Saturday, November 29, 2008

Iron Bowl

I just have to say, even though the odds are against us.......
WAR EAGLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Monday, November 24, 2008

17 Weeks

Well I got an email this morning letting me know what goes on at 17 weeks (seen below). Let me just start by adding that good grief, my appetite is back with a vengeance!!!! It seems like I eat a full meal and within 30 minutes I am ready for more! I guess Cletus is going through a big growth spurt right now - that is what I am sticking with at least. Needless to say I am so thrilled about the food involved with Thanksgiving. Of course it will be wonderful to see all the family and catch up, but I am pumped about the food too (this year more than usual)!

Congratulations, Ashley! You're 17 Weeks Pregnant. Your baby measures about 4.4 to 4.8 inches from crown to rump and has doubled its weight in the last two weeks to about 3.5 ounces. Fat begins to form aiding heat production and metabolism, the lungs are beginning to exhale amniotic fluid, and the circulatory and urinary systems are working. Hair continues to grow on baby's head and his eyebrows and eyelashes are filling in. You're showing more, with an obvious swelling in your lower abdomen. A five- to 10-pound weight gain is typical by now. You also may be noticing an increase in appetite.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Decision Made!

Well, I decided to stick with the crib, a regular dresser (so it can be used as a changing table early on), and a bookcase (we have to have somewhere to put the toys and books!). I have begun the cleaning out process and good grief, we have a LOT of crap!

Changed my mind already!

Well we bought those two items yesterday and I have already changed my mind - figures, right? I am calling this afternoon to tell them that I don't want the 5 drawer chest - instead, I want a dresser. I really want a place in the nursery for diapers to be changed and clothes to be changed. I am trying to decide whether to do that and then get the bookcase in a few months or to keep the 5 drawer chest and buy the dresser and a hutch for later on (instead of the bookcase). Oh gosh...decisions, decisions!

On a different note, Brad is going out of town today. This means hopefully I will be more motivated to clean and organize Cletus the Fetus' room - I really should do before and after pictures - it has got a long way to go!

On yet a different note, tomorrow is my birthday! Hard to believe that I am almost a quarter of a century old - sounds old (though I know that 25 really isn't that old..)! We celebrated with friends on Friday night, and we ate at Sperry's with my dad and brother last night. I love spreading out the celebrations to create a birthday week! :)

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Let the shopping begin...

Today Brad and I went and looked at more furniture at a store called The Baby Crib. We ended up heading back to USA Baby, which is where the furniture we liked is. They were having a good sale on the furniture we loved, so we bought a crib and a 5-drawer chest.

Next on the purchasing agenda is a bookcase (same bedroom suit) and a glider for the room, and the bedding of course. We will buy the rest of that stuff sometime next month. The bedding and glider will have to wait until we find out the gender. Below are pictures of the kind of glider we want (also is a recliner...and we get to pick the upholstery!) and bedroom suit (crib and 5-drawer chest pictured - we won't get that other piece - we will get a bookcase). YAY!!!!




Friday, November 14, 2008

Belly Update: 15 Weeks

This picture was taken 2 days ago at a work-related conference. I think I am going to start taking the pics with a sign indicating how far along I am so that I can remember! What a bright idea! Anyway, I am 15w2d in this picture (and looking a bit goofy - it had been a long day!!).


Monday, November 10, 2008

And the big day is....

December 12! We go in that morning for an ultrasound and then the dr appointment following. So we will know whether Cletus is a boy or a girl in just a matter of days :) YAY!

Sunday, November 9, 2008

They Just Get It

I just wanted to comment on how great it feels to be with people that 'get it'. You like to associate with fans that share passion about your team or with other moms or with people that you just share common beliefs with, right?

I got back last night from two different conferences - both of which were for adults that have sibs with disabilities. We were talking about how great it is to see eachother, even if it is once a year. You can just walk in the room and let your guard down because you know that everyone in the room understands the challenges and celebrates the victories. It doesn't matter if you are 22 or 62, being around other adults, regardless of place in life, that have similar life experiences is such a great feeling.

The first conference was the national meeting - the 2nd Annual Sibling Leadership Network meeting. It is refreshing to be around people who want to advocate on behalf of sibs - to make sure that we as sibs are supported (which research shows leads to more support for our sibs). I had met a lot of the people that were there, but this year just allowed me to strengthen those relationships.

It also gave me the energy I needed to continue planning the First Annual Tennessee Adult Brothers & Sisters (TABS) conference that will be held April 3-4, 2009. I got a lot of wonderful ideas at the statewide Ohio conference that I stayed for (after the national conference). Hopefully some of the friends I made in Columbus will be able to come to Nashville for our conference - I'd love the chance to see these folks more than once a year!!

I know I don't typically write about work-related issues, but this is also extremely personal for me. I just wanted a chance to reflect on how refreshing it is to go out with a bunch of sibs.....amazing.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Mall Parking

Well I went to the mall to get Cat's birthday present and I couldn't find a parking place. I was circling the parking lot and came upon this spot. I kind of blew it off at first. Suddenly I put it in reverse and whipped on in this spot. After all, I am an expectant mother, right??


Baby Coulter's First Outfit

I am sure you can guess who this is from..... :)

Second Trimester Time!

Well I am 14 weeks and could not be happier!! I decided it was time to post a few pictures as I seem to blossoming every week!

The picture where I have a purple and black dress on was taken at Jonathan and Melinda's wedding - me and my glass of water!! I did manage to bust a move or two, so I look slightly sweaty! I was 13 weeks 5 days.


This picture was taken the night before as I began to hand out candy to the trick or treaters. A little bit blurry, but you can see the beginnings of a bump! I was 13 weeks 4 days here...