Nursery

     24 weeks - April 29

Brian felt the baby!  My sister got to feel it before he did, but he got a few good, rhythmic kicks.  I think it was because he played guitar for the baby.  I have trouble falling asleep at night with the movement!  Clearly, most people are able to see that I am pregnant now.  My extra heartbeats are not problematic (just annoying).  I may have more because of pregnancy, and feel them more with the increased blood flow, hormone changes, and the womb moving my heart's position.  We are starting to look into daycare, there are wait lists that and it can take a year to get a spot in the place. 

The house has had a major change in the nursery and some updates, thanks to my mom and sister.  Michelle scraped the horrid, old (and tough) wallpaper from the nursery and removed the sad trim. We patched up the walls and painted a bright shade of yellow and whitened the ceiling.  I still have more design to paint before we start work on the floor and trim.  All the windows let in light since my mom cleaned them; it looked like it had been several years between cleanings.  We have barley started work on the yard, a lot more grass and plants are needed.  Apparently, the lawn had been green in the fall because of weeds, not grass.  My peas and carrots may not have thrived since the crazy snow storm 2 weeks ago (it has been hot since).  Brian borrowed an electric mower and looked like a real home-owner.  My mom and sister brought the wedding gifts that had not fit in our car after the honeymoon, so we are more prepared to host events.  They also brought art and wall decor and Brian is anxious to have the rooms settled.

Brian was busy with an admitted student visit weekend when the ladies and I took an impromptu day trip to Montreal.  It was fun to re-visit some of the Honeymoon sites and attend mass in the fancy Basilica in French. We just walked around the 'old town,' had lunch, and enjoyed maple treats.  It was a tiring day!  Brian and I were very happy not to go out of town last weekend for once.  I had a local conference at a lake resort, so we stayed at the inn together and enjoyed the scenery.  We also went to a fancy Kentucky Derby party that was hosted by Kentuckians.  I enjoyed non-alcoholic mint juleps (the foreign people thought they were mint tulips) and brought out the big hats and bright dress (which is still way too big for me).  It felt like we were down south again with the sundresses and seersucker. 
I am very busy this month with work and conferences, while Brian is slowing down.  This should set us up for some fun June travel - we plan to go to Nashville and around New England.  I am glad to stay in town for awhile!  Brian had his first school paper due last week, and aced it, of course.  Hopefully, he will do as well in classes that are less interesting.