Pregnancy Photos (31 weeks)

Becca offered to take some pregnancy pictures of us while she was in town last week. She asked me several months ago if I was planning on having some professional pictures taken of us (while baby is in my belly). She knows how cheap much I like to save money and offered to bring her camera and new lens. I was thrilled, but never could have imagined how much I would LOVE these pictures. I am so grateful that Becca thought to do this for us. Here are some shots of the day...

Thank you a million! I love that we will have these pictures forever.

Christmas!

It flew by this year, even though we celebrated for about a week. We started on Wednesday night at my dad and Cindy's. We watched Carson open a few gifts and baked/decorated some gingerbread houses. Carson is going to be a year old about the time our baby is due, so it's fun to watch him and picture what our baby will be doing at Christmas next year. He has such a little personality!

JoDee's house. It was taste tested before I got a picture...

My house

The next afternoon we celebrated with the McDaniel family. They are in the process of moving into a new house (it's finished!), so while they were building, their home was next door in a trailer house manufactured home. We decided it was a must to celebrate one Christmas in the trailer. I didn't take a picture from our celebration, but it was a good one. Sara got a ton of pictures, so if I get a chance I will upload them later. We pre-celebrated with the family favorite Pappadeaux - so delish!

Robby and I decided to wake up early on Christmas Eve and celebrate our Christmas as just us before we have a little one crawling around. I told him I would make whatever he wanted for breakfast (cinnamon rolls and biscuits! - easy peasy). It was a really happy morning that I will never forget.

Here are a few shots:

Robby wanted some goofy onesies for our baby, so I stuffed a few in his stocking. I worked with a designer (Morning Loft) on Etsy to create these for Robby (baby). I highly recommend her!

Our new camera! (of course with Haribo's supervision)

After our Christmas we headed to Louisiana for our usual Christmas Eve celebration with Mom McD's side of the family. It's pure chaos and I love it.

We spent Christmas Day at Pappa and Granny's with Dad McD's side of the family. So much fun!

We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday Handsome!

I hope your day is filled with rainbow chip cake and lots of birthday wishes! Love you!

Purple and White at Christmas time

So my best girl, Becca, is in town for a few days and helped me coordinate a girls night with an amazing group of women that don't have the chance to get together often. We all went to Jr. High together (Go Panthers!) and share so many hilarious memories it's ridiculous - unless you didn't go to our Jr. High, then it's just probably annoying :)

Becca, Bekah, Lindsay, Monica, and Lisa came over ready to catch up on the past 8 years (oh, my gosh, has it really been 8 years since high school?). Monica and Lisa didn't go to high school with the rest of us, but they were always in the loop, at sporting events, or dating boys from our school.

Anyways, I cooked (Robby did most of it - because I'm not very skilled in the kitchen/my feet are fat) and Monica baked. We drank lots of wine (Lindsay brought me some sparkling grape juice, so sweet!), laughed, ate, and even brought back some old cheers/dances from the past. Oh man, it was pretty entertaining.

These are a group of girls that I might not talk to every day, month, or (sad to admit) every year, but once I see them it's like everything clicks and we are right back to where we have always been.

I was originally in agreement with Lindsay when she posted, "may the blast from the past pictures we took never see the light of day!:)", but then I saw them and couldn't stop laughing. Here are a few from our great night.

Lisa, Lindsay, Becca, me, Monica, and Bekah

Monica loving my boy, xoxo

Oh yeah! It was starting to get good.

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and amazing start to the New Year!

We'll just call you Chuck for now.

I'm pretty sure my baby roundhouse kicked me twice last night on my walk. I had to stop to make sure they were just kicks and nothing crazy was going on. Do you think he is trying to give me name ideas? Chuck Norris McDaniel...

Our halls are decked!

A few weeks ago we got the Christmas boxes out of the attic and started our search for the perfect tree. It didn't take long (mainly because it was dark and cold outside) to find it, get it home, and decorate it. What do you think?

Robby thinks our star looks a little trashy. He topped the tree after I finished the decorating and we couldn't stop laughing. It has a GIANT green clip on the back of it that attaches it to the top of the tree - maybe a little tacky. I thought it was an improvement since we had been using a Santa hat the previous 3 years AND I got this one for $.50 after Christmas last year! Maybe I will keep my eyes out for the perfect angel after Christmas this year.


Here is the outside. This is the first year we did lights and we both love how it turned out! The next morning Robby said he was a little disappointed the homeowners associated did not put the YOM (Yard of the Month) sign in our yard. I guess they must have just been a little backed up...

Sorry all of my pictures have been so dark and grainy. I have been using my phone A LOT lately because it's always charged and easier :) To be honest our camera is pretty terrible anyways, so they are probably about the same quality.

The other girls in his life...

Miss Independent (Maple)

And, Miss Not-So-Much (Haribo)

(I watched Haribo snuggle up against Robby with every turn, bump in road, or scary branch that came too close to the Polaris.)

We spent the weekend on the ranch enjoying some smores fresh air with Jaime and Maria. Hope y'all had a great weekend too!

Love him...

It started long before this 'first kiss' and will continue forever.

Happy Anniversary Robby!

"Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be."

-Robert Browning

Thanksgiving on the Farm

I have so many things I want to blog about, but my laziness is preventing it. Like my Grandpa says, "If you are looking for an excuse, you will find one."

We decided to head up north and give thanks with my Grandma and Grandpa V. All of my aunts and uncles are relatively close by, so they joined us along with a few cousins. Hanging out on the farm is so nice and relaxing. All of the fresh air hits you and forces you to do nothing but enjoy conversation, play games, bake cookies, and eat :) (Grandpa, what did you say about finding an excuse? LOL!)

Uncle John, Grandma, Grandpa, Griffin, and Uncle Jay letting the turkey digest

Uncle Gordie, baby William, Colleen, and Carma

Aunt Carol, Aunt Judy, Aunt Lani, and Aunt Nancy

Robby reading Rudolph to sweet Olivia

After Thanksgiving dinner all of my family starting handing us packages that were wrapped in baby/blue packaging and surprised us with some beautiful baby things. It's so much fun to be able to celebrate with everyone. The next time we get together we will have a 3-4 month old in tow! Thank you for helping spoil our little one :)

Baking cookies with Aunt Carol

Sit down Pizza Hut is always on the request list. It's the best!

Grandma gave us a card saying that we are having their 12th great grandchild. Can you imagine how packed our next family reunion is going to be?

Sunday was my last Dr. approved day of flying. We timed it up pretty perfectly, huh? I told Robby that I am completely okay with not flying anymore during this pregnancy. I had to get up from my seat several times during the flight to walk the aisle. My legs/hips/back started to get restless and heavy feeling. I imagine the next time we head to the airport we will have a little more gear :)

Miller Time

We had a Going Away party for our friends Ross and Liz over the weekend. (I know Liz took some awesome pictures, because her camera doesn't take pictures that are anything less. So, I'll link some pictures soon.) They are heading up to Alaska for a new work adventure. Bummer! Too many friends are leaving town and it is really starting to make us sad, so friends stay put.

Anyway, the morning after the party I was emptying the ice chest on the back porch. I put all of the extra beer (the boys didn't do their part and finish it off!) on our pub table to allow them to dry off a little and let the ice chest drain. A while later we decided to run a few errands, so we put the mutts outside and reassured each other that the pups wouldn't mess with the booze.

Once we got home Robby noticed a few beers knocked over on the table. I had to run to the bathroom (it's happening more and more often!), so I left him to inspect the damage. All beer was accounted for except one. Maple snagged one and punctured one hole on the side of the can. It was empty when Robby found it :) (We're pretty sure it was Mapes since Haribo has a hard time carrying/'playing' with heavy objects due to her overbite.) Both girls (dogs) came right in and passed out...

Belly Picture - 25 weeks

I caught a glimpse of my shadow yesterday on our walk and said, "Look at my belly!" Robby smiled and told me he thought I looked bigger just since Friday. I hope this baby continues to grow like crazy and we have a nice healthy boy in 3 1/2 months.

I send Becca a new belly picture every few weeks, so she can check in on baby's growing progress. Since I felt like baby boy looked especially big yesterday during our walk I snapped this shot to send...

25 weeks

So Thankful...

I have been feeling extra grateful/sappy/happy/(lots of other pregnancy hormones) lately, so I thought I would make a note of little things that I am SO grateful to have in our lives... (in no particular order)

-belly bands that have until recently allowed me to wear my pre-preg pants/shorts

-a hubby who thinks of putting a cozy robe on his sleeping wife before leaving for work

-Baby Bargains book lent to me by my oh so helpful neighbor
-a quilted baby blanket from a friend of a soon to be great granny (it's huge and must have taken a lot of time)
-kit kats, kiwis, grilled cheese, and milk
-a dad who is always in the know and ready to help, but lets his daughter explore
-long walks with an amazing woman
-baby's first BB gun

-a best bud for our baby who already loves Robby's favorite shirt as much as he does

-long talks with my mom

-a growing belly with a flat belly button
-a red dog with an overbite and a brown dog with a 'touch' of narcolepsy

-the most loving and thoughtful in-laws you could ever imagine
-a healthy family
-good jobs

And, it's Friday! Hope everyone has a great weekend~

Baby Names

I almost forgot to mention some names we came up with. Well, we can't take the credit because my cousin Luca thought of them (he's 6). They are Schitz and Polpetta (meatball in Italian). Which one do you like better?

Robby said if we name the baby Schitz, we would have to think of a second name! HAHA!

We are obviously still pretty clueless on what to call our babe, but I know the perfect name will come to us.

Crib - check!

Our crib came in 4 1/2 weeks early. I couldn't believe it, since I have only heard stories about delayed shipping.

The box was huge and just sitting in our entry way, so up it went! Of course Haribo and Maple helped (slept/curiously watched) while I handed Robby the necessary tools. They're always in the action.

The sides are up and the bed has been claimed :)

DC

Prepare for picture overload...

We flew out Thursday after work to hang out with all of my east coast family. My mom and Steve were still anchored at a marina on the Potomac, and my Aunt GiGi, Uncle Rick, and Michelle came down to join in on the mini-family reunion as well. I knew I wouldn't get a chance to see my mom until the baby comes in February, so we jumped at the chance to visit while they would be in one spot for more than a few days. We stayed with Josh, Makenzie, and pup Annie. The weekend went way too quick as I knew it would, but it was perfect getting to spend some of these special moments with so much of my family. Once we got to the house I saw this...

How fun! Big plans were in the works to spoil baby! And, Makenzie made brunch reservations at a Belgian Waffle restaurant - LOVE HER :)

Robby and Annie relaxing

2Amys - Best pizza you will eat in the states... guaranteed

Steve, Phil, Ma, Grazia, Luca, Makenzie, and Josh on the Metro to Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

Tomb of the Unknown Solider

Changing of the guards

Ready for my waffle at Belga's Cafe!

Josh & Makenzie

Josh & Luca

Steve & Ma

My waffle - it was oh so good and satisfied my craving :)

At Belga's (GiGi, Ma, Phil, me, Rob, Steve, Makenzie, Josh, Michi, Rick and Luca)

As we left Belga's, we saw a pet adoption going on next door. We stopped by just to see the sweet pooches, but Josh and Makenzie fell in love. They are getting this sweet pup next week, Lily! I love how she has a leg sticking out at all times. She would straighten one every time you held her or put her down:)

Here is a better picture of her. Look at that face!

Josh showing his skills at the Navy Yard :) I wish they lived closer...

Hanging out at the Yact Club where mom & Steve are

currently staying

Luca showing Robby and Michi how to play a game

Mom & Steve's boat (it's right smack in the center of the photo in the VERY back)

Robby, Michi, and Ma

After we checked out the boat and enjoyed our waffles we all headed back to Josh and Makenzie's place for baby's surprise baby shower! I get so excited just thinking about it. Here is Robby doing a few taste tests :) And those cupcakes in the background - DELISH. Makenzie showed me a cute new way to decorate them.

Grandma M gave us a white linen long sleeve top and a white knit sweater for the baby. My Aunts told me it was a very traditional Italian outfit for baby to wear. He is going to look so handsome!

Bouncer from Ma & Steve! It's so soft I can't wait to see baby in it! Robby was so upset because I guessed it, Haha! He says I do it with my birthday and Christmas gifts too. Sorry babe!

Super soft changing pad for outings, I LOVE NY onesie, baby carrier, and the softest tiniest little blankie you have ever seen. Thanks Aunt GiGi, Uncle Rick, and Michi!

Baby gap onesies from Uncle Paul and Aunt Ghada! They are so soft and tiny :)

Diaper bag, from Josh & Mak, filled to the brim with baby goodies (tiny boots, blankets, bottles, diapers, wipes, socks, hats, etc)! I LOVE this bag - anything Makenzie picks out it stylish though. I already told you about the boxes she sends me :)

We had Aunt LuLu and Grandma M on Skype. Aunt LuLu, Uncle Dani, and Karen bought us a really nice blanket for the baby's room. Thank you! (Uncle Rick was all baby showered out...)

Mom, Ghada, and Josh inspecting the bouncer

Michi and Uncle Rick

Uncle Paul and Aunt GiGi getting Robby all set to carry a little baby! He loves this thing and I can't wait to see him in action.

Aunt Grazia, Uncle Phil, and Luca gave us this Moby wrap. I made a rough attempt and tried it out with Coconut (yes, that is a real dog!). She loved it! I need to practice the technique a few times before I put an actual child in there, but it was so soft and seemed to be really supportive for both me and baby/Coconut.

As you can tell from the pictures, it was a very happy weekend. I couldn't get enough of the baby gear. It feels so strange that this is all for our child, but at the same time (with each kick and punch in my belly), it is starting to feel very real. I am so grateful for all of our family and friends helping celebrate with us. Thank you a million.

Love you!