Our very own pumpkin....

Happy Halloween from the four of us here at And Baby Will Make 4:

And the winner is...

Looks like the consensus says we should go with the hearty pine. But there are only two small problems with this, one being ME and the other being samples.

See, I am not the biggest fan of natural wood. There I said it. I love wood floors and love natural wood furniture in other people's homes, just not my own. When we got married and had to buy all new furniture I picked a yellow-y pine dining room set. The lines on it could be called country and for some reason I didn't think anything of this, which is weird cause I didn't have a country anything in my apartment before we married. If I remember correctly I liked the set cause the price was good and went from seating 4 to 6 with ease. So I picked it and it was done. Fast forward to 4 years later and me tired of the pine and the lines and wanting to do something, anything with the set. Namely get rid of it and get something new and fresh. Instead I opted to paint it white and reupholster the seat cushions and voila, who new dining room set.

But that is not going to be an option with the crib set, it's going to be all or nothing. And that is what worries me and leads me to problem number two. I've picked out a set that not only comes in crib styles but also bunkbeds, twin beds, armoires, dresses, etc. And did I mention there are 20 different colors you can get these items? And here is the biggest problem, none of the stores seem to carry the actual crib in the colors I need to see. I don't necessarily need to see the crib, but just a piece of actual furniture so I can gauge the true color and go from there, but no store seems to have anything in shell or hearty pine. If I wanted red, purple, blue, or pink, I'd be almost to decision. (Ha, right.) So now what? Do I call all the preferred retailers in my state? Do I just forgo this set and pick something else? Or do I declare hearty pine and winner and go forward? Decisions, decisions.

And now for something totally OFF TOPIC:
Anyone looking for a 2002 VW Cabrio? We have one for sale, as driving around kiddos in a convertible might be great for Britney Spears, but doesn't work for this mommy-to-be! If you know someone that might be interested, please send them my way.

Please don't stop the music!

So in preparation for a New Kids concert this week I went ahead and played some of their songs to my belly. I did it during my first hour of work and boy did I get some movement! I am not sure if this is a good thing or not...the best part is it now two hours later and this baby is still kicking me like crazy!

In other baby news, I can't seem to make up my mind on what colors to paint his room. I had this whole idea with wainscoting and the mocha color, but now I am not so sure. It seems in my older age I can't make a decision to save my life or my sanity! Thankfully this isn't keeping me up at night, because you know things like getting comfortable and running to the bathroom are instead, but sheesh! I always thought I had a bit of interior decorating know how, cause Lord knows my mom does but I can't seem to picture anything.

And let's not talk about the crib and the color...the set I picked comes in 20 colors. All the colors are beautiful but of course of the 20, only about 4 are real options for the crib. And yet I can't decide! Maybe I should conduct a poll? I've seen the crib in white and it's beautiful! But the lady at the store said while white was great, it would be harder to have a little boy love it as he gets older. Which makes a lot of sense, right? And when I originally found the crib set I was all over a color called Shell, which is a creamy beige color...only thing is I want to see a piece of furniture in the color before deciding. And then last night as I drifted off to dreamland I thought maybe going with a natural color wouldn't be so bad. Maybe this indecision is NOT old age but HORMONES???

These are the three colors I am trying to decide on:


I am also entertaining the though of forgetting about mocha and going with a blue and yellow room....AAACCKKKKK! I'm officially going to start losing my mind. Any thoughts, suggestions, opinions about the colors would be GREATLY appreciated!

That's our baby!

So this week we were lucky enough to get a free 3D ultrasound and while the regular ultrasounds have been good to us, the 3D and 4D was in one word amazing. To see details of our little one's face left us speechless. And we can't stop looking at the pictures. Here are a few of my favorites, enjoy.







To get in on the Phriday Photo Fun, head on over to Candid Carrie's and find out what this phun is about!

The Devil Wears Prada

I was at a pregnancy board/forum a while back and a 24 year old first time mom-to-be had a whole post about maternity clothes and how she hated them. She said she didn't like looking all soccer momish and that she was a bit of a tomboy and enjoyed jeans and a polo shirt. Then several other people joined in about the clothing and the styles and how they were squeezing themselves into their old clothes for as long as possible.

I guess in that conversation I would have been the minority...because I quite enjoy my maternity wear. I live in my shorts! I purchased two pairs of dressier capris and if I can find cute shirts for cheap I am all over them. I happily like showing my belly and don't mind looking a bit bigger than I am. I believe that was a big complaint, how the tie in the back or empire shirts make you look HUGE. I don't mind, it's the only time in your life that you can look huge and have a good reason for it.

This is not to say that all maternity wear is fabulous, because I have seen plenty of shirts that are just hideous! The mix of colors and prints in one word, fugly. And I know for many women there isn't always a great selection of stores to shop maternity at, but I think getting a few basic pieces isn't so bad. I have my bootcut secret fit belly jeans as my go to jeans and can still wear a few of my BP (before pregnancy) tops. But let's be honest, what girl doesn't like having to shop for new stuff? And after it's all over, you can pass the clothing on or sell it on ebay.

Of course there is always the option of higher end maternity clothing and stores, like Pea in the Pod, Mimi Maternity and Isabella Oliver. I've perused their sites, looking for a deal...sadly there were none to be had. I can't see spending over 100$ for maternity jeans, when I didn't spend that much before pregnancy. Or 100$ shirts and t-shirts. If money was flowing freely, maybe, but when every $ counts, not so much.

Anyway, I didn't comment on the post about the evil that is maternity wear, just read and laughed and wondered what these girls (cause most of them that chimed in were younger than me by at least 7 years) would find next to complain about.

Someone is having a birthday...

glitter-graphics.com

Today one of my sisters turns....well, I won't say as she might be bashful about her age. Anyway, I wanted to wish her a very happy day and many more!!

Pot Pourri

So it’s been awhile since I actually had an honest to goodness post that didn’t have a picture. I’ve been slacking, mostly because things here in preggo-land have been going smoothly. I guess I could not ask for a better pregnancy!

I celebrated my 34th birthday last week and was thinking about when I was a child and being in your 20's seemed old! The 20’s were fun but I have to think my 30’s will be even better, especially since I will be chasing after a child or two. And don’t they say that children keep you young? Or was that they age you really fast? My birthday was low key and quiet, which I enjoyed. I went and had my hair cut and styled and it was the first time my stylist had seen me since getting pregnant. She was so ecstatic…I liked having everyone turn to see what she was fussing about…I felt pretty darn special. And I looked special too, as she always manages to rock out my hair and leaving me looking like a diva. Thanks Brenda!!

As soon as we found out that we were definitely having a boy the top 2 questions we get asked is our nursery theme and if we’ve decided on a name! I can only say that our name list was cut in half and that Hubby and I are still throwing around ideas. And when we finally do get down to THE one, we simply won’t be sharing. We discussed sharing and thought it was nice to have something that was our own to know and admire and we will happily share it on the delivery day. From what I can tell most people feel they have a right to butt in on any name you choose and I think this will keep me from getting rattled or irritated with opinions. In the end the ONLY opinion that matters is our own and I know we will be happy with whatever we choose.

As for a nursery theme, I’ve seen a lot of cute themes but found myself just attracted more to colors than an actual theme. The colors will pretty much look like our blog, blue, white and mocha. Hubby will be putting up some wainscoting in white and I have to find the perfect color of mocha to place on the wall portion above. I believe we have finally found a crib set that we like and need to get around to ordering the crib and a few matching items. Most of the accessories will be in babyCarolina blue. I figure as he gets older we can do an actual theme around things he actually likes. Of course we hope he will love planes, but there is no way to guarantee that, is there?

Had my first pregnancy scare last week! I am use to feeling baby move quite often through the day and I went through one day were I hadn’t felt anything and by the end of the day I was lying in bed in tears about it all. I had a stethoscope and was poking my belly and got nothing. Hubby got the headset and began playing music and still nothing. I didn’t know what to do and so the next morning we thought about heading over to my clinic to see if they could just let me listen to the baby’s heartbeat. I was torn at what to do because part of me felt so silly and the other part was on the verge of totally losing it. It was after reading some thoughtful post for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. I should have known better but thought women were so brave to put their loss out there I had to read and offer my condolences. One post in particular struck me, thus leading to my worry for the day. So before we headed to the clinic, we decided to try music once more. I jostled my belly and spoke to baby and then we played some Elvis Presley…which got him moving. The grin on my face could not have been bigger as I felt my little one poke and prod, actually following the music as we moved it around my belly. It was such a relief. And then Patty let me know it was normal to feel movement and then if I wasn’t lounging around all day, not feel any. Well duh, right? That makes a lot of sense because I hadn’t worked the whole day before and so didn’t have my usual 5 hours on my butt in a chair! I was relieved and even more relieved when later in the day baby gave me three swift, hard kicks! Guess it’s safe to say he already doesn’t like shopping!

So that’s my update and I’m sticking to it. Hope everyone is having a fantastic week and stay tuned...because I will return to posting with pictures soon!

This says it all.

What else is there to say after posting this picture?

Wee little clothes

So Hubby spilled the beans about our little bean and you all now know baby is going to be a boy. Hubby has high hopes about him being all boy and from the ultrasound pics I think it is safe to say we are on the right track. Not a shy little thing in the least. I wonder if this means I will be running around after a son who refuses to wear a diaper?

Upon finding out what we were having we decided to head to the store, 1.because I had a coupon that was burning a hole in my pocket and 2.because I could finally look at gender specific clothes. We headed over to Babies R Us and searched for the perfect first outfit. We decided on a one piece and the bib pretty much struck a chord with me. This is what we ended up with:

I look at it and can just see our little wrinkly faced baby boy in it.

Here is a close-up of the bib:

I know every mom, whether she has one or 5 boys or more has uttered this sentiment. *sigh*

But we can not take credit for the first outfit for our bundle of boy, no that honor actually goes to my mom. Back at Christmas she had found this set and had to get it...even though we were't tryin to get pregnant just yet. I think the outfit spoke to her and I see why. Here is the very first outfit bought for our baby boy:


It's sort of perfect that he is being born in the winter, isn't it?

Today We Found Out.........

So today we went to the doctor for the 20 week ultrasound. I guess this is actually 22, but who cares...the better our chances of seeing something, right? Well after 5 1/2 months of hoping, wondering, and all of the anxiety that goes with it, I am proud to say that daddy has a little buddy! A little boy...he was moving all around and wasn't bashful at all:) Of course both of us would have been happy either way, but I must say this visit today made us a very happy couple. Mommy wanted a boy, Daddy wanted a pal.

So now mommy can actually start planning her nursery....and narrowing down the list of her favorite names. Daddy can start looking for all kinds of UNC baby wear, because face it, boy blue is really Carolina Blue:) Grandpa Smitty is gonna have to throw a small life jacket in the boat, and Grandpa Nap needs another ticket to the Magic game.

Surely we will do the best we can can to raise this one right. I don't want to raise him a spoiled brat, but I do want him to be rotten....100% boy. I want to see him in the dirt, playing with the dogs, frogs, worms, whatever he can get his hands on. I want him to be a 2 ft. lady's man, an irresistibly cute shorty. We want many things for him....some of which may or may not come to pass.... We can only guide him, teach him, and love him enough to let him choose his own path. We are just grateful for the opportunity....

Ch..ch..changes.

Ok, so before you get pregnant all those that have gone before you are nice about the changes that happen to your body. They don't scare you with the truth of it all. Unless you have some really, really good friends or open family that will tell you how it is in graphic detail. Not a problem, I am all for graphic detail. I'd rather know exactly how it might be than to wake up one day and wonder what the heck happened or is going on. And then you Google your symptoms and realize the internet is a bad, bad place!

But what no one care prepare you for is for when those actual changes begin to take place and you look in the mirror and realizes someone has stolen your body! Invasion of the body snatchers because the boobs in the mirror surely can not belong to you! Remember when you were young and giggled at the women in a National Geopgraphic with long hanging breast and big areolas? Yeah, not so funny when it's you!

Then you try and look at your feet and realize to do so means you have to bend forward. And guess what bending period is no longer easy. It takes finesse, especially to go way over. Same with bending down, suddenly a movement you've taken forgranted has to be done with the same precision as a sumo wrestler. That's right folks, bending down requires strength in quad muscles I have long forgotten. And it's not a pretty sight to be hold.

Want to know what else isn't pretty? Not being able to look at your va-jay-jay. No amount of bending over will help with this one. But that's ok, I didn't need to look down there for the next 4 months anyway. I guess as long as I don't suddenly sprout a 3rd arm from there, things are good.

And then there is my favorite...the labored breathing. Ok, that's a nice term for it, what I really mean is being out of breath. After simple tasks...like walking! Remember that spoiled dog I mentioned before? Well he is use to being numero uno when we wake, which means he wants us to hop out of bed, brush our teeth and immediately take him for a walk. Don't pass go, don't collect 200$, just go immediately to jail for a walk. No biggie, right? What better way for me to pretend I am staying in shape by doing the dog's bidding! This is good until we hit a small hill and at the top of it I am gasping for breath like a fish out of water. But this not only happens then but also when I go upstairs too quickly or even move a wee bit to fast. Yay for feeling out of shape instead of pregnant because that's what it feels like. And then I have to remind myself that I'm breathing for two and not really a lard a$$.

And as I think about all these changes and cringe at them and wonder how I got myself into this mess (all Hubby's fault, it always is) I feel a flutter and a jab and it's all forgotten as a smile as big as the sun takes over and I realize in the end it will all be worth it.

Poem from Mommy

You Are There

When I’m sitting quietly
And I feel you flutter,
It reminds me that you are there.

When I’m daydreaming about you
And I feel you move,
It reminds me that you are there.

When I’m feeling out of sorts
And I feel you swoosh,
It reminds me that you are there.

You're dancing and fluttering,
Moving and grooving,
All these movements remind me that you are there.

But I can’t help and wish that you were here.

Got it from my Mama

It's been a while since I actually took a picture with my mom, as usually one of us is behind the camera...or hiding from the camera. For the longest time I always felt I looked like my father and then as I looked closer I realized I actually resemble my mom, a lot! Who knew. Anyway, here we are...the proud mom-to-be and the proud grandma-to-be:



What to know why there is always a photo posted on Friday? Head over to Candid Carrie's and find out!

The look

I went to FL for the day earlier this week to visit my family and show them my ever growing belly. It had been a few weeks since we told them and I've grown so round, so it was time. Everyone commented on how good I looked, etc. etc. Keep buttering me up, I love it!

But there was one moment that was priceless. I have sister's that are 12, they are fraternal twins and as different as night and day most of the time. After we had a delicious dinner (my mom is such an awesome cook)I got out of the kitchen and headed for the living room. The twins were both in there watching something on TV. I asked them if they wanted to see my belly, meaning really see it. I pulled my shirt up and my maternity elastic down and showed them my pride and joy. The look on their faces was priceless! Both of their faces lit up with surprise and they both just stared in awe. It was the cutest thing and I only wish I had gotten a picture of their reactions.