Aidan's a month old!

He's growing so fast. We had to take him to the doc today because we gave him a cold. Poor little guy. He's now weighing in at a sturdy 9 pounds. It's amazing how quickly he's gaining weight, especially after having problems those first few days. He's eating constantly, so I guess it's to be expected.

Our internet hasn't been working much, plus Aidan keeps me pretty busy. It's hard to find time to do just about anything these days. Anyone wanna do my laundry? :)

These pics are from last week, but you get the idea. He's growing into a baby, instead of a newborn.

We're trying to get things ready to leave. I'm headed to St. Louis and Dan is headed for Fort Jackson for the time being. Thanks to all the well wishers. We still don't know what his situation will be. Crossing my fingers and saying a prayer.

It's amazing how little sleep you get as a parent. When I was pregnant, especially in the last few weeks, I would wake up every couple hours for no reason. I think it was my body getting ready for Aidan. I usually do ok, but once it's been a few days in a row of insufficient sleep, I get crazy. Dan has been helping out though. He's WONDERFUL with Aidan. I wasn't sure what to expect, especially since he doesn't have any experience with children, but he's learning so quickly. Dan is particularly good at getting the little man to fall asleep. He's even woken up a couple of times in the middle of the night to feed him a bottle so I can get a few hours of consecutive sleep. Now that's a great feeling.

Growing so fast...

Dan and I took Aidan to the hospital yesterday just to be weighed. I was so curious how he was doing. He seems to be growing so fast, he looks bigger every day and his clothes continue to fit better. Anyway, Aidan weighs 7 lbs. 14 oz! Almost a pound bigger in just 3 weeks. The lactation consultant said he's doing really well. His sleep schedule is still insane. Sometimes he does great, and sometimes I get no sleep. 2 nights ago he slept for 6 and a half hours straight. It was amazing. I've updated Aidan photos on the link in the previous post. Check em out if you're bored.

Such a good baby

Sorry I've been about blogging, I know many people look forward to Aidan updates. It's hard for me to get anything done these days, much less get on the internet. Sooooo.....What's new? Aidan is sleeping better, although we're still trying out new methods. We bought one of those sleep positioner things last night and he slept in the bed with us - didn't work too well. We're going to try the bassinette tonight. I'll let ya know how it goes. Yesterday Aidan had his first trip to the mall. Because of the terrible weather we've been having (icy gross wintery weather) I haven't been able to do any walking, we decided to walk around our little mall last night. It felt great to get out of the house, that's not something I do much these days.

Aidan seems like he's growing so quickly. His newborn clothes fit him great now - hard to believe a premie outfit just fit him not too long ago. I now completely understand why people say your children grow up right before your eyes. He tries so hard to hold up his head, then it wobbles to the side. It's amazing how strong he is already. He can grip Dan's finger really tightly and won't let go. It's really sweet. Right now he's having gas problems, so he makes all kinds of strange noises in his sleep.

Dan didn't go to work today. The weather and the roads were so horrible, and people in Texas/military can't drive worth a crap, so he just came home. Not that Aidan and I minded spending the day with Dan.....Friday is his last official day of work. He's going to spend the last two weeks at home spending time with me and Aidan before he leaves for stupid Army stuff. Still no update on that - probably won't know anything until he gets to Fort Jackson.

Dan and I are going to St. Louis around the 1st of Feb. so Aidan and I won't be alone right after Dan leaves. Hopefully this will save my sanity. This is going to be the most difficult thing I've ever had to do, so please forgive me if I act a little crazy. I'll be in Missouri for many weeks. Still working on all the logistics with the Army though...Hopefully many of you will be able to meet the little man when we come for a visit!

Aidan photos

Per my mom's request, I am posting a link to an online album that contains virtually every photo of Aidan that we have at this point. It also offers the option to have prints made, if anyone wants to. The link is:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/ndpoppe

Aidan likes to go to bed at 5 a.m.

We already knew Aidan had his days and nights mixed up, but 2 nights ago was the worst. He didn't go to bed until 5 a.m. I was so exhausted. I thought things were supposed to get better as they get older - granted he's still not THAT old. Anyway, last night I thought was going to be a repeat of the previous night. I decided not to put him in his bassinette or his crib. This time I slept on the couch and put him in his car seat. That's where he loves to take his naps during the day, so I figured it was worth a shot. Sure enough, we got 4 and a half hours of sleep in a row. That's the most he's ever slept at night. I really think he just likes the feeling of being snuggled closely. His crib and bassinette are just too big and cold. I feel like a bad mom leaving him in his car seat, but it's what he likes.....And I actually got some sleep.

Aidan is almost 2 weeks old

Can you believe it? I can't!

Sorry I've been bad about updating the blog lately, but the little man keeps me pretty busy. Dan's parents left Sunday, his sister left Monday, and my mom and sister left yesterday. It's really quiet here now, just me and Aidan during the day. He still has his days and nights mixed up, but we're managing. I found out last night that he just doesn't like sleeping in his pack n play. He actually seems to prefer his crib, which does make me a little sad because that means he's not in the room with us. At least he's sleeping though.

Aidan already looks a little different to me. He is bigger, and he is filling out his clothes better. Here are a few more recent photos.

Aidan update

Isn't he precious?

My mom finally gets to meet the little guy!

Tanya holds him.
Dan feeding Aidan milk I pumped.


Aidan is doing great. He continues to gain weight at a healthy pace and has turned into a great eater - It runs in the family :) Tanya and my mom finally made it to visit him and love him bunches. He doesn't fit into any of his clothes. The only thing that does fit is a premie outfit. Who would have guessed? So much for thinking he was too big. My swelling is finally starting to go away. I think my feet still have a bit of it though. Hopefully it will go away soon. Here are a few more photographs...

End of week 1

Well, tomorrow my little baby is going to be a week old. Hard to imagine. Aidan is doing very well...He originally had lost a lot of weight, too much weight at his 2 day appointment. We've had 2 appointments since then. At the first, he gained 5 oz. in a day. At the second, he gained 3 oz. They say he's doing great now. He was just having a few problems nursing, but we've solved those issues.

I think he gets a little cuter everyday. His cheeks are getting chubbier...I love him more than I ever imagined I could. It's a cliche I know - but so completely true. Dan and I went to WalMart tonight while John and Heleena watched Aidan. We were only gone an hour, but it was rough. I just thought about him the entire time, and I know Dan did to. I'll post more pics of the little angel tomorrow. Did I mention he's a wonderful baby? He is, he is usually calm and very laid back. Hope he stays that way.

A few Aidan pics

Aidan's birth story

Well, I've finally rested enough to write about Aidan's birth story, so here goes....

I worked a full day on Wednesday, went home, ate dinner and then Dan and I watched Invincible (a great movie by the way). At about 9:30 Dan left to give a friend a ride home from work. I went to the bathroom and that's when my water broke. I couldn't believe it, but there was no doubt it was my water breaking. I immediately called Dan to come home. Then I called my mom and told her what was going on. So Dan came home and was kind of freaking out, running around the house asking what needed to be done. I had previously packed Aidan's bag, but I hadn't yet packed my bag, so that was a disaster. I knew we needed to get to the hospital. We ended up hauling three bags of stuff to the hospital. I called Labor and Delivery to tell them we were on our way. Dan was so flustered that he ended up taking the VERY long way to the hospital. Eventually we got there, went up to triage were they tested the fluid to ensure it was my water that had broken. Once it was confirmed, they immediately took us to a birthing room where they hooked me up with an IV. Though my water had broken, I wasn't having very strong contractions at that point, so they began putting potocin into my IV every half hour to speed things along. And it sure worked. I was about 3 centimeters dialated, 50% effaced at that point, about 11:30. A couple hours later, the contractions were becoming really strong and frequent. My blood pressure became dangerously high, so they gave me some sort of pain meds through my IV. It made me really loopy. It took the edge of the contractions, but by no means took away the pain. My blood pressure did go back down to safer levels though, which was good. That didn't last very long, because the pain became really overwhelming.

At around 3 a.m., I finally had enough and told them to bring on the epidural. They came in at about 3:30 to put it in. Things felt like heaven neary instantly. They asked me how the contractions were feeling. My response? What contractions. Highy recommend the epi. Anyway...Two hours later, after a little nap, they came back to check on me. I was 5 centimeters, 90% effaced then. My regular doctor was scheduled to come in at 7 a.m., so they told me he would be coming in to check me at that time. So around 7:15 he came in and said I was ready to go, but Aidan was still a little far up the birth canal, so we were going to wait about an hour to start pushing.

At 8:20, the nurse came in and said we were ready to begin. Ten minutes into some mild pushing, I asked how long she thought it would take. She said at east an hour. Well, I wasn't up for that. I really just wanted things to be over, so I gave it everything I had. Obviously his head was the most difficult part. Because I hadn't slept at all, I was soo exhausted. Everytime I pushed I saw stars and little spots. I thought I was going to pass out. They gave me some oxygen, Dan fed me some more ice chips and rubbed my head. It only took a half an hour after that, and little Aidan John Welch was born at 9:03 a.m. I had to have stitches because of some tearing.

He weighed just 6 pounds, 13 ounces and was 21 1/4 inches. He's very long and lanky. Crazy long legs, cute round face and chubby cheeks. He has a large mark on the back of his head. They weren't sure if it was a birth mark, or a bruise from the birth, but it seems to be going away - so they think it's a bruise. He is the most perfect baby, and he looks like a little angel. Don't you think? I'll post more soon.

Baby Aidan is here!

Aidan has finally arrived. My water broke at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. Aidan was born at 9:03 a.m. the next morning. I'll write more later, but haven't slept in three days. Here are pictures of him. Dan and I are so in love with him. He's the most amazing thing I've ever seen.....Oh - and he's perfect.

Merry Christmas!

Dan and I had a nice (though very quiet) Christmas. He woke me up eary - about 8:30 because he was so excited to open his presents. Such a little kid, but it's adorable.

I took a few photos around our new place because I was bored. I made a shutterfly album if you want to take a peek. Here's the link: Christmas 2006

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Insomnia prevails

I'm sitting at the kitchen writing you again at nearly 2 a.m. It's 2 nights in a row. Well today was another busy day. Had a few more Christmas things to purchase, and there are always more things to buy for baby Aidan. Today it was cube stackers from Target. Dan built it tonight, I'll try to post pics of the nursery soon. It's just about done - except for the dresser which is just going to have to wait a while. In the mean time I bought a cheap little plastic drawer thingy.

The temperature dropped a lot today. Early in the day I was out in flip flops, t-shirt and knit pants. By the end of the night - we made a late-night trip to Walmart in search of some ant spray (who on earth gets ants in their house in the middle of winter?) and I was wearing a hat, sweater and pants. Still had to keep the flip flops on because that's about all my swollen feet can fit into. Another picture you need to see - my grotesque feet Seriously, I never thought it was humanly possible to have feet this fat. Maybe I could be in the Guiness Book of World Records?!

Have I mentioned my back pain is worse? Much worse. Sometimes it's just numb. Sorry to complain so much. I think that's what you're supposed to do this late in the game though, right?

I think Dan is getting into the Christmas spirit a little more. I had to sneak around today to get his presents and I quickly wrapped them before he got home. He came in with a huge smile when he saw the presents under the tree. Then he started shaking them like a little boy. Then he started in with the 20 questions, and he kept wanting me to give him a hint. I did, but he only got more confused. It's so cute to see grown men act like children. He wanted to open a present tonight, but I told him no way. I guess I should get used to this, it's only going to get worse when Aidan gets older.

Have I mentioned he's still not here yet? Aidan that is. Obviously, I probably won't be blogging from my hospital room. Anyway...I'm fully committed to the drugs now, well an epidural. No silly nonsense about trying the whole natural thing. The only thing I worry about is not being able to feel that I need to push. I watch these baby shows and they always show these crazy mothers who say they feel "serene" during the whole thing - natural birth mind you. I think they're nuts. How can all that pain feel serene and glorious? No thanks. Give me some meds stat please. :) Amy where are ya when I need you? (She's an anesthesiologist, is or will be soon...)

Well, probably boring you guys to tears. Going to try to go back to sleep now. Might not be possible, Dan's giving me a run for my money in the snoring department right now.

Baby Aidan please come out

Today I spent the afternoon and evening walking through 2 different malls. Not an easy task when you're about to pop. The past few days have been extremely difficult because of my back pain. I had some earlier in my pregnancy, but it seemed to subside for several months. Now it is again rearing it's ugly head. I imagine it's because he's getting so big. Aidan definitely doesn't have much room to move around. He's poking my ribs and causing me all kinds of trouble.

I am sooo looking forward to him coming out. I feel like I say that every 5 seconds, probably because I do. :) I think if I was one of those women who go past their due date, I would go insane. I seriously think I would have some sort of mental breakdown. Luckily my doctor already said Jan. 2 will be the latest - hopefully he remembers saying that.

I'm not feeling very Christmasy this year. Neither is Dan. This is probably the most unChristmasy I've ever felt - well except the year I was in Iraq. I'm not sure if it's because of Dan's orders or if it's because there's so much anticipation surrounding Aidan's birth...Probably a combination of both. Also, the weather doesn't help much. This is the first year we've actually stayed in Texas for Christmas. Usually we go to St. Louis where it's much more festive and cold.

Every little twinge I feel I think it could be him coming. Then I realize it's just wishful thinking.......One more day down - How many more to go? That's the magic question. Keep your fingers crossed.

(Oh, and I know the time on this post won't be correct, but it's 2 a.m. and I can't sleep for the life of me.)

My mom sent this - it hits home

THE SANDS OF CHRISTMAS
by Michael Marks

I had no Christmas spirit when I breathed a weary sigh,
And looked across the table where the bills were piled too high.

The laundry wasn't finished and the car I had to fix,
My stocks were down another point, the Chargers lost by six.

And so with only minutes till my son got home from school
I gave up on the drudgery and grabbed a wooden stool.
The burdens that I carried were about all I could take,
And so I flipped the TV on to catch a little break.

I came upon a desert scene in shades of tan and rust,
No snowflakes hung upon the wind, just clouds of swirling dust.

And where the reindeer should have stood before a laden sleigh,
Eight Humvees ran a column right behind an M1A (tank).

A group of boys walked past the tank, not one was past his teens
Their eyes were hard as polished flint, their faces drawn and lean.

They walked the street in armor with their rifles shouldered tight,
Their dearest wish for Christmas, just to have a silent night.

Other soldiers gathered, hunkered down against the wind,
To share a scrap of mail and dreams of going home again .
There wasn't much at all to put their lonely hearts at ease,
They had no Christmas turkey, just a pack of MREs.

They didn't have a garland or a stocking I could see,
They didn't need an ornament--they lacked a Christmas tree.

They didn't have a present even though it was tradition,
The only boxes I could see were labeled "ammunition."

I felt a little tug and found my son now by my side,
He asked me what it was I feared, and why it was I cried.
I swept him up into my arms and held him oh! so near
And kissed him on the fore head as I whispered in his ear.

"There's nothing wrong, my little son, for safe we sleep tonight
Our heroes stand on foreign land to give us all the right,

To worry on the things in life that mean nothing at all,
Instead of wondering if we will be the next to fall."

He looked at me as children do and said, "It's always right,
To thank the ones who help us and perhaps that we should write."

And so we pushed aside the bills and sat to draft a note,
To thank the many far from home and this is what we wrote:

"God bless you all and keep you safe and speed your way back home.
Remember that we love you so, and that you're not alone.

The gift you give you share with all, a present every day,
You give the gift of liberty and that we can't repay."

Is anybody out there?

I never get any responses, sometimes I wonder if I'm talking to myself. Hopefully not, that would make me a little nuts.

Yeah, so Aidan still isn't here. Obviously, or I wouldn't be writing, right? Today I was going through his closet so I could wash some of his things, and I realized that everything in there is pretty much 0-3 months. In the off chance that he's not huge, he's going to be swimming in his clothes. I think he only has 1 newborn outfit??? He does have tons of little onesies and those little sack thingies. I'm so ready to meet this little person, I can't even begin to tell you how ready I am for him to come out. I can't wait to read him books and rock him to sleep. I wonder if he'll have any hair. I doubt it - I didn't until I was about a year old. And I don't think Dan had any for a long time either.

Did I mention our house is *almost* put together? I'm really trying hard to get everything done before we have guests. Just this weekend we finally bought a shower curtain and other accessories for the guest bathroom. It's been bare this entire time. Definitely starting to feel more like home.

What IS this weather?

So Dan and I drove to Austin to go the giant Babies R Us today, and we had to have the a/c on because I was sweating like a mad woman. It was 85 degrees here. It certainly does not feel like Christmas here in Texas.

We didn't even end up buying anything that productive because I was way too indecisive. They didn't have the dresser/changing table I had seen online, but they did have one that matched the crib - only it was $150 more than I had planned on paying. It was $400, and I couldn't decide whether we should get it or not, so we decided to wait and think about it. We did, however, end up buying a bunch of decorations for his room. I'll try to post some photos soon.

I need to get in gear with my Christmas cards - we're just really behind with everything this year. We should probably start shopping for presents too, don't ya think?

No news....

Well I contacted the unit Dan's going to be with, and they don't really know anything. They said the Army is still flip-flopping as far as where they're going. It could be many months before they know. Summer-time is their deployment timeline. So even though he won't be home, he won't be overseas for a while. (*if at all???!!!*) Hard not to get my hopes up. We'll see.

Not much else going on. We had our first birthing class last week. Most of the info was stuff we already knew. I have a breast feeding class tomorrow, and then we have birthing class #2 Thursday. He's going to be here so soon!

Lots of news...

Well, we had our ultrasound. Apparently baby Aidan isn't toooooo big, although he won't be tiny. Right now he's around 6 pounds. Now I read on the internet that babies can gain 1/2 to 1 pound per week in the last month, so he still has the potential to be very large. I meet with my regular OB on Monday, so we'll see what he has to say.

In other good news, not so good news, Dan received orders Friday night to report to Fort Jackson, SC, on Feb. 4 to "support Operation Iraqi Freedom." Now we don't really know what that means, or where he'll be going. From Fort Jackson he'll be going to Fort Benning in Georgia where he'll be put in the 131st MPAD. That's a National Guard unit out of Montgomery, Alabama. I've contacted my own sergeant major so he can find out where the unit is going and what they'll be doing, before Dan gets there. As soon as we know more, we'll let you all know.

I'm just thankful Dan will be here when Aidan is born. So many men in the military miss their children's births and I just think it plain sucks. The Army really doesn't care about your family at all. Anyway - we're trying to stay positive, and I think Dan has been more successful about that than me. I'm trying though. :) Keep him in your thoughts - maybe he'll just stay in the US somehow...

Another pic of the crib

Well I finally got the matching mobile up, and I put the bumper in, although I haven't tied it down. It's all coming together.

Another busy weekend

Aidan now has a crib! I'm thrilled that's finally done. Now we just need to get the matching dresser/changing table, glider and a breast pump, and we'll be all done! This weekend we also bought Aidan a little Baby Einstein play mat. It's adorable...plays music, has lights, animals and a little mirror for him to stare at himself. I was playing with it yesterday. Very fun indeed. :)

We also got our Christmas tree today. We went to the same tree farm we went to last year. The older couple who owns it is so adorable. They sell handmade breads, jellies, peanut brittle, etc. They also have tutherball (which I played all the time as a grade-schooler), a tree house, and they give out hot cider. I love going there. Most people aren't that nice in Texas (at least sincerely nice. It's mostly a fake nice, but that's another issue entirely.)

Dan has a huge paper due tomorrow, so we're not going to decorate it yet. But I'll put up pics once we do. I'm wondering if little Aidan will be here for this Christmas...

Aidan's Baby Einstein play mat.

his crib along with some of his Moonbeam decor.


wooden letters from Target I painted blue. I'm going to attach ribbon and hang them on the wall above his crib .

Ultrasound is scheduled....

For next Friday afternoon, so we should know more details about little Aidan's arrival.

Dan and I are headed to Austin this weekend to buy Aidan's dresser/changing table combo. We figure one piece at a time and hopefully we'll have everything by the time he greets the word. Do you think white furniture is girly? I heard somebody say that the other day. I am planning on buying all white furniture for Aidan, but I think it's just innocent, not feminine. Silly people.

The last of the III Corps left today. Very sad indeed. I hate saying goodbye to people, especially under these circumstances...Now they're officially calling the war in Iraq a civil war in the media. I can't wait for the day this all ends, hopefully leaving the Iraqi people better off than they were before.

Big Boy...

Had my 35 week appointment today. Only 5 weeks to go! (If I make it that far.) The doctor said my fundal height is measuring about 36 1/2 weeks, even though I'm only 35 weeks. Therefore, he's sending me to get another ultrasound do determine his size more accurately. The doc said there's a possiblity he may be too big for me to deliver, that I may need a c-section. But we won't really know any more until the ultrasound. The military hospital is backed up with their radiology dept., so they're outsourcing my ultrasound to a local civilian hospital. They should be calling me soon to schedule an appointment. I'll let everyone know more as soon as I find out.

The weekend was a good one. On Friday I used my gift certificate which John and Heleena gave me for my birthday to get a preganancy massage. Oh it was glorious. Best present a pregnant woman can get, in my opinion. (THANK YOU JOHN AND HELEENA!!!)

Happy Thanksgiving!

I survived my first Thanksgiving meal on my own today. Granted I only made a turkey breast, everything turned out really well. Wow, do I feel old. Some of Dan's friends came over, but we still have tons of left overs. I must say it doesn't feel like Turkey Day. I had to turn on the AC. It was 80 and with all the cooking, I was sweating. I lit a few pumpkin candles to put everyone in the Thanksgiving spirit. We watched a lot of football, everyone took naps, and watched some more football.

What are you thankful for this year? I'm thankful for all my wonderful friends and family, and if you're reading this, you're most likely in one of those categories. I'm especially thankful for our baby, who I hope is going to be a healthy one. I'm also thankful I'm not headed for my second tour to Iraq. If it wasn't for Aidan, I'd probably be on a plane in the very near future with the rest of my unit. They'll be gone well before the new year, so if you could keep them in your thoughts, that would be great. I wish them another successful, safe tour in Baghdad.

Just about 5 and a half weeks until Aidan comes! Or possibly earlier, which is what my gut is telling me. But we all know how that goes - I thought he was going to be a little Audrey! My belly seems enormous - I'm sure it's grown quite a bit just since our trip to St. Louis. I'm also swelling a lot more. My hands, my legs, my face, my EVERYTHING. Oh, and I officially have cankles. So lovely, I must tell you. I've tried drinking lots of water and elevating my feet, but it's not doing much for me at this point.

So I've totally decided to rethink the whole "no drugs" thing. Something was going on the other night, not sure if it was Braxton Hicks or not...but it was painful. So if that was false labor, no way on earth I'm making it through a million hours of REAL labor with no drugs. Just not happening. I think I'd rather stab myself in the eye with a pen. Delightful image, is it not?

I really wonder how much this guy weighs? I'm thinking he's going to be a 10 pounder. He just "feel" so heavy, does that make sense? Watch him come out weighing just 6 or 7 pounds. I'd be thoroughly embarrased by all my moaning and complaining about what a fatty Aidan is.

You know what's crazy, even though I'm so big and I feel him move every day, sometimes it doesn't feel real. It's incredibly difficult to image a little baby living with us. A baby we made. It's just so strange and nearly impossible to fathom. Aidan really is almost here. Amazing.

Aidan has a place to sleep

I keep having nightmares that Aidan comes early and we have nothing ready for him. So in order to help me get over that, Dan and I decided to go buy a Pack N Play this weekend. Wasn't quite exactly what I was looking for, but we got a great deal at the PX on Fort Hood. Plus, no tax and they were having a 10% off special. Now baby Aidan will have a place to sleep if in fact he does arrive before January. We still need a crib desperately, but hopefully that will be taken care of in the near future. I'm hoping anyway. Here's a picture...

Still unpacking

Just had to include a photo of this baby Ram's jersey I simply couldn't resist buying at Babies R Us during our recent trip to STL. How adorable is that? I hope he at least gets to wear it a couple times.

What a mess...Can you believe all the stuff this baby has already?

There are still many boxes around our house, especially in the garage. That's ok, hopefully we've still got about 6 weeks before the little man comes. Dan and I both got sick again. How come we went to St. Louis and felt fine? I definitely see that as a sign. Anyway, Aidan's room is still a mess, but his closet is already getting full. It's amazing how much stuff this baby already has...

Things are still going well with the pregnancy. Aidan keeps getting in these strange, uncomfortable positions that make it difficult to walk though. Hope he's not trying to come out early on us. :) My snoring has gotten terrible. So terrible that Dan rarely sleeps in the bed with me anymore, not that I really mind having the extra room. (But don't tell him that, it's our secret.)

It's getting cool in Texas. FINALLY. But the weather STILL has to be crazy. Just the other day it was 90. This morning when I woke up they said it was 35 degrees. That's probably why I'm sick again. Stupid Texas.

Thanks!

I would just like to say thanks to everyone who came and participated in our suprise baby shower when we were in St. Louis. Here are a few photos from the event. Dan and I had so much fun and it was great to see everyone. Thanks again for your hard work pulling it off, as well as the wonderful food and generous gifts. And a big thanks to my mom who spent tons of time planning the party and managed to keep everything a secret for so long. Aidan already has tons of clothes in his closet. I'll try to post some pics of my favorites in the near future.

Oh-I was wondering if anybody has pics of me and Dan at the shower that they could email me? I don't have any. Thanks!

I'm 33 weeks now, so we have just 7 weeks left. I can't wait until the little guy arrives. My belly feels so heavy these days and it's hard to get in the bed now. I'll probably be on the couch soon. Dan's also tying my shoes now, it's just too difficult for me to do now.

Back in the Lone Star State

Unfortunately our trip to MO is over, and we're back in Texas. At least we have a working refrigerator now. They bought us a brand new one, and it's bigger than the old one. Boxes are still everywhere, because we haven't been home.

I wasn't thrilled to have to go back to work today, but luckily I get a 4-day weekend because of Veteran's Day. Thank a veteran, would ya?

Oh, and I know this is very late, but I'd like to do a belated friendly reminder about Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It was October, but so what. Do your self exam now, you should be doing them monthly. If you're over 40, schedule your mammogram for the year. Please. Just do it. :) Need more info? www.komen.org

We made it!

We're finally in St. Louis! We got in yesterday morning, and then we slept a lot. Today Dan's parents suprised us at the door of my mom's house. It was a fantastic shock. They're coming to our big pre-Thanksgiving bash tomorrow. Since I can't be here for Thanksgiving, my mom decided to throw a party for us, and it's turned into something much bigger than I ever imagined. Dan, John, Heleena and I went to Busch Stadium today. It was my first time seeing the completed stadium. It's beautiful.I am anxiously awaiting the start of downtown revitalization.

The drama has ceased, well sort of...

Well, we're all done with the horrible Country Place Apartments. WOO HOO! Without getting into long, drawn-out details, those people were absolute monsters. We checked out today. This weekend we rented a truck and moved all our stuff. What a nightmare. I've moved many times, and this was definitely the worst. Oh-and let me tell you, you sure find out who your friends are when it's time to move, especially if you're nearly 8 months pregnant. Let's just say I have NONE! Luckily, Dan had a few that spared us a couple hours of their time. I was moving stuff too, and Aidan was probably wondering what the heck all the comotion was.

Our new place is VERY nice. I'll post some pics if I can ever find the box with the connecting cable for my camera. We got DirectTV installed last night, and Dan is in heaven. We also got the HD option, so we can finally put our good tv to use. On the downside, we have a refrigerator that DOESN'T work. Very frustrating. We had to throw out practically all of our food. It made me so mad.

Anyway, today is Dan's birthday! He's the big 28!!! I'm no longer robbing the cradle. Unfortunately, he's been sick. I think I gave it to him, poor guy. We went to our favorite diner, Mel's, for dinner. We saw tons of cute little trick or treaters there. I can't wait to dress little Aidan up next year. I think he'll be a pumpkin. Just about 8 more weeks. So crazy.

We'll be driving to the Lou Thursday, so hope to see you all soon. Oh and by the way; GO CARDINALS! 2006 WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!! (That still blows my mind. I was thrilled beyond words. My mom and I were watching together while on the phone, and I was screaming my brains out!)

I'm a total couch potato

Well, I'm just sitting here watching the Cards play in game 3 of the World Series. We're up 2-0. Just hope we stay on top. Wish I could be in the Lou for a game. Like I've said before, at least I get to watch this time. Work is crazy. Way too much drama and much too stressful. I wish I wasn't even editing, especially since I'm so huge now. I just want Aidan to come, so I can stay home and play with my baby. Sorry-our baby...Looking forward to coming home next week! I want to go to Babies R Us and buy Aidan some cute Cards/Tigers/Rams apparel. They have the best stuff. I could probably spend a million dollars in there.

I had my 30 week appointment today, yup, 30 weeks, can you believe it? Everything with the little man is just fine. They gave me a flu shot and a special tag for parking at the hospital, which is wonderful since it's constantly packed. I also got some meds for my lovely acid reflux. I've never really had that before, but I'm experiencing it daily now. Apparently it's a common pregnancy problem. Yummy. We also get to sign up for all our classes: birthing, breastfeeding, labor/delivery tour, etc. That time is getting close!


Our apartment is such a disaster, but I suppose that's life right before ya move. This is my 25th time moving in my life, or somewhere around there. Definitely something I'm used to. I hope we can find a great place to live post-Army life. I'd like Aidan to have a life a bit more stable. Not that I haven't enjoyed my adventures. See many of you soon!

Pathy

Ok, so here's a photo of our new place and one of our new Nissan Pathfinder. We affectionately refer to him as Pathy. It's a few years old, but basically looks and feels brand new. Leather seats and Bose sound system, which Dan loves. Anyway, we love it.

GO CRAZY FOLKS! GO CRAZY!

What an exciting night! I can't believe the Cards are going to the World Series, and I actually get to be in this country to watch it. Aidan was going crazy in my belly tonight, probably because of all the excitement. Yeah Cardinal Nation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

October craziness

Well, this has been the busiest month of the year for us. Last week we sealed the deal with our living situation. (FINALLY!) So we won't be homeless. We take posession of our duplex next Friday, and I can't wait to get the heck out of this horrible apartment complex. (here's a picture from the company's website, although we'll be renting the other half)It has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, much better than our current which is 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom.

We've also been looking for a baby-friendly car. So Dan's Accord is history, it was getting really old, and we have ourselves a new-to-us Nissan Pathfinder. While it's not new, it's in nearly perfect shape. Black with leather interior and a Bose sound system. (Dan's favorite features) Dan's still taking classes and we're planning our trip to St. Louis the first week of November.
Oh-and Dan's birthday is the 31st, so he can finally catch up with the old lady. :)

Things are going fine with the baby. After a weekend of barely moving, baby Aidan is kicking up a storm. I'm definitely not minding, it's a relief now to feel him busy in my belly. I think I hit yet another growth spurt this past week, because I feel enormous.

In other news, between everything else that's been going on right now, I've remained devoted to my beloved Cardinals. I've watched every game of the postseason, and I must say it's been quite a fun ride. I need to get myself a little red soul patch like Spezio.

AAAAAHHHH!

Dan and I are sooo busy. We're trying to buy a bigger car, we have to move at the end of the month, and of course, we have tons of baby stuff to buy. Not to mention we're heading to St. Louis in the beginning of November. Life is chaotic. Sorry I don't write more often. Things are going well with the pregnancy. My belly is gigantic, and Aidan is moving around like crazy. His feet are strong, maybe he'll be a punter for the Rams someday.

Aidan's first movie

After many trials and tribulations, I finally managed to put Aidan's video together. It was originally 23 minutes, and I chopped it to 3 minutes. Hopefully you can watch the whole thing, especially because the best part is the end. Let me know what you think!

28 sure feels old...

A

It actually feels older than I thought it would. That, combined with the fact that my class just had its 10-year reunion, have made me feel very old. Anway...

Regardless, yesterday was a great day and it culminated with Dan and I going to Austin for our 3D/4D ultrasound. Here are some of the pics. I may be biased, but I think he looks completely adorable and chubby.

Again, though, he refused to cooperate with the ultrasound tech. His head was buried low in my uterus next to the wall, and his feet were up high on my right side. Because his face was smashed against the wall of my uterus, it was hard for her to get really good photos of his face. I tried walking around, jumping a little bit, even trying to coax him with our voices, but he basically refused. Plus, he was moving like a maniac, which made it that more difficult. Needless to say, we got a few shots. Hope you enjoy. I think he looks a lot like Dan, but maybe with my chin. =) Oh- and she got a great money shot! It was so adorable, about halfway through, the umbilical cord was up by his face, and we got to see him sticking his tongue out. THe tech said he could probably feel it on his face, so he was trying to get it. It was the funniest thing. He also had his hand constantly up by his face, so she really had to work to get any shots. It was definitely worth it though. We also have a DVD, but it's 20 minutes long. Tonight we're going to cut it and post some of it on the blog, so stay tuned.

Mizzou off to 4-0!

Go Tigers!!!

Well, tomorrow is our 26 week appointment, just boring routine stuff...But Tuesday afternoon is the 4D ultrasound and I'm thrilled!

Saturday was my 10 year high school reunion. Obviously I didn't go, but it's crazy to think I'm that old.

More Baby Aidan pics.

I know you guys are sick of looking at the little guy, but here he is again. Gettin big. Approx. 1.5 pounds!

Football Sundays

Very excited to say Mizzou is off to a great start this football season, 3-0. Can't wait to take baby Aidan to a game. He will be forced to root for them. Right now we're watching the Redskins vs. Cowboys game with some of Dan's friends. Hail to the Redskins.

Still a boy!

I had dreams of going into our ultrasound and finding out it was in fact a girl, but nope! Luckily he's still a boy! LOL. I would have been so mad, you hear so many stories like that.

Everything looks great. At first he was turned around the wrong way, so the tech couldn't see anything except his spine. Then I got up and walked around a little bit and coaxed him out of that position. Luckily it worked, and she could see the 4 chambers of the little guy's heart.

Did some shopping today. Have I mentioned how expensive maternity clothes are? 2 shirts, a pair of pants and a diaper bag cost $150. They're out of their minds, but I gave in. I'm so sick of wearing t-shirts and yoga pants. I've already outgrown the maternity clothes I bought a few months ago, which is very frustrating. Never thought I'd say I can't wait to run again. Shhhh-don't tell the Army.

We're planning on making a trip to the Lou sometime in November, probably the week before THanksgiving. I can't travel past 34 weeks because if I was to deliver early, the Army wouldn't pay for anything. And that's the entire reason I'm staying in-so Aidan will be free! (Plus they have excellent child care on post and it'll cost less than $400 a month, which is a complete steal by the way.)Anyway, so if you're in St. Louis, hopefully some of you can fit in a visit with me and Dan (and Aidan of course, we're a package deal.)

Tomorrow's another u/s!

I'm so excited to see baby Aidan again tomorrow. I'm sure he's gotten sooo big by now! Our apt. is 8:45 a.m...I was reading in my handy week-by-week pregnancy guide, and it estimates Aidan's weight at nearly 2 pounds. What a big boy. I also scheduled our 4d ultrasound for my birthday, Sept. 26. Can't wait to see the details of his little face.

We're still looking for a house and recruiting people to help us move. I basically will have to be a total bum and sit this move out.

I've read about false labor, and I'm really wondering what it feels like. Will I really recognize it when it comes? Creeps me out a little.

Glad to say things are still going very well. Just a few more months to go until we meet the little fella.

24 weeks.

Wow. I can't believe I'm 6 months pregnant. I know I say that at every major milestone in my pregancy, but this one is the weirdest by far. I'm going to give in and post a lovely picture of my belly, fully clothed of course.Aidan is the only one showing any bare skin on here. I took the photo of myself, obviously. Nothing quite like a self portrait. I'm hoping to schedule our 4D ultrasound in the VERY near future, so check back!

We are registered!

People keep asking......so Dan and I just finished registering at Babies R Us and Target. Both are listed under Nikki and Dan Welch.

Yesterday we went to Waco to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame for a story I'm writing for the paper. It was more fun than I thought it would be. Then we ate at Rudy's, Dan's fave BBQ place. Oh- and we watched Mizzou kick Ole Miss' butt! I told Aidan he needs to start rooting for his team now. Can't wait to buy him Mizzou apparel...

Some photos

Well, these are some of Aidan's new clothes. The bug outfit and the little man outfit I bought at the outlet mall in Austin over the weekend. Gretchen gave him the little Cardinals onesie. He's going to have a lot of clothes to wear! He's kicking more and more everyday....

Yes, I am a slacker....

Sorry I haven't written in so long. Things just seem to get more busy each week. This past weekend was a 4-day weekend and my great pal Gretchen came from St. Louis to visit. We had so much fun. Sat. we went to Austin to the outlet mall. Bought baby Aidan some clothes. Then we went to San Antonio Monday. We ate in the revolving restaurant at the top of the Tower of Americas. Gret and I had been to one before (in Atlanta) but it was Dan's first time, and he thoroughly enjoyed it. Won't be going there again for quite a while, as meals are quite costly. Gret bought Aidan his first Cardinals apparel, a little onesie that's totally adorable. She also gave us a subscription to Parent's Magazine, which I'm sure will be quite helpful. I'll try to post some pics from the weekend soon. Only 2 more weeks until our next ultrasound. Aidan is growing so quickly...He is kicking constantly, and Dan felt his taps for the first time last night. Finally!