I had to share this post by one of my friends and teammates, Kara. She is due about 3 weeks after me and it's been fun to go through the same thing together.
Kara's pregnancy story has been several years in the making with many highs and lows. After all she has been through, she deserves the perfect pregnancy and birth story!
Kara and her husband are so creative so I would expect nothing less for their gender reveal. I was patiently checking my email on Friday waiting for it to come through.
Finally, she sent us a link to the video she and her husband, Matt, made.
http://mattandkaraadopt.blogspot.com/2012/03/blue-or-pink.html
It is TOO good not to share with everyone. Take a moment to share in their excitement and pray for this little one's future. This is one very lucky little baby!
I'm working in Charlotte this week and I can't wait to give Kara a great big hug and see her tiny belly!
Happy Monday to all!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Big City Girl
Well, I have been back in TN for a few days and I think I'm finally rested from our vacation and work.
Mike and I flew up to NYC last Friday for a little 4 day weekend. We were hungry when we landed in Charlotte and started walking to our new gate in search of food. Luck was on Mike's side because our next flight happen to be leaving right by Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, Mike's favorite burger joint. Mike felt like he was in a dream as he sat in first class, had a few free beer and chowed down on his Bad Daddy's!
We checked into the Westin and got upgraded to an amazing suite. These are the perks of traveling so much! We explored the city, grabbed a bite to eat and then got some sleep.
Saturday morning we enjoyed our hotel breakfast and then as we were still laying in bed, Mike got to feel Anderson kick for the first time! Such a sweet moment that I'll never forget.
After getting ready, we hit the pavement and shopped for hours. Mike was such a trooper and let me go to any store I wanted and carried my bags all around the city (Rick Jr and I love it). I finally own some maternity clothes and Anderson got a great start on his wardrobe!
After some NY pizza and Crumbs cupcakes (I know, we were fat kids), we went to see Mary Poppins. This wasn't Mike's first choice but I promised him that it would be worth it. It was so good and I enjoyed every second of it.
Later that evening, we headed to a "Carolina" restaurant to eat dinner and watch the UNC vs Duke game. Since Mike saw Mary Poppins, it was the least I could do.
By the time we got back to the hotel, my legs were so tired and I was ready for sleep!
Sunday morning we woke up early and headed to the TODAY SHOW!! This has been on my bucket list for probably my entire life. As luck would have it again, we stood in exactly the right spot and got on the show a few times. Jenna Wolfe and Carl stood directly in front of us and even stopped and chatted with me for a few minutes.
The rest of the day was spent doing "tourist" things...central park, ground zero, statue of liberty and battery park. We met our friends, Ben and Becca, for lunch near central park and it was great to catch up on life.
By Sunday evening, I was exhausted. We decided to walk as much as possible instead of using the subway or taxis. In the end we only used 2 taxis and walked our little hearts out. Probably a good thing since we didn't eat particularly healthy. We ended Sunday with a really nice dinner and talked about all we have going on during the next few months.
Monday morning, Mike headed to the airport and I headed to the office. I stayed in NYC until Thursday and had a great time meeting my new hires and hanging out with my teammates.
It is always nice to get away with Mike because it surely won't be as easy in the future. Here's to hoping Anderson likes to travel as much as we do because we're already planning his first trip!!
Because I am tired of everyone nagging me, here's the one and only "belly" picture that I will probably share. Here I am at 21 weeks. I do have a bump, you just can't tell as much in this picture. Not only has my pooch gotten bigger, but so have my legs, hips and butt.
Mike and I flew up to NYC last Friday for a little 4 day weekend. We were hungry when we landed in Charlotte and started walking to our new gate in search of food. Luck was on Mike's side because our next flight happen to be leaving right by Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, Mike's favorite burger joint. Mike felt like he was in a dream as he sat in first class, had a few free beer and chowed down on his Bad Daddy's!
We checked into the Westin and got upgraded to an amazing suite. These are the perks of traveling so much! We explored the city, grabbed a bite to eat and then got some sleep.
Saturday morning we enjoyed our hotel breakfast and then as we were still laying in bed, Mike got to feel Anderson kick for the first time! Such a sweet moment that I'll never forget.After getting ready, we hit the pavement and shopped for hours. Mike was such a trooper and let me go to any store I wanted and carried my bags all around the city (Rick Jr and I love it). I finally own some maternity clothes and Anderson got a great start on his wardrobe!
After some NY pizza and Crumbs cupcakes (I know, we were fat kids), we went to see Mary Poppins. This wasn't Mike's first choice but I promised him that it would be worth it. It was so good and I enjoyed every second of it.
Later that evening, we headed to a "Carolina" restaurant to eat dinner and watch the UNC vs Duke game. Since Mike saw Mary Poppins, it was the least I could do.By the time we got back to the hotel, my legs were so tired and I was ready for sleep!
Sunday morning we woke up early and headed to the TODAY SHOW!! This has been on my bucket list for probably my entire life. As luck would have it again, we stood in exactly the right spot and got on the show a few times. Jenna Wolfe and Carl stood directly in front of us and even stopped and chatted with me for a few minutes.
The rest of the day was spent doing "tourist" things...central park, ground zero, statue of liberty and battery park. We met our friends, Ben and Becca, for lunch near central park and it was great to catch up on life.
By Sunday evening, I was exhausted. We decided to walk as much as possible instead of using the subway or taxis. In the end we only used 2 taxis and walked our little hearts out. Probably a good thing since we didn't eat particularly healthy. We ended Sunday with a really nice dinner and talked about all we have going on during the next few months.
Monday morning, Mike headed to the airport and I headed to the office. I stayed in NYC until Thursday and had a great time meeting my new hires and hanging out with my teammates.It is always nice to get away with Mike because it surely won't be as easy in the future. Here's to hoping Anderson likes to travel as much as we do because we're already planning his first trip!!
Because I am tired of everyone nagging me, here's the one and only "belly" picture that I will probably share. Here I am at 21 weeks. I do have a bump, you just can't tell as much in this picture. Not only has my pooch gotten bigger, but so have my legs, hips and butt.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Frequent Flyer
I flew in last night from a 3 day trip to Austin, Texas. My hotel was right on the river and the weather could not have been better. After a long day of interviews, I hit the trail along the river and enjoyed the 80 degree weather.
But after a great trip, I'm heading out again for another fun getaway. I am in the middle of unpacking, doing laundry and repacking for NYC! Mike and I are flying up there for a quick getaway. He is going to fly home on Monday but I'm going to stay in town for a few days. We have both been so busy we haven't had a lot of time to plan.
But don't worry, there is wi-fi on the plane and I will be purchasing our Broadway tickets, mapping out my shopping route (maternity clothes & a diaper bag are on the list), planning my TODAY SHOW debut and making sure I eat my weight in not good for you food.
Just so you know, I'm planning to stand right beside Lenny when I get to the Today Show! I will be the crazy pregnant lady waving my arms in the air...and could possibly be eating a cupcake.
Ready for a fabulous weekend away with the hubster!! Big Apple, the Staton's are coming for you...
But after a great trip, I'm heading out again for another fun getaway. I am in the middle of unpacking, doing laundry and repacking for NYC! Mike and I are flying up there for a quick getaway. He is going to fly home on Monday but I'm going to stay in town for a few days. We have both been so busy we haven't had a lot of time to plan.
But don't worry, there is wi-fi on the plane and I will be purchasing our Broadway tickets, mapping out my shopping route (maternity clothes & a diaper bag are on the list), planning my TODAY SHOW debut and making sure I eat my weight in not good for you food.
Just so you know, I'm planning to stand right beside Lenny when I get to the Today Show! I will be the crazy pregnant lady waving my arms in the air...and could possibly be eating a cupcake.Ready for a fabulous weekend away with the hubster!! Big Apple, the Staton's are coming for you...
Sunday, February 26, 2012
babies, babies everywhere
We just got back from a jam packed weekend in Winston Salem. We hit the road to my parents house on Friday afternoon and were greeted by O'Malley when we arrived. We sure do miss our pup and hope to bring him back in the next month or two.
Nanny was so excited to show us everything she (and dad) bought for Anderson, and little booger got so much stuff! Mom knows I'm a snob and tried to find clothes that would meet my approval...and most items did! I loved all the cute little outfits!!!
Friday morning we woke up and had snuggle time with O'Malley. We put an old blanket on the couch and let him lay around with us.
After breakfast and showers, we headed to my friend Erin's house. Erin and I met freshman year in Coltrane and have been friends ever since. She and her husband have the most precious little peanut named Celia Mae. Celia is 14 months old and probably the happiest baby I have ever met. Erin and I caught up on life while Mike played with Celia. Our visits are always too short but I'm glad we got to spend a little time together. After our visit, we headed to the hospital to see Meg and Scott!
Baby Gus decided to make his entrance 6 weeks early and I couldn't wait to get to the hospital to see him. Gus has been in the NICU and unfortunately I wasn't allowed to see him. (sneaking me in didn't really work out) Meg showed me lots of pictures of Gus and updated me on his progress. He is doing extremely well and they are hoping he gets to come home in a week. I have to say that Meg has such a positive attitude and looks AMAZING! If I could look that skinny after giving birth, I will be one happy girl. I can't wait for our annual West Girls family beach trip this year so Anderson and Gus can "play" with each other!
The added bonus of the hospital visit was seeing our friends Blake & Ashley. Ashley gave birth to Crosby 4 weeks early and we got a chance to see them as well. Crosby is so cute and he has one very proud older brother.
After hanging out with Scott and Meg, we rushed back to my parents house so I could change and head to Whit's baby shower. Whit and I have been friends for 25 years and it's exciting to see her enter into this new stage of life! Motherhood will be such a scary but amazing journey, and I'm thankful she is going through it before me. I expect lots of good advice in a few months.
Some of Whitney's friends hosted a nautical theme baby shower and did a great job! They didn't miss a single detail and you could tell a lot of love went into the shower.
Later that evening, my parents took us to a new restaurant in Clemmons. We saw so many familiar faces and it was great to catch up with old friends...the food was awesome too!
Just like weekends growing up, my dad went and got us fresh bagels for breakfast on Sunday morning. YUM! We sorted through some of Deedee's stuff and all the baby stuff Em had sent home.
Once the car was finally loaded down with so much stuff, we hit the road.
It was such a fun weekend hanging out with my parents and catching up with friends. Weekends like these always make me wish we lived a lot closer. Hopefully one day we will be back in NC and all the babies will be best friends!
Nanny was so excited to show us everything she (and dad) bought for Anderson, and little booger got so much stuff! Mom knows I'm a snob and tried to find clothes that would meet my approval...and most items did! I loved all the cute little outfits!!!
Friday morning we woke up and had snuggle time with O'Malley. We put an old blanket on the couch and let him lay around with us.
After breakfast and showers, we headed to my friend Erin's house. Erin and I met freshman year in Coltrane and have been friends ever since. She and her husband have the most precious little peanut named Celia Mae. Celia is 14 months old and probably the happiest baby I have ever met. Erin and I caught up on life while Mike played with Celia. Our visits are always too short but I'm glad we got to spend a little time together. After our visit, we headed to the hospital to see Meg and Scott!
Baby Gus decided to make his entrance 6 weeks early and I couldn't wait to get to the hospital to see him. Gus has been in the NICU and unfortunately I wasn't allowed to see him. (sneaking me in didn't really work out) Meg showed me lots of pictures of Gus and updated me on his progress. He is doing extremely well and they are hoping he gets to come home in a week. I have to say that Meg has such a positive attitude and looks AMAZING! If I could look that skinny after giving birth, I will be one happy girl. I can't wait for our annual West Girls family beach trip this year so Anderson and Gus can "play" with each other!The added bonus of the hospital visit was seeing our friends Blake & Ashley. Ashley gave birth to Crosby 4 weeks early and we got a chance to see them as well. Crosby is so cute and he has one very proud older brother.
After hanging out with Scott and Meg, we rushed back to my parents house so I could change and head to Whit's baby shower. Whit and I have been friends for 25 years and it's exciting to see her enter into this new stage of life! Motherhood will be such a scary but amazing journey, and I'm thankful she is going through it before me. I expect lots of good advice in a few months.Some of Whitney's friends hosted a nautical theme baby shower and did a great job! They didn't miss a single detail and you could tell a lot of love went into the shower.
Later that evening, my parents took us to a new restaurant in Clemmons. We saw so many familiar faces and it was great to catch up with old friends...the food was awesome too!Just like weekends growing up, my dad went and got us fresh bagels for breakfast on Sunday morning. YUM! We sorted through some of Deedee's stuff and all the baby stuff Em had sent home.
Once the car was finally loaded down with so much stuff, we hit the road.
It was such a fun weekend hanging out with my parents and catching up with friends. Weekends like these always make me wish we lived a lot closer. Hopefully one day we will be back in NC and all the babies will be best friends!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Oh BOY!
It is finally official...we're having a baby BOY!!!!
Since I saw those double lines on the pregnancy tests, I have been waiting to find out the sex. So of course we have been counting down the days until our appointment. I have been convinced it was a boy and couldn't wait to be right!
We both were so excited to find out the sex and couldn't really sleep. We woke up at 4am and just laid in bed chatting about our future bundle and how our life is going to change. After several work meetings, it was time to head to the doctors office. On the way, I sipped on a coke zero and ate a few sour patch kids...I was determined to get this kiddo moving around!
After the dreaded weigh in, we headed back to the ultrasound room. We both watched in awe as the technician measured, counted and checked every inch of Anderson's body. When it came time to find out the sex, she let us look and guess first. I immediately saw a "third" limb and yelled...It's a boy! She confirmed my guess and pointed to the penis on the screen. At that moment, I thought Mike was going to run around the halls screaming with joy. He was a beaming proud papa! After the ultrasound, the midwife (our doctor had 3 emergency c-sections and couldn't meet with us) came to chat with us. Anderson got a clean bill of health and she answered my usual list of questions.
We then began to call all of our family and friends. It was so fun to share the news with everyone and hear their reactions to the name!
Everyone asked us how we came up with the name so let me explain.
I have always liked last names for first names. Mike was on the fence and shot down most of my name choices- with good reason. We finally narrowed it down to 2 names and settled on Anderson! We both felt like it was a strong, southern name. (We are calling him Anderson but his nickname will be Anders)
Mike's dad with his 3 sons
We met our dear friends for dinner and to share our big news. They have been such a blessing to us during this crazy time in Knoxville, and I could not be more thankful for their friendships!
Erica, me and Amanda
Since I saw those double lines on the pregnancy tests, I have been waiting to find out the sex. So of course we have been counting down the days until our appointment. I have been convinced it was a boy and couldn't wait to be right!
We both were so excited to find out the sex and couldn't really sleep. We woke up at 4am and just laid in bed chatting about our future bundle and how our life is going to change. After several work meetings, it was time to head to the doctors office. On the way, I sipped on a coke zero and ate a few sour patch kids...I was determined to get this kiddo moving around!
After the dreaded weigh in, we headed back to the ultrasound room. We both watched in awe as the technician measured, counted and checked every inch of Anderson's body. When it came time to find out the sex, she let us look and guess first. I immediately saw a "third" limb and yelled...It's a boy! She confirmed my guess and pointed to the penis on the screen. At that moment, I thought Mike was going to run around the halls screaming with joy. He was a beaming proud papa! After the ultrasound, the midwife (our doctor had 3 emergency c-sections and couldn't meet with us) came to chat with us. Anderson got a clean bill of health and she answered my usual list of questions.
We then began to call all of our family and friends. It was so fun to share the news with everyone and hear their reactions to the name!Everyone asked us how we came up with the name so let me explain.
I have always liked last names for first names. Mike was on the fence and shot down most of my name choices- with good reason. We finally narrowed it down to 2 names and settled on Anderson! We both felt like it was a strong, southern name. (We are calling him Anderson but his nickname will be Anders)
We wanted his middle name to be a family name so then it was off to consult the family tree.
Robert is Mike's dad's name and also my "grandpa's" name. My mom's dad died of Alzheimer's when I was young so I don't have a ton of memories with him. My grandma dated a man named Bob (Robert) for so many years that he became our grandpa. (fun side story- grandma & Bob went to medical school together and were best friends for years. They both married other people, had children and opened their medical practices in different locations. Both couples ended up building houses in Traverse City for retirement. After Bob's wife and grandpa passed away, they rekindled their friendship and dated for years.) Bob passed away a few months ago but was an AMAZING man. I just wish he could have met Anderson.
Robert is Mike's dad's name and also my "grandpa's" name. My mom's dad died of Alzheimer's when I was young so I don't have a ton of memories with him. My grandma dated a man named Bob (Robert) for so many years that he became our grandpa. (fun side story- grandma & Bob went to medical school together and were best friends for years. They both married other people, had children and opened their medical practices in different locations. Both couples ended up building houses in Traverse City for retirement. After Bob's wife and grandpa passed away, they rekindled their friendship and dated for years.) Bob passed away a few months ago but was an AMAZING man. I just wish he could have met Anderson.
Mike's dad and Bob Tull are 2 men that exude strong family values, love, strength, courage, smarts and a love for life. We pray that Anderson will grow up to be an amazing man just like these two.
Grandma & Bob
Mike's dad with his 3 sons
We met our dear friends for dinner and to share our big news. They have been such a blessing to us during this crazy time in Knoxville, and I could not be more thankful for their friendships!
Celebratory drinks with Chris
Erica, me and Amanda
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Vday
Another year, another Hallmark holiday...as my brother in law (Greg) likes to say.
I told my husband not to send me flowers this year. They are too expensive and we need to save our money! Well, the man has mastered the skill of tuning me out...
They are beautiful and I'm thankful for such a thoughtful husband!
Since Mike is traveling, I have a big valentines night planned... gym, leftovers, Real Housewives and maybe even the Duggars! I'm actually really excited about spending the night on the couch, and indulging in all the reality shows that the Hubs thinks are a waste of my brain cells. Ha!
Happy Valentines Day to all!
I told my husband not to send me flowers this year. They are too expensive and we need to save our money! Well, the man has mastered the skill of tuning me out...
They are beautiful and I'm thankful for such a thoughtful husband!Since Mike is traveling, I have a big valentines night planned... gym, leftovers, Real Housewives and maybe even the Duggars! I'm actually really excited about spending the night on the couch, and indulging in all the reality shows that the Hubs thinks are a waste of my brain cells. Ha!
Happy Valentines Day to all!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Life
Life lately consists of traveling during the week and meeting up on the weekends. Mike just got a promotion (woot woot) so we are hoping that will lessen his travel in a few months.
I worked from Charlotte and Raleigh last week and felt like I worked from 7am until 10pm every single day...it was a long week to say the least.
I did manage to meet my sis and John for dinner while in Raleigh. It was good to catch up and drool over their wine and beer.
After such a long week, we decided to have a low key Friday night.
Friday I made Skyline for dinner (a favorite from OH) and then we went to see Safe House. The movie was pretty good (similar to a "Bourne" movie), but it would have been much better if we weren't stuck in the 3rd row. I was not a happy camper.
Saturday we worked out, ran errands and just hung out around the house. That night we had some friends over for a "build your own" dinner party. We decided to do nachos this time and it was a success! I used the "shredded chicken" and "strawberry cake" recipes from Pinterest and they both turned out great. I now have half a strawberry cake in my fridge that no one is going to eat and I'm going to be forced to throw away (sorry, Ellen)!
After Sunday School, Mike packed his bags and headed out for work travels. I'm going to be spending Valentine's day with the Real Housewives of OC and feel pretty good about it.
In Tater news...
-I felt the baby kick this week, I think!!!! He isn't beating me up yet, but it certainly felt like a flutter/kick. I am trying to pay more attention to see if I keep feeling it or I'm really just gasy.
-I am now the proud owner of maternity jeans, and a few shirts. I will probably be wearing them in the next 2 weeks. My plan is to wear my pants until I can't button them, use the belly band then switch to maternity pants. We'll see how long this plan lasts.
-We have finally agreed on a BOY name...YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!! We find out the sex in a week and a half, so if Tater has a little "V" then we will have to go back to the drawing board.
-My boobs are HUGE and I'm not a fan. Let's hope these watermelons don't grow to their pre-surgery size or I might have a mental breakdown.
Hope everyone has a great week!
I worked from Charlotte and Raleigh last week and felt like I worked from 7am until 10pm every single day...it was a long week to say the least.
I did manage to meet my sis and John for dinner while in Raleigh. It was good to catch up and drool over their wine and beer.
After such a long week, we decided to have a low key Friday night.
Friday I made Skyline for dinner (a favorite from OH) and then we went to see Safe House. The movie was pretty good (similar to a "Bourne" movie), but it would have been much better if we weren't stuck in the 3rd row. I was not a happy camper.
Saturday we worked out, ran errands and just hung out around the house. That night we had some friends over for a "build your own" dinner party. We decided to do nachos this time and it was a success! I used the "shredded chicken" and "strawberry cake" recipes from Pinterest and they both turned out great. I now have half a strawberry cake in my fridge that no one is going to eat and I'm going to be forced to throw away (sorry, Ellen)!
After Sunday School, Mike packed his bags and headed out for work travels. I'm going to be spending Valentine's day with the Real Housewives of OC and feel pretty good about it.
In Tater news...
-I felt the baby kick this week, I think!!!! He isn't beating me up yet, but it certainly felt like a flutter/kick. I am trying to pay more attention to see if I keep feeling it or I'm really just gasy.
-I am now the proud owner of maternity jeans, and a few shirts. I will probably be wearing them in the next 2 weeks. My plan is to wear my pants until I can't button them, use the belly band then switch to maternity pants. We'll see how long this plan lasts.
-We have finally agreed on a BOY name...YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!! We find out the sex in a week and a half, so if Tater has a little "V" then we will have to go back to the drawing board.
-My boobs are HUGE and I'm not a fan. Let's hope these watermelons don't grow to their pre-surgery size or I might have a mental breakdown.
Hope everyone has a great week!
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