25 Weeks

Dear Baby D,

Upon returning to the office after the babymoon, one of Mommy's co-workers commented, "Wow, you got bigger while you were out!" Hmmmm...typically not the type of comment one would like to hear, but I am embracing my growing belly and loving every minute of it! I'm topping the scale with an additional 14 lbs and have certainly noticed my expanding belly getting in the way of everyday things. At work, I have to remember not to push myself up to my desk as closely as I'm used to...I have to maneuver around the sink in the morning in order to look into the mirror while getting ready, which all makes sense since you're about 1.5 pounds, 13.5 inches long already! You're still quite an active little one, too. At my check-up this morning the doctor said, "Man, this baby is all over the place!" I love, love, love feeling you moving around, though! And I think this week you've started moving your arms, too...I've noticed movement on either side of my belly button a few times, which I've gotta think is your little hands and feet both in action.

This week, Mommy & Daddy had our first Pediatrician Prenatal Session with Northern Virginia Pediatrics to make sure we find just the right doctor to take care of you when you enter the world. We'll make our decision after our next session with Capital Area Pediatrics, which isn't scheduled until 8/18.

Love Always,
Mommy

24 Weeks

Dear Baby D,

This week, Mommy and Daddy had our much anticipated Babymoon...our last vacation with just the two of us before you come along! I proudly showed off my belly, still sporting a bikini...most of the time. (The tankini did come in handy when wanting to stay out of the sun.) There were a few times while we were laying on the beach that my belly was noticeably lopsided from where you were hanging out more on one side - very cool! It's fun having people ask about you - and one Caymanian informed me that you are going to be a boy based on how I'm carrying you...we'll see soon enough!

Mommy & Daddy took some time to think through names and have our list pretty much narrowed down - but are waiting to officially announce anything until you arrive!

Daddy would like to stress that you please not become accustomed to lavish vacations...and kept reminding you (and maybe me?) that our next vacation with the three of us will likely be Sesame Place! (Don't worry - we have plenty of time to work on him! ;) )

Love Always,
Mommy

23 Weeks

Dear Baby D,

This week's big milestone was that Daddy was able to see you kick! One evening as we were talking to you and telling you about our day, you became very active and as Daddy glanced over, he could see you move! He was especially excited because it was right around the time we were talking about soccer, so he, of course, took it as a sign of your love of the sport. (Or perhaps your kick was in disdain? ;) )

You went to your first baseball game this week - Mommy & Daddy went to see the Nationals play on Wednesday night. (I think we were all more interested in the food, though...)

Mommy is still feeling great and we get more excited each day for your arrival!

Love Always,
Mommy

22 Weeks

Dear Baby D,

Well, according to everything I've read, you weigh about 1 pound now! I can definitely tell that space is starting to get more limited around my belly, too...I'm starting to get full much quicker and am starting to make more frequent trips to the bathroom. Mommy is also starting to feel you move much more frequently - this week, I even saw you kick! Daddy has tried to catch a glimpse of you, but hasn't been able to yet.

Today I had my first stranger ask about you! The woman doing my pedicure asked when you were due, so it's definitely obvious that I've got a 'bun in the oven'! I've pretty much fully transitioned into maternity clothes and have to say, the pants are the most comfortable thing! It's like wearing sweatpants to work!

In preparation for your arrival, this week we've signed up for childbirth class and scheduled a few prenatal sessions with recommended pediatricians. Last Saturday your Aunt Laura and Grandma came to visit and we spent the whole day shopping for YOU! We still have a while until your furniture arrives, but I'm already getting anxious to set up your new space!

Love Always,
Mommy


(I feel like I look bigger from the front, no?)

Happy Birthday/Anniversary!

Today is Frank's 30-something birthday and tomorrow is our 4-year wedding anniversary. So, in honor of both, last night we celebrated with dinner at Chez Francois in Great Falls. We had initially talked about going to the National Harbor but Chez Francois was written up in the Washington Post Magazine last weekend and we have heard so much about this place and I had been wanting to try it...anyway...we went with Chez Francois instead. While the atmosphere was absolutely perfect, we both admitted that the food, for the price, really wasn't that great. The restaurant is nestled into the woods off of a back road in Great Falls and we arrived early enough to sit outside, which was so peaceful...definitely different from your typical NOVA restaurant-night-out. The service was great - our waiter was extremely friendly and attentive which always makes for a nice experience. Since we ate in the main restaurant (versus the Brasserie), we had the 6-course dinner which started out with a quiche amuse bouche. We both ordered the Lobster Bisque for our appetizer which I thought was actually quite yummy - it wasn't as creamy and thick as your typical bisque and had large chunks of lobster meat in it. Salads were ok...followed by homemade sorbet. For our entrees, I ordered the Veal Scaloppini which came in a mushroom cream sauce with crabmeat on top but I just wasn't blown away by it. The flavor and wow-factor were missing. Frank chose the Alsatian specialty, essentially a selection of various seafoods in a lobster sauce that was again, just so-so. However, our entrees were served with a side of broccoli puree that we both loved! And I have to say that I wasn't complaining after my dessert of dark chocolate cake with chocolate sauce and a scoop of homemade chocolate ice cream! Frank, who was "too stuffed to eat anything else" somehow found room for the plum tart with homemade cinnamon ice cream. I think our big disappointments lay in the entrees being let-downs. However, despite that, we both had a great, relaxing evening out and laughed and laughed as we recounted the numerous trips we've taken throughout our relationship and the funny incidents that always seem to happen to us! Happy Birthday, Frank and Happy Anniversary...I love you!

21 Weeks

Dear Baby D,

Today I got to hear your heartbeat again - 150bpm - and you were quite active while the doctor was trying to listen - you were only still for a few seconds at a time! The doctor asked if I was starting to feel you move around and I told her that I was, pretty regularly, and as she was listening to your heartbeat, she confirmed, "wow - you do have an active little one"! Today at work, I really felt you moving around - steady, rhythmic movements - and I could even slightly see my shirt moving! I admittedly was a little concerned because the movement was so fast and decided to call the Nurse's Line where the sweetest nurse assured me that you are acting quite normal and according to her, I was feeling your feet moving around. Perhaps you are already practicing your soccer moves? I think Daddy and I could have a wild little monster on our hands!

Everything at my doctor's appointment checked out healthy - I've gained 10 pounds so far and you are measuring right in line with your 10/12 due date!

Here is a picture of me at 21 weeks. (Oh - I got a hair cut last weekend, which people are joking is my new 'Mommy look'.)

Love Always,
Mommy