Second Shower for Claire

Our friends here threw a family shower for Claire on Thursday. There wasn't a huge turn-out since this is our Mardi Gras break/vacation, but it was so much fun. My mom is also here to help us prepare for Claire's arrival, so it was nice for her to meet everyone. We got several gift cards, a tummy-time mat, onesies, blankets, baby Tylenol and other must-have baby medicines and accessories. The children were adorable and put on quite a show. Once I get some photos that our friend, Kelly, took, I'll post those as well.

SOLD!...Hopefully

Around 8pm last night our realtor, Mary, called to tell us that we had an offer for the full asking price! The potential buyers would like to close at the end of March, but will allow us to stay here and rent through the end of May. An hour later, she called again to tell us that there was a second offer! We couldn't believe it. Our house had been on the market for 48 hours! We met with Mary this morning to write a counter offer, not over the price, but some insignificant details. We should know by noon tomorrow whether it was accepted. So, not only is March 31st my due date, but possibly our closing date. That should make for a memorable day.

House For Sale

Andrew and I listed our house Wednesday afternoon. We got a sign in the yard Thursday morning at 9am and by 10am we got the first call that someone was interested in viewing the house. The house was shown twice yesterday and one showing is already scheduled for this afternoon. This may not lead to anything, but it's a good start.

35 Weeks!

Not only does today mark 35 weeks, but it also marks the last day I'll be eating sweets until Easter. I've always given up eating sweets for lent (except for one year in high school that I gave up watching television and UK won the NCAA championship, but I couldn't watch. Actually, I blame lent for my dress nearly falling off of me during our wedding, since the big day was one week before Easter. My seamstress told me two days prior to the wedding that I needed to eat lots of sweets and gain two to three pounds for my dress to fit correctly.) Soon after we found out that I was pregnant, I was already looking to the future lent that would take place during pregnancy and thought I may not give up anything this year. After all, I've already given up several foods and drinks such as wine, beer, raw sushi, brie, and other delicacies that I love for 35 weeks now. As Mardi Gras grew closer, I began to change my mind and think, "Why not? I've done it before, I can certainly do it again." The trick to a successful start is to eat so much junk beforehand that the thought of processed sugar makes you sick. That lasts for maybe 3 days to a week, but it gets the ball rolling. So as of tomorrow, no candy, cake, pie, cookies, sugary cereals, syrup, etc.

One change this past week is that I've had to quit wearing my engagement ring. This saddened me since I've worn it for almost 4 years now (exactly on March 27th). I did however get my wedding band a half size larger for just this reason. Normally my wedding band is very loose, but my engagement ring keeps it on. Now, I can't wear my engagement ring, but there is plenty of room in my wedding band. I'm hoping it's enough room. With the swelling of my hands, they feel very sore all day long. I feel like I have arthritis. My dexterity is pathetic. My feet are also sore, but I can't tell that they're swollen yet. I know the days of sausage toes will come soon though. Other than that, I feel great. I'm getting lots of rest. It does hurt that I get the whole week of Mardi Gras off (one perk of living in Louisiana).

Today's weight = 142.5 lbs.

Happy Mardi Gras!

In Shreveport, Mardi Gras celebrations commence right after the New Year Eve parties conclude. Yesterday, we went to our first Mardi Gras parade. It was a more child-friendly parade than some in that the only requirement for getting beads is to wave your hands. We racked up quite a collection of necklaces. Above is a photo of Molly and her bling.