The First Appointment

I don't know about you, but I am a people watcher, especially in waiting rooms. At the OBGYN office I always admired the cute pregnant women and their belly bumps. I'd wonder what it was like to be pregnant and to prepare for a little one on the way. Finally I was not just a patient, but a pregnant patient! And I'd soon be finding out for myself what that would be like!

The first visit (8 weeks along) was nothing like I expected. I didn't see the doctor; I saw a nurse in her office. For about 40 mintues she overloaded me with all sorts of information, instructions, and brochures. Towards the end she said something about " ...and then when you deliver..." and I was like, "Uh, hello!? I just did a test 4 weeks ago! T.M.I!!" After the chat session, it was off to the lab for some blood work. That was it for the first appointment.

Then for what I considered the first "real" appointment. On April 22 I went for my 12 week visit. It consisted of an ultrasound and an exam by the doctor. (I'll spare you the exam part, but tell you about the ultrasound!) All I know is, when the pictures popped up on the screen I was thinking "is THAT really in THERE?" Oh yes, indeed! That whole day (and everyday since) I think about what a miracle this little baby is and that it is a truly wonderful gift grom God!

The technician gave me a few pictures to take home, so here you go...Baby Hyde at 12 weeks!

That's what baby was looking like at 12 weeks, and here's the mom-to-be!

(At this time Steven assured me I didn't look pregnant.

All I know is my whole abdomen area felt swollen!)

We're Expecting!

Yes indeed, we are parents-to-be!

Baby Hyde is due around November 6, 2008!

A little back story for you who "want to know everything"...

First of all, I am a planner so I had been marking and watching the calendar very carefully. On Saturday, March 1 I eagerly did a home pregnancy test first thing in the morning. A sort of faded plus sign appeared and I couldn't believe my eyes! I guess I did what most do- I looked at it then waited a minute, then looked at it again, and again, and again! It was a plus however, the sideways line was bold, but the up/down line was a little faded. Then I thought perhaps it was negative, so I didn't want to get my hopes up too quickly. After reading and rereading the instructions, it said a plus is a plus is a plus...so I knew it was positive!

For the next little while I thought about how I'd go about telling Steven the news. Then I remembered him telling me one time not to "dance around and play games, to just tell him straight out." So after breakfast while still in our PJs, I said "so, I did a pregnancy test this morning and it was positive." He looked at me with raised eyebrows and said "really?!" (It was not so much a question; it was drawn out like "r-e-a-l-l-y?!") He said "that's great; what we've been hoping for!"

So Monday morning rolled around and I was excited to call and make that first doctor's appointment. But since I sort of questioned the plus sign from the first test, I did another before Steven went to work to get his opinion. We both agreed it was definitely positive! So I called and made my first doctor's appointment, which was on April 1.

Wedding Mania

It was wedding mania for the Hyde family! Both of Steven's sisters were married within a three month span! There were definitely some stressful moments during the planning phases, especailly since the planning overlapped at times. But everyone pulled together to make it a fun and memorable time. I don't think any of us will volunteer to stuff invitations any time in the near future!

I personally enjoyed the time from all of the planning up to the weddings. I was able to get to know Shelley and Melissa on a whole other level and our friendships truly deepended. I am so thankful for my two wonderful sister-in-laws (ok, and their husbands too!)

Also, Steven and I had not been in a wedding together and then all of a sudden we were paired in two; that was neat!

Shelley and Hans tied the knot in December.

Melissa and Jay were soon to follow in March.

Travels

Each spring and fall Steven attends a managed care convention. Fortunately, I was able to tag along for the past few trips! Of course we took tons of pictures, but these are my favorites from each trip...

In October 2006 we visited Chicago. Hello Michigan Avenue! (a.k.a. "The Miracle Mile.") Steven's sister, Shelley, lives there so it was nice to meet up with her for a visit.

Then the spring of 2007 we headed to San Diego. I had never been that far southwest! According to Ron Burgundy, San Diego means "a whale's..."-nevermind!

Last fall we were able to go to Boston. Talk about being in "the north!" I had a true cup of yummy "chowda!" The coolest part- the World Series was taking place just blocks from our hotel! Sadly, tickets were ridiculously expensive so we did not attend the game.

And just last month, back to California we went. San Francisco this time. There was lots to do and see! Golden Gate, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Warf, streetcars, Hyde Street!