Updates and 3D Ultrasound (It's a long one)

I hope everyone's Christmas was good! We had a fabolous holiday. I had to work on Christmas day...unfortunatley the babies do not get better for Christmas, so into work I go. It wasn't too bad though. My family did Christmas on Christmas eve and it was a good time. My wonderful in-laws came to my mom's house and we all ate and exchanged gifts. My mom and dad got Jason and I a video camera so we can videotape all the action that will be our little Carlyn. Jason's mom and dad got us a rocker recliner, chocolate brown microfiber suede, so that we will be able to rock our little girl to sleep. (I may be sleeping in it this in a month or so, when I can't breathe at all when I lay down). I am very thankful to both our parents for these gifts! We love them, and needed both! Jason and I are already looking forward to the day we will be able to spend the holidays with our little one! I came home Christmas night, and Jason and I sat on the couch, and there was a comfortable silence. I then realized, in a good way, that in a few months, our house will NEVER be that quiet again. It is an overwhelming feeling! One that I wouldn't trade for anything!

I am now 30 weeks. Only 10 more to go, and I know this next 10 weeks will go by very fast! In my doctor's appointment this week, she said I am measuring perfectly for 30 weeks! We ordered her crib and dresser, and are starting to paint her room. The closer I get, the more excited and nervous I get. I can't wait to see what she looks like and am nervous for all of the unknowns. I am also starting to read (by the dog whisperer) how to introduce the dog to the newest member of our family. I am thinking Rosco will be very attentive to her, but also jealous! I am feeling really good these days, and love feeling her move all the time. She is a very active girl! She has recently discovered my side, and loves to shove her feet in it. It is not the most comfortable, but I gently push her feet back in, and she cooperates well! It is amazing to feel her little feet, you can actually feel them! It's crazy. Warning, there is a belly shot below, and it is not small!

We got a 3D ultrasound last Friday. It is the most amazing thing I've ever seen. It's just a miracle to see this little girl moving around, yawning, smiling, sticking out her tongue, and sucking her fingers while she's still inside me. Technology has come a long way. The pictures are clear and you can see everything. She still looks like Jason, most people have been saying. Let me know what you think. I put a picture of me and Jason up when we were 5, so you can compare. I couldn't find any pictures of us as babies at the moment. Little miss Carlyn already has hair too. You could see it on the ultrasound, and there is quite a bit of it too, and she has 10 weeks to grow more!

The Grayson Wedding!

On November 1st, two of my good friends got married!!! It was a beautiful wedding, and I wish them the best! Here are a few pics from the wedding. I was 23 weeks preggo, and must say being in a bridesmaid dress that pregnant is not much fun...but I was so glad to be able to do it for these guys! I am much bigger now also...she keeps growing and growing (a good thing) and so do I!

Picture Challenge

I was challenged by a couple people to do this! So, here we go. I had to go to the fourth album on my computer, pick the fourth picture, and write four interesting things about it!1. This picture was taken on Jason's 26th birthday!

2. Jason was trying to give me a kiss, a big wet sloppy one, and I was trying to stop him, all while someone happen to have my camera!

3. Jason can never take a normal picture...never!

4. This picture is why I love this man...he can always make me laugh!

So, now I have to challenge four people to do the same thing! It's fun to see what picture everyone comes up with! So, here we go.

I challenge Farrah, Jessica, Carlie, and Liam and Lucy!

Family Pictures

A few weeks ago, my family got together to take our annual family photos! Of course, like always, Jason and my dad hated every second of it! But, thanks to Nick Narducci (http://www.nicholasmatthewphoto.com/newblog/), they turned out great! We took them at Tempe Town Lake, and when we first got there, we realized it was the same weekend as a big triathlon. Lucky for us, Nick found some great spots to take pictures. I know I posted a lot of them, but I liked so many, I couldn't decide which ones to show! Thanks again Nick, and thanks Becca for the referral!

It's Official

So, it's official...her name will be Carlyn Faye Newman! I am so excited to get to call her by name now. We went to the doctor a couple of days ago, and she said everything looks great. I am measuring perfect for 24 weeks, and the heartbeat is nice and strong. Carlyn is growing and growing, and we are getting more and more excited...and stressed!

We are starting to work on her nursery. Jason and I picked the bedding out together, although he was extremely picky and said that this was the ONLY one he liked. We are thinking about painting the room a tan color on three walls, and pink on the other. Then, Jason's idea again, painting dark brown paw prints on the wall! I think it will be very cute! We are going to get the bedding, the lamp, and the hamper, we are debating on the mobile. What do all you mom's out there think?!

I am feeling great these days with the exceptions of a few uncomfortable pregnancy pains. But, I can't complain too much. After working today, with an extremely sick infant who was born at 25 weeks, as old as Carlyn is now, it brings into perspective that the uncomfortable pains I am feeling are nothing. I can't imagine how it feels to see your one and a half pound baby lying there sick and in pain. It is unbearable to even think about, and my thoughts and prayers are with that family.

We are also starting to look at all of the different items we will soon need (sooner than we think)! I have been looking at strollers and travel systems. I have heard that the Chicco travel system and the Gracco systems are good too. I'm not sure where we are going to get our furniture at yet, but I've been looking around. I think I want the convertabile crib, so she will be able to use it for a while. I think I want the swing that swings both ways. It is a bit overwhelming shopping. There are so many different brands and items out there, I don't know which ones are better!!! Ahhh! So, moms out there, give me your advice. Which items do you love and would you not buy if you could go back?!

12 Days of Junkie

Thanks Jessica for getting me hooked on blog giveaways! I love them now. I have yet to win, but I have heard great stories from those who have, and have gotten great idea for myself and presents for others! Check out this site. It showcases moms! Tip Junkie is great! Here's the link. http://tipjunkie.blogspot.com/ Enjoy!

Good Read!

With all the political stuff that's going on today, I wanted to post something different! I saw this on the internet, and I loved it! Those of you with kids, let me know what you think, and tell me if there's something that changed when you had a baby!

Things That Change When You Have a Baby

*Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid.

*The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices.

*You respect your body... finally.

*You respect your parents and love them in a whole new way.

*You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.

*You believe once again in the things you believed in as a child.

*Your heart breaks much more easily.

*Every day is a surprise.

*Bodily functions are no longer repulsive. In fact, they please you, (Hooray for poop!)

*Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power.

*You finally realize that true joy doesn't come from material wealth.

*You now know where the sun comes from.

*You don't mind going to bed at 9 p.m. on Friday night.

*You realize that the 15 pounds you can't seem to get rid of are totally worth having.

*You discover an inner strength you never thought you had.

*You no longer rely on a clock — your baby now sets your schedule.

*You take the time for one more hug and kiss even if it means you'll be late.

*You learn that taking a shower is a luxury.

*You find yourself wanting to make this world a better place.

*If you didn’t believe in love at first sight before, now you do!