26 weeks, 1 day

I can't believe time is just flying by! We are wrapping up the year and I'm about to enter into my third trimester. Less than 100 days until we have a new addition to the family and we are far from being ready.

We're celebrating Thanksgiving for the first time at our house so we'll have John's family and aunt/uncle coming in from out of town and my family will join us. We finished our grocery shopping last night and hope we didn't forget anything after spending 2 hours shopping at the closest H-E-B (40 minutes 1 way). I know we're crazy, but there is nothing like a free turkey coupon and butterflake rolls to make you jump in your car for the drive faster.

We spent all weekend cleaning - really cleaning (not shoving stuff into closets/cabinets like we're used to) and still have a way to go but things should shape up pretty nicely by Thanksgiving... this will finally give us the motivation to get Baby V's room ready. Grandma and Grandpa H have generously offered to purchase baby's crib, and Babies R Us is running a 20% off promo until 11/24.

Baby Cache Oxford Lifetime Crib, Cherry
(Don't mind BRU's terrible Photoshop skills)

Our friends, Amy and Kevin also dropped off a glider and ottoman for us yesterday. I was so excited to see them and to have our first piece of baby furniture coming from them. I may recover the cushions (they're currently blue) just in case we have a little girl coming our way and to better match the other decor I've envisioned for the nursery. I am so excited!

Babies"R"Us - Baby Registry

Babies"R"Us - Baby Registry

It's been a while!

I've been so wrapped up in work among other things that I haven't had a moment to update about Baby V. Baby is now 23 weeks, 1 day and I can finally feel the kicks, AKA flutters! It is the most amazing feeling and I can't wait for John to feel it. So far, we've been successful when he's put his hands on my belly or ear up to my belly to try and hear or feel baby. I know it's just a matter of time until he feels our little miracle!

John and I are celebrating our 2nd year of marriage today and 6 years of being together. Time flies so quickly. I can hardly believe how fate brought us into each other's lives and now we have a little one on the way!

We went to a wedding over the weekend to celebrate the nuptials of Eva and Calvin and it was a beautiful celebration! I couldn't help with my hormones and being a naturally emotional person but cry during their ceremony and the toasts. Congratulations to you both! It was great to celebrate with them and see our friends at the same time.

We still haven't figured out any names or done anything with the nursery. I've completed the Target registry, but want to head to a BRU store to complete our registry. When we try for the registries online, it typically just lists things that are 'online only.' What a pain for our friends and family...

Here's a cute rocker and the bedding I'd like to get for Baby's room.

Dwell Dot Fun Crib Bedding, $79

Ikea Poang Rocker, $139

Keeping it a Surprise!

I went to complete the 2nd part of my bloodwork and should get my final results for the NT scan in a week.

Over the weekend, John and I went to go look at baby furniture (a huge step for him!) at Target and Babies R Us. We're not planning on purchasing anytime soon, but it's nice to do some homework. We've also decided that we will hold off on finding out baby's gender since we've made it this far (and still don't know). What's a few more weeks? We're excited to find out at baby's delivery!

Pics from Nuchal Translucency, Week 13

Our next monthly appointment is this Friday. According to my BabyCenter.com update, we have a shot at finding out baby's gender this week if we have a sonogram. Let's see what happens!

Enjoy the pics below from our recent NT screening. 

Side profile of baby. Fingers are all there. :)

Baby V waving "hi mom and dad!"

Nuchal Translucency Screening

The doctor's office called me on Monday and the results are in! 1:10,000 chance for down syndrome and 1:10,000 chance for trisomy 18. I think this means baby is looking pretty healthy!

I'll go in for a follow up blood draw in a few weeks to receive detailed and conclusive results. So far, so good... :-)

Hot Dog!

Ever since I learned I can no longer indulge in hot dogs, sausages and bacon, I've been devastated. I knew finding the "mommy-to-be" version was going to be a battle. Over the weekend, I had a taste for hot dogs and knew I had to have some since my mission to find some at Whole Foods went bad several days earlier.

My sister and I were at Target (our usually sisterly bonding time is spent here) and what did I find?! I was the happiest girl at this point and they are delicious! The Vlasic pickles were only ehh. I'll have to remember that when I run out and need to buy more. Their pickle juice tastes weird.

By the way, baby is 14 weeks along now. Happy 2nd trimester! So glad our chances for miscarriage is very slim now. Can't wait for baby to continue growing and hope to meet you soon!

Hubby came home late last night from his boy's trip to Vegas - couldn't be happier. Looking forward to having him home with me again. I didn't think I'd miss him so badly since I was able to hold up for 3 months, but nope!