The Third Trimester

It's here!  We have less than 100 days until the arrival of our son!  The countdown reminds me of the countdown to our wedding a couple of years ago. The only difference is we actually have NO IDEA of when this little guy will make his appearance into the world, which for a planner, is a little scary.

We have started looking at child care options - and apparently a little too late, as all the places I have called thus far there is a waiting list for which we wouldn't be able to get in until December.  Yikes!  Who knew child care was such in high demand! We have our work cut out for us, that is for sure.  Please pray that we find a safe and comfortable environment for our son in the near future :).

The closer we get to the birth, the build up of reality is starting to settle in. There are SO many decisions you have to make for such a small person. From child care to diapers - it feels like everything is such a major decision.  Its amazing to see how many friends/family have taken on this adventure ahead of us and did it with so much grace. I feel like a newborn baby colt trying to walk :) (if you have never seen a baby horse trying to walk - definitely google it!).

Oh! A couple of weeks ago - Andy was able to feel the baby move for the first time!  It is super cool to be able to finally share a portion of this time with him.  It is also super weird to be able to look down at your stomach and see it jump with movement! I have heard in the coming weeks - this movement will continue to get stronger and more bold - so we are looking forward to that.

25 Weeks: Belly Buttons and Donuts

Hello!  So - it has been a few weeks (sorry about that!). Actually I find myself apologizing a lot lately.  I never realized how tiring mixing baby growing and busy was going to be. I typically just work, come home, go to bed, just to repeat it all the next day - little time for phone calls and e-mails :/. BUT - only a few more weeks left of busy season and I will be back to working 40 hours a week (and hopefully my social life - WAHOO!  What is funny is my first count down is getting through to the end of busy season (which confuses people when I say - I only have 5 more weeks left...they immediately think I am talking about the baby - whoops!).

But nonetheless- I am still so thankful for the support, responsiveness, prayers, and understanding of all my friends/family during this time.

As for what else is going on in the Karlin - baby-prepping world :

• We got the baby furniture today!!!  Andy's parents came over to Tulsa to help us pick it up at the store.  We have unloaded the dresser from the box thus far and love it!  Can't wait to get the room painted and the crib set-up. Hopefully, in a few weeks, I can report back that that is all done! One step closer :)
• Heating pads were a miracle invention.  For those of you that don't know - I pulled a muscle in my back a couple of weeks ago (who knows how!) - but 3 1/2 straight days in a recliner with a heating pad definitely helped the healing process!  The heating pad is now in my daily rotation - I take it to work and turn it on when my back starts feeling tight from sitting in a chair too long. Probably not too much longer and you will find me sleeping through the night in the recliner!
• You are probably wondering about the "belly button" aspect of the title of this blog...well, I realized that my belly button is no longer centered with my body (Andy doesn't believe me yet). But - it has been DRIVING ME CRAZY - I like things super symmetrical, so this one is going to get me over the next few months. (I didn't even know this could happen!).
• D-O-N-U-T-S - are the craving of the month. I am not even picky - powdered, glazed, cake, chocolate covered, cream filled. I want them all. I have been able to contain myself (well, Andy has had to step in a few time to help me make "healthier choices than donuts - ha ha) to only 1 donut indulgence a week. Hopefully - I can change the craving to something a little healthier soon - like cucumbers or something! ha ha.

And....for your viewing pleasure..the growing belly (only 2 more weeks of the 2nd trimester! Time really does fly!!!).