AND SCHOOL BEGINS...

Once I get home from work I'm so beat (from hardly lifting a finger) I take a nap to recover. It's almost impossible for me to stay awake from 5 to 7 in the afternoon. Needless to say by 8 I'm ready to go again...so I find stuff to do. Last night, I decided to go to Walmart at 10pm to do a little grocery shopping. I thought I would be safe from long lines and tons of people running around all over the place. Oh, I was so wrong! There were kids and parents everywhere with binders, markers and new clothes getting ready for day 2 to begin. I thought I would be aggrivated but they pretty much stayed on the two rows dedicated to school supplies. The aisles were in complete chaos and I don't know how anyone found anything that they needed. I just watched and thought about how exciting it use to be getting brand new stuff for school. I loved getting (and still do) new markers and pens and pencils with glitter on them or folders (one for every class) with tons of designs on them. I just kept thinking...y'all are excited now, just wait till you have to get up in the morning. OH, THE JOYS OF BECOMING A PARENT! I think when it's time to get school supplies for this little girl of mine I'll buy them from the school and be done with it. We'll get some fun stuff from the store but I will not be running around Walmart late at night trying to find a number 2 pencil.

Laura started Kindergarden today...yesterday was the first day of school but because they are the youngest, they only stay for an hour orientation with their parents to get use to the idea of school. I don't know what has happened today or how her day is going but I talked to her yesterday and she was thrilled. She even told me that her front bottom tooth is loose and her best friend is in her class...they are going to be HELL together!

Lauren is a JUNIOR (I feel so old) and of course is loving school already. She is on the swim team and has a much better grasp on her steering wheel (at least we hope) Hunter is a FRESHMAN and I think it's gonna take her some getting use to. I know it took me some time to get into the groove of a new and much bigger school. She will be playing golf and plans on getting a scholarship and getting into an awesome school. Jack is in the 7th grade and is a cheerleader and told me last night that she will also be trying out for volleyball...she is a total social butterfly!

Just think...in a few years I'll be writing about my little one and how much she has grown and her very 1st day of school.


TO ALL OF MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO ARE TEACHERS...
A new year has begun...it's a fresh start! Depending on what grade you are teaching or counseling you might have a few tears shed in the next few weeks...it will pass, it always does. Keep your head up cause CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER! (lol) I have so much respect for all of you and all that you do! Just get ready, in a few years you just might have my little one in your class raising hell...don't call me when it happens, just threaten to call me, it works, I promise. Just kidding, she'll be good! Have a wonderful year and remember they are only kids...don't let them get the best of you.
(They only reason I give advice is because my sisters and I have all lived it for 30 years with our Mother)

BLACK & PINK

A huge thanks to a few people from the bar...I received some wonderful gifts today! First, I must tell you that this picture does the gifts no justice what so ever! I have my camera with me everyday and for some reason, this morning, I decided that I didn't need it. I had to use my stupid little camera phone and it made me sick! (I think the lighting in the office is bad too)

Anyway, all of the wrapping was done in pink and black and was beautiful! It was explained to me that the Pink is for the precious baby coming into this world and the black is the mourning of the life I'm losing! Freakin' hilarious THOUGH INCREDIBLY TRUE! I wish everyone had been there to see me open the gifts but I couldn't wait! Will was next door doing hair, Sheryl and Tristine were working, so it was just me and Cliff. He saw how excited I was so I'm sure he'll spread the word! Every last thing I got was something that the baby needs and I'm sure they'll be put to good use! The jumpster is going to be a life saver, and a portable highchair so when she goes to have lunch with me in restaurants she has her own little seat. Pacifiers are a must as are the little nightgowns and baby monitor. Cliff said its the best monitor in the world because it has a 2000 sq ft range. (I don't know..I'm still learning about all of this stuff)

I THANK YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART AND SO DOES THE BABY!

FINALLY...I'M REGISTERED

Do any of you know how long it takes to walk around a HUGE baby store and register? You have to look at EVERY nipple for EVERY bottle in EVERY color. Talk about a complete nightmare! Don't get me wrong, the first hour was great, the 2nd was fine, but the 3rd and final hour I wanted to get inside the cart and get pushed around the store! (I think I would have broke the cart) Anyway, I know that I will TOTALLY appreciate everything I receive but it was an absolute beating to get to this point. Patty and the girls came to help for about an hour and they got me started in the right direction. After that Renner and I were on our own looking at stuff with NO CLUE. It was funny to walk around aimlessly trying to figure out the next thing we would need to add. Is this just how it is the first time that new mom's and dad's register? Or are we just two dummies without a clue? Are you suppose to put breast feeding pumps on the registry, it seems kinda gross, but I did it anyway?! It doesn't matter I don't think, but just so all of you know, I felt uncomfortable asking for something that is going to be attached to my breasts :) I can't help but to laugh even thinking about it!


COMPLIMENTS...
I love that everyone keeps telling me that I look like I have either already had the baby, or am just 2 or 3 months along. I don't believe anyone when they tell me, but it still makes me feel better. I always tell them, "My stomach may be small for being 5 months pregnant but my ass and legs have gained all of the weight." I get a good laugh out them because I think they agree once I point it out! When I am turned to my side I can tell that there is a slight baby bump and it makes me feel good cause I can't see how big the rest of me is. So, for all of you that want to see my belly growing, it is, just not a whole bunch. That's not where all the action is... I'm not about to start taking pictures of my big booty and legs :) Hopefully, my belly and breasts stay as small as possible so that I may be able to avoid stretch marks. Doubtful, very doubtful!

I can't wait for December 16Th to get here...3 months and 3 weeks to go and I can start sleeping on my stomach again(I think my sleeping days are just gone for good) and I won't have to pee 9 times in the middle of the night (get ready for it Erika!)

It's all worth it in the end, my little girl kicks me all of the time and I wouldn't trade it for the world. It's one life's precious moments that nobody can ever take from me! I never understood the excitement and all of the fuss, its one of those things you just have to experience for yourself. I just wish it took a little bit less than 9 months!

5 MONTHS!

I have exciting news...not only do I feel the baby(that's been happening for awhile)everyone else can feel her too! Usually, nobody ever gets to feel her move because she only does it when I'm laying in my bed by myself. I totally love when she moves but I know that if I get up to say,"Hurry,come feel, she's moving!", she'll disappear into the abyss (my belly).

Well, Wednesday, she decided to come out and play while I was downstairs on the couch. Kelli put her freezing cold hands on my belly to feel her move. She sat for a minute and then totally started freaking out...she said, "Kate I felt the baby kick 3 times!" She got up almost grossed out (that's how I use to be) but totally excited! I wish I had it recorded...her facial expressions were absolutely PRICELESS! So, Mom decided to get in on it...(her hands were warm and cozy) She touched just right and moved me around a little and then she smiled and said, "she's definitely there!"
FINALLY...IT HAPPENED! It's such a neat feeling, I want to share it with everyone!

I've also started this nesting thing...
I cleaned the baby's bathroom from 12am to 3am. It was not even that dirty but I scrubbed every last corner! I don't think I needed to do it so soon, but I had to put the new baby paper on the bottom of all the cabinets. (they smell like honeysuckle, love it!) The nursery would almost be 100% finished but the crib has a corner on it that isn't finished to my satisfaction, so we have to wait patiently for another piece to come in. Pat and I are so into INSTANT GRATIFICATION that it's killing us to see it resting on the wall in pieces. It's not like we don't have another 4 months to get it set up...we're horrible, I know!

My next little dilemma: I have 3 different styles of sheets to put on the crib, I knew a month ago exactly what I wanted and now, I'm not so sure. So, all three sheet sets are so pretty and I can do so much with all of them, which is exactly my problem. One day I think, OK, I'm using this one for sure and the next I've changed my mind. OH, I have such big problems...just kidding! I'm sure I'll figure it out soon and put a picture of what I've decided to stick with up for all to see.

Last but certainly not least,
I was reading my What to Expect When You're Expecting (great book) and it says that the baby can hear now and she is starting to recognize different voices. So, to make sure she knows how horrible I sing, on the way to and home from work everyday I've been singing out loud in my car. I constantly have to change the station cause I feel stupid when I don't know all the words to a song but I really don't think she knows the difference.
Also, last night I turned on my little IPOD and put the headphones on my belly. I stuck one in my belly button and one underneath the seam of my pajamas(so they would stay) and played my relaxing mix for her. She listened to some Michael Buble(a song for you), Wham (careless whisper), George Strait(baby blue)and John Mayer(daughters). She did do a little bit of kicking, but I'm not sure if it was the music or me laying down in our favorite spot. Hopefully, this will help her to love a variety of music before she's even born!

I'M HALFWAY THROUGH! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!

GREAT DAY...GREAT NEWS

Today, Dr. Albert confirmed that the baby's little heart is perfect! He also confirmed that she is definately a girl. We were so excited to hear all the great news that he told us...
10 fingers
10 toes
no cleft palate
all 4 chambers in her heart
no down sydrome &
no spina biffeda

(I'm sure there is more but my memory is pretty bad these days)



Patty went with us this time and Renner purchased a dvd(it was only 5 bucks...pretty cheap). I'm not sure how much of it we'll understand but at least we have it to show Kristen when she gets older.

So, now it's totally time to register and buy a ton of little frilly pink stuff. What I mean by that is...some Cowboy stuff in pink :) I'm not much of a pink person when it comes to modifying professional team colors. I believe in wearing the colors that the team wears, but when it comes to the baby I think I'll be able to handle it. However, I will NOT be wearing any pink jerseys.



Hopefully, in the next few days we'll be getting ready to go to San Antonio for a Laura's birthday. Craig and I will be able to go see the Cowboys practice in the Alamo dome if we make it on time. From what I hear the resort is pretty awesome so if we don't get to go I'm sure I'll be fine floating on the lazy river :)

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!

Here she is...18 weeks and 1 day! Her little bitty head is to the left. And her hand is (obviously) on the right and kinda upside down. This doesn't show that she's a girl but I thought this was the best picture the nurse took. You can actually tell that it's a hand...every other picture is one big blur...you can't really understand them unless you were in the room to see the baby moving. Oh, she is so cute, isn't she?! She weighs 8 oz and is getting bigger by the day! :)

This morning Hunter, Renner and I went to Dr. Boyd's office for my check up and of course the most important sonogram. The baby's heart rate was 126 and the nurse looked and looked but there was no clear indication that there is a baby boy is growing inside of me. It was so hard for her to see anything because the baby was constantly moving, and not just a little...a TON! She also told us not to paint everything pink because you never know for sure.

I know for sure she's a girl and it's time to finish decorating!!

Right now, one of the most important things is a heart that is working properly. The nurse couldn't see all four chambers of the heart because she couldn't keep the baby still long enough to get a good shot. As far is Dr. Boyd is concerned, the heart is just fine. However, we will be going to see our specialist, Dr. Albert, next week to make sure everything is where it needs to be. Until then, I'm going to try not to worry and really focus on keeping myself busy!

Oh...my due date keeps changing! We're 4 days closer to the date that I thought it would be.

WAITING PATIENTLY...

My driver Andy & Les

TIGERS VS. BULLS

CHAMPIONS OF THE 2007 BATTLE OF THE MAMMALS




As if everyone didn't already know...I will find out Monday what I'm having(keeping my fingers crossed)! I have never been so excited in my entire life! This has literally kept me up at night...the suspense is absolutely KILLING me! The past 2 weeks have been the worst because we're slowly putting the nursery together and I have a whole lot of blue stuff and some pink stuff and I can't decorate with either yet. Pat is so sure that it's a boy and I was too at first but now I'm totally confused!...We know what Tabby is having but I'm not sure if it's a secret so I'm not telling, sorry. You'll have to ask her if you're curious :) Anyway, I'm totally nesting and dying to really put the final touches up in the room and can't. So, to keep myself busy I have been working a little bit more and visiting with some of our regulars and of course spending time with my favorite girls in the world!



I was the official photographer for The Annual Battle of the Mammals Golf Tournament. My door man Andy drove me around in our golf cart for 3 hours so that we could watch and take pictures of all of our regulars. The Moose and The Pig tied and after a tie breaker THE MOOSE BAR & GRILL took the Championship! I'm totally playing next time...and drinking some beer too! They had SOOOO much fun!



Renner and I went to a Ranger game on the 4th of July. I didn't really want to go because I was in the middle of putting a bassinet together but I forced myself to leave. We beat the Angels, I got my cheese fries and it was the best fireworks show of all time. We went and had lunch yesterday and I don't think there are 2 people in the world that have ever been more excited than we are! He asked me what my gut instinct was and I told him a girl! We'll see!

Swimming with the girls is pretty much a regular thing for me. (if it's not raining) Some days I swim more than others but I think that any exercise helps. My skin has a nice bronze glow but don't worry I don't stay out in the sun for too long...I get really hungry and its time to go home :) I have nicknamed myself "The Fat Kid" and the girls get a kick out of it. After swimming the other day we went to an FC soccer game. (compliments of my Miller Lite Reps...love them and miss their beer terribly) We had a blast and ate a bunch of different stuff and took some really silly pictures. Frisco lost but it's ok because it was to the Tigers (Mexico) so, either way you look at it...WE WON!

So, by Monday, there will definately be a new little posting on MySpace! I'm not sure if I'll be telling everyone or keeping it a secret?!

GETTING EXCITED!

I thought that this was a really cute cartoon! I'm not quite this far along but I can see where she is coming from. OK...here's the story:

When greeting people in the past I have usually been very friendly and never been weird about giving or receiving hugs. I have this "thing" now...I hate for people to touch me. I was never like this before and I know its all because of the baby. Now, it could be my hormones or it could be me being protective of my stomach or it could be both, but I think I can blame this one on Renner. Here's a little background for my reasoning...Before Renner and I even started seeing each other I would mess with him and give him hugs and rub his back because I knew he couldn't stand for people to touch him...I thought it was pretty funny to see him squirm anytime I got near him. I have never known anyone like this so I just thought he wasn't an affectionate type of guy. Obviously, once we got to know each other a little better he became more hands on, it took awhile for him to even hold my hand. I, on the other hand, love to give hugs and get my backed rubbed or my hair played with. This baby is already like him and its barely 4 months old.

(There is one little person that touches my belly and I think it's the cutest thing ever) With her tiny five year old hand Laura touches my belly, and with her best baby talk voice she gets her lips as close as she can and says things like, "Hi, little baby waby", or "You're such a cute little baby", or "I hope you're a baby girl". Yes, she wants a little girl cousin so she can teach her everything that she knows! I think it's the cutest thing I have ever seen.

DOCTOR UPDATE

I will not be changing my Dr.

After I calmed down a bit I asked nicely what her plans were after she had her baby. Dr. B. said she would only be gone for two weeks and would only be returning to see her pregnant patients. I can't believe she will be gone for such a short time! Once she is back she will be spending all of her time with ONLY the preggos. I think that is a great idea...more attention for me! I told her I saw my belly move and she seemed very skeptical but I'm telling you...IT MOVED! July 16th is the day we find out the sex of the baby, I CAN'T WAIT! Then, I finally get to start buying all the cute little things I see in all the baby stores, I hate waiting!

Oh, I got myself this incredible pillow...it's for expectant mothers and its the best thing ever! The first night I used it I hated it! I thought I wasted my money and then after getting use to it, I don't know how I've ever slept without it. It has 10 different positions it can be put in, I haven't used all of them yet but I'm sure they all come in pretty handy! Who would have ever thought I would rave about something as a simple as a pillow?! Its amazing how hard it is to find a comfortable position to get into when the one you're use to using is no longer an option! It will even be useful after the baby is born...best investment ever!

IT'S A MOVER AND A SHAKER

Thursday (6/14), I saw my stomach move for the first time. I was laying in the bath tub and in a split second my tummy jumped in one little spot. I could hardly believe it and I just kept staring to see if the baby would do it again...didn't happen. I couldn't wait to share the experience with everyone. I was worried at first that it was just gas but I don't think that gas can make your stomach jump. So, Saturday, to show my family the exact spot that it happened in, I lifted up my shirt and to my surprise the baby was moving again. My mom and sister noticed right away and were pretty shocked that at 4 months a baby can be so noticeable. It's nothing that I can feel but its so cool to see it move all over the place. Last night was the best because my entire family was celebrating Father's day and they all got to witness it. (except for Hunter...she's kinda blind) Tab and Lance were excited for things to look forward and not just nausea and heartburn. We are all really starting to believe I'm farther along than I even thought. Another baby appointment again today...I will be changing Dr's soon...mine is 25 weeks pregnant. She failed to tell me two months ago and I thought that was pretty unfair. She'll be on maternity leave when I deliver the baby and I would prefer to have a Dr. considerate enough to tell me that they'll be gone more than half of my pregnancy. Anyone know of any good Dr.'s in the Dallas area?

PEANUTS, ANYONE?

Ranger game fun on June 10th
This past Sunday was date night for Renner and I. We went to the Ranger game and if any of you know me, I'm not a huge baseball fan(it's like watching the grass grow).However, it was great excercise for me(for him too) and the food was a pregnant woman's fantasy. We sat with a wonderful group of people that made us laugh the entire time and it was fun to watch all the kids around us keep themselves entertained. Renner got us perfect seats and was inches away from catching a foul ball Sosa hit (he was trying to block it from hitting me). We stayed until the end...I think it ended up being thirteen innings! It was a long game but it was fun. I can't wait to go again, they have the best cheese fries in the world!(my mouth is watering)

Oh, I also broke down and bought some green and yellow baby stuff, mom said I shouldn't do that, I'll jinx myself...I don't care, I'm just so excited!

Dr. visit #3
Just to let everyone know...I don't think that I'll end up writing about every visit we make to the dr.,that could get very boring. However, these last few have been very important. Yesterday, we sat in the Dr.'s office for an hour and a half before we could be seen. Once we were taken to the back I realized that this was not going to be a regular visit. After we listened to the babies heart beat (heart rate 142), I had two or three samples of my cervix taken(HORRIBLE PAIN). Dr. B. said that all the samples she took are pre cancerous...I am scared about the outcome, just more excited about the baby. I'll know in a week what the results are. Anyway, when the nurse found the heartbeat (142) I have never seen Renner more excited when she stated she thought it was a boy. Now, its not accurate but in theory a boy's heartbeat is much slower than a girl's. I have another appointment next week and hopefully it will be a little more relaxing.

The Parents & 2nd Dr. visit

OK, so here we are as babies. One of us has a few more rolls than the other, and one has quite a bit of an egg head. Can you tell which one is me? I think the eyes give it away!
2ND Dr. Visit:
Renner and I went to a specialist yesterday and had an ultrasound. It was so painful but worth it...I love seeing the baby in action. The heart rate while it was moving was at 195. The Dr. said it was safe to say the normal heart rate would probably be about 160. He couldn't tell the sex and we were a little disappointed, but we'll live. Renner is sure now that its a girl, but I don't think he cares either way. Our next appointment is the second week of June and hopefully we will find out then. Kiki has convinced me that a little boy will be just as good as a girl. Not that it mattered, I just have no clue how to take care of a little boy. (I know, I know with each day I'll learn something new.) I'm finally starting to show and my stomach is so hard. It's getting more and more difficult to sleep on my stomach and for the last week when I wake up in the morning I'm in my back. (Oh, Tabby and Lance are having one baby and they are so happy. Two babies would have been nuts.) Evita...I don't know how you have done it. (Tia Ludy too)

My History

A little bit of background...
In January of 2004 I became very ill and was rushed to the Dr. I had horrible cramping and it felt as if someone was stabbing ever inch of my body. (not normal) After going to a neurologist we find out that I was bleeding internally. I had a cyst that had ruptured in my ovaries and within minutes I was at Trinity Medical waiting to go into surgery. My entire family was there and tears were rolling down their faces when they wheeled me off to surgery. I couldn't figure out why everyone was so upset but the pain had been so bad that I just wanted it fixed, I didn't care what was going on around me and I barely comprehended what the 5 Dr.'s around me were saying. Once I got out everyone was waiting for me and I couldn't do much but talk about the pink elephants in the room.(morphine rocks) Later that night I received 3 blood transfusions and stayed in the hospital for another week and in bed for another 6 weeks. Once I was semi healed my family started telling me bits and pieces of what had happened. Before surgery the Dr. 's told my family that they might have to do a total hysterectomy if they had been too damaged. (that obviously didn't happen) The last thing that was said was she may never have children, her chances are less than 1%. So, imagine my surprise two weeks ago! I am blessed and we (both families) are very excited to bring a little baby Renner into the world.

So, those of you that may read my baby blog that don't know me very well should now understand the signifigance of this surprise. It means the world to me and everyone around me. We weren't trying for a baby but now that we have one we're SUPER excited. (Renner freaks out about stupid stuff, but...he'll come around)

First Baby Picture

9 weeks 2 days (DR.)

10 weeks 5 days (my intuition :)

OK...Here's the first baby picture! I have decided to pick the due date that suits me because the due date that the Dr. gave me puts me at conceiving the baby while I was in Mexico. (not possible) All of Renner's family has boys and of course all of mine has girls so we have a bunch of different opinions on what I'm going to have. Either way we will be happy just as long as the baby is healthy. We have already picked names but we wont share those until we find out the sex. I picked the name for a girl and Renner picked for the boy. While we were at the Dr. she made it very clear to me that I am NOT eating for 2 and the only thing that will be different is my calorie intake! Not what I wanted to hear but it's the truth and I don't want to make it harder on myself to lose weight after the baby is born. My next appointment is May 31st and hopefully with the baby's cooperation we will be able to find out the sex! We are incredibly excited and I'll do my best to keep updating this little baby blog! Oh, we also have the heartbeat recorded...I just have to wait to post it until Renner figures out how to send it. Also, We're going to start a pool for the due date...we think it's going to make the next seven months a little more interesting.