Reagan's First Christmas!

Well, Christmas certainly came and went. Boy, does it fly by each year! This year was a little hectic with too much last minute shopping/driving around...something I can't stand. So, we were all pooped by the end of the week and glad it's time to move on. Bring on 2009!

Reagan is getting to be more and more personable, so I know this is really going to be a fun year of growing and changing and really getting into her personality. It was almost this time last year when I found out that I was expecting, and what a whirlwind it has been!

We had a pretty busy Christmas - Christmas Eve was spent with Granbonnie, Pops, Uncle Todd, Mana and Grandaddy. (I guess we have to start calling him Great Grandaddy, too. Yikes!) We ate dinner at Red Lobster and headed to M and G's house for dessert, stockings and presents. Back at Mom and Dad's we read the Christmas Story from Luke 2, lit our candles and scratched our lotto tickets. I think Mom won $5. Ha!

Christmas morning we woke up, ate the usual John Wayne Casserole and opened presents. Around 11:00 we headed down 95 to Mark and Jerri's house. We were there most of the day, but decided to head home since Reagan woke up with a gross little cold. At home that night, our little family opened our presents to one another. Hey, Reagan didn't know it was Christmas night.

Friday, some good friends, the Perkins, were in town and came over for dinner. Saturday we drove with Mom and Dad to Giles for the Myers family Christmas. We came back that evening...Reagan and Winnie were troopers in the car and it was great for ALL of the family to finally meet her.

Here it's New Year's Eve already and we have NO plans. We did that on purpose. Will I even make it to midnight?

I'll try and post tomorrow to kick off the new year.

November and early December

Well, Miss Reagan celebrated her first Thanksgiving this year at her Granbonnie and Pops' house. She reached two big mile stones in a baby's life while on her visit there: her first sink bath and her first laugh.

Today she is three months old - My, how the time has flown by! She celebrated by sleeping through the night again. This time she lasted from 9:00 p.m. to 7:15 a.m. Is this something that we can count on? Let's hope so.

Since she doesn't have a 3 month doctor visit, I'm going to guess at how much she weighs....I'd say 13 1/2 lbs. Maybe I'll get Devin to stand with her on the scale later on tonight.

Reagan also attended her first Miss Va local pageant this weekend. Miss Greater Richmond will go down in the baby book as her first pageant experience. She didn't last all night unfortunately. Talents and clapping are a little scary when you're 3 months old. It was so sad.

Rainy Day Blues

Why is it that when I stopped getting a pay check the economy began to tumble? Things were ok up until then. Maybe I just notice this more because of Devin's chosen line of work and because I no longer help out financially. October and November have been rough. Not to mention we had to shell out mucho pesos for a new transmission in Devin's car. I guess when it rains it pours. Hmm...pouring...that's something it is doing now both literally and figuratively. I have a case of the blues this afternoon. It is a chilly, rainy, blustery fall day - something I love. It would be great to curl up in a blanket with a good book, but Miss R won't really let me do that yet. At least not for any long period of time. But these economic blues are keeping me from enjoying this fall weather anyway. Instead, I have been making many a to do and check list. Mr. Obama, when are you going to fix the economy? Ed McMahon, when will you show up at my doorstep with my million dollar check? HCPS, when will you send me a pay check even though I don't work for you anymore?

Probably contributing to my blues, Reagan had her two month shots on Monday. That was a painful experience for both of us. She survived, but it was not a nice visit with Dr. I. That's after her first snotty nose cold of her life last week. She has been a little fussy and sleepy today - and rightfully so. Can you blame the girl? She's had a rough week.

I should make some soup or something...too bad I need to go to the grocery store. This being a grown up business is hard. Very hard.

8 Weeks Old Today!

For some reason this picture of Reagan didn't rotate...still cute though.

Busy Weekend

We had a busy weekend:

Friday - Reagan's first Halloween (and a trip to Granbonnie and Pops' house)

Saturday - Baby shower for Melly in NoVa and driving back to Richmond

Sunday - Reagan's blessing at church

Monday - Chilling and relaxing. How is Reagan 8 weeks old already?!

We had lots of fun with friends and family yesterday who attended Reagan's blessing and lunch at our house afterward. Doesn't she look super cute in her white dress?

I guess the holiday season is upon us and Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here before we know it. My mom gave Reagan a cute little Thanksgiving outfit, that we can't wait to debut.

*Reagan's friend and future husband, Caleb, was also blessed on Sunday. Don't they make a cute couple?

Reagan's First Holiday

We celebrated Halloween and the fall season with a trip to the Ashland Berry Farm the week before Halloween. How can you resist dressing your lil punkin' up and taking her to the pumpkin patch? I am hoping that this is a new tradition we've started. Forget Paris in the springtime, I love Virginia in the fall!

And some more...

Some pictures...

Here is a hodge-podge of pictures. I realized that there really aren't any pictures of me and Devin on here. We are still married. So, here are some classics as well as some newbies.

Some thoughts...

So I was looking at some other blogs and I am way behind the 8-ball. Many people write on their blogs several times in a month - I, on the other hand, can only seem to write once a month. Maybe now that I am home full time, I will be able to write a little more. I need to keep others updated on our lives and document Reagan's changes.

We are surviving life as the new little Garofalo family. Winnie is getting used to being the big sister dog, but has been sending herself to bed at night when she's just had enough. Sometimes I wish I could do that...well, a lot of the time. Of all of the changes that come with a new baby, I think the lack of sleep is the hardest. We've been trying to get on a schedule a la Becoming Baby Wise. I guess Reagan is still too little to go the whole night without getting up to eat, so we'll see what the coming weeks bring.

At her one month appointment, Reagan wighed 8 lbs. 15 oz. Devin and I both think she is getting bigger, so I predict a 10 lb. + weigh in the beginning of November. Care to place your bet?

My sister got married last weekend and it was great to see some friends and family that we don't get to see very often. The weather was beautiful - October is such a great month to get married! Dee-Dee and Michael came back into town tonight from their honeymoon and will rise early tomorrow to start their trek to Mesa. Maybe once Reagan gets to be a little older we'll be able to fly into town for a visit.

A funny story that came out of her wedding day happened at her reception. Todd and I were talking to our cousin's husband and he casually mentioned that Paul Stanley from Kiss was in the art gallery downstairs at the Galleria. Todd and I booked it, and sure enough, there was Paul selling his art. We didn't get to talk to him or buy any art (I didn't have a spare $15,000 with me), but it was pretty stinkin' cool to see him so up close and personal.

Reagan was a trooper during a long 2 days for a 5 week old. I'm sure her arm pits are a little tender from everyone passing her around during the festivities.

So, Devin and I were talking that we need to be sure to have a date night now that our totally alone time is a dim memory. Let me know if you can think of any fun ideas.

Here she is...

...Our new little miss. Reagan Lee Garofalo was born on Monday, September 8th at 7:20 pm. She weighed 7 lbs. 6 1/2 oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long. We came home on September 11th and I'm starting to get into the swing of things...thanks to lots of help from Reagan's daddy and Granbonnie.

I had a C-section after an hour and a half of pushing - she was stuck. Everything ended up ok and she came out screaming. After two weeks of no driving and limited trips up and down the stairs, I'm feeling just fine. Winnie is adjusting well, too! I can't believe how great Devin has been through all of this. He wasn't the least bit squeemish during a long delivery day and has been lots of help since Reagan's arrival.

Tick Tock Tick Tock...

I don't have a picture to accompany this post, but maybe I'll add one before the end of the weekend.
So...my one friend was due on the 13th and had her baby on August 28th. My cousin was supposed to be induced on Monday, like me, and had her baby on the 3rd of September. I, however, still wait. I guess I can't complain since I do get to go eight days ahead of schedule. For the past week I have been anxious to get the show on the road and nothing. Hey, it happened naturally for them, so why not me, too? Today I went to pre-register at the hospital and the nurse informed me that they were full - no beds at all! Anytime there is a drop in barometric pressure (i.e. Hurricane Hanna) ladies go into labor left and right. She also told me that my doctor was going to go out of town this weekend for the first time in a long time. I hope this isn't the kiss of death for me. Any other day this week would have been fine. Now I'll be rushed to the hospital in driving rain and they won't have a bed for me and my doctor won't be there. Let's hope not! No contraction yet...
I'll admit, I am nervous. I've never done this before. And if you know me very well at all you know that I fear change. Anytime a big change has occurred I've fretted about it ahead of time, but once the actual day came, I have been alright. That's what I'm expecting for Monday. Life is definitely about to change.
Stay tuned...

Lady in Waiting...

I am being induced on September 8th if this baby doesn't decide to come sooner. That will be a day before my 39th week, so not too early. I have been retaining water like a champ, so the doctor is going to give me some relief...God bless her.

It is, however, sinking in that Devin and I are going to be parents in almost a week. Holy cow! I don't know how ready anyone is for their first baby, so I guess we're as ready as we'll ever be.

Of course, we'll keep you posted on the happenings in the Garofalo home. Keep your fingers crossed that things go well for us.

Here's a sonogram I had at 35 weeks. They said she is measuring a little big - another reason for my Sept. 8th delivery.

Enjoy! And check out those cheeks!

The Dog Daze of Summer!

Could it be any hotter in Virginia in the summer?! (especially when you're 8 months pregnant!) I've been a fan of summer over the years, but never the heat. I especially LOATHE the heat this year. I'm counting down the days 'til September when I can have this baby. (34 weeks tomorrow) Give me three cheers for early babies! I know...I know, there's a little ways to go. Maybe we're not totally "ready" (then again, who is?) for a baby, but I think we're both ready for this pregnancy to be over. Devin is probably sick and tired of hearing me complain. I really am trying to be good about it. Sigh...

I had two showers and threw one for my sister this past weekend. (Still wondering what I'm going to wear to her wedding.) Here are a few pictures. (No, Robin and I did NOT wear the same shirt on purpose. It is a popular one for pregnant ladies this year.) Do you think I'll ever be able to wear a belt again? Or get rid of my ever expanding chins and arm fat? I'm excited to note that my gym (which I promise I'll start going to...really) offers a hip hop cardio class. Now that could be fun.

Stay tuned for the next entry. I will try to sound more positive in that one.

Here's What's Happening in MY Neck of the Woods...

(I hope you recognized that title from the Today Show)

Here it is June 24th...and I am unemployed! Can you believe it?! Friday the 13th was my last day with students and I went in last week to tie up loose ends. This is my first full week of total and complete domestic bliss. Well, sort of.

Some of the other English teachers threw me my first baby shower on June 10th. It was really nice and we had some great food and got some pretty awesome gifts. They bought an ice cream cake...oh so clever! It came in handy since it was 103 degrees that day. No lie! I will include a picture of the cake, but not of me. If you remember Pee Wee's Big Adventure I'm tending to resemble Large Marge lately! I know we're our own worst critic, but please...I'm HUGE! What in the world will late August and early September bring?! Tall women are lucky when it comes to the whole pregnancy/body image with baby thing.

All in all, I'm feeling really good. I can't complain at all. The last time I went to the doctor (3 weeks ago) everything looked great. I measured just where I should be and the baby's heart rate and my blood pressure were perfect. I have had some swollen feet, but only a hand full of times. I am in my third trimester now, so I guess we've reached the home stretch. After my next visit, I start dropping in every two weeks. The second trimester is WAY faster than the first.

Today I put the changing table and bouncy seat together. No idle hands around here! The swing made it out of the box, but not anywhere near put in once piece. Maybe I'll save that pleasure for Devin. (The bouncy seat and swing were both gifts from my school shower. Pretty awesome, huh?)

Other June tidbits:

~My sister got engaged on the 1st. She is planning an October 11th wedding.

~My cousin graduated from high school and we made the trip to Giles County to attend the ceremony and cook out.

~We celebrated Father's Day in Vienna with Dad and Grandaddy

~Mom had a birthday on the 20th which we celebrated on Father's Day

~The end of this week I will make my 26th (yes, you do the math) trip to Roanoke for the Miss Virginia Pageant. What a great summer tradition!

Stay tuned for more summer fun!

I hope you like the lovely picture Devin took of my belly while I was watching t.v. the other day. The sad part is, I'm not sure I knew you could see my stomach. Not to worry, I don't walk around showing off my mid section. Never have, never will. This is probably the only time any of you will ever really see it. (Unless I have a bikini body next summer that is! ;) )

It's a Girl Thing!

I might as well start our daughter off right. Every girl needs cute shoes. And when they are so darn cheap, how can I resist? Here are two pairs that I picked up last weekend.

Also...I'm planning ahead. Summer things are out there, so next summer clothing is on my mind.

I'm home today with a gross cold, so here is how I'm spending my time between loads of laundry.

P.S. We bought a crib this week. I guess it is really real.

We're Having a Girl!

We are having a girl! I thought FOR SURE there was a little boy in there. How funny that the day I find out about our girl, I see this ADORABLE Target ad. I hope Winnie is ready for her close up. By the way, we have no idea what her name will be. This may take a while...

Pictures of Our Little Lady!

Here are a few of the ultrasound pictures we got yesterday. Of the three appointments, these are the worst set of pictures we've gotten. Oh well...they saw what they needed to see, right?! One is a semi-profile (she wouldn't sit still and cooperate), the other is her foot and the third is of her "lady parts." I'll just take the doctor's word that those are indeed lady parts...

She (the baby) may not be happy that her mother posted them online.

P.S. Either I am getting wider or shorter with this pregnancy. Sorry, just walked past a full-length mirror.

Gettin' Round

After much demand....here is a picture of me and, more importantly, my belly. Unfortunately, Devin was sitting down taking these pictures, so I may not be AS big as I appear. Right? This is me at about 18 1/2 weeks. I feel like I suddenly popped out around week 15 or so. We'll have to take some more shots soon. I haven't gained as much weight as I thought I would at this point, so I guess that's a good thing. I'm sure my next doctor visit will tell me something different.

I go back on May 5th and find out whether we're having a boy or a girl. The wait is driving me CRAZY!!!

Stay tuned...

Too Early to be a Thumb Sucker?

The ultra sound tech said it was too early for a baby to suck his/her thumb. Then she said, "But it sure looks like its trying." You tell me.

Enjoy the pictures...Sorry they are kind of crooked.