23 weeks...17 to go!

Where has time gone??? That is the question these days. It is hard to believe that in just a few short months we will be meeting our Sweet Little One!!! I have been feeling really well these days and enjoying lots of outdoor activities. I am trying to take advantage of all the nice weather because I have a feeling come August, I might be sitting in our air conditioned house 24-7! I have really started to notice when I am on my feet all day in the OR, my hips and pelvic area have become more sore these days. I am making more of an effort to attend yoga classes offered at our gym to get a good stretch here and there, hoping that will help. Baby Love is active more than ever...in the past few days we have started to "see" the movement. It is one of the best things in the whole world right now, I love just laying on the couch feeling our little one kick the heck out of me, but now...being able to see the baby kicks here and there is just absolutely amazing!

This weekend Sean headed 45 miles south of Kalamazoo to meet up with two of his good high school buddies, Jeff Irby and Chad Duffin, along with some of their co-workers, to have some fun fishing, telling stories, golfing, and I am sure consuming several ounces of beer all the while! He has been working nonstop lately so this is a great weekend getaway for him and his buddies! I, on the other hand, got a lot of cleaning and laundry done today...sounds fun, huh? I did find time to get a pedicure this afternoon with my friend Carrie, why I don't do that more often is a great question!

Bump Tracker: 23 weeks 2 days

Baby Love's Nursery

Baby Love now has a room, not put together, but has a room in the Merrick house. The furniture arrived and is sitting in "the room", still in a few pieces, we are saving it for a rainy day! There isn't too much to put together, the dresser and hutch are already together, we just need to put the rails on the crib and call it good. Oh yeah...we also need a to get a mattress...pretty crucial piece!

I am so happy with how the crib bedding turned out...there is a sweet lady Tracy, (www.modpeapod.com) that custom makes crib bedding and she does an amazing job. I got to pick from over 200 different fabrics and patterns and this is what we put together for our Sweet Little one. She took this picture for us before she sent it our way, so this is not our crib or room, I would like to say I have the crib up and room painted, but that is still a work in progress!!! Once we meet our Baby Love we will add the appropriate color touches to the room!

Baby Love's bedding

Memorial Day...Remembering our loved ones

So is everyone excited for the three day Memorial Day weekend??? Nothing like having an extra day to enjoy the beautiful Spring Michigan weather we have been experiencing...our plan consists of...boating, fishing, golfing, barbecuing, basically anything outdoors! The weather has been absolutely gorgeous and helps us block out the past seven months of winter!!!! ahhh! We are really looking forward to getting the boat out this weekend, Sean has been out fishing a couple of times already but I haven't been out yet.

I also want to take this opportunity to dedicate today's post to my Grandpa Einck this Memorial Day weekend, who I love and miss dearly. He was the most loving person I have ever known and has instilled so many wonderful values deep within our family, I am so proud of him!

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.

22 WEEKS

Bump Tracker 22 weeks

Today we had another ultrasound and Baby Love is right on track at 22 weeks and a few days. We got an amazing side profile of our sweet little ones face, looks like he/she might have daddy's nose! We even got to see the baby open and close its mouth, it was so darn cute! Other news, today the heartbeat was 150 bpm, still very strong! Everything else checked out perfectly healthy and right on target. I will go back in three weeks, this time no ultrasound. They are going to wait until 28-30 weeks to do another one. I have been feeling really well aside from some self induced pain! I thought it was a good idea to try out a new workout class at the gym, Body Pump...I am getting around a little slower than normal as it even hurts to touch my legs. Oh well, as my girlfiend Kelle says, "no pain, no gain"!

Have a wonderful weekend!

I heart my Uncle...

Baby Merrick loved San Francisco and Uncle Nate!!! I couldn't resist this little onesie...in small print below it says "San Francisco". We will just have to cover that up when the other uncles are around!

I do want to share with you a few other little onesies we got to pick from...

-My daddy can kick your daddy's ass

-I love boobies

-I only cry when ugly people hold me

Needless to say I do not need our infant sporting this kind of language or attitude at such an early age, however Sean was pretty upset I didn't buy the first of the three!

San Francisco Treat and a little wine...

We had an amazingly wonderful trip to California visiting Nate. He showed us around his local area, Walnut Creek, the city of San Francisco, and the one and only wine country. The weather was absolutely beautiful our entire trip. I am still amazed by the temperature difference in San Francisco and the East Bay area where Nate lives. It was mostly in the 90s in the East Bay area and Napa/Sonoma, however going into the city I bet it was much closer to 65 degrees.

We were so glad we got to visit Nate's city prior to Baby Merrick arriving, and if it is any testament to just how wonderful Napa and Sonoma are, I had the best time Saturday even though I couldn't taste any wine and was the driver of three individuals that tasted LOTS and LOTS of wine!!! It was such a fun day. Debbie flew in from Seattle on Friday night as well, so it was so great seeing her again and spending the weekend with the two of them.

The four of us starting off our day in South Sonoma Valley

Sean enjoying a glass of wine, while Nate learns more about Del Dotto (Napa Valley)

Enjoying a little picnic at B.R. Cohn in South Sonoma Valley...wine, cheese, crackers, and lots of laughs!

One of my best highlights of the day!

Nate & Debbie tasting wine at Del Dotto...I watched with great envy!

Sean, Nate, & Debbie

Sean and I at Del DottoNate & Debbie at Kunde (North Sonoma Valley)

On the Baby front...I am sparing you from any bare bump tracker shots from here on out. Baby Merrick has had a major growth spurt these last couple of weeks and is moving more than ever. I am starting to see a pattern in the most active times of the day so I find myself really looking forward to it. I will say that I do not think Baby Love liked to fly...I don't think the baby stopped moving the entire flight, which just makes me laugh at all the little and not so little movements. I am pretty sure the lady sitting next to me thought I was losing my mind. When I got off the plane Sean noticed I was a little lob sided...Baby Love was all curled up pretty high on my right side and was harder than a rock. I have an appointment and ultrasound this Friday to check on the progress of Baby Loves growth, let's hope that this little one is right on track. Otherwise I have been feeling really well. Gunner and I have been taking lots of walks and really enjoying the great Spring weather.

Bump Tracker week 21

Baby Merrick even enjoyed Napa Valley

I can't finish this post without adding that we have the best friends and neighbors possible. Our good friends, The Eliuk's, watched Gunner while we were gone for four days. Their three little kids, Blake, Madison, and Caitlyn, love playing with Gunner in our basement, upstairs, and backyard. The even got to play hide and seek upstairs in the "Baby's room"! They just found out that we are going to have a baby and they can't wait to watch the Baby too. So the funny party...when we got home late last night I was expecting to find Gunner on his bed laying in the living room like he every other day of the year. Well, when I walked in last night, excited as all get out to see him...he wasn't laying in his bed. I checked the kitchen, our bedroom, still no Gunner. I could hear his collar tags upstairs so I walked up there and he was laying outside the Baby's room!!! NEVER EVER has he gone upstairs on his own...which is why I find it absolutely crazy that he was up there!

Bye Bye Danny...

I am so bummed that Danny Gokey was sent home tonight on American Idol. Aside from supporting our local Kalamazoo boy, Matt Giraud, Danny has always been my favorite from the start, I was completely drawn to his story. He brought tears to my eyes when he sang "you are so beautiful" tonight...I can only imagine he sang that for his sweet Angel Sophia, who had passed away just four weeks before the American Idol auditions. I know Danny's journey is not over, this has opened the door to so many incredible opportunities for him.

Here is a link to Danny's foundation he started in his wife's honor. http://www.sophiasheart.org/

So who am I rooting for now??? Chris!!!! I do think that Adam is extremely talented and will probably end up taking the throne, however I am not a big fan of his.

Short work week!!!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. We had a pretty low-key weekend, aside from a going away party we attended Friday night that resulted in Sean recovering most of Saturday. I, on the other hand, got lots done around the house and yard, and even made it to the gym Saturday. I guess that is one good thing about not being able to drink with the rest of the crowd! Sunday morning Sean woke me up with a little Mother's day gift...how thoughtful. He got me a day at the spa to get pampered before the little one arrives, I can not wait to use it!!!!!!!!

We are leaving for San Fransisco on Thursday and can not wait to visit Nate...and have a few extra days off of work. It looks like the weather is going to be very nice while we are out there. I am just starting to realize just how fast time is going, it seems like we just booked our tickets yesterday and here we are leaving in just a couple of days! I am thinking the next four months are going to fly...we are so excited for September to get here to meet our Baby Love, but am reminded by all that we have to do before then.

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

another Mother's Day post

I received this in an email today from a very special person, my second mom...Linda DeBuhr, and couldn't resist sharing it. Enjoy!

A Newborn's conversation with God

A baby asked God, 'They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?' God said, 'Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.'The child further inquired, 'But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.' God said, 'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.'Again the child asked, 'And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?' God said, 'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.' 'And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?' God said, 'Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.''Who will protect me?' God said, 'Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.''But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.' God said, 'Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.'At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, 'God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.'God said, 'You will simply call her, 'Mom.'

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day Poem

By Lachelle B. Ranson

Mothers are special people

God knew that from the start

That's why he created them in His own image and to them gave the biggest heart.

She's able to heal our hurts with only a kiss and hug

She's able to cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is never slow as a slug.

Mothers are special people

God knew they'd always be
He created them to do so much that involves you and me.

She has to be a teacher to teach us what we need to know

She has to be a taxi driver to get us where we need to go.

Mothers are special people

God knew His work was complete

When He created someone that could do SOOO much on her own two feet.

She is a Christian on Him she depends

She displays the fruit of the Spirit and a helping hand she is willing to lend.

Mothers are special people

God tells me so each day

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

This weekend we celebrate all the wonderful mom's in this world. I have been overly blessed with one of the most special mom's of all and I am so thankful for my mom everyday. I can't count the number of times I call my mom, just hearing her answer the phone gives me comfort, I ask "what are you doing" she gives me the run-down and then I just talk, talk, talk...getting everything off my chest that I need to, and she patiently, kindly listens. Thanks mom for always listening and for being such a selfless person! As I look ahead to becoming a mother myself this year, I can only hope that I am half the mother to my children that my mom has been to my three brothers and I...we are blessed!

To all you of who are mothers, may you have a very special weekend celebrating all the greatness you bring to your families. For all of you who long to be mothers, have faith and be patient in God.

20 weeks...halfway there!!!

20 weeks...where has time gone! We are absolutely amazed that we are halfway through our pregnancy. I have to admit I have been feeling really well aside from becoming a "professional sleeper". (Sean's terminology) He can not get over how tired I am all the time...and it hasn't subsided much during the second trimester. I keep telling him my body is getting rested up for all the sleep deprivation to come...but it will be so worth it! I am going to spare you from anymore bare bump tracker photos from here on out. I have had quite a growth spurt these last few days..I may have to breakdown and buy some maternity pants for work. I have been getting by so far so good, but in the weeks to come I have a feeling that may not be the case. I maybe "expanding" my wardrobe very very soon! I have finally told my co-workers our exciting news. I will say I was having a hard time telling them, but surprised by how excited and supportive each one of them have been for our growing family.

Bump tracker 20 weeks-definite expansion in the waistline

One week from today we will be in route to San Fransisco!!!! We are so excited for an extended weekend in California visiting Nate and seeing where he lives. His girlfriend Debbie is flying down from Seattle for the weekend as well, so we are going to have a great weekend, we are so excited to see them both. Unfortunately no wine tasting for me, but I am a huge fan of visiting wine country during our stay. One of our most favorite trips was two years ago when we spent a long weekend in Napa and Sonoma, so I am absolutely thrilled to revisit! If you have never been, I encourage you to do so. We will be making this trip again when I am not prego...don't worry!

19 1/2 weeks

So we are almost halfway through this pregnancy and I can't believe it! I am amazed at how quickly time can go and soon enough (hopefully not too soon though) we will get to meet our Sweet Little One. I apologize I haven't been good with the bump tracker the last two weeks. My photographer was gone most of last week, I will try to get one up this week! I love just laying on the couch feeling our Baby Love, whether its a gymnastics meet or a kick boxing class, this baby has some moves!

This weekend Sean was enjoying the Phoenix sun (not really, he was at a conference), so I took the opportunity to spend Saturday in Chicago. It was such a wonderful day! I met up with great friends Carly and Sarah for a much needed "girls lunch". I miss the days of sitting and talking endlessly with great friends for hours! Thanks girls for such a a great day! I couldn't leave Chicago with out seeing my two little lovebirds...Bryan and Kate! We had a nice visit over dinner before I hit the road. All around it was just a great day.

I can't post without sharing some exciting news on behalf of my great friend Carly (whom I just had lunch with on Saturday). The Slattery family, Joe, Carly, & Ella, welcomed their newest addition last night, Clara Ann Slattery! I can not wait to meet this precious little girl. Baby Merrick's future buddy!!!