Sick Again

I can't believe it! I got sick again, but this time with a cold. I started feeling ill on Wednesday morning and now it is Monday and I am still very congested. People at work are wondering why I decided to come in, but I really am trying to save all my days off for Leo's arrival. Unfortunately, I spent the whole weekend at home and watched way too many episodes of Grey's Anatomy from past seasons. I did go to urgent care on Sunday, but because I am pregnant, the doctor could only prescribe a nasal steroid. Although I am not nearly as sick as I was with the stomach virus I had a little over a month ago, this has lasted much longer. I am just looking forward to having my life back!

On a happier note, Joe and I bought a camcorder this weekend. We are so excited about capturing the end of the pregnancy and the first moments of Leo's life. This also means that soon enough, we will start adding video clips to this blog. Don't worry, there will be no inappropriate scenes from the delivery room. Joe did get some clips this weekend, but the real recording will begin this weekend when I am healthy again.

We also completed the 3rd class in our childbirth series. The teacher brought in a few devices that can be used during the birth including a vacuum extractor, an internal monitor that is actual screwed into the babies scalp during the birth to track the progress of the baby if in distress and metal forceps. They all looked like Medieval torture devices. I would do anything in my power to ensure that none of these were used on Leo. The metal forceps were especially disturbing and I would much prefer to have a c-section than to have these used on him.

We also have decided on a middle name. If you really want to know, please email me, but we need to keep some element of surprise for the day of his birth.

Lauren's 30th Birthday

Lauren turned 30 on the 13th and Sunday was our first opportunity to help her celebrate. We went to our favorite southern style bbq joint, Russells, and had some amazing food. In this photo, Lauren assists Tegan with an art project (no outing with them would be complete without the requisite Tegan shot). It's always fun to hang with the Wolves. They never mind our endless Leo chatter and they always have insightful information about parenthood. Plus, they are the coolest parents (and people in general) we know.

33 Weeks Pregnant

Yeah! 33 weeks and counting. We are reaching the final stretch of this adventure and I actually look pregnant. We really are having a very hard time waiting for this little dude to arrive and the anticipation is almost too much to handle. I am still feeling great and the baby's movement has changed from kicks and punches to body slams. We feel body parts press up against my abdomen all the time now and Leo shifts his weight often. I love it!

We are also just completed a Newborn Care class at the hospital yesterday. It was a 5 hour class that taught infant care basics such as diapering, swaddling, understanding baby's facial cues, bathing and baby safety. It was so fun! We are also half way through our childbirth prep class and I am now almost 100% convinced that I want a PCEA (Patient Controlled Epidural Analgesia). With this method of epidural, I am able to control the amount of pain relief I receive. I don't want to be totally numb for the experience and I want my body to be able to respond to the pain to help aid labor, but I also don't want to be screaming in agony. This plan appeals to Joe and me the most. The good news is that I am not afraid at all of labor and welcome it as a sign that we will meet Leo soon.

Leo's Room

Here are a couple of shots of Leo's room. It is definitely the best room in the house and I have to admit that it is pretty darn cute. This weekend, we added the final touches to the room with purchases made with a gift card we received from my high school buddy Carrie. Thanks! Aren't the sports bear wall hangings the cutest?

Making Friends

Today we had a major break through! Joe and I are slowly "domesticating" our backyard friends. I have been feeding them hamburger buns and they are no longer afraid of us. The first feeding attempt yesterday yielded a reluctant reaction, but when we returned today with more bread in hand, the ducks greeted us with eager enthusiasm. After the Super Bowl game, we plan to return with leftover corn chips. Lucky duckies!

Love Fest

The cats are in love with Joe. This is a very typical seen in the Morris household, but I finally caught it with the camera. Not only is Joe a baby magnet, he is also friend to all animals. Luckily for us, they don't (usually) mind sharing his attention. Hmmm....do you think there will be room for Leo too?

Look Whose Back!

Yep...it's our fine feathered friends! The ducks have made a return and we couldn't be happier. This morning, I counted 12, but since I have started feeding them hamburger buns, I wouldn't be surprised if we beat our record count of 14 soon.

31 Weeks Pregnant

Wow! I look huge! In reality, I don't think I look quite this big, but I am happy to finally have a visible bump. People at work, who I haven't explicitly told about the pregnancy are starting to ask the due date. It is fun to talk about Leo; I never get sick of it.

Leo also moves all the time now. Joe has made a habit of reading Leo a book every night and he has kicked every single time. He already is so responsive to his daddy's voice. Joe has confessed that these story time moments have been the highlight of his life. We are just so thrilled to be welcoming him to our family in about 2 months!

In the background of this photo, you can also see an art project I did for his nursery. Who needs to buy art when you can make your own? Baby decor is extremely overpriced, so I have been hitting up the craft store, the local thrift store and Craig's List for creative and inexpensive ways to decorate the nursery. It's so much more fun this way too!