Baby and Yard Update

Just a few things to report in the baby department...we are doing well and I'm feeling awesome! No morning sickness, and my energy is almost 100% restored. I'm now in the "honeymoon" period, according to my doctor. I've gained 4 lbs. so far, and that seems impossible to me, as I can clearly see my belly growing and growing! I feel like I've gained at least 10! Yesterday I went shopping and bought a lot of new things - much needed. Luckily, I'm done with work next Friday, so I'm not in need of maternity work clothes...but I will certainly need those come September. :)

We had a doctor's appointment yesterday - the 16 week check-up - and the baby's heart rate was 155. According the old wives tale, that would indicate a GIRL...while many of my friends' babies were right on with the high rate = girl, low rate = boy, I can find just as many people that the wives tale did NOT come true for. We find out on July 2...it's a week later than we expected, but my doctor said that November 13 was our new due date. My birthday is November 20 - maybe I'll have a b-day baby! So, 5 weeks from yesterday we have our ultrasound, and will know if it's a boy or girl! We are giddy with excitement, and I feel like once we know, we will start doing the fun things -nursery, registry, names, etc...Adam still predicts girl, and I'm feeling like it's a boy. 99% of our friends and family think girl, and 99% of my students think girl. I've been told that people can't see me with boys...too girly!

Our yard project is close to completion, minus the new deck - still awaiting estimates before we move forward with that. The landscaping is a work in progress, I have to keep telling myself...plants GROW and get huge, and they don't always come that way when they're delivered! We purposely bought some smaller plants, for budget/size reasons, so right now it looks a little goofy. However, I know by next summer, it will look amazing. I'll take pictures and post them next time, along with pics of my little baby bump. :)

BIRDS!

Lately, I've been quite obsessed with identifying the plethera of birds that grace our backyard...I haven't taken any pictures (opening the slider door often scares them away) but it's amazing what you can spot if you actually take the time to look! Our deck and the orange halves that rest on the banisters, are the feeding spot of many Baltimore Orioles...gorgeous orange and black birds! I've also seen blue birds (yes, not blue jays,) a scarlet tanager!!!, red-headed woodpeckers (they like the oranges, too!) cedar waxwings, finches, barn swallows, tree swallows, sparrows, robins, cardinals, and many many other birds that I can't identify...I'm most impressed with the blue birds and the orioles...they are much more rare than the others! Anyway, I have a new hobby I think!!

Feeling Great!

Not much new to report - just very busy at work and filling up our weekends with yard work and yard plans. We are working on the front/side landscaping, putting on a new deck, and gutting the back yard this spring. We're awaiting estimates and plans, and hopefully we'll begin work soon!

Baby is doing well and so am I - we're through the first trimester now! Due date is November 6. I have felt so good, I can't complain. I've been very tired but not sick at all! I keep waiting for the nausea to set in, but it hasn't! My doctor tells me that I'm probably out of the woods with it, and that would be great! We will find out the sex of the baby in under 7 weeks - can't wait!! Everyone thinks it's a girl, but I am convinced it's a boy...we shall see!