Mother's Day

This year was special, as it was my first (sort of) Mother's Day!  While I'm not sure if I really consider it to be official for me, it was really fun to celebrate the day with my mom - the best mom on earth :)

We met up in the morning and had delicious, slightly over-priced brunch at Chandler's down on Lake Union.  Afterwards, we went to see "Water for Elephants", which was really good too!

My mom was nice enough to get me a cute silver picture frame for a future picture of Ben.  She also got me this picture holder:

This goes perfectly with the bird theme I sort of having going for the nursery and with a few of the pictures that I have purchased to frame and hang!

She also brought me a picture of her when she was pregnant, which I had never seen and absolutely love:

Mom - 29 and Pregnant

I think it is really cool that my mom had me just a few weeks before she turned 30, and I will be having Ben just a few weeks before I turn 30!  Funny how things work out sometimes :)

My mom has been my best friend for as long as I can remember, and I plan/hope to have the same sort of relationship with my son one day.

I also felt spoiled by Greg this year.  He got me a sweet card and a gift certificate for a prenatal massage - one that I plan to save up for when I REALLY am needing it in the upcoming weeks.

Hope all of my mommy friends had a great day as well!

More On My Weird Cat...

Just because you found a sunny patch on the floor,
does not mean anyone wants to see this.

This Makes Me SO Happy

Walking by Ben's closet and looking at these two little outfits hanging there makes me smile every day.  I need to invest in some more hangers so I can admire all of his outfits as they start to accumulate :)

21 Weeks!

Bonus photo - Me and Kodiak, a coworker's dog who came to visit!  This

dog is 7 months old - I miss when he was tiny and could sit in my lap!

How far along: 21 weeks
Weight gain: As of Monday, I was up 7 lbs.  With my ravenous appetite this week, I would guess I'm up to 8 now?
How big is baby: 10.5 inches long, the length of a carrot.
Maternity clothes: Becoming my favorite items to wear.  Also, I'd like to give a big shout out to Forever 21 for their cheap make-shift pregnancy clothes.
Stretch marks: Nope
Sleep: I love sleep.  I've noticed myself getting waves of exhaustion in the late afternoons so when it's finally time for a long night of sleep, I'm a happy girl.
Best moment this week: We had a beautiful, sunny and warm day to celebrate Greg's birthday last weekend!  That was definitely a highlight of the week!  We took full advantage by having brunch and walking through Pike Place, walking around Greenlake (where I think I experienced my first braxton hicks contractions), and ended the night by BBQ'ing at home.
Movement: I definitely have noticed some movement this week.  It's still VERY subtle.
Food Cravings: BTL's (4-ever) and fruit.  I could live off of berries and melons.  I also have had cravings for sweet carby items like muffins and scones.
Labor Signs: No
Belly button in or out: It's changing.  That's all I can really say about it.
What I miss: Usually around this time of the year I'm anxiously waiting for summer to arrive, knowing it will be full of hot days on the water, bikinis and cocktails!  This year, I'm concerned that it might get "too hot", wondering if I will be sporting a bathing suit at all, and knowing that any cocktails I consume will be virgin ;)
What I'm looking forward to: This weekend we have dinner with friends, a party to attend, I'm teaching 2 yoga classes AND celebrating Mother's Day with my mom - brunch and a movie!  I'm looking forward to all of it!  I'm also looking forward to my work conference in SUNNY ORLANDO next Friday-Tuesday.  It will be great to not only attend the conference sessions/meet some of my counterparts across the country, but we also have some fun non-work activities planned. 

How's This For a Mouthful?

Petunia Pickle Bottom Touring Tote in "Tea on the Thames"

So, my diaper bag arrived today.  It surprises me each and every time just how excited I get over each baby-related item:

"OMG the crib is here"!

                   "Greg, just LOOK at this cool baby thermometer"!!

"Yesssssss - we are all booked for our birthing classes"!!!

And today, it's all about this diaper bag:

I had been told that this was a great brand of diaper bag.  I also decided early on that since I have not bought a new purse in a few years, AND because this will be my new "purse" for the next few years, that I had no problem spending a little money on a cute bag.  When my friend Charisse visited last month, she showed up with this exact same bag/pattern and I was able to try it on for size.

I loved it.

I also think Greg will look fab wearing it.  (Fun semi-related-to-being-fab side note: He dreamt last night that he was at a party with Charlotte and Samantha).

Benjamin Clark Ingle

We are ready to announce this little guy's name:

Benjamin Clark Ingle

"Ben"

"Benny"

"Bingle"

"BC"

"Bengal" - Becca

"Bing" - Becca

"Benji" - Callie, Kim

"BenJAMMIN" - Katy

"Benny-Boo" - Kim

"Benana" - Kim

"Benjamima" - Debbie

Any others I'm forgetting?

4th Prenatal Appointment (and OMG the belly has arrived).

I had my 4th Prenatal Appointment this morning, which was rescheduled from last Friday.  On my way to last week's appointment, I got a call saying that another patient had gone into labor and my doctor was heading to the hospital to deliver the baby!

Everything looks and sounds great with the baby!  I am measuring right where I should be, I'm up 7 lbs, and I'm feeling really good!  Hollister (my doctor) asked me if I have been feeling any contractions yet.  I told her I did not think I had, but if I was, what would they feel like?  She told me that they would just feel like a slight tightening around my stomach - often times during or after long walks or exercise.  It was then that I realized the discomfort I was feeling while Greg and I were walking around Greenlake were most certainly these types of contractions!  Nothing to be alarmed about, but good to know for the future I suppose.

I have noticed (over the past few days) a few symptoms that seem to be the beginning of my "feeling pregnant":

* After long periods of sitting, my tailbone/lower back are sore.  I can tell after a day sitting in my office chair that it is time for me to get some movement in.  Might need to incorporate some office yoga during lunch more often!

* Headaches.  I would say I have one strong enough to make me take some Tylenol at least every 2-3 days.  Mildly annoying, but manageable.

* Mini-contractions (I guess?)

And I just had to share this picture.  After changing into my yoga clothes, I walked out of the bathroom at work and my coworker Shauntel said I should take a picture.  I swear, so much bigger from just last week's picture!