As everyone knows by now, Julie and I are expecting our first baby at the end of January or early February (official due date is January 30th). I think we are still both in the stunned faze, even though this is exactly what we wanted. However, it all still feels little abstract. That being said, I think it will really sink in once we have the first ultrasound and/or hear the heart beat. We are both very excited and are doing what we can to get ready. Aside from reading everything we can get our hands on, we have started on the nursery. It is freshly panted and ready for us to start putting it together. Jen and Chip gave us the crib they used for the boys, which is fantastic. Julie and I also bought a dresser from Louisville Antiques that is a good size to use as a baby changing table. I still need to install a new ceiling fan and switch out the blinds. All in all, we are very excited and know it will be here quickly. We look forward to sharing this experience with all our friends and family and relying on the experience of those who have been through it.
In an effort to save money and eat healthier food, Julie and I have made an effort to cook more meals at home. On Sundays we have started making several dinners for the week. Yesterday, we made chicken enchilada casserole and I have chicken and dumplings in the crock pot. I will probably finish off the baked spaghetti we made in the next day or two. Doing this gives us lunch for the week as well. I haven't had fast food in over two weeks and we limit eating out to once or twice a week. When we do eat out, we often split a dinner because the portions are so big. Another benefit is the gas and time we have saved by not running out to pick up food at lunch and dinner.
Julie hasn't had any strange cravings yet, but has had a mild aversion to some foods. It will be interesting to see how this holds up as baby gets bigger. She will be 11 weeks this coming Friday, so the baby is about the size of a peanut shell.
We will keep everyone posted as we go through our doctor visits and check-ups.
