness and sadness all wrapped up in one!! I walked around our empty house, soaking up the very last moments we would spend it in, knowing there was a really good chance I would never return. Then, we climbed into our cars and pulled away...the garage door closed...just like the Midland chapter we had been writing in the Story of Us. The remainder of Month 8, was busy, busy, busy. I still didn't have a job, so I went back to working with my Dad, and Eddie began his job at the Dallas office. That first week was Thanksgiving, so we had a VERY busy Thursday!! And then the Christmas season began. I began advertising my new found talent of cake baking and cookie decorating to my Dallas friends, hoping to get in a few orders for the Christmas Holiday Season, which I did. I spent a lot of time shopping with my mom and just enjoying the fact that I was finally back. Eddie and I had a really neat Eighth Month celebration: we went to Bennihana's for dinner and then to see I.C.E. at the Gaylord Texan. I.C.E. was so neat!! I've never seen anything like it. Eddie and I were so happy that we went.

The Christmas go-go-go continued into our Month #9 (“And The Chaos Continues”). But, we got all of our shopping done prior to Christmas Eve, which was definitely a step up for me!! I had plenty of cookie orders to keep me busy, which was a great true Kick Off for Lil' Slice of Heaven. And Eddie and I continued loving being back in Dallas!!! We got to spend some quality time with our families and friends, without having to feel rushed. I got to hang out with my girl friends, even on week days. It was wonderful!! Christmas came and went. Eddie and I actually got to relax thru the holiday, enjoying the fact that we got to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with our families, and then had time to just enjoy each other, without having to feel like we were missing out on time we should be spending with our families. And, then came New Years...still in Dallas...it was great. We have always had to spend New Years away from home, because we opted to spend Christmas with our families and had to be back for work the next week, so the 2009/2010 New Years Eve was a blessing. We began our New Year's Eve celebration, visiting Brynn (she was house sitting). Then, it was off to Southern Junction with Kristen and Stanley. We had a blast...we got to dance, enjoy a few drinks, attempted to win at a balloon release (didn't win). It was fun!! Best of all, we got to ring in the new year, living in a new place (well, new to our marriage and even our relationship), with great friends, wrapped up in each other. 2010 started nice and steady. I still wasn't working yet...well, at a regular job...and it was time to find one. My Dad's need for my help had slowed and I needed to earn a paycheck again. So, the hunt began. While, looking for a job, I continued to work on growing Lil' Slice of Heaven. Eddie was off for our Ninth Month Anniversary: MLK Day, so we spent the day together.

And that brings us to Month #10!! So far this month has been a true blessing!! Before long, I found myself back on the doorstep of my old job: TaCito. They welcomed me back with open arms!! I was relieved to know my bank account was not going to hit bottom!! And, I'm excited to announce that Lil' Slice of Heaven is BOOMING!! Tiffany has finally joined me in full swing and we're not slowing down...at least not until after Valentine's Day. Eddie and I are doing well. He and some of my friends (the best-est friends a girl could ever ask for) threw a “30^th Birthday Party” for my sis and me this past weekend. I'm so glad they chose last weekend...it was nice celebrating the last few days of being 29 versus suffering thru my first days of being 30!! Eddie's going to take me out for dinner tomorrow night for my official celebration with him...that is, if I choose to get out of bed!! And this weekend, we'll celebrate Valentine's Day.

Well, sorry for the novel, but like I said, it's been a BUSY couple of months...hence the reason I'm just now updating my blog. I hope to stay more active in the months to come...my and Eddie's last couple of months as 1^st Year Newlyweds...wow, I can't believe we've been married for almost a year!!