35 Weeks

Just about a month to go!  We are getting so excited...and a bit nervous...to meet our little girl.  The bouncy seat, swing, and playpen are put together.  Her room is almost ready.  The blankets, towels, and clothes are clean.  Today we are going to work on getting her car seat and strollers ready to go.  Sunday is our hospital tour and birthing class.  **Andrew is taking one for the team and missing football**  Next I need to start packing our bags.

She is getting big!!!

One Year

It is hard to believe it has been a year!  We have had such an incredible year full of more blessing than I could ever imagine.  Andrew worked the morning of our anniversary but was able to be home from the evening.  I woke up to a huge banner hanging from our stairway wishing me a Happy Anniversary with a sweet note and a paper crane.  **Yes my husband is very talented at origami.  Just ask him to make you a shirt dollar.**

That evening we opened the beautiful memory box Andrew and my dad created as my wedding gift and added our yearly note and celebrated with a drink.  Andrew drank a Stella and I had sparkling cider!

We were going to go to dinner that evening but couldn't decide on anything so we stayed home and ordered food and Andrew got to watch his Packers play.  While it was a disappointing game we enjoyed the time together.  

33 weeks

My incredible friends threw me the most beautiful shower just before my 33rd week began.  More on the shower later but here is the bump!

33 weeks

Grandma lovin' on Stella

Daddy, Mommy, and Sweet Stella

We had such an incredible weekend.  Andrew's parents, two aunts, his uncle, and Mike & Jill came into town to celebrate our sweet girl and spend time with us.  It was such an incredible gift to have them here.  We put Marty to work hanging up pictures and helping with other projects around the house.  Peggy, Jill, and I spent a lot of time getting things ready for Stella.  

**I can't wait to show you more pictures and details from the shower!  It was truly such an incredible feeling to have such wonderful people gathered to celebrate our little girl.**

Born to Run

My parents have been raving about this place called Born to Run.  It is a doggy daycare type place a mile away from our home.  It is a super old home on an acre of land.  They have dogs come there and run and play all day (they do have nap time...hilarious to me).  My mom has said whenever Ike goes he comes home and is the **best dog ever** (too exhausted to be bad) for days after.  We decided that we needed to introduce Clay to this place.  With the baby coming we figured it would be a really good outlet for him and since we are going out of town for almost a week at Christmas time thought this would be the best place to leave him so he can stay active.

In order to leave your dog there you have to do an interview.  Yes a dog interview.  We had to take him there one afternoon and he was introduced to the staff and was given the opportunity to run and play with the dogs staying there.  We were so about how he would act **he can be a little crazy** so Andrew took him for a run early in the morning and then we didn't let me him sleep before we went.

Clay so excited to go to Born to Run

After Clay met the staff he was taken to the back yard to get used to the area.  They then introduced the dogs one at a time to see how he would react.  Apparently he used up ALL his energy in the first part of his doggie interview.  About an hour later we were taken on a tour of the facility and then got to see the dogs playing.  When we went to the "viewing area" we watched Clay slowly trot over to the corner with his tongue almost touching the ground and lay down all by himself!  You never want to be the parents of the kid who sits in the corner all by himself while the rest of the kids play and have fun together.  We were THOSE parents.  Our kid was in the corner by himself!  They finally went and got him and let him cool off in the kiddie pool and he made a few more friends.  They told us he was a good dog and was invited back so we got to book him for his Christmas stay...thank goodness.

After getting home Clay was the **best dog ever**!  He had no energy to do anything but just lay around.  I think I am now officially a fan of Born to Run!

How many months...?

31 weeks*ish*

I am due November 5th so I have been saying I am 7 months pregnant.  We then ran into a girl while shopping for shoes for Stella **Andrew was the one who picked her shoes and insisted we buy them...it is NOT just me** that is due exactly two months after me and she said she was 5 1/2 months pregnant.  I looked at Andrew and said "Hey I am 7 1/2 months pregnant!"  At this point every 1/2 counts.  Then we went to a dive in movie (PS so much fun...thank you Tenkley's) and Martina who has the exact same due date and I do said we are 8 months pregnant.  So I went from being 7 months to 8 months pregnant in a matter of 3 days!  I was so confused.  At our appointment this week we decided to as the PA to find out the truth.  She said once I reach 32 weeks I am technically considered 8 months pregnant.  I had no idea!

That is just a really long story to explain that this little girl will be here before we know it!  Hopefully we will get to meet her in 5 to 8 more weeks (Stella if you are listening to your mommy I would pick about 6 weeks from now pretty please!).  

People at work are just finally starting to realize I am pregnant (thank you pharmacy lab coat) and I am told all the time I look so small for 32 weeks.  Let me tell you I am no longer feeling any kind of small. She is worth it...I love my baby belly.  Keep growing strong and healthy...just maybe not TOO big.  Love you little girl!

The Royal Palms

I am pretty sure The Royal Palms is my version of heaven!  I absolutely LOVE this place.  When Andrew and I were planning for the wedding I wanted the location I got ready at to be just perfect!  We visited The Royal Palms and I knew the moment I stepped through the front door there wouldn't be a better place.  I was able to stay in one of the most incredible suites with my "girls" and my mom the night before the wedding and we spent the day relaxing and getting ready there.  This is also where Andrew and I went after our wedding.  When it was time to decide where to go for our "babymoon" I knew exactly where I wanted to go!

The Royal Palms has an incredible view of Camelback Mountain and has the most serene atmosphere and gorgeous landscape.  Since Andrew has become very interested with the landscape of our new home he took pictures of the plants/flowers at every turn so we can attempt to recreate the beautiful atmosphere.  

We checked in on Thursday and I went straight to the spa!  After the spa we spent some time at the pool then had an incredible dinner at T. Cooks.  I am not the biggest foodie...let's be honest my diet consists of protein shakes and peanut butter & jelly sandwiches... but Andrew was able to get some of his favorite fish stuff.  We took this opportunity to get a little fancy and just enjoy each others company.

We spent the rest of our stay relaxing and enjoying each other's company.  It was such a wonderful get away!

I was also the super annoying pregnant lady/wife and made Andrew take some pictures of Stella and myself at some of the same places I had some of my bridal pictures taken.  It is fun to see how much has changed in a year!

**Oh how I wish I had someone to do my hair and makeup for me everyday**

Arizona Weddings

My incredible wedding photographer had posted on her blog that a number of her clients pictures had been published in the Arizona Weddings magazine.  A few weeks later she sent a copy of this edition to Andrew and myself.  We were so surprised to see not only one but TWO of our photographs in the magazine.

Love these peeps!

It is so fun to see these pictures again.  Brings back so many good memories!  After I saw the pictures in the magazine I looked at the website and realized our pictures were featured throughout the "galleries" portion.  This is a huge compliment as we worked so hard to create a beautiful day and used some incredible vendors.  

Thank you Kimberly Jarman, Jan Dekker, Christopher Diamonds, and the sweet ladies at Uptown Bridal for making our day so beautiful.  **Seriously if  you know of anyone getting married these are some of the absolute best people to work with!**

We're 30!

This week I turned 30 AND Stella is now starting her 30th week in my belly!

I can't believe I am 30.  When I was younger I thought I would be in a completely different place when I turned 30.  I thought I would have been married for at least 5 years and have at least 2 little ones.  Now I realize I wouldn't trade my life for anything.  I have had some incredible experiences in my 30 years, met and loved some wonderful people, am very proud of the education and career I chose, so proud to be Andrew's wife, and can't wait to be Stella's mommy!

For my birthday I got a few awesome gifts.  

1. My brother came home for the weekend.  Luke has been gone for medical school for the last 3 years and I miss him more than I could ever explain.  I can't even tell you how excited I was that I got to spend the weekend with him.  He came in late Friday night and we got to spend the whole weekend just hanging out.  

I am so dang proud of all Luke has done.  I feel so blessed to not only call him my brother but one of my best friends.  I think Luke was super surprised to see me with a huge bump but loved when Stella finally gave him a good kick!  He is going to be the best uncle ever.  Love you buddy...keep your head up and keep working hard!

2. I got to see my little love!  On Saturday we (including my mom, dad, and brother) went to the ultrasound place to see Stella.  She was super cute.  We got some good pictures of her little face, got to see all of her long fingers and toes, and got an idea of how BIG she is.  The ultrasound lady said that there is a chance that Stella is already 3lbs 9oz!  ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!  That is huge.  But she also said her femur was long which means she may just be tall and skinny...imagine that considering her daddy is 6'5". 

Cute little nose and beautiful lips!  Can't wait to meet this beautiful little girl.

3.  We had a wonderful dinner with a few of my closest friends.  I figured at 29 weeks pregnant I wouldn't have it in me to have a big 30th party so this was a perfect way to celebrate.  I got to set our fancy dinning room table with beautiful napkins and stuff, Chef Andrew worked so hard to make one of my favorite dinners, and everyone just hung out, relaxed, and enjoyed each other's company. 

I was inspired by my mom to set a pretty table.  Luke brought the beautiful flowers that matched perfect!

Chef Andrew!  Andrew worked so hard to make the perfect meal.  Thank you thank you!!!

These are some of my favorite people in the world.  So blessed they shared their Saturday night celebrating my birthday. 

4.  My mom made meatballs.  All the Seibolt's out there know what this means!  My dad celebrates his 60th birthday August 22nd so we had a birthday dinner Sunday before Luke went home.

This was a wonderful way to start my 30th year.  I think it is going to be a good year!

Practice Makes Perfect

Last week Andrew traveled to Pittsburgh to meet his new niece, Madeline.  He got to spend a lot of quality time with Brook and Madeline.  Andrew got to celebrate Brook's birthday with her and learn all about caring for a new baby.  He was so very proud that he figured out how to use the car seat and stroller like a champ.  We have the same ones so this will really come in handy.  He was also very excited the day he chose a bow and had Madeline wear it all day!

I knew this trip would have one of two results...Andrew would come back with a look of terror in his eyes saying "What have we gotten ourselves into?!" or he would be even more excited for our Little Miss to come.  He came back with a huge smile on his face ready to greet Stella and myself and had brought her home some adorable shoes.  I am so thankful Andrew had this time to spend with Brook and got to love on Madeline and learn all kinds of stuff about taking care of a new one!

Andrew with Madeline

Got the bottle thing down, no diapers though...just you wait buddy!

"Uncle Andrew picked my bow and everyone thought I was such a cutie!"

**I have SO conditioned Andrew that little girls need bows...HAHA!**

Mr. & Mrs. Bruchman

Andrew and I were lucky enough to be invited to the wedding of my oldest, and one of my dearest, friends.  I grew up about 3 doors down from Alicia's family so for as long as I remember Alicia has been a part of my life.  Alicia's first word was "horse" and mine was "baby" so our interests obviously differed greatly but it never stopped us from being the best of friends.  As the years have gone by we haven't been as close as we were the first 12 years of our lives but I still consider Alicia one of the closest people to my heart.

Andrew and I travelled to Flagstaff on Friday afternoon and I had the opportunity to walk down memory lane as we roamed the campus of NAU.  Though it was many years ago **and I only lasted a year** I still have some of the most amazing memories from this place.  I got to show Andrew where I lived, where we ate, where I had class, and where some of my favorite moments occurred.  On Saturday my parents met us for lunch, and this is where things got interesting.  While sitting at lunch my dad's hip dislocated...again.  With Andrew's strength (thank God he was there) we were able to get him out of the restaurant and into our car and to the hospital.  Unfortunately the hospital there was unable to get his hip back in place and unfortunately my parents had to miss the wedding but my mom was successfully able to transport my dad back to Phoenix where they were able to shove his hip back in place the next day.  Needless to say this part of our trip was heartbreaking as I hate seeing my dad in so much pain and I saw the disappointment in my mom's eyes that she had to miss witnessing Alicia's incredible day.  Thankfully my dad's surgeon, who is out of the country, answered my phone call and was able to schedule a great surgeon to put him back together.

Now on to the beautiful wedding....  Alicia's wedding was perfectly Alicia.  The wedding took place just outside of Flagstaff.  The ceremony took place in a beautiful meadow surrounded by trees.  Alicia and her dad rode in on a clydesdale drawn carriage.  She was incredibly beautiful and it was so wonderful to witness the love between Alicia and Max as they became husband and wife.

The beautiful bride

Andrew and I had so much fun catching up with my old neighbors.  Andrew had the opportunity to talk hunting with my old neighbor Dave and I had the chance to catch up with April, who is due about two weeks ahead of me with a baby boy!  I absolutely loved the time I was able to spend with the people who have probably known me the longest.  

April and myself and the bebes

Alicia saying "Of course I am on a horse!"

**Why was anyone even surprised**

My sweet girl

These last few weeks have been fun watching my belly continue to grow.  She likes to move most at night and early morning.  I look forward to these moments every day.  I always feel like she is just saying "I am good Mom, you can stop worrying for now!"  I officially have the pregnancy waddle towards the end of the day, which Andrew loves to give me a hard time about.

25 weeks

26 weeks

Madeline Margaret McHugh

We have a niece!!!!

Madeline Margaret McHugh joined the Daniel's family July 11th.  I will have to say Andrew was a nervous wreck ALL day.  I think I got 20 texts and at least 10 phone calls with updates and nervous brother messages throughout the day.  It was cute to see his concern and love for his sister as she experienced one of the biggest moments of her life.

 Brook and Greg decided not to find out what they were having while she was pregnant and I think everyone except Greg and Grandma predicted the baby would be a boy. We were all surprised to hear the baby is a GIRL!!! I am so excited that Stella will have a little girl cousin her age to grown up with. I can only imagine the bows and dresses that will be flying around at Christmas!

I unfortunately have to wait until Christmas to meet this little beauty but Andrew gets to meet her in about a month. He is going to have to take an extra suitcase with him just to accommodate all of the clothes and things we have already purchased for her.

I can't say how excited and happy I am for the McHugh family. Love you!

She's Growing

With the move and everything else going on in our lives I feel like I haven't been doing a very good job at keeping up with the baby bump pictures. It is fun to look back and see how we are growing!

20 weeks

22 weeks

24 weeks

 It is incredible how much I love this little girl. Sometimes I just find myself sitting in her nursery dreaming about holding her in my arms. I *LOVE* feeling her move. It is the highlight of my day. I don't go to sleep at night or get out of bed in the morning until I am able to get a little love from her. She is already a Daddy's Girl! Andrew can put his hand on my belly and talk to her and she will most always give him a little love back.

It has been crazy to watch my body change but I have loved it. I still will catch a glimpse of my growing belly and scare myself a bit but I love knowing she is always with me.

 This last week we had an appointment and everything looked great! We also registered at Target and Buy Buy Baby. I am pretty sure by the end Andrew was completely overwhelmed and really had no idea all the things this little one would need.

 She is incredibly spoiled...or should I say well loved. She received 3 packages in the mail last week. All filled with incredible clothes that I can't wait to dress this Little Miss in!

Home Sweet *New* Home

We Moved!!!! After finding out we were having a baby we realized quickly we would need a larger home to accommodate our growing family. We began looking for homes and quickly realized this was going to be a more daunting task than we originally thought! After searching for previously owned homes and new homes I got mad I couldn't find what we wanted. Then early one Sunday morning I found *our* home. It is so close to my previous home that we put Clay on his leash and walked a few blocks to check out what might be the home in which we would raise our family.

It had all of our requirements. A backyard big enough for Clay and Andrew's trees, enough rooms to have LOTS of visitors *hint hint*, and a den that Andrew could put all of his animal stuff in with DOORS!!!! The buying process went really well and within about a month we had moved in, had new floors put in downstairs, and had bought new furniture. I have to say I am so relieved that we were able to move before I became to ginormous! Oh and I forgot the best part of this house...Katie and Keith live just behind us! We just keep moving closer and closer to them. :)

Baby Belly Update

It wasn't until about week 16 that I really had any sign of a baby bump.  I have still been able to wear my regular clothes, though I am down to one pair of work pants so I do laundry constantly!

13 weeks

15 weeks

16 weeks

At our almost 16 week appointment I was having a lot of pain and since I had a history of cysts they wanted to make sure I didn't have another ovarian cyst.  I wasn't about to complain because I knew this meant we got to see our little one again!!! **This has become my most favorite thing in the world to do**  During this ultrasound the tech said she was 80% sure our little one was a GIRL!  While this won't be confirmed until our 20 week scan it gets this momma's wheels turning dreaming about her nursery and bows and dresses and shoes!!!!

This same day we were also visiting my dad in the hospital as he had just has his 5th...that is right I said 5th...hip replacement.  Our ultrasound tech was so wonderful in printing a couple of pictures that said "Hello Pop"!  These pictures remained by my dad's side throughout his hospital stay and I think it is safe to say this little girl is what has helped him to get through lately.

12 week little one

While I knew I was pregnant it became very real to me the moment we saw our baby during our 1st trimester scan. We saw the little peanut with a heartbeat at 8 weeks but at 12 weeks we saw a *baby*! I almost broke into tears the moment I saw this little one moving and bouncing inside of me.

 




 We were also so excited to find out that our munchkin appears to be as healthy as can be!

The *not so much* baby bump

While I have been so excited for the "baby bump" at this point I am also excited that I haven't gotten too big too fast.  We were able to keep this little one a secret from most until about 13 weeks.  I was really nervous the entire first 12 weeks so I felt better not telling the majority of people until after that.  This also gave us a chance to tell our friends and family in the ways we wanted to.

8 weeks

9 weeks

11 weeks