for the record

Just in case I go into labor today, I would like to state for the record that both Chris and I think this baby is a girl. We're not sure, but if it's a boy, we'll be surprised. I wanted our predictions to be known. Let's see how right on our parental instincts are!

baby watch

Just a quickie update if anyone is interested. I spent last Wednesday in labor and delivery for almost 4 hours being monitored after my blood pressure rose suddenly. After some tests, I am supposed to be "taking it easy" but am not on bedrest. Thank goodness because I am not the bedresting sort! Dr. C. is talking induction maybe this week or next if my blood pressure goes up again. There is a healthy, full-term baby in this belly, so it could be any day! Send some easy labor vibes my way!

The nursery is done and looks fabulous. I'll try to put some pictures on tomorrow. That is, if I'm not in labor.

baby update

I am just now starting to feel a little ... uncomfortable??? I think that is the word I am looking for. My feet have been swollen since I got on the plane to go to Boston. I've had swelling for weeks, but this is grosser. Swelling is not painful, but it just doesn't look good. The neat trick my feet have learned is that, when pushed or pressed, they hold the imprint. They are big, jelly-like paws, kind of like a puppy whose paws are just too big for his body. My other new complaint is a complete lack of bendiness. Yes, bendiness, as in if I drop something on the floor, I just kind of look at it, wondering how I am going to get down there to pick it up.



I had an ultrasound yesterday and Baby P was estimated to be 5 lb, 13 oz. (measuring about a week ahead of schedule), with HAIR! The weight was surprising to me (that is a regular-sized baby, PEOPLE!) but the fact that he/she has hair was the biggest shock. No idea why the hair got to me, but I am starting to get nervous for the first time. This is really happening.

three years?

On June 19, Chris and I celebrated 3 (?!?!?) years married. Pregnant people tend to have a reputation of being sappy and overly emotional, and I'm not going to be that way. I will say, however, that it has been a crazy, up and down, wonderful marriage so far. We have come a long way, we've come that way together, and I am completely looking forward to what's next.

That was then:

This is now:

after a wonderful weekend...

Here we are, spending an absolutely lovely evening stranded in our nation's capital. Our connecting flight was cancelled and we are tired and a little crabby. It's okay, though, because we really enjoyed an excellent weekend in Rockport.

We went to Massachusetts for my cousin Laura's wedding to Ahmad. Like most weddings, this one was a whirlwind of events, from the rehearsal dinner prepared by Ahmad's parents to Saturday beach day and Saturday afternoon's gorgeous wedding to Sunday brunch. It was a beautiful weekend and lots of fun and I am so happy we were able to be there. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BRIDE AND GROOM! What a wedding!

Look at the beautiful day and view!

The Harpers

Chris, Michael, Ali, and me with the bride and groom

new belly pictures

One of my volunteers told me today that her daughter was 5 months pregnant and way bigger than me. Yes, I get that all the time. What do you think?! 32 weeks:

















This is how Toby spends his days at his new pad.

what a week!

Let me give you a rundown of the past week:
Tuesday, May 27: Close on new house. Start painting living room/kitchen.

Wednesday, May 28: Attend childbirth class at night. Arrive 30 minutes late because we stopped to buy a new bed and the instructor thinks we went into premature labor.

Thursday, May 29: Finish painting.

Friday, May 30: Chris gets wisdom teeth removed. Finish packing apartment.

Saturday, May 31: Movers arrive and everything is moved to new house.

Sunday - now: Unpack/organize/LOVE NEW HOUSE!

Thank you to everyone who helped! I would like to thank my uncle Rick, my parents, Bea, Michael Harper, Greg and Heather, Trey, and Donavan. Thanks everyone!

I was going to take before pictures, but I didn't even take one. Oops. Here are some pics of the exterior, and I will take more of the inside as its finished:

Front door:

Front of house:

Front-right of house:

We're tired but happy. Happy Birthday Meg-O!