GRAND parents!

Dear Baby,

I spent last weekend in Dayton with another set of your grandparents!  At 30 years old you should know that I still love a good weekend at home with my own parents :)  There is something about pulling into their driveway, bringing in all the bags, and then having two people dote on you all weekend.  Without further adeu...



hahahaha!  Your grandma probably wants to kill me right now - but I'm a sneaky photographer.  Everytime she gives me the camera to take picture, I always manage to capture a few photos when she is least expecting. :) 

 

 

There...hopefully this picture meets her approval!  In this picture two things should be noted: 1.) your grandma is wearing MY pants and MY shirt..Not fair :(  But, being the loving daughter that I am, I loaned them to her (before she even knew I was pregnant, but I knew I wouldn't be fitting into them for awhile) and 2.)  These two crazies are celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary in the above picture.  I only hope your dad and I can make it that many years!

 

To say that I was excited about telling these two that we were pregnant would be an understatement.  It was so hard to keep such a HUGE secret for 12 weeks...it was killing me!  My dad has been hounding me (and your Aunt Stacy) about giving him a grandkid long before Rob and I were even talking marriage!  There were so many times I almost slipped and spilled the secret, but I held it together until October.  And while, there were no waterworks (I mean seriously, can I get some tears for this joyous news?) - I feel confident saying they are super excited about your arrival!

 

Your Grandma Cloud, or "Grams" as she has informed me she would like to be called, taught me everything I know...so watch out!  haha!  But seriously, I get my love of holidays (we still fight over vintage shiny bright ornaments), fleamarkets, and especially scrapbooking from her.  In fact, I was home last weekend to work on a few scrapbooks and she also helped me create some custom artwork for your nursery.  The woman really knows her way around a camera, a scrapbook store, her cricut die cutting machine, and owns more pairs of TOMS and converse shoes than one person should.  (Maybe she will take this hint and get your some manly baby TOMS :)  Since we shared the news that we were expecting you - she has been very supportive, and I love to hear about all the scrapbook pages she can't wait to make!  Your Grams also got a real workout last weekend doing about 10 loads of baby clothes!  We kept cracking up at the little sleepers, onesies, and tiny pants as she would pull them out of the dryer.  And, we both agreed, Dreft (a special baby laundry detergent) smells amazing.  Even though she lives in Dayton, I'm pretty sure she won't have any problem driving up to see you ALL. THE.TIME. 

 

Moving on to your Gram's better half, Grandpa Cloud, or "Big Papa" as he has recently been calling himself.  The man loves hanging out in his flannel pj's (he got a new pair this past weekend!), cruising ebay on the I-Pad, antiquing, and counting the days until his retirement.  In fact, we couldn't have planned your due date any better dear baby...Big Papa will retire at the end of March - so he will have about a month to himself before he becomes our full time nanny.  Just kidding -- but seriously...if he's half as good as Papaw (your great grandpa) with children, we'll be set!  The man has been collecting children's books for years and stashing them under the bed in anticipation of reading to you.  It should also be noted that your Big Papa will be the only one I call when I'm looking for some new mom sympathy.  He will be able to calmly talk me off the ledge....while your Grams on the other hand would probably just tell me to "buck up and get over it"!  I learned my love of the heating pad and it's universal cure all power from BP (big papa..haha).  BP also makes the best hot chocolate (especially on Christmas morning), has hilarious taste in music, and has some pretty sweet dance moves (seen most recently on New Year's Eve as he galloped across the floor to Gangnam style).  Also, I don't plan on letting him forget that he promised me some vintage lockers for your room when we're ready -- if he doesn't deliver, we'll just help ourselves to the ones in his garage :)

 

We love these two very much - and can't wait for them to meet you! 

26 Weeks

 

How far along? 26 Weeks

Total weight gain: 21 lbs
Maternity clothes? Finally got another pair of maternity jeans (thank goodness for gift cards!) - Also ordered a few new things from GAP and I'm anxiously awaiting their arrival :)  For the most part though - still wearing a lot of maternity tops with side rouching and yoga pants at home!
Stretch marks? on the tops of my thighs...though I don't see how I won't get them on my stomach because seriously, how will that skin stretch any more than it already has?
Sleep: sleeping pretty good - have a hard time staying on my side.
Best moment this week: I certainly loved the cookies that Stacy brought me at work - so much so that I ate all of them (including the ones I was supposed to share with Rob...oops!) and then I baked them again later in the week!  But, really going to the doctor on Thursday and hearing the heartbeat again was pretty great too!  A strong 150 and she had nothing but great things to say! 
Miss Anything?  Being flexible!  It's getting a bit awkward bending over to take care of some of our animals at work or picking up something that I've dropped (for some reason I've also become really clumsy)! 

Movement: For the most part I feel the baby move all day long - but he is most active at night when I'm winding down and getting ready for bed or watching tv on the couch.

Food cravings: Still lots of chocolate milk - I seem to gravitate toward eggs too...I might them everyday...

Anything making you queasy or sick: Rob made a tuna salad sandwich on Friday for lunch and I thought I was going to be sick just smelling it.  :(
Gender: boy
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Rib pain is getting pretty uncomfortable these days - asked doctor about it - she said it was normal because things are just trying to expand in there to make room for the baby (makes sense I guess).  But, all I want to do is bust off my bra and slip on the comfy pants when I get home from work!
Belly Button in or out? in, but man I'm paranoid everyday that I'm going to wake up and it's going to be out.  Stacy and I had the funniest conversation about it on the phone this week - one of my books says you can put a band-aid over it to help smooth it over....so weird!!
Wedding rings on or off? Wedding ring on still and I'm able to move it around...so my fingers haven't been too swollen lately.

Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY! Though in three instances this week, real pissed.  First, a docent at work said I was "large".  Second a lady a church asked if I was having a "13 pound baby".  Seriously ladies?!!  I mean, even if that's what you think, don't say it!!  That's not what any lady, pregnant or not, wants to hear - EVER!  Help a sister out and tell me I look pretty good :)  Also, when calling to register for the one day birth class offered at the hospital in March, found out it was FULL.  ARe you kidding me?!  Now, we are forced to take the FIVE week class - we go every Wednesday in March for two and half hours on a Wednesday.  It doesn't end until 9:00 - don't they know that's Rob's bedtime?!! 
Looking forward to: our trip to Phoenix over my birthday, organizing all the clothes my mom and I washed in the armoire, showers, and my birthday!

Sidenote:  Took the glucose screening test for diabetes this week at the doctor.  I had really worked myself up that the "orange crush" you have to drink was going to be awful.  I was DREADING it.  But, I woke up, got ready for work, and pounded that beverage!  And, it wasn't too bad - like drinking an orange pop.  Then, I drove straight to the doctor and told them what time I finished the beverage so they could draw my blood exactly one hour later.  No news is good news, so I'm praying I don't hear from them.  My doctor did say though that I have low iron, so feel free to indulge in some hamburgers :)  Shouldn't be a problem!



Dear Baby - Your parents are pretty fun!

Dear Little Baby Hauck,
I think it's safe to say that your dad and I love this stage of life that we are in.  We both have jobs we really enjoy (most days), hobbies that keep us busy, great family and friends, and lots of fun togther too! 

We cook and eat dinner together almost every night. 

We rush to meet each other at the door.  I can usually count on your dad and Pecan to pop up off the couch and greet me with kisses and hugs when I get home.

We make time for each other on the weekends - whether that means planning a special "date", going to a favorite restauarnt, or hanging out a Lowes talking about our next home project.

Your dad supports my supper club and pinterest party adventures and I love that he has a special night to go bowling or golfing. 

All that said - I know there will come a time and place in the not too distant future when we are knee deep in diapers and sleep walking through our days.  In those moments I want to remember and for you to know tiny baby, that your Dad and I were pretty cool :)  When that day comes, and I'm sure it will, I plan on referring back to this list of awesomeness!

Here's the proof:

1.) Hocking Hills Weekend

When I started dating your dad, I was very lucky to also meet some great friends!  They welcomed me and accepted me almost immediately.  During the first summer of dating, these friends planned a pretty fun weekend in Hocking Hills!  We all shared a cabin in the woods - complete with hot tub, and the best fireworks we've ever seen (thank you Chenos brothers).  This weekend also included such gems as consuming way to many beers, giant sparklers, ca-brewing in the rain, and culminated in all of us partcipating in a high ropes course.  Holla!

2.)  Bangin' Bod
Okay, okay, I'm never going to win any fitness competitions - but I do want to remember how my    pre-pregnancy body (and hopefully post too) carried me through lots of 5K's and even multiple half marathons. In fact, the day after your dad and I's second date, I ran the Ecothon at the Wilds - and it was quite possibly the hardest race I've ever done!  And - the day after your dad proposed I ran the Columbus half marathon and he held a sign that read "Run Like a Hauck, (just not me)".  He's always my biggest supporter - catching mylayers as I run by, practically carrying me back to the car, and even making signs.  What a champ!

3.) Celebrating in Style

I have a huge love of the holidays - from Fourth of July to Halloween and everything in between - I like to celebrate in style!  Never has a Halloween gone by that your dad and I haven't carved pumpkins, dyed eggs, toasted champagne at midnight, or lit some sparklers.  I love that he indulges my crazy (except that time when we were supposed to have a "couple's Halloween costume" and your dad went as tequila poppin dude and I went as Minnie Mouse) but..... you get the idea!









4.) All our Bags are Packed...
Even though your dad is admittedly a homebody - we have done lots of fun traveling together!  We've fished the waters around Sanibel Island, Florida, hiked among the cactus in Arizona, walked Cannon Beach, Oregon and even ate lunch at the top of the Space Needle in Seattle! While I know we'll have to chill out for a bit when you make your arrival little one, I'm looking forward to lots of family vacations in the future. 

5.)  Did I mention we were champions....
of beer pong?!!  Oh yes, back in the day - your dad and I were pretty awesome at beer pong - though I'm sure you'll know nothing about that game until your 25, dear baby. Mostly your dad drank the beer because I'm kind of a light weight - but either way, CHAMPIONS! I know, our coolness factor just shot way up!

6.)  Party Animals

On top of being able to throw amzing parties (I threw your dad a surprise 30th birthday party)...we never miss a good one either!  We know how to have a great time - from the Kentucky Derby to Bocce Ball tournaments on Memorial Day, Oktoberfest and even  Zoofari!  :) 






7.)  And speaking of parties...
we threw one awesome party (with the help of our parents) when we got married!  Hello photobooth!  Hello awesome best man toast!  Hello sweet cake ball favors!  Hello birds, yellow, and grey galore!  Even though we planned the wedding before pinterest (mommy's obsession) - not a single detail got overlooked! 

8.)  Music to our ears ...
Your dad and I don't always enjoy the same music, but we can always agree on Dave Matthews!  Many a rooms in our house have been painted while listening to the Dave Matthews Pandora station and we even danced to Dave Matthews at our wedding....as well as seeing him in concert during the summer of 2010.  To my knowledge it's the only concert ever hosted at Huntington Park (where the Clippers play) - and we were there!  On the field!  Cause we're that cool :)

9.)  Little Sneaky Pecan
Oh baby - there is someone else you need to know about :)  Before we fell in love with you - we had a fur baby!  That's right....Miss Pecan Sandy is our real cool cat.  Actually most days she can be kind of a jerk (probably just because she's missed us all day and needing attention) but she is our little cuddle buddy at night.  I wasn't sure your dad would really be into cats, but from the moment we got Pecan, he is her absolute favorite.  I'm not sure if it's because he feeds her most morning and nights, or he doesn't harrass her as much as me (what do you mean cats don't like to be picked up and carried around the house like a baby??  I say practice, she might say torture...) - your dad is the light of Pecan's little kitty life (much to my chagrin).

 

10.)  Perhaps the COOLEST thing we've ever done though....
is creating you!  From the moment we saw the plus sign on the pregnancy test (even though we were both trying not to get too excited) - we have loved you, thought about you, worried about you, prayed for you, and prepared for you.  We are so excited to meet you in May!!

(this is your very first picture - about 6 weeks and 4 days old :)



Love,
the cool kids

25 Weeks

How far along? 25 Weeks
Total weight gain: 19 lbs + (going to the doctor this week and dreading the scale...)
Maternity clothes? all maternity pants at this point and leggings continue to be my favorite.  Some shirts I'm just buying a size up from my normal (I can usually do that at Old Navy)...plus empire waists seem to still be in at the moment.  I'm also trying to stretch some of my winter sweaters (because who wants to buy maternity sweaters??) Even wore some maternity work out pants to Zumba this week (thanks Mom!)
Stretch marks? Yes, still just on my thighs, but you better believe I'm rubbing the lotion all over my belly at this point.  How will my skin continue to stretch for three more month??? CRAZY!
Sleep: sleeping pretty good - I think it's the cold weather and flannel sheets!
Best moment this week: Rob and I went to Target and were able to pick out a floor lamp, shelves, and a mirror (plus a new toy for Pecan...haha!) and it was really great getting the last few things that will help us decorate for the nursery.  We are just feeling so excited for baby boy to make his arrival!!  Also, we had the best day on Saturday - 2 mile morning hike at the Scioto Adubon Center, lunch at the Mohawk (in German Village, where Rob got the stew that he talks about all the time) and then to Pistachia Vera bakery for some macarons!! Then at night, we had our Employee Recognition Dinner for the Zoo - super fun!
Miss Anything? It's crazy and I never thought I would say this, but I miss exercising (real exercising with ab work) and running.  We had some warm weather this week and I saw lots of joggers out and about and it made me really jealous of a lot of things -- their stamina, fit bodies, and ability to run far.  I'm planning on getting back to running (easy to say now) but who knows how I will fit that in.  Zumba at the Zoo did start back this week and I did participate.  :)  Felt really great afterward!  Little man must like dance music because he was really active afterwards!
Movement: all the time - and more pronounced at this point.
Food cravings: still sweets (hello Valentine candy) and I'm about to run to the grocery store for more chocolate milk!!  
Anything making you queasy or sick: Just the smell of tuna fish or Pecan's wet cat food :(
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Still a funky rib pain that I'm planning to ask the doctor about.  The heartburn has subsided slightly.  I'm out of breath more frequently than I used to be.
Belly Button in or out? still in (thank goodness!!)
Wedding rings on or off? wedding ring on.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Truly happy most of the time :)  Still feeling like there is lots to do (but I always feel like that).
Looking Forward to: Have lunch with Lynn and baby Will on Monday.  Getting the nursery all put together and decorated :)  Seeing my parents this weekend....we are going to wash lots of baby clothes, craft, and eat my favorite Dayton foods!  Rob is going to stay in Columbus and work on his "honey do" list (he's real excited.... :)  But, he did agree that if he will be painting, sanding, caulking etc. it's probably best that I not be around.

24 Weeks

How far along? 24 Weeks
Total weight gain: 18 lbs (I think -- I may have to lay off the Valentine candy ;)
Maternity clothes? Oh for sure - wish I could wear leggings and yoga pants to work!  During the week, I usually wear my uniform 2 times a week and then mix it up with other stuff the other 3 days.  I need another pair of maternity jeans...so I see a possible trip to Target/Destination Maternity in my future. 

Stretch marks? Yes, still just on the tops of my thighs  I have noticed that weird brown line that runs down the middle of your stomach is becoming more prominent than it used to be.  Stacy also told me that if it goes above your belly button, that's another sign you're having a boy.  Mine does, so I guess that's good :)  
Sleep: sleeping pretty good, some nights all the way through the night!  Rob has been fighting off some kind of cold/flu bug that I'm paranoid about getting so I've slept the last two nights in the guest room. 
Best moment this week:  Purchasing curtains for the nursery and turquoise bins to go on the shelves below the changing table (all from Target).  We are also meeting with an in-home day care provider today...so hopefully all will go smoothly! 

Miss Anything? Boars Head Lunchmeat from DLM (getting sick of PB&J and egg salad), my old clothes, diet dr.pepper, and always diet coke :) 
Movement: more & more each day...and stronger too!
Food cravings: Anything sour, eggs (made any way), so much chocolate milk, and I'm always game for frozen yogurt!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!
Gender: Boy 
Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Having weird pains along my rib cage/bra line, and swollen fingers.
Belly Button in or out? In - but getting more shallow by the day
Wedding rings on or off? Wedding ring on, engagement ring off.
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY
Looking forward to: Meeting Jessi the possbile in-home day care provider, more decorating in the nursery (my favorite), finishing up the curtains (adding trim to the bottom and black out fabric to the back), and meeting possible pediatricians!  Sometimes I feel like the list is never ending!  

The Haucks Take Babies R' Us!





In an attempt to pretend like we are prepared for our little arrival in May, Rob and I made plans to register this weekend.  I knew it would be overwhelming because of a previous visit in November.  Back then, we were all, we'll just buzz by, pick out a stroller/car seat, no biggie.  Wrong.  Much to my chagrin, they don't have 5 or even 10 strollers...they have 2 rows of them!  And then you need to make decisions like, travel system or stroller frame that fits car seat?  How many pounds can the stroller hold?  Do you want a jogging stroller? (haha - I can barely move myself foward when running, much less a stroller and a baby...but anyway)  We were completely overwhelmed, so this time we brought in reinforcements!  Oh yes, our good friends Tom and Lynn, who have recently added a little bundle of joy to their family, made the trip to help us get things straight.  I must add it was so fun to have Tom there to give a "dad's perspective" on certain things (who knew burp clothes were such a hot topic??) and of course, Will was the model baby, sleeping through the whole thing like a boss in his Chico Keyfit30 Car Seat (which we totally copied) holla! 

 (Our partners in crime, pictured above at Oktoberfest!)

Rob and I were trying to being proactive by getting there a few minutes before the agreed upon time.  We made our way over to the baby registering area and a nice lady probably recognized how lost we looked and took pity on us.  I filled out the required paperwork and one scan gun later, we were on our way!  So many possibilities!  We sauntered over to the first aisle, I was thinking "we'll just start and then Lynn and Tom can catch up when they get here".  Epic Fail.  The aisle we wandered into was the one with all the pacifiers, bottles, feeding gear etc.  I leaned over to Rob and in a voice full of panic, whispered, "Where is Lynn?  I NEEEEED her!"  No sooner had I uttered my words, fear filling my body, then they arrived! Hooray! 





I knew having them there was going to be reassuring and wonderful because Lynn had previously given us great advice on crib bedding.  I was ready to fork over most of my holiday cash for super cute bedding, but Lynn reminded me that we will likely be changing it often (babies spit up you know :) and that probaby just a couple of fitted white sheets would do the trick.  But, the whole Dotson family really brought their A game to Babies R' Us.  Both her and Tom gave us realistic,  straightforward, cut the crap advice.  Such gems as "you may want a forehead, swipey thermometer, but every pediatrician is going to want to know what the baby's temp is rectally when they are sick".  (I might have died a little inside).  Though, they reassured me this was quite natural and they had already done this on Will with much success.  Needless to say, we registered for a thermometer that is usable four ways.  :)  They also directed us to the baby nail clippers (did you know our baby is making nails right now?  Like, they are growing inside me? And they are sharp?), a comb and brush (our baby is going to look fine), and the snot sucker -- another unfortunate, but necessary tool!  We made our way around the store in about an hour.  It probably helped that our family was so generous at Christmas time - so we already had the bigger items.  I also made notes on the things I wanted to research a bit more (i.e. breast pumps, the next size up stroller and car seat, etc.)  We can always go back and add items from home.  Rob and I are so lucky to have Tom, Lynn, and Will in our life - not only are we looking forward to our babies being besties (obviously) but they are just great friends!  Cheers to overcoming our baby registry fears, great friends, and snot suckers!  :)

(Once we got the hang of the things, the scan gun was pretty fun!)



23 Weeks

 

 How far along? 23 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 18 lbs +
Maternity clothes? Wearing maternity pants and top in the picture above.   It's pretty much all maternity clothes now...I was even lucky enough to get some hand me downs from my friend Rachel.  And, in bigger news - I got a bra fitting today while Rob and I were out shopping (sorry to any male readers...which I'm pretty sure is just Rob's dad) but I was astounded to find out the ladies have grown!...Quite a bit!!  I was really not ready for the number she told me - but believed her once I tried on the bra and it was WAY more comfortable.  Why are bras so expensive though??!! 

Stretch marks? On my thighs

Sleep:  Starting to sleep better...and longer between bathroom trips. 
Best moment this week: Well, after looking at lots of expensive bedding and then not finding anything at Babies R Us...I broke out the old sewing machine!  I managed to make a half decent crib skirt, two pillows, and some cute artwork for the nursery!  Although, probably the best moment was seeing Rob's eyes light up at my new bra size...haha! And, we even managed to register too - go Team Hauck!  Special thanks to the Dotson family for helping us with that one...still need to research a few items, but overall feel pretty good about it!
Miss Anything? My regular wardrobe and having more than one pair of jeans that fit...

Movement: all the time...lots in the morning and evening.  Becuase I can't really predict it though, Rob hasn't felt it yet.  

Food cravings: Those red, jelly hearts (a Valentine's candy), lots of Chocolate Milk, white cheddar popcorn, and always popsicles.
Anything making you queasy or sick: nothing!
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Rib pain, backaches, swollen fingers, and BIG boobs!  haha!
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? Wedding ring on, engagement ring off. 
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY, but feeling the need to clean and purge all the time!  We are running out of room in the basement....so I suspect we will be going through that soon. 
Looking forward to: more nursery decorating, showers, and a possible trip to Phoenix in Februray!   

Bring on the Boxes - Nursery Progress

Here is Rob surrounded by all the baby boxes!

 

The glider is all set up!  Yay!

 

Here is the Jenny Lind Crib we chose all put together!

 

We were so fortunate to receive lots of baby gear, toys, and clothes for Christmas!  While Jim and Sugar were here, we decided it might be a good time to get all of the big furniture items assembled.  Rob met his dad at Babies R Us to pick up the glider (a last minute purchase with a generous gift card) and then they came back to the house.  In no time at all, the nursery was a sea of boxes, cardboard, styrofoam, and instruction manuals!  Pecan was having the time of her life...running underneath all the boxes and darting in and out of the room.  I decided to give them some space (which was admittedly hard because of my curiousity and type A personality).  About half an hour after starting, the glider was finished being assembled.  Amazing!!  It's tucked in the corner of room for right now.  I think it would be nice to get a little side table for a lamp and all the nursing essentials I will likely have.  I see myself spending lots of time in this corner while I nurse the baby in the wee hours of the morning, reading books before bed, and generally just cuddling our little boy.  :) 

 

Next up was the changing table....it only took about 40 minutes though and it was complete!  Rob and Jim said it was the hardest piece to put together simply because of all the parts.  The top shelf has the changing pad and below there are two shelves for storage.  It will be very nice for storing diapers, creams, wipes, and any other essentials.  I want to get some wicker baskets to keep it organized.    

 

Finally, it was time for the crib.  It was a little unnerving as they were unwrapping all the pieces because we ordered it online and sight unseen.  It had been in the boxes for about a month - but as they were taking all the parts out, it looked great!  My fears subsided and again, quick as a wink, it was together!  I just love the vintage vibe it brings to the room. We put the mattress inside and decided to keep the wrapping on just in case Pecan gets curious.  This has already proved to be a good decision as I found her in there yesterday morning.  :) 

 

After it was all put together we played the rearrange game for awhile....finally deciding (for now) to keep the glider in the corner, the crib in the old closet space (we had previously taken off the doors when we painted this summer), and the changing table on the far wall, while the armoire rests on the wall closest to the door.  I love that we decided on all white.  It seems to make everything brighter and the grey just pop a little on the walls.  All that's left is for me to put my feminine touches on everything,..and to have the baby of course!  Right now we are going with grey walls, pops of mostly teal, some yellow, and a bit of elephant.  I don't want to go overboard on that though....

 

It was a busy weekend indeed and I could not be more happy to have all of the furniture in the room!  Accessorizing is my favorite and I can't wait to get started on that! :)

 

22 Weeks

How far along? 22 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 17 pounds (I think)
Maternity clothes? Lots of maternity shirts with the stretchy stuff on the side (which I orginally thought I would hate).  During the week days, I usually try to wear my uniform with khaki maternity pants and uniform tops (which I have sized up) - it's just easier than trying to figure out something to wear. I'm still wearing some of my pre pregnancy sweaters (they are just significantly snugger.  I need to get some longer tank tops so my belly is not hanging out!
Stretch marks? Just on the tops of my thighs so far
Sleep: Sleeping pretty good!  We did end up getting a humidifier.  So my nightly ritual has become turning on the humidifier and then tucking mysefl and the body pillow into bed.  Some nights I sleep all night and others I might get up just once.
Best moment this week: Hanging out with Grandpa Jim and Grandma Sugar (Rob's dad and his wife).  We also set up all the nursery stuff...including crib, changing table, and glider.  We went back and forth on whether to get the glider, but I'm really happy with it and aniticpate spending lots of time nursing, reading books, and generally hanging out in it.
Miss Anything? It sounds weird - but sometimes I just wish I could order whatever I want off a restaurant menu.  We went out to eat a lot this past week and everytime I have to stop and think - can I have that?  No sushi (not that I would eat it anyway), no lunchmeat, no alcochol, no runny eggs (my favorite) etc. 
Movement: Lots of kicking and swoshing around in there!
Food cravings: sweets of all sorts... sour patch kids, ice cream, cookies, brownies, chocolates.  Though all I really eat is sugar free popsicles (except last night at the movies when I did give in and get Sour Patch Kids). 
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nope!
Have you started to show yet: see picture above -- I often find myself comparing my body to other pregnant ladies and hoping I look just right :)
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In... but again, real shallow in there. 
Wedding rings on or off? My wedding ring in on.  My engagement ring is off.  It was snug to begin with and then I just had visions of someone having to cut it off at the hospital because it was getting SOOOOO tight.  When I'm outside, my fingers tend to be really cold and not swollen, so I slipped my engagement ring off, just to keep it safe.  Makes me a little sad though.  And paranoid it won't ever fit again!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, but a little anxious.  It just seems like the to do list is never ending...contact a pediatrician, contact the child care provider we'll be using, switch cell phone plans, order bedding etc. And, as we move toward decorating the nursery, I've put a lot of pressure on myself to create the cutest space you've every seen. 

Looking forward to: the NEW YEAR!  In 2013 we'll actually get to meet our baby!   My mind often drifts and daydreams about our life this time next year -- with a little one in tow.  I know things will be different and possibly a little hectic for awhile so I'm trying to just relax and enjoy the time between.