27 Weeks Tomorrow

The pounds really have started to add up. For anyone keeping track, I've gained a total of 25.5 lbs. I'm trying not to worry about it because I know there would be a problem if I weren't gaining weight, but it's not easy. Sitting for long periods of time is uncomfortable, but manageable. I love being pregnant despite the extra load and simple tasks (like putting on socks or tying my shoes) made difficult. It's wonderful knowing that a little human (part me, part Andrew) is growing inside of me. I enjoy people asking about her, or feeling my belly. I'm glad people can tell I'm pregnant without even knowing me and what I looked like pre-pregnancy. I feel honored to get the opportunity to take care of this baby prior to her entrance into the world.

Today's weight = 142.5 lbs. (gotta love the holidays!)

Shower for Claire

Andrew's family threw a baby shower for Claire yesterday. She received quite a few adorable outfits, Boppy (semi-circle pillow that fits around your waste to help you support the baby while feeding) covers, a shopping cart cover, a hippo play-mat, bedding, crib mobile, and the largest gift (for which several people contributed) was a stroller/car seat set that will be shipped to our house in Shreveport. We were also given several heirloom christening gowns to choose from depending on Claire's size at the time of the event that have been used by several members of the Easterbrooks family. One of which Andrew and his grandfather both wore.

Continued Christmas Celebration in Washington

On the 26th, Andrew and I flew to Tacoma, Washington to continue our Christmas celebrations with his family. We were fortunate to arrive only 1.5 hours later than scheduled and our checked luggage made the journey successfully. We opened presents with Andrew's parents, Beth and Brian, and sister, Jennifer, and her husband, Nathan. We'll take more photos this afternoon at a baby shower that Jennifer is throwing for us, but here is our traditional "Christmas tree photo" that we've taken every year since Andrew and I started dating.


Here are some pictures from Christmas dinner at Grannie's house on the 27th with Grannie, Beth, Brian, Jennifer, Nathan, Aunt Jill, Uncle Randy, Kevin, Amy, and John.

Jennifer, Nathan, John, and Amy.




Kevin and Grannie. (Notice Kevin has filled Grannie's crown with paper and yes, Kevin does resemble the Burger King king.)

Merry Christmas!

Our Christmas celebration began in Kentucky with my mom, sister, Laura, and her family, and brother, David, and his wife, Jennifer. We announced the name we've given to Baby Garrett as Claire Easterbrooks Garrett. Claire is a name that we both love (slightly inspired by the main character of one of our favorite shows, Heros). Easterbrooks is Andrew's mom's maiden name. We wanted to use it to honor Grannie and Dean Easterbrooks, as well as Andrew's mom, Beth, and aunts Jill and Ann. Because Grannie's birthday is on March 28th, we found that to be fitting. Here are some photos taken on Christmas day while in Danville.

Wesley playing with his trains that Santa left him.


Alexandra exploring her new play mat.


Molly enjoying her new Christmas treats.


Andrew and Molly relaxing before opening presents.


Wesley, Chris, Laura, and David opening presents.


Alexandra helping Momma open presents.


Laura holds Alexandra as she models her new Bengals sportswear from David and Jennifer.


Momma got Claire her first Cabbage Patch Kid.


Wesley playing basketball with his hoop that Santa left for him.


After opening presents, Alexandra takes a nap on Aunt Jennifer.


The Garrett family photo.

Almost 26 Weeks

Tomorrow will be 26 weeks, but I was unable to post yesterday due to driving all day. We've made it to Kentucky for the holidays. We'll fly on the 26th to visit Andrew's family in Washington state, then fly back to Kentucky after New Years', then drive back to Louisiana. Luckily, this is that last year we have to coordinate such a complicated and exhausting holiday schedule. While the drive was long, we did come to one great decision. We have decided on Baby Garrett's name! I'll post it after we return from Washington so that family can hear it straight from us, but it is such a relief to no longer think about what we'll call this little one. We love the name and can't wait to meet her.

This morning I shaved my legs for the first time in longer than I'd like to admit. Wow, was that a work-out. I had to take a break in between legs. Not only can I not see the upper portion of my leg, but I have such a difficult time bending down to reach what I can see. I've gained 3 pounds in the last week and I think it has all gone to my belly. I guess the holiday eating has already gotten the best of me. I don't like that women are expected to gain a certain amount of weight (25-35 lbs.). I actually had a retired (in his 80s) adjunct professor last week ask me how much weight I've gained (straight out). When I told him, he said that that was a good amount because you "should only gain 3 times the weight of the baby." I don't think men should have any say in the matter whether they have an MD, PhD, or any other D.

All in all this last week has been good for the baby and me. I've gotten lots of sleep. I do find myself getting winded walking up the three flights of steps to my office at school, but it passes. It was difficult to get comfortable on our 12+ hour drive yesterday, but only one more of those before the baby is born.

Today's weight = 138 lbs. (matching what I weighed for some time in college as the most I've ever weighed)

We're Moving to Kentucky!

I didn't feel like I could post anything related to a job search that I've been doing, just in case our friends here at Centenary were reading this blog. Now the word is out and I feel like a weight has been lifted. On top of experiencing pregnancy for the first time this fall, I have been going through the interview process for a position closer to family (unbeknown by our colleagues). I have been offered and have accepted a position at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky! It's a great school with a wonderful mission of which I will proudly be a part. We have been blessed with supportive colleagues and friends here, but we want to be closer to family. I broke the news to my department chair on Sunday who shared that information with my department. This morning I met with the Dean to make sure he heard it straight from me and not through the grapevine. Andrew and I have just told one of our best friends here, Scott, and he was very supportive, encouraging, and congratulated me on the offer. Now I think I might be able to sleep tonight without thinking about what I was going to say to someone or dreaming about one of our colleagues learning of the move and being upset. So, there has been a lot that I've left out of my posts since the beginning of November related to stress and travel, but now it's out in the open. We're really looking forward to this move, but will be sad to leave the great friends we've made in the last year and a half.

Almost 25 Weeks

This past week I've been feeling big. I keep walking into people or the eye-wash stations in the labs, and frequently opening doors into my belly. Don't get me wrong, I know it's essential to get bigger since there is a baby growing inside of me, but it's just weird. How big will I get? Also, since I've been pregnant my nose has been constantly stuffed up making it difficult to breathe at night. I've read that it happens because you have increased blood flow, so it's completely normal. It becomes a pain when I wake up a couple of hours early and am not able to breathe out of my nose. I breathe through my mouth which stays very dry. Then, I have trouble going back to sleep. Last night I found that using a nasal spray really helped my situation and I was able to breathe and rest as long as I wanted.

Today's weight = 135 lbs.

Button Closures on Maternity Pants

Was it someone's idea of a cruel joke to put a button closure on a pair of maternity pants? I put on a pair yesterday that I had only worn 4 or 5 times and sure enough, the button popped off. This is not a good time in a woman's life (really no time is) to have your pants tell you that you're getting too big. Oh well. I do love the pants with the elastic that covers your entire belly. Now those are some good pants.

Almost 24 Weeks

This past week, Andrew and I have registered for a few baby items at both Target and Babies R Us. We decided not to do the Pooh theme, but a little more "girlie" look with flowers in pinks, yellows and greens (shown above). I never thought I'd be up for the "girlie" look, but there are probably going to be quite a few things that I learn about myself in the process of becoming a parent. Baby Garrett has been very active this past week and we look forward to seeing the 3D image of her at our 28 week visit.

Today's weight = 133.5 lbs.

23 Week Appointment

Our Dr.'s appointment went well this morning. My uterus measurement is right on target as well as my weight gain, blood pressure, and sugar levels. The baby's heartbeat was strong. We made our next appointment which will be a big one for January 8th (at 28 weeks). At that time they'll test me for gestational diabetes and do the 4D ultrasound. It should be exciting. After that our appointments will be every 2 weeks.