The Cat's Out of the Bag

Where does that saying come from?  I don't know, but it's about time to let that cat out of the bag.  As Chris would say it is becoming more and more obvious.  Chris and I have been working on a top secret project (Chris calls it his personal cell culture experiment) that we are really excited to share with all of you. We are having a BABY!! We are so happy and have a healthy dose of fear too.  This is the only reason I am a little nervous about traveling to Spain. Our doctor and Chris are sure it will be fine.

Baby Valley has done a lot of hiking. And yes the doctor says it ok!

We didn't start bump pictures until you could tell.  

I'm not really a fan of posing for these photos, but I think documenting the progress is pretty cool.  Also I don't see most of you so I thought you would like to see me expand.

My sister and my mom have been nagging me to post something on Facebook for a long time, but we have been ok with keeping it a little quiet.  We wanted to try to we emailed or called as many people as we could before we share the news with the social media world.

FAQ:
1. When is Baby Valley due?
9/16/13

2. Did you have any morning sickness?
Not really...I can't complain. I was exhausted in my first trimester.  I am loving this second trimester right now. I have all of my energy back! (Let's see how long that lasts.)

3. Who is the most awesome photographer?
My handsome baby daddy Chris. :)

4. Are you going back to work?
Yes, I will hopefully teach for the first month.  Our plan is for me to work up until Baby Valley's birthday.  After which, I will take a leave and return to work later in the year.

5. How far along are you?
21 weeks as of 5/5/13 (over halfway!) 

6. Are you finding out the gender?
Yes, in a week or so we will have our 2nd trimester ultrasound. We will probably keep that information hush hush for a while so we can tell our family first. I think my sister is more impatient about waiting for this appointment than I am.

7. Any cravings?
Not really... I'm really in to milk! 

8. What do you miss most?
Sleeping on my back!!!

9. How is Chris doing with the exciting news?
He is doing awesome!  He is the sane one around our house - thank god! He has been extremely helpful, positive, and understanding. He comes to all the appointments, and he has been doing more dishes. I feel very lucky. He is going to be a great dad. I've know that for about 9 years now...part of the reason why I picked him.  It's crazy to think we will have been married for 5 years this summer! 

10. What have you been reading?
I can tell you I am not reading What to Expect When you are Expecting anymore!  That book just makes you paranoid! Do not buy it! If you really want a copy of it, email me and I will mail you mine. I'm currently reading Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy. I disagree with her stance on vaccines, but she can do comedy. It is a funny and realistic book. (Thanks Janelle for mailing me a copy!)   

Shout outs:
I want to thank my sister, my OBGYN girlfriend (I'm so lucky!), friends who are mommies, and my pregnant  friends. I feel fortunate that I can just send you a text message or call you to find out if something is normal.  I feel like something different is happening almost everyday.

We are also so thankful for all the kind and supportive words our friends have shared with us.