Monday, October 31, 2011

39 weeks. 1 to go.

How Far Along: 39 weeks. If he is not here by the time we hit 40 he is being evicted!

Size of Baby: Not 9 lbs. PHEW! This is what the doctor was able to deduce at our last appointment but wasn't able to tell us how big she actually thinks he is.

Total Weight Gain: Holding at 22 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: Yes, but my robe remains my favorite piece of fashion. I am not trying to be Rachel Zoe here!

Movement: Yes, and it is becoming apparent that he less room to move around in there. His movements are strong and short versus a lot of wiggling around.

Symptoms: Oh, lots. The major one is I-want-to-meet-him-itis!

What I Miss: Sleeping on my stomach or back. I can hardly wait to not sleep on my side!

Girl or BoyBoy!

Baby name hint: The first letter of his name can be found in the second half of the alphabet.

Belly button In or Out: Out. Always out.

Stretch Marks: Nope. 

Cravings: I caved and consumed copious amounts of Fruity Pebbles this week. I can't say this is a pregnancy related craving necessarily but they sure were tasty! 

Best Moment This Week: The Cardinals winning the World Series! What a great year for Baby R to be born. 

In other news: I have decided that my nesting has turned a bit into something resembling preparation for the apocalypse. I am apparently going to be rendered completely useless (both physically and mentally) for at least 30 days post partum according to my preparation for Baby R's arrival. I have recently realized that I am having a baby, not brain surgery, so I will likely be able to function upon returning home. I guess you can never be too prepared, right?! 
There can only be one more of these! WOO HOO!!!

Happenings

While 99% of our life is consumed by awaiting Baby R's arrival, we have managed to stay rather busy with this, that, and the other thing around the Bay Area. 

There have been Stanford games, dinners out, doctor's visits, World Series watching, house work, naps, and a smattering of things in between. 

Pretty much it all circles back to the proverbial pot that has yet to boil though. Hopefully this week will be a bit more relaxing than last. Scott and I were both very on edge last week but for some reason we are now back to some semblance of patiently waiting. I think it is knowing that there is an end in sight...that, or denial. 

Anywho...some pictures because that is much more fun than my rambling!

A really bad picture of me, but I had to document our Stanford game attendance.
Karina and I just moments before the CARDINALS WON THE WORLD SERIES!!!!
We made it to the pumpkin patch :-). Granted we were there for a grand total of about 15 minutes we managed to come home with 9 pumpkins...6 are purely for decoration. Can't wait to take Baby R next year!
A pumpkin that is about the size of Baby R. Luckily the pumpkin people didn't think I was trying to steal a pumpkin under my shirt :-).
Baby R's pumpkin. Smaller than him, but a much cuter picture of me.
Scott evaluating his pumpkin options.
Found the perfect one!
All carved and ready to great our trick or treaters tonight. Isn't Scott's scary?!
Just one of our many Sunday house projects. We also gardened, re-planted house plants, cleaned the grill, evaluated a gutter situation...all items that weren't on the official nesting list but needed to be tended to.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

38 weeks. 2 to go.

How Far Along: 38 weeks.
Here's hoping there aren't many more of these purple shirted pictures!
Size of Baby: Big enough to be born! Hint, Hint Baby R! But really he is about 7 lbs and anywhere from 19-21 inches long. To reiterate...he is the size of a newborn!

Total Weight Gain: 22 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: Yes and I am looking very forward to wearing my regular clothes again. I never bought a lot of maternity clothes since I can wear gym clothes 98% of the time thereby making me completely underwhelmed by my closet these days.

Movement: Yep. I officially freak if he doesn't move constantly though. I have become very paranoid that something is going to go wrong over the past couple weeks.  The doctor said I have a better chance of getting hit by a bus. Here's hoping neither happen :-). 

Also, he gets the hiccups at least once a day, often twice.

Symptoms: I have been diagnosed with the pregnant lady waddle. Even if I concentrate I can't really avoid walking like a penguin.

What I Miss: Going in the attic. There is some seriously good nesting that could be done up there! Organizing, finding holiday decorations, saving winter clothes from moths...it is like a pregnant/OCD person's dream.

Girl or BoyBoy!

Baby name hint: 
“O captain! My Captain!
Our fearful trip is done.
The ship has weather'd every wrack
The prize we sought is won
The port is near, the bells I hear
The people all exulting
While follow eyes, the steady keel
The vessel grim and daring
But Heart! Heart! Heart!
O the bleeding drops of red
Where on the deck my captain lies
Fallen cold and dead. ” 


Belly button In or Out: Sometimes in, sometimes out. Just depends on the moment.

Stretch Marks: Nope. 

Cravings: Nothing. As a matter of fact I am little indifferent to food at the moment. 50% of the time it just makes me feel nauseous to eat. 

Best Moment This Week: Learning that I am 1cm dilated and 25% effaced! While this by no means indicates that labor is imminent it is a nice reassurance that my body knows it is time to start thinking about letting this little guy meet the world. We sure are ready to meet him! 

AND, bonus best moment of the week...we are the proud owners of a stroller. We can now bring Baby R home safe and sound (and stop saying hello to an empty stroller in our living room).  


Friday, October 21, 2011

friday randoms

  • I feel like a caged animal. All of a sudden I want to go anywhere and everywhere. I decided this morning London seemed good (after seeing Pippa all cozy in a pea coat with a coffee...). I don't even like London! I'm sure it is the "don't look over there" phenomenon...you know, where as a result that is the only place you want to look. I can't travel so now I am craving it. 
  • Speaking of caged animals...
I have failed to mention this previously but I have been SUPER sensitive about animals throughout my pregnancy. For example, this Ohio lunatic who set all his animals free and killed himself has me 100% unable to watch the news or visit news websites (unless you count people.com). The images of the animals is pretty much more than I can handle.  And don't even get my started on the ASPCA commercials with Sarah McLaughlin singing...

I am sure most people feel the same way about this so I will give you another example...about 3 months ago I was driving to Ikea and saw a dog being led by animal control on one of those mean looking stick/harness leash things. The dog looked scared and like he was definitely a stray. Same week, I saw a cute little puppy being walked by a man who looked less than fit to be taking care of himself, much less a puppy, and was also walking with his boa constrictor draped over his shoulder. These images continue to pop into my head all too frequently and I just want to rescue and snuggle all those little beings. Even a squirrel that has been hit by a car makes me upset thinking about his little squirrel family.

It's a good thing the humane society is not nearby or we might have a gaggle of fur babies. In response to this insane sensitivity to all things animals I have been giving Lola and AP about a zillion extra snuggles and making sure to keep them safe and sound here at home! 

All this to say, with how I feel about random animals and my own fur babies I can't even begin to fathom what having a baby is going to be like. I DO know one thing though, this baby isn't going to have to guess whether his mom and dad love him! 

  • I am hoping we get to a pumpkin patch this weekend. Scott and I have carved pumpkins every year and I want to continue that tradition. It will be a no brainer next year with our little man around but we could easily write it off this year and just paint my belly as a place holder!
  • We made risotto from scratch last night! This was a first for both of us and it turned out DARN good. Pats on the backs for us!


  • My stroller. Oh, this is turning into a saga. I won't bore you with details but my first order has now been cancelled and I will be buying it from another retailer AND having it installed this afternoon.

  • I crossed off "get car tires rotated" from the nesting list this week AND Baby R's baby book arrived AND the hospital bag is ready.
Nesting is dangerous! My hands have taken a beating...at one point I think we were up to 3 band aids on a single hand plus a handful of misc. scratches you can't see in this pic.

  • Back to the dr today. Here's hoping it goes better than last week :-).
  • I am really enjoying the fall weather and I am disappointed it is supposed to get back up to 88 on Sunday :-(
  • I am 98% sure I want to sign up for the Napa to Sonoma half marathon in July. Any one done it before? Any feedback? Seems like a good "get back in fighting shape" plan just in case I need the kick in the pants post baby and holidays!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

37 weeks. 3 weeks to go.

How Far Along: 37 weeks. We are officially full term!!

Size of Baby: 6.5 lbs and loooong.

Total Weight Gain: 21 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: Yes. Also, my advice, don't clean out your closet during your 9th month of pregnancy. Since a lot of clothes haven't been worn in months I was ready to give everything away! I had to resort the bags for Goodwill and rescue some oldies but goodies :-).

Movement: Still moving all over the place. This makes me especially happy this week after our little scare last week. Moving = happy baby.

Symptoms: Sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepy. Sometimes I think I might be narcoleptic or have mono. Then I remember I am 37 weeks pregnant!

What I Miss: Still nothing new to report.

Girl or BoyBoy!

Baby name hint: We're getting close...only 4 more hints (hopefully less).  His name does not start with a vowel. 

Belly button In or Out: It has kind of popped. It isn't obscene turkey baster popped but it can definitely be noticed through a tight shirt.

Stretch Marks: Nope. 

Cravings: Nothing that has not been reported yet. 

Best Moment This Week: Date night on Saturday with Scott. We started with the usual conversation:

Steph: What do you want for dinner?
Scott: I don't care. You're the pregnant one, what sounds good?
Steph: I don't know.
Scott: What about X?
Steph: No. That sounds horrible.
Scott: Ok, then what sounds good?
Steph: I don't know. What do you want?


You get the idea. I decided during round 5 of this little discussion that we were getting dressed and heading to the city! We had an amazing time and I am so glad we got out of the house and enjoyed some of our last moments as a family of 2 (plus two fur babies of course). 
growing, growing, growing

Monday, October 17, 2011

Nesting Update


Since I mentioned my nesting list in my last post I figured it might be time for an update. As I thought, a lot were crossed off, but I added plenty more. I have also done about a zillion things not on the list but in the interest of everyone's time I hit the highlights below.

  • Buy dimming light bulbs for Baby's room They don't work. not sure whether it is the fixture or wiring that is causing the issue)
  • Bank:
    • close checking account
    • fix pin #
  • Have termites treated (our house won't be tented or anything crazy, just some things found on our inspection that should be taken care of) We have decided to wait until spring on this one.
  • Clean gutters
  • I hired some pretty good looking help to clean the gutters :-)!
  • Nail grate back down on side of house
  • Buy new trash can 
  • Finish AP's pet insurance claim
  • Switch pomeranian pet insurance (VPI is a rip off)Still waiting on the claim to be processed before I can make any movement here.
  • Hair appt
  • Dentist appt
  • Dermatologist appt
  • Freeze Bar Method for when Baby R arrives
  • Reclaim old 401k
  • Buy nursing tanks
  • Buy nursing bras
  • Fix gutters so they drain further from the house
  • Have spare house keys made
  • Sharpen knives
  • Buy new welcome mat
  • Paint end table for Baby R's room
  • Finish packing hospital bag There are a few items on here (such as they computer I am using right now) that will be "grab on the way out of the house" items.
  • Buy remaining baby registry items
    • Make sure everything is ready to go for his arrival AT LEAST two weeks in advance just in case
  •  Install car seat Here's hoping this happens this week!
    • Have it "approved" by local fire dept
  • Have car tires rotated
  • Hang wedding present (bedroom?, living room?)
  • Finish 3 year book 
  • Make wedding album
  • Make honeymoon album
  • Pay Oct. bills
  • Pay Nov. bills
  • Have car brakes checked (they are squeaky)
  • Microchip pomeranians
  • Clean up iphoto
  • "wire" baby's room
    • monitor (ply wood)
    • sound machine
    • wipes warmer
    • lamp
  • Spray paint lamp
  • Alarm system
  • Clean up phone contacts
  • Unsubscribe from emails
  • Learn about white balance on my camera I learned about it but I don't think my new knowledge is going to do anything for my picture taking skills. I have determined I need a new lens and a lot of practice. The good news is I'll have something to take LOTS of pictures of soon :-).
  • Table lamp for baby's room
  • Initials on Baby R's bench
  • Order baby book 
  • Clean closets
  • Vacuum bags for ski clothes Bags have been purchased but I have been told I am not allowed to climb in the attic any more (until after Baby R arrives) so I can't actually put the clothes in the bags :-(.
  • Call electrician We have a handful of oddities that we need a professional to look at. Nothing urgent so it might wait but we will need to find someone eventually. 

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Granny Panties & Maxi Pads

Hopefully the title of this post has served as an official warning to those reading that this isn't your standard "Stephanie on the Move" PG post. It is about pregnancy and some week 36 drama. Oh, and there are no pictures in this post...just a lot of words so that I can keep my pregnancy chronicle accurate. So, without further adieu...

My pregnancy has been a walk in the park. At least that is what I believe based on all the horror stories I have read/heard of others experiences. Sure, I had to give up wine and must now perform an Olympic event to role over in bed, but Baby R has been kind to me. 

That was until yesterday. I had my first pregnancy snafu and it was enough to scare the living daylights out of me and send me running for a permanent position on the couch. I should mention it wasn't Baby R's fault so he can still be given the A+ baby in-utero rating!

Before we get to that story, let's address the title of this post. #1-Granny panties. In all of my reading I have learned that I get to come home from the hospital with an industrial strength maxi pad and will be needing some more "substantial" underwear to hold that beauty in place. So, off I went to Target because I don't own anything of the sort. I picked out a handful of not completely scary options and packed them away in my hospital bag so I could be ready to show off those hot underwear lines through my Lululemon pants post delivery (seriously, is there anything worse?). #2-Maxi Pads. This was worse. It took me three trips to the feminine hygiene aisle and a text for more information on what to buy to finally put a couple of packages in my basket. I am pretty sure I have not had use for a pad since 8th grade and was sufficiently overwhelmed by the ocean of options in front of me. Based on what I hear I contemplated just throwing in the Depends...if I have to wear a diaper, might as well be the real deal.

Ok, I think we are all clear on where I stand on Maxi Pads and full coverage underwear. BUT, I was officially prepared for the arrival of Baby R (or so I think, there might be a follow up after delivery to tell you otherwise). 

Moving on...yesterday marked the beginning of my weekly visits to my OB to keep tabs on Baby R's pending arrival. This also means hearing the words "just undress from the waist down" every time. You get the idea, right? If not, ask Google. Exam #1 went well. Baby R is showing no signs of making an arrival, has a great heart rate (150s), and is measuring right on schedule. 

So, off I went in pregnant happy land enjoying feeling Baby R kick and knowing that everything was still going just right in his little world. 

I arrived at the dentist (remember the nesting list?) for my cleaning after a 45 minute drive from the city and, of course, had to pee before being sat in a chair for an hour. To my horror, I was bleeding. And not just a spot or two. I went back to the lobby and shared way too much with the receptionist and anyone within ear shot and high tailed it back to my car. I imagine I looked slightly like someone who just saw a ghost and was fleeing the scene of a crime.

I immediately called the doctor's office and learned Dr. G had left for the day to go into a surgery. Awesome. So I frantically called their other office, left a slightly hysterical message and then called Scott. So far, I was pretty even keel. 

I got a call back from the nurse telling me she was going to call Dr. G and try to reach her before she went into surgery just to get her opinion...ALLELUIA. I wanted to hug this woman through the phone. Then, I lost it. I called Scott back and just started bawling. It was in that minute that I truly realized I would do absolutely anything to keep this little guy safe. I wasn't sure what the answer was at that moment and that was the worst feeling. Do I head for the ER, drive home and wait, pull over and wait?!?! All I knew is that I wanted to know what was going on and how to make sure my baby was perfect. 

Thankfully, I got a call back from the doctor and she told me that this was a normal side effect of the exam and that I just needed to take it easy the rest of the day and monitor the situation (um, would have been good to know before leaving the office). While this brought immediate relief knowing that Baby R was likely not in harm's way, I was still a bit on edge with the "just wait it out" mentality. I am the kind of person who likes answers and definites...wait and see is hard for me (reason #1 awaiting labor is already a challenge). But, I did as I was told. 

I came home, pulled the granny panties out of the hospital bag and retreated to the couch in my robe. I was pretty much a hot mess when Scott came in the door from work. He deserves HUGE credit for keeping me calm and being an amazing husband through my whole (ok, it was seriously 15 minutes) ordeal. We knew that it was just a sit and wait situation before he even made it home but he still came and sat with me and let me have one more cry on his shoulder. While I didn't need him there as I was ok, I needed him there and he knew that and was there. He is perfect...just like Baby R. 

In the end, I haven't made any emergency trips to the ER, actually had a good night's sleep and intend to do some more relaxing today. Relaxing is not something I am good at (I ended up doing laundry last night...I just can't help myself) but I am going to begrudgingly skip Bar Method again today (let's be honest, I would be scared to death the entire class anyway) and simply run a few errands and take care of my little man. 

While I love my doctor visits and hearing how Baby R is doing, I can honestly say I am not looking forward to more exams if this is the outcome. I will now know what to expect but I sure am going to be armed with 5,000 questions at my next visit to learn EXACTLY what is going on and how I should respond. 

I just realized Bar Method today would result in the aforementioned underwear lines through pants...that is reason enough to stay home. I am not really sure why this is such a problem for me...

All of this post is pretty much just a way to chronicle my pregnancy. So far, we have just been lucky that it has been kicks under the ribs and meat aversions to talk about. I'm sure you can hardly wait for my birth story. At least there will be pictures (don't worry, all G rated). 

Yesterday, I am pretty sure I officially became a mom based on three things:
  1. I wore granny panties
  2. I donned the maxi pad once again
  3. I felt the complete and utter fear that came with not knowing what might be wrong with my little guy and knew that I would do anything to keep him safe and make it all ok.
I will leave you with that. I have some daytime TV to watch. 

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

36 weeks. 4 to go.

How Far Along: 36 weeks. Baby R is due November 8th (just as a refresher).

Size of Baby: 6 lbs. and somewhere between 18.5 and 20 inches.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 21 lbs. Apparently no change since my appointment two weeks ago. I am not convinced of this and I am going to guess that it was just a nice scale and stick with me being around +23 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: Yep. I have decided to avoid pulling on the maternity jeans from now until the end though. That panel just makes me feel claustrophobic and the demi panel is pretty much a joke at this point.

Movement: Still moving all over the place. I love it...it is the one thing I will miss about pregnancy upon his arrival. 

Symptoms: Generally just running out of steam. I feel pretty beat most of the time regardless of my activity level. Superprego is officially retired. Also, Baby R has officially moved in permanently under my ribs making Bar Method, touching my toes, or finding a comfortable sitting position much more challenging. I did pull off painting my toe nails this morning though...one point me!
What I Miss: Still nothing new to report.

Girl or BoyBoy!

Baby name hint: His name ends in a consonant. In case you need a refresher of all of the hints thus far I have listed them below.

Belly button In or Out: It has kind of popped. It isn't obscene turkey baster popped but it can definitely be noticed through a tight shirt.

Stretch Marks: Nope. 

Cravings: Nothing new here either.
Best Moment This Week: Kate's visit! It is crazy to think that the next time I see her I will have a baby. Seems like just yesterday we were in Mrs. Clark's first grade class together. 

Sentence to not say to a 36.5 week pregnant person: "Your stroller, which we told you would be here this Friday at the latest and that you need to get your baby home from the hospital, is on back order and we are telling you now only because you inquired about its arrival." Yes, this happened and it took everything in my power not to lose my hormonal mind. Hopefully the woman saw the panic in my face and the urgency in my voice and will give me a positive update tomorrow on its ETA...it really is in her best interest, I promise!

Baby name hints:
  • It's one of the names that can be found by clicking here.
  • His name doesn't start with a "J"
  • You can find his name in the Bible.
  • A man with the same name had a significant influence on history. 
  • His name is a true "boy" name. Not one that could be used for a girl too.
  • Scott and I don't know anyone who has this name. 
  • His name is two syllables.
  • His initials don't spell anything no matter how you arrange them. His monogram doesn't either.
  • His first name is not a family name.
  • His name does not start with an "S".
  • His name does not start with an "R". 
  • His name has ends in a consonant.

Shoulder to shoulder

This past weekend brought a lot of excitement to the Retchless household. On Thursday Katie arrived from New York for a weekend of fun. It sure was handy to be unemployed so that two of us could pal around on Friday. We shopped, ate, hiked, cheered on the Cardinals, and generally just enjoyed a few days together. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures from Day 1 of Kate's visit but Day 2 brought more fun in the form of football. CU football to be exact!
If only the real Ralphie could make road trips.
This year is every exciting as the Buffs (my alma mater) joined the Pac 12 so I actually get to cheer them on in person again!! I got a few people to join my black and gold bandwagon and we gave Colorado a proper welcome to California.
I went on a CU shopping binge. The M&Ms were Scott's idea :-)
A couple of my converted CU fans (that cheered for Stanford once we got in the stadium...I'll get them trained!!).
Baby R's first CU game :-)
Kate even put on some black and gold to support the cause.

Tanner and Kayla joining in the tailgate fun!
The chocolate cupcakes make it hard to see but the cupcake holders were even Buff themed.
Yummmm.
We forgot a wine opener so we had to revert to lessons learned on our honeymoon.

It was a busy weekend that left me with my feet propped up all day Sunday. I think we jammed everything possible in to our last visit with Kate pre-baby! Now if everyone can send good vibes to NY for her to be able to make a trip out in November to meet Baby R that would be great!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

35 weeks. 5 to go.

Well, here we are. 5 weeks away. Saturday actually marks one month until my due date, but since it falls on a Tuesday we are 5 weeks out...right. Details. I am really just desperate to get to 37 weeks as it marks full term and Baby R can make his appearance at any moment after that without concern. Of course, we want him to cook as long as he needs but come 37 weeks we will be at the ready! 

How Far Along: 35 weeks.

Size of Baby:5 and 1/2 lbs. + and 20 inches.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 21 lbs. If you are curious where one stores 21 lbs, please see below.
That would be week 35 next to week 6. In case you need help identifying where the 21 lbs are, I'll help you. It is pretty much the triple threat: belly, boobs & butt (sorry for saying butt on the blog, mom). I would say for the most part it has stayed out of my face and arms but I do feel slightly larger all around from time to time.
Maternity Clothes: I am pretty much living in anything stretchy and soft these days. Scott and I stopped into Gap over the weekend and I was literally drooling over all the comfy clothes. If it comes in a large and is soft it might as well be mine. That is all I want to wear and I am pretty ok doing just that.

Movement: Consistent strong movements. This little guy is taking no prisoners inside my body! I also got 100% confirmation that he is head down and there is only a 1% chance of him turning back around.

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks. I should note that I had absolutely no idea I was having these until I saw my doctor this week. I told her there were no signs and she said, "well, you just had one". Apparently laying down or standing up pretty much guarantees one will occur but I am 100% not feeling them. I'll take the MD's word for it.

As for any other symptoms...pretty much just take all the symptoms I have ever posted and roll them up into a pretty 35 week package! 

What I Miss: Meh, not much to report.

Girl or BoyBoy!

Baby name hint: It's one of the names that can be found by clicking here. Good luck and enjoy a few giggles on your way through the list! (While Nimrod was an early favorite, I can tell you we opted not to go with that!)

Belly button In or Out: Flat but it can occasionally pop depending on how I sit/stand or how Baby R is camping out.

Stretch Marks: Nope. 

Cravings: McDonald's Hi-C Orange Drink. I may or may not have had Scott make an abrupt left turn into the drive through so I could get my fix. I am pretty sure Baby R and I are still on a sugar high.
Best Moment This Week: My baby shower!! As I already posted it was a wonderful day and I feel much more ready for Baby R's arrival with all our new gear. Just a few more items to pick up at our convenience.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Showered

This past weekend marked a little r&r followed by a wonderful baby shower in San Francisco. Chrissie pulled out all the stops and made it a day I will always remember! It was such a nice afternoon with family and friends.

We were also very fortunate to get the last of the "must have" items for Baby R's arrival. His room is officially ready for him to come home! I did two more loads of baby laundry yesterday and got all his drawers organized (after oooooing and ahhhhing over how cute the little outfits are) and his coming home outfit packed in the hospital bag. 

We also checked off the hospital tour last night, thereby completing all our classes before his arrival. We are as ready as we'll ever be!! Of course I am still five weeks away from my due date but it feels good to be prepared. 

Ok, time for the fun stuff...pictures!!
Hopefully you know this girl!
There was lots of yummy food!
Of course sweet treats, too! These cupcakes were to die for!
How cute are these cookies? They were quite tasty too...I think Baby R and I are still in sugar shock from all the treats.
The drink station
Onesies with a beautiful SF backdrop
Adorably decorated!
More cute details! There was no stone left unturned!!
The diaper cake. These diapers will undoubtedly come in handy!
We played a fun game of guessing how big my "waist" is these days. Kristina got SUPER close to getting it exact and won the first place prize.
Jess came in a super close 2nd!
There was present opening, as mentioned!
I am pretty excited for Baby R to try out this puppy. Of course it will be almost a year before he can go in it but it is super cute nonetheless!
The Retchless ladies.
Me and the FABULOUS host. Thanks so much, Crick! It was a perfect day!
I also want to thank Libby and Kristina for all the pictures. They allowed me to enjoy my shower while they documented the day. And a great day it was (as you can see). Scott and I are so lucky to be surrounded by such thoughtful and caring people and Baby R will be very lucky to have each and every one of them in his life!