A Few of My Favorite Things

The joys of pregnancy come from the small and most simple things, yet seem so profound and exciting. These joys include (but are by no means limited to):

• Rylee's constant movements (even though some times cause pain, moving is a good thing!)


• All of the cute little socks and outfits that are now washed and put in her dresser.


• The absolutely adorable shoes and boots (thanks to my sister Brook) she will get to wear.
  
  

• The cute and fun baby toys.


• The collection of baby feeding items in our kitchen cupboard.


• And the softest blankets in the entire world!
  
  
  

I simply remember a few of my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad.

CRAZY

Chris has wanted a dog since before we were married. Do not even ask me why the thought even entered my mind at this point in our lives, but I thought it would be cute to get him one for his birthday (which was last month). And although I am someone that used to think it was absolutely rediculous to fly a dog in from anywhere, I am now one of those who has picked up a puppy at the airport. Chris thought we were going together to the airport on August 8 to pick the little guy up, but I surprised him and brought the puppy home on the Thursday night before. Some of you may not know, but Chris does not show his emotions on his sleeve at all and hardly ever gets excited. He is also nearly impossible to surprise. But check this out....

I think he was surprised, and he is actually showing emotion. And it is all over him. I absolutely LOVE that picture.

After having the puppy (which we named Cooper) for over a week now I am starting to feel overwhelmed simply with the thought of the puppy and the baby at the same time. I only have about 6 weeks until my due date and Cooper is so so far away from being trained.

But even with the messes in the house, the terrain markings left on the floor, and the uncoordinated long-legged animal running around in all his energy...I have to admit he is one of the cutest little things ever! And after all is said and done, he really is a sweet dog.

And he is such a cuddler.


Now he just needs to be trained. Wish us luck!

What Used to Be...

Preeclampsia. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation it is a disorder that occurs only during pregnancy and the postpartum period and affects both the mother and the unborn baby. Affecting at least 5-8% of all pregnancies, it is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision are important symptoms. This is a very serious issue and something I am glad I ended up not having. But traumatizing none the less to have to go into the labor and delivery to be monitored and checked out. While swelling and headaches are important symptoms, I have both and still do not have this. Lucky for me however, I get to flaunt my lovely cankles and (mostly swollen feet) which seem to inflate after standing for any longer than 15 or 20 minutes. But on the bright side...no preeclampsia and no bed rest! Thank heavens!

Honeymoon feet and ankles:


8 month pregnant feet and cankles:


This has already been quite the experience, and I know there's only more excitement and unexpected things to come.

Life Lesson: Enjoy what you have while you have it, because it may be gone before you know it.