Baby Kicks

I have to start off by saying that pregnancy is so much more than I could have imagined. So often, we are too busy to listen to our bodies and often work against ourselves. Being pregnant, I have learned to listen to my body's cues and not to underestimate how good you can feel by just taking better care of yourself. Not that I eat super healthy ALL the time... if my body is craving double dark chocolate gelato, I know exactly where to find the ice cream scoop. :)

Another aspect of pregnancy that I am loving are feeling my little baby's kicks! It seemed like it was going to be forever before I would be able to feel them and then, almost overnight, they are happening all the time! They are a sweet reminder that our little Felix is growing bigger and stronger with each day. 

Something really special that happened yesterday is that Shawn was able to feel the baby kick for the first time. We were laying down to go to bed (a time when the baby usually gets active) and the kicks were pretty strong. I wasn't sure if Shawn would be able to feel, but I had him put his hand on my belly to see if he could get in on the action. It was so perfect. Just then, Felix gave a big kick right in the middle of Shawn's hand! A few seconds later, there came another. It's as if he was saying, "Hi, dad!". The moment was perfect and I am so glad that Shawn can start connecting with the baby in this way. 

We are less than 4 months from our due date and have lots to do! We have cleared out the room that is going to be the nursery and we are hoping to have the nursery done by the end of June. With our busy schedules, that actually doesn't leave too much free time to get it all done but I'm sure we'll make it happen - we always do :)  

Another exciting event we have planned for June is our "Babymoon"! For those of you who are not familiar with the term, Babymoon is like a honeymoon but its a couple's last getaway before the baby arrives. We have booked a weekend in Savannah and can't wait to take in the gorgeous sites and amazing food. We have our next ultrasound appointment the Friday morning of our trip. I can't think of a better way to kick off our Babymoon than seeing our little baby. :)

Thank you all for your love and support! I don't know what we would do without you!

Love,

Stefanie

Happy Mother's Day!

First, I'd like to start off by wishing all the amazing moms out there a Happy Mother's Day! Your unconditional love, endless compassion and tireless efforts are not recognized enough. I am thrilled to soon join such an outstanding group of women.

Although I have not yet earned the title of "Mom", this Mother's Day brought many sincere messages from friends and family. The first of such messages came Thursday evening after arriving home from a 5 hour road trip. Looking through the mail, I saw a card from my aunt Isabel whom I affectionately call "Titi Chavolo" (I love being Puerto Rican!). As I pulled the card out of the envelope, knowing exactly what occasion it marked, I started to cry. Happy tears filled my eyes as I realized that Mother's Day had taken on a new and very special meaning.

I recalled Mother's Days from my childhood. Richard and I had a very special tradition of making breakfast in bed for my mom each year. It likely started with a bowl of cereal and orange juice, then graduated to eggs, pancakes and coffee when we were old enough to manage in the kitchen. We would decorate a tv tray with a single flower and our best plate setting. Each year we were so proud to present our feast to our wonderful mommy. Imaging myself being on the receiving end of such love and admiration from my own child one day is more than my pregnancy hormones can handle right now! For now, I remain focused on providing this little miracle with all of the nutrition and safe-keeping it needs.

The pictures above are a glimpse into how I spent this Mother's Day. Shawn presented me with a gorgeous bouquet of red roses and the most perfect card to mark the occasion. He marked the envelope simply "Mommy Sheehan". This was the second card that had me crying before I read a single word! He also took me out to dinner. I decided to keep things low key and indulgent by going to Smokejack, an amazing barbecue restaurant on our downtown square. It was a wonderful day.

I wish you all a Happy Mother's Day today and every day!

Yours truly,
Stefanie

Cutest Fetus I've Ever Seen!

Hello friends and family!

Time is FLYING! We are officially 20 weeks into our pregnancy which means we are halfway there! Now that we are just 4 1/2 months from meeting our little baby, things are starting become very real...

Our 20 week ultrasound revealed a little person that has developed so much in the last 8 weeks. At our last ultrasound, Felix had a tiny little body with only small nubs for arms and legs. This ultrasound his arms and legs are in perfect proportion with this body. If you look at the second photo his foot is all the way up by by his face! Speaking of face, is that first picture just the cutest you've ever seen?! I could pinch those cheeks already! I am so in love :)

Another thing that is becoming that is becoming real is my baby bump. It has virtually appeared overnight! I think in the last 4 days the bump went from being somewhat identifiable to completely undeniable! Not that I'm complaining - a growing baby bump means a growing baby. All I care about right now is making sure baby Felix (or Felicity) is getting everything he/she needs to be healthy and strong.

Stats for our growing baby are very impressive. The ultrasound showed that Felix is weighing 13 oz and is 10 inches long! I think Shawn's genes are at work on that one... By fruit standards, our bundle of joy is the size of a small cantaloupe. No wonder my baby bump is showing!

All in all, things are progressing well and we couldn't ask for anything more. Being pregnant has brought out a new side to mine and Shawn's relationship that has allowed me fall in love with him all over again. I feel like the luckiest woman to be blessed with such love.

Alright, enough sappy talk! ;) I already almost cried once today (for no reason at all!). I think I deserve a brownie...

Love you all so much!
Stefanie