2012: Year of Babies & Update

Only a couple days into 2012 and I already know how special this year will be. For one, I am one of 16 women in my circle of friends and family expecting and due between March and July of 2012.

That is a lot of little adorable feet, baby showers, conversations around diaper options and crazy cravings.

Our little one has been so cutely nicknamed "Princess Jumping Bean" aka "PJB" by my friend Chrystal.

I am over the midway point at 23 weeks. I am feeling the little girl practicing her karate pretty much throughout the day. I am confident that she is not only getting stronger but also reacting to sounds, especially her Dad's voice. Eli and I have a lovely routine of relaxing in the evening, I snuggle up on the couch with at least one dog curled up on the couch the other laying near our feet. Eli tucks me in with a fuzzy blanket, and begins to read. We just finished an adorable book by Dr. Sears called Father's First Steps. Eli reads aloud and our little girl lights up with activity.

We are about half way through a book I would add to my Highly recommend list of books for expecting parents to read by Dr. John Gottman called And Baby Makes Three. This has been an ideal time for Eli to rest his hand upon my belly, seeing his face light up when

he feels her move is a true blessing.

Both Eli and I agreed that this Christmas was by far our favorite in a long time. We spread out our outings, spent more time with family and less running from place to place. Our gift giving was light, however fun. Soon to be Grandpa Rob got a Snuggie! My Mom and I sat snugged up to one another and watched The Business of Being Born (also available on Netflix instant). I really treasure that time, even if it went into the early morning hours as we shared thoughts around pregnancy, birth, midwives and our choice to do a home birth.

Next week we will visit our midwife for our normal monthly appointment. The highlight of course is spending time getting to know Ann, and then hearing baby's heart beat.

Overall, I am happy to report that I have been feeling joyful and a little sleepy. Had one roller coaster episode on Saturday, but finally found the words "I need a break", out of my fuzzy and emotional mindset. A few sips of water, a couple deep breathes and I was back on track. In the cravings department I can report a few fun "This is what sounds good" combinations. When asked what I wanted for dinner I knew almost without processing that barbecued fried rice, Cheetos and fresh pears is what I wanted. Lovely eh? Oh, and I did get exactly that and it was all fabulous!

Nesting mode has set in, and I find myself looking beyond the nursery walls to clean, organize and improve. The most recent project obsession has been in replacing our 70s windows. Getting price quotes that range from $15k to $1,800 is a bit baffling. Eli has taken on this project, even ran out this morning on his day off to do some in person research.

Blessed to have a job with BizeeBee, I deeply enjoy. Got to talk with a customer today from Vermont, last week a customer from the UK. Talking to people, building relationships and seeing all of our efforts pay off is really rewarding. In this new year I also hope to invest a little more time back into my Lyndit Marketing site. Might as well get content published, it isn't helping anyone sitting in my head. :)

I am thankful that yesterday was filled with friends. Spent the morning with the backcountry horsemen gathered around a campfire. Me, being the pregnant gal brought the Top Pot donuts, that I was promptly told it was "legal" for me to eat as many as I want "in my condition". I have to smile as many reached out hoping I could join them for a ride. I had to take a rein-check for this summer. Deciding to hang up my riding boots for the final months as a safety precaution especially after finding out I have the RH negative factor. So that means Cody and Finn have been enjoying growing our their buffalo fur, eating and playing. Only be a few months until Dad and baby can spend some quality time while me soon to be Mom, goes out with the ponies. New Year day evening was spent with our friends down the road. I beamed sitting with their two year old girl as we read books, explored her imagination with her art and answered questions about the baby growing in my tummy I was transported into another world. That little girl is beyond adorable. She lead each one of the dinner guests to the back of the house to show off her new toy box her Dad just hand made her as well as her new big girl bed that arrived for Christmas. Dreaming of those moments with our daughter... :)

Wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy 2012!