Dear Avacado,
Picking a boys name is hard work. There are so many factors to consider such as (1) what will the initials be (2) what will the first and last name sound like together (3) what are the possible nicknames (4) are people starting to use this name for girls (5) how popular is the name and (6) do we like the name.
Josh and I have started talking about what your name should be. There is a new Iphone application that lets you pick your own name but since I'm not 100% convinced it works (and you have to be much more active) so I think we will pick your name for you.
Picking a name for you has been extra hard because our last name begins with a "J" and ends with an "an" and these are very popular sounds for boys. Because of this and my crazy feeling that first and last names shouldn't begin with the same letter nor end with the same sound names like Jack are not an option (which is a name I really like by the way)
I would very much like for your middle name to be Thomas.
And while we haven't decided on your first name yet there are a few that I am leaning towards but I'm not going to tell you yet. This is such a big responsiblity - I do hope that whatever name we give you is a strong name and won't end up being a source of embarrassment for you in the future.
xoxo
Erin
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Growing Bigger & Week 21
Dear Avacado,
Today I am 21 weeks and 1 day pregnant. I have not been very good at taking weekly "belly" pictures because there hasn't been much growth on a weekly basis. What I have tried to do is take monthly pictures with my cell phone - they aren't the best but I am posting them below.
From Left to Right these pictures were taken on May 28, 2011; June 29, 2011 and July 15, 2011.
It's just about time for a new montly photo and I can tell you that I am starting to feel more pregnant as each day passes. I am using lotion on my stomach twice a day to help keep my skin moist and drinking so much water to help stay hydrated.
Since Monday I have felt you move several times now but not as strongly as that night nor have you "kicked" in the same spot twice again since then. It's starting to become uncomfortable to sleep on my side without a pillow alongside my stomach and this is another indication that both you and I are growing. I have also had a lot of heartburn this week - so let's try to cut back on that one because it's not a sign of pregnancy that I enjoy. :)
We are also working hard with Hunter to get him ready for you - he is learning to sleep at he foot of the bed and he is spending some time in his crate at night while we get ready for bed and during the day when we run errands. I still need to purchase him a new carseat so that your carseat will fit nicely in the car. I'm pretty excited for the day I will look into the backseat of the Xterra and see my two "boys" sitting side by side.
xoxo
Erin
Today I am 21 weeks and 1 day pregnant. I have not been very good at taking weekly "belly" pictures because there hasn't been much growth on a weekly basis. What I have tried to do is take monthly pictures with my cell phone - they aren't the best but I am posting them below.
It's just about time for a new montly photo and I can tell you that I am starting to feel more pregnant as each day passes. I am using lotion on my stomach twice a day to help keep my skin moist and drinking so much water to help stay hydrated.
Since Monday I have felt you move several times now but not as strongly as that night nor have you "kicked" in the same spot twice again since then. It's starting to become uncomfortable to sleep on my side without a pillow alongside my stomach and this is another indication that both you and I are growing. I have also had a lot of heartburn this week - so let's try to cut back on that one because it's not a sign of pregnancy that I enjoy. :)
We are also working hard with Hunter to get him ready for you - he is learning to sleep at he foot of the bed and he is spending some time in his crate at night while we get ready for bed and during the day when we run errands. I still need to purchase him a new carseat so that your carseat will fit nicely in the car. I'm pretty excited for the day I will look into the backseat of the Xterra and see my two "boys" sitting side by side.
xoxo
Erin
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Movement
Dear Avacado,
Last night while driving back home from a whirlwind 48 hours I felt you move for the first time. Many people have told me that your movements will feel like little flutters but that it was hard to describe what a flutter really was. Well, last night on Route 1 in Saugus I stopped to get a burrito from Chipolte (I love this place!) and about 30 minutes later I felt two strong "beats" in my lower abdomen about where my seatbelt was. So, being curious I placed my hand there any applied some pressure and you kicked again - another steady "kick kick". I was pretty excited because that's the first time I knew for certain that I had felt you move.
I called Great Grammie Craft since she had been asking me whether I had ever felt you move and she was so excited! It was truly a weird feeling but a nice one because I know that you were doing ok in there.
But, now I wonder - do your kicks mean that you like or don't like mexican food??
xoxo
Erin
Last night while driving back home from a whirlwind 48 hours I felt you move for the first time. Many people have told me that your movements will feel like little flutters but that it was hard to describe what a flutter really was. Well, last night on Route 1 in Saugus I stopped to get a burrito from Chipolte (I love this place!) and about 30 minutes later I felt two strong "beats" in my lower abdomen about where my seatbelt was. So, being curious I placed my hand there any applied some pressure and you kicked again - another steady "kick kick". I was pretty excited because that's the first time I knew for certain that I had felt you move.
I called Great Grammie Craft since she had been asking me whether I had ever felt you move and she was so excited! It was truly a weird feeling but a nice one because I know that you were doing ok in there.
But, now I wonder - do your kicks mean that you like or don't like mexican food??
xoxo
Erin
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Gender Party Pictures
Dear Avacado,
As mentioned in the previous post - here are some pictures from your first party
These are your cupcakes. A select few were filled with blue frosting and as you can see - they were sprinkled both pink and blue so no one would know until it was time!
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This is Sophie - she had been guessing that you were a boy but she wore pink today because its her favorite color so I told her she was Team Pink for the day.
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Great Grandma Irene - it was very hot and so she spent most of the time in the shade near the drink containers. Hunter enjoyed spending time under her chair where it was both cool and shady.
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A not so great picture of Ana and I! Gordon V is due in October and you are due in December - it is our hope that you two boys will be very good playmates and friends! That's Justin and Baby Ryan in the background. I hope that you and Ryan will also be very good friends because he will only be about 6 months older than you!
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Here's Auntie Cathlin after the party relaxing. She has proclaimed herself your literary guide through life - we will have to see how that works itself out as you get older!
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And this is Josh and Big Brother Hunter relaxing on the deck!
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And lastly - Jill and baby Ryan again. Ryan is hanging out in the Moby Wrap - I think we are going to get you one of these for those days when you want to go to the grocery store or the mall with me and we don't want to bring your stroller.
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I didn't get a picture of anyone else but everyone at your party had a great time and they are all very excited to meet you!
xoxo
Erin
As mentioned in the previous post - here are some pictures from your first party
These are your cupcakes. A select few were filled with blue frosting and as you can see - they were sprinkled both pink and blue so no one would know until it was time!
This is Sophie - she had been guessing that you were a boy but she wore pink today because its her favorite color so I told her she was Team Pink for the day.
Great Grandma Irene - it was very hot and so she spent most of the time in the shade near the drink containers. Hunter enjoyed spending time under her chair where it was both cool and shady.
A not so great picture of Ana and I! Gordon V is due in October and you are due in December - it is our hope that you two boys will be very good playmates and friends! That's Justin and Baby Ryan in the background. I hope that you and Ryan will also be very good friends because he will only be about 6 months older than you!
Here's Auntie Cathlin after the party relaxing. She has proclaimed herself your literary guide through life - we will have to see how that works itself out as you get older!
And this is Josh and Big Brother Hunter relaxing on the deck!
And lastly - Jill and baby Ryan again. Ryan is hanging out in the Moby Wrap - I think we are going to get you one of these for those days when you want to go to the grocery store or the mall with me and we don't want to bring your stroller.
I didn't get a picture of anyone else but everyone at your party had a great time and they are all very excited to meet you!
xoxo
Erin
Week 19
Dear Avacado,
This past week was a very busy week for the both of us! It was so busy that I am going to give you a play-by-play:
Monday, July 11
The day started out normal, we went to work and got a few things done at Court and then it was time to take a trip to the Cape to pick up Aunt Danielle. We got to the Cape and did some more work at Grandma Mary's (we organized pictures on my computer) and then it was time to pick Aunt Danielle up from work (we also got an ice cream!) The drive back to Maine was pretty fun but since we got home late we went to bed pretty early.
Tuesday, July 12
Today we got up pretty early because we had to go to the doctor's office in Portland in order to have the anatomy scan done. The wait was long (they were running almost an hour behind) and the lady who did the scanning didn't have the best bedside manner (she wasn't very friendly and didn't explain much of what she was doing) but we did get to see various parts of you (your hands, feet, face) and you stayed still enough that we were able to tell what you were! Josh was team pink and Aunt Danielle and I were team blue. We all took a deep breath and then learned that you are a BOY!
That afternoon we went shopping and I made the first clothing purchase. Your first outfit was purchased at the Carter's Outlet in Freeport, Maine. It is a navy blue newborn sized pajama (with feet) with little while outlines of elephants on it. There is also a little gray elephant patch sewn on above a patch that says "I love Mommy". I also bought you some no-scratch mittens that matched. Here is a picture of your first outfit and a close-up of the little patch.
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Wednesday, July 13
You and I worked a lot today. While we worked Josh and Hunter drove Auntie Danielle back down to the Cape. They got back late (after we had already been home and taken a nap!). We were all very tired from the adventures the day before and the fact that it was so hot Tuesday night that no one got that much sleep. So, we went to bed early!
Thursday, July 14
Today we shared with Grandma Janet and Grandma Mary that you were going to be a BOY! They were both very excited to hear that and Grandma Mary couldn't want to tell me that she couldn't wait to get you your own RED SOX hat! Other than that it was just a regular work day!
Friday, July 15
My 31st birthday morning was spent at the doctor's office just checking in on weight gain and checking measurements. Since my last doctor's appointment I gained 8.5 pounds which is a perfect weight gain for this period of time I was told and because of that you and I are both measuring perfect! Our next doctor's appointment for check-ups will be in August.
I did not expect to be pregnant on my 31st birthday but I will say that I am very happy that I am because I am looking forward to being your mom and spending all future birthdays with you!
Saturday, July 16
Today we had a party in order to celebrate my birthday and make the announcement to all our friends and families that you were a little boy. The party started at 1pm and I asked everyone to come wearing a shirt in the color of the gender they thought you were. Here is the breakdown:
Team Blue: Auntie Cathlin, Jarrod, Grandma Janet, Kelly, Grandpa Tom, Ryan & Justin Fillip, Ana
Team Pink: Grandpa Dennis, Great-Grandma Irene, Aunt Kris, Beth, Sophie Fillip
Unclear: Uncle Justin (he wore black/orange) and Jill (she wore khaki)
We broke the news by having Grandpa Tom break open a cupcake that I had filled with blue frosting in front of everyone. Grandpa Tom was very excited as was everyone else (even those on Team Pink). Your party was a lot of fun and you received many gifts (I will put these in another post).
By the time everyone left Josh, Hunter, and I were exhausted so we ended up just watching a movie on TV and going to bed.
Sunday, July 17
Today you went to your first movie. We saw Transformers - The Dark Side of the Moon.
So there is a recap of your very busy week!
xoxo
Erin
This past week was a very busy week for the both of us! It was so busy that I am going to give you a play-by-play:
Monday, July 11
The day started out normal, we went to work and got a few things done at Court and then it was time to take a trip to the Cape to pick up Aunt Danielle. We got to the Cape and did some more work at Grandma Mary's (we organized pictures on my computer) and then it was time to pick Aunt Danielle up from work (we also got an ice cream!) The drive back to Maine was pretty fun but since we got home late we went to bed pretty early.
Tuesday, July 12
Today we got up pretty early because we had to go to the doctor's office in Portland in order to have the anatomy scan done. The wait was long (they were running almost an hour behind) and the lady who did the scanning didn't have the best bedside manner (she wasn't very friendly and didn't explain much of what she was doing) but we did get to see various parts of you (your hands, feet, face) and you stayed still enough that we were able to tell what you were! Josh was team pink and Aunt Danielle and I were team blue. We all took a deep breath and then learned that you are a BOY!
That afternoon we went shopping and I made the first clothing purchase. Your first outfit was purchased at the Carter's Outlet in Freeport, Maine. It is a navy blue newborn sized pajama (with feet) with little while outlines of elephants on it. There is also a little gray elephant patch sewn on above a patch that says "I love Mommy". I also bought you some no-scratch mittens that matched. Here is a picture of your first outfit and a close-up of the little patch.
Wednesday, July 13
You and I worked a lot today. While we worked Josh and Hunter drove Auntie Danielle back down to the Cape. They got back late (after we had already been home and taken a nap!). We were all very tired from the adventures the day before and the fact that it was so hot Tuesday night that no one got that much sleep. So, we went to bed early!
Thursday, July 14
Today we shared with Grandma Janet and Grandma Mary that you were going to be a BOY! They were both very excited to hear that and Grandma Mary couldn't want to tell me that she couldn't wait to get you your own RED SOX hat! Other than that it was just a regular work day!
Friday, July 15
My 31st birthday morning was spent at the doctor's office just checking in on weight gain and checking measurements. Since my last doctor's appointment I gained 8.5 pounds which is a perfect weight gain for this period of time I was told and because of that you and I are both measuring perfect! Our next doctor's appointment for check-ups will be in August.
I did not expect to be pregnant on my 31st birthday but I will say that I am very happy that I am because I am looking forward to being your mom and spending all future birthdays with you!
Saturday, July 16
Today we had a party in order to celebrate my birthday and make the announcement to all our friends and families that you were a little boy. The party started at 1pm and I asked everyone to come wearing a shirt in the color of the gender they thought you were. Here is the breakdown:
Team Blue: Auntie Cathlin, Jarrod, Grandma Janet, Kelly, Grandpa Tom, Ryan & Justin Fillip, Ana
Team Pink: Grandpa Dennis, Great-Grandma Irene, Aunt Kris, Beth, Sophie Fillip
Unclear: Uncle Justin (he wore black/orange) and Jill (she wore khaki)
We broke the news by having Grandpa Tom break open a cupcake that I had filled with blue frosting in front of everyone. Grandpa Tom was very excited as was everyone else (even those on Team Pink). Your party was a lot of fun and you received many gifts (I will put these in another post).
By the time everyone left Josh, Hunter, and I were exhausted so we ended up just watching a movie on TV and going to bed.
Sunday, July 17
Today you went to your first movie. We saw Transformers - The Dark Side of the Moon.
So there is a recap of your very busy week!
xoxo
Erin
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Week 17 Recap
Dear Avacado,
Week 17 came and went very fast. It was during this week that you began to make your presence known more and more. I had to purchase maternity clothes and there was evidence of a little "bump" right above my pelvic bone that didn't go away after a long night sleep.
Sleep has started to get a little more difficult. I tend to like to sleep on my right side and usually wake up on my back. However, you seem to prefer me to sleep on my left or almost on my stomach supported by a pillow - you do not like me on my back and you love to give me heartburn if I dare try to lay that way. :)
You and I are eating well. We start our day with a bowl of cereal - the sugary the better (you really like lucky charms). A few hours later we tend to have a snack of some sort (either grapes or a special K protein drink). Then, its onto lunch - this is still the hardest meal for us to eat because of my work so we often find ourselves eating a blend of differnent things. Snack comes a few hours later followed by another snack at around 5pm. We try to eat dinner between 6:30 and 7:30 and then another snack before 9pm. I seem to be much hungrier at night which I believe comes from the fact that I am so busy during the work day that we don't get to eat as much as we should.
I have not really experienced any true "cravings". Some of the things I really like to eat are (1) green grapes (2) pineapple (3) celery (4) grilled corn and potato (5) strawberries. Some of the things that don't seem to sit well are (1) chocolate (2) bread (3) baked chicken (4) oily foods.
As far as weight gain - I think our scale is off so I will have to wait till the doctor's appointment on July 8th to find out if all our eating is helping. I think it is but only their scale will tell. :)
xoxo
Erin
Week 17 came and went very fast. It was during this week that you began to make your presence known more and more. I had to purchase maternity clothes and there was evidence of a little "bump" right above my pelvic bone that didn't go away after a long night sleep.
Sleep has started to get a little more difficult. I tend to like to sleep on my right side and usually wake up on my back. However, you seem to prefer me to sleep on my left or almost on my stomach supported by a pillow - you do not like me on my back and you love to give me heartburn if I dare try to lay that way. :)
You and I are eating well. We start our day with a bowl of cereal - the sugary the better (you really like lucky charms). A few hours later we tend to have a snack of some sort (either grapes or a special K protein drink). Then, its onto lunch - this is still the hardest meal for us to eat because of my work so we often find ourselves eating a blend of differnent things. Snack comes a few hours later followed by another snack at around 5pm. We try to eat dinner between 6:30 and 7:30 and then another snack before 9pm. I seem to be much hungrier at night which I believe comes from the fact that I am so busy during the work day that we don't get to eat as much as we should.
I have not really experienced any true "cravings". Some of the things I really like to eat are (1) green grapes (2) pineapple (3) celery (4) grilled corn and potato (5) strawberries. Some of the things that don't seem to sit well are (1) chocolate (2) bread (3) baked chicken (4) oily foods.
As far as weight gain - I think our scale is off so I will have to wait till the doctor's appointment on July 8th to find out if all our eating is helping. I think it is but only their scale will tell. :)
xoxo
Erin
Friday, July 1, 2011
Maternity Clothes
Dear Avacado,
Today you were a little more noticeable when I zipped up my skirt (I had a trial today and always try to dress to impress!) so after court I found myself at the maternity clothing store in the mall. What an experience that was - finding clothes on a normal day is usually tough but this was a different monster.
I ended up with a pair of capris, a pair of shorts and two shirts. The capris have what they call a "full panel" meaning that the elastic comes up above my stomach and the shorts have an "under band" which means there is a thick band that sits below my expanding stomach. We shall see which style I prefer.
All that's left to do is find some work clothes that I can tolerate wearing -so much of the clothing has ties under the chest (empire waist) or has ties in the back (circa 1980s housewife clothes) ..... neither is my style and I can't imagine finding myself in these clothes on a daily basis let alone in Court!
Hopefully a trip to visit your Aunt Ana in Boston will remedy the clothing situation soon. Until then - please stay tucked deep inside so my work clothes will fit :)
xoxo
Erin
Today you were a little more noticeable when I zipped up my skirt (I had a trial today and always try to dress to impress!) so after court I found myself at the maternity clothing store in the mall. What an experience that was - finding clothes on a normal day is usually tough but this was a different monster.
I ended up with a pair of capris, a pair of shorts and two shirts. The capris have what they call a "full panel" meaning that the elastic comes up above my stomach and the shorts have an "under band" which means there is a thick band that sits below my expanding stomach. We shall see which style I prefer.
All that's left to do is find some work clothes that I can tolerate wearing -so much of the clothing has ties under the chest (empire waist) or has ties in the back (circa 1980s housewife clothes) ..... neither is my style and I can't imagine finding myself in these clothes on a daily basis let alone in Court!
Hopefully a trip to visit your Aunt Ana in Boston will remedy the clothing situation soon. Until then - please stay tucked deep inside so my work clothes will fit :)
xoxo
Erin
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