Settlement and Other News

Settlement
You would not believe the bribery and pleading that has been going on in this house as the mustache start date has approached. It really got bad this weekend as I didn't shave and had a visible threat. But, after weeks of grueling negotiations, Kelly and I have finally come to a settlement. In exchange for a clean shaven husband (that means no mustache), I shall receive the following no less than once per week until Maggie arrives:

• Steak dinner with choice of side
• 3 back scratches (3 per week)
• Choice of dessert dish to be prepared on Sunday afternoons

In addition to the weekly items, I will also receive two "Bonus Bucks" to use at my discretion. They may be redeemed for any item or task of my choosing. I can't decide what to use them for!

This settlement is effective immediately through Maggie's first birthday. Once Maggie turns 1, I will either be growing the mustache or reentering negotiations. 

Other News
In other news, we pretty much have the nursery finished. Kelly's parents came down on Saturday for a work day and we got a lot of items crossed off the list. I will be posting a video tour of the nursery in the next couple of weeks...not because I think you all are dying to see it...but mainly as an opportunity for me to learn how to upload videos.

We also bought a car last week. The Oldsmobile is gone and has been replaced by a CRV. Kelly is ecstatic and is loving the ability to "whip that Honda around town". She is also ready for anyone willing to challenge the storage capacity of the car - something she enjoyed when people doubted an item would fit in the Civic.

I am sure I have forgotten to report something, but there will be a belly update next week and we will make sure to mention it then.

We're Tired and Maggie's Not Even Here Yet!

Despite poor Brentie's efforts, the to-do list doesn't seem to get any shorter. Every time something is crossed off, we think of something to add. The countdown to Baby Maggie (yes, that is the official nickname we're going with) has begun.  Wednesday marks Week 33 and with only 7 weeks to go, I have lots of things I really want to get done (i.e. things I need Brent's help to do).  And, as I am sure it will be no surprise to any of you, Brent has created an Excel spreadsheet with his list of tasks and is methodically working his way down the list.  I'll have you know they are prioritized and grouped according to the amount of time each one requires.  It's impressive!  (Yes, I'm aware we're both dorks...him for making an Excel spreadsheet of his Honey Do List and me for being genuinely impressed).

We have made some great progress in filling up Maggie's room.  I now have artwork ready to go, it just needs to be placed on the wall (we haven't yet gotten to that item on Brent's list).  We also have had lots of items from baby showers to really help fill in some of the much needed items for her room.  I cannot imagine trying to buy all of this stuff ourselves.  We really are very fortunate to have such wonderful friends and family.  You don't realize how lucky you are until times like this when you really need the help and support of others.

As far as Maggie goes, she weighs about 4 1/2 pounds now and is about as long as a knee high boot.  I don't know how this is possible, but it's true.  She is moving around like crazy and tends to ball up whenever I get up quickly or move around.  Working out at the gym has become a little more difficult with her tagging along.  I have never been very coordinated or talented in the athletic department and being pregnant just accentuates this.  But, at least I'm still able to exercise - that is the silver lining.  

Mustache Update:  I'd like to thank those of you who are NOT encouraging Brent to grow THE mustache.  He has asked that I let you all know the growing of his mustache will begin this weekend (I am hopeful this is a joke).  I really have tried not to use the "pregnancy card," but this is one time I am pulling it out in full force.  I'm actually begging (publicly) that Brent remain clean shaven and handsome for Maggie's arrival.  And, I know Brent will do the right thing, especially since he loves me and doesn't want me to be stressed, worried, or sickened by the 'stache.

Week 32 (and a half)

Single digits...here we come!

I'm a little late on the blog posting, my apologies loyal readers (all four of you).  We are entering the single digits on Wednesday (only 9 weeks left).  It is so hard to believe that Margaret will be here so soon. 

Brent and I spent the weekend attending Birth in a Day. It is a class offered by the hospital that gives a quick 6 hour class on childbirth, the hospital, and the hours/days following delivery.  Let's just say Brent and I both went pale a few times, but we lived to tell. Brent's main goal was making sure he knew when we need to leave for the hospital and he is now a man with a plan.  The presenter mentioned that he needs to have a change of clothes for the hospital, change for the vending machines, and a toiletry bag.  He is already planning out what needs to go in "his bag."  He also asked me to mention that he is practicing how to say, "Breathe.  Breeaaaathe."   I don't really find this funny.  I do not think coaching will be helpful at this point and I cannot be held responsible for my actions.  (Brent is also contemplating his mustache and I have resorted to begging, pleading, and bribing.)


We have two baby showers in the coming weeks and are VERY excited!!!  We are still working on the nursery.  I have some children's  book covers that I am framing for the nursery, and I think they are going to be really cute. 

Hope everyone is doing well!

Hold on belly button...only 9 more weeks to go!  You can stay in! 

Peek-a-boo!

Hi, everyone!  Lots of news to report!  We went to the doctor this morning and had our final ultrasound.  Baby Margaret was full of herself.  We had an opportunity to do the 4D ultrasound, but she was playing Peek-a-boo.  Both arms and legs were over her face.  All we saw was her behind...she gets this from her daddy.  She is about as long as a loaf of bread and weighs about 3 pounds.  We were actually able to see on the ultrasound that she has hair!!!!

My mom and I spent the afternoon shopping and unfortunately Baby Margaret has more clothes than I do.  It was lots of fun and I think we (my mom and I) are now considered Valued Customers at quite a few stores. (Thanks, Mom!!!)

On another note, I encountered my first "baby" problem with Brent this weekend.  We were out shopping and he wanted to buy the baby something (this is not unusual...he has bought her more clothes than I have).  So, we are standing in the store and he picks up a pair of blue overalls (very, very unattractive overalls).  Mind you, these were not just generic overalls, they were for boys (even the lady at the store agreed). After finally convincing him these were not the overalls for us, he proceeded to find another boy outfit.  I again explained, "Honey, I believe that is for a little boy."  He responded, "You're just going to have to get over this whole boy clothes/girl clothes thing."  Now, I know what you are all thinking...has he lost his mind???  Don't worry, I'm planning an intervention now, and if that doesn't work, I'm turning to Jenny (Brent's sister).  If anyone can set him straight on girlie stuff, she's the one.

We have also continued to make some progress in getting the nursery ready.  Crib - check.  Baby bedding - check.  Antique rocker recovered - check.  More pink clothes than we will ever need - check.  I think we're on the right path.  I still need to get some "stuff" to go on the walls, and as soon as I do, I will post some pictures.

Also pictured below is Brent with the stroller and carseat his dad sent us (thanks, Daddy Reese!).  All of you can thank me later for not allowing Brent to have creative control over the pictures.  He had visions of me posing with the stroller, pointing into the air, and all kinds of craziness.  (I know, you are all very surprised, but it's true.)

First glimpse of her face (obstructed by her leg)

Week 28

Proud Papa!

Hope everyone is well...we'll write in two weeks!  

Week 26

Not much new to report (still working on the nursery...pictures coming soon).  I go back to the doctor in two weeks for an ultrasound and we are very excited to see how much she has grown.  Hope everyone is doing well!

Mid-Pregnancy Update (A Reflection)

Well, it seems we are over the halfway mark. May 11th is getting here F.A.S.T.! I have learned a lot of things I never thought I would need to know (some of them I didn't want to know) and accomplished many of my "pre-parenthood" goals. Allow me to summarize.....

Things I Have Learned

• I am not sure about this whole sleep deprivation thing. Everyone keeps telling me how I better enjoy my sleep while I can. I believe them when they say it...I know it is true...yet I am not allowing myself to actually accept it as truth.
• For something so small, babies sure do need a lot of space.
• I now know how to put together a crib---I got (Mae's, Margaret's, Maisie's, Maggie's) crib put together last week.

Accomplished Goals

• I have painted the baby's room. (I painted it a nice bright pink! Something she will always know her daddy did for her)-------Just kidding....it is just a light beige color.
• I already mentioned this above, but it counts here too---I put her crib together.
• We have been making a lot of room in closets and attic space by making several Goodwill trips. Getting rid of all of my VHS tapes was easier than originally expected.

The most exciting thing I could possibly mention is that I can feel the baby move now more than ever! Just about any time I put my hand on "The Belly," I feel the baby!! It is really neat!

Here is a picture of my beautiful wife...

Week 24

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Formerly the office...soon to be the nursery...still needs a lot of work

Over the past few weeks, there has been lots of decision making in the Reese house.  We have decided firmly on the name, Margaret Lynn Reese, but are still struggling to decide exactly what we will call her (and Princess, Monkey, Booger, or anything of that variety will not suffice).  And, despite my dad's wishes, the baby cannot be called Allenette (or any other variation of Allen). 

We have actually ordered a crib, some bedding, and registered for some items - all of which required way too many decisions.  If we're not careful, Baby Margaret could be sleeping in the finest piece of furniture in the house.  We have cleaned out the "office" and it is now officially ready to become Baby Reese's room (I put a picture below of the empty room - let your imaginations run wild with all the possibilities).  I'm still working on convincing Brent to paint the room, and I think I have almost succeeded.  (He knows it's a slippery slope with a pregnant lady.)  It probably will just be a lighter color than it is now, but we'll see.  Hopefully by our next post, we will have some real furniture in the room and it will start looking more like a nursery.

I go back to the doctor January 24th for a glucose screening (I think this is where they test for gestational diabetes), and I will have another ultrasound at my 28 week appointment in February.  Please continue to keep your fingers crossed and say a little prayer that Baby Margaret will be healthy (and well-behaved)!

One more thing...Brent continues to have late night cravings for sausage and bacon (turkey bacon is the best he is can get around here).  In the house at the moment, we have double-stuffed Oreos, lemon bars, and cookies galore - all of which are being consumed by only one person.  He's constantly hungry and always craving something sweet to eat.  I'm sure he'll be glad when all of these cravings stop. 

Goodbye favorite jeans...hello maternity clothes!

A picture of my Mom and Dad - my Mom was pregnant with me at the time.