A very happy holiday.

This was baby's first Christmas...and I know you aren't supposed to say "Christmas (or other event, here) is so much better with a baby." BUT...my holiday season was so much merrier with Scout here. And maybe that's not the same thing. Maybe a baby doesn't change everything...maybe WE change things once the baby gets here.

It was a different and somewhat difficult year for present buying. We didn't want to spend money on ourselves or on each other. We wanted to buy her the world. We wanted to introduce her to Christmas lights, trees, Santa, snow, wrapping paper, tissue paper, bubble wrap, baby dolls and the spirit of giving.

Baby met (and was quizzically intrigued with) Santa, stared at lights and touched her first Christmas tree. She helped me decorate (and un-decorate and then decorate again) the tree and house for the holidays. She tried and finally got the hang of unwrapping presents, though she disapproved of bubble wrap. She experienced her first Miltos, Toy Joy and (almost) Trail of Lights tradition with family. She kissed the baby dolls and hugged them, tackled them, and tried to figure out their hands, feet, eyes, noses and eyelashes. She saw her first snow. She had her first Christmas Eve celebration with extended family. She left milk and cookies for Santa for the first time. She got a letter from Santa for the first time. She had her first Christmas morning and opened her stocking for the first time to find all kinds of goodies.

It was the best Christmas of our lives and part of that has to be because we were sharing it with our baby girl.

A new look..

Oh hey there, readers! Notice anything new about me? That's right....I had a little work done. Welcome to the new blog. It all started with a new name. Then, thanks to a little genius and a lot of hard work...it all came together. So, thanks J. You rock my face off.

Dreams of a mobile baby

Why does it have to be cold outside?

omg. are we ready?

Baby standing, caught on video.

She's been doing this for a while...just wanted to share a video.


Watch it once for the standing, and twice for the cute curl behind her ear/collar.

What has kept Scooty busy lately?

Oh ya know...making some phone calls, answering some emails, posting some blogs.

Christmas Tree Wanted....

Christmas 2008

A good look at my day....

"Why I married a Radio, Television and Film degree-holder"...in pictures.

SO. Rebecca at Girls Gone Child posted a blog about money shots (of our children)...and requested readers to gather theirs and send them in. Like I'm not going to do that! ;)

Couldn't pick just a couple, so here's a my top ten...eleven...twelve...thirteen...ok I'll stop. Click the pic below for my photo album and listen to me gush about the cuteness that is.

$$ shots

Happy Thanksgiving, Baby Scout!

This is your first Thanksgiving, baby girl. And we are so thankful for YOU and all the joy you have brought to our lives! We love you so so so much.

Happy Holidays....

What can I say? I'm in the mood for eggnog.

a little inspiration of my own....

I was just inspired to get in shape by a new endeavor...here's your super nerdy literary hint:

"A way a lone a last a love a long the
riverrun, past Eve and Adam's,
from swerve of shore to bend of bay,
brings us by a commodius vicus of
recirculation back to Howth Castle
and Environs."

...and no...nothing is misspelled or nonsensical.

Such a big girl!!!

Our lil' grower has been growing! And she has the numbers to prove it to ya!

Our growth chart puts Lil' Scouter in the 75th percentile as far as length and head size (she's def. a thinker!!) in her 9th month. She is long and lean, at 18 lbs. 10 oz...and Dr. Cav is wonderfully happy with her development. She is 28 1/2 inches long (I think she gets that from her daddy).

Anywho...just wanted to share the latest stats! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, if I don't get another post up before then!

Argument FOR teaching your baby French...

This has to be the cutest thing I've ever seen. on the internet.


Once upon a time... from Capucha on Vimeo.

two cuteness stories for the day

cute story numero uno:
So today, I watched Scout crawl over to the shelf and take a thick book off the shelf, scoot it over to the other shelf, and stand on it so she could reach the glass vases she isn't supposed to have. So cute that I couldn't tell her no. Until she tried to pick them up.

cute story numero dos:
As I type this, my adorable husband is curled up on the couch...snoring. And below him (on the floor), in the exact same position...also snoring...Champ Champ. They would totally be spooning if they were on the same level.


omg...the cuteness abounds.

Inspiring Story

Who's that standing baby?

So, forgive the lapse of posting. I've been busy chasing our little explorer all over the house trying to keep her little mitts off of daddy's records, xbox, books, dog toys, shoes, socks, tp, laundry, tables, tv cabinet and picture frames...to name a few things.
At this rate, we are pretty sure we have an early walker on our hands.

Last night was awful...

BUT with good reward! Ms. Scout has officially cut her first tooth! I tried to take a picture, but eh....no luck. Just know that there are pics of toothies in the works....

Have a Happy Halloween!

Ranch pics and video

Ranch 2008

Here's some video of Hailee running horses for the first time.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6832859340525237616

and Hailee riding Shorty

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9172711844234431591

Playing with Papa

Here's a cute vid of Scout playing with her Papa. We visited The Ranch in my hometown this past weekend. It was a great time! I'll post the link to more pics when I get them uploaded.

Baby's got a brand new pad....

You can visit Scout now at 12345 Living Room Blvd.! She's all grown up and has her own garden.

Copperhead Road....Scout style.

Here's our prodigy baby...playing Copperhead Road on the stacking cups and dancing to boot! :D Pretty much the funniest thing ever.

When did that happen?

When did ordering a drink at Starbucks become a chance to get mocked, chatted up, or down right confused?! I just want a freakin' frappacino. Not a relationship!

I've never wanted to tip my barista...until today. He simply asked "what can i get started for you, today?" Then, the total, the drink and a "have a nice day."

It was great. I didn't have to talk about the weather. I didn't have to talk about "what trouble i've been up to lately." I didn't have to talk about coffee cake or sandwiches. I wasn't told "oh no, we don't make those anymore. HAHA. JUST KIDDING"

Just the drink, please and thank you.

EDIT:
J went to Starbucks and got the same annoying kid that took my order a couple of weeks ago...

SB guy: "Two drinks? That'll be a million bucks."

J: "uh. ok. here's my card."

SB guy: "ok. do you want a receipt?"

J: "um. no. that's ok."

SB guy: "sure you don't want to make sure I'm not charging you a million bucks?"

J: "uh. that's ok. I trust you."

AND THE BEST IS SAVED FOR LAST
SB guy: "ok. your drinks will be out in a minute. Feel free to sit there and throw things at me."

holy moly...now we are going to have to lose bets to go to Starbucks.

I <3 my husband...

Man, life is pretty grand here in the H house. Don't get me wrong...we have our daily struggles and moments just like every other household. But, I have to hand it to my hard-working husband. He has been putting in a lot of hard hours at work the past couple of months and I wanted to give him a public (well, sorta) pat on the back. Not only is he the sole (veggie-)bacon bringer, but he's a great dad and husband when he gets home. He's never too tired or too busy to give Scout her bath, read a book, sing a song, play instruments or roll around on the floor. And THAT is a great man.
I found some good ol' pics online...here's one from one of our first "dates." J and I had JUST had our first date the night before this picture was taken. J and I met in June of '05 when we worked together at ExpertVillage.com. I'd worked there maybe a week or two and he had stopped by my office to ask me if I wanted to go grab a pizza/beer and see his friend's band play on a Wednesday night after work. I gratefully accepted (a little giddy at this point, and probably jumped for joy on the inside when he asked).

Our first date...I met him at his apartment that he shared with Jason (and Jason's brother and various others that summer) and he gave me the grand tour of the ultimate (but deceptively clean) bachelor-pad. We sat on the couch (I remember absolutely beaming with awkwardness and smiling a lot), talking about movies and his impressive (if somewhat intimidating) DVD collection...including his love of everything John Cusack. We went (I drove) to The Parlor in Austin and shared some pizza and a pitcher before most of his friends showed up at the GoldenBear show. I remember feeling intimidated, but happy that he was interested enough to introduce me to his friends. I remember that tingly feeling in my chest when he HAD to lean close and yell in my ear if I wanted another drink and pure elation as his hand held mine while rocking out to "Santa Rosa" and other GB hits. There were after date pics taken and after post-date errands, it came as quite a surprise when this soft-spoken guy leaned in for our first kiss. I hadn't been that happy in a long time, and to this day I conjure up these feelings of bliss.



A month later I received this IM on my computer on a Monday morning: 7/29/05

jbher1979: you probably won't get this till Monday, but I'm sitting here on Friday night @ 2am and all I can think about is how incredibly in love with you I am.....you make me soooo happy that words cannot even describe it.

(hope this doesn't embarrass him)

So, to J! The best husband in the world.

PS, I just realized that this blog post likely triggered a google alert to J's co-workers. Don't give him too hard of a time on Monday :)

our first San Antonio Zoo trip

Mom and dad came down for a fun-filled weekend and we "road tripped it" to San Antonio to visit some family members. ;) OK, ok...so not exactly family. But, we did have fun looking at all the animals...especially the monkeys, lemurs, hippos and a friendly little ocelot.



Then, today, we went on a walk to the playground in our neighborhood. Here's Scout's first sliding experience.

My moment of enlightenment...

Upon my first few days as a mother, I was flooded with help from family, friends, and a wonderful nursing staff at NAMC. So when we headed home from the hospital, I was confident, excited and ready to begin this new chapter in my life. I was flooded with the "I can't believe this beautiful baby is mine" thoughts.
The day that J was due to return to work, my mom (who'd been in town helping us with late night feedings, laundry, cleaning, cooking, errands, and getting me back on my feet after a difficult C-section) was also due to return home (9 hours away). Momentarily, I was freaked out. Paralyzed. I couldn't believe I was responsible for such a tiny little thing! What was I going to do? How could I do this without my security net? But alone, in our first private moments together...with no nurses, no doctors, no daddy, no grandmas, no family, no friends...I knew. I realized my purpose in life at this very moment was to love this child and that that love would only continue to grow with each late night feeding, each sleepless hour, every coo, every smile and every touch. At that moment (and every moment since then), I couldn't imagine my life without her in it.

Laughs

Sorry it's a little dark, but we finally got her laughing on camera!!

Scout's nicknames...

Scout lived up to one of her infamous nicknames today..."munchie..."

I caught her licking the couch.

haha. what a life.

Dadadadadadadada......

J WINS!!!!!!

What's new in the world of baby?

Bath time with "Bubbles," the blue hippo!

What's new in your world?

Attacks, praise stretch truth at GOP convention

By JIM KUHNHENN, Associated Press Writer Wed Sep 3, 11:48 PM ET

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and her Republican supporters held back little Wednesday as they issued dismissive attacks on Barack Obama and flattering praise on her credentials to be vice president. In some cases, the reproach and the praise stretched the truth.


Some examples:

PALIN: "I have protected the taxpayers by vetoing wasteful spending ... and championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress. I told the Congress 'thanks but no thanks' for that Bridge to Nowhere."

THE FACTS: As mayor of Wasilla, Palin hired a lobbyist and traveled to Washington annually to support earmarks for the town totaling $27 million. In her two years as governor, Alaska has requested nearly $750 million in special federal spending, by far the largest per-capita request in the nation. While Palin notes she rejected plans to build a $398 million bridge from Ketchikan to an island with 50 residents and an airport, that opposition came only after the plan was ridiculed nationally as a "bridge to nowhere."

PALIN: "There is much to like and admire about our opponent. But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform — not even in the state senate."

THE FACTS: Compared to McCain and his two decades in the Senate, Obama does have a more meager record. But he has worked with Republicans to pass legislation that expanded efforts to intercept illegal shipments of weapons of mass destruction and to help destroy conventional weapons stockpiles. The legislation became law last year. To demean that accomplishment would be to also demean the work of Republican Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana, a respected foreign policy voice in the Senate. In Illinois, he was the leader on two big, contentious measures in Illinois: studying racial profiling by police and requiring recordings of interrogations in potential death penalty cases. He also successfully co-sponsored major ethics reform legislation.

PALIN: "The Democratic nominee for president supports plans to raise income taxes, raise payroll taxes, raise investment income taxes, raise the death tax, raise business taxes, and increase the tax burden on the American people by hundreds of billions of dollars."

THE FACTS: The Tax Policy Center, a think tank run jointly by the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute, concluded that Obama's plan would increase after-tax income for middle-income taxpayers by about 5 percent by 2012, or nearly $2,200 annually. McCain's plan, which cuts taxes across all income levels, would raise after tax-income for middle-income taxpayers by 3 percent, the center concluded.

Obama would provide $80 billion in tax breaks, mainly for poor workers and the elderly, including tripling the Earned Income Tax Credit for minimum-wage workers and higher credits for larger families.

He also would raise income taxes, capital gains and dividend taxes on the wealthiest. He would raise payroll taxes on taxpayers with incomes above $250,000, and he would raise corporate taxes. Small businesses that make more than $250,000 a year would see taxes rise.

MCCAIN: "She's been governor of our largest state, in charge of 20 percent of America's energy supply ... She's responsible for 20 percent of the nation's energy supply. I'm entertained by the comparison and I hope we can keep making that comparison that running a political campaign is somehow comparable to being the executive of the largest state in America," he said in an interview with ABC News' Charles Gibson.

THE FACTS: McCain's phrasing exaggerates both claims. Palin is governor of a state that ranks second nationally in crude oil production, but she's no more "responsible" for that resource than President Bush was when he was governor of Texas, another oil-producing state. In fact, her primary power is the ability to tax oil, which she did in concert with the Alaska Legislature. And where Alaska is the largest state in America, McCain could as easily have called it the 47th largest state — by population.

MCCAIN: "She's the commander of the Alaska National Guard. ... She has been in charge, and she has had national security as one of her primary responsibilities," he said on ABC.

THE FACTS: While governors are in charge of their state guard units, that authority ends whenever those units are called to actual military service. When guard units are deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, for example, they assume those duties under "federal status," which means they report to the Defense Department, not their governors. Alaska's national guard units have a total of about 4,200 personnel, among the smallest of state guard organizations.

FORMER ARKANSAS GOV. MIKE HUCKABEE: Palin "got more votes running for mayor of Wasilla, Alaska than Joe Biden got running for president of the United States."

THE FACTS: A whopper. Palin got 616 votes in the 1996 mayor's election, and got 909 in her 1999 re-election race, for a total of 1,525. Biden dropped out of the race after the Iowa caucuses, but he still got 76,165 votes in 23 states and the District of Columbia where he was on the ballot during the 2008 presidential primaries.

FORMER MASSACHUSETTS GOV. MITT ROMNEY: "We need change, all right — change from a liberal Washington to a conservative Washington! We have a prescription for every American who wants change in Washington — throw out the big-government liberals, and elect John McCain and Sarah Palin."

THE FACTS: A Back-to-the-Future moment. George W. Bush, a conservative Republican, has been president for nearly eight years. And until last year, Republicans controlled Congress. Only since January 2007 have Democrats have been in charge of the House and Senate.

___

Associated Press Writer Jim Drinkard in Washington contributed to this report.



AND a cute picture of the baby to justify your reading of this post. :D

Warning, I'm getting political on the blog.

Usually, I reserve this blog for cute pictures of our baby and updates with what's going on with us, but, I wanted to forward this on to whoever may read it. This is an interesting email that I got from a friend that presents a basic run-down of Palin's policy and "experience." If nothing else, skip down to the bottom and read the quotes from people who ACTUALLY live in Alaska and are familiar with Palin. As a woman, I am insulted by this choice, and you should be too.



Yesterday was John McCain's 72nd birthday. If elected, he'd be the oldest president ever inaugurated. And after months of slamming Barack Obama for "inexperience," here's who John McCain has chosen to be one heartbeat away from the presidency: a right-wing religious conservative with no foreign policy experience, who until recently was mayor of a town of 9,000 people.

Huh?

Who is Sarah Palin? Here's some basic background:

* She was elected Alaska's governor a little over a year and a half ago. Her previous office was mayor of Wasilla, a small town outside Anchorage. She has no foreign policy experience.1
* Palin is strongly anti-choice, opposing abortion even in the case of rape or incest.2
* She supported right-wing extremist Pat Buchanan for president in 2000. 3
* Palin thinks creationism should be taught in public schools.4
* She's doesn't think humans are the cause of climate change.5
* She's solidly in line with John McCain's "Big Oil first" energy policy. She's pushed hard for more oil drilling and says renewables won't be ready for years. She also sued the Bush administration for listing polar bears as an endangered species—she was worried it would interfere with more oil drilling in Alaska.6
* How closely did John McCain vet this choice? He met Sarah Palin once at a meeting. They spoke a second time, last Sunday, when he called her about being vice-president. Then he offered her the position.7

This is information the American people need to see. Please take a moment to forward this email to your friends and family.

We also asked Alaska MoveOn members what the rest of us should know about their governor. The response was striking. Here's a sample:

She is really just a mayor from a small town outside Anchorage who has been a governor for only 1.5 years, and has ZERO national and international experience. I shudder to think that she could be the person taking that 3AM call on the White House hotline, and the one who could potentially be charged with leading the US in the volatile international scene that exists today. —Rose M., Fairbanks, AK

She is VERY, VERY conservative, and far from perfect. She's a hunter and fisherwoman, but votes against the environment again and again. She ran on ethics reform, but is currently under investigation for several charges involving hiring and firing of state officials. She has NO experience beyond Alaska. —Christine B., Denali Park, AK

As an Alaskan and a feminist, I am beyond words at this announcement. Palin is not a feminist, and she is not the reformer she claims to be. —Karen L., Anchorage, AK

Alaskans, collectively, are just as stunned as the rest of the nation. She is doing well running our State, but is totally inexperienced on the national level, and very much unequipped to run the nation, if it came to that. She is as far right as one can get, which has already been communicated on the news. In our office of thirty employees (dems, republicans, and nonpartisans), not one person feels she is ready for the V.P. position.—Sherry C., Anchorage, AK

She's vehemently anti-choice and doesn't care about protecting our natural resources, even though she has worked as a fisherman. McCain chose her to pick up the Hillary voters, but Palin is no Hillary. —Marina L., Juneau, AK

I think she's far too inexperienced to be in this position. I'm all for a woman in the White House, but not one who hasn't done anything to deserve it. There are far many other women who have worked their way up and have much more experience that would have been better choices. This is a patronizing decision on John McCain's part- and insulting to females everywhere that he would assume he'll get our vote by putting "A Woman" in that position.—Jennifer M., Anchorage, AK

So Governor Palin is a staunch anti-choice religious conservative. She's a global warming denier who shares John McCain's commitment to Big Oil. And she's dramatically inexperienced.

In picking Sarah Palin, John McCain has made the religious right very happy. And he's made a very dangerous decision for our country.

In the next few days, many Americans will be wondering what McCain's vice-presidential choice means. Please pass this information along to your friends and family.

Thanks for all you do.

–Ilyse, Noah, Justin, Karin and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Sarah Palin," Wikipedia, Accessed August 29, 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin

2. "McCain Selects Anti-Choice Sarah Palin as Running Mate," NARAL Pro-Choice America, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17515&id=13661-10229154-zOASDNx&t=1

3. "Sarah Palin, Buchananite," The Nation, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17736&id=13661-10229154-zOASDNx&t=2

4. "'Creation science' enters the race," Anchorage Daily News, October 27, 2006
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17737&id=13661-10229154-zOASDNx&t=3

5. "Palin buys climate denial PR spin—ignores science," Huffington Post, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17517&id=13661-10229154-zOASDNx&t=4

6. "McCain VP Pick Completes Shift to Bush Energy Policy," Sierra Club, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17518&id=13661-10229154-zOASDNx&t=5

"Choice of Palin Promises Failed Energy Policies of the Past," League of Conservation Voters, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17519&id=13661-10229154-zOASDNx&t=6

"Protecting polar bears gets in way of drilling for oil, says governor," The Times of London, May 23, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17520&id=13661-10229154-zOASDNx&t=7

7 "McCain met Palin once before yesterday," MSNBC, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=21119&id=13661-10229154-zOASDNx&t=8

The HAPPIEST two minutes of your day!

6 months old!

WELL...our little bug is 6 months old now! She is a whopping 16 lbs. 6 ounces and almost 27 inches long! She's growing and changing every day; more and more it seems lately. She is "singing," zirberting, and making word noises...any day now she'll be giving us all our marching orders! She is dying to crawl and is no longer dragging her tummy on the floor. She has this move that we call "the polar bear" where she gets on all fours on my/j's chest and then pounces us (like polar bears do when they try to break the ice). It's pretty much the funniest thing ever. She is enjoying her books and settling into a night time routine, tho we wish we could get past the one time she wakes up in the night.
A cute story for ya: when we were at the doctor's office for her check up, the doctor had given her an exam and was about to leave the room. He shook J's hand, and then mine and then Scout (mocking our behavior) stuck her right hand up for the doctor to shake. He was floored, and we all burst out laughing. He shook her hand and she thought it was hilarious. So watch what you do....because SHE is! :D

what a typical Sunday afternoon at Casa de H looks like.

Please excuse the annoying baby talk. :D

Baby got a brand new bumbo!

Happy 5 months Scout! :D

Scout has mad skills. or Happy 4th!

Scooty's 3 month picture preview.

So you all remember about four months ago when Scout had her first pictures taken by Britt Oliver, right? Well, here's the sneak preview of photos from her 3 month session. Man, am I glad we booked these photo sessions!

Britt did exactly what I've wanted for this photo session, and I didn't even have to tell her! As a mom...you do all these "everyday" things that are really the best moments you have with your lil' one....and you want to hold on to that...these pics have really captured that feeling... especially in the details....I mean...you have no idea the amount of HOURS we spend just looking at her eyelashes, her mouth, her ears, her hair, her fingers and toes.

It's like she said, we are so in love with our little girl and everything she does! She really captured our hearts with these pics. So without further ado, check out the preview here:

http://blouisephotography.wordpress.com/

We welcome a Potter to the family...in Amish Country!

We welcomed our new sister-in-law officially into the family this past weekend. Amanda and Dustin are finally married (out loud)! It was a beautiful weekend and a beautiful wedding! Everything was absolutely perfect, from the weather to the dress, to the cakes and the party! Not to mention the food...oh goodness! We will definitely be visiting our new family in the future!

Here's a few pics all loaded up on Picasa.

From potter/laycoc...

Entering her 12th week...

Scout has had a tremendous second month! She's advancing at an ever-increasing speed! We can't believe how big she is getting already...it's so amazing to see the little ways in which she grows and changes. It may seem small to others, but to us...it's an amazing fete when she reaches for her reflection in the mirror, coos at us in the early morning, and laughs at us during playtime. Here are a few new pics: We celebrated our first Mother's Day with an afternoon of gardening and napping. It was the most special day I've experienced yet as a new mom. Also, there's a picture of our little Scout in her first aTm memorabilia. :D Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2030! Whoop!

She's growing!

What she's been up to lately:
1. Tummy time
2. Holding her head up nicely
3. shedding hair (looking like she's developed some male pattern baldness!!)
4. Successfully endured her first round of shots
5. going on walks in her stroller, enjoying the outdoors!
6. went to her 1st restaurant
7. smiling, cooing and "talking"
8. staying awake a lot more during the day
9. developing a schedule...sleeping 5 hrs at night
10. growing! 10 lbs 10 oz, 22.5 inches long

Beautiful Baby Girl!

So, a good friend of mine from college (Mrs. Brittani Oliver) is beginning a new hobby/career (?) of infant portraiture and I begged her to come and take pictures of our little one. Here are the GORGEOUS results from a very fun newborn photo shoot. The pics were taken on 3-1-08 and Scout was a mere ten days old! If you are interested in booking Britt for your own photos, you'd better act fast! I have a feeling this girl is going to be VERY busy in the very near future! Congrats Brittani on this exciting venture and THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts! These pictures will be cherished for a lifetime!

http://www.coreyoliver.com/blouise/scoutnewborn/

Enjoy!

Introducing Baby H!!

Born 2-20-08
8 lbs. 13.4 ounces
20.5 inches long
Healthy baby girl!

T-minus 7 days!

Well...we've almost made it! Our due date is pending and I don't think we could be more anxious! It's pretty ridiculous. We've been having some sleepless nights, contractions (both painful and non), and are officially dilated 2.5 cm (Too much info?)! It is amazing to feel such a calmness and easiness about everything. Everyone keeps asking "are you scared? are you nervous?" and I'm really not. I think it's because I know that we have a FABULOUS, TREMENDOUS, AWESOME support system. Starting with J, I know he is going to be the greatest labor partner and parent EVER. Then, of course, our amazing family and friends...some of whom might beat us to the hospital! haha. We are so glad that this pregnancy is coming to an end and that our new family is about to get its start...and feel so blessed that everyone around us is just as excited as we are! We love you all, and can't wait to introduce our littel one to you guys!

Baby showers!

From Pregnant!

We had a shower this past weekend here in Austin for Baby H. There were fun times had by all, great food, cute cupcakes and awesome memories made! Here are a few pics...I wish we'd taken more pics with guests. We are to have another shower next week with the lovely people from Expert Village. I can't wait to see people I haven't seen in a LONG time and meet a few of Jay's coworkers that I haven't met yet! I'll post cute pics of her room once it's allllll set up!

4 weeks and counting!

WELL...we went to the doctor this week for our bi-weekly check up. Baby is doing well...she's growing and right on schedule. She's measuring at 34 weeks and her heartbeat is at 140bpm. We'd lost a pound, but have no fear...I'm sure we'll find it somewhere! Haha! The past two weeks/month have been committed to organizing, cleaning and getting ready for our little one. Mom came into town right after Christmas and helped us a lot with the nursery. We've painted her room "princess pink" with a soft green vine painted all around the top of the room. Shortly after that, her furniture was delivered and set up. It's adorable and very sturdy! We are sure to have this stuff for years and years. Then! Our baby shower is going to be tomorrow! We've had gifts already delivered to the house (the car seat and stroller, etc) and can't wait to see her room after it's all set up. Here's a pic!

The thing that's amazing to me is the outpouring from friends and family all around! The amount of clothes this child ALREADY has! You just wouldn't believe it!! I have made the comment that we are going to have to change her clothes every hour on the hour for the first 9 months of life! So, I just wanted to say thank you to all the friends/family who've handed down their hand-me-downs, heirloom items and brand new stuff too!

NYC 2007

NYC 2007

Now I know what those professional boxers feel like...

I made it to my next weight class! I gained five pounds! Wahoo!
We had our 2 wk check-up today and everything looks great. The nurse actually did a double take and then had to check our file to make sure I was the right person. haha! She couldn't believe how pregnant I look all of a sudden! Haha! I tried to tell these people that I've been eating...but the proof was in the pudding today!
Baby H threw everyone for a loop today...she showed her first signs of stubbornness. While the doctor was trying to get a clear listen to Baby H's heartbeat, our little princess decided it was recess time! She wouldn't hold still and was too excited about something! The doctor did get a "muffled" listen to her heartbeat (but only after putting her hand on the top of my tummy to attempt to hold that little monkey still! And her heartbeat's at 140 bpm, which is great!
That's it for the "update." We go to the doctor again in two weeks...the day after Christmas!
Ho! Ho! Ho!

Hawaii pics

Hawaii

Baby H...the Third Trimester!

Hi everyone!
We are in our 29th week of pregnancy! Wahoo third trimester! We had a big baby week this week...two doctor's appointments...one with Dr. Sheppard (the sonogram specialist) and one with Dr. Briskey, our OB.

First off: Sonogram was great...our baby girl had quite a growth spurt since our last sonogram! Her size now is in the 44th percentile, making her completely average! :D But we all know she's much more than that! She's weighing 2 lbs 10 ounces and her amnio fluid is perfecto! Everything looked great, even though she didn't exactly love having her picture taken! haha! She was in the breech position...but we have nearly 3 months to turn that around...and in fact, today, our OB said that she was laying head down. As many somersaults as this child does....I was not surprised! We have pictures to post...but I forgot to scan them, so I'll do that when I get back from my mother/daughter trip next week.

Secondly: Our OB appointment was fine. We got our blood sugar results back and everything is normal...no gestational diabetes (hooray)! I don't know how it's possible, but I've lost a pound instead of gaining two (+) in the last two weeks...so, more, more, more protein (and desserts!)! Our doc gave me the green light for Christmas dinners and holiday pounds! Check the blog in a couple of days for some pics from our Thanksgiving trip to Hawaii and mine and mom's trip to NYC!

Hope you are all doing well and had a GREAT Thanksgiving!
Love,
The Hs

Dreams are funny when you’re pregnant....

Current mood: sleepy
SO...I've been having some strange dreams lately. And the one I had lastnight just makes me laugh....so I thought I'd share it with you all.

So, my parents, my brother, his fiance (Amanda) and I were driving down I35...headed towards downtown Austin. I don't know why J wasn't there. And, naturally, we had to share the road with commercial jets...b/c that's what happens in dreams. So, this plane in front of us speeds up and takes off...but instead of gradually climbing...it makes a 90 degree upward inclination and goes straight up in the air like a rocket after reaching maximum speed on the ground. Shortly after reaching 10,000 feet or so, it starts doing some animated back flips...it looked like it was going to crash. Amanda kept saying "I've never seen a plane take off like that before...that can't be good."

So then, the plane crashes...but it doesn't just crash, it flops over on it's back and "splashes" into some buildings like Shamu...three times before coming to it's final resting place. No one really gets hurt. Or if they do, it wasn't a focal point on my dream. EXCEPT....

We decided that it would be safer to pull over and go into a store...so we go into a Hastings that is (in my dream) at the floor level of a sky scraper. For some reason, people thought that I worked there and they keep trying to make me work, and I refuse. So we leave. Just as we leave, the building collapses.

As soon as we come out, there's this hotel called the Windsor...and it's on fire b/c it got hit by the plane. And who's at the top, but (naturally)....the Spice Girls. Amanda get's ridiculous and starts crying out "oh NO! They're going to die! Anybody but the Spice Girls!" (haha!!) Just like in the scene from Dumbo when the clowns are trying to rescue "the baby (Dumbo)" from the top of whatever was on fire...that's what it was like. But with the Spice Girls. Quite comical.

I think the lived. Or not. Who's to say?

So then we take off down this alley, trying to escape the pandalerium that is going on...and what do you know...we end up in The Labyrinth. The one with David Bowie (yikes). This is where I get a little frightened. So this random chick turns to me and says "hey, it must be really hard for a pregnant person to climb these stairs, huh?" To which I respond: "I'm not pregnant...I had the baby yesterday." Apparantly, the whole point to this is that we were trying to get home to the baby in time for a feeding...(I think that Babywise is getting to my head)...and J's on his way home to be with the baby. BUT...the baby is outside on my parent's back porch and can't get in until Jay gets home. And I'm all mad because mom and dad put the baby outside and think it's totally normal..."Don't worry, J will know what to do. blah blah blah..."

I'm telling you...my dreams have been very strange lately. But I loved this one just because of Amanda's desparation to save the Spice Girls! hehe!

The Baby Bump!

Proof!


These are pictures of the infamous baby bump! It's debut, if you will!? My dear friends Esmy and Stephen were married on October 6th, and have officially joined the married people club. It was a beautiful wedding with an awesome reception and a glorious send-off. I was one of the bridesmaids, hence the big hair and awesome makeup. It was such a pleasure to be a part of their special day!

Baby H

Those pesky baby pictures that I've been promising for a while....

Here's the first and second sonogram pics...expect a considerable update on the 2nd. :D

Our commercial! :D

Happy Anniversary to us!

WELL...August 25th marked the anniversary of a very special day in our lives. Thanks to those who sent cards and called us to wish us a "happy 1st year!"
We tried to do some special things together...yet, not anything too overwhelming or plan-involved...but I've just been so tired and sick lately, that we both decided to wave the flag of surrender at about 5:00 and head home for take-out and a movie. And I'm so thankful! We did have a fun date the night before and the entire weekend, we made a point to be together--just the two of us (and the pups, of course).
But, one exciting thing...we bought a new car! This is our new "stroller."

We decided to go for the Santa Fe b/c of the "bang for the buck." With this beauty, we get 7 passenger seating, room, and lots of other fun features. Plus, Hyundai just did a lot of re-vamping; bigger engine, nicer interior, etc. Everyone who's been lucky enough to catch a ride has said "wow! it's nice inside!" haha...we were shocked too tho, and they made us such a GREAT deal....we couldn't refuse!
Anywho, that's all that's going on!
We are 16 weeks tomorrow, and closer to finding out the sex of the baby! We can't wait! We'll keep you up-to-date!

We're expanding!

So many cute, kitch things to say about being pregnant! :D Well, we are! On the morning of June 13th, J and I awoke to a not-so-surprising-surprise! After being confirmed by our specialist, that afternoon, we celebrated the fact that "we" were now a "three."
It's the coolest, hardest, scariest, weirdest, most fun, life-changing-est, greatest, most amazing thing we've ever been a part of and are SO excited to get to experience it first-hand, together!
Our official (or unofficial, if you've heard the stories) due date is Valentines day 2008!
We'd been trying or "not-not trying" for a Baby H since October of last year, and with no luck, decided to seek the help of professionals. Dr. S at the Texas Fertility Center helped make our dream a miracle and a reality!
So as of today, we are 14 weeks and 4 days pregnant...no idea what we are having yet, but J is hoping for a girl. I'm trying not to assume anything, and so far that has helped in keeping me pretty chipper! I assumed that I would get morning sickness....and I have (on many many many occasions). I assumed that I would feel tired...and I do! I assumed that I would be a little grouchy...and maybe that's happened...a little. I assumed that it would completely change my outlook on life, and MY-oh-MY, has it ever!
No weird cravings as of yet...just sour, sour, sour! Pickles, sour patch kids, lemons, anything and everything sour! No chocolate really...tho if it is right in front of me, I'm probably not going to turn it away. haha! I have many more food aversions than I do cravings...and I long for the day when food tastes good or sounds good or even smells good! Everyone has really made an extra effort to provide me with choices and food that I can eat (and I really appreciate it).
J has been the best partner and husband throughout this entire thing! Offering encouraging words when I thought it was hopeless, celebrating in just the right way when we found out, crying with me, laughing at me when I have mood swings (which is what I need), calming me, helping me (I am forbidden to carry anything!), holding my hair and standing by with toothbrush ready, cooking and cleaning (yeah, to my ever-increasing high standards!), and loving me more and more each day! I'm truly the luckiest person in the world!
So that's it for now....more soon! I'll try to be better!

That announcement we've all been waiting for....

Current mood: sleepy

Yep! You guessed it! We are multiplying! We couldn't be more blessed/thrilled/excited/ready to meet this little one! Baby H 1 is due in February...we'll keep ya up-to-date....well, as up-to-date as you can on a blog w/o being too gushy or weird. ;)

If you want the lovely details or pics you have to ask for them!

So....tired....