Grab Your Umbrella!

It's only been about 7 weeks since my last blog, so why don't we have an update?

It's shower time!!!

Not to say I have an excuse for not blogging but a lot has happened in our lives lately.  I'm becoming more pregnant everyday.  Strutting is no longer in style, waddling is.  Pregnancy is going wonderfully and I have zero complaints. 

I've been working 2 jobs (both part time) for the last 2 1/2 years now.  It was not a big deal until the last few months when working 50-60 hours a week was really starting to wear me out.  After a lot of praying and thinking, it was time to give one up and on July 31st I had my last day at Walgreen's Infusion Pharmacy.  I will really miss some of my coworkers there but the on-call nights were making me a crazy lady and they all understood and sent me out with a bang- a surprise baby shower!  I have no pictures from that day- but a big thank you to all of them for everything I learned there and my friendships that I made.  I'm very thankful for my job at Duncan's.  It just feels like home and I'm even more thankful to only be employed at ONE place :)

The next weekend I was off to my beautiful home sweet home in East Tennessee. Shout out to Allison for driving me there and back.  I could not have made that 6 hour trip alone plus it gave us good bestie time.   I know she did a lot of planning in Nashville which is not easy and I'm so grateful Ethan has her as an aunt and I have her as my best friend.  That car was loaded down with so much stuff I could barely get my belly in. She could seriously be a party planner to the stars. 

Ten hostesses made that day so incredibly special for me.  I will never forget it.  I will let you enjoy the pictures, but there was a prayer card table for baby Ethan (by the way, that's his name!), incredible food, awesome gifts, and a house full of what turned out to be around 55 people!!  Talk about making a girl feel special!  It really is true when people say there is no place like home!

The hostesses

Friends from high school

The food:

The decor

My daddy came at the end to help pack us up. And to eat some snacks. At this point I was wearing the super cute hospital gown Allie got me.  I loved it so much I pranced around in that thing forever...until I dropped food on it and Allie took it off ASAP.  Not my fault, my belly has turned into a catch all.

The gifts!

Thank you again to all of my family and friends for making that day SO special.

We also made a quick stop in Cookeville coming home to visit our sweet friend, Kori, and her precious little nugget, Baby Tucker!  She looked great for just having a baby and I sat there and cried as I held him (shock).  Congrats to her and Drew on their new sweet family.  I love all three of you!

I was lucky enough to have my mom and sister-in-law come back to Kentucky with me to help organize and get the nursery started.  I was beginning to panic...like whoa.  Nicholas is currently playing super husband trying to get our new house built, therefore he has not been at my disposal to help get the nursery ready.  We got in from Tennessee late Sunday night, I worked Monday and when I came home that evening they had cleaned my house from top to bottom, done all of Ethan's laundry, assembled the bassinet, and had all the furniture moved and ready to go. OH and had a home cooked meal on the table.  The tears started when I walked in the door and haven't quite stopped. I'll post pictures and more on the nursery in the next blog.  But thank you Mom and Jess-Bird for everything you did those 2 days you were here.  I'm crying as I type this.  I'm so lucky to have you both in my life and I wish there wasn't 350 miles between us.  I count my blessing to be so close to my Mom and sister.

Fast forward to Friday and it was off to Birmingham for a double shower weekend (told you I don't slow down). Mom and Jessie even drove down and met us and Nicholas was able to come, too!  Brenna and I announced our pregnancies the same day, why not celebrate our showers the same weekend?  I haven't lived there in 3 years so I was very grateful our friends still wanted to celebrate baby Ethan.  They threw a beautiful shower complete with a bar (all virgin drinks, of course!) and a brunch to die for.  Thank you girls for all you did.  I know it was crazy planning 2 showers in 2 days, but it touched my heart.  Probably why I cried the first 2 hours after we left.  Poor, poor Nicholas.

I have been officially put on travel restrictions so my tail will be staying in Paducah until sweet Ethan decides to make his arrival.  He's a rather "large bambino" (my OB's words, not mine), so Tuesday we get another ultrasound to check his growth and weight.  I'm about 90% he is snuggling transverse in my belly.  He still has a few weeks to get ready so whatever he wants to do is fine with me.  Yes, I'm hot , swollen, usually pretty cranky and hungry, but my Aunt Karen told me this is the only time that I will have to help assist God in making a miracle.  So I'll prop my feet, eat a snack, take a nap, and rub my belly and tell him I'm the luckiest girl in the entire world to be his mommy and I love every minute I get to carry him with me.  I love that baby so much and I can't wait to have him my arms and kiss him non-stop.

I hope you have a wonderful week this week and can cherish all the miracles God is doing for you!

XO,

Britt

26 Weeks and counting....

So yesterday I reached 26 weeks!  It's becoming VERY real that we will soon have a sweet baby boy in our arms.  I wish I could tell you how it consumes my every thought.  What he will be like, who he will look like, how will I be with no sleep (probably hateful), how precious will Nicholas look holding him, and how in the world am I going to juggle all of it?!?  I am just so blessed and can't wait for all of the exciting adventures to come our way!  Now off to the fun stuff....

How far: 26 weeks yesterday!!! 

Pregnancy Highlights:  Feeling this precious baby move ALL THE TIME!!  I also thought when you felt your baby move that it would just be a kick here or there.  Not this little guy.  His favorite activity is using my bladder as a trampoline.  I seriously pee 50 times a day...sorry if that's TMI.  He loves to move at night and in the morning.  I cherish it so much.  I think once he gets here, I will miss this the most.  The belly button is creeping on out.  That's weird.  I'm trying to push it back in.

Name:  Soooooooo, I'm being very brave here.  We, and by we I mean I and Nicholas by force, have chosen a name!!  He doesn't read my blog so I feel I'm a little safe.  It looks like Ethan Nicholas Sullivan it is!!  But let me go ahead and clarify that Nicholas says he will *not* agree to a name until he meets the little guy in person.  I cannot begin to tell you my frustation with this. Really?  So you like Ethan now and have no back up.  So I'm gonna pop him out and you say he just isn't an Ethan. So what, we go with a family name....Delbert? Harve? Ersel?  Ok. He says I only wanna name him now so I can monogram burp cloths.  SO NOT TRUE!  I also want to monogram gowns, and blankets, and his quilt, and diaper bag....

Cravings:  Has been and is still marinara.  Holy cow.  I usually have something Italian everyday just covered in marinara.  Poor Nicholas has to be tired of spaghetti because I suggest it every night.  I had tonight actually.  And now I'm enjoying some TCBY mint chocolate chip.  They sell pints in grocery stores!!  Holy cow. 

Weight gain:  Sadly my scale is still broken.  Oops.  I'll get right on fixing that...

Random:  I'm begining to swell.  All over.  It's awful.  I think between the pregnancy and the heat and the salty foods I crave, I'm in trouble.  I have "cankles".  They're super attractive.  My face swells.  My wrists and hands swell.  I think my legs are too, but that's probably part of the pregnancy or just them getting fat, although we are going to say swelling.  It makes me feel better.

I'm getting extremely nervous about delivering this sweet boy.  Like whoa.  I do NOT do pain.  And apparently child birth has a tendency to be painful.  At our 24 week appointment, I had a nice chat with my doctor about the birth plan.  It pretty much includes the anesthesiologist meeting me at the doors ready to go with the epidural.  Get that done and noone gets hurt.

And while I'm at it let me just say this:  I realize that I look like I'm really big to some people.   If you are one of those people you are correct.  I'm definitely bigger!!  But to hear on a daily basis... " WOW, you are due until October?  That's going to be one big baby!"  OR my favorite

"Oh are you sure it's not twins?"

Yes. Yes. YES!!  Is it really necessary to ask a pregnant woman that!?  I mean filter, people!!  No, I'm not having twins.  There is ONE healthy, growing baby boy in there all by himself.  So, this is a warning- I cannot be held responsible for my actions to the next person who asks me that.  :)

To sum it up so far (aside from the twin comments)....I love it!!!  It's such a fun time for me and Nicholas.  He's going to make the greatest and sweetest father and I look forward to seeing our little family grow.  Our dogs are getting excited too!  Well, I think they are.

Here's looking back a couple of weeks....

25 weeks



24 weeks

Last weekend I took off a few days at work and went home to beautiful East Tennessee to visit my wonderful family.  It was such a needed time at home and my mom catered to me hand and foot.  I'm so spoiled!  And yes, Jessie, you made the weekend that much better.  Thank you for having a few days off with me.  I was also able to spend some time with my grandmother in the nursing home.  I think most of you have seen the picture of her feeling Ethan kick for the first time.

Insert tears here....







We also had a lot of fun on the lake.  I heard there was a whale spotting that day, too.  Crazy.

My dad is such a rockstar.

When I left on Monday, you could say I had somewhat of a breakdown.  My hormones kicked in a I could not. stop. crying.  My mom went with me to the gas station and filled my car up with gas.  Well, that made me cry.  Then I had to tell her bye.  That made me cry even harder.  As I was driving away and sobbing like a lunatic, I looked over and she had packed my car with snacks and a roll of paper towels so I could wipe my tears.  Well that made me lose it worse.  All I could think about it how wonderful my parents are how in the world will I be as good of a parent as they are?  They really take the best care of me.  Thanks for feeding me fruit and chicken salad, too, Mom.  I know you just want me to stay healthy.  But I did eat a big ol' piece of strawberry cake when I went to visit Allison.  It's all her fault. I couldn't say no. Anyway, sorry if I gave you a hard time about needing a "heartier" snack.  I love you.

And to finish this blog off, I want to wish my precious hubby a belated but wondeful 3 year anniversary.  June 6th, 2009 you made all my dreams come true.  I love this kid more than anything.  He's my husband, my best friend, my should to cry on, my guinea pig to try to recipes on, and my snuggle bug at night. Well, not really anymore because I'm too hot and sleep is too precious.  Anyway, here's a pic from our anniversary dinner at Patti's.  Such good food and even better company :)

And to end this blog on a little funny.

Yesterday morning, Nicholas and I were in bed and I was reading him the highlights on what happens during the 26th week.  It said that your partner can lay his ear on your belly and he may be able to hear the baby's heartbeat.  So Nicholas tired.  I kid you not, right when he put his ear on my stomach, Ethan hauled off and drop-kicked him in the face.  Hard.  I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.  I think he's taking after me a little.

 I love that baby more and more everyday.

XO,

Britt

Girl's Weekend!

So this past weekend was girl's weekend with my bestie, Allison.  I was beyond excited to get to spend some time with her because it had been entirely too long. 

Before I continue this story, I must say girls weekend started on Saturday morning ...instead of Friday night.  Friday night I had a date with the most handsome guy I'm married to.  He took me on a hot date to a place called "Catfish Kitchen". Be jealous.  That boy knows the way to my heart....and it's fried catfish (or the dreaded whiskas as he calls them).

So Saturday morning I headed off to Nashville for a day of eating, and shopping, and playing with this little love bug.  World meet Pene-paws!! 

Her real name is Penelope but I don't think I ever called her that once. Is she not just precious? She's such a little snuggler and diva and I ate it up. I can't quite cuddle with my 90 pound and 50 pound dogs so I packed this little pup around the whole time I was there. 

After I pulled myself away from p-paws, Allie and I hit the town to shop.  Somehow the only shopping we ended up doing was for the little peanut in my belly.  I bought the rug for his nursery!!  It is the first item I've purchased for the nursery and it was perfect!  There is no theme, but we going to do colors (navy, lime green, white, and yellow) instead.  I keep looking at that rug rolled up in the corner, thinking "good purchase baby momma".  

For lunch, we had a true Nashville experience and hit up the food trucks.  No, it's not like a corn dog outside of a bar at 2 AM when you may or may not have had a few too many drinks. The trucks were parked outside the prettiest park and it made for a lovely little picnic.  This food was so yummy in my growing tummy. Allie never disappoints when it comes to great places to eat.

We also did things other than eating....but who cares about that. This little boy in my belly has one heck of an appetite.  And bless him, I don't want him to go hungry ;)

For supper, we went to this totally random, hole in wall, kinda made me wanna pack some heat in the ghetto, Italian restaurant. 

O.M.G. I knew this place was going to be so good and Italian food is my favorite food of all time. I can't even talk about it. I swear I would drive back down there right now to eat again, but it put me in a food coma that I can't describe and I need to be able to function for work tomorrow.  Great job again, A.

Ok, one more picture of food then I promise no more food pics.  Yes, I eat a lot. Probably explains why the scale keeps going up but that's alright.  You'll understand when you see the picture of me below, but just know my hair was flat. And the camera adds 10 pounds. They don't just mean tv camera, do they?  This is the breakfast Allie made Sunday morning.  I'm not kidding.  She is an AMAZING hostess.  We even had scones to celebrate the queen's diamond jubilee.  Yes, another reason we are friends.  We love the royality.

We also headed down to ol' Cookeville, Tennessee on Sunday afternoon to visit a sweet friend of ours from high school for her baby shower.  It was seriously one of the greatest afternoons of laughing and catching up I have had in such a long time.  Kori will be welcoming baby Tucker in just a few weeks and she was so precious!!  Plus she is using the same colors for her nursery that I plan on doing so I was able to steal ideas and all kinds of inspiration.  Thanks, Kori. Her momma even came from Tazewell and I love Denise as much as anyone and it was so good to get to see someone from home.  Talk about a quick cure for being homesick!!  So happy for her and that we got to see that cute baby bump before he arrives!  The shower was suppose to end at 4, we stayed until 7. Oops. Love you KGE!

So, a great weekend was had by all (except for Nicholas for had to work but hey, someone has to and it's my turn this weekend).  I think no matter where you are it's so important to take time out for girl time.  Well, that's enough for today.  I'll update on the baby, the house progress, and our anniversary next time.  

And yes mom, I had "plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables today."  You can rest comfortably tonight. 

XO,

Britt

Catching up on....EVERYTHING!

Soooo friends, it's been almost 2 months since my last post.  Life is happening fast and I just haven't had the time to sit and type my thoughts out but A LOT has happened so why don't we catch up?!

First things first:  OUR BABY!! 

Well, we found out at around 15 weeks that we are having a little BOY!  We are so very excited and yes, surprised.  I just knew, without a doubt, this little baby was a girl.  I just knew it and Nicholas thought so too.  We were in the ultrasound room the morning we found out and as soon as Tammy's (who is our wonderful ultrasound tech) magic wand hit my belly, she said "OH I think I already know!"  Well....hello fuzzy, you can't just say that to me without telling me what it is!!  So I started. "What do you mean? What is it?  How did you know so soon? It's a boy, you wouldn't have guessed a girl THAT quick.  Tell me, Tammy, I'm dying."  Then Nicholas started his questions.  We all just paused and laughed a moment.  She then paused the screen and said there you have it.  I immediately started crying and said IT'S A GIRL!!  The tears started going.  Nicholas was saying I can't believe we are having a girl!  She's gonna be daddy's girl, Britt. Tammy really started laughing which caused us to stop and look at her and she told us this was the most amusing baby reveal ever because that....was boy parts.  Yes, our first instinct as parents was totally wrong.  Parent's of the year, here.  That's ok, I've never been a parent before so a little boy, a little girl, I didn't care. 

The first person we called was my best friend, Allison.  She was about to go into court (no, she wasn't getting locked up, she's an attorney and a mighty good one at that) and I just wanted her to be the first to know.  It was so exciting to get to tell her.  She had the sweetest and most excited reaction.  I think she announced in court it's a boy.  I love her for that reason alone.  We then called parents, siblings, and good friends.  I think I was like 2 hours late for work calling people to tell them. 

All of his organs are growing and working perfect and he is measuring right on track (well, a little big but that's ok).  Woo hoo!

Here's the preggo part:

Cravings: None.  I really haven't.  Anything with marinara is always a plus but I don't crave it.  Most of my food aversions have gone away which make me very happy. 

Weight gain: 5 or 6, orrrrrr 16 pounds.  Who's counting anyway?  I was having some self-esteem issues when the weight was packing on and my pants had stopped fitting.  I felt that I was showing early and people love to tell you that, too.  "WOW, you sure are big already." "How far along did you say you were?" My mom who is so wise told me that if I was more concerned about my waist size than the health of my baby then I had my priorities is the wrong order.  And I did, not that I didn't care about the baby.  But it's totally changed now.  I realize not everyone can have a baby and I'm so grateful to God for this blessing he has given us.  I'm thankful I'm gaining weight at a healthy pace AND that my baby is too!  He's perfect and I could not ask for anything better than it.  It's not about anything else right now or probably ever will be.

Baby Bump:

Well, here is week 16

Week 17

Week 18

Week 19 I was in Tennessee so no pic

Then BAM, bump appeared...

Week 20

Movement:  YES!!!  I felt him move first in my 18th week. I was at work and my coworker squealed tires in her wheelchair trying to get to me when I told her I thought I was feeling him move.  It was awesome and only made that moment even better.  Didn't feel him for a while after that but lately I have and it's so exiting. He's actually moving as I type this.  I freeze and just enjoy the moment.  What a miracle that a living baby is growing in there and just hanging out. You know, chillin.  God is so amazing!!

Milestones:  He can hear now.  I love it.  I talk to him, a lot.  We are going to be the best of friends.  I tell him about our dogs, our new house, our family, our friends.  I think he likes listening to me.  Nicholas finally started talking to him, too.  Now that is hilarious.  He told him when he first gets here we are gonna clean him up first, bring him home, get him a flea collar, and just let him outside to play with his brothers (aka, the dogs).  I just crack up at the stories he tells him.  I understand it's difficult to talk to some one's belly.  I've also let me jam out with me too. We have dance parties with my dog, Roscoe. He loves country, especially Taylor Swift (I mean I only listen to her cd's like 90% of the time), a little rap (I've got a tough side, yo), and pop. 

I think that's about it.  I must say I am LOVING being pregnant right now.  I'm not as tired, I feel great, I'm embracing all the changes going on, it's just awesome!!

NEXT!  So if you read my blog from our trip to Birmingham I said that enough happened to make a second blog post...well, here it is and I have been DYING to write about it!

I told our friends at lunch that I was expecting.  So fun, great, blah blah blah. Read my post if you need those details again.  Anyway, that night we all got together for a cookout when our friends, Mrs. Lauren and Brenna, brought us sweet gifts for the baby!  So sweet!  When I was reading the note out loud Brenna wrote, Kelly misunderstood what I said and yelled "DID YOU JUST SAY BRENNA WAS PREGNANT?!" Umm, no. Nicholas said Brenna you aren't are you?  She said, No. Ok.

Well, Brenna also had three other presents for the babies- Ava, Bella, and Emily (they are her nieces).  She said they had to be opened at the exact same time.  Ok, this isn't surprising because we all love to spoil those sweet babies and if you get them something the same you want it opened at the same time.

Sooooo here we go.  I was watching Kelly open one when I see  "Big Cousin" on the shirt...they all said "Big cousin" even Emily, who was the "little cousin". Wait....Emily is a big cousin?

HOLLLLLLLLLLY CRAP!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Looks like we weren't the only ones with baby news!!!  BRING ON THE TEARS!!!  Brenna and Justin are expecting, too!!!  The best part is we are only due 8 days apart!!  So very happy for such a sweet couple. 

There were so many tears that night I can't even explain.  Not only were they not expecting our announcement, but they weren't Brenna's either.  It was so wonderful I wish I could explain it better.  Tears, screams of joy, screams of holy crap!  J.J. said EVERYONE was peeing on a pregnancy test before we left that night.

Pardon the puffy eyes.  I cried so much that night.  Kat even got us a ice cream "congrats" cake.  Really, Kat...ice cream cake for pregnant girls...I LOVE YOU.  So, congrats to Justin and Brenna.  I love you both and I couldn't be more happy for you.  You will be amazing and loving parents. 

And to Brenna...I couldn't be more thankful to God for giving me a great friend to go through this experience with.  I mean due 8 days apart..that's the craziest thing ever!  We text on almost a daily basis about everything we are feeling, experiencing, and going through.  I loved you before, but this has only brought us closer and I'm so grateful.  (PS....congrats on the little girl!)

I even told one of my techs who didn't know I was pregnant yet....so remember I told you my friend told us she was pregnant last weekend in Birmingham?  "Yeah." Well, funny story, we are only due 8 days apart. "Aw, sweet.     Wait......WHAT?!?!"  Priceless.

Brenna and Justin aren't the only ones who have had baby news lately.  I must say congrats to our friends Martin and Lindsey who are due in December.  I called that back on a trip in March when we were able to spend some quality time together.  What guy with no children knows that most people find out at 20 weeks what you are having?  Good one, Martin, you gave that one away!!  They didn't spill the beans that trip, but she was and they called us a few weeks later and I'm so happy for them.

Nicholas's best friend Joe and his wife Jessica are also expecting!!!  They are due 2 weeks after us!  When I called Jessica to tell her the big news, I said well, the toast we had on New Year's Eve had some magic- I'm pregnant!  She responded with "Shut up, so am I!"  AH!!  So fun!!  We have had a great time talking about everything!  I hate they live so far away in Alabama but I know our babies will be so close.

There are also 2 other sweet friends of ours that are expecting, but they haven't told the world yet so when that happens I will give them a shout out.

THIRD and lastly because this is really long and I'm hungry.  Nicholas and I are finally building our new home!  We have waited, and saved, and planned, and re planned, and finally put it into reality.  We are about to enter "Phase 2" and it's so exciting!  I mean a new baby and a new house?  I've got this under control.  Just don't stop by my house unexpectedly because I may be crying about everything, or nothing at all.  It happens. 

I blame the hormones.

XO,

Britt

And baby makes 3!!

Sooooo...rumor is Nicholas and I are going to have a baby.  The rumor is true!  Lil baby Sullivan is expected October 6!  We are both so excited and nervous and feel so blessed that this is happening.

How it all began....

January 31st was the day my life changed forever.  It was a normal Tuesday as I walked into work.  I was alone and thought, hmm....maybe I should take a pregnancy test.  NEVER did I actually think it would be positive. Then, bamm, it turned positive in about 4 seconds and I hit the bathroom floor.  Yes, literally  I stayed there for what seemed like a while until I could catch by breath and realize that I had opened the pharmacy and I was the only one there.  Once I composed myself, I hid the test in my purse, poured my coffee down the drain (I heard no caffeine while you're pregnant), and panic set in.  I couldn't call Nicholas because he was at work.  When he works on the floor at the hospital he has to go into the stairwell to talk so I only call if I need something.  In my mind, if I called him and told him the news, he would fall down the stairs and I would have a much bigger issue on my hands. Like being a single mom. So I waited. And waited. And prayed.  And looked at that test in my purse a hundred times.  After work I went and bought three more pregnancy tests and waited for Nicholas to come home.  When he walked in the door, the tv was off and most of the lights were off.  The first thing he said was "Oh my gosh Brittany who died?"  My only response was "Umm...I'm pregnant."  Not quite how I ever expected to share such exciting news.  He ask how sure was I and I showed him the four positive tests.  We both felt like that wasn't assurance enough so we went and bought 3 more.  I know how beyond ridiculous that sounds but we were scared out of our minds.  After those 3 came back positive he was determined I was doing it wrong and offered to pee on one himself.  It was exactly the comic relief I needed in such a serious moment.   The rest of the night we stared at each other not really knowing what else to do.

I knew from our first date I would marry Nicholas.  I knew he would make an incredible husband and father.  That night affirmed everything over and over again.  After I told him, he wanted us to pray.  He led the most beautiful prayer I've ever heard.  I was very emotional and the things he said that night to me will stay in my heart forever. 

My emotions have been much better since that night.  We flew to Duke the following weekend which was perfect because it kept me from spending time with our family so I wouldn't let the news slip.  We told the news to our parents first, then siblings, then close friends.  I probably have the best memories of telling my best friend Allison, our friends in Birmingham (which will require a total separate post for good reason) and my sisters-in-law. Every day the realization of the fact that we are going to be parents sinks in even more.  I feel sooooo blessed that God has chosen us to be parents and don't want to take a single moment for granted.  I know everything will be totally different from here out.  My mother has made sure I am prepared for that one fact.  We put everything in God's hands a long time ago so with him in the middle of it all I know I have nothing to worry about.  I trust in him, his timing, and his ability to make miracles happen. 

SO now that the sappy details are out of the way, here's to the fun stuff...

How far:  I am officially 13 weeks and in my second trimester!!!!  I was SUPER pumped about hitting that mark and so far I just can't complain about my pregnancy at all.

Symptoms:  My acid reflux is awful (but it was bad before) and I still get nauseous but I can deal with it.  I have my energy back which is just exciting.  I was coming home and falling asleep before 7:30 for a few weeks.  I thought in pharmacy school I had learned what exhaustion was but boy was I wrong!  Over the last 2 weeks my appetite has really picked up.  I'm hungry allllllll the time.  Just ask my co-workers or my husband.  He said one day, "Wow, I just never knew you could put back that much food." In fact it may have been after I had the quarter pounder extra value meal and took it DOWN in a matter of minutes.  Not that it's uncommon to eat that, I'll just leave out what I had eaten right before. :)  I always wanted to eat very organic when I got pregnant but I never expected to have so many aversions.  Just looking at certain foods makes me gag.  So hopefully in the coming weeks that will all go away.

Cravings:  None really.  More aversions but those are going away.  I love marinara so anything with that is good.  And salty foods, not sweet.  It constantly changes.

Belly bump:  I'm voting no, not yet.  If you see me, you can be the judge.  Some days I look like a have a little one, some days I don't.  So as of right now I contribute it to bloat and probably the cheeseburger I just ate. 

Looking forward to:  I can't wait to feel the little munchkin move.  I don't feel very pregnant right now so I think when that happens it will set in.  We also will possibly find out the gender in 10 more days!! My doctor is awesome and is going to give it a go at my 15 week appointment. 

Gender:  I am 99% positive it's a girl.  But I do love when anyone asks me what I think it is, I catch such grief with comments like "you should just be thankful if it's healthy."  So just to clarify- I really do NOT care what this sweet lil baby will be.  A boy or girl does not matter at all.  I just simply think it's a girl, and so does Nicholas, and our sisters, and most of my friends.  Just my opinion, everyone has one.  I'm just excited to get to be a mom!!!

Weight gain:  let's just say yes.  My scale broke last week which is killing me.  I don't want to look like a beached whale this summer so I plan on getting a new one ASAP.  But as of last week I had gained 3.5lbs and reached my heaviest weight ever. Proud moment right there.

And now for some pictures...... Meet Baby Sullivan!!!

 Can you believe something so small is about to change everything so much?  Crazy. 

The proof was in the pudding.  They were all positive even if they don't look like it.  And yes, we bought multiple brands to make sure they were accurate. HA!

And now for the ridiculous part.....Baby Sullivan has acquired allllll of this before he/she is even the size of a plum.  That's right kids.  A plum.  So a proper thank you needs to go to Kelly, Brenna, Lindsey, Mrs. Lauren, Kat, Allison, Jessie, and Sara for showing us just how much you love us and just how loved this baby will be.  I cried opening every single one of these gifts and I can't tell you just how much it means to me and Nicholas.  I never expected or deserve any of it.  When I say we have the greatest friends, we really do.  And yes, that baby already is racking up on the UT gear!!  Baby Vol in the making!!  My mother has decided to spoil my waist line and not the baby just yet and buy me a never ending supply of "stretchy pants" so her baby won't be squished in my jeans (haha) so thanks to you too, Momma! 

That's all I have for tonight.  No belly pictures just yet, but soon. 

And these two wanted to share how excited they are to be big brothers.  I can't leave them out, after all they are my first children.

So until next time feel free to leave your vote for the gender of the baby in the comments section.  Since more people are finding out, a boy may be taking the lead.  If you believe in old wives tales the baby's heartbeat was 177 at week 9 and 178 at week 11.  If you aren't sure what that points to then you have a 50/50 shot anyway.  Go for it!!!  And a big thank you to everyone who has already sent their love!!  Looks like this journey is about to get a lot more exciting!!!

See you back soon!!

XOXO

Britt

Best weekend ever? Quite possibly.

So, obviously I'm already behind on blog posting after just one post.  This should come as a surprise to no one.  But I've been so excited to blog about our weekend in Birmingham a few weekends ago and here it is.

I had not been to Birmingham since October and Nicholas hadn't been since last May.  Crazy considering we lived there for so long.  We were so excited to get in some quality time with our friends and the weekend did not disappoint!!  We actually didn't arrive until about 1:30 AM Saturday morning.  We were so exhausted but to be woken up on Saturday by Ava and Bella's giggles was by far the best alarm clock ever.  We had a girls day brunch (no babies, can you believe I even let that happen?) on Saturday at the cutest little place in Mountain Brook. 

All Kelly could talk about that morning was their cake so I knew if the food was a disappointment, the dessert would not be.  All the girls were able to be there except for Katie Dyer and we had the best time catching up, eating, and just spending time together without interruptions.  And Kelly....the cake did not disappointment.  I mean look how excited this girl is. It's like Christmas morning, pure happiness and joy.

I love each one of these girls SO much.  A quick recap on how I know them: "Mrs. Lauren" (Samford shirt) was one of my very first friends when I moved to Alabama and was going to Samford undergrad.  She was best friends with Brenna (my right), who just happened to be in her first year of pharmacy school, and was also sorority sisters with her.  Mrs. Lauren introduced me to Brenna where she became my "rx friend" and essentially got me through pharmacy school.  I can say CONFIDENTLY that I do not think I would have gotten through it without her. Kat (far right, cute blonde), was also one of my friends from undergrad.  We met because we had both transferred to Samford.  Loved her now for 8 years and if you spend 2 minutes with her you would see why and love her too.  She met the other girls at my bachelorette party and the rest is history.  Kelly, (adorable red head) is the wife of JJ, one of my husbands dearest friends.  I remember the night I was going to meet her.  Nicholas said "you all are so much alike you will end up being best friends." Wow, well, he kinda nailed that one.  Lindsey, (far left) is the wife of Josh, who is the brother of JJ.  So Kelly and Lindsey are sisters-in-laws.  Actually, Brenna married Justin, the other brother, so she is also a Koch sister-in-law as well.  Crazy, right? Lindsey is so sweet and kind and we are so thankful they ended up moving to Birmingham.  I first met her at JJ and Kelly's wedding. It was just destined that we all ended up in each others lives.  We've been there for every wedding, baby, shower, graduation, you name it.  They make me happy that you don't have to be related to be family.  OH, and if you ever hear me talk about my three nieces in Bham, that would be Ava, Bella, and Emily.  Ava and Bella belong to Kelly and Emily belongs to Lindsey.  Not by blood, but I still claim them.  Once you see pictures of them you can totally see why.

SO, figured all that out yet?  We ended up having a cook out that night where I do believe I have never laughed and cried (happy tears) so much, ever.  We created a lot of those memories where I have a feeling that every time we are together it will be brought up.  No one caught the yard on fire (yes, that's happened) and no holes were put in their walls (yes, I would be responsible for that).The weekend ended with a visit to Jim-N-Nick's.  It's mine and Nicholas's favorite BBQ restaurant.  There actually may have been enough that happened in that weekend to require a second blog post.  But at my rate, don't count it.  Enjoy the pics and until next time....

XOXO,

Britt :)

The gang!!  Minus Ava and Bella who were already asleep.  I love you guys!!!