Pink Pink Pink

Now that we know we are having a little girl, we have started to plan for everything that is girlish and pink, including her name. We've decided to keep the nursery wall color as is (a light yellow) and search for nursery bedding that is pink. This search started the day we found out the gender and lasted for two hours on the Internet that night. Unfortunately, our little one has picky parents, and we just couldn't find bedding that we absolutely loved...at least, bedding that wasn't super expensive. It was so cute how Jeff just could not find the right pattern for her room. Nothing was quite right. Everything he looked at was either too busy, the wrong pink, too much pink, or cheap looking. She won't be spoiled, will she? We also went to buy her her first outfit, but once again we could not find the perfect thing so we gave up, figuring that it wouldn't be too long before her little room was full of clothes and toys and anything else she could ever want.

We have also narrowed our name pool down to three names. Our favorite right now is Lily Grace. We mostly love this name simply because we think it's cute, but lilies are also Jeff's favorite flower, and we have them planted all over our yard. After calling her Lily for the last couple days, we awoke to a sign that this should probably be her name when we saw that a large lily had bloomed out of season in our backyard. It has to be a sign! Right? Our other favorites are Grace Elizabeth and Maggie Grace. Lily likes to kick for Jeff when he talks at night, so he decided to test the names out on her the other night. She kicked like crazy for Grace, but the problem is we don't know if that means that she loves it or hates it. It's so weird how she always kicks the most for Jeff. Whenever he is sitting next to me and talking she will wake up and start kicking. Hard! I don't know if it is just a coincidence or if she really does know and like the sound of his voice or not, but she will not kick for anyone else. My mom's best friend Liz has been waiting--poised at my belly for weeks--to feel just one kick, and she has yet to feel one. This baby is a stinker. And for now she is Lily...and this may or may not change, depending upon whether we can figure out if all the kicking means she likes the name or not.

It's a....

Today Jeff and I went in for our 20 week sonogram and to find out the gender of the baby. I woke up at 4 am because I was so excited and couldn't wait for our 8 am appointment. I woke Jeff up as well...he wasn't quite as excited. As we were getting dressed and ready to leave, we both had mixed emotions on whether we wanted to know the gender anymore. We have been so set on it the entire pregnancy, but when it came time we both felt nervous and anxious all at once. We arrived at the doctor's office before it even opened and sat in the waiting room for a good 15 minutes before they called us back. I brought a glass of Mt. Dew with me so we could make sure the baby was up and moving when it came time for the big moment. They finally called us back at 8:15 am, and right away the nurse found the heart and told us that the heart was so perfect it could be in a book. That was great news to hear! Then, as our baby was being so cooperative, she looked at the brain and the spine and the other organs. Everything was in place and working properly. It was amazing to see all the parts of our little baby! We even got a great picture of the profile of the face. Then, after identifying all of the body parts for us, the nurse turned and asked the big question..."Do you wanna know?" We both hesitated momentarily, and she took the opportunity to share her personal thoughts on the matter. "You don't want to know....it's your first, let it be a surprise, " she said. We had been waiting a long time to know, however, and this seemed to be all the push we needed. We both answered that yes, we wanted to know the gender, and the nurse proceeded to tell us that we'd be having a healthy baby girl! Jeff and I are both so excited and happy. The news of the baby's good health was all we needed to hear, and learning it's a girl was just a bonus to the day.

1st time pregnancy worries

So far, I have been pretty calm about all the aches, pains, twitches, and sick feelings I have experienced during pregnancy. All the changes are weird and make me worry a little, but I usually get over it pretty fast by reading in my books about the different symptoms or the symptoms pass after a short while and I know that it is just part of pregnancy. Today, however, was my first scary experience that led to a call into Dr. Thorton's office. I was sitting in our staff meeting and all of sudden I started to feel dizzy and my vision and hearing became blurry. I knew right away that I was about to pass out so I excused myself from the meeting and went to my office where I sat down and put my feet up. I then broke out in a terrible sweat. Soon it passed and I felt a little better, but a little concerned as well. With no book at arms reach to tell me whether this incident was normal, I decided to call a nurse to make sure it was not anything to worry about. Luckily, the nurse told me that I just had not eaten enough and that my baby is growing so much right now I need to make sure I am eating more and more often. It was a hectic morning and all I had eaten was an English muffin with peanut butter, which I figured would tide me over until I found something more substantial, but apparently it did not. I have learned my lesson and will be sure to make more for breakfast every morning.

* belly at 19 weeks

Backstage at the Show

This picture is from the Pat Benatar concert last night. I got to work my first meet and greet with the performer and this is a picture of My boss Mike, Jane our box office manager, Pat Benatar, Shannon our ops manager, Melissa and Me (can't even tell I'm pregnant). Pat Benatar and her husband Neil did a meet and greet before the show and were very nice and cool people. Their concert was a great and successful show as well. I only made it through 4 of her songs before I needed to go home and go to bed since I had been at work since 8:30AM. However, the highlight of my night was meeting her and listening to her sound check earlier in the day. She still ROCKS!

Vegas Baby!

Jeff, baby, and I just returned from our first trip to Las Vegas. We really had no idea what we would think of it since we are not huge gamblers, we wouldn't be up late for the night life, and I am preggo. However, we were more than pleasantly surprised at all Vegas had to offer. I am pretty sure anyone could have a great time there. We stayed at the Venetian, which was super posh and beautiful! We felt like total high rollers. In the morning we would sit by the pool, where hotel staff would pass out cucumbers for swollen eyes ( Jeff and I did not require them, since we received plenty of sleep in the city that never sleeps). Then at night, upon returning to our large suite (complete with sunken living room), we would enter a room full of music, low lighting, and even a full bucket of ice. Now that is what I call service! Beyond our wonderful hotel, we enjoyed walking the strip and visiting all the different hotels, where we would play the nickel slots. I won $30.00 on my first try! By the end of the week we were pushing our luck and playing the dollar slots where I got up to $150.00 and decided to let it ride. Oh, I let it ride... all the way to $0. Oh well, we had fun. We also saw the Cirque show "Mystere" and loved it. I think when we go back again we will definitely see at least two shows. All in all, we had a great time and plan to go back again soon!

The baby had a great time on the trip, as well. He/she was always kicking and bumping around, especially on the plane rides. The movements are getting stronger everyday, and now I even notice hard spots on my belly when the baby is sitting in different positions. At this point, the baby is still pretty small ( around 5 1/2 inches long), but is packing a lot of punch. I am nervous to see how active it is and how painful the movements will be when the baby gets bigger. It is pretty emotional and fun having the baby move around in there. I usually say "Hi, baby" or "the baby is awake" whenever I feel movements. I am definitely very attached.

I had my 18 week check-up on Monday, and Dr. Thorton said the baby and I are both doing great! I have gained 10 pounds since my last check-up, and luckily it has all been mostly in my tummy. Jeff and I went to Old Navy last night and bought a couple pairs of pants and a jacket and picked out some more things for my birthday. They have pretty cute stuff and all at good prices. I am looking forward to having some more things to wear soon. I feel like I wear the same things to work all the time. Well, I think that is all we have as far as updates go for right now. More to come...

First time dad got kicked

Well friends, I hate to say it. Katie was right again.

The baby is kicking. Hard. Our Leonard appears to be quite the active little one, as his or her kicks have become so strong that even I was able to feel the latest series of movements and goings on in the womb. Following breakfast on Saturday morning, Katie was startled at the strength of the kicks she was feeling, and she demanded that I place my hand on her belly yet again. Skeptical as I was, I did as I was told (I'm getting better at that), and, to my surprise, I really did feel a kick. I know what you're thinking....but this was the real deal. A few weeks earlier than expected, our child is kicking. It felt like someone had run his or her thumb across my palm, softly. Being an expert on gas at this point, I can safely rule that possibility out, and I am quite certain that what I felt was a legitimate kick. But don't worry...we've told him or her that there will be no headers until at least age three.

Kicks, bubbles, and flutters

Last week was the first time I thought I felt legitimate baby kicks. Jeff was sure it was gas. I am sticking by my belief that it was kicks, and I am noticing the same feelings more and more these days. Anytime I have a little sugar or a sip of some caffeine I feel little bumps against my tummy. Today I had Schooners for lunch, which is pretty spicy, and now as I am writing this I am feeling little kicks down there. I hope the baby doesn't have heartburn like I do! I make Jeff put his hand on my belly constantly because I really want him to feel those kicks, but he either misses them or gets tired and takes his hand off. He keeps reminding me that we have many more months for him to feel movement, and if we are going to get anything done around the house he is going to need both hands to do so. I try to induce the kicks whenever possible with a sip of Jeff's Mountain Dew or a couple Skittles and sometimes I even try to wish them to happen. Not surprisingly my unborn baby is already stubborn like his or her father and refuses to perform on command. Now don't get me wrong, my husband is definitely an "enjoys the lime light type of guy," but he can be stubborn about other things in life. So please don't take that statement the wrong way because Jeff loves to perform, only his performances come without any command or demand. Jeff only performs when his wife wishes he wouldn't, like in the middle of Gap or WalMart or any other public place that has music playing. Although Jeff has yet to feel any kicks, he is hoping we have a little soccer player on our hands. In light of Jeff's recent soccer injuries, the rest of us would prefer that all the kicking relates to our baby being a fast runner so that he or she can compete in a less dangerous sport.

Who's Your Daddy?

Big Papi here. Thanks to you, blog users, for your interest in our unborn child. We are very excited about the impending addition to the family, and we are currently about four weeks away from finding out the gender of the newest Mavros. Stay tuned to the blog for the latest in doctor visits, Baby's health, Katie's health, Jeff's annoying habits that are driving Katie crazy, and maybe some stuff about Buster. Or at least for the newest news on Baby Mavros (or Leonard, as Katie has taken to calling him or her). We're so sure that you'll like these updates about Leonard that we're offering free blog service at blogger.com to anyone who doesn't. So check back in on Leonard every so often. You'll be glad you did. And we'll see you on January 30.

First Gifts

Baby Mavros has already received his or her first gifts from the grandparents. Mimi, as my mother has decided she would like to be called, gave the baby a very cute wall hanging for the nursery. Grandma Mavros picked up some great Hilton Head items on her last trip. She purchased a children's book from a local author and a Salty Dog bucket hat that will be perfect for the little one's first trip to the beach.

This past weekend, Jeff and I purchased a very informative and much-needed book that Chris and Beni recommended to help us figure out what we will need to buy before the baby arrives. The book is called "Baby Bargains" by Alan and Denise Fields, and, as the title implies, it gives information on deals to be found on the many purchases that we will be making in the near future. In addition, the book highlights all the best brands and safety ratings, as well as tips on just what purchases are unnecessary. The authors give great advice on where to find the best brands at a discount. We will try our best not to go overboard with frivolous items, but seeing as this is our first baby, I think the grandparents and I--and potentially some others--may have a hard time not wanting to get every cute thing in sight. Luckily and unluckily, I have a husband that will probably keep me from going way overboard, but hopefully he will let me go just a little crazy ( I think I will being doing that with or without his consent, but we will let him try).

Pilates

I started back at Pilates today and it was great! It felt so good to be back and it made me realize how much I missed it. Kathy, my instructor, is so knowledgeable and is going to help me do pilates through my whole pregnancy. Right now she has a lady coming in that is 7 months pregnant. I can't imagine doing pilates with a big belly, but apparently it can be done. I am feeling really good these days and have had very little morning/afternoon/or night sickness. I had my 14 week appointment on Monday and the Dr. said everything looks great and the baby's heartrate was perfect. In September we get to go in for our sonogram to find out the gender of the baby and we can't wait! Jeff will be painting the nursery two days later no doubt. The whole thing gets a little more exciting each day. It seems like it has gone by pretty fast so far (knock on wood) and now that I am feeling well I am really starting to enjoy being pregnant. It is fun to have my belly get bigger and it is one of the only times in your life, besides when you are a baby, that being chubby is cute. So I will enjoy it while it lasts for sure. So far I haven't had too many food cravings. I did have Jeff go and get me french onion dip and ruffles chips last night and I had a 8:00PM craving for La Bamba the other night as well, but I really haven't had too many weird or interesting cravings. I am sure I will soon! At this point, our sleeping arrangement is the only thing that has been making me uncomfortable. Jeff and I switched sides of the bed so I could lie on my left side (the side you are supposed to sleep on when preggo) and face out of the bed b/c I felt claustrophobic facing in on my left side. Anyway, it is really weird for both of us to be sleeping on the opposite side and has taken some time to get used to. However, I did purchase a body pillow this past weekend and that has help. Buster for some reason has taken a weird liking to the body pillow and has made that his spot on the bed when he gets up there, which looks absolutely silly and is amusing per Buster's usual.

August is going to be a busy month for us with our wedding anniversary on the 7th, Jeff's 30th b-day on the 10th, soccer tournament the 11-13th, American idol concert on the 20th, and Vegas on the 23rd-26th. Having so much to do this month will hopefully make it go by quickly and get us closer to our sonogram date in September. We will be sure to update you on anything that comes up between now and then as far as the baby goes, but for right now we are going to enjoy some end of the summer fun!

* Belly at 14 weeks

Our Special Announcement

Jeff and I are so excited because we are going to be welcoming our first little one into the family at the end of January! I am at the end of my 13th week of pregnancy and so far everything has been going pretty well. I have learned a lot in the last couple months about being pregnant that I was not aware of before getting into all this :) First, I found that morning sickness lasts pretty much all day long. Second, I found that my belly is not the only place where changes would be happening in my body. My whole body feels tired and weak sometimes and I am already using the rubberband method to buckle my pants b/c my hips and waist are expanding. Now that I am not getting sick as often I am really starting to get and have the energy to be excited. We are going to find out the gender of the little one at the end of August and can't wait! I am sure Jeff will be painting the nursery the next day. I will try to keep this updated so you can track baby mavros's progress.

* belly at 12 weeks