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)