27 Weeks

Last week, I had my 27 week doctor's appointment - 27 weeks and 2 days, to be exact. Most of the appointment was not fun - I had to drink the infamous horrible sugary orange drink for the glucose test (tests for gestational diabetes). It didn't taste as awful as I had prepared myself for, but I had to drink it much faster than I'm used to drinking, so I didn't feel great afterwards. After an hour, they drew blood and gave me a Rhogam shot because I have a negative blood type.

(in case you are interested in the results, I passed the glucose test. Thank goodness! I don't know what this carb-loving sweet tooth would have done if I would have had to limit my diet so drastically. However, I did find out that I am anemic, so I'm now taking 2 iron pills every day. I think I can handle that!)

Because the doctor thought I looked small at my last appointment, we did get another ultrasound this time. Baby Jack looks great! Right on target at 2 pounds, 6 ounces. I didn't even know our office had the capability, but they gave us a 3D ultrasound picture this time. Once again, he wouldn't completely cooperate, but I still love the picture:I can't believe I start my third trimester tomorrow. Time is flying! The nursery is almost ready - I'll post pictures soon. If we can just find a daycare, I'll feel much better about everything. Less than 3 months to go - WOW. I can't wait to meet you, baby Jack!

Fun Times in Boerne

After loading up the car and visiting Catherine's beautiful new house, Mom, Katy, Evan and I made a late night drive from Houston to Boerne, check engine light on and all, stopping at Sonic for dinner and a yummy cherry limeade. Finally, I got to see my dad and meet Riley, the new family dog. Riley is a really sweet, but extremely timid puppy. She has definitely been through some scary times before arriving at my parents' home. By the time we were ready to leave, I think that she was starting to warm up to Katy and I. I know that my parents will be able to help her learn to be less timid around strangers and understand that most people are not mean or scary and just want to love and play with her.

We had a wonderful relaxing week, shopping, hanging around the house and playing with Evan. I even taught him to say "Jack!" in antipation of his new cousin. I'm afraid I may have confused him a little, because he started to rub his tummy, just like Aunt Audra did when she talked about baby Jack :)! Here are some highlights of the week:

Mother/Daughter pedicures:

Lunch at Freebirds:

Wonderful home cooking, including dad's yummy homemade ice cream, and Ian's biscuit recipe for breakfast. It's a good thing I'm "eating for 2!"

Katy and Evan left on Thursday before the sun came up (Aunt Audra stayed in bed). We spent Thursday digging through old boxes - I actually got rid of some things much to Dad's delight, stopping by the University Co-op in San Antonio for some more Longhorn duds for Jack and a burnt orange maternity shirt for me, seeing the movie Julie and Julia (cute!), and eating some yummy fajitas with homemade tortillas at one of Mom and Dad's favorite San Antonio Mexican restaurants.

On Friday, it was time for me to head back to the airport in Houston. We shipped back 2 boxes, returned a few larger items to re-purchase in Connecticut, I had a giant carry-on and I still had to take one thing out of my suitcase to hit the 50 pound limit. I told you baby Jack is spoiled already! I had such a wonderful time back in Texas and miss Mom, Dad and everyone else already! I can't believe in less than 3 months they will be up here in Connecticut and we will all get to finally meet baby Jack. I can't wait!

The Most Wonderful Shower

I really can't thank Ms. Straatman, Kathryn and my mom enough for planning such a wonderful shower. I know they spent a lot of time and effort planning, cooking and creating and it definitely showed. Best of all, I was so excited to see all of the people who decided to take a little time out of their busy days to celebrate with me. I got to see family and friends from high school, college, and work. Greta drove over from Louisiana and my wonderful little sis flew in all the way from North Carolina. Friends flew in from Dallas and drove from Austin just for the shower - it truly made me realize how great my friends are (and how much I miss them all!)

All of the hostesses did a wonderful job with the food and decorations. There were finger sandwiches, homemade dessert bars, petit fours, all kinds of other goodies, and virgin mimosas, just for me (and the other 3 pregnant ladies there)! Here are just a few photos:

After everyone had a bite to eat and the chance to mingle a little, we played the games that Kathryn had created for the occasion. The games were so much fun! Mommy/Daddy bingo was such a creative idea, and I think that everyone really enjoyed it!

After games came presents. Little Thomas Jackson is a very spoiled little boy already - thanks everyone!

Of course the day would not be complete without a few posed photos. Here are my wonderful hostesses:

And the group from Taylor High School ( I still can't believe we graduated over 13 years ago!)

Gals from BHP/PPA at UT (including Pei-Ling who missed the first photo op, but stopped by on her way home from work)

My Deloitte ladies:

I've met all these great women as they've married into the familes of/dated my amazing guy friends: Finally, 3 generations of Bitlers, my mom, sister and nephew Evan (I can't believe how much he's grown) :

Thanks to everyone for a wonderful day. I don't think everyone realized how much it meant to me - it was a day I definitely won't forget!

Back in the Lone Star State!

I can't believe my trip to Texas is over already, but it was so great to be back for a whole week, even with temperatures that topped 100 pretty much every day! Kathryn picked me up at the airport on Friday night and I got the chance to preview some of her fun ideas for my shower on Sunday.

Saturday was a busy, but really fun day. When I first learned that both Lee-Ann and Chrissy were having baby showers the same weekend as mine, I was worried that they may not be able to come to my shower, but the timing couldn't have worked out better! I was able to go to Lee-Ann's shower early on Saturday afternoon and Chrissy's later that afternoon and they were both able to come to mine the next day. Lee-Ann is expecting a boy, Logan Matthew, in September. It was wonderful to finally get to see the Broome's new house and Mrs. Broome had more delicious food than we could ever hope to eat, even down to the baby blue punch!

Chrissy is expecting a "surprise" in October. Although I arrived to Chrissy's shower a little later than I would have liked, I got to see her open presents and eat some yummy ice cream sundaes (I miss Bluebell homemade vanilla!) I can only hope that I look as wonderful as these 2 ladies as I progress further in my pregnancy! It's exciting to think that we may be back in Texas in about a year and baby Jack will have some friends to grow up with.


After Chrissy's shower, I headed directly to my favorite restaurant in Houston - Lupe Tortilla to meet Mom and Mrs. Straatman, Katy, Evan and her friend Steve, and Jeff and Sarah for dinner. My "soft cheekin' tacos" were delicious and although I felt like I didnt get to spend nearly enough time catching up with Jeff, it was great to see him. I told him now he just needs to plan his visit to Connecticut!