Baby Shower

This past Thursday, some great friends threw me a baby shower here in Gainesville. It was a lot of fun and we got some way cute stuff for baby boy. My mother-in-law took tons of pics, they are on her blog if you'd like to see more. I'm feeling a little lazy and didn't want to copy them all to mine.

Amy, Rachel, me, and Irene.

These are the party throwers themselves. They did a really good job and really went out of their way to make this a special event, I'm so grateful for such good friends!
Thanks everyone who came to the shower and for the darling gifts!

I have finals this week (along with the a terrible cold!) and then my attention turns to getting everything ready for this boy, perhaps he'll even get a name. Anyways, hopefully I'll have nursery pics soon and I'll definitely get some cute ones of the darling crib bedding Craig's mom made.

Bragging Rights

I don't generally brag, but that's what I'm about to do.
I received good grades in high school, but let's just say I haven't been a straight A student since then. HOWEVER, I received an exam back last week with a perfect score. I was quite excited because this has NEVER happened in my college career(s).
It gets better.
The professor then announces that whoever receives a perfect score on her exams gets $10! Now, my new business education tells me this is not a very good return on my investment considering the course cost $800. Fortunately, I had many more years of psychology than business classes, so I can still feel great about it!

32 Weeks 2 Days and Thanksgiving

I am doing this VERY RELUCTANTLY. Don't expect another one. If you can imagine, this is the last of 15 attempts at a picture and this is as good as it got. My lower half is deliberately cut off, my arms are strategically placed away from body to look as thin as possible (I told Craig not to cut off my elbow, that's my best feature right now), my hands are covering my love handles, and a face can only look so chubby from the side,right?! The unhappiness on my face is no act.

On a lighter note, Happy Thanksgiving! This is our Thanksgiving picture, I'm not sure what happened. I think someone said, "Craig, how do you feel about having a baby in a few weeks?"

In all seriousness, we have so much to be grateful for. We have been so blessed throughout our marriage, and in our lives, that I'm a little paranoid of something going wrong. Life cannot go this well! Of course we've had our trials and struggles, but nothing that can overshadow all the blessings. We are so thankful for our families and I for my husband and we cannot wait for this little guy to get here. I'm pretty sure we have no idea what we're doing or what we're getting ourselves into, but yet we can't wait!

I was thinking to myself...

How am I supposed to concentrate during exams when someone keeps punching me in the stomach? Then I saw this picture of what a baby should look like at 31 weeks, and I knew in fact he was punching me. Does he really have his arms in a boxing position??

Sorry if fetus pictures gross you out...they kinda do me too.

Do have a simply marvelous day!

When I go to school and work I park at the commuter lot at UF then take the bus to where I need to go. (For our nonFlorida friends...UF's campus is quite large.) I frequently have the same bus driver and every time someone requests a stop she says, "Please gather all your belongings and exit through the rear door and do have a simply marvelous day. And all that good stuff" Without fail, every day, every stop she says this and in such a chipper voice! However, I ride the bus enough to know her dark side. There are three things that quickly change her friendly mood: 1) eating on the bus, 2) putting your feet on the seats, and 3) trying to exit through the front door. These things make her very angry and she will call you out over the microphone. If you try to exit through the front door (even if no one is getting on the bus and you are sitting right beside it) she will yell at you, hold out her arms to block you, and refuse to open the door. I don't like to get in trouble so I always follow her rules. I even sit in the back of the bus so I don't forget to use the rear exit.
Tonight I was getting off the bus and she yells, "Miss, Miss! Please come to the front of the bus." I was sooo scared! As I slowly walked to the front I kept wondering what I could have done wrong and I couldn't think of anything. Everyone else was off the bus by this point. Our conversation went like this:
Me: Yes mam?
Bus Driver Lady: I don't mean to be nosy, but I noticed you rubbing your belly. Does it itch?
Me: Yes, a little. (My belly didn't itch, I think I was just rubbing it- he probably kicked or something, but I was scared so I went along with her)
Bus Driver Lady: Do you put lotion on?
Me: Yes, I've just been at school all day and haven't since I've been here.
Bus Driver Lady: Crisco. Put crisco on your belly.
Me: Oh! Well, I have this belly butter that basically is the same consistency.
Bus Driver Lady: Yep, use that and you won't have no stretch marks. I don't have a one. Is this your first?
Me: Yes.
Bus Driver Lady: Well, have a good night.
Me: Thanks, keep the tips coming! (sucking up)
I then turn to go to the rear exit as I am well trained.
Bus Driver Lady: Go ahead and get off right here.
Now this may not sound like a big deal, but I see this lady fight with kids every day sending them to the rear exit and she told me to use the front exit!! There was no greater privilege she could give me.
I can think of a lot of things to complain about right now and I'll never put Crisco on my belly, but you know what? At the end of the day I got to exit from the front of the bus. And it was a simply marvelous day.

Happy Birthday George!

Yesterday was my father-in-laws birthday. I'm not sure how old he is, he wouldn't say, but I would guess around 70. :) I've included a few of my favorite pictures of him.

In all seriousness, we have a great father and father-in-law and are so blessed! We are assured to always have a good time when we are with him. Quiet- no, safe- possibly not, but fun- always!

Louisiana/Texas Roadtrip

3 or so weeks ago Craig and I made the journey to Texas to check out some dental opportunities and we made a few stops along the way...

While driving in Louisiana we saw some cotton growing on the side of the road and Craig had never seen real cotton before. He thought it grew on trees so I was driving and stopped to make him go pick some cotton! (This is what it looks like for the rest of you who have never seen cotton- it just looks like cotton balls growing on a plant!)

Conveniently, the time we were able to go out to Texas happened to be the same weekend as the Florida/LSU game so of course we had to stop for that. Our friends Trent and Amelia came too, we were sad we had to ride in separate cars since we wouldn't be headed back to Florida for another week, but we still had fun!

Sometimes things get heated during this game.

But we managed to pretend we liked each other for the camera.

We left Florida Friday evening after work and school and drove to Baton Rouge, getting there around 3 AM, we got up around 6 or so to make it to College Game Day.

I'm smiling in this picture, but the reality was 8 hrs in the car, 3 hrs of sleep, standing for 3 hrs in a crowd, 26 weeks pregnant, not to mention LA humidity! I was not doing well by this point! I spent some time that morning crouched over trying to breathe and not pass out!

I tried to get a picture of Mike the Tiger, but I couldn't get a good angle.

Amelia took this picture, but I thought it looked really cool!

After Baton Rouge, we headed north 3 1/2 hrs to my parents. This was our stop off point between destinations. These pictures are all mixed up, but when we stopped on our way back to Florida my mom and other family threw a baby shower for me.

They played a game where everyone wrote down how many inches they thought I was around. I'm posting this picture since it shows how big I really am!

I have to include this story...it's an inside joke kind of but I don't want to forget it! Amber, the girl in the bottom left corner, was (is) my best friend growing up. We were inseperable from kindegarten on. So somehow we came up with this game of sorts. We both had really long hair when we were younger and we would collect the hair from our hairbrushes and roll them into hairballs (if this is completely grossing you out- skip ahead). So once we made the hairballs we would hide them throughout her house for her mom to find. We put them places like the bathroom faucets so when she turned the water on a hairball would come out. Other times just in drawers and stuff. We thought it was SO FUNNY. I don't even know how many months/years we did this. So, when I opened the gift from her mom out falls two hairballs! Amber happened to be sitting next to me and saw it and we were dying!! We hadn't thought about that for sooo long and it was so funny her mom thought to do that. I could NOT stop laughing and it was so awkward because it wasn't really something you could share with all the other people watching me open gifts.

Green and brown are the colors we're doing the nursury so everything at the shower was green!

My mom made this diaper cake and I thought she did an amazing job! Super cute!

Somehow I didn't get any pictures with my mom or anyone else for that matter. I have pictures of everyone else and pictures of just me, but no groups! :(

During our few days in Dallas we crammed in a lot. Craig had an interview and several dentists he was meeting with and talking to. Overall it was a very successful trip and we've pretty much decided Dallas is our next home and probably forever home! We're really excited, but REALLY sad at the thought of leaving Gainesville.

While there we did cram in some fun things, like a U2 concert in the new Dallas Stadium. The stadium might have been more impressive than U2.

Also, while we were there a dentist friend of Craig's took us out to this resturaunt. The reason I post about this is because it was the most amazing food we have ever eaten. EVER. Of course we won't be able to pay for a meal there for several years...but WOW.

We also got to spend some time with Cameron (Craig's brother) and wife Anne and their family. As well as Todd and Abby and their little boy. Abby is pregnant right now too and we took some pictures together, but I don't have those yet. I'll have to do another post later of all the things I forgot!

Baby Craig and Cassie

I just thought it would be fun to post a baby picture of Craig and me. This is what we have to work with... I think the only given attribute is that this little boy will be a chunk.

H&M

For those of you who haven't heard and are H&M fans, there is now a store in Orlando!

Dear Son,

*Disclaimer: This letter is based on actual events and experiences true to my life; however, they may not and will not apply to all pregnant women. Also, this may not be G rated, if this is a problem do not proceed.

Dear Son,

There are many things you have taught me so far:
(aka- Things no one tells you about pregnancy:)

1. It's possible to become so forgetful that when giving a urine sample you forget to use the cup and have to stop mid-pee and get one.

2. Other people whose babies are due at the same time will always be smaller than you. Feel free to justify this any way you'd like.

3. People secretly joy in watching you get fat.

4. You will think you are only getting a belly and haven't gained weight anywhere else...it's not true.

5. Emitting gases from you body was once unacceptable; however, when pregnant it becomes much welcomed as any extra room you can create is worth it- you may even look forward to it. You'll do anything to be more comfortable. I would still suggest this in private.

6. Strangers now feel like you must have something in common. Everyone has had a baby or knows someone who has had a baby. Anyone and everyone will talk to you, even in elevators where usually no one speaks.

7. If you are in school, people will stare, whisper, and feel sorry for your unfortunate situation. They will also be wondering if you're going to keep the baby.

8. Indigestion. You will be so alarmed you'll probably wake your husband in the middle of the night because you have no idea what is happening.

9. The most delicious foods can become painful to eat, probably your favorite. For me, chocolate.

10. Occasionally your belly will be touched and rubbed. I don't know how or when this possibly could have become acceptable.

11. It's possible to not recognize yourself in the mirror.

12. Upon reaching a certain size you can actually set things on your belly, just like a shelf.

13. If you secretly wished that when you got pregnant for the first time in your life you'd be well endowed, there is a small percentage of the population that do not get this perk.

14. People will say, "Sleep while you can", these people forgot or do not know what it's like to be pregnant.

15. When your belly starts to grow, it can hurt. Sort of like being sore from an ab work out except exactly the opposite is happening: any abs you had or hoped for are merely being destroyed.

Thank you, Son, for these valuable lessons.
__________
I'm sure as the days and weeks go on I will gain more knowledge and I'll be sure to share my wealth with you.

The Gainesville Sun

After an uplifting weekend of conference, I was pleasantly surprised to see this article in the Gainesville Sun:

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20091005/ARTICLES/910059960/1034?Title=Mormons-told-to-exemplify-Christian-values-daily

I just thought it was neat that President Monson's message made it all the way to our local newspaper here in Florida!

Three things on my mind:

First, Yesterday I had my usual Dr. appointment and she says, "You're weight is good, but you probably don't want to gain that much EVERY month". (crap)
Today, A lady I work with says, "Yesterday this pregnant girl crossed the street in front of me and I was like WOW she's REALLY pregnant. Then I realized it was you Cassie. You looked really big in the outfit you had on yesterday." (Thank you.)

Second, Chandler Whitt told me about White Hot Chocolate at Dunkin Donuts. It's delicious if you haven't tried it. I think I'm addicted.

Third, I saw a girl wearing denim overalls today at UF. Are overalls back? I sure hope not, that was a mistake to begin with.

And you thought Minnie Mouse was cute?

I stole these pictures of my nieces, but I wanted them handy to just look and how darn cute they are!

Oh the bright lights

Mia has a blanket at the end of our bed where she sleeps.
This is what she looks like if you walk in and turn the light on during a nap.
And if you don't turn the light back off it will be followed by a glare.

23 Weeks

I always thought I would be one of those people who posted a picture every week of my pregnancy...and then the time came and I realized why people DO NOT want to post pictures. However, due to some people's relentless requests here they are.
When I looked at the pictures I said, "These don't do me justice, I look way bigger than this in real life" as Craig said, "Really? I was going to say you look bigger in the pictures." Go figure.
Please understand these are taken after a LONG day of work and school!

Ultrasound

For those who would like a sneak peak. Check out that noggin.

We were all winners this weekend!

And it has been confirmed

We had an ultrasound today and The Fetus (as we lovingly call him) is definitely a HE. The ultrasound tech had no problem finding that head and those lips...at least Craig knows it's his! :) I'll try to scan some pics at some point and see if I can blog them. Meanwhile, we will be trying to decide on a name that will be fitting for a quarterback. If Craig can't imagine the name being announced on ESPN it's not a good name. Wish me luck.

Catching up

Sometimes I get so behind on blogging I just don't blog b/c there's too much! So here goes my brief synapsis of the last however long so that I can start anew. The following is in no particular order...

1. We celebrated our 3rd Anniversary on August 4, 2009. Here's how it went:

Hotel.........................................................$30
Blue Man Group......................................$36/person (Amazing student price)
Animal Kingdom......................................$Free
Panda Express.........................................$7
Third Anniversary...................................PRICELESS

2. Craig is now a Senior in Dental School, I am in my last semester of my masters program and working and growing a fetus. Needless to say we are a little busy.

3. I took a week long trip to Lousiana and didn't take my camera. Louisiana never disappoints...there were car races, armadillo hunting in the middle of the night, cards with friends and LOTS of good southern food.

4. Mia is now 12 lbs.

5. We took a quick trip to Georgia for Slate and Jennica's wedding reception and then they spent an evening in Gainesville with us. Congratulations!

6. Did I post about going to Utah?

7. I'm now 20 weeks pregnant and yes I will begin posting pictures of the belly soon.

8. Craig gave an amazing talk on Chastity in church. It was the best talk I've ever heard from our pulpit. He is absolutely captivating when he speaks. I spent the entire Sunday praising him.

9. And the most important thing going on in our lives right now....College Football starts TOMORROW!!!!!

A few pics

Okay, okay, okay

Since Craig has told every person he's spoken to today...I guess we are telling what it is.

It's a boy!!

Like I said, it's an early ultrasound, but those who have seen the picture say there is no mistake. It seems quite clear. So I feel great relief, no more pressure to provide a son and excited that my children to follow will have a big brother!

And the results are in

Relax! Nothing exciting to report. I'm about a week further than they thought... I never really did get a good answer as to why it seemed big if we were only a week off, but oh well. So our new due date is January 20th. It was kind of fun to think it could be twins, and I wasn't sure if I would be disappointed if it wasn't, but I feel perfectly fine about it. Mostly, I was relieved we weren't a month off since I would still be in school. She did give me some fun news. She said don't go home and paint the nursery yet, but she felt pretty confident about the sex of the baby! Of course, we have taken it as 100% fact. I guess if it changes by the next ultrasound we'll have another fun surprise! Anyways, I'm not going to post those results yet...we're going to tell our parents first and maybe hold out until the next ultrasound in about 7 weeks just to be sure. I do need to tell my mother though as she's already made several purchases...it might be helpful to give her some guidance.

She understands what you are saying

Due to so many people making comments about her weight, Mia has decided to start eating healthier.

First Doctor Visit

Today I had my first doctor's appointment. We were really excited hoping we would get to hear the heartbeat and were not disappointed! My official due date as of now is January 26th. However, she thought my uterus felt too large. I'm not sure if I should be insulted? :) Anyways, I have to go back on Tuesday for an ultrasound and apparently the answer to the large uterus could be one of three things:

1) I'm further along than I thought (11 1/2 weeks)
2) It's more than one baby
3) It's just in a funny position
and I'll add 4) Something we haven't thought of

So...any votes??

Every good thing must come to an end

My program at school has me taking Summer B off so I'd planned 2 months of rest and relaxation. Especially being pregnant, I'd hoped to sleep for the majority of it! However, I told Craig I would attempt to find a job thinking there was no way I would get a job for such a short time. I emailed the temp agency I worked for previously (this was going to be the extent of my job hunt) and they had me come in yesterday to update my application. By today I was a working woman again. Fortunately it's only 20 hours a week and I will be an Accounting Clerk for the Student Health Center- hopefully I didn't exaggerate my accounting skills to much :). But wait, it gets better (this is sarcasm, by the way) they want me to keep working when school starts and will be totally flexible around my schedule. I know I should be happy, this is the perfect job for my situation and the income will be much needed, but right now I'm a little bitter on losing my weeks of sleeping.

So....We're Pregnant!

Many of you are thinking FINALLY! We're almost 11 weeks and so far so good. I've heard horror stories of pregnancy so I have nothing to complain about it, it hasn't been bad at all...yet. We held out to tell our families on Father's Day. We mailed my family a cute package that I forgot to take a picture of (which I'm really bummed about). But we were able to tell Craig's parents and sister (Amy) in person and even got pictures. Here's how it went....

Everyone was posed and ready to go. I had the camera and Craig said, "Everyone say Cassie's pregnant!"

Some didn't change their expressions, but if you watch Amy you'll understand what happened. First, there was confusion because they didn't believe Craig. (What does that say about him?!)
Then, as Amy shows, there was annoyance. What is going on?!
Finally, realization! Notice Garett's face here.... after the announcement he was very concerned and asked if I was having a baby right now?! Watch as George charges the camera.

As excited as George was, I think Laura might have been even more excited!


I think this is exhaustion from her baby finally going to have a baby, and all those years paying off!

Needless to say we are really excited and feel very blessed to bring a child into this world with such great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends!