T-Minus

We are on the cusp of being 30 days out. Accordingly we (anxious parents and planers by trade) have packed our "delivery bag" which contains all sorts of necessities as well as a few surprises to boot! Not to worry, the laptop and camera are on my "daddy list" for day of items, so a full post will (should) be delivered from the delivery room! (zero pun intended)

I am happy to report that Leslie and the baby are doing great and we are just trying to mentally prepare for whats coming next. I can tell you this, the Diaper Genie works well (auto open and close - very clutch!) I can also share that we have finally agreed on a boys name. Earlier predictions of a Texas-tied name were premature, which really means unless the boss (that's Leslie) types it, its doesn't mean much. We have agreed to keep it under wraps until the little one arrives, I can confirm, for what that's worth, that a mutual "yes" has verbally been given by both parties. If anything breaks early in US Weekly or People - I did it for the cash!

In travel news, our savior (Mrs. Peggy Britt) has booked her plane ticket to come and show us the ropes and enjoy the beautiful Colorado summer for a while. She arrives June 28th, which is the scheduled due date, however I understand the first ones usually like to bake a little longer, so perhaps a July 4th baby!!! Can't wait to see you Peggy Sue - we appreciate your time and wisdom - stay as long as you like.

All for now - thanks

Big as a house!

We're now at 34.5 weeks and getting bigger by the second. Last week's "drive thru" Doctor appointment was quick and easy. All is well with little Stiffler - the baby is head down, a nice round tush up on my left side and all sorts of limbs flailing about on my right side. My blood pressure was low and baby's heartbeat was about 145 BPM - our Doctor was very happy with our progress. Total weight gain thus far - drum roll please........24 pounds. It's the only time in my life I will gladly volunteer an increase in my weight.

Below is a somewhat more up-to-date picture of the nursery. The only thing we're missing is a baby.

33 weeks!

It's getting pretty exciting/scary that we're only about 7 weeks away from Baby Stiffler's arrival. We're pretty set, or so we think, for our little addition. I'm not sure how much more my stomach can stretch but we have almost two months to find out. Here's a shot of the ever expanding belly.

We purchased a new set of wheels for the little guy/gal:

Thanks to Grant's mom, we have the most comfortable glider ever created to enjoy!!!! You'll have to excuse Grant, pregnancy has been really exhausting for him. If I hear him complain that his back hurts one more time, I will use the glider as a weapon.

April Showers!

We've passed the 30 week mark and can't believe June is right around the corner. We even started the obligatory baby classes last night - Grant was a little shocked to learn that a newborn usually likes to feed every 1.5 - 2 hours. He turned to me with a look of disbelief on his face. Time to up the Starbucks gift cards!

We've had quite the busy month --- Last weekend my lovely husband and good friends Sharon and Patricia threw me a surprise baby shower in Denver. It was exactly what I had wanted, low-key and fun with boys invited as well (thanks to some alcohol they managed to sit through the gift opening and even through out a few 'oooohhhhs' and 'ahhhhhhs' from time to time).

I went to St. Louis for a baby luncheon thrown by my lovely mother and sister. Unfortunately we forgot the camera at the actual luncheon, but of course, the camera was on 24/7 whenever Jack was around. Thanks to my friends and family for all the adorable gifts, it was great to see them all!

Here's a little shot of Jack at 5 months with his dad and two favorite aunts:



And a bonus photo of my favorite little guy:

Bachelor / Bachelorette Pad!

Due to overwhelming response, from 2 of our 5 readers, I have returned for another post! Drink it in, this could be the last, or like Cher, I might simply keep coming back. (hard to say)

This weekend we began putting together baby Stiff's room. As the pictures below illustrate, it's coming along quite nicely and we still have about 3 months to go...what will we do? Leslie did a great job picking out all the colors and other "complex" items....I did procure the brown and red penguin (corner of crib in picture below). Obviously, we are a lethal style combo!

A BIG thank you to Peg and John (I mean Mr. B) for the crib and dresser!!
Another BIG thank you to our good friends Mark and Nicole for helping us set it all up - definitely couldn't have done it without you both (lazy pregnant wife)

Baby Stiff's Crib with "Peng-e" the penguin.

Yes, the shelves are far enough away - safety first (right Mr. B)

All smiles and a beer....off to a great start!

If only the kido came with instructions like the crib!

Peg's Pad! The 3 day rule has been temporarily suspended.

6.5 months - Daddy Speaks!

So you have heard from the beautiful mother-to-be about all that has been happening....now, as Paul Harvey says....for the rest of the story!

1) She eats at least 5 times a day....and I love it! Not because I get to eat too, but because it goes against all of her normal household eating policies.

2) She is such a great mom-to-be. I can't tell you how much she does to ensure this little one comes out glowing with a flax-seed and vitamin filled smile!

3) She hasn't been sick or moody at all (ok 50% is true) Honestly, she (we) have been very fortunate to this point for a smooth 6.5 months - knock on wood.

4) Her biggest concern is how she is going to love our child as much as she loves our godson Jack...which is a heckuvalot!

5) We have finally come to terms on names....she just doesn't know it yet. What is the capital of Texas?? (god bless Texas!)

6) It sure is hard to name anyone with the second half of that name being STIFF (sorry Dad, Ben Stiff just can't be repeated.....you're a shoe-in for a male middle name (he would agree)).

7) I have read most of the books on my mandatory reading list.

8) I still have little to no idea what I am doing!

9) We are currently subscribed to every single baby magazine on the face of this planet....even ones that are published in Thailand - not sure how we got on their list (do you speak Thai? Jack talk Thai....Jack talk Thail reallll good.....yes, this is my shout out to Jack!)

10) This will likely be the last time I am allowed to blog, so let me finish by saying - my wife is amazing, smart, beautiful, fearless.....and I love her!

PS - our registry is listed on this blog - just in case anyone wanted to know :-)


Those are new pants - it would be wise if you complemented her on them! (thanks)

It's Jack....

A little treat on a Tuesday afternoon - Jack at 4.5 months.