First Glimpse....

Who does Franklin resemble? I'll let you decide! Today we were treated to the first real glimpse of what our little man looks like, chubby cheeks and all. I have not imbibed in caffeinated soda since I've been pregnant, but to make sure that Franklin wiggled around to get good shots, I treated myself to a cold coca cola this morning. Baby boy did not disappoint. He still keeps his hands right near his face, as he's done in nearly every ultrasound that I've had. It's pretty sweet, actually, I have a feeling he'll do the same once he arrives as well. He has finally turned head-down, which explains why my belly has felt a tad different over the past few weeks. I'm pleased that he decided to cooperate, and I feel like he probably has more room in that position too.

Here's a shot of Franklin's arm/ hand position:

And little one's profile:



"Mom, tell that lady to stop pushing on me!" (I have a feeling I'll see this face quite often come November)

Pouty face:

Sweet profile:

And the other side:

I'm sleepy (yawning"):



I'll be interested to see if Franklin resembles these pictures when he arrives in November. I can't wait to pinch those chubby cheeks!

When Pregnancy Cravings Strike...

As my work-day ended yesterday afternoon, my rush to get home was sped-up a bit by the looming thunder and dark clouds that hovered over downtown. I generally am not a fan of getting rained on, so I hurried out the door with the hope that I'd make it to my car and home before the downpour happened. No such luck. As soon as I hit the lobby of my building, the lightening began and thunder boomed, and the raindrops started falling. It wasn't too bad though, and I figured I'd make it home before things got really nasty.

Then I made it to the top of the mountain, and traffic slowed to a near-halt. It was raining pretty hard, with drops pelting my windshield and great flashes of lightening happening all around me. Just then, I remembered that I have to pass the Piggly Wiggly on my way home from work. At that moment, I realized that I had to have some fried chicken for dinner. There just wasn't any way around it.

So, I slowed as I passed by the Pig and tried to find a parking spot in front of the building, where I'd be spared a large portion of the ginormous raindrops that were falling at an alarming rate. Hmm... no spots available. One appeared at the corner of the entrance to the building, not quite as convenient - but doable. I parked in the spot, and sat there for a minute. Did I really need fried chicken for dinner enough to brave the rainstorm, thunder and lightening that was occurring outside my car? Thoughts of this began to swirl inside my head...

Man that fried chicken was good.

Most of the "how big is baby" pictures that I've posted have not been cute. This week, however, Franklin is a rather adorable (and yummy) butternut squash:

Mmm... if I lived in Atlanta a trip to Figo de Pasta would be in my very near future. We will see the first real glimpse of Franklin's features (and the first ultrasound in almost 10 weeks!) on Monday!!! Only two days until we see that sweet face. I can't wait!

Check!

If you couldn't tell from the previous post, it's been pretty busy at our house lately. In the past week alone, I've crossed several things off the running "list" of things to tackle before Franklin arrives, including:

1. Wash Crib Bedding
2. Purchase and install feather topper for bed in nursery
3. Install Crib Bedding, including ironing crib skirt, shams for bed, table topper and skirt
4. Attend breastfeeding class*
5. Attend all-day prenatal class**
6. Register for Infant CPR Class following instructions to do so at all-day prenatal class
7. Wash items of clothing purchased for baby
8. Hang and organize items of clothing purchased for baby
9. Purchase and wash nursing nightgowns, etc. for hospital
10. Purchase cosmetic extras for hospital (toothbrush, paste, face wipes, etc.)
11. Pack said nightgowns and cosmetic extras, etc. in bag for hospital
12. Type list for Frank in case I must go to the hospital early and have not had time to prepare***
13. Call Hobby Lobby regarding artwork I took to frame approximately three weeks ago that's supposed to be ready TODAY.
14. Visit Hobby Lobby TODAY to take in artwork to be framed after I was promised that said art would be finished with framing by Friday.
15. Almost slap the man at Hobby Lobby after he brings out four CHEAP BROWN, WRONG SIZED frames that are supposedly part of "my order" this morning when I take said artwork by to be framed.
16. Threaten man's life when I agreed to leave artwork at Hobby Lobby when he assured me the right frames would be in and my art would be finished framing by Monday afternoon.

*Breastfeeding class from 7-9 PM at night after working 10 hour day is not so much fun. Particularly when you thought the class was only an hour, and didn't eat dinner before because you had a snack in the 15 minutes you had to change clothes after work in order to make it to the class on time. 15 minutes into class, realize that you've already read about nearly everything that this woman is talking about, and class is a waste of time - except for 15 minute section where she actually showed you how to hold baby's head in order to create a proper latch.

**Only registered for class to begin with because Frank has little infant experience and the notation for the class explained that "basic infant care" would be covered. Attend class hoping that at least an hour in the afternoon session would cover bathing, temperature, swaddling, diaper changes, etc. - only to realize at the end of the day (which lasted 9-4 on a SATURDAY) that they were going to spend 15 minutes showing you how to change a diaper and swaddle the baby. At the end of the 15 minutes, realize that there will be no "practice" session for husband who's spent all day with you at worthless class, and they didn't even remind the parents of boys to point the willie DOWN so the diaper doesn't leak everywhere. Not to mention the swaddling technique was incorrect and I won't be using it. WORTHLESS waste of $50 bucks, minus the hospital tour that we could've taken for FREE.

***My sweet husband and I have been married for 2 years and he still couldn't tell you which drawers my clothes go in. Typed detailed instructions for where to find my makeup, face soap, etc. were obviously necessary for the inside of the bathroom cabinet. You know, just in case.

After my experiences with prenatal "preparation" classes during this pregnancy, I have decided that there should be two types of classes involved: 1) classes for average-idiots who get pregnant accidentally and don't do any research or reading into what they can expect/ should know until they are 38 weeks pregnant and realize they were too stupid to do anything in advance. People who ask questions like, "Oh, if you get an epidural you aren't put totally under?" Idiots. I do not want to sit in a classroom with these people from 9-4 on a Saturday. I have done my research, just give me the cliff notes version of what you think I should know, and I'll try to restrain from arguing with you about whether Happiest Babies on the Block has a better system than Moms on Call, and the virtues of using either compared to Baby Whisperer. Seriously people. 2) Classes for professional people who are tired at the end of the day (because they have a JOB) and who have already read every major book published, talked to all of their friends for suggestions, and visit websites daily for tips on how to properly prepare for the birth and care of their infant that they desperately tried for months to conceive.

When Dr. Straughn and I first discussed the fact that I want an elective C-section, she asked if it was a "fear" thing and whether I'd ever seen a regular (I can't bring myself to post Virginia on the blog) birth. I explained that I'd seen several (I mean, if you have cable who hasn't watched a Baby Story at LEAST once), and it was just more of a "I know myself, my family, my husband enough to know this will be the best way for us" kind of a thing. At the point during the all-day prenatal class when went through "labor coping techniques" and were were supposed to be practicing hand and back massage after watching couples use the techniques in a video, my feelings regarding the c-section were completely validated. Frank had been instructed to try out the hand massage, and instead looked at me and retorted, "We're having a C-section, I don't have to do that." 30 seconds later and he'd taken the pillow that we brought to the class and is lying in the floor with his head on the pillow in my lap. Rule number one for pregnant women, as explained over and over during the all-day prenatal class: trust your instincts.

78 days to go until we meet our little man, it can't get here fast enough!

Makin' Progress....

So the nursery has come together nicely... it's so cozy, and I'm really pleased with the way it all came together. Here's a close up of the bedding installed in the crib:

Here's a view from the door leading into the nursery. The rug was a steal at Ikea, and it's pretty plush. Seeing it the room made the entire debacle of Ikea Atlanta worth it. (Let's just keep it at 30,000 people + swine flu fears + 27 week pregnant lady + little air conditioning does NOT equal a happy experience).

The other side of the room. (Note that the artwork for the walls still isn't quite ready):

Closer view:

And the bed in the room. Because this will still be our guest room when we have visitors, I wanted the bed to be super-comfortable. I also anticipate that there could potentially be nights where I will be sleeping in the bed as well. SO, off I went to purchase a feather-topper to make the older mattress a little more plush. I wish I'd done it years ago, it lifted the bed to a better height (I prefer higher beds) and made it much more cozy.

And a view of my letter-painting expertise along with the crib bedding:

So there it is folks. All ready for our baby boy to arrive in around 10 weeks or so. I keep telling myself 10 weeks, because I'm not counting the week that he'll arrive. Since my last day of work is October 31st and Franklin will not arrive until the following Friday, I fully intend to do lots of sleeping, eating, resting, manicuring, pedicuring, etc. during the week leading up to his birth. Lets hope (for my sake) that works out.

Note that crib bedding was purchased from Javis Davis, www.javisdavis.com, and is beautiful in person! Extra plus - only took 2 1/2 weeks from order to delivery at my door. I was super-impressed.

In other extremely happy news, CONGRATS to my friends Marina and Luke on the birth of their daughter Olivia Grace this week. I hope to meet her in person very soon!!

Just Another Morning in the Long Household....

6:00 AM. BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Frank's alarm goes off for the first time.

7:00 AM BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Frank's alarm goes off for the 10th time.

Those of you who know my husband may be under the impression that he's an early riser. Apparently, however, that only applies to the weekends, when he hops out of bed raring to go at 6 AM on Saturday and Sunday, while I huff and puff and roll over to try to go back to sleep (because, seriously, there are no husbands who can actually get out of bed without waking their wives).

This morning was no different, and when Frank finally shot out of bed in a panic at 7:30 AM both Franklin and I were also jolted awake. So I suppose things were going to be a bit off-kilter today. Frank got ready for work and left at a decent time, and I began my morning routine. At some point, I realized that Frank had forgotten his glasses, which was odd. A quick blackberry message to him and we'd arranged for me to bring them to work (we work across the street from each other).

I finished getting ready for work, and headed to our kitchen table to gather my bag and keys. Because I am aware that pregnant women are notorious for absentmindedness and for losing things, like keys, I place my keys and bag on the kitchen table every single night when I come in to prevent the infuriating search for keys as I try to head out the door in the morning. Today, however, when I went to reach for my keys--they weren't there. I'd come home a little later last night following dinner with friends, but was certain that I'd put my keys on the table - like I always do. After all, I'm a big fan of the routine, a creature of habit, am methodical to the point of obsession. So, because it's a little later than I'd like and I'm pretty busy at work, the panic sets in... where did I put my keys? Darn this baby brain! I search from room to room - they aren't in the bedroom drawer, or the laundry hamper, or the medicine cabinet, or the den in the tray - or in the study on the desk. They aren't in the door (did that one day last week for about an hour). They didn't fall on the floor, and they aren't in my bag. What did I do with them?!? By this time, it's been about 15 minutes and I'm starting to sweat and am getting upset. I just don't have the time this morning to wait for Frank to drive all the way back to the house to pick me up because I stupidly lost my keys.

As a last resort, I phone Frank. He picks up, although I'm on speaker phone. "Hey, any idea where my keys might be?" I ask. "Well, I used them to unlock the door this morning." He replies. This sets off a stream of words that I choose not to repeat, and that will result in a mouth full of soap should Franklin ever decide to utter them. "Where the ___ did you put my keys!!?" I ask. (At this point I am no longer on speakerphone) - "Hold on, hold on, I just remembered that I didn't use them to unlock the door, I used my own! It's not my fault." He replied. Just in case, while we're still on the phone, I open the kitchen drawer where we stash keys. There, lovingly placed with all of the other random keys in the house, are my car keys. I relay their location to my hubby, and he just giggles.

Thank goodness I have a sense of humor, and find my husband's giggling rather charming.

Tomorrow we attend our all-day prenatal class at our hospital. I cannot wait to watch Frank put a diaper on a baby doll. Happy Friday!

Happy Anniversary!

Two years ago today (Aug. 4th) I married my husband. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from that incredible (HOT), memorable, wonderful day:

Frank, we've come a long way in two years, and I can't wait to see you as a father! Our baby is one lucky little guy. Here's to the road ahead!

Nursery Updates

We've finally made progress on the nursery. I'm pretty pleased so far, but we have a ways to go. I'm glad that we started this process early, fatigue has started to return this week and I'm feeling like I'll be headed towards an 8:30 PM bedtime anyday now. I suppose that I should've expected it, my first trimester was one long blur of sleepy days. Since this is the last week of my 2nd trimester I guess it was time.

In happier news, the artwork for Franklin's room is absolutely beautiful! I have a feeling these will become treasured family keepsakes (hopefully) that will hang in my grandchildren's rooms one day. They are being framed at the moment, and look great in the nursery. All nursery rhyme prints, the first is "Dish Ran Away With the Spoon":

Followed by "Cow Jumped Over the Moon:"

And we can't leave out Humpty Dumpty:

And my favorite, "Little Boy Blue:"

There's still more updating to do, but here's a peek at the nursery so far:

The changing table cover:

The name "Franklin" was a little long to put the whole thing on the wall, so I opted instead for a monogram. Frank sanded and painted the base coat on the letters, and I added the detail. I'm fairly pleased with the turnout - they are by no means professional looking, but I think they'll do.

Awhile back in the mail we received an ad from Huggies with a diaper enclosed (I suppose to give you an idea of what the diapers look/feel like). I was shocked when I opened the package and pulled out the diaper - it was so tiny!! It looks like the diapers I used to put on my cabbage patch kids - seriously. To give you an idea of the size, I placed it next to a super-cute bootie that our friends Jeff & Julianna gave Frank and I for our birthdays:

I can hardly believe that Franklin will be that tiny! (I can also hardly believe that he'll be here in about 13 weeks, but anyway). Last, but not least, Franklin's baby book arrived today. I was determined to find something that I loved, something that I could keep and that would stand the test of time. I found a personalized book that I adore, and in person it's even better than I'd hoped:

It covers the first five years, all the way through his first day of school! The pages are Beatrix Potter themed, and they are softly hued and very sweet. I can't wait to add in all of the special moments he'll experience! So yes, I am finally starting to relax as things are coming together.

In other news, the pain in my ribcage/back is still bothering me and Dr. Straughn said that sometimes her patients can develop inflammation in their ribcage during pregnancy. I've finished a 3-4 day motrin prescription to try and ease the inflammation, but it looks as though it's not going to help much. At least we tried! I shouldn't complain, I have been blessed with a fairly easy pregnancy - but I certainly need to get a jump start on some of the laundry I have to do for the little man. Standing up ironing/ washing will only get harder from here! We've also scheduled our 3D/4D ultrasound for August 24th. It will be our first glimpse at what Franklin will really look like when he arrives, and I can't wait!