Post-holiday Catch-up, and We've Picked a Name!

I have been so subtly notified by several friends that I have not been keeping up with the blog the way I should—thanks, guys! =) So, after all this nudging, I’m trying to get back into the swing of things. Here’s what’s been going on since I last wrote…

Our little boy had his first Christmas and New Year’s. I’m not so sure he cared too much about seeing family or all the gifts, but I think he really enjoyed the food! We were fortunate to see much of our family, but some visits had to be cut from the schedule—December presented an unusual amount of rain and flooded roadways throughout the state. It was simply too dangerous and time-consuming to make some of the trips we’d planned. So, if we missed you this year, I’m certainly sorry. Hopefully, we can see you soon! New Year’s was very low-key. We spent the evening with our friends in North Little Rock. I had to take a two-hour nap earlier in the day to ensure I was able to stay up until midnight. Growing a baby takes a lot of energy!

In all the holiday hubbub, Sam and I were able to spend some time together, just the two of us, which was very nice; our holidays are usually very busy, so it was nice to spend some quality time together before the baby arrives.

Just before New Year’s, Sam and I decided on a name for Baby Rakes!

Dexter Bennett Rakes! I love it!

Dexter is a name that both Sam and I like, mainly because of a cartoon, Dexter’s Laboratory. And Bennett is my dad’s middle name. It has a nice ring to it, I think.

So, we celebrated Dexter’s cousin’s first birthday at the beginning of January, which was a lot of fun. I can’t wait to see what next year’s birthday will be like with two little guys running around!

We had another appointment last week with Dr. Mah. Dexter is doing just great, and growing like a weed. I talked to Dr. Mah about concerns about labor and delivery; she was totally reassuring about it and walked me through the whole process. I don’t think I’ll ever be ready for delivery, but at least now I feel a little calmer about the whole process.

Sam started school this week! I am so happy for him, and he seems to really be enjoying it so far, even his algebra class! Dexter gets very excited when he hears Sam’s voice after Sam has come home after class. Dexter twists and turns and kicks! So, so sweet! He already loves his dad! He reacts similarly when I drink grape soda. =)

I will post pictures of my belly soon. Does anyone know how to get pictures from your iPhone to your computer? Let’s hope Dexter has better luck with electronics than I do!

UPDATE: Thank you, Kira, for telling me how to get my picture off my phone!

I tried to post these images last night, but I couldn't log on to the blog site. Glad it's up and running now.

Here's our beautiful little boy and his little foot! It blows my mind to look at those pictures. I just can hardly believe that that cute thing is growing in me! I can't wait to see him for real for the first time!

Yesterday, I had to get some routine blood work done with Dr. Mah. She also listened to Baby Rakes's heartbeat...I guess I should say she tried to listen to his heartbeat. She said, "Do you hear all that noise?" It sounded like water swishing in a tub, but it was actually him moving around. I think Dr. Mah was more than a little amazed by all his movement. I, on the other hand, am not at all surprised by all the movement we heard--you should trying feeling all that movement from the inside! =) I've begun to feel individual appendages moving, either kicking left-right, left-right, or punching and giving my bladder the ol' one-two. =)

I also got my H1N1 vaccine yesterday. I've been trying for several months now, practically since I found out I was pregnant. Finally, yesterday the hospital I work for had some at Employee Health Services. I am relieved to finally have gotten the shot. While I was at the clinic, the nurse who gave me the shot asked me how far along I am. It doesn't sound like a big thing, I know, but she's the first stranger to realize I was pregnant without actually knowing that I am. It was nice!

Today, Sam and I are going to register for baby stuff! Yeh! I am so excited! So, I'm off to enjoy this soggy, cold day with lots of Christmas consumers! I hope you all are having a great Saturday!

My Belly at 20 Weeks

I haven't yet scanned the images of Baby Rakes yet, but I promise to do that soon. In the meantime, here's a picture of my belly at 20 weeks. (I plan on only posting belly pictures every month now.)

So, of course, Friday was a huge day for us. It was so exciting not only to find out the sex, but also seeing our little one for the first time in a while. The funniest thing happened while we doing the ultrasound: right after the ultrasound technician told us that he's a boy, he literally stuck his hand between his legs as we watched! I can't decide if he was just being a typical male or if he was embarassed and saying "C'mon, now, that's enough that!" =) I'm sure the movement was a fluke, but it's kind of nice to begin putting a little personality to him.

I will upload the ultrasound images soon, like I said. Enjoy my growing belly! (As Mom said when I met her in a store yesterday: (Laugh) "Oh! You're so pregnant!") =)

Baby Rakes is a....

BOY! We are so happy and excited!

I'll post pictures soon!

One More Day!

Tomorrow's the day, folks! We'll find out what Baby Rakes is during our appointment tomorrow morning at 9 AM! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers--this ultrasound will also make sure Baby Rakes is developing normally and is healthy.

I'm too excited to write anymore, so be sure to check in tomorrow for the real news!

Thanksgiving Day(s)

Baby Rakes had a great first Thanksgiving! Though I'm sure he or she had no idea, for the most part, that we had a great holiday, there were many firsts for Baby Rakes: wonderful, copious amounts of food; two car rides longer than 15 or 20 minutes; hearing the Beatles and dancing along in the car; and lots of new voices. Needless to say, we all three were pretty exhausted by Saturday night when the three-days' worth of festivities ended. Sam and I spent this rainy Sunday sleeeping late and watching movies in our pajamas--a great end to a pretty spectacular Thanksgiving!

It was so great to see relatives, many of whom I hadn't seen since I found out I was pregnant. It's nice to know that Baby Rakes has such an amazing group of people to welcome him or her into the world! Thanksgiving is the perfect time to remember things like that and all the blessings we've been given this year.

The countdown to December 4th continues; by the end of this week, we will be able to call Baby Rakes "him" or "her"! Only five more days!

Many of the relatives I saw didn't know I had a blog up and going, so welcome to all those who found out about The Pre-Life and Times of Baby Rakes over Thanksgiving! I hope you'll leave lots of comments and enjoy the updates.

Belly Picture at 18 weeks

Here's a picture of my stomach at 18 weeks. Grow, baby, grow!