3 weeks old!

Time is FLYING! Little Molly is already 3 1/2 weeks old! I can't even believe it! We are keeping busy toting her around to meet all of her friends and family. In the past week, she has gone to Cousin Amber's graduation party, made her first road trip to Iowa, went to St. Charles for a birthday party to meet Cousins John and Mary and made her first trip up to Lake Geneva. Hence, why I haven't had a chance to update the blog! BUT we have been having a great time and Miss Mol is such a trooper - she adapts to every situation. We couldn't be more blessed!

10 Days Old!

Ok... so it's hard to keep up with the blog with a newborn at home. I've been doing well with the Facebook postings, but understand not everyone has access there. Molly is the most amazing thing EVER! We love her so much!!!

The first week of her life flew by it seemed! After some initial challenges in our first couple of days (nights actually), we settled into a pretty good routine that seems to be working for the most part. She cooperates for the most part and Mommy and Daddy are able to get the rest that is much needed.

Grandma was amazing helping us out for the first few days with not only staying up with Molly, but also helping out Mommy with household chores like cleaning and laundry while Mommy recovers from the c-section. On that note, Mom feels great and of course has some soreness (and numbness) but overall has no complaints. Molly and I went for our first walk yesterday. It was short, but still at least we got out. Mom will have to get used to how to exercise gently for the next few weeks. I miss my prenatal water aerobics though!! (And my friends from class!)

Unfortunately, Grandma went home yesterday to go work for a few days. :( We are sad, but she will be back soon! I was nervous about life without her, however, almost 24 hours later, we have been having a great day/night! Molly has the best demeanor is just such a sweetie! I think we are on a roll!

People not on FB were asking about more photos. Here is the link to my album there. You should be able to view them there. Let me know if not. We'll figure something out!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150256077497037.377178.505907036&l=973897d7a1




Until then... here's a little tease. :)

Introducing Molly Ann Crowley

Ms. Molly decided to make her debut fashionably early! Although we were scheduled to have a c-section this coming Thursday, May 26th, she decided she didn't want to share her birthday with Mommy, but rather have her own (well and share with a couple of my friends as well)!

My water broke at about 1:30 this afternoon. I called Bryon to get him home and headed to the hospital. I was skeptical that it was really my water breaking but sure enough they admitted me and got everything rolling. They did an ultrasound right away to make sure she was still in a breech presentation. Of course...she was. I was prepped for surgery and they commented as they were getting her out that she was tangled in her cord. I wonder if that is why she couldn't turn in the first place. Anyway, she was officially brought into the world at 4:50 pm and weighed in less than expected at 7 lbs. 5 oz and was 19 inches long. Of course, she is absolutely perfect in everyway from her health to her beautiful face. We are extremely blessed.

We got settled and even had some guests. She is taking to nursing pretty well and she is a good sleeper so far! Too bad mommy is not~ Thanks to the morphine they gave me, I itch ALL over, making it very hard to catch some zzzzs. Oh well... I'm likely too excited to sleep anyway!

Isn't she lovely??

Weeks 37-38

Baby's now the size of a watermelon!
Your full-term (yay!) baby is gaining about 1/2 ounce a day and getting his first sticky poop (called meconium) ready. He's also brushing up on skills for the outside world: blinking, sucking, inhaling, exhaling, and gripping (it's getting strong!).

Only two more weeks (or plus two more, max) before your baby makes his or her appearance. And what an adorable appearance that will be! Your little one isn't so little anymore — weighing in at close to seven pounds and hitting the height charts at the 21-inch mark (or less).

As you prepare (best you can) for baby's ETA, he or she is also getting ready, big time. Vernix and lanugo continue to shed from your baby's body into the amniotic fluid. Your baby swallows that amniotic fluid (yum yum?) and some of it winds up in his or her intestines where it — along with other shed cells, bile, and other waste products (triple yum) — will turn into your baby's first bowel movement (meconium) and perhaps your first diaper change.

Your baby's lungs continue to mature as more and more surfactant is secreted (remember — it helps prevent the lungs from sticking to each other when your baby begins to breathe…definitely a good thing). At 38 weeks pregnant, all systems, almost go!

Holy moly!!! I'm carrying around a watermelon and it is damn obvious!!! Course we have 9 more days until little miss Molly's arrival! C-section is scheduled for May 26 (also my birthday) so as long as she stays breech which is likely due to her size... we will be meeting her very soon!!! YAY!

Week 36 - Almost to 37

Although I'm almost 37 weeks (full term --- EEK) I'm going to back up to Week 36! Tomorrow we have another ultrasound to determine whether or not Ms. Molly has turned her little booty around and is no longer breech. Last doctor appointment, he said she still was breech, but I have been working with my chiropractor trying to make conditions better for her to turn around. So we will see (fingers crossed). We also have our last Lamaze class tomorrow night. Could it be??? I think we are actually ready! (Or as ready as we can possibly be I suppose!) Thank goodness it is almost time. Momma is finally feeling uncomfortable and swollen... hey one month out of 9 (well 10) isn't too bad!!!

Your baby's skull isn't the only soft structure in his or her little body. Most of your baby's bones and cartilage are quite soft as well (they'll harden over the first few years of life) — allowing for an easier journey as your baby squeezes through the birth canal at delivery (and less prodding and poking for Mom along the way). At 36 weeks pregnant, the skull bones are also not fused together yet so that the head can easily (well, relatively easily) maneuver through the birth canal.

So your little bruiser (who you've now learned won't be bruising you all that much with those soft bones) is now about six pounds in weight and measures slightly more than 20 inches in length. Growth will experience a slowdown now, both so your baby will be able to fit the narrow passageway to the outside and also so he or she can store up all the energy needed for delivery.

By now, many of your baby's systems are pretty mature, at least in baby terms — and just about ready for life on the outside. Blood circulation, for instance, has been perfected and your baby's immune system has matured enough to protect him or her from infections outside the womb. Other systems, however, still need a few finishing touches. Once such notable example: digestion — which actually won't be fully mature until sometime after birth. Why's that? Inside his or her little gestational cocoon, your baby has relied on the umbilical cord for nutrition, meaning that the digestive system — though developed — hasn't been operational. So your baby will take the first year or two to bring that system up to speed.

Happy Mother's Day!

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

"Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking it's life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

"You will simply call her, 'Mom.'"

34 Weeks and even MORE Blessings!

Your baby could be as tall as 20 inches right now and about five pounds. Need a visual? Hold a five-pound bag of flour in your arms and imagine it's your soon-to-be-born baby (cradle it, and you'll only get strange looks in the baking aisle). Then stack three such bags one on top of the other (and get ready for some more strange looks, maybe from the same clerks who saw you grinning and holding that one-pound box of sugar a few weeks ago). That's how tall your baby is at 34 weeks pregnant. (Now go bake some oatmeal raisin cookies with all that flour!)
Your baby's fingernails now reach the end of the fingertips and may even curl over the tip, making a manicure one of the first things you'll need to do for your little bundle.

You are one hot mama -- literally. A 20 percent metabolic rate increase throughout pregnancy can leave you begging for a cool breeze no matter what the weather is like. Distract yourself with an exercise in blind identification. Try to distinguish between baby's feet, fists, knees, and elbows -- all doing some major pushing and nudging inside of you.

I'm not sure what parts are pushing me around in there - it seems to be ALL of them these days! I think little Miss has been kicking me in the ribs for sure, but my belly seems to be all her these days and sore all over! I experienced my first Braxton Hicks contractions today in the middle of the workday. (I think anyway...) It's pretty exciting though to think that these are gearing up for the real thing! 6 weeks give or take and she is going to be in our arms! Doesn't get much more exciting that that!

Lately we have been very busy getting ready for her debut! We had our first Childbirth Prep/Lamaze class this week! Only 3 more to go and we will be pros right? Call me ignorant, but women have been doing this since the beginning of time and I'm thinking we'll be okay. :) We have toured our amazing hospital. The mother/baby wing is brand new and gorgeous! I am stoked about all the medical technology and Bryon is super stoked about the flat panel, DVD and IPod docking station in labor and delivery!

This past weekend we had our final baby shower here in Chicago, hosted by Bryon's family: his mom, sister Teri, sister Suzi (remotely from CO) and sister-in-law Bernadette. They did an unbelievable job! It was AMAZING and so much fun! We had it at Teri's husband's bowling alley and we had nearly all of our friends and family members there with us to celebrate! It was SO fun! People visited, ate great food and cake, some had a blast bowling and of course we were blessed once again with people's ridiculous generosity! We are so taken back by this and so very grateful. I can't believe we pretty much have everything that I think we need for Molly's arrival!!! For all of our family and friends that have shown us so much love and support and are excited to meet our blessing, we can't thank you enough. You are amazing and are what life is all about! We love you so much!

More photos here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.10150222595882037.357234.505907036&l=c9213cecd0

Proud and Excited Grandmas

Wonderful Hostesses - Teri & Bernadette

Work pals

32 Weeks and Many Blessings

Ok...so I've been a little lazy with the blog the past couple of weeks, but there has been a lot going on! First, we had an ultrasound last week that showed little Miss Molly is healthy and big, but breech and uncooperative for photos. The photo below is her best shot! You can see her looking straight into the camera and her chubby cheek and eye. The ultrasound tech said she has a full head of hair as well. Let's hope it's red!!! I've already been doing exercises my chiropractor had suggested to help her turn her butt around...and I swear it has already worked as she does feel differently than before! I'm not worried... she still has time to turn, so we'll see what happens!

Last weekend we had SO much fun!!! We drove down to Iowa on Friday night and met my cousin, Carrie, who was in town from Colorado as well as her mom and dad and Grandma. It's so cool as she is due the day before me! We grew up together and thanks to Facebook, have been keeping tabs on each other during our pregnancies. It was so nice though to see her in person and visit! We are both so blessed. On Saturday morning, we headed out to Ann's farm for our Maternity Shoot. OMG! She is awesome! I cannot WAIT to see some of the photos! She did a great job no matter what, it'll just be interesting to see how much I love photos of me looking large and in charge! :) Saturday afternoon, we had our Friend's Shower in Iowa. What a turnout!! We had so much fun with both my friends and mom's friends! Aimee, Lori and Tif did an AMAZING job with the shower! Lori's new house was perfect for hosting, Aimee did a great job on the party favors and crafty decor and Tif did a wonderful job on the baking! The cupcakes were so yummy that I had two! Anyway, we were overwhelmed with the generosity of everyone! We had a ball with all of the goodies for Molly! I can't wait to put her in all the adorable outfits! Saturday night, my mom hosting Bryon's family (mom, sister Teri and niece Amber) down at her house for dinner, which was amazing! We had a great time visiting and showing the Crowleys a bit of Iowa, which of course is the BEST! :) Sunday, we had brunch at mom's again (AWESOME)and then headed out for Shower #2 - the Stewart family. What can I say - if you know me, you know I think my family is freaking fantastic - which they only proved again! Once again, we were overwhelmed with everyone's love and generosity! It's just great to see everyone! My sister, Amy and Aunt Cari did a wonderful job hosting! We can't thank them enough! My cousin Diana made the most amazing cake -- I took the leftovers to work and had so many people tell me how wonderful it was and asked either for the recipe and/or if Diana would deliver! :) We unloaded the truck Sunday night and realized that Molly is certainly one lucky little girl, not only is she extremely blessed with gifts, but definitely with A WHOLE LOT OF LOVE. There is no better feeling... And next weekend... no doubt IL will be showing their love and we will be overwhelmed again...

29 Weeks Pregnant

At 29 weeks pregnant, your baby is almost 17 inches tall now (nearly as tall as he or she will be at birth), and close to three pounds (a weight that will likely more than double — and may even come close to tripling — by delivery time). His or her wrinkled skin is smoothing out as more fat is deposited under the skin surface. This fat, called white fat, is different from the earlier brown fat that your developing fetus accumulated. Brown fat is necessary for body temperature regulation while white fat (the fat you have, Mom) actually serves as an energy source.

Which explains why your energizer baby feels so…well…energized! Space in your baby's living quarters is now at a premium, so you'll be feeling jabs and pokes from elbows and knees mostly. But those kicks will be more vigorous than before (and also less erratic) because your baby is stronger and excitedly responding to all sorts of stimuli — movement, sounds, light, and that candy bar you ate half an hour ago.

Luckily, your baby doesn't have teeth yet that would need a brushing after that sugary treat, but it won't be long before you'll need to buy that first baby toothbrush! You'll recall that your baby's baby-teeth buds formed weeks ago, but now the buds for permanent teeth are forming in his or her gums as well.

Miss Molly continues to grow like crazy! Momma is getting a little less agile that is for sure!! Bryon is so funny... always asking if I am feeling better (as he hears my grunts as I try to move around). I told him to ask me the beginning of June! I began prenatal water aerobics at the Wellness Center this week and that will hopefully help! It really helps being in the water and it's fun to chat with ladies that are also getting ready to have babies. A couple of them actually are pretty much our neighbors! It will be nice to know other young families in our neck of the woods.

We are terrible at keeping secrets!!!

We completed some finishing touches on the nursery tonight... and surprise surprise... we can't keep it a secret! There is obviously a big "reveal" with sharing these. :)

Way back when we decided we would keep the name of our little one a secret until she arrived, however, her daddy keeps almost spilling the beans since he calls her by her name and talks to her constantly. :) Back in January, we had it narrowed down to two names and I told Bryon he could pick. I'm so very glad he did, because now I can't imagine it being any different! It's so perfect!

28 weeks!!!

Your developing baby, who this week weighs in at about two and a half pounds and stands — or rather lies — at almost 16 inches (measured head to toe) has added blinking, coughing, and more intense sucking to his or her growing bag of tricks.
Are you dreaming about your baby? At 28 weeks pregnant, your baby may be dreaming about you, too. Brain wave activity measured in a developing fetus shows different sleep cycles, including the rapid eye movement phase, the stage when dreaming occurs.
By now, your baby, who weighs in at about two and a half pounds and stands — or rather lies — at almost 16 inches (measured head to toe) has added blinking to his or her growing bag of tricks. (Outside in the real world, blinking is necessary to help keep foreign objects out of the eyes.) Other impressive new talents being added to your baby's roster in the womb include coughing, more intense sucking, and, perhaps most important, better breathing. Of course, it's still best if a baby doesn't check out of that uterine hotel just yet — there's still a lot of growing and maturing to do over the next 12 weeks.

I can't believe how fast time has flown! 7 months!!! 3rd Trimester! It's becoming quite the reality that there is going to be a new Crowley very soon. And we can't wait! We've ordered some finishing touches for the nursery this week, so I will be impatiently be waiting for the deliveries next week; I registered for my prenatal water aerobics class, which starts next week and booked our mini-maternity shoot with Ann when we are back in the QC --- YAY!!! It feels good to be getting necessary things accomplished! I'm a nerd that way; I'd rather be overly-prepared than not!!!

XOXO

Sneak Peek!!

Drum roll please....

Although it isn't 100% quite yet, here are the first photos of Little Miss' gorgeous nursery! We've been working hard and I personally think it looks pretty darned cute! Thanks to my hubby, for doing such a great job painting and my brother-in-law and father-in-law for helping with the furniture and to my momma for helping me with some of the finishing touches. I love, love, love it! We are still waiting on a piece of furniture and also want to place her name above the crib --- we'll unveil those soon!

I'm so happy that we've made so much progress as I enter my third trimester this week! I CANNOT believe how fast time has flown! I had my glucose test today (please pray I pass!) for gestational diabetes and tomorrow I have to go to the hospital for my RhoGam shot since I have a RH negative blood type. Gosh - I haven't had a shot in years! Should I be this nervous?! :)

The doctor says she is measuring normal and her heart rate is perfect! I didn't put on much weight at all since my last appointment (ummm... I put on quite a bit last time!) but I am good there too. Three weeks until our next and last ultrasound! Then, back to the doc every two weeks after that until our little gal makes her debut!

27 Weeks!

Most babies this age, yours included, still like to snuggle in a slightly curled position inside the uterus (thus the term "fetal position"). Even so, beginning at this stage, your baby's length will be measured from top of head to toe — which makes your baby nearly a full 15 inches now. And at just over two pounds, he or she has doubled in weight from four weeks ago.

Your baby's auditory development (hearing) is progressing as the network of nerves to the ears matures. And even though the sounds your baby hears are muffled (thanks to the creamy coating of vernix covering those ears), he or she may recognize both yours and your partner's voices. So this might be a good time to read and even sing to your baby (or rather, your belly) — and a good chance to start boning up on those nursery rhymes and lullabies you'll need to be repeating (and repeating) pretty soon. And while you're at it, here's another way to have some family fun at 27 weeks pregnant: If your partner presses his ear to your belly, he might be able to hear the baby's heartbeat.


Your baby's taste buds are very developed now too (with more taste buds than he or she will ever have outside the womb, actually). Need a taste test? If you eat some spicy food (you hot mama, you), your baby will be able to taste the difference in the amniotic fluid (but keep in mind that you'll have different mealtimes, with your baby's coming about two hours after yours). Some babies will even respond to that spicy kick by hiccupping. And although hiccups (which feel like belly spasms to you) may seem like they're disturbing to your baby, he or she isn't stressed at all. It's just one more sensation that babies need to get used to.



Baby is definitely living large these days (as she should!) I've started the lovely art of waddling! WOO HOO! I really do not have much to complain about as everything has been wonderful during my pregnancy, but with my burgeoning belly my hips, back and feet are really starting to feel the effect! It's getting harder for me to exercise, so I am looking forward to starting prenatal water aerobics and being able to walk outside once the weather is nicer! I'm hoping that it will help the aches as of course I know it is only going to get worse!!! :)



My hubby has been awesome taking care of me and this week he has gone above and beyond working really hard on the nursery! Tonight he surprised me by finishing up the paint and assembling the crib and dresser! It looks GREAT! I can't wait to get all of the accents done. Hopefully I will have pictures to post by next week!! YAY!!!!

Until then...

XOXO T

26 Weeks Pregnant - OOPS a little late!

Your baby weighs almost 2 pounds, measures around 14 inches from head to heel, and hears noises, responds to light, and is generally more aware of its surroundings. In the same way that you can see a flashlight if you hold it against your palm, your baby can see the light coming through your belly. You may notice increased activity when in brighter light and decreased activity in darkened rooms. Its hearing is fully developed, and as he or she reacts to sounds, its pulse increases. Your baby may even move in rhythm to music!

Feel like you're carrying the Karate Kid with all the kicking going on? Your baby is actually practicing all kinds of movements that will eventually be used in life on the outside — including pedaling against your belly, a sort of prewalking skill. As your baby's nervous system becomes more developed, the movements will become much more coordinated. And as the baby gets bigger and stronger, the movements will become much more powerful…and occasionally, even painful to you. If your baby lands a good one, that tiny left hook might hurt — a lot. Another trick she may try — stretching that leg out so far that the foot becomes lodged between your ribs (ouch). Next time you come under attack, try changing positions or doing some stretches of your own. You can also gently push your baby back with your hand when your knee-jerker jerks a little too hard. You just might be able to send your slugger back into the corner of the ring!

We have been super busy these past few days and that combined with the fact that we lost our internet for awhile means my week 26 post is late! It's almost 27 already!!!

We got our home office moved upstairs to make room for the nursery. It took a bit of time rewiring and getting everything set up again, but it looks great and I love it as it is much more comfortable for me. We then washed down all the walls and got the chair rail hung and painted. Bryon is working on finishing up the painting this week. Then we will get all the furniture in and I'll get to start to decorate. YAY!

With the help of my wonderful sister-in-law and niece, I was able to finish up the registry on Sunday too! They were great and helped me so much! Luckily we got everything accomplished! Perfect timing as all the shower invites are going out this week. I can't wait - it will be so much fun!!


Everyone keeps asking how I have been feeling and honestly I feel great!! Of course I have your typical aches and pains that come along with carrying a load of the size of my belly, but I can't complain as I have had a fantastic pregnancy and am extremely blessed!

It's hard to believe in 3 months or less there will be another Crowley in this household! Time flies that is for sure!

XOXO

25 Weeks Pregnant and Back from Vacation

Baby is the size of an eggplant!!!!

And I decided to wear eggplant! What are the odds!!?

Your baby is growing by leaps and bounds, reaching nine inches in length and passing the pound and a half mark. Under her skin, capillaries are forming and filling with blood and by week's end, air sacs (also lined with capillaries) will develop in her lungs, getting them ready for that first breath. Mind you, those lungs aren't ready for prime time just yet — but they are developing surfactant, a substance that will help them expand after birth. And speaking of breathing, your baby's tiny nostrils, which have been plugged up until now, are starting to open, and his vocal chords are getting ready to roar.


Well baby girl finally decided to make her grand appearance! I know I was showing before, but NOW.... well now she is definitely on board for everyone to notice! It seemed to happen when we were in Mexico. I figure that she was so excited she was finally warm, that she didn't think it was necessary to be curled up in a ball anymore and decided to fully stretch out! Or maybe it was the daily breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts! Oh well - it's time!!! The doctor even confirmed it on Wednesday that it was certainly time for me to put on that weight! Weird to hear that! She has also decided that she likes to rock and roll all night and party every day! Any time I sit or lay still she throws a party in there! :)

Our vacation was AMAZING! We spent the first few days in Breckenridge with Bryon's two sisters, a brother-in-law, 3 nephews and his father! This year was different that I couldn't be up in the mountains skiing with him, but I kept occupied with visiting, shopping and of course some time at the spa! Plus, it was awesome to have some family time! However, it snowed EVERY single day while we were there and I was more than happy to head down the mountain last Wednesday and head to Puerto Vallarta.

Ahhhh... Puerto Vallarta.... it was so very nice to get warm finally!!! I wasn't sure how it was going to go since this would be not quite the adventuresome vacations we are used to, but it was fantastic!! We lounged by the pool, by the ocean, had so much yummy food, explored the city and the jungle, escaped to a beautiful nightime island getaway and got to explore another gorgeous island and witnessed some wonderful whale play! We also did quite a bit of shopping for Little Miss and I realized her Daddy is going to completely spoil her! He wanted to buy everything! She got the cutest dresses and hats!

Now we are back home and working on getting back into the swing of things. We have A LOT to do to prepare now for the baby and we need to get on it!

Rhythm of the Night Dinner & Show

Sunset View from our Room

My favorite dress we bought Little Miss

24 Weeks!!

Your baby weighs more than a pound and a half right now and sports a crown-to-rump length of about eight and a half inches (standard letter size!). At this point in fetal development, that beautiful face (though still tiny) is almost fully formed.

Wondering what (and who) your baby will look like? If you had a baby cam at 24 weeks pregnant, you'd almost be able to tell by now. That beautiful face (though still tiny) is almost fully formed. What's still missing from the picture is the fat that will be piled on under baby's skin. Until those fat deposits are made, that very tender skin is still very transparent, which means a close look would let you see clear through to all the organs, bones, and blood vessels. Fortunately, that see-through look won't last much longer. Babies at this stage of fetal development are gaining about six ounces each week — with much of that gain coming from fat, in addition to growing organs, bones, and muscle.

What's been playing on your little rocker's stereo system these days? All kinds of sounds can be heard by your baby in your womb: from air exhaling from your lungs (deep breath now), those gastric gurgles produced by your stomach and intestines, your voice and your partner's (which your baby will be able to recognize at birth), and even very loud sounds such as honking horns, barking dogs, or a wailing fire truck."

Where have the past 6 months gone?! I can't believe we are this far along already!! And hey - it's great to be celebrating the beginning of month 6 in beautiful Puerto Vallarta!! We've been having a great and relaxing time. This is definately a different kind of vacation, but fantastic none the less. We need to enjoy every last second of our babymoon!

Week 23

Your little doll-sized babe is about to chub up a bit. Her saggy skin will start to fit her frame as fat deposits fill things out. Beginning this week, she'll start to pack on the pounds (which means you will too!) and by month's end she'll be double the weight he is now (though you won't be — whew!). Right now, your baby's organs and bones are visible through her skin, which has a red hue due to developing veins and arteries beneath. But once those fat deposits settle in, she'll become less transparent.

Week 23 is almost over actually, but due to preparing and being on vacation, I have slacked off on my weekly reports! All is well out in Breckenridge. The skiers have been having a good time and us others have been having a good time relaxing and shopping, etc. I could really do without the snow by now as it hasn't stopped snowing since we got here on Friday. I am so ready for sun and sand!!!

Baby is doing well, although, she is growing like a weed and putting new pressure (pain) on my belly, hips, joints, etc. It's a strange phenomenon to go from feeling physically fit to feeling like I am 80 trying to walk around or doing something simple like sit up and get out of bed! I know, I know... it is only going to get worse!!! It's good though to see that she is growing like she should be and it is about time after all. I will be 24 weeks (6 mos.) in 2 days so she is right on track!!! Momma just needs to get used to the additional pounds!!

Week 24 will hopefully be reported from the beach (depending on WiFi coverage in Mexico)!

Lots of love,

Bryon & Trish

22 Weeks Pregnant

Real estate within your belly is getting tight, with growing baby leaving little room for your lungs to...well...breathe. Expect the huffing and puffing to start soon. There's not much room for your belly button, either -- it'll pop out any day now.

Baby's now the size of a papaya!
Baby's settling into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.

MAN! Time is flying! I can't even believe it! And it seems like she is growing like a WEED! It used to be that on a given day I could either look pregnant or not. Not anymore!!!! Hello Belly - it is here to stay!! Plus, it used to be that I would think "Hmmm...I think she just moved". Now it is "Boy, she is moving all over the place!" This week we had a milestone in that Bryon actually felt her move too! I couldn't sleep because of her acrobatics and he put his hand on my belly and said "OMG! That was weird!" LOL!! I told him wait until she elbows you! That will be here before we know it! Below is the picture from 22 weeks. Compared to 20 weeks, it looks like I swallowed another papaya whole! But obviously she is growing and she is perfect and that is all that matters!!!

We are looking forward to the tail end of next week when we will be heading off on our "Babymoon". We head to Colorado for a few days to hang out in Breckenridge with the Crowley Clan. Bryon will of course be skiing daily and I will be ummm... I'm not sure yet! Hopefully, hitting the spa!!! Our condo has its own hot tub for just us, so I will be able to turn down the temperature hopefully so I can enjoy it and have it still be safe for little Miss. After CO, we are heading straight to Puerto Vallarta for 6 days! WEEEEE! I can't WAIT to be warm! I haven't yet hit the part of the pregnancy yet where I am hot all the time, so I have pretty much been freezing since November!! Although, I know I am not looking forward to donning a bathing suit - no one knows me right?! Who cares?! I want to lounge and swim and read on my new Kindle! Can't WAIT!!!! When we get back we will be getting busy on the baby nursery and all of the preparation, so it will be nice to relax and take a deep breath before the chaos begins. And obviously once she is here it will never end! We can't wait for all of it!!!!!!!

XOXO
B&T

21 Weeks Pregnant

How big is your baby? About the size of a large banana — and speaking of bananas, if you eat one this week, there's a good chance your baby will get a taste, too. That's because he swallows a bit of amniotic fluid each day (for nutrition, hydration, and to practice digesting), so he eats whatever's on your menu — and gets to put those developing taste buds to good use. So go ahead and nosh on those nachos (or crunch those crudités): Your baby may develop a taste for them when he’s older.

Last week baby was as big as a cantaloupe but now she's as big as a bananna. It seems like a cantaloupe is bigger, but all right then!!

If baby will be craving what I eat, then she will be wanting Mexican Food all the time! And some ice cream too!

PS - What is in the water?!

Is it just me and my "state" these days or is everyone in Hollywood knocked up?!

Natalie Portman
Pink
Mariah Carey
Kate Hudson
Victoria Beckham
Alicia Silverstone
Selma Blair
Jewel
Jane Krakowski
Jennifer Connelly
Christina Applegate
Penelope Cruz

I'm sure there are dozens more - it seems like a new one every day!!!

20 week photos

Baby Girl Crowley got her picture taken numerous times last week. Mostly showing all of her organs in tip top shape, but here are a couple of the cutest ones that you can obviously tell she's a little cutie already! She likes to suck her thumb and Bryon says she has my little button nose.

Starting our new adventure...

So when we started this blog back in 2008, we were in getting ready to go on our wedding trip to Ireland and had loads to share with friends and family. Since then we have settled into normal life and have figured that I just haven't had much news to share via blog. Until now. I have heard numerous requests to restart the blog again with our new adventure we are embarking on. So here it is:

As all of you know we are expecting and we are halfway there at 20 1/2 weeks. We just found out on Friday that we are expecting a little girl Crowley! This was indeed a shock to us as most generally everyone had been expecting our arrival to be male! I thought this too, until about 3 weeks ago when I started dreaming about telling my mother that she was going to have a granddaughter. I still had no idea what to expect at our 20 week ultrasound. However, just like a Crowley (hee hee) little Miss Thang was uncooperative and although we were able to determine that she was healthy as can be, we were not able to determine the sex. This happens like 1 in 100 times and of course would happen to us! However, thankfully our wonderful ultrasound technician (gosh I wish this woman would be delivering our child), Kathy, was kind enough to let us go grab some lunch and come back to try again. Within 30 seconds of us coming in the second time she knew the answer. Then she said "Are you ready?" We shook our heads ever so impatiently and she said "It's a GIRL!" I immediately turned to Bryon and said "Are you okay? I feel bad." What the heck?! Of course he is thrilled with our news, but I still know that deep down he was hoping for blue. Next time around! :)

Telling our parents was amazing! Both of our mothers were very emotional and it was so sweet! You see, everyone has been waiting for this baby for a long time, so no matter the sex everyone is going to be thrilled. However, in both of our families, there are several boys and only one girl on each side. So, I do think pink is pretty darned exciting for both sides! I know both Grandmas and two Aunties were shopping on day #1! HA HA! We were impatient too and went shopping on Saturday and ordered Baby Girl's nursery furniture and already have plans for her nursery. I guess you could say we are excited (not to mention impatient!)


Here's the scoop on Baby Girl:



Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies respond best to tastes they've already had via amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you'd like your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch.

Makes sense there is a cantaloupe in there!!!