Ready for winter

Since I've been pregnant, it feels like there's a furnace inside my belly. (And her name is Audrey) Seriously, I am hot ALL the time and keep freezing Dan out of the apartment, poor guy. Not to mention our astronomical utility bill. I keep dreaming of winter and snow. Probably won't see any snow here, but I would love for the temps to drop just a little bit. It's supposed to be 100 degrees every day this week. Dreadful.

Baby Audrey is moving all the time now. I keep telling Dan I think she'll be a gymnast because I think she's doing flips in there. Wonder when it will turn into kicks...

I won!

Well, I was the champ of the rock, paper, scissors tournament, but he got all grumpy when I won. (despite the fact it was his idea.) Anyway, I suppose we're still tentatively agreeing on Aiden. (his prefered spelling.)

It was a very busy week. Possibly already regretting the new position. :)

Dan's working overtime today, while I get to clean. Yippeee!

Rock, Paper, Scissors

Dan and I are still trying to agree on a boy name (just in case we do actually have a boy). We continue to disagree completely about everything, so last night we tried to play rock, paper, scissors to decide who gets to pick the name. We have a middle name picked out, which will be a suprise, but the first name has us stumped. After playing a best of 5, we still couldn't agree because we each thought the other was cheating. Now we're on to a chess war. I've got this made. :) wish me luck.

I'm an editor!

Well, with our latest editor resigning last week, I was made the military editor of our newspaper Friday. While it's not the position is not quite as cool as it may sound, it will be a nice change. After 3 years of writing essentially all the same stories each year, I now get the opportunity to something a little different. I'll still be writing, but will have a bit more responsibility and a larger role with the paper. It should be fun. I'm very much looking forward to it, and I'm also happy to say that things at work are very much changing for the positive. We have a great staff, and almots all of our bad apples are now gone. I'm glad we decided to stay now. Wow, never thought I'd say that.

Sleep. What's that?

Well, my belly is expanding, so definitely no more sleeping on my stomach. It feels too akward now, sometimes painful...In exciting news, about a week ago I was sitting at home by myself, and I felt something strange going on in my belly. It was very faint and only lasted for a minute, but I immediately called Dan and told him I think I felt the baby. I wasn't completely positive, because I didn't feel anything for about a week. However, 2 nights ago, I was laying in bed watching tv getting ready to go to sleep when I felt little flutters for quite a while. Last night, baby Audrey was again moving around in my belly making it difficult to sleep. It definitely makes this pregnancy more real, to feel the baby actually moving. Amazing. I can't even fathom what a kick will feel like. I'm sure I'll be finding out soon enough!

Wow.

I went from using the bathroom like a normal person (except for my 5:30 a.m. trip) to using it every single hour of the day. I guess baby Welch is right on top of my bladder, though I didn't think bw was quite big enough yet.

Good news-no more crazy formations in the heat for me. It's been 105 this week and my "supervisors" finally saw the light. Hallelujah.

Also good news- my car AC is fixed. Previously, it only worked when accelerating. My second hallelujah of the day.

Not much going on....

I finally found that photo of Dan at the soccer game last weekend. He's in the top right corner. Apparently he loves soccer more than baseball now. Weird. We agreed, however, that our baby will wear Cardinals apparel for me, and he gets the Washington Redskins and Capitols. Fine with me. Glad the Cards are finally winning a few games.

I can't really sleep on my belly anymore. It just feels really weird, so I bought a body pillow from BB&Beyond the other day. So comfy. Dan even uses it when I'm not there, the little thief.

Well, we're officially at 4 months now! Only 5 more to go. Actually that sounds like forever. Hopefully it'll fly by.

We're going to have one of those 4d ultrasounds done. You have to pay for it, but I don't think it's too expensive. You get a dvd and lots of pictures. Can't wait!

Bit of a scare

Yesterday I was in the motorpool in a formation that lasted 50 minutes. (Where you can't move at all.) It was warm, and I started getting dizzy. Finally it was over, and I was walking towards one of the offices. I bent over to pick something up and fell on my stomach. I wasn't hurt, but I was immediately worried about the baby of course. I went back to my office where I called my doctor. He said come in right away, so I called Dan and he took me up there. After a couple of hours, I got to see someone. She said that because it's before 20 weeks, the baby is still very much protected. It was a huge relief, because I had some major cramping in my lower stomach afterwards. But the doctor checked me over, listened to the baby's heartbeat (it was Dan's first time to hear it). It was scary, but I was lucky I'm not past 20 wks.

Anyway, while we were there, we were allowed to schedule our 2nd trimester ultrasound. On Aug. 11 we should know baby Welch's gender. Then it will be time for SHOPPING!!!!!!!!! Luckily I know many people around here with small children, so regardless of the sex, I should be getting plenty of good stuff.

Have I mentioned how grateful I am that the World Cup is over? Sure, I was rooting for France, but I'm just glad Dan can move on to something else to obsess over.

Over the weekend I went to an outlet mall near San Antonio with some friends. It was much too hot, and we spent most of the time eating and drinking. However, I think we all ended up finding what we were looking for, so it was a successful trip anyway. Dan went to a soccer match in Dallas while I was shopping. He checked their website the next day, and sure enough, there was a picture of him and his friend Cody in the stands. I'll post it when I get time to find it.

(HI EMILY-Thanks for reading!)

Old Wives Tales

Today at work I was searching the internet for silly gender prediction quizzes. The result was 58% chance of having a girl.

Someone at my work told me that a high heart rate means a girl, low means a boy. My baby's heart rate was 135 two days ago. They also say cravings for sweet things signal a baby girl. If you have horrible morning sickness (which really hasn't applied to me) then you're having a girl. Obviously I don't really believe any of this, but it's amusing the things people come up with.

Dan is having a soccer-filled weekend. Tomorrow he's heading to Dallas to watch an MLS game, while I hit the outlet malls in San Marcos with some girls from work. I'm finally getting this Coach purse I've been wanting for months. Dan says it's my present for having to stay in this stupid town for nearly two more years.

Onesies

Didn't have much to do at work today, so I was looking at baby stuff online all day. I can't wait to find out the sex so I can buy the appropriate Cardinals onesie. They have little cheerleader outfits for baby girls. I was also checking out all of the University of Missouri apparel for the baby. It's hard to keep myself from buying things, but I really want to wait until we move into the new place in October. This place is way too small for a bunch of baby stuff.

I heard something strange today, something about the baby's heartbeat can determine sex? They said the higher it is, the more likely it's a girl? I told them no way (the baby's was 135 yesterday at the appointment). I'm having a girl, I just know it. .........I'm just kidding, sure a little girl would be nice so I could put her in frilly dresses and fix her hair, but we'll absolutely adore the baby regardless of gender. I can't imagine someone being disappointed when getting such a beautiful gift.

Dan's been working the evening shift, so I'm sitting at home watching my beloved Cards on tv. What is their problem lately? They're in Houston for a few games, so I get to watch them. Very exciting for me. They always seem to be showing Red Sox games, which of course, thrills Dan. I, however, never get to watch the Red Birds. Still need to make a trip to the new stadium. We'll have to take baby Welch next year.

My cousin Lauren made the baby an adorable quilt, I'll have to post a picture of it. Dan loves it too.

Happy 4th of July (belated)

Hope you all had a good 4th. Ours wasn't too eventful. Had some friends over to watch more football (aka soccer, if you're AMERICAN). Dan keeps yelling at me for calling it soccer. He suddenly thinks he's European...All the festivities for last night were cancelled because of rain, which was actually nice, because it NEVER rains here. We weren't planning on going anyway for the simple fact that we can't stand soldiers and their spouses, especially in huge numbers. (I know what you're thinking, but you are a soldier and he's a spouse, but we're totally not the 'typical' soldier and spouse).

Anyway, had a doctor appointment today. He said my bp isn't something he's worried about at this point, which is good news. He went over the ultrasound and all my test results, and he said everything looks great. Such a relief. We have another appointment at 17 weeks. I'm hoping they'll do another ultrasound so we can know if it's really going to be an Audrey, or if I've tramatized my son indefinitely. Only time will tell. :)

We're taking our last vacation before baby this fall. In September we're going on a Caribbean cruise, destinations including Grand Cayman Islands, Montego Bay (Jamaica) and Cozumel. I'm sooo looking forward to it. I'll be about 24 weeks, so hopefully I won't be too miserable at that point. We're going for the relaxation, nothing to active.

I made Dan go watch The Devil Wears Prada this weekend. Loved it. Dan really didn't like it, and he doesn't always mind chick flicks. He really doesn't get fashion or the female obsession with it. I liked it because I suppose that's how I imagined myself before I got married...a journalist trying to make it in NYC...Well, just goes to show you, ya never know where this life will take you.

My BP

My blood pressure monitoring is done now. Not suprisingly, it was much lower on the weekend than during the week. Maybe they'll never make me work again for my baby's health. Just kidding. I have a follow-up appointment with my doctor next week, so I'll let ya know how it goes. Did I mention I have a male doctor? Would much prefer a woman. Oh well.

So I'm getting ready for bed, and I turn the tv on to keep me company. Dan's working some overtime to pay for a vacation we're hoping to take later in the year. (Perhaps a babymoon vacation to Mexico?) Anyway, so I start flipping the channels and stop on Texas Chainsaw Masacre. What is wrong with me? I'm a total glutton for punishment. I'm sure I'll be posting about my nightmares tomorrow.

Last night I had a strangely vivid dream that I was performing in some theatre production with a friend of mine who's now stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. I forgot all my lines and was embarrased beyond belief. Then my sister Tanya comes up to me and tells me how much the show sucks. That's all I really remember, but it seemed so real when I woke up. It's crazy how realistic your dreams are when you're pregnant.

World Cup Fever

Well, I haven't had it at all, but Dan certainly has. He was terribly disappointed when the Dutch lost today. We had a few people over for a bbq and to watch the game. It was a good time. I was just happy not to be traveling. We've been so busy for the past few weeks, I totally needed a break. We had the lovely pleasure of cleaning our apartment too. So fun, let me tell you. Well, I've added more photos for from our trip to the Arch grounds for Sam and family.My favorite photos of the day were from the downtown shoot. I've included one of my favorites in this post. Luckily, Shutterfly just updated their software, so it's much easier to add photos. Here's the new link. http://ndwportfolio.shutterfly.com/action/

I've been reading my Pregnancy Week by Week book, and it says the baby is now the size of a peach. She sure is growing quickly! Ok, not really, but she will be soon. I read that she already has all of her teeth too. Everybody at work tells me it's definitely going to be a boy because I keep talking about it like she's a girl. I can't wait to find out! On a random side note, you would not believe how many women in Central Texas smoke during pregnancy. It's truly unbelievable they can't quit even for their baby's sake.

Wanting to smash my laptop

I'm trying to work on Sam and Joe's wedding pics, because for the first time in two weeks, I HAVE FREE TIME! So what happens? My brand new laptop decides to act like it's possesed by the devil. I want to throw it out the window, but somebody might be mad because they have no wedding pics. I'm going to have to finish them up before I have it serviced, or maybe they'll just exchange it. Anyway, here's the link.
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=9AYuG7hs4bOig&notag=1
Not only is my computer crazy, but it takes forever to upload the pics because they are so large. I wanted people to be able to save them and print from the website if they want.

Baby Welch is doing well. That's all for now.

HELLO BABY WELCH!!!!!!!!!!

Dan and I just got back from our first ultrasound. It was amazing! Dan got to see the baby first, because the screen was pointed in his direction. Finally I got to see it (her) and I could see it's tiny heart beating. I never imagined I could be that happy. It seemed real before, but after finally seeing the baby, it's more real than ever. There really is a tiny person inside of me. The lady laughed at how excited we were. Here's the first photo of baby Welch! In case you can't tell, the head is on the right, and the feet are on the left. It was more obvious during the ultrasound. We could see the baby's hands moving all around. I think it was waving at daddy. LOL.

The doctor said everything is going well, unfortunately it's a military doctor, but whatever. I'll have to get over it I suppose. The only issue right now is my elevated blood pressure. It's been high at both of my appointments since I've been pregnant. Usually I have excellent bp, so the doctor is going to monitor it for the next five days. Wish us luck!

Here's to another 3-day weekend

Tomorrow we're heading to Oklahoma for my cousin's wedding. Another traveling weekend. I think my energy is slowly but surely coming back to me, which is fabulous. It's been rather difficult wanting to sleep all the time and not being able to do all the things I need to do.

I must confess that I watched the Britney Spears special on Dateline this evening, and I'll even admit that I feel the *tiniest* bit sorry for her.

Still debating whether or not to stay in the Army, I'm just really unhappy and can't wait to be fee. I just don't know if it's the best decision for us right now. Good news is I have until 30 days before the due date to officially make up my mind. Hopefully it won't take us that long.

Our whirlwind trip to St. Louis

Dan and I arrived home safely at about midnight last night after our 3-day trip to the Lou. Friday we went to the rehearsal for Sam and Joe's wedding, followed by the rehearsal dinner. We were busy shooting the wedding all day Saturday. Sam and Joe make a great couple, and the wedding was gorgeous. Here's a link to some pics: share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=9AYuG7hs4bOZA

I'll be putting more up as I slowly go through them. I know some people are anxiously awaiting them, so I'll try to be quick!

Sunday we had an early birthday celebration for my mom. She is uh, 35, today-hmmm. LOL. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!! (And thanks for all your help this weekend.)

Next weekend we're headed to Oklahoma for yet another wedding, tis the season. This time it'll be my cousin Kathy getting married, but I get to sit back and relax. No shooting for me, well, at least not officially. I'm sure I'll still lug my camera with me.

Just about to get off duty

Well I've been on duty for 24 hours now, and I'm just about 25 minutes away from going home and passing out in my bed. It's been a really boring night, but I'm so thankful for our new laptop. The a/c has not been working in my unit's building, which really doesn't help when you have morning sickness. Oh well, we leave for St. Louis tomorrow morning!

Dixie Chicks cd...

I just bought the new Dixie Chicks cd, and I think it's fabulous. While I don't necessarily agree with their politics, most of their music isn't really political. I do, however, agree with free speech and their right to say what they want. People keep saying it's a rock album and that they're departing from their country style. I disagree, the country flair is still there. It actually reminds me a bit of Sheryl Crow, whom I adore. Check it out.

In baby news, we're now 10 weeks! With all the changes I've experienced, it's hard for me to understand how someone would not know they were pregnant until 3 months. How would you not notice all the crazy things going on in your body?

It's soooo hot here, and it's not even officially summer. In the 100s everyday. All I do is sweat when I wear my uniform. I really *hope* it's a little cooler in Missouri for our weekend trip.

A trip to Austin

Today, me and some girls from work spent a girls day out in Austin, about an hour drive from nowhere Killeen. It was a fabulous treat and it was wonderful to visit a real city with something to do. We ate mexican, went shopping, and took a trip to a camera store. Going to a large specialty camera store for me is comparable to a child going to FAO Schwarz in New York. I could spend thousands of dollars in that place. Someday, someday...

No morning sickness for me today and only 2 weeks until our first ultrasound. I'm getting truly anxious to see the baby and hear the heartbeat!

Yesterday on 20/20 (I think?!) I was watching a special on foster kids. There has been a recent movement by photographers and adoption agencies to provide children in the system the opportunity to do a photoshoot with professional photographers around the country. Then they put the photographs on display in galleries. Apparently after one project in Washington D.C., the rate in adoptions increased by nearly 200 percent after the photos were on display. Not only are more children being adopted, but the children get a special opportunity to share their story with people who really care about them and want to help them. I was recently approached through email by an adoption agency about participating in the program, but due to hectic schedule I completely forgot about it. Watching the show last night reminded me how much I would be honored to help these children. One of the photographers felt such a strong connection about one of the girls that she and her husband actually adopted the girl. It was such an inspiring story, it made me tear up. It may be the pregnancy, but I was touched. If you'd like to check out the Central Texas Chapter here's the address: http://www.heartgallerytexas.com/index.htm