12/8/09 - Maslynn Josephine is born!!!

A Thanksgiving Perspective from Within

Dear Mom,

Thanks for all of the yummy flavors I tasted while swallowing amniotic fluid this Thanksgiving. I recognized classic favorites such as tuna casserole, Daddy's amazing loaded potato casserole, ambrosia salad, fresh salad, green bean casserole, stuffing & dressing, gravy, and a little turkey on the side. The deserts were delicious too: chocolate pie, pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread pudding with whipped cream topped the list. I'm glad I'm in here to help you metabolize all this food Mom. Next year I'm looking forward to trying out some of these flavors on my own.

XOXO,

Martilda

Turkey Trot 2009 - Thanksgiving Day

We completed the 3 mile fun run in the Turkey Trot this year in about an hour. I usually run the 8 mile race in an hour and 20 minutes, but I'm happy to use the "9 months pregnant card" as my excuse this year. There were lots of people and we were happy to be part of the fun. It was a great way to begin Thanksgiving Day 2009.

37 weeks and full-term!!!

Stars game 11/21

Martilda went to her first Dallas Stars game last Saturday and they won!!!

Martilda's weight

At our sonogram November 12th Martilda weighed 5lbs 8oz. Yesterday the doctor estimated that she weighs about 6lbs. I am 50% effaced and becoming more and more excited about meeting our baby girl very soon.

Tea Party Baby Shower

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Once again I am amazed by the love and generosity that surrounds Martilda and me. My mom and aunts (Melanie & Alison) hosted a tea party shower for us yesterday and everyone who was invited attended. The setting was elegant and the gathering was most exquisite. Martilda's first tea time was perfect. Our gratitude is endless. xo

CD Release - 11/7/09

Martilda rocked out last Saturday at her uncle Dylan's cd release party at the Sons of Hermann Hall. The band is "The Crash that Took Me" and their new album is excellent. We have been listening to it non-stop so Martilda will recognize the music when she arrives. The cd will be playing in the labor room. Thanks for the awesome tunes Dylan.

Nexus Shower

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My Nexus shower was fabulous. I am grateful to have such wonderful co-workers. I can't wait to introduce Martilda to them when we return from maternity leave in March.

35 week sonogram pics

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New Doctor, New Hospital

Although it was a bit difficult changing doctors and hospitals at 34 weeks, it is the best decision we have made concerning this pregnancy. We will now be delivering at Baylor Hospital in downtown Dallas with Dr. Glen Heckman. I can't wait to meet our beautiful baby girl in just a few short weeks!

Belly photos - 33 weeks

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AB wants one in his size

Aaron did such a great job assembling the baby swing, he has decided he wants one in his size. Wouldn't it be nice to have a cradle swing to rock to sleep in every night?!

Gifts Galore!

We are so very grateful to all of our friends and family! These few photos do not even come close to depicting the massive amount of generosity we have received. Thank you everyone for ensuring that baby Martilda has everything she needs when she arrives.

Diaper Tote ordered

I love love love this diaper tote from Skiphop. I ordered it last night and cannot wait to receive it. The outside purse detaches and becomes a "mommy clutch" for times when the whole diaper bag is not needed. I can't wait to put Martilda's hair into pigtails like the little girl in this image. Hopefully she has hair on her head before the age of 2 (since AB and I reportedly were both bald until well into our toddler years)!!

"Happy Birthday Daddy!" xoxo, Martilda

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Family Baby Shower - October 10, 2009

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31 Weeks!!

AB - 30 weeks

Looks good for the third trimester huh?!

Favorite Fried Food

The results are correct. Martilda's favorite food at the State Fair is FRIED S'MORES!! And she'd like to have s'more right now.

Fetus eats way through State Fair

Martilda successfully ate her way through the state fair. And even shared some of her food with daddy.

Kappa Double Baby Shower - 9/20/09

We had a kappa baby shower today at my mom's house. It was a double shower for Kristen Greene and myself. Kristen and I were not only Kappas together at AC, but we also cheered together in college. We are both having baby girls in December (Kristen is due one day later than me, 12/14/09).
Hostesses: Erin Kaszynski, Heather Hale, Amanda Hope, Lyndsay Hannah and Giselle Gafford.

Bananas Incognito

It's funny how being pregnant makes you crave foods you generally would not eat. For example, I have disliked bananas for a very long time, however, for the past two months I have felt the urge to consume one every single day. So, I created (well, really stole the idea from Starbucks) a chocolate banana smoothie. In a blender combine 1 banana, 3 T of Ovaltine, 1/4 c soymilk, and 1 t flax seeds. Add two scoops of ice and blend for 3 minutes. What you get is a super-yummy, extra chocolatey shake that you can call a smoothie and drink every morning for breakfast. And I must say, my smoothie is healthier than Starbucks' version. And the best part, you can't even taste the banana!!

Pearce-visit Brunch

Martilda had a blast hanging out with the California family. From left, Freddie, Aunt Melanie, Natalie (and Martilda), Uncle Pat, Aunt Vikki, Aunt Alison, and Martilda's Embee (Bae). We had brunch at the Manicchia's to visit with Aunt Vikki and Uncle David (he's shooting the photo) during their short trip to Texas for a wedding. It was great to see them!

Bayler & Jewel

Bayler has become especially protective of me these days. If I am home, she does not leave my side and it's quite sweet. Maybe she can hear the baby's heartbeat with those massive ears on her head. I can't wait to see how she watches over Martilda when we bring her home.

Jewel on the other hand, I'm afraid is clueless.

8/24/09 Doc visit

24 weeks pregnant, measuring 24 centimeters, heartbeat 161, total weight gain 12 lbs.
Perfect pregnancy, perfect baby girl!!!