Prenatal Testing

On August 12 at 2:30 Mike and I had our visit at Tennessee Maternal Fetal Medicine for our first round of prenatal testing.  During the visit, we had an ultrasound which measured different aspects of Lil' Shaffa to make sure that development was within the appropriate range.  To our surprise, the ultrasound lasted about thirty minutes.  It was great to be able to watch and visit with our baby for that long. 

Lil' Shaffa, it seemed as if you were quite cozy and keeping yourself completely occupied which made us very happy.  You flipped and flopped all over, you were opening and closing your hands, which we like to believe you were waving to us, and you were bouncing all around.  At the end of the ultrasound we believe you may have even been sucking your thumb.  The ultrasound tech said that you didn't have the ability to suck your thumb yet, but your dad and I are convinced that you are simply an overachiever. I just want you to know how excited and proud your dad was while we were watching you.  We heard your heartbeat and called your Nona so she could listen.  Your cousin Chloe was there and was also able to listen.  This made them both very happy!  After the phone call, your dad took two or three videos documenting your movements.  We can't wait to show you this some day.

We love you and are looking forward to our next visit with you on September 24, 2010. 

The Black Keys

On August 12, 2010 Lil' Shaffa attended "his/her" first show.  The Black Keys played at the Ryman Auditorium with The Morning Benders opening the show. 

Mike and I were so excited that Lil' Shaffa's first show was going to be such a memorable experience.  We feel so privileged to live in Nashville with such great opportunities to hear good music at good venues.  Music has always been an important part of our lives before we met and also as a couple.  We feel that it is important to pass along our appreciation for music to our little one.  It was a family affair.  Brennie and Grandbob drove to Nashville to attend the show with us which made it all the more special.  We have seen The Black Keys three times and every time with Brennie and Grandbob. 

There were 160 limited edition show posters and Mike was so excited about getting one of these numbered posters for Lil' Shaffa.  Unfortunately we arrived to the Ryman a little late and were at the back of the line to purchase the poster.  Mike gave me the money and I went to the front of the line and explained to this nice couple that we were trying to fetch a poster to commemorate our baby's first show.  They were delighted to help us out and purchased poster number 34 for us.  Hooray!  We did it!  Now we have a token to always remember Lil' Shaffa's first show.  The show was great and we had a wonderful time.

Belly Rubs

This weekend was filled with seeing some of our closest friends.  By now, all of our friends and family have heard the good news of our pregnancy, but we have yet to actually see a lot of these people in person.  So, on Saturday we began our journey to Bowling Green to visit our dear friends Charles and Rondell.  We told them the news several weeks ago, but this was the first time to see them since the announcement.  As soon as we met, both boys hugged us and rubbed my belly.  Now, I was warned about how people completely disregard personal space when it comes to a pregnant belly and I had my first experience with this over the weekend.  I may get tired of it by month nine, but I must say that I felt on top of the world and was proud to show off my little baby bump. It truly reminded me of rubbing a "Jeannie Bottle" with Lil' Shaffa having the power to grant wishes. By the way, the Boogas (Charles and Rondell) are already scheming on how they are going to spoil Lil' Shaffa.

We spent our evening in Louisville with our friends Shannon and Charles.  They just moved into a new house, so it was great to see their new space and visit with them and their wonderful little girl, Renee.  Charles and Shannon told Renee that I had a baby in my belly so she immediately came up to me and started poking me in the belly.  It was so cute and refreshing to see how a child reacts to pregnancy.  We had a great visit, went out for pizza and took a walk around the Highlands after dinner with the three of them.  It made for a late night return to Nashville, but was well worth it.  We can't wait to see them again. 

This morning I met my friend Weslea and her little girl Lyla Q., Weslea's sister, mom, aunt and cousin for breakfast at Monell's.  Let me just say that Monell's is the perfect place for a wonderful pregnancy country breakfast.  I was in heaven surrounded by great food and great company.  When I arrived, everyone congratulated me and Weslea of course, rubbed my belly.  I think she's even been known to rub my belly in the past, but only after I had eaten too much, so this time was much more special.

Lil' Shaffa, you are already so loved by so many people.  All of our great friends are so excited to meet you.  It is definitely going to be hard to wait six more months for you. I'm soaking this up because it has to be one of the best feelings I've ever felt.

I'm so thankful that Mike and I have such wonderfully supportive friends. We truly feel the love. Thank you!

July 26th,2010- Week Ten

On Monday, I had my second visit to see Dr. Reynolds.  It was a pretty rough day with blood work and examinations and to say the least, I was happy when that appointment ended.  Brennie and Grandbob were in town for the Paul McCartney concert, so luckily, my mom was able to go with me to the appointment.  Even though the appointment was rough, it all ended with a great surprise. 

Dr. Reynolds brought out her fetal monitor and said that it was time for "dessert".  At the end of the exam, she rewarded us with the sound of our Lil' Shaffa's heartbeat. My mom and I started crying and actually, Brennie held it together less than I did.  We called Mike (Daddy) and let him listen and then Grandbob got a listen.  So, everyone heard the most precious sound of Lil' Shaffa's heartbeat.

We have another appointment in four weeks and we can't wait to call Mike's parents, Nona and Pap Pap so they can have a listen.  Perhaps we will record it and upload it to the blog...

Namaste

I look forward mostly to Sundays.  Every Sunday evening at 6:30 I attend my prenatal yoga class.  I love the class for many reasons. 

At the beginning of every class all of the "Moms to be" discuss their concerns or challenges from the previous week and our instructor tailors the class according to our specific needs. 

I'm emersed in class with other women going through this same experience which is so fulfilling.  Each woman in the class is at a different stage in their pregnancy which is so refreshing because I get advice from those who have "been there" and sympathy from those that are "going through it" like I am. 

Lil' Shaffa, I want you to know that we set our intentions for class at the beginning of every practice.  My intention for class is that I will do everything in my power to ensure that you are healthy and will always be surrounded by all the love you need and deserve. 

I've been taking yoga classes for years, but for the first time I now feel as if every practice has a real purpose. 

MY TOP THREE PRENATAL POSES

                                        3). CAT-COW STRETCH

                                        2). PIGEON POSE

                                        1). HAPPY BABY POSE

Going Once, Going Twice....

OK- So I haven't been around very many women that are pregnant, but my very dear friend who was recently pregnant, related to me the crazy remarks people made to her throughout her pregnancy.  I never realized how sensitive pregnant women can be... until NOW!

Those who know me, know that I often have trouble using my "filter" when I speak (although I've gotten better over the years). Therefore, I've decided not to take things too personally, however I thought it would be a good idea to document the crazy comments said to me throughout this experience.

I'm sure it will make for a good laugh at some point...

We are already off to a good start!

So, the first few crazy and insensitive things were said by co-workers just minutes after I announced the good news. 

1) "Well, how far along are you, because my sister just had a miscarriage last month..."

2) "Hey, I have a good idea, You should auction off it's middle name!" 

    Don't worry Lil' Shaffa, your name will be chosen with much love, thought, and consideration by me and your Daddy.

Our First Visit to the Doctor

On July 8, 2010 at 2:30pm we went to Baptist Hospital for our first ultrasound appointment.  I was completely overwhelmed by the experience.  We saw the heartbeat of Lil' Shaffa at 165 times per minute.  I immediately started crying and Mike stood beside me squeezing my hand as we watched in amazement.  We looked at each other and both began laughing hysterically.  It was the most incredible experience.  I can't believe that this is finally happening.  We've talked about it for so long and now it is our reality. 

At 3:10 we had our appointment with Dr. Reynolds and had to wait forever to see her.  She eventually came in and talked with us for a long time.  We got a pregnancy planner and several goodies including prescription strength prenatal vitamins.  All the vitamins I need rolled into one!  We had a long list of questions for Dr. Reynolds and she rattled off the answers like a pro.  I have a feeling she may be used to "first time" parents.  Her answers were more than satisfactory to us and we felt extremely positive about the experience we were embarking on with her.

We are proud to show off the first of many many photos of our little bambino, Lil' Shaffa.