We need a breather!

Wow!  The past two weeks have been really busy!  I had our 32 week appointment two weeks ago and everything went great!  The little one seems to be the right size and sure is moving around a lot!

Last weekend we were at Abbott for our 8 hour birthing class.  I can't say that we learned anything life changing, but it was nice to hear some of the information and affirm what we've been reading and hearing.  Overall, it was definitely worth it.  The best part was getting to tour the labor and delivery area of the hospital.  That wing was really nice and seeing everything made it seem more real.  We also had some pictures taken by coworker and friend, Lee Vang.  Below are a couple of samples.

There are many more photos, but that should do it for now!

Last week I had MEA break.  It was really nice to have a couple of extra days off, although I must have thought I was Wonderwoman when I made my schedule for the week.  We had dinner plans 4 out of the 5 nights last week and I had a work happy hour the one free night.  I was also lucky enough to see some former coworkers on Thursday and Friday.  Thanks for fitting me into your schedules Angie, Lesley and Sarah!! Thanks to Bruce and Michelle for the "nursery warming" gift...an adorable mobile that the baby will surely love!

Butterfly wall decorations!

On Friday night I started feeling a little sick with a cold or sinus infection.  Saturday it peaked with body aches and a fever to go with it.  The little one was still moving around though so I just took it easy.  Unfortunately, I had to cancel plan we had with friends Stefanie and Josh to visit with them and their new baby, Abby.  Luckily we were able to reschedule for next weekend...little Abby is growing and changing so quickly!  I do feel much better today and am ready to tackle the week ahead!

Today we celebrated Patrick's brother's birthday.  He turned 25 and it was a nice afternoon/evening.  If only the Vikings would have performed better, it would have been perfect.  Sammy, however, was not perfect.  He got into their dog food and then took a big bite out of the birthday cake when no one was around.  It caused a little chaos, but I'm sure he had a good time!

Sammy's share of cake!

Below are pictures of the dogs on Sunday night.  It sums up how they, Patrick and I are feeling at the end of our busy week.

This week we are looking forward to quieter evenings and our 34 week appointment.  We also have FOUR Halloween parties to attend next weekend and my first baby shower : )  One and a half months to go!!

More to come!
The Harrisons

The Fall is full!

So, on last week's blog I said that the fall was opening up.  I was wrong!  Every weekend through the beginning of November is now booked.  I find myself having mixed feelings about the full calendar.  On one hand, I am happy that we'll get to see so many people and do so many things before the baby arrives.  On the other hand, I am getting more and more tired so much more easily than ever before.

This weekend was my cousin Gini's wedding.  It was a beautiful event that took place at the University Club on Summit in St. Paul.  The uncharacteristic October weather made for a beautiful backdrop.  The leaves were changing and the venue is so classic.  My cousin looked beautiful and you could see the happiness radiating from both her and her new husband.  The food was delicious and the dance floor was always full.  Here are a few photos from the day.

Mom and brother Greg

Both Patricks!

Me with brother Patrick

As you see from the pictures, Patrick's characteristic facial hair is missing!  Last week his employer, Reach, was recognized as one of Minnesota's top 50 growing companies.  For the award ceremony the CEO, Patrick and the others that attended decided to sport handlebar mustaches.  I advised that he get rid of it before my cousin's wedding and it turned out to be a good choice with this weather.  This is something that I have only seen once or twice in the last 7 years - a milestone indeed!

Handlebars!!

Today we began the day with brunch at our friends, Lucy and Justin's, house.  We had great food and company as well.  We ended the day with dinner at Patrick's aunt house.  We had tacos!  I love taco night, but ate too much as I usually do on taco night.  Again, good food and good company.  Also, the Vikings had their first victory of the season today!!  Lastly, I have to send out a big congratulations to my sister, Karen, who completed the Chicago marathon on Sunday.  She is a constant inspiration in my life with the drive, determination and dedication she shows in her training and marathon completions!

On the baby front, Patrick and I purchased the last piece of furniture for the room today.  Patrick assembled it and it looks great.  I will post new pictures when all the finishing touches are in.  We just need to get a photo or two on the wall.  This week we have our 32 week appointment and as usual we are hoping for a quick, uneventful appointment.  I also had my first baby dream this weekend.  In my dream the little baby had light hair and was 2 months early.  It was a little scary because 2 months early would put her here now.  Luckily, it was just a dream : )

Next weekend we have our birthing class at Abbott.  I am excited to learn as much as we can!  We also have a photo session on Sunday with friend, Lee Vang.  I'm a little apprehensive about it, but she does great work and I know it will be tasteful.

Looking forward to a busy, exciting week ahead!

More to come!
The Harrisons

First blog!!

I have decided to start blogging to document this exciting time in our lives.  Patrick and I, along with the dogs, are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our first baby girl.  We only have a couple of months to go and with every passing day it gets more real and becomes a little more scary.  But we're ready!

Without going in to too much detail, Patrick and I didn't have the easiest time getting pregnant.  We tried for a few years and finally turned to the world of science and fertility treatments to get us here.  Because of this, we know that our baby was conceived on the date of our fifth anniversary and she is due on December 9.  What better Christmas miracle could we ask for?

The pregnancy has been very uneventful and easy so far.  I didn't suffer from any morning sickness and all of the routine visits look good.  She is growing as expected.  One visit showed that I may have gestational diabetes, but the follow up gave me a clean bill of health!  So with that hurdle behind us, we're into week 31.

The baby's room is also coming together as the chair we ordered came in and looks great.  At this point I must thank IKEA for their very affordable furniture options.  The baby will have a room mostly furnished by those wonderful Swedish furniture designers : ).  I have included a couple of photos, although the room is not finished yet.  There are still wall decorations that need to go up and one more piece of furniture that is coming, but you'll get the general idea.

The purpose of this blog is to journal the journey that pregnancy and parenthood brings.  I am excited for the next couple of months that Patrick and I will have as a family of 2 with our dogs but am looking forward to what this new little person will bring into our lives.

Outside of our journey starting a family, our summer has been very busy.  Last weekend we went to Grand View Lodge with Patrick's company.  (Thanks Reach!)  It was a wonderful, relaxing weekend.  Just what we needed at this point.  We enjoyed our time by spending the afternoon on a boat on Gull Lake and visiting the small town of Nisswa.  There is a quaint main street with lots of little shops to visit.  It was a wonderful time and a great way to close out September.

As summer ends our calendar is opening up and we're looking forward to spending time with friends and family before the baby arrives.

More to come!
The Harrisons