Happy New Year!!

Today is New Year's Eve and we are getting ready for a quiet evening at home...thank goodness! You went on your first SUPER DUPER long road trip. We left early Saturday morning (very early...like 6am!) and headed to Oklahoma to visit Daddy's side of the family. You did well on that day, I think because you were still sleepy! I fed you your breakfast in the car and we were on our way! We stopped in Norman (boomer sooner!) for some lunch then headed north to Daddy's home town, Tulsa. We stayed with cousins and you had lots of visitors! No one wanted to put you down....and why should they want to?? You were just too precious for words. The next day we visited more friends and family and headed to Henryetta which is where your Grandma and Grandpa Yandle were born and raised...before "high tailin it" to the big city of Tulsa! That part of the trip was low key and we spent lots of time with Uncle Bob (your grandmother's brother) and Aunt Bobbie. Everyone just absolutely loved you and can't wait for you to come back to visit! The trip back home was a lot longer because we ran into a lot of traffic. :( We were/are still exhausted but are glad to have made the voyage to Okie land!
My sweet Nattie, you will be 6 months next week and I can't believe it. We saw one of your cousins who is almost 3 months and I still can't believe you were ever that little!! You are making more noises, starting to sit up on your own and just doing so much to show your personality. I love every moment I spend with you and I hope the new year brings us nothing but more happiness and tons of fun!!!
I love you more every day so you never have to worry about it ever running out!
xxoo,
Mom

Happy 5 month birthday!

I woke up today at 3:30am to you squirming and trying to tell me that you were hungry. I made you wait, just thinking that maybe you would fall back asleep, but no dice. You kept going and I finally got up to go feed you. You were so happy to see me, even that early in the morning. :) Too hard to be mad at you. After you finished your bottle I put you back to bed and tried to go back to sleep myself. All I did was watch you on the monitor. You flipped over on your belly then pushed yourself up (in the Yoga cobra position----will explain to you latere :) then you proceeded to flip over on your back as if you had been doing that for years. Now I know I was meant to lose some sleep so I could watch my baby girl make her next move. I sat there watching you thinking...."how is it possible that THAT is the tiny baby who I gave birth to 5 months ago?" Seems like time was going nice and slow for me for a while, but now it seems to be going at lightening speed and I can't slow it down. I enjoy all our moments together and the older you get the more fun you get. I love watching you grow, but I can't help but be a little sad that you aren't that little 6lb baby I brought home 5 months ago today. My favorite onesie that you wear (spagetti strapped, red and white striped with a blue partridge decal sewn onto it) no longer fits and that really hit me hard yesterday. :( You are the most special thing (next to your dad) to come into my life and I just want to savor every second.
You are whining in your discovery play center right now, so I better go get you out of there before you get really mad! :) Our family christmas cards are ready and daddy is going to pick them up today and I canNOT wait to see them! You did so good during your "photo shoot" last night. :) You are a natural and hope you continue to love the camera!! :)
I love, love, love you.....always and forever.
XO,
Mom

Baby hugs

Baby hugs are the cure for what ails you....no doubt about it!
My sweet girl, you have started hugging and daddy and I just can't get enough! It's the best feeling in the world. Those tiny arms wrapping around me is so amazing....even if it comes with a slobbery bite on the cheek! :)
It's so incredible to watch you learning things every second. You are so determined! If only adults put forth that much effort in things....this world would be a better place. Every second I spend with you is better than the one before. You always turn a bad day good. All I have to do is look at you and happiness fills my heart. :)
One thing I have to note that I think is so hillarious and kinda sad is that you will just sit in a poopy diaper and never even say a word. Again, this morning, I went to get you up and your diaper was filled!! How could anyone not scream to be cleaned up! You are so easy going and I hope that will continue throughout your life.
I love, love, love you, my monkeys.
XO,
Mom

Woops!

I'm standing here in the kitchen about to make some banana bread and watching you swing, and I realized that I hadn't posted here in a long time! SO sorry! A 4/5 month old is much more demanding on time. You are doing so much more now! Like grabbing things (including hot cups and plates that mommy has in her "general direction"). You are so cute! Just so into discovering ANYthing with your hands AND your mouth! :) Your new noise is the Raaazzzzzberry...and oh my, do you love it! You raaazzzzzz all day long and you are so proud of yourself. You are enjoying your discovery center a lot more now that you can really grab. Bouncing is still one of your favorite past times so I'm very excited to get you a jumpy for Christmas, well, it will be either mom and dad or Santa :) I'm equally as excited about having your first christmas!! You don't understand but you love the pretty lights and sparkly decorations. :)

I'm having so much fun with you....life just gets better and better. You love biting my face and will wrap your arms around my neck...and I feel like I'm in heaven. My heart just melts with each baby snuggle. :) And it makes me feel so awesome to see your big, "HI DADDY!" smile. :) You love him so much and that is amazing...

I love you my, monkey....always and forever!
XO
Mom

History has been made!

While you were sleeping, Americans elected the 44th president of the United States! You were born the year that history was made because finally race was not a factor in choosing the leader of our country. The first African American president is Barack Obama.
One thing I want you to know is that I was raised a republican and never really thought that would ever change. Daddy is very knowledgeable about politics but has never pushed Mommy to choose one side or the other, in fact, we never really talked about it much. Daddy respects Mommy to make her own decisions. After feeling disappointed with my previous choice for president, I started to become more interested in the candidates who wanted their chance to take a hold of the reigns. I didn't like either nominee at first, and sadly, I thought I couldn't vote for someone with the name Obama. I knew nothing about him really, and I was being shamefully judgemental. As the months went on I read a little more and learned more about both candidates and I became mesmerized by Obama and his hope for change. What really pushed me over the fence was hearing his wife speak and seeing how he interacts with her and his children. I wanted a family man as president. A calm spirit who would make decisions based on facts and consequences, not emotion. I realized, as you will, that growing up means having your own thoughts and opinions about everything that happens in the world. The bonus is that you figure out who you are in the process. It's taken me a long time to realize who I am as an individual. You don't have to follow the mainstream to be a good person, or to be someone's friend. You just have to be you. If you have goodness and honesty in your heart, that is all that matters. I once read a quote that stated, "To succeed in life you must have a wishbone, a backbone and a funnybone." I will do my best to make sure you always remember that. :)
Daddy and I voted for change. We are betting on a better life for you and your generation. That one day, life for you and your family and friends is one that you can call peaceful.
What we do in our lifetime is a reflection on what we want for your lifetime.

We love you and want you to know that with our love and support, you can be whatever your heart desires.
XO
Mom (and Dad) :)

Happy Halloween!

It's your first Halloween! Unfortunately, I couldn't find a costume that I thought you would be comfortable in. All of them are plush and hot and you are too warm a baby to be happy in those! You are rockin' a "snack-o-lantern" onesie and a pair of black and orange striped pants....see? Not an embarrassing outfit at all! :) I got your back, girl. ;)

Tonight we are handing out candy to the kiddies that come knocking on our door. If you haven't noticed, Mommy loves Halloween! I'm hoping that you will be as into it as I am as you get older.

So lately you are really liking being bounced and "flying" (what daddy calls it when he suspends you in air)...you LOVE that! You giggle and drool all over us! I'm guessing you are getting ready to sprout teeth cause of the drool and all the chewing you do on your hands. You are definitely coming into your own looks these days too. Hair is getting longer and your face has changed a lot! I love that gummy little smile!

I started writing this earlier and just now came back. You got sick riding around in the Bjorn carrier, I think, and threw up a few times! I saw your little head sway a little back and forth and out it came! Awww..I felt so bad. You are sleeping peacefully now....but what a morning! I hope you feel better when you wake up. Nothing worse than seeing your baby hurting.

Update! We had an awesome Halloween! We handed out candy and enjoyed the spooky night. :) The trick or treaters were diggin' Mom's decorations! You will soon understand. :)
(FYI---mom was a "disheveled housewife." It was a last minute idea and I thought it was funny. :)

I love you, my girl.
XO....Mom

Happy 3 month birthday my little monkey! :)

Today you are three months old! I still can't believe it! Although it kind of seems like time has flown by, I still feel like I'm soaking up every minute as if it were moving slowly. You've really started to sleep well through the night. A few times I've had to go in and wake YOU up! You are so happy when you open your eyes and see me. I love that gummy smile of yours more than anything in the world! :) You have such a great temperament. You only get mad when you're hungry and lately I think you are going through a growth spurt cause all you want to do is eat.
One thing you love to do is stand up on Daddy's or my lap. Your legs are so stiff and straight and I can tell by the look on your face that you love to be up high so you can see the world!

I enjoy every minute I spend with you. Even when I have a bad day, you always seem to know how to cheer me up. Sometimes you will just stare at my face and just by the look in your eyes, I know you and I are going to know each other so well. We will know exactly what to say to each other in good times and bad. I feel such a wonderful connection to you. I want you to have your own opinions of things and to be your own person. Whomever you turn out to be, I know I will be proud to call you my daughter.

I love you more every day.
~Mom
PS....we call you monkey because you look like a spider monkey! those big eyes!! :)

Talk to Momma!

Over the last couple of days you'e really been trying to get your point across! :) You make all kinds of noises...but your favorite is "ooooh....Ohhhhh......oooooh" you make the cutest little "O" shape with your mouth like you are about to sing. It's so cute and you especially love it when I mimmick you. You are so impressed by that and I'm sure it makes you feel super important :) That "O" mouth makes my heart melt...I love it so much I could cry!! It's so hard for me to do it back to you because it makes me smile and laugh so much :) You are definitely going to be a talker! I hope that we are always able to talk to each other the way we have the last few days. Speaking each other's language and finishing each other's sentences.
You are also starting to see up close which is exciting. When you hear Daddy's voice you look around and then when you spot him you give him a huge gummy smile! It's so sweet. :)
You did such a great job in your room last night. Only crying for a couple of little spurts, only to fall asleep soon after you started. You finally woke up at almost 7am! Mom is having a hard time with you sleeping in your own room still...but I'm getting a little more used to it. I would rather have you by me all the time, but I realize I have to let go a little and let you get into your routine. It's SO hard, but I'm trying! You are doing all these independent things...like straightening your legs when I hold you up and you try to stand on my belly and holding your head up so well it barely bobbles anymore. You love to be facing forward so you can see what's going on. you are just growing up so quickly but I love watching you learn all these new things. :)

love you!
Mom

Thanks to you.....

.....I won't sit and cry my eyes out today....for being another year older.
Today Mom is 32 and oh how I wish I could reverse those numbers! There is only one catch....I would want to be the person I am today rather than the one I was at 23! It wasn't bad at 23, I had just gotten my first apartment, I was driving a Camero convertible [that your dad would have thought wasn't cool enough ;)] and was making a decent living for a young single girl. I found my independence and was loving it. It's crazy looking back on how different my life was way back then. I did enjoy my partying, free-living days, but I wouldn't trade my life now for my life then. I wouldn't trade anything, but the age! ;) I do miss being younger, cause I do feel much younger than I am.....but being 32 means having you!! And that is the best gift I could receive. You make me not so sad to be a little older. I love you, punkys! :)
Oh yeah, you slept in your own room by yourself allll night for the first time!!! You are getting so big.....and you too have begun to find your independence. (sigh)...my little girl is growing up.

XXXOO,
Mom

Sometimes you are SO me! :)

I recently took some pics of you with my phone that you will find hillarious some day. :) You were tired and very hungry one evening this week and, you were very into your bottle. You had one of your hands covering your face and you didn't move it until the bottle was nearly empty. It is just so me coming through....the dramatic...the love for food....and the wish that eating and sleeping could co-exist without any risk of choking or digestive problems. :)


Love you!
Mom

Happy 2-month birthday, Punks! (you too, Aunt Lynda :)

Natalie had her 2 month birthday today! She unfortunatly spent the morning at the doctor getting her immunization shots.... :( I stared at her before we went thinking how pristine she was and how unaware of what was about to happen to her....it made me so sad. I pleaded with her to forgive me as we walked in the door. She screamed, but it was over so fast, and she calmed down almost as quickly.
We got home and she slept until it was time for her next feeding. As soon as she was done eating she started screaming and crying.....and I figured it had something to do with her shots. :( She had no fever, but her little injection areas were kinda puffy and red and the slightest touch set her off. I spent the better part of the afternoon holding my screaming little girl and walking her around the house while she attempted to sleep it off. It was breaking my heart and making me cry! I've never in her life heard her cry like that....it was so upsetting for us both. I think she just feels sore and it is completely foreign to her. Poor hunny! I'm so sorry!!! :(
Today, Punky, you weighed in at 11.5lbs and measured at 23" long!! wow! What a growth spurt! You are long and lean and gorgeous! :)
I can't believe that you are two months old...that two months ago today we were in the hospital getting to know each other. We make a great team and I'm so happy that I get to spend every single day with you!
(FYI...everyone's feeling much better now! ) :)

Mommy loves you, Natty! :)

It's finally September!

I'm so glad that summer is coming to a close...it's been so hot and I've been aching for fall weather. Natalie is such a warm baby that it seems like wherever I take her she gets sweaty :( so I'm ready to take her out in the cool, crisp air of the new season....whenever that comes!

My little Natty, you just started noticing your fur-brothers and sisters! :) It's so cute to watch you wide-eyed and hear you giggle at them. :) You are changing so rapidly that it makes me almost sad. I want you to grow and continue to get cuter ;) but it reminds me of the day when you won't be a baby anymore. :( Being with you every day makes me want to try for your brother or sister! It's so much more wonderful and fun than I had imagined. I get tired at the end of the day and I could really use a solid night of sleep, but you being you makes it all worth it! :) I get sad if you are tired all day and don't smile very much, but you usually make up for it the next day and smile constantly at me and your buddy the ceiling fan. :) Now I'm so glad Daddy and I made the decision to put one in your room!

You had your first OU football game experience that you were awake for, well for part of the game. You wore one of your many OU onesies and you were equiped with an OU pacy and burp cloth thanks to Aunt Madi! :) Nothing makes your Daddy happier than seeing you in the crimson and cream!

I'm hoping it starts to get cool soon so we can really start concentrating on your first Halloween that I am so excited about! Mommy loves her some Halloween!! :) Still not sure what you will be yet....it just has to be comfortable for my little hot pocket! ;)

I love you tons!!!
Mom

A new edition is coming to our family!!!

Uncle Jason is going to be a daddy! He's already a step dad, but he and Aunt Lynda are having a baby! It is going to be soo cool to have a cousin for you to play with, Natalie! I can't believe I'm going to be an Aunty!!! It's Daddy's first time as an uncle so I think he's pretty excited too. The baby is due on April 1st and we can't wait to hear if it's a boy or girl. :)

Oh, Punky...how is it possible that you are already almost 6 weeks old!! Time has totally flown by....and so far it's been such a blast! Every day is a little bit different...you sure keep me on my toes. Today you laid in the bed with us before we got up and you fell asleep. Then I noticed a wet spot on the sheet....your diaper leaked! Ewwww!! :( Oh well, life will be full of those little accidents...it was worth it to cuddle with you! Of course I may not always be this sweet about it. ;)

I can't believe how much you've grown and changed...it's just crazy how much happens in the first 6 weeks. You are starting to smile a lot more now and you are definitley recognizing Daddy and me. We are still working on you pulling up from your belly, which you don't like very much....but you are using your neck and head a lot more and it's fairly steady....just a little bit of bobble head left in you ;) I can't wait for more smiling (at me :)) and giggling.
My favorite thing right now is when you sneeze....immediately after it you say "Ah-goo" in relief. :) LOVE it! and love you, punkys!
~Mom

Happy 1-month birthday, Natalie!

Yep, today is Natalie's 1-month birthday. She was born 4 weeks ago today!
Happy, happy little Punky! We spent a lot of quality time together today. We did play time and belly time and you are starting to really pull your head up and turn over on your side! I took you into our bathroom today to wash off your pacifier and you saw me in full sunlight....your eyes got really big and we started smiling and giggling at each other...it was SO amazing...I know for a fact that it was NOT gas!! :) I could've stood there all day. Of course it totally made me cry to see you look at me like that and see this dimple that appears on your right cheek when you smile really big. You are going to break some hearts for sure!!

We had a rough evening yesterday with you eating too much, apparently, and projecting puke everywhere...I had to change both of us twice! :( Speaking of projectile puke....:) last week I was coming down the stairs with you and right when we got to the bottom step you burped (after a period of hiccupps) and out flew milk! The dogs scattered and out of pure instinct I stuck out my hand and caught it all!! :) I am now officially a mother! What a reaction without even thinking of it. :) You didn't have a drop on you. We make quite a team.

I'm so tired lately...like the lack of sleep is getting to me. But I am trying to deal with it the best I can. You are worth all the non-sleeping nights I have had and will have ahead of me! I love you, punky girl....and seeing you smile at me today makes everything worth it. I don't even remember the pressure and pain of labor.....just the joy of seeing you and holding you for the first time. We've been together (on the "outside") for a month now....and I can't wait for all the months to come. You are a gift, my angel....and I thank God every day for bringing you into my life. I knew my life felt complete when I married your Daddy....but now it truly feels complete with both of you in my world.
hugs and kisses,
mom

I think you have night and day mixed up....

zzzzzzzzzzzz.........oh, sorry I must've dosed off for a minute. You slept most of the day yesterday, regardless of us trying to keep you up....and so, yes....you were awake...WIDE awake most of the night! It's so hard to try to share your crazy schedule, but at least it doesn't happen all the time. I think all we can do is take life one day at a time and hope for the best each day. But, do you think you could sleep good tonight, Punky?? :)

I feel like having a baby has really made me want to slow down life. For the first time ever I'm not dreaming about what I'm going to do in the future and thinking about where life is going to take me 10 or 15 years down the road....I just want to concentrate on each day...maybe it will help me be less high strung and more laid back.......................................................yeah right. ;)

Something else I've discovered about me is that I am a very protective person. It doesn't matter who is holding Natalie....I am always there and always watching. I wish I could let go a little so I don't seem like one of "those" moms. I also find myself taking things personally when my family members want to be the "cool one" in Natalie's life. Punky, I just want you to know that I LOVE you more than anything and we will have the most fun ever! First I am your mother, but in a close second I will be your best friend and I hope you always respect and adore our relationship as I know I will. I'm sure Dad will have his hands full with us ;) but here's to the Yandle girls taking the world by storm! :) I love you, my little angel....always.
~Mom

Do you see me, Punky?

Twice yesterday I saw your ginormous eyes get wide when you saw me, like you actually are starting to focus on my face and recognize me. :) That is the greatest feeling in the world....and I will never forget that moment as long as I live! You also opened your eyes during a nap when Daddy came home and gave you a kiss....it was such a look of surprise and was so sweet :) You are such a wonderful little girl and we enjoy watching you grow....even though I would rather you stay little and sweet for my own selfishness.....but I can't wait to see every stage of your life.
Are the nicknames confusing you yet? :)
Daddy and I can't help it that we are a family of silly names. He hasn't come up with any for you yet, but I'm sure they will come. I have about 15 so far :) Punky (short for Punkin' is my fave right now).

We've passed 3 weeks!! Our little girl is growing and changing every day. She's learning to hold her head up on her own and is working her arms and legs. She likes to stare at lamps, lights, and sunlight that dances into the house and reflects on the walls. Nothing beats the wonderment in a child's eyes when they begin to discover the world around them. I stare at her so much and I miss her when she's sleeping. She is starting to get used to days and nights....but has little relapses once in a while when she wants to be held and wants to "snack" at 3am then at 4:30am....so we're learning. She actually sleeps really well and will self-sooth herself. I think she's a genuinely happy babyand somewhat independent....she will definitely be a mover and a shaker when she starts to crawl. :) She already attempts it during belly time.

I have my postpartum appt. a week from this Tuesday so I'm anxious to get the all clear to get back to normal! My elliptical and pilates routine are calling me! So ready to lose the baby weight! can't wait to do "baby and me" exercises so I can teach my little one that exercise is important in our lives....even though I was too exhausted to do much of it when I was pregnant. Next time I'm going to try harder to stay in better shape....at least I have this experience under my belt!

I love you, my little Punky!! :)

Ta ta for now!
Lori

We passed the two week mark!

Eric and I survived the first two weeks of parenthood! Natalie has been pretty easy on us. I'm sure she'll turn up the volume soon ;) We got a good amount of sleep last night which is nice....and yesterday was her two week birthday! I can't believe how fast she is growing! She's changed so much since the day she was born....but still so beautiful :)
Sadly, Eric went back to work today :( I think he had a hard time leaving, and I tried to pretend like I wasn't sad, but it was hard to watch him leave. Luckily he has a short week and will hopefully be coming home early to spend some extra time with us.

I guess life can get pretty stressful when you have a newborn, but it's also so awesome to be a mom....so I think it balances it all out. I'm starting to get back into my home routine and doing what I can when my little one naps. I still feel sorry for our four dogs because they aren't getting as much attention as the poor things should...but we are trying.

I'm so happy to see Natalie wake up and look around....and she is making more noises and faces. I can't wait until she starts smiling! :)

take care,
Lori

I never imagined how wonderful it would be.....

......to be a mom. I guess specifically Natalie's mom. She is the most precious gift I have ever received and I am so inspired by every moment I spend with her. I miss her when she's asleep! :) Silly, I know...but I love looking into those ginormous, beautiful eyes. :) Eric and I are so in love that it keeps us going even throughout our sleep deprivation which pretty much began with my very first contraction. Everything we went through is so worth all the joy she's brought into our lives. She completes our family and I don't even remember what emotions were like before she was born.

We went for her check up today and she has put on some weight and grown half an inch since leaving the hospital. 6lbs 11oz (almost back to her birth weight) and 20 inches. She's still so tiny but growing like a weed. :)

Hope you all enjoy the slide show of pics we have, we will add more to it as soon as Eric downloads them all.....we already have HUNDREDS of pictures :)

Take care!
Lori

She's finally HERE!!! 6lbs 13.5oz and 19.5 inches long!

Well, today is Natalie's due date, BUT she came into the world 3 days early! :)
Natalie Michelle Yandle was born on Wednesday, July 9th, at 3:05am! Yes.... A M!
My labor started at approximately 1:45am on July 8th. My contractions only got to about 10 minutes apart and were bearable but I called the doctor and they asked me to come in early that afternoon. I went in at 2pm and I was 4cm and almost completely effaced and my blood pressure was up a little, so they decided to admit me to the hospital. I was admitted at 4:00pm on Tuesday and was fine up until I got a horrifying contraction so they hooked me up with my epidural. AHHHH... :) I was SO exhausted by the time she was born, which was basically 25 hours of labor on hardly any sleep and being that Natalie and I were struggling to get her out it was difficult on me. When she finally started to crown, I put everything I had into it and out she finally came! :) TMI for some of you I know ;-) but I am so happy that she is healthy and came out SO beautiful. Everyone thought she was so gorgeous and I was happy she didn't look like a lizard :)

She and I are recovering well thanks to Daddy's help! He has been my rock and support throughout it all and I couldn't have done it without him. I am truly blessed to have such an amazing husband. :) He is so in love with his little girl and we feel so complete having her in our lives.

Our "fur babies" are adjusting well and are very inquisitive. But they are being very sweet so far :)

Natalie, you are the LOVE of our lives and we are over the moon with happiness about your arrival. You are such a wonderful baby and I can't wait to watch you grow and learn and see who you become. Daddy and I love you more than you know, but we will make sure to show you that love every day of your life!!

It could happen at any time!

Hello all! I had my 38 week appt yesterday and looks like things are under way! I'm very excited and I almost didn't want to post this for fear of jinxing it. Hopefully I don't. Per the ultrasound we had yesterday Miss Natalie is estimated to weigh about 7.2lbs! :) We got to see her face (fairly well) with the 4D image and she has the cutest little chipmunk cheeks you have ever seen! :) She also has her daddy's lips....SO cute :) She was practicing her breathing and sticking her tongue out...so it was fun to watch. Everything looks great with her.
I'm hoping that she comes this week, even though I have under 2 weeks to go. I'm SO ready.

How fun it would be to have a 4th of July baby! We will keep you all posted.

take care,
Lori and Eric

Less than 4 weeks....woooo hooo!!

Did I mention how hot it is?? Come on, 4 days in a row with over 100 degree temperatures??? Lord help me. Sleeping is also the uncomfortable aspect of being in your 9 month of pregnancy. Poor Eric has to listen to me groan as I switch from side to side trying to find a comfortable spot. I think I've become so exhausted that I just sleep through the pain...but I remember when I get up to go to the bathroom at 11:45, 1:45, 3:45, 5:00, etc., etc., etc. :) She is worth it and I kinda am feeling that I will miss having her so close to me all the time. I've so gotten used to being pregnant....BUT as I told my doctor yesterday, "I thought I would be scared, but I'm more anxious and excited to get her out!" :) Everything went well with my check up, Miss Natalie is still "on time" and I am not dilated yet. DANG....but the doc says that means nothing, she will come when she's ready.

This is my last week at work and I am SO excited to have some time off before she comes! I need to continue my "nesting" and just relax before the big day.

Can't wait until I can post that she is here!!! :)

Take care!

Feelin' hot, hot, HOT!

Could it BE any hotter outside???? It's not even summer yet!! :( On Monday I will be 36 weeks pregnant and officially 9 months pregnant!! I still can't believe how fast it's gone. The last couple of days I've noticed my stomach looks a lot lower and I do believe I have a waist again! Sweet, thank you for that tiny bit of reassurance, my precious little angel. :) The swelling is still awesome, BUT the wedding rings still fit (sorta) :) I find that I have a pinched nerve or something on my right side. I lose circulation there a lot, especially when putting on my mascara....hate that. I can still feel Miss Natalie moving...and she is so not gentle :( Although sometimes I feel a little roll which is so sweet to me. :) I'm SO ready for you to come!
Eric was surprised with a baby shower at work today. They showered him with pretty much the remaining items on our registry! We are so blessed and they are so totally sweet for making him feel special....I totally started crying, especially when he showed me a picture of the cake one of his co-workers made from scratch. Thanks, Angela!!!! :) Three showers is CRAZINESS but we are so lucky to have you all in our lives and we appreciate everything you did for us. :)
I only ask one more thing.....please pray that my baby's birth goes well and that her mom doesn't go through an unbearable amount of pain. The epidural is my friend, the epidural is my friend. :) My mantra.

Next week is my last week at work before I go on maternity leave and I'm so excited! I can't wait to have some time to rest and finish up on Natalie's stuff AND wait for her arrival. :) It will be time well spent, for I know I will get little to no sleep once she is here.

A wish for Natalie....

I have been thinking a lot about my "wish" for my little girl....and I wanted to share the story with all of you.

Almost a year ago (June 29th-July 4th, 2007) I went on a vacation with Eric and Mom and Dad to Santa Fe, NM. In the heart of downtown there is a chapel named Loretto. It's the famous chapel with the "floating" winding staircase. It's a beautiful little place. They had (like most catholic churches/chapels) an alter where you could light candles and pray for a miracle. Something came over me and I went up there and lit a candle and asked God to give me what I wanted most. I promised to try to be the best mom I could be....I just needed help making this dream a reality. I cried there for a little while....and I truly believed that I would be blessed. A few months later (in early November) is when I found out my dream was going to come true. I don't know what I did to deserve a chance at motherhood.....but someone up there believes in me and knows how wonderful my husband is and what a good dad he will be.
It would be so awesome if Natalie was born one year to the day of when I lit that candle and prayed so hard for my little miracle.
When you read this, Natalie, I hope you know just how much your dad and I wanted you and how much we love you, even from the beginning, when you were just a wish.

This was a bit emotional for me to write, but I felt like it would be nice to have this story here.

~Lori

6 Weeks and Counting!

So Monday it became official.....6 weeks left! (or less :) )
I'm so anxious to meet our little girl! Went to the doctor yesterday and she is officially head down!! I felt such an enormous pressure in my pelvis last night and it definitely feels like she's making her way down to get locked and loaded! :) YESS!! Eric and I have everything about ready to welcome her home. We are even getting the carpet professionally cleaned this weekend. It will be nice to have some freshness in our house, amongst the 4 dogs and all their shedding! I swear it's like a part time job sweeping that up! I'm still not sure how they will react to Natalie's arrival, but I know they will eventually get used to her. I don't think we'll get any angry attitudes out of anyone, except maybe Riley (our only male Rat terrior) who we raised together from a pup...and who is def. a mamma's boy! (sorry, honey..he is!) :) He may get a little jealous and he gets super curious about new things, understandable.....I just hope he takes to her ok.

Anyway, this is a short post....but wanted to update those who are reading the website often.
Take care!!
~Lori and Eric

Let the swelling begin.....

The Texas heat is a hater on pregnant women! This is the first week I've started to experience some swelling in my hands and feet. The four things on my body that I can always count on being bony and they are swelling up making me look more like the "Michelin Man" every day! I'm sad thinking of the day I won't be able to wear my wedding rings, but so far I can still get those suckers on! :)

We took a tour of the hospital last Saturday morning and I have to admit it scared the crap out of me. I had the "death grip" on Eric the whole time! I even almost started crying twice. I guess the reality of it all was becoming too much. There were like 15 preggos there with their "partners"...I couldn't believe there were so many of us! The nurses were really cool and knowledgeable and the hospital looks like the Galleria! Their security system for newborns is not unlike Fort Knocks....so not kidding. If the alarm goes off on one of the babies bracelets, every door in the hospital locks down. It's SO awesome feeling that safe....these people do NOT mess around. :) All in all it was a great experience and I'm so glad we did it. Nice to know what is coming....well as far as the environment goes, anyway. :)

It's almost Memorial Day Weekend! :) YAY! I'm super excited about the events planned for this weekend and seeing my brother and all my friends and family.

Hope you guys have a terrific weekend! See you next blog!

peace....

Just under two months to go!

That's right! Under two months to go and Miss Natalie will be here! Well, technically she's here, just being carried around in this "pod" I call my body, or actually, it's more HER body/vessel. :)
She is getting very entertaining already. If I lay on my left side, she moves and kicks with all her might....and this is the time Eric gets really creeped out! ;-) sorry, honey. :)
She seems to LOVE chocolate because she will do a little jigg for a few minutes then calm down...just like her Mamma! :) Cold drinks seem to spur on activity as well. I tell Eric almost every day how this is a window to our future....we think she will be a VERY active baby. No sleep for us!
Next week starts the baby showers! My office was kind enough to throw one for me on Monday, then I have one my Granny and mom are throwing me on Saturday with all my family and closest friends. I'm so excited to see so many people that I haven't seen in a while....that has to be the best part about that whole experience. I may cry a lot! But there isn't much I don't cry at these days.
I'm getting totally freaked out as the time draws near for the (dum, duh, dum, dum DUUUUM!!) birth. :( I'm SO squeamish anyway (for those of you who didn't know that)....so it's hard to wrap my brain around the fact that I'm going to be ok when the time comes. I'm so lucky to have Eric cause he is my calming force. I think once we take our classes in a couple weeks, I will feel more prepared....I HOPE!

Be sure to check out Natalie's 20 week ultrasound video, if you haven't seen it already...it's really amazing! (you can click on it at the right side of this web page and watch in here...too cool!)

Hope everyone is doing well! See you soon!
xoxoxo,
Lori (and Eric)