Starting the Registry

More than a few people have been very shocked that I didn't run out and register the second we found out we were pregnant! In fact, it wasn't until today that I actually created a registry at Babies r Us and began adding items. I have been doing research online, but there is nothing like going in person to see the products to figure out if I actually liked them. My friend (and new mom) Robyn came with me to help me decide what was necessary and what was just for fun. I am glad I had her insight on things like baby thermometers and water proof crib liners. These are not things I would have remembered alone!

I originally had my heart set on the Baby Jogger City Mini stroller after testing it out a few weeks ago with my mother in law. It was compatible with the SnugRide infant seat that I found to be top rated in all areas of safety. Unfortunately, I did not want to register at the store where we found it and no one else in the area carries it. I also realized that solid black just wasn't really me and wanted something a bit more fun. After researching I decided to stick with the SnugRide seat and go with a matching stroller.

Today, Robyn and I found the Graco Quattro travel system in a pattern that is both gender neutral and quite subtle. The fabric was really nice and so soft, the stroller folds up with one hand, and the whole system is very lightweight. I would never have picked this one from just looking online, but after testing it out in the store I was very happy.

I liked the pattern so much that I also added the matching pack and play and infant swing to my list! The colors on both of these items matches my upstairs living room really well, which is where they will be set up. We also chose another highly rated swing system (who could pass up those lamb ears?!) for the baby's room. Seems like a lot of swings, but this way I don't have to lug them around every time I change locations. Plus, a boy needs his options! For the times we will be away from the house, we can bring along the Boppy travel bouncer which vibrates and plays music. Not to mention it has the softest, most snuggly fabric that should make it extremely comfy to sit in! Hopefully Baby Hami approves!

Some of the other important items included a changing pad and coordinating covers, a baby sling to carry him around in, burp cloths and lap pads, a car mirror to watch him as I drive, and some baby first aid items that might come in handy.

We also added:

This is the bassinet I am hoping to use when baby is first born.

This is the farm themed activity mat that Robyn says is a must!













I also really liked the Baby Bjorn carrier they just came out with, and when Baby H is a little bigger we can transition to this car seat.

I am sure we will need a lot more things, and these are not the only items we added today. It was really fun getting started and I can't wait to check a few more "to-dos" off my list!

Is It Too Early?

When my alarm clock goes off at the crack of dawn I always wake up to music. I have my Ipod attached so I don't have to listen to some annoying beeping for the hour few times I hit the snooze button! Last night I changed my regular morning playlist over to Christmas tunes. It was really nice to wake up to! I am so ready for a vacation and to have some time off school-- thankfully Thanksgiving is only 3 weeks away and Christmas break is another 3 after that.

Listening to the music got me thinking...

Is it too early to decorate for Christmas?

When do you all normally put up your decorations?

A Halloween Wedding

My cousin Tricia and her husband Greg were actually married almost two years ago when they eloped in California. He was in the Coast Guard and she was not allowed on base so one day they woke up, went to the court house, and got hitched!! This past Halloween we joined them in Mystic, Connecticut to "make it official" and celebrate their marriage. It was a gorgeous, crisp fall day and everyone looked great. We had so much fun catching up with both sides of my extended family and dancing the night away! Here are a few pictures from the big event!

Me and Linc before the ceremony!

The bridal party before the ceremony

The beautiful Coast Guard Chapel

Tricia and my uncle Lee walking down the aisle!

Exchanging rings in front of Father Rose

Mr. and Mrs. Greg and Patricia Lynch

Welcome to the Coast Guard!

A Halloween wedding wouldn't be complete
without a fully stocked candy bar!

Let the party begin!!

Cocktail Hour- sis Alex, mom, me, and sis Kris

Do I sense a Christmas card photo?
Linc, me, Alex, dad, mom, Kris, and Ryan

Guess who's pregnant...?
Cousin Jess, me, Alex, mom, and Kris

Tricia and Lee during their Father/Daughter Dance and Linc and I dancing up a storm (once I changed into more sensible shoes of course!)

Sisters!

As the night went on, out came the Halloween costumes!

Brothers- my uncle Lee and my dad!

I crashed their self portrait!

We had such a good time!

I need to photoshop Alex and myself into this one!

November's Gone to the Dogs!

What turkey...?

When we were up in Connecticut I got to spend time with my aunt, uncle, cousin Jess, and their crazy bulldogs Buddy and Maggie. The pups made their debut on my Halloween post where you can see how creative my aunt is, but now that it's November I couldn't help but post this picture of bulldog Buddy all decked out for Thanksgiving. He is such a good sport and my aunt has a great time posing him for various holiday photo shoots. I am really looking forward to our holiday break and getting to spend a few days with my family and friends. I think you can tell how excited Buddy is too... *wink*

This Week is Bananas

Happy November and Happy 21st week Baby H! This week, according to BabyCenter, Hami is gulping down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work (guess I better start stocking up on the veggies)! He also has eye brows and eye lids and has started moving around a bit more. It is a strange feeling when he moves around, almost like someone is running their finger across my insides. He hasn't really punched me yet, but those jabs are definitely getting stronger!

Hami still has a great deal of room in my womb but I am sure at the rate he is growing he will soon begin to feel cramped. Until then, there's still plenty of space for twisting, turning, and even an occasional somersault. Even with all that dancing going on, I read that Baby H sleeps as much as a newborn, perhaps 12 to 14 hours per day! (Now if only I could get that much sleep!)

We just got home from my cousin's wedding and I have so much to post about, but my camera battery died during the ceremony so I am waiting for everyone else to post pictures. We had a great time and Baby Hami got to rock out during the reception! Stay tuned for an update! Have a great week.