We have Visitors!

 

Dear Baby,

 

Let me introduce you to a few of your favorite fans -- Grandpa Jim and Grandma Sugar!

 

These two are in town visiting from Oregon...and even though they live many states away they already love you lots!!  In this picture they are enjoying one of Grandpa Jim's favorite reasons to come to Columbus...Jeni's ice cream!  While he normally gets Queen City Cayenne, this time around he got Brown Butter Almond Brittle (my favorite) and Dark Chocolate Peppermint.  Grandpa Jim is your dad's dad.  He is very special to us!  He is a lot of like your dad--very patient, warm, and welcoming.  Since the first time I met him, I really liked him (and you will too :).  He is a great storyteller, family historian, golfer, and lover of the Oregon Ducks!  Grandpa Jim has already given us lots of treasures for you - including your dad's old baby quilt, growth chart, and christmas storybooks.  Your dad and I love that he calls almost every Sunday, either on his way to or home from the golf course, can always be counted on for a box of See's candy at the holidays, and sends us the latest Oregon Ducks gear.  He gives us the update from Oregon and most recently that includes the house that he and Grandma Sugar are building.  Sounds like they are going to have a huge guest bedroom for us when we visit...and you will love Oregon Baby H! 

Grandma Sugar is the shopper in the family.  She has already outfitted you with really cute swaddling blankets and Buckeye gear!  She has been a very big supporter of your dad and I from the beginning.  I will never forget the first Christmas your dad and I were together, he got me a Tiffany silver bow necklace.  She emailed me (because your dad was in Oregon at the time) to say that I must be very special because Rob had never bought jewelry or talked about a lady friend, except for me.  I liked her right away ;)  She has great taste and is very generous.  When I told her that I liked her felt Christmas tree decorations last year, she whipped them off the bottles and said, "here, take them!".  Oh, and she has perfect handwriting!

Not long ago, I came home from work to three large boxes on the porch and at first I couldn't figure out what they were, but when I did, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.  Grandpa Jim and Grandma Sugar had been at it again - spoiling you!  It was another amazing reminder that this was all really happening. And, it hasn't stopped there - they also purchased a changing table and glider too! 

Now that they are visiting, Grandpa Jim and your dad have been very busy setting things up in the nursery.  I'm pretty sure you will love it! 

Can't wait to introduce you to some more of your fan club little one!

It's A...

It's true, we're having a boy!  Originally we were supposed to have our gender reveal ultrasound on December 27.  However, when we were at the doctor in November, we asked if they could put us on the cancellation list and they did one better.  The doctor fit us in for one week earlier...December 20 at 11:45.  To say I was excited was an understatement!  I barely slept on Wednesday night and the few hours I did work in the morning on Thursday seemed to drag by.  Not to mention, the rest of my co-workers were volunteering for the Homeless Families Foundation.  Somehow, between cleaning the ZooKid animals, email, and chatting with co-workers, I managed to pass the time.  I left at 11:15 for the doctor and Rob was already there when I got there.  Suprisingly, there was only one other person in the waiting room and we were seen pretty quickly.  They took us back to the ultrasound room and we waited for the doctor.  Up to this point, I was pretty sure (and Rob too) that we were having a boy.  I don't know why and I can't explain it - but I have felt very strongly since the beginning that our baby would be a boy. 

Now, I will say, anyone that knows me probably knows that I was admant about having a girl. I wanted a girl because that's what I know and feel comfortable with - and I have a sister.  We are two years apart.  I know not everyone gets along with their siblings, but for the most part, Stacy and I always get along.  She is my best friend, my confidant, my sounding board, and (besides Rob), my other half.  I honestly can't imagine my life without her.  We talk or email nearly everyday.  We hang out at least once a week.  And she was the first person I told (other than Rob) that I was pregnant.  Thankfully, Rob has accepted Stacy in everyway.  She is always welcome at our house...even if that means we are going to be giggling about something he doesn't even understand.  I remember one time asking him what my voice sounded like (on a message or the phone) and he said, just listen to your sister.  You sound just like that.  I guess it's true what they say, sisters have their own language.  Everything about who I am, and the mother I will be are directly related to her.  This is why I wanted a girl.  Because even though Rob and I will likely have one child (unless the money tree starts growing in the backyard)- I wanted to feel that closeness. 

All this being said - when the doctor said, "oh yes, you're having a boy" - nothing but joy was in my heart.  Joy because I know, for everything I'm scared about -Rob is going to be awesome.  Rob is my polar opposite in a lot of ways.  He is calm, patient, laid back, and never says a bad word about anyone.  He balances me out perfectly.  And, he going to be an amazing dad!  I see it in the way he plays with the puppets in the ZooKid classroom, the way he interacts with Charlotte (his niece), the way he takes care of me, the way he works on things from puzzles to putting togther the deck, and the manner in which he goes out of his way to make sure we have everything we need.  I have truly picked the perfect partner in life. 

The rest of our ultrasound was pretty amazing too!  The doctor highlighted the baby's brain, heart, stomach, legs, arms, stomach, kidneys, and spine.  I will forever remember that spine looking like a string of pearls.  She said the baby weighed one pound now and was about the size of a banana.  It's so crazy to me all of the things they are able to see on an ultraound, but it was really neat.  I wish we could have one every week ;)

We shared the news with our parents on Christmas and everyone shared in our excitement!  I think they are all anxious to see me with a boy! Ha!  Either way, I see lots of Star Wars, trains, sports (is that why Rob is holding onto his lacrosse helmet?), and super heroes in our future - and I could not be more excited!!  We are having a BOY!!

21 Weeks

How far along? 21 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 14 pounds (give or take)
Maternity clothes? Still loving my black leggings with longer tops and boots, also my green "holiday" pants and of course the yoga pants
Stretch marks? Yep - on the tops of my thighs...
Sleep: Still getting up at least once a night...and finding the body pillow on the floor most mornings :(  Also - woke up several times this week with a bloody nose.  The first time, I actually thought that my nose had been running all night and just been wiping it with my sleeve and going back to sleep.  Only when I wiped a big run of what I thought was snot away, did I notice that it was blood.  I rushed to the bathroom and it looked like I had gotten into a huge fight.  My face was all red and my pillow so gross.  I had a hard time stopping it, so I called Rob, who told me that I just needed to sit down (instead of trying to do five things at once), lean forward and pinch the bridge of my nose.  It worked!  Needless to say, I think we will look into getting a humidifier. 
Best moment this week: Feeling the baby kick with my own hand on my stomach!  And, finding out the sex (to be revealed soon!)
Miss Anything? Sleeping through the night, a lot of my clothes, and of course, diet coke.
Movement: the baby moves all day long and its very cool and reassuring!  I like to just sit and try to be aware of it -- can't wait for Rob to feel it too!  .
Food cravings: CHOCOLATE milk - man, I could drink that all day long! 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!
Have you started to show yet: Yes!  And while I love that people know - I'm not feeling super photogenic these days.  I hated almost all the pictures my mom took of me over the holidays.  I feel like my face is puffy, my hair frizzy, and my legs stumpy.  Thankfully, Rob reminds me all the time that I'm beautiful. 
Gender: Stay tuned!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In for now..but definitely getting more shallow by the week...
Wedding rings on or off? On - and real tight.  Trying to decide if I should wait it out a few more weeks or just take them off now.  I just always feel weird without them on
Happy or Moody most of the time: for the most part- pretty happy, though I definitely have my moments of melt downs.
Looking forward to: THE HOLIDAYS and the new year!  Can't wait to hang out with family and friends!  Rob's dad and wife get here very soon and everyone is so excited about the baby!  I can't believe this is our last Christmas just the "two of us"!  



20 Weeks!

 

 

How far along? 20 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 11 pounds (maybe more?).  We go to the doctor again soon and to be honest, stepping on the scale frightens me.
Maternity clothes? I've been rocking maternity leggings, my awesome green knit pants, and khaki work pants mostly.  I wore those green pants four times last week! 
Stretch marks? Still just on the top of my thighs...use the lotion religiously-- so hopefully just there. 
Sleep: Still trying to get used to the body pillow.  Every morning when I wake up though, it's on the ground next to the bed.  I'm also getting sick of midnight and three AM bathroom breaks and sleeping on my sides. 
Best moment this week: Getting the nursery cleaned out!  What I thought was going to take two hours ended up taking about six (at one point it looked like a JoAnn Fabrics exploded in there) - but in the end, totally worth it!  I had to put most of my crap scrapbook stuff in the basement -- which is probably for the best since I figure I won't have a lot of time to do that when Baby Hauck arrives!
Miss Anything? sleeping on my back, lunch meat, eggnog, diet coke, diet doctor pepper................
Movement: baby is definitely active now!  I feel a lot of movement in the morning and in the evening...and i love it! Can't wait for Rob to be able to feel it too.

Food cravings: popsicles and soft pretzels.  I literally walked across Zoo grounds to get one in the RAIN!!

Anything making you queasy or sick: just spicy foods (they make me feel sick and give me raging heartburn)
Have you started to show yet: Yes
Gender: we will know soon!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On, but admittedly tight.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy - except for my melt down this weekend in the basement when I confessed through tears that there was no way we were going to get everything done before Christmas.  I sobbed all over Rob's sweater...but we came up with a plan and have knocked almost all of it out. Go Team Hauck!
Looking forward to: More fun nursery decorating and the big one..FINDING OUT WHAT GENDER THIS BABY IS!

19 Weeks

 

** It should be noted that Rob was a little hesitant taking this picture :)

 

How far along? 19 Weeks

Total weight gain: 8 lbs (maybe more?)
Maternity clothes? This week I wore my first true pair of maternity khaki pants to work (because we had DecemBRRRfest)...I'm trying to make some of my regular button up shirts work still with a belted waist.   
Stretch marks? Yes - on my hips, but I'm not sure if they are new or old. 
Sleep: So, I've been sleeping with the body pillow and it's like having a third person in our bed.  By the time the two of us, plus the pillow and Pecan are all in the bed with all the down blankets, let's just say it's crowded.  I do think it's helping me sleep longer.  There were multiple nights this week that I slept the whole night!! 
Best moment this week: On Friday when I arrived home from work, I could barely make it in the door due to three giant packages!  I was so suprised and pumped because our crib, mattress, and changing pad all arrived, thanks to Grandpa Jim and Grandma Sugar!  We are waiting to put them together until they get here...but I just love the crib so much!!  And, I'm so happy Rob agreed to be in the pic this week.  He was a little nervous...but I think we did great.  And it only took like 5 attempts!  haha!  He said it looked like his face was buried in my stomach. :)  
Miss Anything? Diet Coke (will I ever not miss this?)  Having tons of  energy --  Rob and I were supposed to watch White Christmas on Saturday night but about 25 minutes in I was falling asleep! 
Movement:  Lots of "fluttering" and bubble like feelings.  
Food cravings: Still loving popsicles, sour patch kids, and chocolate milk.  I could drink chocolate milk all day long!!  
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not this week...
Gender: Counting the days till we find out!
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Heartburn, and sometimes I feel like I have restless leg syndrom. 
Belly Button in or out? still flat
Wedding rings on or off? on - side note - I did look down on Tuesday at work and notice that a diamond on my engagement ring was missing and flipped out. I started thinking it was some kind of sign...and was feeling very dramatic about it.  When Rob got home from the gym, I accosted him at the door and insisted that we drive right over to the jeweler.  He was very calm (like normal) and reassured me it would be no big deal to get it replaced.  When we got to the Diamond Center, they were very kind and accomodating but I did have to give my ring to them :(  My finger felt so naked.  But, we got it back on Saturday and it was so shiny and bright!!! 
Happy or Moody most of the time: very happy
Looking forward to: I'm participating in 2 cookie exchanges this week (Rob is pretty excited) and we are one week closer to finding out the sex of Baby Hauck!!  We are going to finish up our Christmas shopping and wrap all presents too!  Plus, I'm taping some pretty awesome holiday movies on ABC family and Hallmark channel tonight!  haha!

Family Night - Party of 2 (and a half)



Last night was Family Night for employees at the Zoo...so Rob and I took our little family of two (and a half) out for a viewing of the lights!  I just love the smell of the wood burning in the fire barrels and warm hot chocolate in my hands. While there were not too many animals out, the lights looked amazing!  It's so neat to be able to see the culmination of 2 months of preparation by our grounds crew really come to life,  Rob really loves the LED lights and I have to agree.  According to the emails I receive from Baby Center, the baby can begin to hear sounds now.  Last night, baby, you would have heard your dad and mom exclaming over how bright the lights look!!  They just glow so pretty! I mean it's nothing compared to our light display at home (wink, wink) but the Zoo always does such a nice job.  Maybe next year we can really kick it up a notch and add some of these animal light displays to the yard....haha! 



18 Weeks

How far along? 18 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I think about 8 (up about 5 at my last doctor apppointment)
Maternity clothes? Yes, there are two pairs of "normal" pants that I can still wear, but I really just love my ygoa pants and maternity leggings (those are totally acceptable right?)  Got the cutest emerald green skinny maternity pants this weekend that I'm super excited about wearing to all my holiday parties! :)
Stretch marks? Not sure - saw some on my upper thigh this morning...but those might be old
Sleep: Sleeping okay - not great - getting up at least once a night and Rob is paranoid about me laying on my back, so every time he notices this, he gently rolls me over to my side or whispers "Carrie you're on your back"...but I got a body pillow this weekend so hopefully that will help!
Best moment this week: well it was actually last week, but we heard the baby's heart beat again!  We did also decide on a pack and play...so that's exciting!
Miss Anything? diet coke, lunchmeat, EGGNOG, runny eggs, wine, a sound night's sleep, my old clothes..............................
Movement: Starting to feel little flutters - almost like bubbles - nothing super crazy yet!
Food cravings: Lemon in my water, clementines, and popsicles!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not this week!
Have you started to show yet: Yes
Gender: Maybe a boy - Rob and I both think so
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Mostly happy - though I get irritated easily
Looking forward to:  Finding out the gender, decorating a nursery!!!



Happy Thanksgiving (a little late)

We celebrated Thanksgiving at my sister's house with my parents and grandpa.  Rob and I had spent the night over there on Wednesday to help Stacy get things ready, do some last minute baking, and set up the table.  It worked out well because Rob and I were able to wake up early Thursday morning to prepare the bird!  Since the turkey is pretty much the centerpiece of dinner, I always feel immense pressure to make sure it looks and tastes amazing.  (And my mom feels like she needs to send me no less than 10 emails with recipes, tips, and tricks on how to cook the bird). This is kind of funny to me because while I feel this pressure...it's actually Rob who does all the work.  :)  He takes out the giblets (so gross) and the neck, all the while I'm lording over him with commands like "what are you doing?" "is the neck out yet?" "put it all in the garbage and cover it up because I don't want to see"...haha!  He's a good sport though - and even tried a new little trick this year.  He put little butter packets underneath the skin to give it some flavor and we added a rub all over the skin and finished it off with carrots, celery, and onion.  Once the bird was in the oven - Rob went back to sleep on the couch and I turned on the Macy's day parade! 

My parents and grandpa arrived around 11:45 and then things really got busy in the kitchen!  Mashed potatoes in the crock pot, stuffing in the oven, rolls in the oven, and green beans on the stovetop...and we finally sat down to eat about 12:45.  The meal was perfect (could it be due to my last minute place cards???) and the turkey delicious!  Thank goodness I wore the maternity leggings...they gave me an advantage on everyone else...ELASTIC WAISTBAND!

 

 

 

 

We have so much to be thankful for this year....
-the baby growing in my belly
-family (both near and far) who are super supportive of us
-our cozy little house with a new furnace to boot
-two working cars
-jobs we like with good benefits for our growing family
-Miss Pecan Sandy
-Fringe (a new tv show that Rob and I are obsessed with)
-water with lemon slices (my new favorite)
-popsicles in the freezer (the baby's favorite)
-a never ending list of house projects with a Lowes down the street (daddy's favorite)

Really the list could go on and on...this baby is so lucky to have a dad that would do anything for us (including letting me sleep on the couch most of Sunday), aunties and uncles that are super excited to meet him/her and grandparents that are over the top generous!  A Happy Thanksgiving indeed!

Baby Bump Hits the Beach

We spent the last week on Captiva Island to celebrate my grandpa's (Poppy) 90th birthday. 

It was such a wonderful time to be together and the weather was just perfect!  I flew into Fort Myers from Atlanta and met up with the rest of the family in baggage claim on Saturday morning.  We hopped into our Dodge Caravan (even though mini vans aren't my favorite...I have to stay it was really comfortable and the only way we were fitting 6 suitcases plus carry ons) and away we went!  Our house was situated right on the beach side of Captiva, just a bike ride away from the Santiva General Store (my favorite for hot chocolate and snacks), and came with a huge pool (that was kept at 87 degrees!) and just yards from the beach.  The best part was that it had an elevator for Poppy! 

Some of my favorite memories from the beach...

• Daily morning walks with mom in search of shells and beach glass.  The big joke is that we are going to find the rare Junonia!  Sadly, this did not happen

• While I tried to avoid the swim suit (which I hate putting on even when I'm not pregant)...the urge to hit the super warm pool finally won out!  The pool was incredible and it was hilarious to watch every other member of my family attempt to get their bodies on the pool floats.  Oh baby, your dad still has not learned to take the float over to the steps for an easier time getting on board

• Lunches on our screened in porch overlooking the ocean!
• A bike ride with Rob to the Santiva General store for our families favorite snacks - including Combos, Chex Mix, and Honey BBQ Fritos (shout out to Rob and my dad)
• A delicious dip of ice cream from Pinocchio's - the Sanibel Crunch! (It had an adorable animal cracker on top too!)

• Our shelling trip with Captain John Houston to Cayo Costa...seeing dolphins...and watching Stacy and Rob try stand up paddle boarding.  I was skeptical at first about the SUP (stand up paddle board) but they made it look so easy!  A great core work out indeed :)

• Rob and I building the most beautiful sand castle.  We even used shells and seed weed as accessories.  Too bad we can't move in!

• Delicious dinners at a new favorites and old standbys... Cip's, Doc Fords, Cantina Captiva, The Bubble Room, and George and Wendy's Seafood Grille

• And of course - seeing Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2!!!  While Stacy and I were worried it might be sold out - we were practically the only ones in the theatre.

This baby is so lucky to have been on so many great adventures already! 

Weeks 14 &15

 

 

 

How far along? 15 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 5 lbs (Probably more by now, we'll find out next week!)
Maternity clothes? Bought maternity jeans and two dresses with Stacy at Destination Maternity.  My mom has also been buying me a few tops at Old Navy (why does everything have horizontal stripes?)  Stacy also brought over a maxi skirt and two sweaters on Halloween! 
Stretch marks? No and I'm trying to prevent that by rubbing lotion on everyday when I get out of the shower.
Sleep: Sleeping okay...minus waking up to pee every night at 3 am.
Best moment this week: Not throwing up and being at the beach with our baby bump!!
Miss Anything? Still miss lunch meat and diet coke...and this week I missed being able to get in a hot tub.  Our beach house had a nice hot tub...but not for this lady :)
Movement: Not yet...probably a few weeks out still.
Food cravings: Sour patch kids and everything bagels.

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Raw chicken
Have you started to show yet: yes, Stacy told me at the aiport that it looked like I popped. (Not sure if this is good or bad....)
Gender prediction: Boy??  Even thought of a cute boy name in church
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Celebrating Thanksgiving with the Clouds...we will miss Rob's family for sure :)  We have so much to be thankful for. 

Week 13 Update

 

Since I'm a little late starting this blog - I thought I would post all the pictures that I have taken so far with the chalkboard.  Rob was so sweet to make me this chalkboard after I saw one on Pinterest that I liked.  He has also been really great about taking the photos for me.  The first week we probably took about 25 pictures before I deemed one acceptable enough to use. My friends would probably all say that I do this all the time no matter the occasion.  I'm usually the first to demand to see the picture and point out something awful about myself.  I also might have had a meltdown about how I looked and all the clothes I wouldn't be able to wear in my closet.  But anyway...This week though, it only took us about four pictures to get a keeper! That's progress!

 

 How far along? 14 weeks and 3 days (I'm a little late with the updates)
Total weight gain/loss: 3 lbs gained - was pleasantly surprised at my one pound weight gain at the doctor this week
Maternity clothes? At work I have been wearing my regular khakis but with a ponytail holder stretched between the button hole and the button.  While at home I've been wearing my yoga pants and leggins A LOT :)
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Sleeping pretty good - minus frequent (about two-three trips a night) to the bathroom
Best moment this week: Hearing Baby Hauck's heartbeat - 152 at the doctor's office and finally telling everyone at work and on Facebook!
Miss Anything? Mostly lunchmeat (and Subway) and diet coke.  Not going to lie...everytime we're at a restaurant I think about fountain diet coke.
Movement: None yet
Food cravings: Cold things - popsicles, icee's, frozen yogurt, and smoothies. Also sour candies and skittles.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Raw chicken and coffee
Have you started to show yet: Yes, though it's probably just me noticing.  Everyone else probably just thinks I'm getting fat!
Gender: We don't know yet
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! (especially since I didn't have any headaches this week)
Looking forward to: Our Sanibel Island, Florida family vacation!  We are taking the bump to the beach :) 

Facebook official

Tonight is Halloween and we decided to make everything "Facebook official".  All day I kept saying, "this news is going to go viral".  haha!  When I got home from work, I put on my owl mask and Rob took a family photo (including proud big sis Pecan Sandy) and we posted it to Facebook right away.  The caption read "Whoooo is having a baby...the Hauck's are :)"  I'm nothing if not clever.  I was worried no one would see it because of trick or treat, but my phone started vibrating right away!  Hooray Facebook!  It's so weird to think that we even were able to tell everyone using social media..but handy too!

This picture is going viral!

In other baby news...went to the doctor on Tuesday. While waiting for a room to open up, Rob and I were huddled in the nurse cubicle. I was describing to him how nervous the crazy windy weather makes me. Wind is not your friend!!!  He asked exactly what I was nervous about. I revealed that I was scared that the tree in front of the house would fall on the roof while we were at work and Pecan Sandy would somehow escape. I literally teared up and started crying! I guess my hormones are really whacked out right now! But our cat's one true desire is to live outside and hunt bugs full time...so you can see how this would terrify me.  Thankfully the nurse rescued me and Rob (who was explaining the physics of the tree and how this would never happen anyway).

 After just a few minutes, the doctor came in. She was so nice and said my blood pressure and weight gain were right on track. (Thank goodness because I have been hitting the popsicles, smoothies, flavored ice...pretty much anything cold real hard). She got out the doppler machine and we finally got to hear the baby's heartbeat! It was so weird and wonderful all at the same time. It sounded just like a gentle swooshing. I was worried the whole morning that it would be difficult for her to find...but almost right away we heard it. A steady 152 beats. Doctor also mentioned that this has nothing to do with gender (even though my mom would beg to differ). :) We left feeling great and looking forward to the next visit. Of course, I treated myself to some Wendy's too (Rob couldn't make our original lunch date because some work stuff came up...boo). 

Here we go!

Well after reading blogs for many years...I finally decided to create one!  I'm hoping to use this space to record our thoughts, wishes, and overall craziness that comes from Baby Hauck :)