Move that bus!

Okay, it wasn't an extreme home make-over but it was definitely a nursery make-over at our house today. Mommy, Grammie, and Auntie Marcelle, transformed my room from piles of boxes and gift bags to a cozy nursery with all my new clothing and gear stored in the proper places. On top of the electrical work that Uncle Joey and Daddy did last weekend, today's hard work makes my new room look amazing! I cannot wait to start living in it!

Spoiled...but not rotten

Yesterday, family and friends gathered at Aunt Gail's house to celebrate my upcoming arrival. There were lots of yummy things to eat and drink. Everyone was overly generous and gave the most wonderful presents. We are so lucky to have such lovely people in our lives. At one point, Mommy needed to take a drink and stretch break because she was overwhelmed with people's generosity...and lots of gift bags! Although I love all the presents and will use them fully in the coming months, my grandmothers gave gifts they know I would especially enjoy. Grammie (Sharon) gave me a bag of beach gear - bathing suit, beach towel, sunglasses, hat, etc. so we can enjoy our next summer together. Nu-Nu (Louise) gave Mommy a baby food processor so Mommy can make all of my meals from healthy ingredients; it's like they are sharing/passing down their love of cooking to me.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm such a lucky little girl.

It's all about me!

Mommy's friends gathered to enjoy some yummy food and wonderful company...and to celebrate my upcoming arrival. Mommy was thrilled to see everyone and share baby stories. We were showered with wonderful gifts, and I cannot wait to wear the pretty clothes, pick out new shoes, surround myself with beautiful soft blankets, read "kid approved" books, shop with my gift card, and break in all my new baby gear and toys. Mommy and Daddy said I should not get used to being the center of attention and getting so many goodies. Yeah, who are they kidding!

As an added surprised, Daddy, Aunt Margaret, Austin, and Uncle Joey put together my crib and started working on the ceiling fan in my bedroom while Mommy and her friends were partying. It's starting to feel pretty real!!!!

Getting Schooled

Today we went to St. Joseph's to learn how I'm going to be born. Mommy and Daddy learned a lot...of course, I already knew it all. I think Daddy was surprised to learn how long the labor is going to be. Mommy asked quite a few questions about the epidural. We're getting closer!

19th Amendment in action

Thanks to women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, Mommy and I got to vote today -- 90 years after those ladies kicked some political butt! We took advantage of the new early voting so we can avoid the lines come primary day next week. Mommy says that elections in Baltimore are usually decided in the primary because of the democratic stronghold on city politics. So we marched right up to that computer terminal and picked our faves. Daddy, always the editor, found a typo on one candidate's flyer -- in her own name/website! Obviously she didn't deserve our vote.

It's been a fun but busy long, holiday weekend. We volunteered, visited friends/family, took care of errands, etc. Mommy taught me the importance of closet organization while working in my bedroom closet. She says it's important to be organized -- because you can fit more clothes and shoes into the space!!!

In my 31st week

From people's comments about Mommy's belly, I must be really showing myself now. I'm supposed to be fattening up before the delivery. To make me feel better about it, Mommy and Daddy have gained a few pounds. Daddy more so, actually! He just enrolled in weekly hot yoga classes to work off some of his extra pounds so he can feel better in his clothes. Mommy thought he looked trimmer after the first session -- he must have sweated at least 3 pounds off. Mommy is looking forward to walks around the 'hood once the weather gets cooler (pray!). Daddy will join her so the three of us will have lots of fun bonding time. I guess we'll bring Daisy and Regis sometimes so they don't get jealous.

Sand between my toes

We went to the beach again this weekend. Boy, I like vacation! We spent lots of time playing on the beach and Daddy even braved the rip tides to check out the waves. It was fun to hang out with Grammie, Pops, and Ceasar. We even got to stop at the Ralph Lauren outlet and pick up some matching pony clothes for me and Daddy! The next time we go to the beach I won't be in Mommy's tummy -- that's gonna be different.

We also enjoyed celebrating Grandma Louise's birthday this evening!

In my 30th week

30! I am counting 10 more weeks, right? I bet you are, Mommy. Hopefully, you have plenty of weeks of peaceful sleep still to come. Last night while you and Daddy were relaxing and stretching out, did you see me pushing through your tummy? I was feeling relaxed so I wanted to show off a little bit. Hey, it's a good time of day to do it - while you guys have slowed down and are paying attention to me. I just want to make sure Daddy knows I am here, even though I haven't officially "arrived"! I can't wait to open my eyes wide to see you and greet my family and circle of friends. Thanks to your reading, I now understand it may take some time to recognize everyone because I'll have less focus when I'm born.

Now, how about we get to the beach again...and this time with Grammie and Grandpop Roger!

Shoes

I am definitely a girl...I'm starting to develop a shoe fetish and I haven't even been born yet! I'm loving the Rileyroos, especially the Belle, Mary Jane, and Sportie styles. (Mommy thinks its funny that Mr. Brian got to name one shoe style/color after his UNC Tarheels.) I'm also digging the See Kai Run sandals but Mommy says that I'll have to keep my toe nails looking neat if I plan to wear sandals. There is a lot to learn about being a girl!

29 -- the "last" age for all women

Mommy says women stop aging at 29. I'm guessing she means years -- not weeks like me. I've been so busy this week that I haven't blogged about what's going on in my world, and I know you're just dying to find out! So...

Ahhh 1-2-3, ahhh 1-2-3...stretching my muscles! I can feel my body getting bigger each and every day now. (Mommy can feel it, too!) I'm just about 3 pounds and 14 inches long...looking very svelte. Mommy is trying to feed me all sorts of good things from our trips to the farmers market -- lots of fresh veggies. She doesn't want me to be one of those kids with a limited palate that refuses to eat anything other than processed food in shades of brown and orange. Luckily, Daddy likes lots of variety so we're used to eating all kinds of good things. Even Daisy and Regis like to get treats from the leftovers. Daisy is always up for tomatoes and Regis has been into peaches.

Purple Haze

Last night I attended my first NFL game -- Panthers vs. Ravens. Daddy scored us free Club Level tickets and "rock star parking". The Ravens won but they weren't looking their finest according to Mommy. I just enjoyed all the sounds -- at the beginning there were lots of cool songs and fireworks while the team ran on field. Ray Lewis was quite a show off when he ran onto the field but fans ate it up. Mommy says everyone is supposed to forget that he was on trial in a murder charge several years ago -- apparently once you find Jesus, it's all good. (I didn't know Jesus gets lost.)

Mommy was impressed that there were no exposed boobies because the cheerleaders were jumping all around in very small bra-shirts. She said they must be thankful for 2-sided tape. I think Daddy enjoyed all that jumping around. Ha-ha.

The best part of Club Level -- AC, nice seats, really nice bathrooms (which we had to visit often thanks to me), and cushy chairs and flat panel TVs for when it started raining. I hope Daddy gets to take me to more Ravens games when I get older so I can actually see all the hoopla -- and wear a cool purple jersey!

Beginning of 28th week

I've made it to the third trimester! Yippee. What fun I am having in here! I can hear Mommy and Daddy all the time talking about me, recently making plans for my room. I am learning so much about life from the comfort of Mommy's tummy - about our home, our family, our city, and our beach vacation spot. I can sense myself retaining more and more info with each passing day - must be the growth of my brain lobes, right? Mommy claims it's her memory genes that I'm getting. Brain power is the kind of stuff that is supposed to be happening in this 28th week...along with eyebrows and eyelashes. Daddy's eyebrows come in thick. I wonder what mine will look like? Mommy truly hopes I get Daddy's eyelashes and her eyebrows. She says The Red Door Spa doesn't do infant eyebrow waxes.

Beach babe

My first trip to the beach!! I loved the sound of the waves crashing on the shore but could have used a bigger umbrella. It was really hot out there. Mommy and Daddy checked out all the parents and their kid gear to figure out what we'd need next summer. People drag A LOT of stuff to the beach for the kids! I think I'll be brave enough for the ocean so we can do without the kiddie pool on the beach. I definitely want to get a kite for flying on the beach in the evenings -- that looks like fun and Mommy says it was one of her favorite activities way back when. Daddy likes to play Scrabble on the beach but I think it will be a few years before I can challenge him. Mommy says he's tough -- like all of the Macsherry Scrabble gurus.

12 Angry Men? It looked more like a lot of weirdos to me

Mommy and I served jury duty today. Talk about reality show potential! The people watching and eavesdropping were spectacular. There were older ladies all dressed up and young people who look like they just got out of jail. Wild. Although we met some nice people, it was a day-long freak fest. Luckily, Mommy didn't have to go to a courtroom for vior dire. She says she'll never get picked given her old life with FTI (plaintiff attorneys are evil) and the minor crime she's experienced here in Baltimore.

Beginning 27th week

I was a slacker last week -- I didn't write about the beginning of my 26th week but I'm back on track now as I enter my 27th week in the tummy. Mommy says we're in the home stretch -- whoo-hoo!

To borrow lyrics from The Who..."Can you hear me? Can you feel me near you?" I am trying to make some noise, and let you know I am eating up and alive and well in here. A bump here, a kick there. Start counting! Consider them both comforting and bonding moves from your daughter. Mommy you better grab Daddy's hand and put it on the belly so he can feel me too! Soon, I will be wanting to grab his hand on our walks.

I heard Mommy reading a cool story last night @ Grandmom Louise's and Grandpop Charlie's house. I bet my cousin Christian loved it, as much as I did - because it put him to sleep like me. I look forward to meeting all my cousins later this year!

She works hard for [no] money...

I have had such a busy day! I volunteered at Our Daily Bread (soup kitchen) all morning...with Mommy, Daddy, and Grandmom Louise. I liked helping other people...Mommy says I get that from both parents/families. Mommy (and I) was a server while Daddy was a food runner. It takes a lot of volunteers to feed all those people. I'm making Mommy's belly big so the apron barely fits!

After ODB, we decided to work outside because the temp is finally under 90 degrees. Mommy and I weeded and trimmed bushes while Daddy cut grass and edged. Darn, our yard is really big. Mommy says she and Daddy bought a house with a yard knowing that I would come along some day. I think it was really for Daisy and Regis, but I'll play along with her. It is a lot of work, and I'm thinking I may prefer condo living.

Babymoon

We had a great babymoon this weekend in DC. I guess it was really for Mommy and Daddy but I was obviously along for the ride. I attended my first concert on Friday evening. Mommy says it's important I'm exposed to good music as early as possible (can you say iPod for my nursery!). She says no "Baby Beluga" for me. We suffered through 95+ degree temps to enjoy the jams of Dave Matthews Band. Daddy and I enjoyed our first DMB experience but Mommy was bummed they didn't play some of her faves. Oh well...next time.

This morning I got another first -- a massage. Okay, technically it was Mommy's -- Daddy surprised her with a mother-to-be massage at the hotel. However, I really enjoyed it, too! I wonder if The Red Door does mother - daughter specials? I think I could get used to the girly treatment.

After a yummy brunch, we rounded out our babymoon with some culture. We attended a matinee at the Shakespeare Theater. Mommy and Daddy laughed a lot at the comedy but I couldn't make out too much because of all those funny British accents.

Beginning the 25th week

Since Mommy and Daddy were enjoying the yummy food at the reunion, I should start putting on some of the famous baby fat -- just to fill me in and make me not so wrinkly in here. I know it's just me in here now, but I don't want to get a complex worrying about the wrinkles. (I heard Grandmom Sharon and some others mentioning something about Rohrer family crow's feet. Let's hope I get Grandmom Louise's smooth skin genes.) I'm looking good at 13 inches long when I stretch out and picking up some ounces...weighing in at just under 2 pounds this week.

You all stay cool during this heat wave. Soak up the air conditioning!

Greene County is the place to be...

This weekend we journeyed west to Pennsylvania to a family reunion to see lots of Mommy's great-aunts, uncles, and cousins galore! About 150 people swarmed around tables of food while non-stop gabbing -- it was quite impressive. While Daddy was amazed with the never ending display of desserts, Mommy doesn't think she's ever seen that much fried chicken or kielbasa on one table. Mommy missed the bingo but Daddy enjoyed the reunion meeting which had serious reality show potential. Later as we drove to the farm (I look forward to cows on a future visit), Daddy said he probably has never been to such a rural location. City boy! Before "Reunion: Day 2", we toured Morgantown so Mommy could show Daddy her old stomping grounds from her WVU days. Given the number of bars we saw, it is surprising that Mommy ever graduated. Wonder if Mommy is going to let my apply there one day?

Sign us up for next year -- the 100th reunion. I might win the prize for youngest guest.

Starting the 24th week

We just finished at the doctor's office and Mommy and Daddy got a chance to hear my heart beat and hear me swimming in the pool (aka Mommy's tummy). Mommy was reassured that I am indeed growing bigger and bigger in here. I am over a foot long already and allegedly have plenty of room, but I saw those photos on the doctor's walls and it looks like it's going to get pretty tight in the coming months. And although I sometimes feel a little pressure when Mommy bends over, I am doing just fine, eating well and getting plenty of r&r. For some reason, I tend to be more active in the late evening (can you say night-owl which is in Daddy's genes!). I wanted to give Mommy some special attention while Daddy is working. Daddy promises he'll finish up those crazy overnight shifts so they will be "in it" together at night when I arrive. I wonder if they will fake sleep like when the dogs bark in the middle of the night - each trying to avoid getting out of bed to deal with the noise. Ha-ha. I'm looking forward to having both hear me when I giggle/cry, change my diapers, clothe me - and yes, feed me. I think I'll be hungry a lot.

Starting the 23rd week

Hey - I have surpassed the 1 pound mark...finally! Are we celebrating yet? Was that the reason for the fireworks last night? I am trying to give an occasional "kick out", my in utero version of a shout out. And guess what? I am beginning to show my "real self" - meaning you get what you see, Mommy and Daddy.

Mommy and Daddy better be prepping for life with me! I sure hope Mommy gets the 3 months of escape -- I mean bonding -- time from her job. Hopefully Daddy will get some bonding time, too! I really love the idea of Grandmom Sharon & Pop-pop Roger taking care of me while M & D are working, at least for as long as they can before I start wanting to hang out with kids my own age.

Sis-Boom-Bang

Mommy says it's the hottest summer in recent years. Given that it's only July, I think she's exaggerating. But then again, the forecast is for 100+ for the next several days. While it really doesn't bother me, I don't think Mommy likes it too much. Luckily, friends and family are kind enough to share their pool passes with us. I like that floating sensation when Mommy is in the water. Mommy thinks that if she swims with me in her tummy that maybe I'll turn out to be a swimmer. She mentions something about scholarships...I'm not sure what those are but they sound pretty important. She mentions scholarships when she's reading to me, too, so it must have something to do with smart or sporty. I plan to be both!

On Saturday, Mommy and Daddy made us all dress up in red, white, and blue -- the dogs, too. I think we probably looked like dorks but apparently it's a tradition that everyone follows this weekend. We walked around the neighborhood with hundreds of other people, bikes, dogs, old cars, and the big fire truck. At the end of the walk, there were cupcakes. I like a walk that ends with cupcakes.

We were enjoying what I think was a picnic given the potato salad and shorty chairs that Mommy is having trouble getting in/out of. Then all of a sudden there was pretty music. Mommy said the music was coming from the symphony and I could hear her and Daddy singing along to some of the songs. Let's just say I don't think I'll be getting any good vocal genes so I can forget my aspirations of opening for U2 one day. As the music was ending, there were really loud bangs. I was startled and had to give a little kick. Mommy told me to relax because the bangs come with lots of pretty lights in the sky. She said I'll enjoy it much more next year. I'm not so sure.

In honor of World Cup

Since the world is fascinated by hot guys (according to Mommy) running around kicking a ball at a net, I've decided that I would try my practice kicks in Mommy's belly. I think she likes feeling those kicks now...but we'll see if she thinks the same when I get bigger and stronger. Mommy keeps putting Daddy's hand on her lower belly to feel the kicks, but he may think she's getting frisky.

Starting the 22nd week

Dear Mommy,
Can't believe how big I am getting in here. I'm almost a pound. I think that may be as big as a loaf of bread or a can of green beans or a ketchup bottle. Catch a theme here? I am sure hungry these days. And I heard you and Daddy discussing childbirth ed classes. What a good move. As first-time parents, you two will take it all in, making notes and lists, and be ready for all the craziness my birth brings later this fall.
Love,
Baby Mac

Starting the 21st week

Mommy, drink lots of water for me - because I am drinking up, and growing, and growing. I have fully-formed eyelids this week! Sit and relax, and put your feet up more often. I have heard many other expectant moms enjoy this portion of pregnancy the most.Btw, I will try to be more mobile for you to hear and feel me. ;-)

Daddy's big day

Today, I gave Daddy his very own diaper bag for his first Father's Day. It's quite manly so he won't look stupid when he's taking me out and about. It even has these two cooler pockets for bottles...but I'm not sure if Daddy means baby bottles or beer bottles. I guess we could share..each get one for our favorite beverage. Just don't tell Mommy!

Shop 'til you drop

Mommy and Daddy visited Babies R Us to check out all the gear. After 2.5 hours and only about 4 aisles, we were all exhausted. Pacifiers take up an entire wall! Perhaps I should just suck my thumb to save them the hassle of picking out the so-called right pacifier. Mommy wouldn't let Daddy weigh in on the breast bump and accessories. She says that until he can produce milk, he can't opine. And don't even get me started on bottles!

The good news is that I'm pleased with the selections. The bad news...there is more to select. Do baby sheets come in 300+ thread count?

Into the wild

This weekend was my first camping trip. Sleeping on the ground isn't so bad when your cushioned in lots of amniotic fluid. However, not sure if Mommy and Daddy enjoy as much comfort as me. I think Mommy was scared to walk to the bathroom through the woods in the middle of the night. I guess that is the downside of camping while pregnant.

Starting the 19th week

Mommy, I have been hearing you're experiencing some of my growing pains. Hang in there for the ride, as they say. I'll be kicking soon, because I will be getting restless in here. But make sure you take good care of yourself - plenty of hydration, rest and lie down on your side. And take it easy getting up when you do rise from the sofa or the bed!I am growing ounce by ounce, and a lot more to go before my arrival into your world. I feel some fuzz on my head too. Maybe just maybe, I will show off my "gender ID" to you and Daddy this time next week.

Mommy's Big Day

Today was Mommy's first Mother's Day(although Daisy and Regis have been giving her Mother's Day cards for a few years and claim to be the first children). Daddy and I worked together to give her a Boppy...a full body pillow so she and I can get a good night's sleep. And Daddy did a great job on the wrapping!

Look at that cutey!

A lady put goo on Mommy's belly and then a magic wand put a picture of me on the screen. It was very neat.

Leaving on a jet plane...

Today was my first plane trip and even inside Mommy's tummy I figured out that I'm not a coach kind of kid. I think I am made for first class.

Big news and little colored eggs

Easter...my big news to share during the family celebrations. Lots of hugs and cheers.