CANNOT WAIT!
(Pardon the reference to one of my favorite shows, Arrested Development, but this countdown is reminds me of this:)
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Countdown
We find out the baby's sex TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY!
CANNOT WAIT!
(Pardon the reference to one of my favorite shows, Arrested Development, but this countdown is reminds me of this:)
CANNOT WAIT!
(Pardon the reference to one of my favorite shows, Arrested Development, but this countdown is reminds me of this:)
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Momma Bear
In the past week or two, I've come to notice what can only be called "maternal instincts" kicking in.
I think I've always been a maternal-like person, I'm just more aware of it now.
First, I'm excited to announce that I will be moving into a new position at work next week. I worked my butt off and did not take no for an answer when there was even a slight chance this promotion might be held off a week or two. I felt empowered and strong to fight not only for myself, but also to be in a position that would make me all around a happier person. Happy mommy, happy baby, right? It's not just me I'm worrying about anymore. I need to make decisions and act on them based on what will be best for our family. I'm very excited about this change.
Second, the nesting bug bit me. It started two weeks ago. I returned from a lovely brunch with a friend, had the apartment to myself and went CRAZY cleaning/organizing. Every surface must be polished and sanitized! I didn't realize nesting would happen so soon, but here we are! I feel like there's a small tick that has taken over a small portion of my brain that renders me slightly psychotic in the pursuit of cleanliness.
All of this may or may not coincide with my obsession with Pinterest. Looking at creative and inspiring ways to decorate and organize makes me giddy for when we all finally move into our new apartment so that I can make it our home. I even want to make homemade cleaning products that are all natural. No chemicals, please! I absolutely love settling into a new apartment, and can't wait to make a beautiful home, a lot of it based on inspirations from Pinterest. Our home, along with creating a beautifully cozy nursery is also something I'm looking forward to.
With the cleaning and organizing and wishing for our future home and what I'll do with it, I've come to realize I'm a crazy mix of my own parents. My Mom likes things in their right place. Her way is The Right way. Typically, this drives me nuts, but I am coming to realize more and more, that everything does have it's place, in an attempt to keep some kind of order in the home. For my own personal sanity, I've come to learn, less is more. This is where my Dad comes in with his organization. The man loves to throw things away. "You don't need it, get rid of it." Growing up, I was a bit of a pack-rat. Everything had sentimental value (hey, I was a sensitive kid). The last few years, I've gotten over that. I honestly enjoy purging that which I no longer need, and choosing what new items in my life more carefully. Also, organization is what my Dad is known for. He loves bins and labeling things. It's his thing. I'm not quite to that level, but I certainly appreciate it.
This lethal combination of Everything In It's Right Place and Organization will hopefully find it's way into our new home (and not drive everyone crazy).
There's still A LOT that needs to be worked out before we're ready to even START settling in for Baby. The sooner the better. I'm trying to keep my impatient tendencies in check and take it all one step at a time. This is very much a challenge for me but I'm trying to do my best. Some days, some weeks, are better than others. Today, if I'm honest, wasn't a good one. All I can do is my best right now and try to go easy on myself. Tomorrow is another day.
Love, Ashley
I think I've always been a maternal-like person, I'm just more aware of it now.
First, I'm excited to announce that I will be moving into a new position at work next week. I worked my butt off and did not take no for an answer when there was even a slight chance this promotion might be held off a week or two. I felt empowered and strong to fight not only for myself, but also to be in a position that would make me all around a happier person. Happy mommy, happy baby, right? It's not just me I'm worrying about anymore. I need to make decisions and act on them based on what will be best for our family. I'm very excited about this change.
Second, the nesting bug bit me. It started two weeks ago. I returned from a lovely brunch with a friend, had the apartment to myself and went CRAZY cleaning/organizing. Every surface must be polished and sanitized! I didn't realize nesting would happen so soon, but here we are! I feel like there's a small tick that has taken over a small portion of my brain that renders me slightly psychotic in the pursuit of cleanliness.
All of this may or may not coincide with my obsession with Pinterest. Looking at creative and inspiring ways to decorate and organize makes me giddy for when we all finally move into our new apartment so that I can make it our home. I even want to make homemade cleaning products that are all natural. No chemicals, please! I absolutely love settling into a new apartment, and can't wait to make a beautiful home, a lot of it based on inspirations from Pinterest. Our home, along with creating a beautifully cozy nursery is also something I'm looking forward to.
With the cleaning and organizing and wishing for our future home and what I'll do with it, I've come to realize I'm a crazy mix of my own parents. My Mom likes things in their right place. Her way is The Right way. Typically, this drives me nuts, but I am coming to realize more and more, that everything does have it's place, in an attempt to keep some kind of order in the home. For my own personal sanity, I've come to learn, less is more. This is where my Dad comes in with his organization. The man loves to throw things away. "You don't need it, get rid of it." Growing up, I was a bit of a pack-rat. Everything had sentimental value (hey, I was a sensitive kid). The last few years, I've gotten over that. I honestly enjoy purging that which I no longer need, and choosing what new items in my life more carefully. Also, organization is what my Dad is known for. He loves bins and labeling things. It's his thing. I'm not quite to that level, but I certainly appreciate it.
This lethal combination of Everything In It's Right Place and Organization will hopefully find it's way into our new home (and not drive everyone crazy).
There's still A LOT that needs to be worked out before we're ready to even START settling in for Baby. The sooner the better. I'm trying to keep my impatient tendencies in check and take it all one step at a time. This is very much a challenge for me but I'm trying to do my best. Some days, some weeks, are better than others. Today, if I'm honest, wasn't a good one. All I can do is my best right now and try to go easy on myself. Tomorrow is another day.
Love, Ashley
Saturday, February 11, 2012
17 Weeks: First Kicks
Yesterday we had a prenatal checkup. Quick and easy. But let me tell you, listening to that heartbeat is just the best. I don't even know what other words to use that will adequately describe the excitement and happiness that comes from hearing it.
I also asked the doctor if I should be feeling any movement yet because I hadn't yet, although some of my books have said this should start to happen. She said not to worry and we will be more concerned about hearing it around 24 weeks.
Well, lo and behold, on our car ride home, under my coat and seatbelt, I felt these little pokes from my belly! It was the strangest and most exhilarating feeling! Later that night, lounging on the couch I could feel these little movement again. This time, Mark was right next to me and could put his hand on my belly to feel it. The second time the kicks started up again, as soon as his hand came to my belly, there was one strong kick. We turned to each other with our jaws dropped. Hello to you too, Baby!
I also asked the doctor if I should be feeling any movement yet because I hadn't yet, although some of my books have said this should start to happen. She said not to worry and we will be more concerned about hearing it around 24 weeks.
Well, lo and behold, on our car ride home, under my coat and seatbelt, I felt these little pokes from my belly! It was the strangest and most exhilarating feeling! Later that night, lounging on the couch I could feel these little movement again. This time, Mark was right next to me and could put his hand on my belly to feel it. The second time the kicks started up again, as soon as his hand came to my belly, there was one strong kick. We turned to each other with our jaws dropped. Hello to you too, Baby!
First Post!
Hi Everyone!
I'm so excited to FINALLY begin this blog in order to keep our family and friends from all over the world informed on what's going on with Mark and I, but most importantly, THE BABY!
We have started calling the baby "Lucky Dragon Baby" as this year is the Year of the Dragon, which is considered one of the luckiest signs in the Chinese Zodiac.
(See? Everybody wants to have a baby this year! Lucky us!)
We have a lot to do between now and mid-July when we meet the little one, but we're absolutely thrilled to be together and have a baby.
Stay tuned! A lot of updates to come. And please feel free to leave us comments so we know who's out there.
Lots of love and joy,
Ashley & Mark
I'm so excited to FINALLY begin this blog in order to keep our family and friends from all over the world informed on what's going on with Mark and I, but most importantly, THE BABY!
We have started calling the baby "Lucky Dragon Baby" as this year is the Year of the Dragon, which is considered one of the luckiest signs in the Chinese Zodiac.
(See? Everybody wants to have a baby this year! Lucky us!)
We have a lot to do between now and mid-July when we meet the little one, but we're absolutely thrilled to be together and have a baby.
Stay tuned! A lot of updates to come. And please feel free to leave us comments so we know who's out there.
Lots of love and joy,
Ashley & Mark
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