We killed Murphy.

This past week as to be one of the most fun weeks I've had in quite some time. First off, let me start by saying that I have finally hit that heavenly second trimester and I don't feel anything different at all, except that I'm super happy that I have an actual bump forming! I will take more pictures this week of said bump.

We went a week ago to our appointment for Down Syndrome testing- they measure they fluid on the back of the neck and then take some blood samples- so we got to get some new sonogram pictures! It is completely surreal seeing Bean actually looking like a baby, moving around, it even looked like he/she waved at us. It just makes me that much more anxious to find out the gender and then meet our little monster. I feel like time is moving so slow!

Waving to us! But, honestly, baby looks a lot like Skeletor right now.

There is a hand on his/her nose and one under the chin.

I have no idea what "Lus Baby" means, so I'm going to assume it means 'cutest profile picture to ever be taken even'. Loosely translated of course.

Outside of wonderful baby news and pictures: Blade and I got to go visit Zach and Mary Anne in Denver from Monday to Wednesday. Although it was a short trip, it was much needed, and Colorado is just beautiful. We got in Monday evening and immediately went out to eat at this eclectic Mexican restaurant (Mezcal), and then made a quick pit stop at Zach's new bar (Argyll), but went home and to bed right after. Tuesday was very refreshing- we started at probably the best brunch spot I've been to (Snooze, who knew a benedict with cream cheese hollandaise and balsamic reduction would be so mouth watering), went back to the apartment where the boys played backgammon and I napped, then Blade and I walked around downtown Denver while Zach had a short work meeting. We had a fantastic dinner that night at Argyll- I feel as if it was the first 'KC style' craft bar and restaurant that I've been to outside of Missouri. Something was up with my tummy, so I didn't get to indulge as much as I'd have liked-- also, note to self, curry and I do NOT get along-- and we just went back after that. We got to play a game of Cards Against Humanity before bed as well. It was nice to be able to relax, not have to worry about work, and just enjoy the company of good friends for a couple of days. Next year, I hope to get a sitter for Bean and Blade and I can go for a longer period of time so we can camp and explore more.

What would be the best way to end a week of awesomeness? A giant BBQ in our backyard with friends. Tim held his second annual birthday BBQ at our house last night; he (with much needed help from Brian Harper) smoked an entire 40 pound pig in the driveway, I worked on the side dishes and nibbles, there were tubs of Mexican beer alongside yard games and tiki torches, and it turned out to be a really good time. As much as I miss the social aspect of drinking, it's nice to finally start being secure enough to have full conversations with people without the added security blanket. I really enjoy hosting parties for friends and family, and it makes me happy to think about our future and all the fun times that we get to have- especially with a growing brood. The best part was waking up to an already clean house- Tim and Sierra (the Ward's sister) woke up super early and finished picking everything up- and the fact that I have another day off today. 

I'm excited for the next couple months- I am finally getting a handle on a good schedule at The Drop, we get to find out Bean's sex in two weeks, and Mom's birthday is coming up so I get to see the family here soon. Life is good :)

(Week 14:6)

PS- Murphy is what we named the pig... RIP.

Only 28 weeks left?

Bean is a turtle. I feel like I have been pregnant forever already, and I still have six more months to go. But the good news is that I have lucked out completely with the pregnancy thus far and the second trimester is only a week away. Still no mood swings, no morning sickness, and no heartburn. I haven't gained any substantial weight; I've been trying to get back to my healthy eating habits (I let my cravings get the best of me for a couple weeks) and I started working out again. <--Which, by the way, I am super sore because of. I need to stop slacking and get off my butt.

This week I started my management shifts at The Drop, so I've had the mornings and afternoons off to myself to relax, eat well, and focus on plans. As much as I don't like coming home to a house that's already asleep, I do enjoy the days off and the pay bump. Poor Blade was sick all last night- I keep telling him it's sympathy sickness because he just loves me so much- but he doesn't believe me. I wish I could have been home to take care of him last night.. the ups and downs of work right?

Well, in five days we will finally get to see Bean looking less like a bean and more like a baby, and I will make sure to post the sonogram pictures then. In the mean time, I took a 1/3 of the way pics in the mirror this morning that I'm not going to post publicly- because I refuse to be that annoying mommy-to-be that slams social networking sites with bumps and rants and complaints. I will be a cool mom, even if I have to force myself :)

Three months along, no more abs, but nothing too puffy yet.

I still don't look preggo from the front! This makes me happy haha

(Week 12:1)

A third of the way there.

We are starting to get closer to that heavenly second trimester. I feel like this pregnancy is going so slow and so fast all at the same time. I've finally 'popped' (see photo below for the first official baby Bean bump photo) and I can honestly say that I really enjoy the belly more than I thought I would. Occasionally I frown because I can't fit into my jeans or shorts as easily as before, but the fact that I look more pregnant than bloated now makes it fun to walk around in maxi dresses. Physically, I still look happy and healthy; mentally and emotionally, I'm a little soggy. I am very, very exhausted all of the time and the headaches still come and go too frequently. I haven't had any major mood swings (with the exception of yelling at Blade for being inconsiderate when in reality he just woke me up from a nap too soon), but going out and being social is just not anything I want to be a part of at the moment. I prefer the couch, with Puff and a fudge pop, watching one of the many shows that I have now invested in. Hopefully my energy levels will start to rise within the next couple of weeks.

As for the day to day: my mom (who wants to be referred to as 'Memaw') stayed the night with us recently. I have missed being able to see her so often, and hopes and prayers are with her that she can find a stable job in KC so she can move close to be here with us and Bean. But she is doing well nonetheless and is more excited about being a grandma than I have ever seen her... I can't wait for her and Bean to meet. Blade's mom, Shannon, came and stayed with us right after for a couple of days. Also had a great time- we went out for a girl's day to get our nails done and shopped and had a couple of nice dinners. It feels good to have both sides of our families around and being so supportive.

Blade is still working endlessly for Mr. FA White and juggling Harry's at the same time; I hope that he calms down a little so he can get some rest and relaxation. I definitely picked a wonderfully hardworking man to start a family with (Bean, your daddy is probably the greatest person on earth. I am a lucky woman). I, on the other hand, am getting tired of working the service industry and am itching to get this financial aid crap worked out so I can start back at school. They've made me a PTM at The Drop...which means more hours for less pay, and more responsibility. But that means that I will have an upper hand and some leeway when Bean gets here. Is it sad that I am already counting down the days to maternity leave?

The moment you've been waiting for------ 

the first official picture of mommy and Bean (10 1/2 weeks).

I'm just getting so anxious for the next couple months. 

Things are really getting real.

If you don't believe me, watch me try to fit into my favorite pair of Lucky jeans.

(Week 11:2)

PS- I'll start adding updates on the weird stuff down here just for shits and giggles. Like the fact that asparagus tastes like metal now and that my dreams are so crazy and realistic that I woke up wanting to punch Blade in the face this morning (in my dream her cheated on me and then locked me out of the house without my fudge pops). My knees and feet are acting like I'm 85, not 25, and it's hard for me to keep my eyes open past 10pm... I'm officially an adult.