10-Week Check-in

I wasn't really in to doing belly shots when I was pregnant with Aiden. But what can I say--a rainy Sunday morning with not much to do can lead one to change their ways. (DISCLAIMER: I don't think Mike got the angle quite right as I think my backside looks especially large.) When I look at this picture, what immediately strikes me is how EARLY I look this big; with Aiden, it took me to about 20 weeks to have that belly! So it's definitely true that everything happens sooner with baby #2.

On the queasiness side--it's not been so great lately. I'm still thrilled that I haven't gotten those crazy headaches that I would get with Aiden, but if I don't eat dinner by about 6:30 each night, I don't get to eat at all. Evenings are DEFINITELY when I feel worse. But as I keep telling myself, this will all be behind me in just a few short weeks.

Randomness

Outside my window... the weather is cloudy--it's supposed to rain cats & dogs later.

The time is...10:16 am.

Today I feel...kinda bummed. I have two days off with Aiden, and I had big plans for today, but he woke up at 5:30 with a 102-degree fever. Now I can't go see my friend's newborn tomorrow 'cause I don't want to expose him to our germs. Sigh.

I am thinking...that I really need to go eat something substantial before my stomach rebels on me yet again. And a shower would probably be good, too.

At the moment, I am thankful...for my fantastic husband--officially a 32-year-old today! :)

I am going...to take that shower. Seriously.

I am wearing...my PJs.

I wish...Aiden would feel better. I know we can't go to COSI now, but I would at least like for the fever to retreat.

I am reading...lots of blogs to kill time I don't really have.

I am working on...getting out of this first trimester.

I am hoping...that we can still head to my folks' house tomorrow.

I am hearing...Aiden snoozing on the couch while his cartoons play softly. And the dishwasher. And the sound of me typing this.

Around the house...it's getting clean since I'll now be home all day. Hooray for small victories.

I bet you didn't know...that I need a shower. :)

One of my favorite...things that I've wanted since I've been preggers is pickle spears, so I'm off to go scarf a few down. So nice to be a cliche.

The Big Announcement

Wait...what does his shirt say?!

You read that right, folks--Aiden is going to be a big brother. Baby Cotter 2.0 will be arriving in late October (our actual due date is the 24th--the day after my birthday). And we couldn't be more excited. :)

We had our first OB visit on Monday, and as you can see by the ultrasound, everything is looking good with our little bean. Me? I've been feeling okay. The nausea has been off and on, but I haven't gotten those terrible headaches that I got with Aiden, nor have I needed to go directly to bed after dinner. Maybe it's because I have more responsibility right now, or maybe my body is remembering what it's like to be preggers. One thing is for sure--I've been having a hard time hiding my tummy, so since this post is up, I'm giving that up. I've actually been wearing maternity pants for the past two weeks due to the discomfort of sitting for long periods of time at work.



Needless to say, this is going to be a big adjustment. We bought Aiden a big-boy bed for his birthday, and plans are in the works to get him moved to the spare bedroom over the summer so he's established in there before his baby brother or sister arrives in the fall. We also want to have him potty trained within the next 6 or 7 months so we'll only be diapering one kid. Cross your fingers for us on that. I know he probably has no clue what we're talking about, but he seems okay with the idea of a sibling; when asked which he'd prefer, he usually answers with "Baby sister!" Like I need more pressure to have the first girl on either side of our families! :)

So like I said, we're pretty excited, but we're also kind of relieved in a way--this is going to be our last child. We think it's fun that Mike & Aiden will share a birth month, and now so will this baby and I. For now, though, we're just taking things day by day with a hopeful eye to the future. :)

An After-School Treat

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Aiden's Birthday Party--2nd Installment

I can't believe we've done this for the second time already! How my kid is already two is beyond a mystery to me. And he really seemed to enjoy himself today (though I think that was helped a lot by letting him play with the sweeper--but I digress), which was a plus. We had a little bit of a delay to our lunch, which was my fault for not remembering the time change, but it was a minor hiccup. After the meal, we opened gifts, which was kinda funny; Aiden would ask me to "Open it!" after each plastic-encased item was revealed. He got lots of bubbles and outdoor toys, so of course I had to "advise" him against opening them now. :) Once the gifts were opened, we headed back into the kitchen for cake (another AWESOME creation by Angie) & ice cream. He was HILARIOUS this year while everyone was singing, but unfortunately the video camera malfunctioned and we don't have it. Oh well.
By this time, folks were starting to leave, but we actually had quite a few of our guests hang around to watch Ohio State win the Big Ten Tournament. And the entire time, Aiden did not. Take. A. Nap. He was in a great mood, though, so I tried not to let it worry me too much. As soon as Mimi & Grandpa left, though, he passed out for about 10 minutes on the living room floor. Power nap, I guess.
Tomorrow we head to the pediatrician to get Aiden's two-year stats. I'm crossing my fingers for an improvement in his weight (he sure feels heavier to me). I think Aiden will just be happy to get out of there with no vaccinations!

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY, AIDEN!!!

WE LOVE YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH!!!

The View from Here

So Mike & I are in West Virginia. I think I've said it before, but I'm not such a big fan of this state; just too many gosh-darned mountains, and with all the twists & turns in the roads, I think a 70 mph speed limit is just a bit indulgent. We're in Morgantown this weekend, which actually is kind of a crazy city; it feels like all the buildings are built directly on top of each other due to the nature of the mountainous landscape. But even in the early-spring dreariness, I must admit the view from our seventh-story hotel room window is kinda pretty, with the fog rolling lazily over the Monongahela River. And I don't even have to get out of bed to see it. :) We're out of here tomorrow and hopefully will make it home for a good part of Aiden's 2nd birthday--I'm missing my little guy like crazy!

How can you say no?

First, my nicely-crafted PSA e-mail:

Hello Everyone!

After becoming a mom just two short years ago, I am still amazed at how Aiden has given my life a meaning I never knew was missing. Mike & I are so lucky to have a healthy, happy boy. Unfortunately, not every parent has this opportunity.

That's why I am the captain of a special team of people who care about the health of babies. We have banded together to raise money and participate in the March of Dimes March for Babies here in Columbus this April. I am asking you to join our fundraising efforts today by sponsoring my walk.

Contributing online is fast, easy and secure. You can donate directly from my personal Web page with a credit card or PayPal. If you prefer, I can also accept cash or check. Just click the appropriate box on my Web page. You can even print a receipt to turn in with next year's taxes.

The March of Dimes champions the needs of moms and babies in our community and across the nation. The money we raise for March for Babies will support lifesaving research, services, education and advocacy that help babies get a healthy start.

We need your help. Visit my Web page and sponsor me!

Thanks so much, everyone!

Now the really cool part: my team has already SURPASSED our goal, and we've still got 47 days until the walk! I'm so proud, and so incredibly thankful for all the donations we've received so far. But now is not the time to relax--we'd LOVE to raise even more funds! No amount is too small. If you'd like, feel free to click on the link above or on the icon to your left. And THANKS!

What Nearly Two Looks Like*

*(Well, nearly two with an odd smile and a bit of a cowlick after just waking up, anyways.)

We are less than a week from Aiden's second birthday. I'm having a hard time with the fact that my baby is turning two. Honestly, though, I'm having a harder time with the fact that I'm not even close to being ready for his party next Sunday, not to mention Mike & I will be in West Virginia for a few days at the end of the week. When am I supposed to get everything done?!

I am very interested to go to Aiden's two-year checkup on Monday, first of all to find out if he's gaining any ground in the weight area (he sure feels heavier to Mike & me), and then to hear how his other developments are going. I'm sure we'll hear how we should really get on the potty training, which I already know. I would sure like to stop paying for diapers!

In other news, it's March. BIG SMILES from me. We've actually had a nice span of days with sunshine and no sign of that icky white stuff (other than what's still melting). I should bite my tongue, but I'm really hoping we've turned the corner towards spring. Then we could play outside with some of the gifts Aiden will receive next Sunday--more on that later. :)

Enjoy the sunshine!!!