Katelyn has arrived!

I realize I'm a little late announcing Katelyn's arrival, but she's here! I think this is the most amazing picture i've ever seen (I'm a bit biased though). This is my exact memory of the doctor's telling me to look up and see our baby, and let me tell you it took the breath right out of me. We are so very very blessed to be the parents to little Katelyn, she's a tiny miracle. We are SO in love with her it's silly - we could sit and stare all day long, in fact we do!

Too classic not to share!

So last night I had dinner with Beca (who is pregnant, yay!), Kim and Hudson in Solana Beach. It's always nice to catch up and chat, we had a great time. It's so fun to have Hudson there, he's almost 2 and participates in the conversations.
Last night we were talking to him about how there's a baby in my belly, and he was obviously listening, but confused too. When we were done explaining Katelyn is inside me, he simply said "Open it" - how awesome is that statement! He makes it sound so simple. . .super fun! Then we tried to tell him that Beca has a baby in her belly too (she's not showing yet), and that was a little too much for him to understand I think! Pretty adorable if you ask me!

I thought this was cute!

'Dear Lord:

Thank you for bringing me to Timmy's house and not to Michael Vick's -- AMEN!'

Packing the hospital bag

Yes, I know we are 7 weeks away from Katelyn's arrival, but the e-mail sent from "What to Expect" today said "Time to pack your bags!" REALLY? Could we be that close? Why is that scary to me? I know i'm pregnant, she has the hiccups right now in my belly. But bringing her home, that's a different story, that's REAL.

Don't get me wrong, I CANNOT wait until we get to meet this little baby girl, see who she looks like, get to know her, be her mom - it's just getting CLOSER, that's all. I guess i'm a little nervous, but I know deep down that we are so blessed to have her coming into the world, and she is one lucky kid to be born into our families. It's just the packing of the bags that freaks me out!!!

Pink lint

I did Katelyn's first load of laundry! It was so fun to fold all those little outfits! I got the cutest call from Andrew yesterday, he was doing some laundry and went to clean out the lint, and he called me to tell me it was PINK! How fun is that? We were talking about it last night and I got all choked up when he said "It's like she's already bringing color to somthing that's normally colorless."

We are officially in love with this little girl.

August Reflection- what a difference a year makes part 2!

I was driving into work this morning, thinking about all the things that the last year has brought, and realized it's annual August reflection time! I don't do it in January, it just naturally comes in August, so i'm going with it. The last 365 days have been quite an adventure!

I've grown a baby! Well, almost.
Andrew and I have gone from family of 2 - to a family of 3- thinking.
I walked 60 miles for Breast Cancer and ADORED it- even the blisters (in retrospect, of course).
I experienced morning sickness.
I laid off 18 people, while thinking I was going to be laid off myself- I'd like the layoff business to stop with this years reflecting!
Then I experienced the relief of keeping my job! Whew!
I've watched Andrew begin to turn into a Dad - I'm looking forward to watching how this grows every year.
I learned I have a short cervix- who knew!
I'm trying to choose my attitude on a daily basis.
I've felt at the top of my game with my job, then I lost some confidence in my abilities to do my job - not sure if it was the threat of being laid off, shifting of priorities, or the idea that i'll be gone for 3 months?
Friendships that were weak naturally fizzled a little, and friendships that are strong have gotten even better.
I'm learning how hard it is to help aging grandparents.
I appreciate baths more - they can help a headache, nausea, or just help me relax!
I've watched my family experience true joy because of this little girl coming shortly! They literally thank us often for giving them this bright spot in their lives.
I learned that maternal instincts kick in immediatly- I would already do anything for her.

As I sit here and type, little Katelyn is inside kicking me (I think she doesn't like my chair at work, squishes her). I know i'll miss this feeling, but I am so excited to meet her and see what she looks like, what her personality will be. I can't wait to be a family of 3. Andrew and I have been talking a lot about trying to enjoy each stage of her life - I know the last 30 weeks of pregnancy have gone by rapidly, and next thing we know we'll be planning her first birthday. Maybe i'll think to go back and read this in the middle of a sleepless night a few months from now and remember to enjoy this stage, it will end before I know it!

We're spoiled!

Keelia and Cynthia threw us a baby shower on July 11 at the Meathe household, and we had so much fun! Cynthia's family made THE BEST enchiladas i've ever eaten, seriously! We had a great time hanging out with friends, got some good books to read to Katelyn, and lots of fun stuff to put away in the nursery. OOh, and thanks Hilary for the DELISH cherry chip cupcakes - I thought it was just a pregnant thing that I love them, but the men raved about them too! Everyone loves a pink cupcake now and then!

We're both nesting. . .

Andrew has been one busy guy lately! It seems like the TO-DO list is getting longer, not shorter, and we've been going full speed for the last couple of weeks! Proof: the second Andrew sits down, this happens.

The curious case of how to make a pregnant lady cry for 3 hours

Just when I think I'm acting pretty normal for being 28 weeks pregnant, something stops me cold in my tracks. Andrew and I rented The Curious Case of Benjamin Button last night to "relax" a little, and no kidding I started to cry about 5 minutes in and didn't really stop until it was over. About 15 minutes in Andrew paused the movie and asked (very gently, might I add) what exactly it was that was making me cry? I didn't really know, but I was so sad that poor little Benjamin was unwanted, and so glad that the lady who found him loved him! I seriously had a headache from weeping. . .great movie, but don't watch it pregnant or hormonal, that's my advice!

Monday Morning

When I got into work this morning, Grandma had sent me this little prayer that gave me a little extra boost. Thought I'd share!

Saint Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities
that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received ,
and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be confident knowing you are a child of
God. Let this presence settle into your bones,
and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance,
praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us