Peanut's Firsts: Bedroom Lamp

So we made the announcements over the Holidays. It was so nice to actually say the words out loud and share the news. I am sure there will be a post dedicated to the reactions, but I want to really put some work into that one. I want to be sure I capture everyone's reactions just right.

The day after Christmas, Brian went hunting with my Dad and Uncle Chip for waterfowl. While I went hunting in Lancaster with my Mom, Aunt Linda and Dani for my first purchase for Peanut's room.

I had my sights set on a Jim Shore lamp. I've loved this lamp for a number of years now. But could not bring myself to purchase it, because I had "no where to put it". Well now I had somewhere to put it. The perfect place, in fact. In Peanut's Room.

The night before, I prepared well. I went online and looked at the lamp to see what I could get it for. Prices ranged from $50 to $90. I figured, I would not spend anymore then $65 on the lamp in Lancaster. (Considering the shipping I would have to pay for a online purchase.) We went to three stores, before finding the lamp. The first store had their Jim Shore marked down 30% but had a disappointing selection. The second store had a decent selection, but no discounts. Finally, at Jake's we found the lamp, a 30% discount and a super Jim Shore selection. I walked away with the lamp for $66.04, including tax.

A successful hunt in my opinion.

Growing A Peanut

Growing up as a child, I used to love to sit and read (for hours on end) the journals and diaries my Mom kept during my first moments and years. I still have them in fact, in a Rubbermaid storage container under my bed. These are cherished memories. Memories I will keep forever. I want my child to have the same memories.

Luckily, for me technology has advanced significantly since I was born. No more need for endless handwritten journals, that get musty and frail. Nope, now we have the internet, computers and data. Although, I am sure by the time my child is my age this technology will be archaic in comparison. I am keeping this blog as a journal of our child's development in the womb. Once he or she is born I will switch over to a new blog that will document their first years. In the meantime, I want you words and thoughts to be part of this journal too. So please, read and comment regularly.

Tid Bits of Information:

1. We've affectionately adopted the name Peanut for the baby that is growing inside me. This came about because we kept referring to Peanut as "it" and it just felt so detached and wrong. We finally agreed upon Peanut, since at that stage that would be a good representation of what he/she looked like.

2. We found out that we were pregnant on Monday, November 23 2009. You can read my inital reaction in the post titled Two Lines: You're Pregnant!

3. We are due Sunday, July 25, 2010. One day before our 7 year wedding anniversary.

4. I will be delivering in Franklin Square Hospital. As my doctor has said: "because they have a real hospital with a real NICU." This is also the same hospital where Danielle was born.

First Trimester Rules

If you have become privy to our pregnancy before February 1, 2010 we do have some rules. We respectively ask that you adhere to them.

• 1. Please DO NOT mention our pregnancy on Facebook, Twitter, Myspace or any other social networking site.
  

• 2. Please be selective when sharing the news with people.
  

• 3. Please do not ask us what we are going to do about the dogs. Sprocket, Grips, Pegs and Drake are part of our family. Just like you are. We have no intentions of getting rid of the dogs. Their lives are going to change drastically, just as our are.

Our first trimester will end on January 29th. While we can't keep the pregnancy a secret from everyone, we are being selective on who we are sharing the news with.

Once we have made it through the first trimester, when miscarriage is most likely, we will be sharing the news with everyone. I would hate for someone to find out about our pregnancy because of a posting or comment on facebook or because they've heard it through the grapevine. This is the main reason for these rules.

Two Lines: You're Pregnant!

Wow, I just finished taking three pregnancy tests, two first response on clear blue. I have one more clear blue to take. Although, I don't have any expectations that it will be any different then the first three positive results.

I can't really put words to what I am thinking, feeling right now. Excitement, nervousness, fear, splendor, surprise and more. B and I have been off birth control over two years now. I had finally resolved that we could not have a child. It was never confirmed. I didn't want to ever be tested, because doing so would make the results too real.

The only reason I took the tests today was so I would stop thinking I might be. We got back from New york yesterday evening where my Mom and Aunt Linda spent time talking at length that I was presenting signs of being pregnant. I thought today I was proving them wrong. Instead, I'm planning for the official confirmation that they are right and the family announcement of the fact. Alright, I'm going to take the fourth test.

I'm pregnant.