"C" is for Colorado

We spent last week in Steamboat Springs, Colorado with one of John's buddies from high school and his family.  They own a great cabin right on the mountain, and we even had our own little guesthouse.  It snowed 15" while we were there, and 10" had fallen just before our arrival.  We were lucky our plane even landed.  The six flights before us were diverted to Denver.  Since it was snowing most of the time, there was low visibility on the mountain, and John only skied two days.   I spent one of his two ski days at the spa.  It was so relaxing.  We also did a little snowshoeing, which was awesome, since neither of us had ever done it before.

View from the cabin

Snowshoeing in Routt National Forest

The only bad part of the trip happened on the second day.  I woke up early that morning with some serious stomach issues.  Apparently so did everyone else who ate salad the night before.  It was pretty terrible, but I didn't mind taking it easy for 24 hours while it passed.

Steamboat was a quiet little town, and we had a delicious lunch at Winona's.  The massive chocolate chip cookies from Winona's were to die for!   We also had dinner at Mahogany Ridge Brewery and Grill.  John tried a dunkelweizen beer that had hints of banana and clove.  Ew!  I think he was glad he only got the taster-size glass.

Yampa River downtown

Just before lunch at Winona's

Another highlight of the trip was feeding the elk.  They visited a house not too far from the cabin, so we stopped by while they enjoyed an afternoon snack of hay and carrots.  The elk shed their antlers every year, and the family we visited had last year's antlers mounted.  They were HUGE!

Our gracious hosts made our trip so enjoyable, and we can't wait to go back!

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"C" is for C25K Week 5

Couch to 5K training didn't happen last week.  I was on vacation!  I did go snowshoeing (See "C" is for Colorado) and hit the gym one day, so the week wasn't a total waste.  Back on C25K this week!

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"C" is for C25K Week 4 Repeat

I killed it this week doing C25K.  Well...I know "killed it" is a relative term: I didn't finish a marathon, and I didn't set any world records.  But I did set new Personal Records (PRs) for distance and pace thanks to my awesome husband!  We had some great workouts last week, so I'm hoping to carry the momentum through the holidays this week.  We're headed to Colorado to visit friends, but apparently I will have access to a gym.  John's going skiing, and I plan to make the most of my down time by working out.  And for anyone reading this and thinking, "She's crazy for running while pregnant," you can rest assured that a) My physician is aware of it and b) I'm exercising in moderation.  There's a good reason I keep track of those "bpm" numbers listed below.  I've been listening to my body to know how hard to push and when to rest, and my heart rate monitor confirms that I have a pretty good feel for 75% of my max heart rate, as shown by the 14x bpm numbers I put up week after week.  My range is 125-163 bpm with a target of 144 bpm.

Here's last week's summary for C25K.

3:00 jogging
1:30 walking
5:00 jogging
2:30 walking
3:00 jogging
1:30 walking
5:00 jogging

Total Distance: 7.5 miles (+ 5.3 from previous week)
Average Distance: 2.5 miles (+ 0.3 from previous week) PR
Longest Distance: 2.53 miles (+ 0.33 from previous week) PR
Average HR: 143-145 bpm
Average Pace: See "C" is for C25K Week 1 PR

Moving on to Week 5 of the program.

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"C" is for Concert

We went to the Transiberian Orchestra concert last week. It was entertaining to say the least. I've never seen so many washed-up, 90's hair band dudes rock out on stage to Christmas music. We had great seats, so maybe the theatrics were less obvious from further back, but I was about ready to throw something at the blond guitarist, who kept putting his fist in the air and waiting for the crowd to do it back. His cheesy smile really set me over the top. You'd think after 2 hours and 45 minutes he'd be tired of acting like an idiot, but he stayed in character the whole time.

This photo isn't from the show in Tulsa, but here's exactly what the guitarist was doing.  Maybe Transiberian Orchestra and the kids from Jersey Shore could hook up for an MTV Christmas special.

Here's a picture from the concert in Tulsa.  The lights and fireworks were over the top!

Transiberian Orchestra - Tulsa 2010

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"C" is for Convex (cont.)

Tully is definitely growing, and so am I!

I knew the nesting bug would kick in sooner or later, and it did a couple weekends ago.  I held John hostage on a Sunday afternoon to help me reorganize the kitchen cabinets and pantry to make room for Tully's future stuff.  Now it might seem like a simple task to clear out one area for plastic-ware, but I've grown pretty attached to my stemware and stoneware.  I also had to think about where Tully's stuff would be located in reference to the refrigerator, pantry, sink, etc. and how much cabinet vs. drawer space he would need.  In addition to creating more cabinet space for Tully, I had to get the rest of the stemware out of storage boxes and into my cabinets.  I'm sure I'm way over-thinking all of this, but the last thing I want to do when the baby gets here is have a cluttered kitchen or wedding presents that need to be unpacked.

Stemware in cabinets on right reduced to only what we need.  Empty space on left.
Stemware on countertop being moved to cabinets above refrigerator.

So after the three-hour reorganize-a-thon we managed to get all of our stemware out of boxes; create one huge empty cabinet, a large empty drawer directly below the empty cabinet, and an empty spot in the pantry; and provide better access to the items we use most every day.

I also got started on Tully's room.  The dresser and armoire are (sort of) in place, and I can't wait for the crib and bedding to arrive.  It's a work in progress, and he definitely won't have a white lamp with crystal beads on it in his room when I'm done--I just needed some task lighting to work on the dresser area.

Tully's Room

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"C" is for C25K Week 4

3:00 jogging
1:30 walking
5:00 jogging
2:30 walking
3:00 jogging
1:30 walking
5:00 jogging

Total Distance: 2.2 miles (- 4.5 from previous week--oops!)
Average Distance: 2.2 miles (- 0.02 from previous week)
Longest Distance: 2.2 miles (- 0.07 from previous week)
Average HR: 140 bpm
Average Pace: See "C" is for C25K Week 1

I have a thousand excuses for only running once this past week.  I'll give you two of them:
1) It's too cold to run at 6:30 am. (anything below 30 qualifies)
2) The wind has been out of control, and I mean patio-furniture-demolished, trash-from-neighboring-yard-in-our-yard, knocked-down-tiki-torches-everywhere out of control.

The good news is that I'm back on the running bandwagon, even if I'm doing another repeat week.  I set new PRs for both pace and distance already!

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"C" is for Cluttered News Feed

For those on Facebook, you've seen your share of status update and profile picture fads lately.  October was breast cancer awareness month, and the girls posted "I like it (insert where you put your purse)."  My news feed was flooded with "I like it on the kitchen counter," and "I like it in the closet."  Next was child abuse awareness in November and December.  Little icons of Strawberry Shortcake, Smurfette, and Starbrite popped up everywhere when people changed their profile picture to their favorite cartoon character.  The icing on the cake was the "numbers game" which took over Facebook yesterday.  Apparently you were supposed to send a number to your friends in a private message, and they would post a status update with a memory about you along with your number.  Clever, right?  I don't think there was any "awareness" associated with the numbers game--just a bunch of trash posts that clogged up my news feed, followed by me hiding and/or permanently deleting everyone who participated.

I'm sure many other people are as annoyed as I am with this kind of Facebook abuse.  I mean, I really like Facebook.  I check it almost every day, sometimes multiple times a day, and I post pictures and status updates fairly often.  I like being able to see who moved where, how they're doing, who they married, if they have pets, kids, etc.  It's interesting to me, and it's a great way to keep in touch with friends, especially since our generation has spread out across the U.S. and abroad for school and jobs.

So back to my cluttered news feed--I was thinking about ways to show awareness without terrorizing the entire Facebook network.  Here are a few ideas based on my personal experiences:

Breast cancer awareness
Back in college I led efforts in my sorority to collect pink lids from Yoplait yogurt to raise money for Susan G. Komen.  It's called the Save Lids to Save Lives program.  For every lid mailed in Yoplait donates $0.10 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation up to $1.6 Million.  I still collect those lids and mail them in today.  I don't think I posted about it on Facebook, but next October when I see the fad-of-the-month roll out, maybe I'll remind people that they can make a bigger difference by taking real action instead of changing their Facebook status.  Why not donate your time by collecting lids or your money by making a donation directly to Susan G. Komen?  If you wanted to really get into it, you could sign up for your local Komen Race for the Cure.

Domestic Violence
Next on the list: domestic violence.  For the past few years, John and I have sold our unwanted items in the neighborhood garage sale.  This year instead of boxing up the leftovers for use at next year's sale, we donated everything to Domestic Violence Intervention Services, Inc.  (See "C" is for Charity.) I'm not going to lie--the tax break for our donation is a great perk, but we donated our stuff because we wanted to give back to the local community and to support a good cause.  I know there are plenty of national and local charities out there to support, so consider donating your time, money, or unwanted items before you change your Facebook profile picture purple next November.

Multiple Sclerosis
Last on my list: multiple sclerosis.  In 2008, I raised money for the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society.  (Thanks to those who donated!)  Every year the National MS Society raises money and holds bike rides throughout the U.S. where people ride about 150 miles in two days.  It's a daunting endeavor for most, but I was really into bike riding, so I figured, "Heck, why not?!"  I completed all of the training rides, but the remnants of Hurricane Ike blew through Oklahoma on the first day of the official ride.  Although I didn't complete the 150-mile, 2-day ride, I know I raised money and awareness for a good cause AND got into great shape physically.  So next May during MS Awareness Month, consider getting out on your bike instead of updating Facebook!



P.S. For all of those Facebookers who participated in child abuse awareness in November and December, you might be interested to know that according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Child Abuse Prevention Month is officially observed in April.

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"C" is for Cinnamon Banana Pancakes

This morning baby Tully told me he wanted carbs, so I whipped up some cinnamon banana pancakes.  They were delish!

Cinnamon Banana Pancakes

Makes 1 serving.
Prep time: 3 minutes.
Cook time: ~5 minutes.





Ingredients

• ¹⁄₂ cup Bisquick
• 1 egg white
• ¹⁄₃ cup milk
• ¹⁄₈ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 banana
• syrup

Directions

1. Mix Bisquick, egg white, milk, and cinnamon.  
2. Mash ¹⁄₄ banana and add to mixture.
3. Slice remaining banana and set aside for topping.
4. Pour batter into skillet making three small pancakes and cook over medium heat until pancake edges turn brown.  Flip pancakes and brown other side.
5. Remove pancakes from skillet.  Place banana slices on top and add syrup to taste.

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"C" is for C25K Week 3 Repeat

Since I was such a slacker the week of Thanksgiving, I repeated Week 3 of the C25K program.

1:30 jogging
1:30 walking
3:00 jogging
3:00 walking

Total Distance: 6.7 miles (+ 0.4 from previous week)
Average Distance: 2.22 miles (+ 0.13 from previous week)
Longest Distance: 2.27 miles (+ 0.12 from previous week)
Average HR: 128-149 bpm
Average Pace: See "C" is for C25K Week 1

Moving on to Week 4!

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"C" is for C25K Week 3

I was such a slacker last week.  I only managed two runs and some time on the elliptical.

1:30 jogging
1:30 walking
3:00 jogging
3:00 walking

Total Distance: 6.3 miles (- 2.6 from previous week)
Average Distance: 2.09 miles (+ 0.3 from previous week)
Longest Distance: 2.15 miles (- 0.02 from previous week)
Average HR: 127-143 bpm
Average Pace: See "C" is for C25K Week 1

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"C" is for Convex

because that's the shape of my belly.

I gave in and did some serious maternity shopping last Friday.  I had picked up a few shirts and pairs of tights/leggings over the past couple months, but it finally got to the point where I needed more than one or two options to go over my belly.  My first and only stop last week was A Pea in the Pod.  Maternity clothes are ridiculously expensive, but my choices were to a) buy new clothes or b) wear sweats.  It's getting too cold outside for just tights and long sleeves--I need sweaters and jeans!  So I purchased several tops and two pair of jeans that I can comfortably wear.  Yay!  Mom came along and helped boost my self-esteem AND pitched in for one of the pairs of jeans!! THANKS, MOM!    If you need longer length maternity jeans I recommend Citizens of Humanity.  They are fabulous, and I can wear them with heels.  I feel like I look sorta normal again in clothes that fit.

Here are pics of some of the tops I bought.

Recently I've been able to feel Tully rolling around in my belly.  It's exciting and weird at the same time.  When I feel him move it makes me want to be really still, and I catch myself holding my breath.  I'm sure he doesn't appreciate that.  But it's hard to distinguish him from other tummy rumblings, and I don't want to miss anything!

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"C" is for C25K Week 2

1:30 jogging
2:00 walking

Total Distance: 8.9 miles (+ 3.3 from previous week)
Average Distance: 1.78 miles (- 0.1 from previous week)
Longest Distance: 2.17 miles (+ 0.08 from previous week)
Average HR: 128-143 bpm
Average Pace: See "C" is for C25K Week 1

John was out of town most of the week, so I was on my own for running :-(  I'm looking forward to next week.

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"C" is for Canine

I've been dreading writing this post for a while now.  I feel like the older I get, the harder life decisions become.  If you notice the title, it's "canine" singular, not "canines" plural like my last post on the pups.  We decided it would be better for Logan and our family, if we found him a new home.  After sorting through more than a dozen emails and selecting two families to interview, we found the perfect new place for him.  "S" and her family are showering him with lots of love and attention, and we're hoping he opens his heart and learns to trust them too.  This was a big decision for us and a huge change for our sweet Logie, but I know it's for the best.

We hope you find your "happy tail" in your new home, Logan!

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"C" is for Chap

The ultrasound tech made my year when she pointed to the extra blob on the screen yesterday and said, "IT'S A BOY!"  John Tully Cockerham will be here in April, and we couldn't be more excited.  He is named after my husband, John, and my maiden name, Tull.  We'll call him Tully.

Before we found out it was a boy, the tech did a scan of his arms, legs, head, etc.  She said everything looked good, and little Tully even gave us a "Gig 'Em!"

Proud member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2033!
WHOOP!

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"C" is for C25K Week 1

1:00 jogging
1:30 walking

Total Distance: 5.6 miles
Average Distance: 1.88 miles
Longest Distance: 2.09 miles
Average HR: 126-141 bpm
Average Pace: Is slow a number?  When this gets close to something I can count on two hands, I'll post.

A big thanks to my husband for getting up super early and jogging at my pace to help me meet my fitness goals.

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"C" is for Couch to 5K

I officially started the Couch to 5K (C25K) program.  John and I started getting up early again last week, and I was able to easily do our 30 minute routine around the neighborhood.  We had started jogging a couple weeks before I knew I was pregnant, but when I had to stop at every corner to rest, I knew something was wrong.  Needless to say between the fatigue and nausea associated with my first trimester, I've been unable to do any sort of meaningful workout.  But I'm in the middle of my second trimester now and feeling like I should get back into the groove of things before I turn into a huge watermelon.

I know how workout regiments go: super-motivated at first, followed by a quick decline back to couch potato status.  I'm hoping the slow progression, short 9-week program, and blast on my blog will make me stick with it.  I also downloaded the RunKeeper app for my iPhone and created coaching intervals for each week of the C25K.  Spending $10 on an iPhone app makes me wanna throw something, but I'm using it as additional motivation.  So far I really like RunKeeper.  It tracks my time, distance, pace, speed, calories, and elevation with GPS and, most importantly, gives audible cues for changing pace.  RunKeeper also syncs automatically with RunKeeper.com.  I know there are other programs out there to track running progress (Nike+ anyone?), but at least this is a start!

Click here to follow my progress.



P.S. Thanks, Kristen, for constantly posting running updates to your blog, which motivated me to get back out there to chase that running high.  I've finally stopped making excuses and hope to accomplish this goal both pre and post-baby.

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"C" is for Constitution

Today I exercised my constitutional right to vote. This is the first time I've voted in OK, since I moved back here. Slacker...I know, but I kept my VA drivers license until after I was married.

I actually read up on the 11 (yes 11!) state questions on the ballot for this election. One really jumped out at me. Here's the plain language version of State Question 746.

SQ 746 - Showing voter ID at the polls. 

Requires each voter to present a current photo ID issued by a state, federal or tribal government – or a voter ID card issued by the County Election Office -- prior to casting a ballot. Anyone without an ID can sign a sworn statement swearing to his or her identity and cast a provisional ballot. 

Now why in the world wouldn't ID be required to vote?  When I walked up to sign my name on the books at the polling place, I had to wait for the person in front of me to sign.  I could clearly read most of the the names on the list.  What if someone showed up and used my name?!  I can only imagine the fraud possibilities.  Thank goodness SQ746 passed with 75% support. Looks like I'll be showing my drivers license to vote next time.

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"C" is for Costumes

We skipped out on the candy and haunted houses and headed to Dallas to celebrate Halloween with friends at a concert this year. John raided one of our three halloween storage tubs and found a wig and mustache, along with a sweet Spiderman shirt and 90's windsuit jacket.  He looked like a creepy pedofile, so I went along as his object of affection.

Our outfits weren't as good as last year's Angela and Dwight from The Office, but with work and a busy travel schedule, I just didn't have time to think about costumes.

Halloween 2009

 The original Angela and Dwight.

Our friends dressed up too, and we headed out to see Ghostland Observatory in concert.

Priscilla Presley and Tobias Funke

Strawberry Shortcake and Rex from Toy Story

Abby and Audrey

Zach, Ben and Mike

Maria and Audrey

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"C" is for Vitamin "C"

For all the mommies and mommies-to-be out there, I thought you might be interested in the chart I created to figure out which prenatal vitamin I wanted to take.  I would note that a) I'm not a doctor and b) more doesn't necessarily mean better.  (If you've ever taken too much iron, you know what I'm talking about.)

Click chart to enlarge.

I considered many of the other brands my physician gave me, but they're not rated due to either high cost or lower quantities of nutrients when compared to a "sister" brand, which is included in the chart.

Neevo DHA: cost unknown
CitraNatal Assure: $57, less Fe and Ca
CitraNatal Harmony: $60, no C, I, Zn, or Cu
Concept OB: $33, no DHA
Natelle ONE: $94, high cost
PreNexa: $69, high cost
PreNate Essential: $89, high cost

I'm not advocating one brand over another, but you can see what each vitamin contains without scouring labels or searching websites like I did.  Also, the prices indicated are for MY insurance.  I'm sure coverage is different for everyone.  Once my free samples run out, I'm planing to fill a prescription for Duet DHA complete due to the low cost and high quantity of nutrients.

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"C" is for Communication

or should I say miscommunication? Two actual scenarios from work today.

1)
Email from me to co-worker:
I would like to schedule A, B, and C all in one day. Can you please assist?

Email (and phone call) from co-worker to me:
Would you like to do A, B, and C all in one day or on three separate days?

2)
Email from me to IT:
The training I am trying to complete won't launch in my browser. I used the diagnostic tool, and it states there is an error with Java. I downloaded the most recent version from the Java website and ensured that Java was enabled in the "Internet Options" settings.  Help!

Email from IT to me:
You need to go to the Java website and download the most recent version.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I AM GOING TO LOSE MY MIND! Someone please make it Thursday already.

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"C" is for Child

After months of waiting, John and I are happy to announce that Baby "C" is on the way!  He/she is set to make his/her debut in April.  Since I haven't written anything on the blog about expecting until I could tell my bosses, I thought I would fill you in on what's really been going on since August.

Week 4 (Aug 1-7)
I found out I was pregnant on August 6!  The standard "40 week" calendar you hear about for pregnancy doesn't start when you conceive or when you figure out you're pregnant, so I was pleasantly surprised that I already had 4 weeks down the day I found out.  I used this online calculator to get an estimate of how many weeks pregnant I was and when I would be due.  (The doctor confirmed my guesstimate during week 7.)

So the day I found out my friend, Lara, was coming to Tulsa for a wedding.  We were planning to go out that weekend starting with happy hour on Friday afternoon.  I had a small suspicion that I might be pregnant, so I did a quick at home test before heading out to meet Lara for drinks.  I was on the phone with my mom when I took the first test, and I almost came unglued when the result was positive.  I wanted to tell my mom in person, so I listened to her talk about who-knows-what while I took two more tests.  As soon as I finished talking to my mom, I called John and asked if he'd like to meet me for lunch.  He agreed, so it was a date.  I quickly got ready and realized I wasn't going to make it until noon with my little (big!) secret, so I moved our lunch date up to 11:30.  I took a quick pic of the positive test result, printed the pic, and found a cute card at the store.  I picked up John from the office and drove to Great Harvest Bread Company for lunch.  Before we went inside, I told him I had something for him.  He opened the card and immediately started rubbing his forehead like he was in deep thought.  Not the reaction I was looking for, but I guess it was pretty big news to break via card/photo.  He later told me that he'll never forget the look on my face when I confirmed that we were going to be parents.  Apparently I looked pretty happy.  It was an exciting moment, even if it was overwhelming.

We broke the news to our parents over the weekend.   It was quite an ordeal getting both of mine in the kitchen, but after an hour or so waiting for my dad to get back from the golf course and a trip in town with my mom, I finally managed to get them at the same place at the same time.  John and I bought a few baby things and gave them the bag to open.

Mom's first reaction

Second reaction

My dad was happy too!

Congratulations, Grams and Pops!

Next we called John's parents.  We asked them to setup their Skype account, so we could chat online.  We showed them the picture of the positive tests, and they were really excited to hear that their second grandchild was on the way! (John's sister, Lisa, gave birth to Rebekah Jane on Aug 28.)

Week 5 (Aug 8-14)
I left for Connecticut for work the week after we found out I was pregnant.  I was on my feet the entire time, so one night I went to bed at 6:30 and slept for 12 hours.  It was a loooooong week, but other than feeling tired, I felt great.

Week 6 (Aug 15-21)
A little online research told me morning sickness sets in as early as week 6.  Mine hit six weeks to the day, but it was more like afternoon sickness.  Ugh.  I was on the road again for work--this time in Texas.  Luckily we got out of training fairly early each day, and I was able to sneak in an evening nap before dinnertime.  Also, we were seated for the class, so I wasn't nearly as tired as the previous week.  The morning (afternoon) sickness was awful, but I made it through the week.

That weekend we met up with our good friends, Ben, Abby, Mike, Maria, and Chris for a little grilling, drinking, and Rock Band at Ben and Abby's house in Dallas.  I managed to fake drink cranberry vodkas the entire night, since no one was really paying attention to me in the kitchen mixing juice with ice.  I was really nervous about getting busted this weekend, but I wasn't showing, so I don't think anyone thought anything.

Week 7 (Aug 22-28)
We got to see the baby and hear the heartbeat!  What an exciting time.  The doctor said everything looked good and would see us again in four weeks.  She confirmed my April 11 due date too.

Week 8 (Aug 29 - Sept 4)
We met with a Bradley Method instructor here in Tulsa to discuss natural childbirth classes.  I was really interested in knowing more about the entire pregnancy and birthing process, but my pain tolerance on a scale of 1 to 10 is a -5.  I had this gut feeling (no pun intended) that I was setting myself up for failure thinking I could give birth with absolutely no pain medication, but I couldn't find any other comprehensive childbirth classes in Tulsa.  We'll see what happens when January rolls around and classes begin.

Week 9 (Sept 5-11)
We spent Labor Day weekend at Lake LBJ with John's parents and Aggie friends.  (See "C" is for Capsized.)  My nausea was touch and go, so I spent every minute I could relaxing on the couch or patio.

Kickball also started this week, so it was fun to see our Tulsa friends.  It was not fun to not drink and not say anything about Baby C.

Week 10 (Sept 12 - 18)

9 weeks

The little pooch that I thought was the result caving into my cravings has turned out to be the start of Baby C.  Eeeeeek!  Speaking of cravings, I had a few cravings during weeks 6 and 7 for lemon--lemon water, lemon chills, lemon anything.  Now the thought of lemon totally grosses me out, and chocolate sounds delicious again.   Yum.  Aside from the occasional Twix and Sonic burger, my diet was still pretty much the same: fruits and veggies, lean protein, and anything I could get my hands on that has fiber.

At this point, I was really starting to look forward to week 12 for two reasons:
1) We get to tell more family and friends the good news!
2)  The "morning" sickness is supposed to go away.
(Hurry up week 12!)

Week 11 (Sept 19-25)
We had our second doctor appointment and got to hear Baby C's healthy heartbeat again.  I only cried once during the appointment, and it was because the nurse got snippy with me.  Tip: Don't get snippy with a pregnant lady.  She will bite your head off or cry.  Neither option is pleasant.  This was strike two at the doctor's office.  The first strike was due to the fact that the doctor I use contracts with a lab that doesn't take my insurance.  I got a $250 lesson in how to demand where your lab specimens are processed.  Let's hope that doesn't happen again.  (Update: insurance did cover this under maternity, but it was still a mess figuring out the system.)  I'm considering changing physcians, mainly so I can have the baby at St. Francis instead of St. John's.  I just hate to rock the boat, so the plan for now is to stick it out with my current physician, especially since she's known me for more than 10 years and has done absolutely nothing wrong.

Week 12 (Sept 26 - Oct 2)
I felt normal again!! Okay, well...as normal as I get.  The nausea became a thing of the past, my diet was totally back to normal (craving healthy foods!), and I actually did a little jogging.  And by a little I mean like 10 minutes, but the fact that I even felt like jogging was invigorating.  Our dog, Zach, has become my little walking/jogging buddy, and I really enjoyed taking him out because he doesn't need a leash.  We knocked out 2 miles in the gorgeous 70-degree weather.

This week was also nice because we told the rest of our family and friends the good news, and somehow Baby C seemed more real.  (As if the nausea wasn't enough to convince me...)  Next stop was to tell the bosses, but I didn't have travel plans to DC until later in October.  I figured the only way they'd find out would be through co-workers on Facebook or reading my blog, so Baby C's arrival announcement was scheduled to debut on the interwebz during week 15.  Hurry up week 15!

Week 13 (Oct 3 - 9)

This past weekend was a lot of fun.  We went to a shower for Ben and Abby and got to hang out with our Dallas friends.  They were really excited to hear our good news, especially the part where I volunteered to be the designated driver for the shower and two upcoming weddings.

Enjoying Ben and Abby's shower

Week 14 (Oct 10-16)

13 weeks

I've been crazy busy with work gearing up for a big public meeting in DC next week, so my brain is done, and it's only Wednesday.  I'll leave you with last week's belly bump picture.

Week 15 (Oct 17-23)
I just told my boss this morning and posted the announcement to Facebook.  It's so exciting to be able to share our good news with the world!

Stay tuned for more Baby "C" updates!

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