Literature Downgrade

Well while our plan to read outloud to Pebbles in utero is still underway, it's safe to say we haven't been very consistent. With Jer travelling and other things getting in the way, it's been a low priority.

Also after he's fallen asleep on my twice I've also figured out maybe East of Eden it too big of an undertaking for Jeremy. I tried to warn him it's a long epic novel, and not always action packed. I think he finally knows what I mean.

So we originally wanted to start with Shakespeare but couldn't find our Complete Works book, read several chapters of Steinbeck and now we've landed here......


http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0316777730/ref=pd_rvi_gw_1/002-7164951-0802452

If you haven't read anything by David Sedaris I highly recommend it. He is a very funny, saterical writer who mostly spins true life tales related to his crazy life and wacky family. I read Naked a couple years ago and passed to Jeremy in hope that this is his kind of book...but alas it has been collecting dust on his bookshelf.

So with the mindset that reading is reading we are forging ahead tonight with the first chapter of this book!

...in a few years...

Last night we went to the Zenas Baptist Christmas program to see our nephews play their parts in the nursery school nativity. It was SO much fun. Of all the Christmas performances I've seen, the Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, the PMO Christmas show....this took the cake as the most amusing.

Some of my favorite parts of the evening were:

-- Mark yelling out "hey Bob!" during the quiet prayer

-- The girl dressed like a furball in the nativity and we couldn't decide if she was a groundhog or squirrel- turns out she was a cat

-- The little girl who stole the baby jesus doll and away down the aisle with it

-- Our nephew mark pulling the tails of the other animals and whacking the donkey on the head with his frankensense

-- Our nephew Bob grabbing a hymnal and joining his grammie in the choir instead of the nativity (do I see future PMO here?)

Something tells me Pebbles has hair pulling in her future

It's a.....

That's Baby's head on the right and it has it's hand up like "woe is me". Very dramatic pose for the womb- must take after Daddy.

While I'm sure you're all anxious to hear about the size and shape of Bam Bam's feet and kidneys, what might be more exciting to know is that we found out the sex this morning during our ultrasound. And.....drumroll....it's a GIRL!!

The ultrasound lady definitely saw a 'hamburger' as opposed to a 'turtle' (as she described it to us) between baby's legs. What a fun job telling people their baby's sex! Everything else on the ultrasound checked out as well- all of the organs are in place and look good, good strong heartbeat and LOTS of movement.

I told the lady that I had a cup of coffee an hour before the appointment and she sarcastically thanked me, because baby was moving around so much it was hard for her to get a picture. Mostly she was playing 'peek a boo' with her hands and making that dramatic pose you see above.

So we are very happy! I've been calling the baby 'she' for several weeks now and look I was right! Sorry to those of you who lost this part of the baby pool...but don't forget to vote for weight, length and due date.

Oh and doc was very happy with my weight- according to his scales I've only gained 1.5 lbs in the last 5 wks (mine says 4 but whatever). So yay on that- especially after my last appointment where I got scolded

We had a cookie party this afternoon at work and I made both pink and blue vanilla bars to unveil the sex. The blue ones are staying home for us to eat- and my coworkers got to enjoy the girly ones. Fun huh?

Baby Pool

Well since we are one week away from the big Ultrasound and finding out the sex- I thought I'd start a baby pool. It's funny- we couldn't decide for the longest time whether we'd be on 'team green' or not and now that we're not I'm so excited!

Now remember this is just a pool not an online gambling site- money should be exchanged only on your own terms (although I'm not discouraging it :)

I will accept any questions you have about our siblings and personal baby stats- as some people find that helpful I guess.

www.expectnet.com
game name: bambinobennington

Enjoy! Laura

An NYC Thanksgiving

For anyone who tuned back in for the full story- below are some pics from our fabulous Thanksgiving vacation to NYC. We stayed with Jeremy's sister Jessica who lives in Midtown Manhattan.

We arrived Wednesday night just in time to go down to the parade area and see the baloons getting blown up (see pics below). I'm really glad we did this cause we got really close to them and got great pictures. That night we also had greek food (my one food request for the trip-opah!) and went home to cook.

On Thursday Jess has the greatest hookup for us for the parade. Though pulling some strings with her hotel friends we were able to use the rooftop terrace of the Dream Hotel on Broadway as our viewing spot. Perfect! We could see very well, and there was a tented area we could escape the rain. Bonus for the pregnant lady?...potties too! It was a cold and rainy day, and by the time we got home I couldn't feel my feet, but we still had the best spot.

Jessie made a wonderful meal for us with all the trimmings. One good thing about getting bigger- it's getting harder and harder to sit up straight in a chair and eat big portions, thus my turkey day plate was much smaller than years past. Don't worry I had leftovers!

Friday was recovery and movie day as none of us felt very well. On Saturday we hiked the city after a Chinese Dim Sum brunch (again the automatic portion control was handy) and found market and shopping areas to peruse. We also saw "Stranger than Fiction"...good flick, two thumbs up. That night we had some real italian food (no diss to Greenwood's offerings of Olive Garden and Johnny Carinos) and the aforementioned portion control was handy with pesto Gnocchi as well.

Sunday we had just enough time to check out the Rockefeller Tree (they were still decorating) before we headed home. It was a fun trip- wish it didn't go so fast!

In baby news not much to report. I am definitely feeling the 'flutter' of little feet and have been for about a week- it was hard to identify at first. My weight gain is right on track as I have only gained 1lb in the 3 wks since my last appt.

And lastly but most exciting- tomorrow we will have our first snow of the year in IN....YAY!!!!!

Flat Stanley saw the balloons being blown up the night before the parade

So did we! (Those are big balloons in the background)

Our parade viewing spot from on top of the Dream Hotel. Thanks Jess for this killer hook up!

And here's what we could see!

Our rain hideout under the tents- a pile of cousins enjoying bloody marys (or mix in my case)

We could see all the way down Broadway

Jeremy getting beat up by his little cousins. One reason to love holidays :)

No Shakespeare

Well we started our reading venture last night and to kick things off- we couldn't find our "Complete Works" book...so it looks like Shakespeare has been put on hold. Jeremy chose from my collection of books from Lit classes at Purdue- and we chose East of Eden by John Steinbeck.

It's a long one so this might take us through the rest of the pregnancy!-- but we will be trying to read out loud every night that Jeremy is home. Yes this is also my secret plan for getting Jeremy into books. And guess what- he actually likes it so far! Next thing you know he might be opening a book...baby steps.

But of course the second goal is for the baby to hear our voices. Maybe once it's out the baby will always let me read it the classics at bed time- who knows?

Pictures and Things

18 week belly shot. Not the greatest picture but you can see the bump!












Now's HERE's a good picture! Jeremy tested the stroller out on our current "babies". Hayden doesn't look too happy.












Well as you can see things are moving along well and Jeremy's starting to play with the new 'toys' in the house. Yesterday he and Dustin moved furniture out of the 'palm tree room' and into the 'purple room'...now the palm tree room is officially the nursery! Which at the moment is a collection of a few things, a stroller and a rocking chair. No crib yet- but we have one picked out!

We're getting ready for our trip to NYC for Thanksgiving- so excited! I'll be on a plane for the first time since April, so I'm happy to get out of IN. We'll be staying with Jeremy's sister and apparently watching the parade from a roof top along the parade route where we won't have to deal with crowds! I'll be watching what I eat but know we will enjoy some good food- nobody goes hungry with Jessie!

Last week I signed up for our Expectant Parents class and a Breastfeeding class at the hospital. We'll be taking these in January. Hopefully I'll learn all I need to know- and maybe be able to decide against drugs or natural- who knows?

I also got a book called "what to expect the first year". I figured we've been studying our Pregnancy Bible so much- it's time to learn about what happens after! Also this week we are going to start reading Shakespeare outloud at night- as the baby can now hear us! Jeremy wanted something funny so we're starting with Much Ado About Nothing.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!
Laura

16 Week Doc Appt.

Well I flew solo to my 16 week appointment yesterday. No worries- nothing important happened so Jeremy didn't miss anything. It was actually very quick.

-- I heard a heartbeat with the dopplar. It was much stronger and more clear than when we heard it in the ER (11wks). Kinda sucks Jeremy missed that- but we'll hear it lots more times!

-- I was informed I'm gaining too much weight, just as I suspected. I've gained 13 lbs since beginning of pregnancy- about 10 of it since my appt one month ago-yikes! So I'm going to be very careful about charting my food. In addition to my daily walking in Bradford Woods- Jeremy and I have decided to spend our xmas money for each other to buy a used exercise bike. Good present!
So from now on I'm to gain 1 lb a week and no more- that puts me at around 35 total. Wish me luck!

-- I set our 'big appointment' for December 14th. We will get a good ultrasound and will be able to see the sex. He said to bring a VHS tape if we want it on tape- but we don't have a working VCR anymore- haha! Will have to figure out how to convert to dvd!

So yes we have decided to find out the sex! Not so much for the merchandise issue (nursery will be jungle either way)- but I like the idea of having that extra 'bonding' and plus I'm too impatient- can't wait any longer!

That's all there is to report right now. Jeremy gets in late tonight and I get him for about a day and a half before he heads to MI to go hunting! We're going cosmic bowling tomorrow night- I will use a kiddie ball!

:) LB

technical difficulties

Not much to report at the moment but I noticed there's some technical weirdness with our registry.
--- First- the items where it says 'not currently available' that means in ONLINE (for whatever reason- backordered I guess) so all items are available at the store.

--- Yes I realize our due date shows as 4/24/06. I don't know why because in our account info it is correct- trying to fix that. But to be clear- no we do not have a secret 6 month old baby you don't know about.

Ciao!! LB :)

Happy Halloween Baby!

Hello All!
I haven't blogged in a while, although there's not much to report. Things are going just fine, feeling pretty good nowadays. I'll be 4 months next week!

Jeremy's in Switzerland right now, which makes his 26th country visited. Wish I could go with, but that would require both money and days off, so oh well...holding down the fort as usual.

I have gained 10lbs since the beginning of pregnany and I'm pretty sure that about 5lbs of that is just from eating too much junk food the past two weeks. I suddenly become pretty picky and only want "comfort foods", buying things I wouldn't normally buy (like nacho cheese). So I need to stop that...gaining too much too quickly!!

In honor of Halloween I thought I'd share some cute pics of cute goblins I know. Just think- this time next year Bambino could be dressed as a pumpkin- wow! Gracie, who is pictured below was born on 4/24/06 (exactly one year before our due date) so that's some perspective...she looks so BIG!!


Melissa's kids Gracie and Nicolas- Bambino will be exactly Gracie's size next Halloween!

Don't mess with these Deputies- they'll throw you in the slammer!
Our nephews Mark (left) and Bob

Our neice Vicki as a scary witch!

The Little Life

With all of the buying and registering- I think it's time to update on how Bambino (Bam Bam) is doing. Check this out: http://www.babycenter.com/mybabycenter/114.html

Cool huh?

Registered Already!

Well yes it's early- but yesterday we had 2 hrs to waste between church and a movie (Man of the Year) and decided to knock it out while everything was fresh in our minds...so we are now registered at Babies R Us!

You can check it out at www.babiesrus.com, enter Laura Bennington or Jeremy Bennington to access our list.

Apparently we did well. Our registery was only 7 pages and our helper noted that most folks have about 15 pages. I don't know why- we registered for absolutely everything we need and somethings we maybe don't. But also we didn't register for any clothes or toys- figured that's more of an individual gift- where the relatives get to buy whatever's cute!


There are a few items missing cause we couldn't decide. So my question to you experienced people. Do we really need:
--- An electric bottle warmer? Why not use microwave or hot water on the stove? Since I will be breast feeding we won't be making bottles all the time-- but for when Bambino and I are seperated and need bottles ...do we need this?

--- A swing? We registered for a bouncy seat and already have a walker from Baby Bob...do we need a swing too? They're so big..but is it something really needed?

--- Rain covers for car seats and strollers? Why not just throw a blanky over them?...not water proof I guess. Another thing they are trying to sell us?

Now you may have noticed we didn't register for a diaper geanie or anything in that arena. Well that's cause we're sadistic hippies and we're going to do cloth diapers- woo hoo! It's not as awful as it sound. Check out this website- we will likely be registered here later on as well: http://www.cottonbabies.com

Ciao- Hope all are having a good start to the week....and keep your fingers crossed for Our Town Players and our 9 nominations up for tonight's Encore Association Awards. Going to be SO fun- wish I didn't have to be the DD :(

A little bump!

  

13 Weeks Belly Shot
No I'm not carrying another baby in my butt or chin- that was already there. But the bump in the front is new!

Moving right along..

...does that title make you sing the Kermit song? Me too!

Well things are going swimmingly. Here I was ready to celebrate week 13, the start of 2nd trimester...but my pregnancy book told me that the 2nd trimester doesn't officially start until week 14. Poo!

Well regardless, still feeling alot better than I was about 2 months ago and starting to show just a little (although some might mistake it for fat). My only trouble now is lower back pain- but checking in with doc about that today.

Over the weekend we saw Loretta Lynn in concert, she was fantastic. I've always loved her since Coalminer's Daughter is one of my fave movies- but she was so entertaining in person too- very funny!

We also got inducted into our church as 'new members'...yay! After 18 months we have finally found a new church home in Greenwood. When we introduced ourselves onstage Jeremy said- we're happy we found a place to raise 'our Bam Bam'...and I'm pretty sure 75% of the congregation didn't know what he was talking about. Oh well!

So at the closing week of Trimester- how am I doing on my 1st Trimester goals?
-- Well as of yesterday still only gained 5lbs- yay! Although I noticed my first stretch mark on my belly- so it's safe to say all 5lbs were in the same place!

-- No I have not thrown up once, nor have I taken a nap at work. There were two occasions I left work early cause I felt crappy...but that's okay.

-- And the one I failed- I HAVE started wearing my maternity pants! Thanks to mom being on Weight Watchers I've gained a whole 2nd wardrobe of bigger clothes- so that has helped. But without her clothes and my new maternity pants, it's safe to say I would have to come naked to work...as very few of my old pants still button.

So 2 outta 3 ain't bad!


***And now for the question that I get asked at least twice a day- will you find out the sex or no. And I need help- please offer opinions cause we CAN'T DECIDE. What do you guys think- is it a good idea? is it more of an exciting surprise to wait or just added stress?

Please leave a comment with your thoughts on this issue***

Our 1st Trip to Babies R Us!

Well we finally did it- we finally stepped into the hallowed halls of the Babies R Us infant superstore to take stock of all the things we will need!

Being anal and organized like we are- Jeremy was armed with a prinout from Consumer Reports on baby item ratings, and I had the printed list we downloaded on everything you need (sure to distinguish need from want). No we didn't register yet- just getting an idea. I wrote down alot of brands and prices on my list to keep it all straight.

But we didn't leave the store empty handed! Our big purchase was a travel system (car seat/carrier, stroller thing). I was very particular about what I wanted- if we HAD to get a travel system (which apparently you have to do because very few strollers fit infants without the added carrier) then I wanted a small one, easy to compact and easy to travel with...especially through airports!

Well we found a perfect one!:


And since this particular model of Combi stroller is being discontinued (and got good ratings on our CR printout)...we got it! Yay! It only weighs 10lb- and can be compacted and carried over your shoulder.

Is it sad that I'm getting this excited about a stroller? Maybe.

We also got a "Zanizibar" mobile to match our palm tree nursery room. It has cute jungle animals. Buying a whole nusery full of this stuff would be expensive and maybe a little cheesy- but I think a few jungle animals here and there will look awesome with our palm tree mural. Cute huh?




We picked out alot of stuff we like and decided it's not so overwhelming after all. If we stick to basics and don't go baby crazy the list of things we need is not so bad. And fun too- lots of cute things!

Early Morning ER Visit - Everything is OK!

Early morning ER

I think Jeremy told this story best in the email he sent out to family this afternoon- so I'm just copying and pasting. But from me- I'd like to say thanks to the staff at St. Francis! I was expecting the worst at the ER but we were treated SO well...eventhough we were there for 4.5 hrs...comes with the territory I guess!



...yup that's it's little head up in the upper right hand corner...

Hello everyone. I hope you are well, Laura and I have some pictures to share and a thrilling story. Bam-Bam (our name for the baby) decided bring some drama to our lives this morning.Following some more unwelcomed spotting, we called the doctor this morning who suggested we go to the ER. While she noted that she might need another Rhogham injection (for the RH negative blood)- she wanted to be on the safe side in case anything was seriously wrong.

So, Laura and I got an unexpected introduction to St. Francis Hospital this morning as we checked into their ER. I have to say that their staff was excellent. We were seen right way and the ER doc was excellent as well. They did an ultrasound immediately and by God's grace we saw a healthy baby dancing around inside Laura. With the baby healthy and a prayer with Pastor Gary our fears were diminished. We continued to be concerned about the spotting and several hours later they were able to determine that Laura needed another injection of Rhogam. For a positive person, her blood sure is negative! :)

Thank you for your continued prayers for a healthy pregnancy and baby. A special thank you to Pastor Gary who came to see us this morning despite it being a busy Sunday. This morning we are so thankful to have found a church that feels like home and is supportive.

God's grace is abundant, in fact he has given us a glimpse at Bam-Bam (see attached!!)

Love,

Jeremy & Laura

1st Trimester Goals

1st Trimester Goals

Well I am actually rounding third on the first trimester (only 2.5 more weeks to go!) and have decided to make a couple of goals to get through.

-- Not gain more that 5-6 lbs during my 1st trimester. I've already gained 5 as of this morning so I have to be careful! Been counting calories but I blame our weekend in Chicago on the recent gain.

-- Not wear any of my cute new maternity pants until the 2nd trimester. On day one of week 12 I might break them out cause they're cute!

-- Get through the 1st trimester without napping at work or barfing at all...so far so good on this one knock on wood!

What do you guys think- realistic goals?

Being that I have a little pooch I think it might be time for Jer to start taking some belly shots (although ignore all the other pooches they were already there)

Ciao! LB

1st Planned Doctors Appointment

First (planned) Doctor's Appointment

Yesterday we went for our first real doctors appointment (minus the one where we went two week ago for the blood test and rhogam injection).

It wasn't as exciting as I thought!-- since we've already done an ultrasound they didn't do another, not much more to see just yet. Also we don't get to hear the heartbeat until 11 weeks, poo :(

But they gave us a TON of information- a big ol plastic baggy full including a folder from the hospital, pamphlets, ads and coupons. Then they took my blood and pee and made an appointment for 3 wks from now.

One productive thing is that given our two hospital choices we chose St. Francis. It's a really nice facility, newer and more fancy than the other hospital, but also they have a NICU unit which the other one doesn't. Let's hope we never have to worry about that- but it's good to know. Check out our hospital





http://www.stfrancishospitals.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=67

Sorry no pics yet- I look mostly the same. I've only gained two lbs so body change is really only noticable to me. When I have them I'll post them!

:) Laura

My Pregnancy Reading List

Just wanted to give a quick thanks to my sister in law Becky who gave me a book called the "Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy, Everything Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You".

Not sugar coated like my other book...and pretty humorous too. I highly recommend it! Although- a little scary :(


http://http://www.amazon.com/Girlfriends-Guide-Pregnancy-everything-doctor/dp/0671524313/sr=8-1/qid=1157651023/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-8087371-1579168?ie=UTF8&s=books

A Bump with the Bump

Just a teeny weeny bump with the bump



Well I am just learning all sorts of new things this week! After suffering 4 days of a nasty sinus infection with only sudafed and antibiotics to help me (I miss powerful drugs!)... I thought I was done with the doctor for the week!

But alas no- a little more poking and prodding was in order. We had a little bit of a concern yesterday (I won't go into detail for those who don't want the TMI), and ended up having to get a blood test and go into the docs this morning for first ultrasound.

Turns out I have A- blood and I am 'RH negative'....now if you've never heard of this you're not alone- neither had I! It's rare but apparently serious- the baby could have 'RH positive' blood type and that would be bad..we would be passing bad blood back and forth and the baby could get hurt.

SO I had to get a shot in the butt and apparently it's that easy. I have to get a couple more shots along the way and one after Bam Bam is born and we'll be fine! Like Mom noted..why do these extememly rare low percentage chance type things happen in our family? Who knows!


BUT- we got to see Bam Bam on tv! He's still too little for a clearly audible heartbeat but we could see his digs...looking comfy in some amniotic fluid!

We're taking it easy this weekend. With the sinus infection still looming and all the recent stresses we decided to axe our labor day trip to CA. Oh well- hopefully we'll get out there soon!

For more info on RH negative blood: http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/prenatalhealth/1480.html

Ciao for now! Laura

Welcome Baby Bennington!

Welcome to our first post for Baby Bennington!

Well if you haven't figured it out by now- guess what we are pregnant! Right now I am only 6 weeks along and we are due 4/24/07. As you can guess we are very excited about our first child who right now goes by "bam bam".

We had a big this weekend this past week. While we've known for two weeks- we were waiting to tell our families until Jeremy's birthday. What Jeremy thought would just be a 30th bday bbq was so much more- I had masterminded a dinner party for months at Buca Di Beppo's that included Jeremy's family flying in from Seattle, NYC and Denver plus lots of local family and friends.

I can say with confidence that he didn't see it coming and we had a really awesome party. And guess what the rest of the family didn't see coming- along with some other thank you presents- some special presents for our parents.....little baby booties!!

Everyone is really excited- as are we- although it's all still very surreal. So far I am feeling fine aside from some tummy troubles. We're a little overwhelmed with all the things to do, not do, buy and not buy. Wowzas!

I'll try to keep this blog posted regularly on happenings with bam-bam and our family. In the meantime here are some pics from our crazy weekend!!

Jeremy's stepmom Barbara, sister Jess, niece Vicki, sister Carrie and Dad Jerry partying hardy at Buca's.




Look what they unwrapped! Baby booties!



Me and Mom- Mamaw Terri that is.


Jeremy got a guitar for his bday present!- plus money for lessons!

Jessica, Mark, Vicki and I light 30 candles without burning down the house!

Baby Bob wants a cousin!