The Baldwin Experience: My Journey Through Life

So, I think Bennett is mad at me... ;-) I have been feeling him move regularly for about the last week. I feel my stomach drop, then it gets tight, then it feels like he's rolling around in there! It's such a strange feeling - and a little different for everyone at first. A lot of people described it to me as popcorn popping, bubbles, riding a roller coaster... and many confuse it with gas pains initially! :-) It was difficult at first to identify, but now it's definite. This being said, I hardly felt him yesterday. Feeling a little concerned, last night in bed I started gently "prodding and poking" my belly. I was moving it all around trying to get a response... And all of a sudden, that all so familiar feeling - for an HOUR! And all day today I have been feeling him! Not a bad thing, I must say - quite the contrary... but that's why I say to be careful what you wish for!! ;-) A beautiful Michigan sunrise... I was a little late to work today so I could capt...

I attended my first prenatal yoga class yesterday - it was GREAT! There were eight of us total; three of us are due in the same week! There were a lot of poses and stretches that targeted the lower back and hips, which was awesome. I felt really close with baby and the women there... you know, classic "preggo camaraderie"! ;-) No, this isn't me... just a picture of some chick I found on the internet! ;-) I also pre-registered and scheduled a tour at the hospital for the end of January, and a birthing class that Quinn and I will both attend in March! It's all becoming so real, and exciting!!! My sister-in-law found out she's having a boy too!! :-) Congratulations, Kristin and Derek!

Our appointment went really well... I've gained just under 10 pounds, which they said is right on for 20 weeks. It was sooo neat to be able to see Bennett moving with Quinn. We saw the ventricles in his brain, his stomach, kidneys, heart... It was amazing! I think Quinn was shocked to see how big Bennett is getting (they think ~ 1 lb). And, speaking of - they bumped the due date from May 23 to May 14!! I am not sure how "accurate" it all is... I think it is just an estimate, but wow!! Tomorrow is a big day: it's my best friend's birthday, my prenatal yoga class starts, and my sister-in-law Kristin gets to find out the gender of her baby too!

So, I officially look pregnant!! :-) Although we already had an elective "gender verification" ultrasound, today is our official 20 week appointment. It is our last scheduled ultrasound and I am looking forward to Quinn being there and actually getting to look this time! ;-) Yesterday Quinn and I took our first trip to Babies 'R Us to register... It was honestly one of the worst shopping experiences of my life! I am not sure if any of you can relate, but just to "paint the picture": We got there and I was excited to be there. And why wouldn't I be? It was the first opportunity we would have together to look at all of the options available first-hand and see what items we want for our first baby. I have done my fair share of research on the "big" items, like car seats, pack and plays, cribs, strollers... but regarding many of the other options, it was "Greek to me"! Now, I am fairly certain that I am not the LAST first-time mother on this ...

Yep, it's a boy! We are SO excited! We were very good and waited until Christmas morning to open "the envelope"... We were at the Baldwin house and got to share the moment with a lot of family. So, I guess maternal instincts kick in a little sooner than expected since I thought it was a boy the whole time! ;-) We are going to name him Bennett Ashley -- Ashley after my brother and we have a friend named Bennett... both of us have always liked that name (congrats to Bennett and his beautiful wife Andi, BTW - They just welcomed their first child, Mallory Rose, into the world last Friday!). Check out Bennett's cool new gear below! Now, which one will he leave the hospital in?! ;-)

Had the gender verification ultrasound last Wednesday! They were really good about honoring my wishes of putting the "results" in a sealed envelope. I had to close my eyes through most of the appointment, but they told me when I could open for some G-rated shots! ;-) My dear friend Kristin, who is a nurse, came with... funny, she knows what it is before we do! Anyway, six more days and we'll know the sex! :-) I am still convinced it's a boy, and for no reason other than "gut instinct". In the mean time, it's really neat to see how much the baby has grown!

So, I bought a couple of fun shirts that you'll be seeing over the next few months... ;-) Just a few things to make me feel more "festive" about being pregnant! Annie and Katie, it was great seeing you last weekend!! :-)