Where has the time gone?

I can't believe the last time I posted was back in May...wow! Baby Hanson arrived 10 days early (after a loooong 48 hours in labor!) and the biggest surprise is that he just didn't feel like an Alijah. After watching me in such pain and discomfort for so long the hubby decided I could name the baby whatever I wanted...so Avery Wilder Hanson was born! He is now 3.5 months old and a total chunk. He weighs almost 17 lbs! The first few weeks were rough...when he wasn't sleeping he was crying. The pediatrician diagnosed him with reflux and prescribed a medicine that really helped. He is much better now, although still not a great sleeper. He's definitely a talker, he likes the sound of his voice! I wish I could figure out how to post pictures and spruce up my page a little bit. I think I need to pay a visit to Homan so she can show me how to do this!

Happy Memorial Day!

I am loving the long weekend! Only 9 more days of school and then I can spend a few days (weeks?) waiting for Alijah with my feet propped up and a cold lemonade in my hand. I am nervous that he won't wait until school is over though. I've been having lots of contractions, and a nurse at the hospital had to give me an injection of something to stop them. I'm not dialating yet so I guess the contractions were Braxton Hicks contractions, but they were coming every 2-4 minutes to the medical staff was a bit concerned. They ultimately think it was due to being dehydrated, but last night I thought for sure I was going into real labor. Contractions were coming regularly and I was just waiting for them to get more intense. I even packed my hospital bag. But they eventually subsided. I have my regular checkup at the doctor on Tuesday. I'm hoping that they don't put me on bedrest with so few days of work left. That would not be good.

Aaron's birthday was this Friday. Any suggestions for what to get a husband who says he doesn't need anything (and probably doesn't)? I ended up getting him a few shirts to wear to work but that seems pretty generic. Homan, what do you get your hubbie on his birthday?

32 Weeks and Counting

I haven't written in almost two months but since no one but Angie reads this blog I hope I'll be forgiven quickly! Still haven't learned how to post pictures - Homan, help me!! Anyway, today I turned 32 weeks pregnant! I'm rather large. And my feet and ankles swell as soon as they hit the floor. Yesterday a friend said, "Wow, you really do have cankles! I thought you were exaggerating!" I wish I was one of those women who loved being pregnant, but I'm not. I'm very grateful and blessed that the pregnancy has been easy and healthy. But I'm just feeling done. I'm over it. I'm tired of not being able to bend over. I'm tired of the leg cramps and heartburn. I'm tired of feeling hot and bloated. And I'm tired of being tired. Just a little bitchy pregnancy rant there :-)

Yesterday I drove to Lancaster to have a 3d ultrasound done. I have been so excited to see a glimpe of Alijah's face....but he had it covered the entire time! He was literally curled into a weird cannonball position...his hands and even his feet were blocking the view of his face. We tried poking him, drinking cold water, and even jumping up and down a few times to wake him up and make him move but he didn't budge. Because the session was a bust I get to go back and try a second time. So Monday I am driving back to Lancaster to try again. I hope he cooperates this time but I guess I can't be angry with him. Between his father's avoidance of cameras, and my tendency to not be too active, I guess he get's it honest!

If Homan and I are ever able to get together she'll show me how to post pictures. My fingers are crossed that I have lots of new pictures to post on Monday!

Hangin' Tough!

I went to see New Kids on the Block this weekend. Yes, that's right. The woman who hasn't been awake past 9:30 since getting pregnant stayed out and awake until almost 1 am! Our seats were horrible - literally the last row at the very top - but we had a good time anyway. Even though they are pushing 40, those New Kids can still rock the house. Their new moves are definitely a bit sexier than I remembered. Alijah was kicking and moving the whole time. He either loved the loud noise, or was annoyed by it.

I'm now 25 weeks and things are moving along. I've only gained about 12 lbs so far, which is shocking consider I feel like all I do is eat. My bloodwork came back and looks good - the baby is very low risk for having genetic problems. Next month is the blood glucose test. I have a bottle of orange syrupy looking stuff in the fridge to drink before my next appointment. I have a feeling it will taste pretty disgusting but I guess it's all over with in a few minutes. Next weekend I am visiting my friend Kathy in Lancaster and we booked a day at the spa - a pedicure and pregnancy massage. I'm so excited to be pampered a little! I figure I'll take advantage of it now when I a) have the time and b) have the money. Even though I've had a very easy pregnancy I'm getting tired of lugging around the extra weight, dealing with constant exhaustion, and trying to find cheap maternity clothes that are work appropriate. Why does it seem like all maternity clothes are made from polyester and have huge flowers on them?!?!?!

Congratulations, Amy!

This week I learned some exciting news - my good friend Amy and her husband are expecting a baby in November! Congrats, Amy! Even though we are several months apart it is exciting and fun to have someone to experience pregnancy with. Amy is my shopping companion, and now she has a reason to join me at maternity and baby stores. We're making our first trip this Saturday to celebrate her good news :-) She and her husband are both hoping for a girl, but for my own selfish reasons I hope it's a boy. Alijah needs a playmate!

I also scheduled a 3D ultrasound appointment. Even though it's optional (i.e. not covered by insurance) I think it will be a neat experience for my first baby. I have to drive to Lancaster for the appointment, and Kate and Andy are joining me. I'm excited to have them be a part of this! If I ever figure out how to post pictures I will definitely post!

I'm 23 Weeks!

Another week has gone by. I feel like I really "popped" this week. People at work started commenting on how I "look" pregnant (which I assume means until this point I just looked fat!) and I feel like I now waddle when I walk. I'm by no means huge, but it is odd to be carrying this extra weight around. According to various websites the baby is the size of a papaya. If I knew what a papaya was this comparison would be more helpful, but I'm assuming it's a mid-size fruit. I also think I'm starting to feel some minor Braxton-Hicks contractions, which is my body's way of preparing for childbirth. I can't believe in less than 20 weeks he'll be here!

We finally decided on a name - Alijah William. My husband was determined to find a name that begins with an "A" to continue a family tradition. Being that I work with children all the more common "A" names (Andrew, Alex, etc.) have been tainted by a little person I'd rather not remember every time I look at my son. Aaron and I both love the name Elijah, and after seeing it spelled with an "A" in a few baby name books we decided to go for it. Also, this way we'll never have an Eli Hanson. Eli Hanson reminds me of an Amish farmer.

I've also decided that I'm addicted to buying baby clothes. I started avoiding malls and stores because I can't resist peeking in the baby department. And who can peek but not buy? But now I've discovered the online sales at Old Navy and Baby Gap. With only a $7 shipping fee (I couldn't drive to York without spending at least that much on gas!) I figure it actually might save me money to shop from the comfort of my couch and pjs. And when my husband asks where all these clothes are coming from I quickly cut off the tags and tell them they are generous hand-me-downs from co-workers. Shhhhh!

Meet the Hansons!

I am inspired to start a blog after learning that my dearest friend Angie has a blog for her family. I never ever thought Angie would be the blogging type, but I've had so much fun reading about her and her family that I thought I'd give it a try. So thanks, Showman, for being my inspiration!

This blog will be used to record the details of my first pregnancy and the many hilarious moments that will ensue when my husband and I become parents. We are very excited, but very nervous. (At least I am!) This was a surprise pregnancy but we're feeling more confident every day. Although, when I hear my dear husband comment that he thinks babies only wear diapers until they are 5 months old I do get a little scared.

So far it's been an uneventful pregnancy. No morning sickness. Just the standard pregnancy symptoms - exhaustion, the occasional bloody nose, and other such grossness. My friend Lori swears she never peed when she sneezed, but I think she's lying :-) I am currently about 23 weeks and we just learned it's a boy! At first I was slightly disappointed because I had already noticed that baby girl clothes are much cuter and more fun to shop for! However, after spending about 40 minutes with five 5th grade girls at work the other day I was so grateful to be having a boy. Girls can definitely bring on the drama! And, as my husband points out, I've had no problems shopping for baby boy clothes.

Today's snow day was spent washing baby clothes and crib bedding. We're slowing organizing the nursery. I bought the crib and the cutest crib bedding from Angie. Having the crib set up makes everything more real. Stay tuned for pictures!