Highland Village hath frozen over...

It froze over not because of the ice and snow that has prohibited us from leaving the house, but rather, because I baked a cake. Kind of. I went to clean out my pantry today and realized that until we eat some of the stuff in there, it's kind of a lost cause. Sooo, what's a girl to do? Bake, I guess. An example of my non-baking tendency is the fact that I have only one six seater muffin tin. Oh and before I keep the facade going, we're talking boxed cake and canned icing, but still. Anyhoo, I made 6 strawberry cupcakes and 1 small strawberry cake. Are you worried that my honey is going to starve because he can't eat cake? Worry no more. I just so happen to have a gluten free cake mix and he got a vanilla cake! I even tried to make homemade cream cheese icing for his cake but it turned out to look like cottage cheese so it got trashed. I shared my strawberry icing with him and he has 1/2 an iced cake and 1/2 of a cake that could pass for cornbread. 'Ole gluten boy is easy to please so I don't think he minded. In fact, he seemed pleased with his glass of milk and strawberry vanilla gluten free cake made with l-u-v.

What? You still don't believe I made a cake without being threatened by robbers forcing me to make a cake or they'll take my chihuahua? Here's proof.

Other cooped up, nesting good or just plain 'ole wifely duties include getting our taxes ready, completing thank you notes to date, (as seen here - ready to be taken to mailbox when ice melts)

laundry, never ending medical bills paid, oh and I made a breakfast casserole that's in the fridge for tomorrow morning, (yes, I'll provide proof again)

and cleaned out the kitchen cabinets to make room for Reid's bottles and misc. baby "stuff".
I don't have an after photo, but Reid now has two cabinets just for him.


I got a little giddy when I got to this cabinet.
You know, the Tupperware cabinet. I can just see Reid one day with everything totally pulled out of this shelf with a plastic bowl on his head and another in his hands using a spoon as a drum. Besides storing left overs, that is what Tupperware is for, right?



Hopefully we'll be able to get out tomorrow and take a break from domestic duties! If not, I'm sure there is something that I can demolish and put back together in a nice, orderly, nesting approved fashion. :)

Michael's Birthday!

Michael's birthday was January 20th! We had dinner for the family at our house. I cooked a gourmet dinner of La Hacienda Ranch fajitas and ice cream cake. I just told Michael that it was his first birthday as a daddy (Reid signed the card)! And I got him a waterproof bow case...probably not too exciting for me or you but I think he really liked it. Apparently, it will help with the transport alignment when he travels to hunt. See I listen to my hubby every once in a while!

Here are some pics!

Go Horned Frogs! Thanks Mer...was this for Reid or Michael?

We bought a BOB jogging stroller shortly before the birthday. Michael is one happy camper...I made him take a picture with it. Soon after this shot, he put the chihuahua in it and wheeled her around. Check - dog hair on everything we own...even the stroller! :)

Adorable Sam and Uncle Mike!

See why I never wonder what Reid will look like? Take the four cute faces above and smoosh them all together...poof! Exactly a cross of what Reid will look like! He's going to be cu-uu-te.

Why?

Tonight Michael and I attended our first birthing class. The class started at 6pm but Mike didn't get there until 7:45pm because he just flew in from Las Vegas where he was at an annual training seminar for Dell. I've been gone from home since Friday and he's been gone since Sunday; needless to say we're both glad to be home. I had some cramping over the weekend (I think I figured out that it is from poor circulation...I have a new tactic to combat the cramping so no need for worry); but my parents held me hostage because my hubby wasn't home. Anyhoo, we're both home with the doggies and it feels great.

I had a fabulous shower in Oklahoma. I'll post about that when I'm in a more chipper mood because it deserves a happy post.

As happy as I am right now to be home, I am also incredibly sad. I started following a friend of a friend of a friend's blog a while back. The author of the blog has cancer. She's a beautiful young woman who is suffering greatly. She is also one of the most faithful people I have ever observed. I don't mean to make my sadness any mild reflection of her suffering...I've never even met this young woman. But I've been awe struck by her since being introduced to her...even if it is just by video blog. I've prayed for a miracle every time I've conversed with the Lord. From what I learned tonight it seems that medicine is not the answer for her ailments. I can't even write the news I heard tonight; it is just too final. I won't quit praying for a miracle or doubt that the Lord is capable of healing.

Yet, I'm so upset. Upset because I know the miracle would have already been performed if it were coming.

I keep trying to think about other things. We have all these amazing things going on...a recent shower, a baby on the way, companionship, friends, family, funds to buy the baby essentials, etc. etc. I should be couting my blessings. And in a way I am. I think this recent news reminds me how fragile our "temporary" home is. As much as I try to get this house in order for Reid, I often forget that this home is just for now. Heaven is my true home. This is a reminder that as much as I can get everything nested properly - if I'm not right with the Lord then I might as well sit and do nothing. I need to prepare for His divine Kingdom in everything I do.

I also think that Sarah's journey really strikes me with my own mortality. Tragedy can strike anytime...whether you are a believer or not. Maybe this is scary to me because as hard as I try to control everything, when really nothing is in my control. That's a hard realization when carrying a little one in my belly.

Needless to say, I have a lot of random thoughts going through my mind. It may boil down to that I'm angry. I'm mad that she is in pain, that she didn't have more time with her new husband, that she isn't going to get to rock her child to sleep. And maybe I wonder why I get to do these things when I can see that she is more faithful, more patient and more kind than me. Why?

Why? It seems I'm never able to answer that question when I ask it...in so many areas of my life.

I also think I'm scared. So scared that everything can be taken away in an instant. How is God's Kingdom supposed to be my sanctuary when I'm about to give birth to my heart here on earth?

And that begs the question, why am I even thinking about this when I need be at Babies-R-Us buying a freaking baby monitor?!

I can't imagine anyone made it through this post so I think this one is just for me. So notes to self - be thankful for what the Lord has given you. You don't have to justify your blessings. Live for the Lord. Again, be thankful. Grieve, even if it is supposed to be the happiest time in your life...it's OK to be sad now and then. Continue to pray for a miracle even if it is said to be "too late". And, lastly, quit trying to understand everything. Not everything can be explained in a simple "but why?" answer...

Date night

Last Saturday, Nancy and Steve treated us to a ANO (adults night out). We went to eat at Capital Grille and then on to see Young Frankenstein. I will admit, it's been years since I've seen a play. This one was very cute and it was at the Winspear which I had heard was very cool but had never been. Dinner was yummy, company was great and play was funny. I love it, though, when something as simple as our "cab ride" home turned out to seal the deal as a truly memorable experience! All 8 of us (Nancy, Steve, Meredith, Derek, Anne, Mark, Michael and I*) piled into a Froggy-5-0 type (got to be a TCU Horned Frog to know about this one) golf cart. I sat in the front seat on Michael's lap. Funny enough, the front right wheel bottomed out on each bump...hmmm, coincidence? Nope, but it was hilarious! We laughed sooo hard all the while hoping that we weren't breaking the golf cart! Not to mention it was freezing. Anyways, it was fun to be all dressed up and have such a good time out. Thanks Lawsons!

Here are some pics...

*10 if you count babies on board.

Hi, last trimester...

It's here! The last trimester. Please sllloooowwww down, pregnancy! I want to meet little Reid, but I just want to stay right here for a while.

Michael didn't travel for work this week and it's amazing what we got done around the house. I cleaned out two closets, made a big pot of chili and cornbread to sustain us through the cold spell, the garbage disposal broke, Michael installed a new garbage disposal, I bought a new large rug for upstairs, Ellie got her teeth cleaned, I bought a new rug for the living room downstairs, we have a painter coming on Friday to paint upstairs (that room is going to be a family/Reid play room), Time Warner cable came out to make the rest of our cable jacks hot, I went to work today to keep training my replacement, Michael and I both have teeth cleaning appointments tomorrow, I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and passed by gestational diabetes test but found out that I'm still anemic even with iron pills...was told to eat steak...no problem, Zoey has a grooming appointment tomorrow, Michael and I are interviewing a pediatrician on Friday and we bought a BOB jogging stroller (Michael installed the carrier conversion kit on that). Oh, Michael also set up the hands free bluetooth in my car and made me breakfast in bed this morning. And we still like each other after all these nesting, honey-do type activities. My dad is coming to help Michael with some heavy lifting this weekend. Once the room upstairs is painted, all the future will have to be situated. Nancy and Steve (mother and father-in-law) gave us their awesome furniture when they purchased new stuff earlier in 2010. The room upstairs has just been awaiting its face lift to match the lovely furniture sitting in the middle of the room! Yay for this weekend. Reid is excited for all the commotion and movement that I've been doing...he's definitely going to like to be bounced when he makes his arrival.

Steve took this pic of Michael and I last weekend and our adults night out to Capital Grille and Young Frankenstein. I love it!

Progression of the bump...

It feels strange to be taking so many pictures of myself, but I know I'll want these later! Here are some pics from the last few weeks. I'll be 27 weeks tomorrow and I'm feeling great! A little tired some days, rearing to go others. Reid is moving around more than he was before so that makes my day. The nursery is all but finished (except for the bedding which didn't fit so I'm having it ripped apart by a seamstress and put back together...thanks for selling bedding that fits RH only cribs, Restoration Hardware!). We had a mural painted this week, pics to come. We're cooped up due to the weather but I've been nesting so I don't mind not being able to get out. Oh and we also went see Young Frankenstein with the Lawsons, Smiths and Robinsons (other). Pics to come from that as well!

Wowza, that's my belly at 23 weeks. It's grown a lot this month (posting at 27 weeks...maybe I'll be brave and display).

23 weeks, PG version.

24 weeks at Christmas. My favorite "pregnancy"' shirt.

Working out at 25 weeks...OK, not really. Just looks like a work out shirt to show the shape.

Can someone please carry this 25 week bump around for me? Just a hand under my belly in constant motion with me would be great. Thanks!

26 weeks with my better half! He's always taking the photos but he's a big part of this baby growing too! He keeps getting better looking and I keep expanding so I'm not so sure about that but he's pretty darn amazing.
26 weeks solo. :(

Stay warm! I have to go shuffle around clutter and pretend to really get stuff done for this upcoming arrival!

Say hello!

This is Reid Michael Robinson! He's cute. And flexible! That is his leg in front of his face and his foot up by his forehead. He can also suck his own toes. So talented! Since this was taken, he has removed his foot from his forehead and has implanted it in my left lung instead. Whatever makes him comfortable!

Fab profile shot at 25 weeks!

Preggo Pics/This and That

Below are some pics! Unfortunately, I didn't start taking pictures until 15 weeks. I don't think there was a whole lot to see before then, but it would have been fun to see the bloat of IVF to shrink and then start expanding again. :) At the beginning of these, I would try to make sure to have my makeup on and hair somewhat fixed...but as you'll see I get a little lax the farther along I get. I haven't taken 23 week pictures yet but I will before I turn 24 weeks on Tuesday! So far I think I've gained around 10 lbs. The scale seems to be hovering around that amount. I like my doctor's philosophy that we'll only worry about weight if it gets out of hand. He told me that he could tell I was a smart girl and that I knew what I should be eating...so eat right most of the time. I've really tried to eat right and in moderation with a few burger and fries thrown in. Current cravings include: greasy-spoon breakfast, OJ, spinach dip, french fries, apples oranges and chocolate milk. Mike felt Reid move for the first time on Wednesday, December 15th. He was going nuts in the belly and I realized all the sudden that I could see and feel his movement so I grabbed Michael just in time for Reid to give him some karate chops! Michael talked to him and praised him for his awesome moves...to which Reid entertained us more with a few more acrobatics! Talk about amazing...

On the same night that Reid jumped around, I woke up about 4pm with some intense pain on my right side from belly to back. I woke Michael up because the pains were so sharp I thought I was going to throw up (some of which could have been nerves since I was so scared something was wrong). The severe pain lasted about 30 minutes and then began to subside. I think if they lasted a little longer, we would have probably loaded up and gone to the hospital. I was able to go back to sleep but called the doctor the next morning. My OB felt like they were growing pains and warned me there would probably be more. I'll be darned, but I bet I was two inches bigger the next day! This has definitely been my biggest week of growth. It's actually hilarious. If I get brave enough, I'll post a belly shot next week to show proof. Last night I again awoke in pain but cramps this time from my ribs to my knees. I tried to wake Michael up, but he was out so I got up and took some Tylenol. The cramps finally subsided about an hour later. I am hoping for some sleep tonight! All this growth is so reassuring that Reid is growing in there even though we don't have another doctor's appointment until December 27th.

*Side note: Michael is watching TV beside me as I write. I just felt Reid shift to my left side and saw my belly move in my peripheral vision. Michael just put his hand on my belly and we felt Reid give me about 4 big kicks. We had a good laugh and will go to sleep very happy to know that he is s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g out! I love it. On that note, this happy Momma is going to sleep!

16 weeks - going to try to get my hair back to this shape...something went goofy with my last haircut

17 weeks (right after we took our Christmas card photos)

Whoops, never got around to taking 18 weeks...

19 weeks in Scottsdale, AZ. Boy, am I glad we went on vacation when we did. I was still very mobile and comfortable.

20 weeks in Sedona, AZ. Standing on a ledge to get a good shot of the "Red Rock" formations. Michael reminded me not to fall. Thanks!

Still 20 weeks but had on makeup and added in cactus. :)

21 weeks...never took a belly shot but did use the expectant mother parking spot at Babies R Us!

22 weeks looking less than stellar and with a cold. Happy as a clam though! I think I'll retire this shirt as it seems to be the "go-to" and I have much cuter stuff! 23 weeks forthcoming...

Hello, Reid...

Good morning, little man,

This post is for you. The 22 week old little baby boy in my belly. I just felt you kick twice, and actually saw my belly move. Your daddy is going to be so excited when he can feel you dancing away in my stomach. Your little arms and legs should be strong enough soon. For now, you are saving all the sweet proof that you are alive and well just for me. Each bump, kick, tap and hiccup (yes, you've had them once) brings a smile to my face and assurance to this first time mother's constant worry about your well being. I already feel like I know you through and through. You are just what I prayed and prayed for. Out of all the makes and models in the entire world, God sent us you and that makes you incredibly special. It even makes me feel special just to be your Mom.

I've started a journal that I'll give you one of these days. It's silly and has to-do lists as it's kind of a journal for me right now...but one day, when you're older, you might get a kick out of seeing what was going on around mid-pregnancy. You're probably wondering why I'm writing to you on a computer right now but this blog is now for you as well. Mommy started this blog in hopes that one day she could make this blog all about you. Before, I wrote mainly about some happy times that were going on in our lives but mainly it served as an outlet for the heartbreaking times that were spent waiting for you. I realize now that waiting for you was good and right. But I still had some sadness and frustration that I needed to share. My very first blog entry promised to have faith that one day we'd be able to start a family and the strong void that I'd felt for years would be eased. Thank you, Reid, for making this blog be what it was intended to be.

In case you wonder what I've been doing up until now, let me tell you. I've had lots of doctor's appointments to make sure you are healthy; I still work too much but my last day will be December 31st (often when I want to be writing or doting on you, I'm still at work waiting to rest so you can get rest too!); and it's Christmas time so there are holiday cards to be addressed, shower lists to type up, and presents to be wrapped. To be honest, I talk to you a lot during the day so I tell you most everything I want you to know. However, I realized you may not remember everything I tell you while your in my belly so I've got to be better at writing you little notes so you know you were loved from the very beginning.

Your crafty Daddy completed your room last week (December 6th) and put my vision for your room to life! We bought your crib already completed but he got practice because it wouldn't fit in the door so it had to be taken apart and put back together to get it in your room. Your room looks like a little man's room. It is Fox and Hound English Hunt themed. There will only be one fox in your room since all the doggies are hunting for it...we'll see if you can find the fox when you get older. :)

Hang in there in your cramped little area. I love being pregnant and want you to stay in there as long as possible and close to your due date. As much as I look forward to meeting and caring for you, I already know that this is a special time for us that I will miss. It is a time to be cherished and I'm going to try to do a better job of not sweating the small stuff and just staying focused on you since these months will be over very shortly.

I love you with all my heart. You are already an active member of the family even though you can't speak for yourself yet as every decision we make now takes you and your well being into consideration.

Oh and as a sidenote don't forget to let me know what you are hungry for...III Forks or Houston's are always good options for you if you so wish...if you would just let your Daddy know for me that you are the one wanting all the "finest food" that would be great!

Your biggest fan,

Mommy

The bump and the hair...

Well I haven't been very good at posting new pics. I did, however, download a bunch of pics from the camera so the next few posts will be somewhat out of order. I'll start with the unveiling of the bump and the hair! This is almost 16 weeks...or 4 months or whatever! Everyone keeps asking me if I'm showing...proof of my (yes!) response below.

I also got my flu shot, hense the weird looking thing on my arm which is a bandaid. Oh, and a minor thing called a hair chop! That's no messy ponytail, that's all the hair I have these days. I'm actually pleased with it which is a good thing for a hormonal pregnancy lady! :)

Ahem, I have a few announcements...

1) Blogging laziness continues into your second trimester. And my finger doesn't work to take pictures. Ok, that's a lie. I'm just lazy and too busy "thinking" about what I need to be doing.

2) The nursery theme is: Fox and Hound - English Hunt! I found a great vintage, English saddle and stand, hand painted hound pics for over the crib, hounds tooth bedding (or custom-made if it doesn't work out), an awesome British hunting dog statue-like thing to go on a shelf and even an oil painting of a fox hunt. It's not very baby-ish...yet! But I'm going to do a horse mobile and have a tree painted with a lone fox peeking his pesky head out from behind the tree to baby it up some. It's going to be cute! We bought our furniture...deal of the century (hence the aforementioned frivolous spending!). Anyhoo, the nursery is started! Yay!

3) My house is a wreck. I'm not well-practiced at nesting. I'm more of a wrecker. I see a closet, completely tear it apart and get to tired to finish it....I'm doing the Mitchell shuffle. No bueno. Gots to get better at getting tidy, organized and prepared. Too bad I'm dead to the world right now or I'd go tear something else apart...hmmmm, under my bathroom counter sounds like a good target!

4) I had a nosebleed that almost sent me to the hospital today. No more putting off the ENT visit.

5) I cut 9 inches off my hair...pics to come as soon as my husband comes home to take them! I love it. My favorite hair-cut ever.

6) Mike and I celebrated our 7 year wedding anniversary on Monday. And by celebrated I mean I got flowers and had to work late. Soooo, we shall celebrate this weekend! I love my hubby. The last year was definitely intense but I'd hand pick you all over again to walk this journey! Wait you picked me...whatever. I adore you (and I better, I'm about to have a mini-you! Oh, Lord, he's not allowed to date until he's 20...). M & O 4-eva!

7) Speaking of boys I love...I love this little one in my belly. He's just about the best little baby in the whole world. It's crazy how much I look forward to meeting him in about six months!

8) Current cravings: OJ continues, apples with cheese, apples with peanut butter, spicy Mexican food, Frosted Flakes, desserts, sugar, sugar, sugar, pimento cheese, grilled ham and cheese melts and diet coke (so I did have a diet coke or two but no more).

9) Current ailments: bloody nose, ouchy gums, ouchy back/butt due to the sciatic nerve, needle hatred, grumpiness about not being able to lift much with a husband who travels (i.e. trash that stinks and I can't lift it to take it out and a big handle of detergent on a top shelf that I need down), rumblings of heartburn (see #9 - spicy Mexican food), and fluctuating energy levels. Still not much to write home about!

10) I'll be 4 months on Tuesday. I really love being pregnant and am starting to show. And by starting to show I mean, HELLO BELLY! It's very cool to see. Grow baby, grow!

14 weeks!

Hi all, I will be 14 weeks tomorrow (Tuesday). Praise the Lord! Annnndddd, drumroll please...it is a BOY!

Can you believe it?! Pics to come. Updates to come. Baby to come.

Life has been busy, busy. And I'm lazy, lazy still. Come on 2nd trimester energy...!

Lastly, I just want to thank each of you again. If you ever prayed for this pregnancy, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Carrying this little guy is the best thing in the world...I will never forget that you spoke to the Lord on our behalf. You have made me the happiest mother (ah!) in the world.