Riding in Style

The big news in our household this week doesn't directly involve baby, although it will come in handy once our boy arrives. We purchased a new (well used) vehicle. Its pretty exciting stuff considering Brad and I have had the same cars for years on end. The need for a more reliable family car was becoming increasingly more obvious and while we had originally intended to wait another few months and buy a new car right before the baby was due, a deal too good to pass up fell on our laps. We are now the proud owners of a 2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV. It came to us fully loaded with what I think the most exciting feature is, fold down DVD screens on the 2nd and 3rd row seating! Yes, Brad and I are riding in style. Below is a quick picture Brad snapped with his camera phone right before the sun went down.



Other than our big purchase, things have been pretty quiet. We did finish painting the nursery and I'm really happy with how its turning out. Below is a pic of the painted walls and when I am done decorating I will be sure to post a pic of the finished product. I'm now in my 25th week and other than killer heartburn, I've been feeling good and enjoying this stage of my pregnancy. That's pretty much all for now. I go back to the doctor in 2 weeks so I'll be sure to post after my appointment if not sooner.

Oh Baby!

As promised here is the latest picture of my baby bump, or I might have to start calling baby ball! As you can tell from the pic, I'm carrying pretty high which is the only reason I can still fit into pre-pregnancy jeans. I can definitely tell the baby is growing by the week if not daily as every morning I feel like I look bigger and bigger. But I have to say I love this experience, I love knowing this little one is growing inside me and I love feeling him move around. When I first was able to feel the little guy move, it was only on my right side. Now I can feel him move everywhere within me, another fact he is growing growing growing! I am now 23-24 weeks along and go back for another check-up Tuesday. I always love going so I can once again hear the baby's heartbeat.

Recap and Photos

Sorry for the lack of postings, its been a little hectic trying to get back in the swing of things since returning from our trip. We had a great time in Florida with Brad's family and a very Merry Christmas. Brad's mom always spoils us rotten when we visit, which I have to admit I enjoy tremendously. It was great to put my feet up and relax for a week and have a wonderful visit with family. It was definitely a nice treat to be in warmer weather as well. And for those that still haven't heard or have forgotten by now, we were able to share our wonderful news that we're having a...BOY! His family was definitely excited and everyone can't wait to meet this little guy. Its wonderful knowing the gender as we're able to bond a little more with baby and can call him a him instead of it! We can also call him by name, however we are definitely keeping that under wraps until he is born. Brad of course has his hockey career mapped out and we joke this baby will skate before he learns to walk.
On the last day of our trip we were able to meet my Nana and Aunt who was in town in Ft. Lauderdale for a wonderful lunch on the water. Below are a few pictures from our Florida trip...









Upon our return Brad played in a hockey tournament, we celebrated our 4 year anniversary with a romantic dinner, switched the guest room and nursery around and celebrated New Years by going to the Stars game and then back to a friends house to watch the ball drop. All in all it was a great vacation and holiday and was a tad difficult to go back to the real world this past Monday. Brad also had some very exciting developments as he will be starting a new job this coming week. Its always scary starting down a new path, but its a wonderful opportunity and great for our family.

As far as baby, he sure is growing! I don't think we can call it a baby bump any longer, it is now full fledge baby as Brad said earlier today. I will try to post a pic of that soon. He is extremely active, moving and kicking around and Brad and I both get so much joy out of feeling him move. We got the baby bedding and mattress this week so the nursery really feels like its starting to come together. Our next task is putting up chair railing in the room and painting. Its hard to believe I have just about 4 months left and our little one will be here!!
Below are a few pics of the bedding.

ITS A....

BABY!! For now that's all you're getting anyways. Most of you I'm sure already know if we're having a boy or girl, however to protect our Christmas surprise to the Jones family this year, there will be no posting of the gender until our return from sunny Florida next week. Brad and I were like giddy little kids this week, we were so excited. We were so excited to find out the sex, but even more to get to see our baby again and see how its grown in the last two months. Baby Jonesie, according to the sonogram, is completely healthy with no apparent birth defects, which is of course a sigh of relief. Baby is 10 oz, 7.7 inches long and measuring a few days ahead of the original due date, now estimated to arrive on May 11th. It was truly one of the most exciting days of our lives and made our baby so much more of a reality. Last week I started feeling the baby move and each day I feel it a little more. Its one of the most wonderful feelings. Stay tuned for more writings and pictures of baby next week.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

HAPPY CHANUKAH!

Tomorrow night is the first night of Chanukah. I have so many great memories from my family's Chanukah growing up and I can't wait to start those traditions with my family in the years to come. Growing up I couldn't wait for my dad to get home from work each of the 8 nights of Chanukah so we could light the menorah and open our alloted one gift of the night. My parents would display the beautifully wrapped presents on the dining room table and my brother and I were each allowed to open one gift each night. Generally the last night was saved for the biggest gift. My parents always went out of their way to make the holiday extra special and I hope I can pass that down to my family as well.
As far as baby updates, nothing really to report at the moment. Beginning my 17th week and I am finally starting to feel a little better. I go 2 weeks from tomorrow for the big ultrasound and am anxiously counting down days to see baby and find out if we're having a future figure skater or hockey player! Below are a couple of photos... The first is our latest purchase for the nursery, a changing table/dresser and sitting on top is my AMAZING Chanukah present my AMAZING husband surprised me with this evening...a Coach diaper bag! (To give you an idea on how much I've been wanting this, I would go into the Coach store and just stare at it!). And the second picture is my latest baby bump taken yesterday. My jeans are becoming increasingly more snug and I think the switch over to maternity pants is in my very near future.