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!