Updates

May 22, 2009

Yes it has been a while. And now that he is almost four months-technically it is still a week and a half away. But still. I figured its about time to share all the small things he has done since.

April 11th- he starts sleeping through the night. Thankfully this is also the beginning of the week that I head back to work.
April 13th- My mom starts taking him on the bus.
May 22nd- First time he rolls completely over on to his stomach.

He goes in for his four month checkup on the 1st of June, which will include more shots.  Other than the fact we found he seems to be allergic to soap fragrance, all appears to be going on track. Which is a good thing.

And hopefully, I will actually take the time to update a little more often.

Don't Blink

March 2, 2009

Kenny Chesney has this song out, its an older one off of his Poet's and Pirates CD. The song is appropriately titled 'Don't Blink.'  For those that haven't heard it, here is a recap. Its a man looking back at his life, replaying all the memories he may have missed if he blinked.

It's your typical country song.

Before I had Logan, I didn't think much of this song, yes time flew by. Things changed. But it wasn't until Logan was born, until I had him that I realized how true the song actually is.

For in the blink of an eye, a month has gone by. Logan is a month old. In the blink of an eye, he has gone from a fresh faced newborn, to a little man opening his blue eyes, and exploring the world.

I am trying to figure out where the month has gone. I have stopped counting the number of diapers he has gone through, the number of bottles we have prepared and the number of hours he has kept us up. Because none of these have answered the question, where has it all gone.

And suddenly I want to rewind time, to go back and capture every moment that I may have missed, and I am pretty sure there have been plenty of them. Because I know that this time, these precious moments will not last long and before I know it, he will be walking and talking. He won't be that little boy that is currently nestled in my husband's arms.

And next time Don't Blink happens to fly across my IPOD, I sure the hell won't be dismissing it.

-Aleisha
 

Lazy Boy?

February 24, 2009

So I am beginning to think our next big investment should be, a lazy boy. Why? Because it seems as though lately, one if not both of us end up on the couch, or in the rocking chair at one point or another during the night. And it depends on whom you may ask to determine which is the most comfortable. Andy, would probably say it’s the rocking chair, because at 6’3, our tiny couch is not quite size appropriate for him. I on the other hand fit nicely in the couch.

Back to the lazy boy.

It never started out this way. We had no plans on falling asleep out in the living room. Or even falling asleep in different rooms but somehow it seems as this is exactly what is happening. Andy will rock Logan for a few minutes, placing him back in his crib, which he seems to be adapting to more and more before crawling back into bed himself. I on the other hand, usually lay there in the dark, listening to him breath, which is currently one of my favorite sounds in the world and soon enough not only is he asleep, but I am as well.

And while to me, sleeping on a couch isn’t so bad. I came out the other night, to both my husband and my son asleep in the rocking chair the third night in a row. Andy looking so uncomfortable, I knew he would be uncomfortable in the morning.

And when my predictions were right the following morning.
I seriously considered looking into that lazy boy.


-Aleisha

Logan Alexander

February 8, 2009

Introducing....

February 5, 2009

In truth i think it actually started Saturday, I was having minor contractions but nothing major. i went about my business, got our phones. on sunday afternoon, I was in a little bit of pain, but it didn't really start until the evening while the super bowl was going on.  I had a funny feeling i would be ending up at the hospital before the end of the night. Sure enough, by 6, I was calling the doctors and was told to make it to the hospital. Got there, was only 2 cm dilated.they sent me home around 10:30.

We stopped got a soda. Came home took a shower, tried to sleep, but it was only getting worse and while andy slept I was really timing it. We called back we timed for another two hours before making our way back to the hospital at 4:30 in the morning. Again they told me i was still only 2 cm's and that I would probably be going home. Luckily, the same triage nurses were there and they suggested me walk around. So for an hour and a half I walked the entire hospital. by 7, I was finally 4 cm's and they took me.

I decided on an epidural right away, I knew I wanted one and I knew that it may slow down the process but I wanted it done before it got to late. And with already being over 4 CMs by that point I figured may as well. The doctor had told me I would probably have him by dinner time.

Things really didn't start moving until 8, when they said I was finally dilated enough to start going into delivery. I was surprised by the length of time, what seemed to be minutes was actually an hour, and:

Logan Alexander Mattice was born at 9:32pm weighing in at 6 pds, 13 ounces and was 19 inches long.

However after I had him, there was complications with me, and the immediately took him away. The placenta wasn't coming out all the way, and I was losing way to much blood. Nurses and doctors began swarming in and around like nobodys business, they started pumping medicine, talking of emergency surgery and hysterectomy. I admit i dont remember to much and am getting two different stories from my mom and Andy. Mom says I was out of it, and was saying my goodbyes to everybody. Andy said it wasn't that bad. But I do know I was bleeding and stark white. So pale. It was really scary.

But everything turned out alright. And both of us are well. I was on a lot of medication up until yesterday afternoon. I am still very weak and my blood is still a little low, as well as being anemic. but the important thing is I have a beautiful son, and I am safe. As is he.

And everything is still intact.

And if you were to ask me, it was all worth it in the end.

Pictures should be coming.

-Aleisha

A watched pot never boils.

January. 27. 2009

And yet, I feel as though, I am being watched. As though everyone is expecting me to have this kid at any moment, anywhere. It’s not just my family - whom are anxious enough - but coworkers, friends even strangers I have never met seem to be watching my every movement afraid that I will pop out a kid in front of them.

I suppose it could happen.

I mean truthfully, we only have twelve days until the official due date. Which means we could technically have the kid at any given moment, but I am not fragile and I will tell someone should the time arrive.

Coworkers are terrified I am going to have the kid in the office. A few have offered to take me to the hospital should this happen. It is interesting to note that most of the ones that do offer are the last people I would want to take me, the kind of people that look for an excuse to get out of the office.

But it’s nice to have a backup plan I suppose.

Or they are afraid I will go into labor on the metro on the way to work. They come by my cube, exclaiming that they are waiting for the evening when they hear of a woman giving birth on a metro train. They say, "Well you could have it at a hockey game!" But at least a medical staff would be there. Not to mention an ambulance.

Because can’t you see that on the local eleven o’clock news.

And most of them think I am absolutely nuts for still continuing to work. I can’t tell you how many women here who have had children are telling me I need to just take off.

And do what?

Sit around and watch my stomach until it explodes? I mean the thought is nice (the staying home part, not my stomach exploding). But once I am home and not working I go on maternity leave. And since we don’t know when the baby is officially going to come, I could sit around for another two weeks waiting, wasting days that I would rather have after little one’s arrival.

What about working from home? Yes I can. From time to time, once a week if need be, but not for three weeks straight. I doubt my boss would go for that. Nor do I have enough work to keep me occupied for the next several weeks.

Which leaves me back to square one. Working as long as I can until little one decides to make his grand appearance.

Until then, my pot will continue to boil….

-Aleisha
 

Three weeks and counting

January 18, 2009

There have been moments lately when I am exhausted. Moments when i just want to curl up in a ball and cry because I ache. Because I can't see my feet. Moments when all I want to do is meet my son, to hold him, to laugh with him. Moments when i just want the whole thing to be over with.  My feet ache, the two hour commute one way is getting to me. Times when I can't breathe. Moments when I feel as though I am not only huge but the most unattractive person in the world. I stopped driving back in November, and I feel as though I am a huge burden on Andy and my family. And lets not forget to mention I feel as though i am in the bathroom more than I am anywhere else.  And when we go out? I can't walk three feet without feeling as though I need a break.

Yes moments when I absolutely want to cry for sure.

I am down to the final weeks. I am told this is to be expected.

And then I look down and I remind myself that I will never again get this feeling back. That these are the moments I should cherish because I don't have to share him with anyone else and it's just mine, our time. I will no longer get to be selfish and lay there, my hand on my stomach while he moves around. No longer get to wonder about what he will be like.

And soon enough I will look down and there won't be a belly there.

Sure Andy and I want another child down the road - not any time soon mind you - but we do. And again I will go through the experience once more. But how do I know its going to be the same? And it will be with another child, not with this one, not with my first. Besides each child is different so how can I expect each pregnancy to be the same?

I am sure it isn't.

These are the moments when I try to relax. And enjoy the final countdown.

For a week from now. These moments could be gone.

- Aleisha

On A More Serious Note

January 8, 2009

I am a silly silly girl right now.
Its the whole being emotional and pregnant thing.that I blame it on..

Last week, at the doctors appointment they had told me blueberry was sitting across my lap. they said not to worry that there still is time for him to move around.  I believed him. I didnt worry. i am not worried at all.

Anyway.

So Burgandy was up for the holidays, and while I was over at my parents last week, she had her hand on my stomach and he was apparently kicking and going to town. and I felt.

Nothing.

We looked down, her hands were on my right side. She asked me really. I said yes. I didnt even know he was doing anything over there. was he even over there at all? She said hell yes. that he was practically jumping out at her. and I felt.

Jealous.

She was feeling something I couldn't on my own body. It was as if I was being robbed of something I never knew I had in the first place. A moment that should have been mine, was hers.

 I've always wondered why at some points I could feel him and sometimes I couldn't. Andy would tell me he was kicking and I wouldn't feel anything. I always thought my disability was mainly in my hand, and leg when I get exhausted. but apparently, I can't feel in certain areas and didn't know until recently. Everything made a lot of sense then. No wonder why counting kicks has been rather difficult for me.

So  I am sitting here at my desk this afternoon and suddenly he just starts going bazooka on me. He is moving and kicking and wait a minute, did I just feel that? it was the feeling of a kick. At least I think it was a kick. And maybe he is actually moving because I haven't felt that and oh my god it was pure joy.

I know I am sounding ridiculous. because how many others do you know that get so excited...But its like I had missed out on something during my pregnancy. Almost 36 weeks pregnant and feeling things for the first time. it was as if i could finally say yes...He is there. and all.

I immediately wanted to cry. iI wanted to run up to someone and tell them the wonderful miracle that was forming within me.

Do I actually know if he has officially moved in to the correct position. No I don't. I am only speculating.

Still....I want to cry because of it.


-Aleisha
 

Pictures of the Baby Room

January 4, 2009

Here are a couple sample pictures of the baby room so far.

36 days and counting...

January 3, 2009

When we first found out we were expecting, it was June 2008. The year was halfway over, the holidays seeming so far away. And February, wasn't even a thought. After all, it was in a whole different year. There was plenty of time to do what needed to be done. To prepare ourselves for what was to come, and the whole thought of parenthood was still in our minds a distance away.

And now?

Boy how time has flown. No longer can we say, oh its next year. We have time. We can do it tomorrow. Because, in reality, tomorrow is here. What we have put off til, is now major things we need to think about. We still have things to get. Things that need to be done.  The whole thing, is just one very weird thought. I find myself no longer saying I am due next February. But in a month. Or less for all we know.

Andy of course, being the guy that he is, still thinks we have time. His prediction, little one will be coming February 7th, and so until then its just a waiting game and we still have time to do the things. Pick up the things that we have yet to get. I on the other hand, know that he is going to come when he wants. This could mean, January 28th or February 13th, or anytime in between, and am trying to come up with the list of all we need. The overnight bag, for both of us. Making sure the paperwork is complete. Do we have the carseat ready? We still need to pick up a baby bathtub. Making sure we have a list of people to contact when that time comes.  I am not so naive to know, that no one is fully ready I am sure if you were to ask several new parents, their answer would be the same. No one is ever fully ready and there is always something you forget.

But the key is to at least act like you are ready. After all, the show must go on. No matter how much one is ready or not.

Btw, Andy should be posting some baby room pictures before the end of the weekend.

-Aleisha
 

2009!

January 1, 2009

Andy and I wanted to wish all of you-

a Very Happy New Year! May it be merry, bright and wonderful to all of you!

-Aleisha and Andy
 

Do you believe in the power of a full moon?

December 29, 2008

My mom has this thing. About full moons. When my nephew Randin was born, he was born three days early, she blamed it on the full moon. I on the other hand think it was all a coinsedence that Hillary just happened to go into labor on the same night the full moon happened.

Still my mom believes this. So she called me tonight, after our latest baby appointment. We go over the usual. Baby M is looking good, though he is laying sideways and across my stomach, the say its nothing to be concerned with-yet. Everything else looks to be normal, they recommended me not take anything for the slight cold-this makes the 3rd time I have had one since being pregnant. And finish up the report.

And thats when she breaks in. About looking up the full moon schedule for 2009.  The first being January 11th. And February's full moon? Is scheduled for February 9, 2009.

His expected arrival date.

Mom is extemely proud of this.

We shall see.

-Aleisha

Merry Christmas!

December 25. 2008

From the Mattice Family to yours, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

-Aleisha and Andy!

 

Its beginning to look a lot like a babys room.

December 22, 2008

After much waiting, a lot of trouble and a lot of fustration, we finally got the call our baby furniture had come in. To understand the whole mess, you have to be informed of the mess. You see, after dealing with Babies R Us, where we initially registered for the crib set, they informed us that our set was being 'discontinued' and we would have to find another. We went through their inventory three times and were told again, three other times that the sets we liked were no longer avaliable. And in fact hadn't been in stock, and unavaliable since well back into the spring. Fustrated we searched through several different chain stores, until we came across a local small business my mother had suggested. After the pain of Babies R Us, we were relieved to find an incredible set that both Andy and myself loved.  Ordering it in the beginning of November they said would guarantee us it delievery before the end of the year, but more in likely sooner since its a popular set and they get shipments in weekly.

So we wait, and we wait. We swing by every now and then to pick up some other things for the kiddo and what not. We ask, and they always said we will call you on Monday to let you know the status, but it should be here the week of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving came. Thanksgiving left.
Still no set. And no call to even update us like they had said.

We order a rocker, and we check, they inform us its on the next truck, and that again they will call us on Monday.

Still no call.

Knowing we aren't due til February we didn't mind waiting. But it would have been nice for a call, after all they promised they would call.

So we went in there two weekends ago and they said it was on the next truck, and that once again they would call on  Monday, and Monday passed with no phone call. Andy decided to call up there to inquire.

He got the run around, and was told that we were high demand customers who were bitchy because we were pregnant and how they now had to go out of their way to please us, just because we couldn't wait.

Andy was pretty upset.

All we wanted was a phone call when they told us they would call.

They finally called us, in a not so pleasent way last Friday told us it was ready and to come pick it up. Andy and my dad excitetly-or not so-went and picked it up, rushed home and set the entire thing up in less than a half hour.

While the room is currently a mix of baby toys, blankets and Andy's hockey memoriabilia which will soon be moved. And our rocker is still on order.

We are thrilled to say, things are coming together nicely.

And this 'bitchy, high demanding pregnant woman' is happy.

For now.

-Aleisha

Breathe In 1,2,3,4.

December 18, 2008

This past weekend, Andy and I attended an all day Lamaze class. Now when we first booked this, we were thinking great an all-day sort of thing. Get it done and over with. If we only knew. It wasn't that it was bad or horrible, it's just doing it all in one day made for a very long, long day. Especially when we neglected to pack our own lunch because we didn't know we were supposed to. But of course, this is another story.
We get there, bright and early. Too early for a Saturday. Yes, I am aware that sleeping in on Saturdays will not be an option for too much longer. We are one of the first in the group of about ten couples. Many of them are carrying bags and bags of groceries and I wanted to ask if they were planning on being there until they gave birth, but decided it best to keep quiet. As it turns out, we were all due between Jan 5th-February 12th.

Here is my rundown of the group:
1. a Chinese woman, and her American husband. They wanted no drugs during labor.
2. a young couple, who still had the newlywed glow, she is due two days before myself, but looks barely 3 months pregnant. Yea, I felt huge.
3. a couple who came straight out of the Dazed and Confuzed movie. She wanted no drugs, and was giving birth at home with the assistance of a midwife.
4. Andy and me. We consider ourselves fairly normal.
5. a woman who already knew her baby was breeched. They were trying to figure out what to do...
6. dont really remember the people beside us, they seemed pretty normal as well.
7. an African American woman on bed rest, her husband sat there flipping through his phone for the majoity of the day.
8. the last one, she was a military wife...he is in the Air Force.

Anyway, so we go over everything we watch some video that just happens to be the same video they showed Hillary during her parenting class. She just about walked out when she had to watch it, forcing me to watch it for her. And now here I was watching it for the second time. One should be impressed.

And then we got down to the nitty gritty – the reason we were all there. To learn how to breathe. But hold up wait a minute... The instructor asks if any of us has asthma. I raise my hand, and I am the only one to do so. And she says, "Well then just breathe like you would if you have an asthma attack." Advising me not to participate in the heavy breathing or quick breathing for it could trigger an attack.

Great we paid all this money for them to teach me something I learned how to do in the first grade. Brilliant I tell you.

I want my money back!

-Aleisha
 

Hospital Visit.

December 7, 2008

I would like to start off by saying this:

1. I have never been in labor, nor had a baby,
2. I have never been a patient myself at a hospital.

So I admit, I was pretty nervous about the tour of the Women's section of Fairfax Hospital this afternoon. Now that I am getting down to the final weeks of pregnancy, its all beginning to hit. The months of planning, the months of waiting and its just about here. Barely nine weeks to go and I will be both, a patient, and in labor.

The reality of it all is actually pretty scary.

But Andy and I sat listening as the nurse went over everything, the rooms, what I can have what I can't. Who I can have, who I can't. Forty-five minutes later, Andy and I were scratching our heads and thinking, that was a lot of information overload there. 

And what did we get out of the whole thing:

Andy: There is so many questions we still need to make, and I get to be her backup voice.
Aleisha: I'm having a baby, and the first place I need to head to is the counter with the bunnies on it.

-Aleisha

Oh the things people say round 2

December 4, 2008

Awhile ago, I posted things people have said. But that was the beginning. And since I have gained so much time, well here is a new things of stupid things people have said. Or done that I find absolutely annoying, or rude.

1. 'so when are you disappearing?"
'when the baby decides to come. really i don't have a lot of control over that.'
'and how long will you be gone?'
'around 10 weeks. give or take. depending on how things go.'
'ten weeks?'
'that's what i said.'
'i guarantee you, unless you have surgery. you'll be so bored, you'll be back at work within a week.'
'no ten weeks.'
'you are taking maternity leave then. fair enough.'
-coworker this morning. i may add he is single and looking ladies! any offers?

2. i get on the metro this morning, i don't expect for anyone to give up their seat for me. Even if I am disabled and pregnant I know we don't live in a perfect world where people respect the signs or anything. But I am standing there. My ever growing belly sticking out like a sore thumb. everyone ignores me and pay attention to their papers. When someone gets up, another woman grabs the seat. She looks at me and smiles, and then thanks me for allowing her to sit! It isn't until two stops before my own that someone offers me a seat. Mind you, this is 45 minutes after I first stepped on to the train.

3. 'are you sure your not having twins.'
'i'm sure.'
'i swear you are.'
'why? do i look that big?'
'well...no. i mean.'
'remember i was a size 0-2 before pregnant.'
'its just that.'
'its just you think im that huge.'
'no, i say that to every pregnant woman.'
i just look at him.
'oh look i gotta go catch the bus.'
good thinking, i was about ready to hand him a shovel and to tell him to start digging.
-this is the same coworker from the previous stupid comment.

4. 'you like cucumbers on your sandwiches.'
'yes.'
'must be a pregnant thing.'
'must be an aleisha thing, i have always enjoyed them.'
'no its a pregnancy thing. you never had them before.'
'we don't go to places for sandwich together very often.'
'still it's got to be a pregnancy thing.'
(because everything is a pregnant thing now right?)
-friend.

5. 'so what are you naming the kid.'
'not officially sure.'
'really?'
'yes.'
'any thoughts.'
'some.'
'you going to share?'
'whats your name?'
'mike.'
'then its michael stephen craig robert patrick carey matthew elijah elliott yorkshire mattice'
'seriously.'
'why not?'
-random coworker on the way down the elevators.
 
-Aleisha
 

Scary Thoughts

December 3, 2008

You know its a scary thought when you look down, and you see this huge mound that just seems to be a constant state of growing. And it seems as though it has always been that way, and that it will forever be this way.

And then it hits you. You are thirty weeks pregnant. More than half way down, and less than ten weeks to go. Or as the countdown on the clock says, 67 days.

Ten weeks, and that mound will be a real life baby.

And you and yours will be a mom and dad.

-Aleisha
 

PreBaby First

November 24, 2008

While the little man has yet to be born, he has already been through many firsts.
Lets review.

He has already been to the beach.
Had a party in his honor!
Attended his first concert.-we will not repeat what it was.-
'Sat' through a high school play.
Fascinated his cousins.
Gone to the movies.-Wall-E was the first.
Survived a few hockey games.
Been on vacation.
Attended and made it through his first semester of college. -Later if he is a genius we shall look back and known why.-
Made it through a ten year high school reunion.
Been to an amusement park.
Danced.
Managed to make it through an entire weekend with both sides of the family.

Congrats....little one.

-Aleisha

Wayne Gretzky Mattice?

November 8, 2008

I know your asking yourselves, how long are we actually going to call him Blueberry? Are we actually going to wind up just naming him Blueberry? No, we aren't I can assure you of this.

But here is the deal:

We haven't officially found the perfect name. Our first problem was this, we had the girls name picked out. Honestly, we have had a girls name picked out for a long time. We found one we both loved, and it stuck. This of course was probably our first mistake. Not that we were expecting it to be a girl, but we now realize we had probably doomed our chances from the very beginning. Next go around, remind us not to do so, so quickly.

Anyway, when it came to naming the boys on the other hand. It was a little more challenging. Every name I like, Andy didn't. And every name he liked, I didn't. And then we found the name we really liked. And we were like thats it! Until we found someone in the family had named a horse-all concedience-the same name. And it just didnt seem right. Or we would find another, and someone else was naming their son that. Or swore they were going to name it this.

And so on it has gone.

When we first started talking about boys names, Andy's idea was to name one of two things: the first being a good solid German/Norweigian name. He wanted something like Olaf or Vladimir, Deitich or Thor something real like that. He was stuck with it. In all fairness, he is German/Norweigian and so he wanted to pay homage to his native ancestors.

The second, would be after a famous hockey player. He went through the current and past players list of capitals and non capital players configuring what would be the most awesome, NHL bound name. You had your Alex's, your Mario's your Jagr's and of course Sergei's.

Lets not forget Wayne.
Surely Wayne Gretzky Mattice would get him noticed.

So Andy had this all worked out. And while I am trying to give him credit for such clever ideas. I don't necassarily want my kid having to live up to such hockey gods. After all, the pressure!

What do I want? I have gone back and forth. I love some old traditional names, biblical names and a few trendy names. I don't want to name a kid anything that they aren't going to be able to pronounce later on in life, or anyone else for that matter. The trendy names are great, there are a few I love, Andy not so much. He mentioned his reasoning, do I really want my kid to be hanging out with nine other Connors? Would I even mind this? I don't know how much I would mind, but as I have said Andy isnt a huge trendy name sort of guy.

Don't take it the wrong way, I am not saying they are bad names. I love the fact my sister named hers a bit different. And Tim and Tiffany's kid has a pretty cool name I must say. Even Andy will agree.

And of course, we are running into the same problem as Tim and Tiff. We being Andy and Aleisha, we don't necassarily want to be Triple A here.

This brings us back to the original question, what do we do? Andy wants a name of heritage, and I want well nothing to bland and boring.

Which means we have to come to some sort of agreement. A compromise of some sorts. It's all in the works. We are narrowing things down and working on what we find to be the pefect name. Should there ever be one that is.

And until then...
Blueberry is better than calling it 'it'

-Aleisha
 

Happy Halloween

October 31, 2008

So it's Halloween and what do we have planned. Nothing. Living in an apartment, we don't get to many trick or treaters. Besides, next year when Blueberry is actually here I know we will be doing something, even if it is making a track out to my parent's house in custome.

Not to much to report other wise, Blueberry is growing, as am I. We went to the doctor's last week for our latest appointment and all looks good. We are once again right on track with everything. He is really beginning to move a lot more, which is great unless it's in the middle of the night and I can't get comfy. I suppose however I should get used to the midnight wake up calls.

They will be here before I know it.

Latest pictures to come so stay tuned!

and Happy Halloween!

-Aleisha

 

It's Alive!

October 18,2008

So I am sitting in bed the other night watching the Red Sox/Rays game. The Red Sox were down horribly and I was trying to come to terms that my team wouldn't be repeating a World Series title this year when I looked down at my stomach. Blueberry was pretty active so I sat there watching it, and all of a sudden I saw it kick me! It was small but it was there. And then it did it again, and again. I yelled to Andy to get his booty in here for his son is moving.

We lay there for an hour watching as Blueberry went from here to there kicking and waving-or at least we can only assume so-

It is a small joy we have found doing. Every night before we turn out the lights we sit there talking to him, watching him move and marvel at what we have created.

Of course when I called mom to tell her, Hillary decided to inform me that it's a lot like that seen out of Spaceballs, you know the Hello My Darlin' one.  They got a kick out of it for some reason.

I just pray the boy inside looks a whole lot cutier than the creature in Spaceballs.

-Aleisha


 

Future Hockey Pro

October 9, 2008

It's an incredible feeling! Blueberry has been active for a little while, though it wasn't until last week that he really began moving around. It's great to know he is there I find it comforting when he does, I take it as a good sign, I know he will only get stronger and the kicking will soon keep me awake. As it is, he is active right as I am settling down for the night, so I am already trying to get used to it.

I had been telling Andy that he has been moving, but he never really believed me. Always asking what it was like, and I tried to describe it the best I could.But let's face it, try as we might, the guys for the most part don't get it. Then this past Sunday night, he finally felt his little boy! And his face lit up and he just got really really excited about the whole thing. I wish I could have taken a picture. And every night he lays there with his hand on my belly, practically begging for Blueberry to move around.

It's priceless. To see a man, who spends most of his time around great hockey players sitting there like that.

Speaking of hockey.

He  has already informed me that Blueberry is destined to be a pro hockey player. His claim? Apparently hockey leagues take kids, based on calendar year. So kids that are born in the beginning of the year are more developed than the kids that are born at the end of that year. He claims, that because of this the kid would have a much greater advantage over a kid that was born later. So he says.  I say tell that to Alex Ovechkin who's birthday is in Septemeber. Still he says it's done and settled.

I on the other hand, am just trying to get used to the idea that I will not only be a hockey wife, but a hockey mom as well.

-Aleisha
 

Lions and Tigers and Bears

October 2, 2008

I never thought I would have to figure out what to be for Halloween, it's just something I wasn't really thinking about. But with Halloween, and the holidays fast approaching, I figured it's best to start thinking about these sort of things. So what does a pregnant woman-and her husband- be? Or thinking about.

Well here are some ideas:

-Juno.

-Bristol Palin (Sarah Palin's pregnant daughter)

-Mike Wazoski and Sully from Monsters Inc.- Obviously Andy would be Sully and I would be Mike. I tried to get Hillary and Mom to agree to letting Andy and I take Ran-Ran and turn him into Boo. But that didn't fly over to well.

-Me-an oven -Andy chef outfit that says Bun Maker.

That's about it. I must say, I do not support eiter party. I don't claim to be Republican nor Democratic. And if you ask me I will tell you I still have no idea who I am voting for. But since she is pregnant I thought it would be  sort of funny.

Of course there is always the pregnant nun thing.
Though I think its overplayed.

-Aleisha

Drum roll please...

September 23, 2008

Yesterday was incredible. It was one of those days that you know years to come you will look back and think, that was the day that everything changed. The kind of day one will soon not forget and will work forever trying to recaputre again.

We arrived to Kaiser in Springfield both nervous and excited. My heart was racing while the nurse sat there looking at the different parts, explaining everything while he did so.  I layed there in amazement as I watched my future move around, as I saw the nurtrients and all get to Blueberry. And then he turned and said, 'let me get the dad so we can find out what it is.' I crossed my fingers Blueberry would cooperate.

And then Andy was there. The nurse asked what we thought it was.

I said 'Boy'
Andy said 'Girl.'

I was right. In moments he was showing us his full glory in saluate to his parents none the less.

It was beautiful.

Everything else looks to be healthy, no cleft lip or anything so that was good news. Measurements and all checked out normal. Check, check. In fact he said the only thing that looked off at the  moment was the fact that Blueberry is currently in the breech position. He of course said not to worry, because with four months to go this could very well change.

And just as we were when we found out we were expecting, we are extremely happy to have a baby boy on the way and looking forward to the future with him!

-Aleisha

So whats it going to be?

September 19. 2008

Just a quick note this afternoon.

Monday is our big ultrasound day. Kind of nervous to be honest. Nervous because I am really afraid Blueberry won’t cooperate and we will still be left with not knowing. Not to mention I have heard a lot of women cry when they find out what the sex is. I am just hoping it to be healthy. That’s the most important thing. After that, we have a 50/50 shot of having a boy and a girl. In the end, we will be happy either way.

And yes we have names for both, but I don't think we are a 100% sure on either one. So for now, we are mum about the names.

So lets keep our fingers crossed. That come Monday, Blueberry shows us his/her goods!

-Aleisha
 

Jenius...

September 12, 2008

At almost 19 weeks, we are now half way through-or just about-with our first pregnancy. Hard to believe but its true. I am finally getting to the point where I have gone from looking like I’m fat, to actually looking like I am pregnant. Which is great in a lot of ways because I am actually beginning to feel pregnant. Then again now that I am, the stares, the ‘what are you having’ questions and stupid comments are rolling in. So in honor of this. I figured I would put down a few of my favorites. Feel free to laugh.

"OMG you are getting so big. You are definitely having a boy. I mean look at you. You’re already fat!"  -Cashier at office’s café

"Well no wonder you are having a baby and aren’t worrying about school. Your clock must be ticking. You must be feeling the pressure to have them now. I mean your 28; your eggs will be drying up by this time next year. You should really have another one right away. I mean if I were you, I would be cranking babies out left and right. 28, that is really old to be a first time mom."   - Classmate in my communications class

Aleisha:  "I’m expecting"
Coworker:  "Oh I thought you were just getting fat!"

Joedy:  "How’s that working out for you?" (On reference to our pregnancy)

Talking to our 4 year old nephew about the new baby...
 

Randin:  "Aunt Aleisha, where’s the baby?"
Hillary:  "On its way, its not here yet buddy."
Randin:  "Is it on the school bus?"
Hillary:  "Um, sure is."
Randin:  "So when’s it going to get here?"
Aleisha:  "February."
Randin:  "That’s a long bus ride!"

Even the nurses aren't immune to asking stupid questions...

"Is this your first pregnancy?"
"Yes"
"Have you had any miscarriages?"
"No."
"Any other children?"
"No."
"So I am assuming this your first child then?"
"Yes."

Bingo. Smart one here. I wonder if her head hurt her after that one. Give her a cookie.

"Hello, the doctor will be with you in a moment. Are you Aleisha?"
"Yes."
(Turning to Andy)
"And you are? The father?"
"Yes."

Now I realize some of these are standard questions, doctors have to ask. But some of them were so dumb I wanted to laugh….

 

On a side note, the classmate had her first at 18, she did proceed to tell me her whole life story on how she got pregnant, going into far greater detail than I wanted to know. And while she kept pointing out my age, in my head I was pulling a total Ally McBeal and beating the living daylights out of her.

And since I am only half way through, I expect more lovely comments to come.

-Aleisha

 

Heartbeats and Registry Confusions

September 3, 2008

Now that the site is back up and running, I suppose we should update the events of the past week or so.

Last Friday (the 29th) we had yet another doctor's appointment. They of course went over how things were going, how I was feeling, how I was adjusting, yadda yadda yadda. And then they got down to what every parent waits for: Their first heart beat of Blueberry. We were hoping to hear it on a previous visit, but the nurse couldn't seem to find it, saying that at that stage, Blueberry was to small to really find it anyway. Not this time however, it was loud and clear as day.

It was the moment I fell in love. The moment that made me think, wow this really is happening. There have been several moments like that but none has been as special yet as that, hearing my baby's heartbeat was awesome. It made me want to cry, I held it together thankfully.

Can't promise I will do the same when I find out what Blueberry is, other than a baby.

So on Sunday, we headed out all excited to sign up for baby registries, because while I feel it is still a little early, Mom doesn't. So we head to Babies-R-Us. They give us a gun and told us to have fun. But what do we get? Boppies, car seats, is this brand better than that brand. Do we need half this crap? Andy really wants the spa treatment bath tub, because he thinks its hilarious. It is, I agree, but I am still trying to figure out what the hell we need. I mean do you know how much stuff there is for the little ones?

With so much stuff, I began to think I was in the wrong business.

Luckily, we decided to start simple, with things we know a boy or girl would both use, figuring that once we find out–-which will be on the 22nd of September--we will continue. But at least we got a start. And until then, I will do my research to find out what the hell half of the stuff is.

Because seriously. I have not one clue...
 

Pardon the Interruption...

September 3, 2008

Sorry about that. Apparently the server that this site is hosted on up and died. But not to worry, we are now back up and live! Let the updates commence!
-Andy
 

The Pregnancy Inquisition

August 22, 2008

Now that I am into my second trimester, and the majority of the friends/family and coworkers know that I am expecting, I am beginning to get questions like "What do you want Blueberry to be? Am I having any food cravings? Have I had any morning sickness?" I figured I would try to answer all of these, in one shot. So here it goes:

On what we want:
Well a baby would be preferable. This being our first, we aren’t going to be disappointed either way. Families on the other hand? Well, we have four nephews. And there is something to be said about the possibility of having the first girl in the bunch of us. Andy has always wanted a daughter. But would love a little boy as well. I, of course, want a healthy happy baby which to me is the most important part of the whole thing. After that, I have flip flopped. Growing up I wanted boys. Then it was a girl. Now I am settling on the fact it’s going to be what it’s going to be and it will be loved either way. Of course we have our suspicions but don’t all expecting parents?

On food cravings:
Pickles and Ice Cream? Mexican food? Salt! Late night out at McDonalds drive-thru’s? Sounds like a pregnant woman’s dream come true. Unless you happen to be me, who since becoming pregnant can’t stand the thought of MEAT. I have no desire for it what-so-ever. To be honest, it disgusts me. A fact that seems rather strange to some, including my husband. I used to love chicken and turkey, but now find I have to force myself to eat it. So what am I craving? Fruits, veggies and it seem to be the the thing for me. Having never been much for sweets, I am all of a sudden wanting things, not often, but more than before.

On morning sickness:
Yep, I had it. The first three months were rather horrible. I was pretty miserable. Hating life, cursing at the baby, you name it. I tried everything; the Preggy Pops, eating, drinking regular Coke, having small meals and snacks. I chewed gum. Whatever people suggested I was willing to try. But nothing seemed to be helping. At one point they took me off my vitamins because they weren’t doing anything for me. (If you get my drift.) It made for some pretty horrible work days and weekends when all I wanted was to do absolutely nothing. Thankfully the week of our vacation it had died out and I was back to being normal. Cheering that it was over and passed, we celebrated. Only to find it has now returned, not as strong as it once was, but it shows up in the afternoons. I now have several family members and friends whom have all had babies within the past few years and even months. And while they all could suggest things, none of them have gone through it as I have. Believe me they should consider themselves lucky.

So in short, here are my answers: What do we want? A baby. If sending me food, leave out the meat. And morning sickness can be a bitch.

-Aleisha

 

Blueberry?

August 18, 2008

I just thought I would explain our fascination with this. When we first started reading our Pregnancy for Dummies handbook it said that the little guy was the size of a blueberry. Us, being the dorks that we are, thought it would be a cute nickname to call the baby Blueberry instead of "it" or "the baby." Just to be clear though, we're not calling our first-born a fruit by any means. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I've also been instructed to inform everyone that we are not following the nut-job celebrity trend and naming our children after food products (although Broccoli Mattice has a nice ring to it.) I may be alone here, but I do think it would be kinda cute to continue the nickname after Blueberry is born. I mean, is it too much to ask to honor your parents and put your nickname on the back of his/her hockey jersey as they're being drafted into the big-leagues. A guy can dream, can't he?

-Andy
 

The Making of a Blueberry

August 16. 2008

By now we are 14 and a half weeks pregnant. It's hard to believe that we are already into our second trimester. After all, it seems as though it was just yesterday we were finding out that we were expecting.

To be honest, I don't think either one of us were expecting it all to happen as fast as it had. Or has for that matter. When we first started talking about kids, we were told it was going to take awhile. To be patient to, give it some time. So we tried, thinking, well ok, getting pregnant in the fall would be brillant. I would be able to finish both the fall and spring semesters. It would be no where near the other four nephews. And more  importantly, it wouldn't be in the middle of hockey season. A fact I grunt at and Andy thinks is no big deal.

In his mind it's no big deal, he believes he can get out of things, games and what not. Apparently the Caps organization is pretty incredible with letting fathers-to-be off to be with their wives in times like this. I, on the other hand, am thinking great, I will go into labor, and the only thing Andy will be thinking about is a)where is the nearest television,  b) is the game on it or c) he will be at the game and then well, I will be the panicing expecting mother flipping out.

But as we know, thing's don't always work out to everyone's original thoughts. And you can imagine our surprise when on our first shot we find ourselves pregnant. Andy is quite proud of this. In fact, he pretty much congratulated his boys proclaiming himself to be an overacheiver.

But when all was said and done, after the initial shock of "OMG we are expecting. What the f... did we get ourselves into."

We couldn't be more excited.

And with 176 days to go.
We are in for a thrilling ride.

-Aleisha