Weekly Babble Blog: For documentation sake....

My 'little' cousin (now a Junior in College) spoke with me about my blog a few weeks ago. She had an assignment that dealt with why bloggers write, what sort of gratification they get, etc. I had fun answering her questions and there is nothing like getting to have a long conversation with a girl who continues to surprise and delight me with her thoughtful, level-headed and responsible approach toward her future and life in general. She gives me hope for this new tech-savvy generation and always sounds genuinely interested in what I have to say - very good acting. Anyways, the majority of what I told her about my blog related to documentation. I began writing to document the thoughts, feelings and events going on in our lives at this particular moment. Even in the few years that I have been doing this, I have seen us grow and change.

There are things that I will not remember in 10, 20 or 50 years about our lives. What we worried about (the environment, debt, never being able to stop working and enjoy our lives), what our hobbies were (cycling, reading, excercise, cooking, traveling, crafts, bees, etc), how we reacted when we found out we were having a girl (high-five while the technologist was still in the room - how cheesy). Oh yeah, for the readers that I haven't told, we're having a girl! So I thought I'd take a minute and jot down some things said and done over the last couple months that I don't want to forget. Afterall, this whole child bearing thing could be a one-time deal - you never know. But it is the only time that it will be the first time.

1. I found out I was pregnant very early. I knew something was up, not because I was sick or anything, I just wasnt experiencing my normal symptoms and my nose was very stuffy but I didn't have a cold. Dave was preparing for a 100 mile bike ride. Bike rides are a little unsafe as it is, and this was his first one, so I didnt want to tell hime the big news until after he finished his ride - three long days away. He got home around noon on Sunday and proceeded to soak in the pool and tell me all about his ride, his pace, his cycling buddies, etc. When he was finished, I told him I had news too. After I told him he smiled, said 'wow' and continued to sit and ponder in the pool. Then he asked how I didn't tell him right away, and said he felt silly now telling me all about his ride. It wasn't silly. It was one of the last times the focus would be on him for a while.

2. The first sonogram was at 8 weeks and we got to see and hear the heartbeat. Our technologist, Tonya (hah!) is wonderful. She always has a candle burning in her office, never seems rushed, and makes you feel like you're the only woman having a baby that she's seen today. I do not know how you keep that much passion for your job. We were both absolutely shocked when she turned on that heartbeat, I think I said 'wow, there really is something in there'. Dave said he had the same feeling he gets before a really long race. I think that is pretty appropriate.

3. We picked a baby name on our way to Texas for the A&M game right after we found out the sex. It was a mutal decision, but Dave has final say and spelling. We decided not to tell anyone so that we do not hear opinions and because we might want to change it later. Plus, there has to be at least one surprise, right? Here is a pic from that 16 week sonogram. Check out those legs! She had her hand up behind her head for the whole thing (which is a position Dave is often in - very funny).

4. When my friend and neighbor showed up to lunch with an unexpected and incredibly cute baby outfit the other day, it made me want to mention how wonderful girlfriends are. One bought me three of her favorite pregnancy and baby books right after we found out and dropped them off at my office. Another one spent at least three hours editing and commenting on my checklist of baby needs and my pregnant friend endured a big afternoon craft show with me. My cousin (also pregnant) in Virginia emails all the time with happy thoughts and to see how I am doing. What would I do without these chicks?

I'll close this stroll down memory documentation lane with last weekend's events which also included my company christmas party and lighting the exterior of the house: