The Mystery is Solved

So there's been a little secret that I have been hiding from my facebook and blogspot fan club. The week we got Turner home, my wedding ring went missing. Imagine, if you will, the first week home with your first child. The sleep was waning, I was trying to get the house back in order and Julie asked me to go out to Target for some last minute baby things. When I got back, I noticed my ring was nowhere to be found. What had I done that day? A few loads of laundry, washed dishes and breast pump accessories, taken out the garbage,cooked breakfast, and changed a gazillion diapers. Over the next two days, I ripped apart the closet, checked the drawers of the refrigerator, examined the dishwasher as well as every other major appliance. I surveyed the bathroom vanity ... each vanity in the house. I dug through the pantry and went through every baby drawer. I decided before Waste Management came that I had to go dumpster diving just to satisfy my nagging suspicion that this little ring that meant so much had not been discarded in the trash.

With latex gloves and a garden mask, I began the tedious task of searching through the first week back home's trash load. I was meticulous. I would open one bag and transfer the contents a handful at a time to a newer bag. Banana peels and strawberry tops, half eaten sandwiches hastily discarded with the whimper of a hungry little man calling, a milk carton, old eggs and many things that I could not even begin to distinguish. Nothing. Not a glimmer of white gold. I then turned my attention to the blue cellophane sheaths of tiny triangular atomic bombs. Anyone that has a had a baby in the last few years would recognize the sight anywhere ... the unmistakable log of trash from the Diaper Genie (Thanks, Brooke ... we love it). I carefully skimmed through each of a half dozen bags. Each bag must have contained thirty diapers. Some perfectly folded like paper footballs (my handiwork) others loosely enclosed with spillage (Julie's work). There is nothing like the scent of week old baby poo that has been in a garage in in July. I carefully mashed each diaper hoping to feel a hard lump. With each bag down, a little more discouraged I became. Finally the last bag. If this were a sitcom, the ring would be neatly tucked away in the final diaper. Not so. I had excavated, separated, aerated, and humiliated myself in a completely full curby from Waste Management to find absolutely nothing.

For two weeks, I have gone to work daily without the benefit of a wedding ring. With every few minutes of down time, I would retrace my steps and chores that day and look again in every spot I could think of, but still nothing. So when Julie said she had a surprise last night when I called to say I was leaving the City Council meeting, the ring was the last thing on my mind. I walked in and she said I had to see how cute Turner looked. There as he peacefully slept in the bassinet tray of his pack-n-play was my ring neatly placed on his little belly. It had, as Julie discovered, fallen off my finger in the last place I would have ever looked. I have lost about twenty pounds in the past six months and the ring had gotten a little loose. So that fateful morning when I had been putting away laundry, the ring had come off in her underwear drawer. The mystery was solved and now the world will know I am a married man just by casually glancing at my left hand.

In other news, since I've bored you to death with that story, Turner is officially one-month old this past Sunday. He is such a cutie! Julie will be going back to work to do her pre-planning and get her classroom ready for the sub that will start for her next week. I'm taking this traditionally slow week at work as an opportunity to be a stay at home dad. It will surely be an adventure!

As the days pass ...

It is so hard to believe that Turner is over three weeks old. I cannot remember life without him. I've see so many great things over the past few weeks and I have fallen more in love with Julie through this whole journey. It was so hard going back to work, but I really enjoy seeing them both when I get home. In the last couple of weeks, I've stuck my finger in poo, I've been wet, I've tried to change diapers without the aid of glasses or contacts in the middle of the night. I have learned to forget about the remains of spit up on my t-shirt as the day goes by. I never thought I could get used to those things, but I realize that they are just small parts of the joys that come with parenthood. On the flip side, I've had the joy of calming this boy in times of tears to soar through the skies of dreamland. I have enjoyed the chance to see smiles during naps (gas, I know), to see my wife becaome the mother I always hoped she would be, and to see this baby begin understanding the small sights around his sheltered world.

It is with great sadness that I have seen him outgrow the outfit above. I'd love to keep him as tiny as he was when I first met him. I'd love to swaddle him and rock him in my arms. It is with sadness that I see him grow, but with joy that I know he has so much ahead of him. I can't wait to see more of his personality, to hear him say "Mommy" and "Daddy," and more importantly for him to recognize that he is a gift of God and he has a purpose created that goes beyond all of my dreams. I'm really enjoying to see Turner grow as the days pass.

Tummy time is the best ...

We've just finished our second full week of parenthood and I must confess that it is so much more emotional than I expected. From the very moment I saw my son, I loved him with my whole heart and cannot imagine life without him. It is such a very different kind of love than I feel for my wife and for my parents and for God. I understand now how parents can love their children regardless of the mistakes they make. I am sure that there will be plenty of times in the coming years that I will question why Turner did something, why he might disobey or make a decision that I consider stupid ... but he is a boy and I know this will come! But no matter what he does or what he becomes, I hope he will always know that I love him.

So there is my philosophical side ... now to the fun stuff.

Turner is all boy. He has used his maleness to christen the changing table, wall next to the changing table, and his parents to date. I think he is just making it known that the nursery is his room. We went Friday for our two-week check up. This time, no tinkling on the scale! Turns out he's gained a full pound above his birth weight and we can now let him sleep longer at night ... a blessing for us, too. Julie has gotten into the routine of feeding ... even though I wonder if they both don't fall asleep during the process at times :) I am master launderer, bottle cleaner and formula mixer. I also do a pretty good job of swaddling.

I have taken the liberty to try a few new clothing items on Turner. At first, Julie and I stuck with t-shirts. I think her reasoning was the occasional spit up and the ability to change quickly. I know feel more comfortable in knowing that his head won't just fall off during the dressing process. Julie and I have both taken up habits. I had given up my daily pot of coffee when Julie was pregnant, because she didn't like the smell. I'm back on that routine finding the fix keeps me going during the day. Julie is working on three packs a week of her fix. It's definitely expensive supporting that habit. It's not tobacco ... Marlboro has nothing on Lorna Doones. She got addicted to the buttery cookies while nursing in the hospital and I think she believes that if she doesn't have them now her milk won't continue to come in. (I love you baby!)

We do occasionally fight, but over much different things than when it was just the two of us. Now we fight about who holds the baby during tummy time. Dr. Green said that it is good to have the baby sleep on his tummy on us occasionally during the day to keep the back of his head from being flat. I must say that a nap for me during tummy time is the absolute most peaceful sleep I've ever had! Julie feels the same ... so we argue over that.

God has been so good to us. He has given me much more than I could ever deserve. I look at this little gift and know that God loves me in spite of my failures, my shortcomings, and my own agendas. God gave me this little man, not because I can teach him so much, but I can learn more about myself and my responsibilities from him and HIM. Sometimes I wonder if God is waiting for us to have tummy time with Him? I wonder if He is waiting for us to get weary of our own exploring and crawl up to His bosom for rest? I wonder if He rests better when we are snuggled with Him heartbeat to heartbeat. For me tummy time is the best and I hope to do more of it.

Observations from my first week as a father ...

My first week as a dad is officially coming to an end at 2:59 a.m. Friday morning. It's hard to believe the first week is already over. It seemed like the nine months waiting for Turner to get here took so long and now that he is here, time has been flying by. Over the past week, I have been provided valuable insight into the skills and tools needed to be a father. From experience now, I feel confidence in creating this list of important observations from week one that all new fathers-to-be should know going into the delivery room and arriving back home after birth.

1. Never tell the truth about the number of pushes remaining. Your wife will be in a lot of pain and there is no need to make the process worse. Julie asked a number of times and I always said just a few more. The fact of the matter is you won't know and she won't remember if you lie while she's pushing.

2. Utilize the nursery in the hospital during the nights. These people are professionals at keeping babies calm, fed, changed, and content. You should use this resource to get good sleep. These people do not come home with you and you cannot hide them in your belongings as you do the diapers, blankets, pacifiers, and little squirt bottle your wife will use for the next week to assure her maternal wounds get clean after potty breaks (also something not mentioned in the books). The nursery can mean up to three consecutive hours of sleep, more if your wife isn't breast feeding. You don't see that much consecutive sleep again for a while.

3. Don't eat at McDonald's for a month before the baby comes. This doesn't apply to everyone, but if you plan to have the baby delivered at Northside Hospital Atlanta ... take heed. The cafeteria is lovely and a little pricey. It doesn't have great hours and weekend nights it is closed. I believe that between Wednesday night and Sunday night I had McDonald's at least five times. I'm not saying I don't occasionally enjoy the golden arches as a last choice in a hectic day, but my intestines will need several months to recover.

4. Start a pot of coffee as soon as you get home from the hospital. Turner is a perfect gentleman and sleeps well ... just not long. If you are like us, you'll easily change fifteen or more diapers a day, plus eight to ten feedings and they don't always coincide. You will need the coffee to supplement your exhaustion by at least the second day home. Take naps during the day and enjoy being up at night ... remember you used to love doing that in college :)

5. Pack extra clothes for the baby's first doctors appointment. The diaper bag is very important. It can't be too small ... explain to your wife that a bigger bag allows for more space for a monogram or embroidery. You will need to pack as if the child is leaving for a week. Always have at least three outfits, a couple blankets and a big stack of diapers and wipes. At the doctor's office, they will want to weigh the baby, naked on the scale for an accurate weight. Cold surfaces and baby boy tinklers lead to a fantastic and embarrassing water show. We experienced this show twice on the first visit.

6. Buy a push present. You'll be thinking that this is a scam and it probably is. You'll overhear your wife talking with a certain relative ... most likely a close sister ... about the "push present." If she doesn't bring it up, get one anyways ... you'll look like a super hero. It needn't be terribly expensive. I suggest a small jewelry charm in a well wrapped box or gift bag before you enter the delivery room (if possible). After you see what your wife's body goes through it will have been well worth the sacrifice of a really good lunch out with your co-workers.

7. Take a few days off to be with family. This has been the most remarkable week of my life. I've grown so much closer to my wife and have fallen in love with a little boy that can't even speak to me or see my face clearly. I think fatherhood reveals the sacrifice of the last generation, the responsibilities of present generation and the hope for the future generation. You can work forever. Take at least a week off to enjoy this experience.

Etc.... It didn't really fit the list above, but during your first week, you'll gain a bigger appreciation for the diaper genie, bottle brushes, the smell of dreft detergent, baby monitors for communication and swaddling.

Fatherhood is a blast, especially after living it for a week.

The BEST 6 days of my life...

I can't even describe how WONDERFUL the last few days have been for me...I go from pain on the 24th of June to pure joy the 25th! Turner has been the most precious baby...he eats, poops, sleeps, poops, eats, well, you get the picture...I would not trade this life for anything! I sometimes think I am just dreaming because I have always wanted a child of my own. I love kids, especially my two nephews and niece...I am thankful that I have a sister who let me take care and treat them like they are my own! It is amazing how much things change when they are your own...I have cried about little things that only a mother would cry about...I can't believe all the stuff that you worry about now...and probably will for the rest of my life...but when I look at him and he looks at me I could absolutely melt!

On to Billy...I could not have asked, wished, dreamed, etc. for a better husband and father to my child...I did not change a diaper until Turner was 4 days old!! He did all the diapers!! He said after watching what he watched it was the least he could do... He has been so wonderful and he did great in the deli every room. He has been a great support and I don't know how I could do it without him...he feels bad about the fact that I am the only one who can feed him, but even then he makes me wake him up so he can change him or he will go get me water and a snack at 2:00 AM.

I feel that God has blessed me with so much more than I deserve and I am so thankful for this family that I have! God is so AMAZING and I can't wait to see what He has in store for us.

I am also lucky to have my wonderful family...I have called my sister so many times and every time I talk to her I feel so much better...it is so nice that she has just had the same experience just 6 short months ago! I look at Julia Hope and think that how fast she is growing up knowing that my sweet Turner will be there in a blink of an eye. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have her in my life...she keeps me sane! :) My parents have also been wonderful...thanks to my dad, my yard has NEVER looked so great! And my mother...oh my mother, she has made sure that I have asked every question to the doctors about him and she has taken care of ME! I know that sounds selfish, but it has been nice to have someone who cares so much about you...she would come to the hospital just to help with my showers so Billy could just focus on the baby...now that is dedication if I say so myself. She has even cooked dinner for us...and those of you who know my mother, know she doesn't cook! Once again, I am so blessed!

Thank you to all of my friends who have prayed, called, e-mailed, or texted in the last few days...we truly feel all the love and support from you!!

It is amazing how fast the last few days have flown by...and I truly hope it slows down because I don't want to miss a minute of this wonderful journey we are on...

Welcome Turner Bennett ...

I can't even begin to explain the love I have in my heart for my family right now. For years I considered the reality that I would live alone and a wife much less children would be out of my reach. God has truly blessed me. Julie is so strong ... I am simply amazed at what she went through last night. Twenty hours of induced labor, an hour of pushing and a few stitches, none of which will be the memory she takes of the moment. The first time I saw the hair on his little head as he made his way into the world I felt my heart complete melt. My son had me wrapped around his finger before he even saw my face.

Julie and the baby are both doing well. Everyone is resting and we are so excited about what God has in store for our family in the future.

Almost time...

It's Julie...I know...crazy that I am on the computer, but it really helps take my mind off stuff...hard to believe in a matter of hours we will finally get to meet this little man!!! I am not scared about the whole birthing process because I know it is going to hurt...hurt like none other, but I am going to have a great reward at the end...completely worth it...plus, Billy has already dangled some bait in front of me...PANDORA...my push present...:) So I have to work really hard to get it! Well, I guess that is all for now...the contractions are starting to get intense :)

Is this the day?

It's 6:30 a.m. and I've been up now for an hour. Julie slept well through the night, with the occasional need to switch sides or visit from the nightshift nurse. I tucked in to the banquet bed with some lovely one-inch pillows ... but given the long day I expect for Thursday, slept pretty good.

This morning, the nurse had to start a third IV port ... with number two blowing out. She collected the blood samples for our via-cord kit (look it up, pretty cool). They were a little worried about the baby going through an extended sleep pattern while Julie was on the cervidil. That's been removed and Julie is now on a little oxygen and an IV. Turner's heartrate is stable after a little stage of being low overnight. It looks like they will start the pitocin this morning and our doctor has just arrived for his shift. As I was blogging, they've added the pitocin and penicillin (for strep B) to the IV. Doctor Robbins joked that Julie has Pupps because I'm a Georgia Bulldog ... he roots for Tech.



Is today going to be the day I get to hold my son? I wonder what my father was thinking the day I was born. And his father. What is a father supposed to think about? I'm thinking that Julie is super strong. I'm knowing that God has been better to me than I deserve. This wonderful wife and a son on the way anytime. I'm thinking that Turner had better be really sweet to his mommy after these last couple of days. I'm thinking about the smell of babies and how sweet it is to hold them while they sleep. I'm thinking that today could very well be the day that my life changes forever. I'm thinking and praying and enjoying this moment.

We're at the hospital

It has been quite the last few days for Julie. Friday she completed her capstone presentation for her masters degree. Over the weekend she developed pupp rash. Monday the doctor saw her and gave her some cream to help ... it didn't. Wednesday morning around 3 a.m. she woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. The rash, she says has a horrible itch. She went on to the doctor's office ... and saw a lady in the practice she'd never seen. The doctor sent her on her way with a regimen of Zyrtec and benadryl. About 2:45 p.m. she called me at work to say we'd be coming on into the hospital Wednesday night and Dr. Robbins, our regular that we really like, would induce on Thursday. So here we are. It's about 12:30 a.m. on Thursday and Julie is down for the night. I'm bedding down myself. Not sure how much blogging I can get done during this process, but I will try my best to keep up the written description of this wonderfully different event for both of us. Here are a couple photos from tonight (Julie waiting for her room in admissions and then talking to Jodi on the phone). It's amazing that in a very close period of time I will get to see my son. God is really good to us.

A few pictures...

We (really Julie) LOVE pictures so I thought it would be fun to add a few pictures from the wedding until the time we found out we were expecting...believe me...this is not even close to telling the story...but it was just some fun shots...

Finished with Masters!!!!

As of about two hours again I (Julie) just finished "delivering" my capstone for my master's...the rubric already came back with EXCEEDS!!! Needless to say, my partner, Kelli Cook and I were/are SUPER excited!!! I kept having dreams and visions of my water breaking during this...but it DIDN'T although about 5 minutes before "show time" Turner was moving and kicking up a storm!! He must have been getting excited for his mommy too!! We joke that he has already earned his master's since he was with me through this whole process and he did his job of staying put!!

On another note, we are 10 days from the due date!! Even though Turner will probably not make his appearance until after this...it is still fun for me to count down :)

And as Billy wrote about yesterday...we have our anniversary coming up...as you can tell from his writing...I am a VERY lucky girl!! He is a wonderful husband and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with him...

Three years down ...

Every moment we get closer to welcoming our little man, I realize just how much more I am in love with my wife. I've seen enough to know that women are so much stronger than men. Over the last nine months, Julie's stomach has stretched, her feet have swelled, she snores a little, she has had to constantly check her sugar, she has had this wonderful baby kick every part of her insides and yet she is the most beautiful woman I know.

I have had the wonderful opportunity over the last three years to get to know this amazing person, someone I consider to be my best friend and soul mate. It is so hard to imagine that in 2007 we met, in 2008 we married and in 2010 we're having our first child. God has been so good to me. This next Monday, June 21st, marks the three year anniversary of our first date. I picked her up that night and I've been lost staring into her beautiful eyes ever since. I hope Turner has those same beautiful eyes.

It is so rare in life to be able to find yourself in the right place at the right time. I met Julie's cousin Justin at college through TKE. He set me up with Julie and it's been the best blind date ever. When you finally give in to the fact that God has a plan for you and you let Him lead you blindly into His will, he gives you the most amazing gifts and experiences. He gave me Julie, He is giving me Turner. I can't wait to see how He will use our family in the future. Turner should be here in the next couple of weeks. That in itself is a miracle. I'm going to take the opportunity, however, to enjoy a few more days of having this beautifully amazing woman all to myself. I love you Julie. Thank you for going on a date with me three years ago.

Over the last few months...

I really can't believe that for sure in less than 22 days we will be parents!! This is a whole new chapter in our lives that I think we are both really looking forward to!

It is amazing how much you think you love someone and then grow even more in love with them. I was definitely in love with Billy from about our 3rd or 4th date (even though I didn't let him know this for a little while). People would say you just "know"...and after meeting Billy, I completely see what they were meaning! It seemed as if everyday I would fall more and more in love with him...I don't think I could have loved anybody anymore than on our wedding day...I was so excited...not in the least bit stressed on that day because I knew that no matter what happened at the end of the day I would be married to MY Prince Charming! We have had so many great moments, days, weeks, months, and years together...and I do fall even more in love with him...it is amazing! I know the moment when I see him hold his son for the first time will be another moment where he will melt my heart and I will fall even deeper in love with him...

Here is a little background story that I am okay to share now...

On Friday, October 16, 2009, we were getting ready to head out for the GA at Vandy game, but I had to go to the Breast Specialist to get some results of a biopsy that I had done the previous Friday. I was scared and so was Billy, but neither one of us let on about what the results could possibly be...after that appointment and they told me I didn't have cancer and it was just a cyst (I don't know how to spell what kind it was, but it is just something they will always watch...not really dangerous) I told Billy I had a dream to which he responded he had a dream too. I said my dream was a little scary...and he said his was too...I said, "I dreamed they told me I had breast cancer and that we were pregnant!" He said, "I dreamed the very same thing!" So, I told Billy we needed to stop by the store and buy a test before we went back home to get our bags...so we did. When we got home around 10 am I ran upstairs to take the test and Billy started loading the car. After 2 minutes and the digital test said, "Pregnant" I screamed for Billy...well, he came running...we just looked at each other and smiled!! We were THRILLED beyond belief and a VERY surprised!! We didn't know it could happen so quickly! And that my friends is how it all started...

Here is a little photo show starting at 18 weeks...I will have to add to it later...but thought you might enjoy a walk down memory lane...please know that these pictures were taken at 6:30 AM every Monday before I would go to work...so if I look a little tired that explains it :)

In the teens...

Today marks 19 days until the due date...although we have a feeling this little guy is happy right where he is and probably won't be here until around July 4th...it is still exciting to think that we have made it this far!! I have to admit I am READY for him to be here!! But I know that it is better for him where he is right now and he needs to grow a little more...I just look forward to the day where I will be able to give him sweet kisses and hug him any time I want and the many days where he is going to wake up from his naps just smiling at me!

I was able to spend some time at my sister's house on Monday and I decided to take a nap at her house. Julia Hope was asleep too, but then I could hear her moving around...I woke up and walked in to find her happy as can be just smiling at me...I just decided to lay beside her and just talk and play with her...it was WONDERFUL and I must admit the whole time I was thinking about how much I LOVE my niece and nephews and I think to myself how I would do ANYTHING for them...I just can't imagine what it will be like when he gets here...I already LOVE this baby to pieces and I haven't even seen him...so I just try to think about what it will be like when he REALLY gets here!!

Three of a kind ...

When Julie and I got married, I was surprised with a gift when I got to Grand Oaks. I had been working all day getting the flowers done for the wedding and had about an hour to relax before the ceremony. There was a beautiful box waiting for me. Inside was a special treat. Julie had gone to the mall and made me a Build-a-Bear, complete with a UGA outfit. She had left me a special message inside the bear that simply said she loved me and couldn't wait to spend the rest of her life with me.

Fast-forward to our one-year anniversary. I was searching for a little extra gift to make the occasion even more special. I decided a Build-a-Bear would be perfect. So I picked out the softest one, rubbed the little heart in my hands, made a wish and boxed it up. I had also recorded a message, reminding her of one of our favorite children's books, simply saying I'd love her to the moon and back. It was special for her.

So when we decided that we wanted to come up with a special gift for Turner, Julie suggested a Build-a-Bear. It's not like he doesn't have everything he could possibly need or want. Our friends, family and colleagues have given us fantastic showers and gifts, but we both felt the need to have something special from us. So I took a long lunch today and we went to the mall. We picked out the softest bear and recorded a message ... a blend of the messages we had already recorded for each other in our earlier gifts. We stuffed him and he looked perfect. We each added a heart, a symbol that this child is made from a piece of each of our hearts and perfected in one body. We picked out a cute baby boy outfit. Today we made our little man his first Teddy Bear. His bear and our bears make three of a kind ... a beary perfect family :)

Hard to believe...

It is so hard to believe that in less than one month we will be holding a baby in our arms...we are both soooooo excited and I know I can speak for both of us because Billy has been cleaning like a mad-man and helping out so much! We will sit on the couch and just talk about what he will look like and what our plans are for him...we love this kid so much and just can't wait to see him for the first time!

We had our last baby shower last night...it was a couples shower with a GA tailgating theme...it was so fun!! We got so much cute stuff...see the picture...we are truly blessed with wonderful friends!! I can't wait for Turner to meet all of them!

I was looking through some pictures that I had taken when we first found out we were pregnant all the way until the shower last night. It is amazing what God can do!! I tell Billy and my friends all the time that I don't see how you can have a baby and not believe in God...it is such a miracle! He thought of everything when He created woman. We are so blessed!

25 days...maybe...more?

We went to the doctor this past Tuesday and much to my dismay I had gained 5 pounds!!! Last MONTH I only gained ONE pound the ENTIRE month...but in one week I gained 5 POUNDS!! I am blaming it on Billy and my sister because they are really good cooks and we had a little get together on Memorial Day! So really it is all their fault! hahahaha...totally worth it though...I will walk a little extra in the next few weeks so that hopefully there won't be any more major weight gain like this...so that brings my total weight gain thus far to 34 pounds. Anyways, the doctor checked me and said the only thing I had going for me was that he was head down...I just knew I would be dilated or something, but no...NOTHING! The doctor that I see is the doctor I want to deliver Turner into this world and he told me that I WOULD have a baby by July 4th...he said that he works that holiday weekend so he wouldn't make me go past that...I feel better knowing I won't have to be two weeks late like my sister with her first and so many others that have shared stories of going late! As much as I want Turner here right now...it is starting to really hit me that in less than 32 days he REALLY will be here!! It is so hard for me to believe that I am going to be a MOMMY in less than 32 days...this is something I have always dreamed about since I was a little girl...I LOVE babies and kids and for me to have my very own is going to be amazing!



Last night Billy and I went to one of our good friends house to make some "Turner" jewelry...we had so much fun and now I can proudly wear my boy's name around my neck!! Billy was a great sport and I am so happy he went with me...I realize how lucky I am that he is willing to go and do stuff like this with me!

June 1st - sleepless nights

I can't believe it is June 1st already!! Where does the time go? We only have 27 more days until the due date and I am SOOOO excited! Although I really wish I knew when this little guy was really going to make his appearance...I have people tell me...there is NO way you will make it that long to... oh you will be two weeks late! I go to the doctor later today...as you can see it is 3:55AM and I have been up since 3:15 AM...I try to just lay in the bed and go back to sleep, but I just have all this energy that I can't waste :) so I get up and try and get stuff done. I usually just end up on here on Facebook...but my intentions are good :) I am currently working on my first blanket for Turner...I made one for my niece, Julie Hope so it is only fair I make him one too. We are blessed to have some "blanket makers" in Billy's family so he has one from his great-great Nanny Bearden (Billy's Grandmother - where the name Bennett comes from) and Billy's mother who is going to be called MawMaw by Turner (I think that is the plan anyway :)) He may come up with his own names...and that will be oh so cute and fun by me. :) I think about what he is going to look like and act like all the time...I wonder what toys that we have that will become his "favorite"...I wonder if he is going to like to sleep a lot or wake up in the middle of the night...I wonder what it is going to be like to hold him for the first time...I wonder what it will be like when I see Billy hold him for the first time...I wonder if ...I wonder about him all the time!! Well, I am going to go grab a snack and try and go back to sleep...I have to go to work in about 2 1/2 hours and I am super excited about that because today is my work shower!! I remember when my friend Kelli, who is heading up the shower, was talking to me about dates and June 1st seemed SOOO far away...and here it is!! I can't say it enough, but I am so blessed! I have a WONDERFUL husband, GREAT family, and SUPER friends!!

Last Day of School and One Month Until the Due Date

Today is a big day for me (Julie)...it is the last day of school with kids and it marks the one month until the due date!! It really didn't feel like the last day of school, but I know the kids are super excited about getting out...me...well...it just means that much closer to finishing my masters and meeting my little man...can't wait!!!

35 Weeks Down, 35 Days to Go ...

It is so hard to believe that we are at the 35 week point in the pregnancy. I say we, because I hope that in some aspects it has been a team effort, though I can promise you Julie's doing all the heavy work :)

In the past 35 weeks, I've seen Julie blossom from a loving wife to a loving mother. She's so excited about this baby (I am excited, too, but there is just something about Mothers) that I know she is counting down the days ... 35 to be exact until she can hold Turner. In the past week, following our unfortunate trip to the hospital, a la Burger King, we've been blessed with two fantastic showers and an outpouring of gifts from friends, family and colleagues. There are two more showers left on the schedule and all I can say is that Turner is going to have a very posh childhood. There are warmers for bottles and wipes, there are gymnasiums for the floor that have all the bells and whistles that would blow Walt Disney's imagination, not to mention some of the most adorable clothes!

The picture above is from our good friend and family photographer extraordinaire Reagan Powell (check out Memories of a Lifetime on Flickr). We had these shots done on Mother's Day and Julie just looks so amazing. I joked that I was only eye-candy for the photo shoot, but anyone that sees these knows that I am by far the luckier one! We've been so blessed by God to have every need met, a healthy pregnancy, a loving home to bring our baby into, and such great friends. We're 35 days away and I can't wait to see what other awesome things God has prepared for us.

Welcome Back to Work ...

So after the chaos that was this past weekend, today was a wonderful day to get back to work. Just to recap the weekend quickly ... Thursday, Julie gets food poisoning and goes to the hospital. Seven IV bags, contractions, a shot to stop said contractions, two rooms, an ultrasound, lots of 15-minute naps, and we finally get home Saturday. I get her settled just in time for a sinus infection later that night, complete with 103-degree temperature on Sunday. The medicated two of us rested on Monday before getting her released to drive and go back to work at the OB/GYN on Tuesday ... and I had detailed the car where the fun started on the side of the road that Thursday afternoon.

Today was a return to normalcy. Our regular 5a.m. wakeup, me getting breakfast and lunch done and heading to work. I have to admit I was still a bit weak and foggy for my 9a.m. Main Street Board Meeting. The excitement though had to be getting to go to the shower thrown by my staff (Thanks Kyle and Juanita) and the City Clerk. Several dear friends and colleagues showed up. After a fantastic cake and some punch Julie and I got the chance to open some terrific gifts. We got some cute outfits (one perfect for Georgia games!), a couple of gyms for his muscle growth, a set of baby monitors, a beach dome (perfect for Hilton Head), a bassinet pad and sheets, bottle brushes, baby toiletries, the cutest sock (that look like converse tennis shoes in every color), a beautiful engraved photo frame, rocker, a bottle cooler, a bottle warmer, a luvy, and gift cards. It completely filled my car and my heart. Such great friends!

The day was perfect, but another gift awaited at home. Our carseat and stroller system from Britax. Now we can bring the baby home (legally)! I have to admit that I walked around the house pretending Little T was already in it. I practiced picking up and putting it down without josseling him too much. I also practiced taking the handle to the down and up positions as well as rocking. Only a few more weeks left, but I'm getting more ready every day.

Good News!!

Great News!! We went to the doctor this afternoon and I am good to go back to my "normal" routine. He checked me and said that Turner is not ready to come...he is head down, but nothing "else" is ready. That is wonderful news for us...we want him to cook as long as he needs...plus, it gives me more time to get things "just right" for him here around the house! Although, if he did come at any moment the car seat is set to arrive tomorrow afternoon...so after tomorrow afternoon he is welcome to come anytime :) The doctor also informed us that he did not think I was growing a 9 pounder, but that he is not going to be a 6 pounder either...he predicts high 7's low 8's as far as weigh goes...and I predict from the kicking and leg movements he is going to have some really strong legs!! He may have his momma's thighs...hahahaha ...although I did squat 325 pounds in high school. Regardless of what he weighs or looks like, we just are so excited that through all this crazy sickness he is doing great...there is no telling what he was thinking during the really "rough" times on Thursday night and Friday morning...he probably thought his momma had gone crazy...of course I kinda have gone crazy since the moment I found out I was pregnant...I cry at everything...I was NEVER a crier before...I am more protective of everything and I know the moment I see him the first time that is overprotective self is going to go into hyper-mode! I can't wait until I am Turner's mommy! I thank God everyday for giving him to us and in just a few short weeks I am going to hold this precious gift in my arms!

To feel human again...

Well, this is Julie...let me share with you what has been going on in our lives for the last few days...

It all started on Thursday afternoon...we were going to have a Talent Show at school at 7pm that night so I decided that I would go grab a snack after school and then come back and work on my Masters Capstone with my fellow teacher, Kelli. Well, I just went through Burger King drive-thru (BIG mistake)...well, Kelli and I were just working away on our project everything was going good...although my stomach started rumbling...just thought it was from a long day. In the meantime, Billy made it to school to help me take down stuff for the end of the year since my preggo belly is not allowing me to reach certain places that I have posters and decorations. Well, the time was 6:45pm...I remember because I was thinking about going to get changed for the talent show when my stomach started to REALLY hurt...I went to the bathroom and told Billy and Kelli that I needed to get home and just lay down that I was in NO shape to do anymore work or be in the talent show...well, I made it halfway home and with about a 2 second warning...well...you can just imagine...Billy had not seen me pull off on the side of the road so it took him about 5 minutes to find me...although I had 3 people pull over and ask if I was okay and if they could call anybody for me...there are really good people still out there!! Then one of my most favorite people Mrs. Whitmire and her husband happen to be driving down the same road I was on the side of...they stopped...I had to be the grosses sight...anyways...Billy finally made it and I drove myself the rest of the way home.

Once we were home things just got worse...I couldn't stop getting sick...so after Billy was on the phone with the doctor the decision was made to take me to the hospital...we finally made it there around 11:45 Thursday night. They quickly got me to a room and on monitors to which everyone was surprise to know that I was having contractions! They were coming 1 minute a part to 10 minutes a part, but little did I know what was going on...at this point I was so out of it...I was still getting sick every 20 to 30 minutes. After signing what felt like 100 papers that Billy was pretty much just pointing and telling me sign...they put the IV in, after two tries because my veins were not good because of the dehydration. They started giving me shots to get the contractions to stop and shots to get me to stop getting sick.

After a few hours the contractions stopped and the getting sick slowed down to every few hours. Needless to say we didn't sleep that night and at 8:30 Friday morning they came to do an ultrasound on the baby...well, guess what...he was just happy as could be...they said that he already weighs 5 and 1/2 pounds :) and everything looked great with him! Hooray!! There is no telling what he thought was going on the whole time...but he was just kicking and moving which normally I love, but when I was feeling so sick didn't help matters...but it gave me reassurance that he was good.

The doctor wanted me to stay until at least Saturday afternoon so that I could get rehydrated..so around 4ish Saturday we finally left the hospital for home. They put me on modified bed rest and instructed me to not do anything until Tuesday afternoon when I will go see the doctor again. So here I am...just waiting, sitting, taking it easy...just Turner and me...he is moving and kicking as I write this...

I have to give Billy a lot of credit...he definitely proved (not that he had to) that he is going to be a wonderful father!! He had to see, catch, smell, clean and take care of stuff that NO ONE should have to unless it is for their kid and even then most men wouldn't even come close, but make their wives do it...but he did it without even hesitating. He was wonderful!! And bless his heart...he ended up with a really bad sinus infection and having to go to the doctor.

If anything this has given me the hurry up mode...and I came home and ordered the carseat just in case he decides to come early and I have ordered a few more things that I want to be here when he gets here...so it has definitly made me realize that he could be here anyday!! I am excited, but nervous at the same time...I can't wait to meet this little man, but at the same time I want him to be good and ready to come on his own! :)

Amazed ...

I grow more amazed by the day. I cannot even begin the phathom how she feels. I see the results of this wear on her body everyday. I see the constant checking of her sugar. I see that she cannot eat her favorite things. I see her get out of breath walking up the hills in our neighborhood. I see the swollen ankles at night. I hear the nightly trips to the bathroom. I see the occassional cringe when Turner kicks too hard in unfortunate spots. I see them, but I cannot feel them. I guess that's both the beauty and tragedy of fatherhood.

There are several times that I think to myself that there is no way I can be a good father. Being a father means providing a better life. It means passing on knowledge, but most times I find myself with more and more questions and less and less answers. Fatherhood means taking care of everything ... but even now I mess up with just to two of us. If it wasn't for Julie, I'd be completely lost.

Then I look at Julie. I don't know how she does it. She gets up early, I mean 5:30 a.m. early. She goes to work in the most admirable profession. She works on her masters. She puts on the Service League 5K. She makes sure the bills are paid. She handles the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy. She is simply amazing. She always gets things done.

I'm amazed beyond belief at what this beautiful woman can do. I know that she makes me look better. She picks up my slack. She carries my fumbles for touchdowns. She keeps me in line like no one else can when I get a big head or get cocky. She is my rock. I know that this baby will mean a lot of change for me, for us. I know that it will be the biggest change to ever hit my life. I know that it will become less about me and more about them. I know that with the hand of God I can do it. I'm not perfect, but with Julie I feel perfectly complete.

Sometimes I get nervous. Sometimes I get concerned. Then I look at her and I am amazed.

A relaxing weekend ...

It was a fantastic weekend at the Peppers' home. We started off with an opportunity to watch our two nephews, Jackson and Pierson, and niece Julia Hope for a few hours on Saturday. Suffering from a little bout of the allergies, I opted to take the opportunity to get some cleaning done around the house and keep the boys occupied. Julie got to spend the afternoon with the cutest little girl in her arms. I love this picture of Julie holding this little angel! I can look into my wife's eyes and know that she is going to be such a great mother. I can't wait to see her hold our very own child in her arms as he drifts off to dreamland. And there is nothing sweeter than the smell of a baby.

Saturday night was the annual Service League of Cherokee County Ball. These women do such great work in the community and I am so honored to be married to one of these great women. Julie and I enjoyed the opportunity to dress up for the event, although Julie did panic a little about how to look dressy and pregnant simultaneously. She wore a beautiful black pant suit and was stunning. I easily had the best eye candy on my arm!

Finally, we finished off the weekend by taking Jackson and Pierson to Dixie Speedway, one of my favorite places, to see the Monster Truck and Motorcross show. I was so excited that Turner got to go to his first Dixie event and kept thinking about how much fun it will be to bring him back after he's born.

Julie has been watching her sugar closely. We have both been enjoying a diet of 30 carbs at breakfast, 60 at lunch and 60 at dinner with 2-3 30-carb snacks per day. It's amazing how you cherish your food when you count each carb! She has been checking her blood sugar 2 hours after each meal. So far, so good.

We're 9 weeks away and I am so psyched about this baby joining our lives!

Rockin' & Rollin'

Oh boy! Our last major piece of furniture arrived this afternoon and I love it! Julie got me this recliner for my birthday. We went down to Priest Home Furnishings in downtown Woodstock and tested several models. We decided we liked this style, wanted it in leather, and wanted it to swivel, glide, and recline. This is the most comfortable chair! I'm so excited thinking about all of the days ahead of us, gliding along with Turner in our arms in this chair. I can definitely see Turner and his Daddy napping in this one!

I thought it would be great to test it out fully and it got the Daddy thumbs up!

We had a fantastic time this past Sunday in my hometown. My mother put on a fantastic baby shower with my family. We were so blessed to have so much family present and great friends from Trion Heights Baptist Church. The shower was in the fellowship hall and we almost needed a U-Haul to get home! So many great clothes, diapers, bath items, an overhead gym, and Turner's first Bible. It's so hard to pick favorites, but my mother and grandmother take the cake (which was delicious, too). They both had made blankets for Turner. Mom made blue and Nanny made green. Both came with the cutest little crochet hats! I can't wait to see him in that hat and post pictures! We're having some camera issues and can't get those photos up yet ... keep checking for shower pics! (A special thanks to Aunt Sue for the great cakes and Aunt Becky for the Diaper Cake)

We're a little more than 9 weeks away, but after this week, we are Rockin' & Rollin'. Nap time for me :) in the new recliner!

Getting Closer!

I am sooooo excited! It's hard to believe it, but we're in the stretch where Julie has to go every two weeks now to the doctor. It's the middle of April and we are both counting down the days to the end of June. I can't wait to see my little buddy :)

Julie is looking so cute right now! I know that she is my wife, but she just looks so adorable pregnant! Neither one of us get a full night's sleep anymore. Julie wakes up for bathroom trips, leg cramps, Turner kicking any part of her stomach or ribs, or because she just isn't comfortable. I wake up, too. Last night, we decided that Julie needed a larger pillow to sleep with along her stomach and legs. Last night, I also determined that we should invest in a king-sized bed. My half of the bed is shrinking the further we get into this pregnancy. I've decided to get used to smaller bed space. I'm excited about thinking about tiny steps down the hall and our little one crawling into our bed one day soon.

This weekend, I spent most of my time stooped over. Julie has hired me without pay to be the gardener :) I got everything planted and mowed the pollen off the grass. The yard looks great, but I could tell Julie wanted to be out there with me digging in the soil. She took the opportunity to work on a few things around the house, including a little bit of washing. Did I mention that I absolutely love the smell of DREFT! I can't wait to hold my little buddy in a few more weeks!

Chair!!

Today was the last day of my Spring Break...so what did I do with my time? I went SHOPPING for Turner of course!! I found a great deal on a Pottery Barn Kids chair...I am so excited...it matches the room perfectly!! I can't wait until he is sitting in that chair reading a book!! Check out the picture!!

Also, I went to the doctor today for my 28 week check-up...everything is going great...he continues to kick everyday especially in the morning...I tell Billy that Turner is going to be a morning person like his mommy so he needs to be prepared!! :) He also like to kick at 2 am...he is like clockwork...I love it...I am already on a routine...I get up and go to the bathroom and then drink a big cup of water...God is doing a great job preparing me for the sleep deprivation that is going to come in just a few short months. So far so good! I did take a nap today for the first time in a bit...I was taking a nap everyday during the first trimester!!

Furniture Arrives

It is so hard to imagine that Julie hit 28 weeks today. It seems like almost yesterday she greeted me at the bottom of the stairs with our first positive pregnancy test. She gets more beautiful by the day. I knew that I loved her the very first time I saw her and now I just can't imagine life without her. She's more beautiful because I get to see an all new side to her. This motherhood thing definitely makes my heart melt for her even more.

We had a really fantastic arrival on Friday ... baby furniture. Thanks to the fantastic help of Mr. Herb Priest at Priest Home Furnishings in downtown Woodstock (free commercial for the nicest furniture man in the world) we saw the arrival of our crib and our dresser/changing table. The crib is a beautiful cherry sleigh design complete with a Sealy Beauty Rest Matress. The bedding is Pottery Barn with faded blues and greens. We wrestled between cherry and black, so we decided to do both. The dresser and changing table are black. I'm going to change out the brushed nickle pulls with cherry and we're going to integrate more of both colors in the room.

Having the nursery come together makes the whole adventure all the more real. I can't wait to hold my son! Tomorrow is also a big day for me and Julie ... it marks 18 months of wedded bliss.

I love my growing family :)

A new first today...

Well, today I am pretty sure the baby had hiccups!! It was a very light rhythmic "kick" that lasted about a minute or two. It was weird and I had not felt it before so that is why I am thinking it was hiccups...it was what, if I could imagine, hiccups to feel like from him.

Sorry it was short and sweet, but Billy has on a scary movie and I don't need to watch a scary movie before bed so I must remove myself from the computer now! :)

Great News!!!

Today was a great day!!! I had my initial glucose test last Thursday and found out on Friday that I did not pass...my number was 141 and you had to score 139 or below...so yesterday (Monday) I had to go for the 3 hour test. Let's just say that I was prepared to have gestational diabetes due to a family history of diabetes and just told myself that I could do anything for 90 days (number of days until my due date) to insure a healthy baby! Well, the Dr. called this morning at 9:31am (yes, the exact time) and told me GREAT news...I DO NOT have gestational diabetes!! I was so thrilled! Answer to prayer! God is good!

On another note, Turner Bennett is kicking up a storm...everyday he seems to kick and move more which I absolutely LOVE to feel his every movement. I just laugh sometimes because I try and figure out what he is doing inside of me...he must be having a GREAT time!! He is getting really strong...he has kicked two times really hard and it has kind of taken my breath away. I just think he is getting his running legs ready :) I can't wait to meet this little man!

Finally, we are hoping that our baby furniture is going to be delivered at the end of this week or next...I am SOOO excited about this! I will try and post pictures...I am not doing a great job posting the pictures, but we are taking them!!

Thanks for taking time to read this and have a Blessed Day!

It is me, Julie!!

Well, I am very reluctant to write on this blog because Billy is so good at it and there is really no way to live up to what he writes...I am so thankful that I am married to him!! :) We are 92 days away from the due date and I know that Turner will decide when he is ready to make his grand appearance in this world, but just knowing that we are less than a 100 days seems so crazy...this has gone by so fast!! I can't wait to hold him in my arms for the 1st time! I feel bad for Billy because as much as I can when Turner kicks I have him feel my stomach, but even when I try to describe what it feels like when he kicks, Billy will never truly understand what it feels like. People tried to explain how it would feel to me early on in pregnancy, but no one can truly describe it...it is so magical and I don't know how any one who has ever been pregnant can not believe in God because every time I feel him kick I say a thank you prayer to Him because of this miracle He allowed inside of me. We are truly blessed!

We are eagerly preparing for Turner's arrival...Billy has organized the baby's closet complete with hanging all the clothes (no worries, we will take them all off the hangers they are on and wash them in Dreft a little closer to when he will be here) and folding the blankets. We also ordered furniture last weekend and it was so fun!! It should be here in a few weeks! :)

Well, thank you all for checking in on us and we will try to update more regularly now that the weeks are ticking down even faster...

How do women do it?

Everyday I fall more in love with my wife. I can't help but see her as more attractive as each day passes and not just on the outside. I've started seeing her in a beautiful light that didn't exist 26 weeks ago. Each day she is growing into a mommy and that is so exciting for me to see. I see her care as she holds our little niece, Julia Hope. That's the love of a mother and I know she is ready to hold her on little baby.

I am convinced that pregnant women are stronger than superman. I can't believe what she can accomplish. She's beginning to have a harder time falling asleep at night and Turner is an instant alarm clock with kicks in the morning. She's burning the candle at both ends, yet she still gets everything done. The big items right now are her masters classes and the Service League of Cherokee County's 5K Run for the Children. She is in charge of the run and I know she's under a great deal of pressure, but she has done a fantastic job and everything will go well this Saturday! The masters is stressful as well. Added work, a long night of classes and the fact that she finishes the week of her due date :)

Turner is less than 100 days a way and I can't wait to hold him, but I am even more excited to see Julie get her chance to be a mommy. She'll be terrific!

Something I could get used to ...

I really haven't had a lot of experience with babies. I was quite the nervous one the first time I got to hold Julia Hope, our sweet two-month old niece. I have to admit that I was a little terrified. She is so small and I didn't know which hand to put where, how tight to hold her, how to support her head or if she would just burst into uncontrollable tears. She just stared.

Last night, Julie and I headed over to her sister's for a chance to play with our nephews and enjoy a little pizza. Julie's first task with Julia Hope was to see if she could coax her into taking a bottle. To-date, this had been a tricky task, but Julie is the master of getting things done when she puts her mind to it. After a little work, Julia Hope took the bait and begin to chug (there's no other way to describe it) that bottle. During a burp break, Julie asked me to hold the bottle. I took the opportunity to kneel down to Julie Hope's level and make a fool of myself. I played peep-eye and made a crazy sounds as I rocketed the baseball cap off of my head. She started laughing a little at first (the baby that is) and finally worked up such a hearty laugh she got the hiccups. It was adorable. It made Julie laugh, too.

Julie was taking her time holding the baby, but I could tell she was getting a little tired of walking around, so I quickly offered my shoulder and a pair of fresh legs. Julia Hope was a little fussy by now and I figured at some point I'd better learn to take care of a crying baby. With the proper placement of a burp cloth, I took her in my arms and just enjoyed the moment. There's nothing like the smell of a baby's head. She was so soft in my arms and I loved feeling her little heart beat against my chest. We walked, swayed, bounced and rocked until she finally fell asleep. I took the time to sit in the recliner with her and enjoy the moment. She stayed like that for 20 minutes, laying on my chest. I just tried to take in the whole moment. The way her little body would rise and fall with each breath, the little coo occasionally as she slept, and a deep hope and desire to feel these same moments with my little one not too far away.

Turner continues to grow. He's gotten to be a better kicker! Like an alarm clock, he kicks at Julie every morning before the real alarm goes off. I can even feel him more. We're lucky to have my parents down this weekend. It was so nice to see Julie and my mom enjoying their crocheting time together. There will be lots of great baby blankets produced in the coming months! My dad and I got to rest as they shopped. I can't wait to see them hold little Turner, too.

Getting Misty-eyed

It's funny how a baby-to-be can change a person and not just the obvious changes a mother goes through as her body becomes an abode for a yet-to-be-seen perfect gift. Expectant fathers go through changes as well. In the last several weeks I have felt a great host of emotions. The other night, I nearly fell apart like a blubbering idiot in the baby section of our Canton Target. Julie and I had met after work for a quick dinner at Taco Mac and decided while we were in the area, it would be a perfect time to register at La Targette. We were doing well, having just selected some of the necessary staples that infants of today need for survival, including mirrors for the car, play mats for the floor, and cages to contain baby service wear in the dishwasher. It was along our path to select bottles that my emotional fortitude would be tested. At the end of the aisle, I joined Julie in an area examining breast pumps (of all things). I had noted a lovely lady of African-American descent at the end of the aisle shopping for baby foods, but must admit that I had really paid her little attention. As I observed the equipment, which I must say looks very scary and elicited questions as to what went where and how, I glanced down into the lady's buggy to see the most beautiful little brown eyes staring back at me. He was precious. His eyes followed me for a moment, but I had to get Julie's attention. We stopped for a brief chat with the lady. He was 8 months old and his name was Joshua. She mentioned that he was a bit premature and so he was still a little small for his age. Julie and the mother carried on a casual conversation about our blessing, but I tuned everything out. I just stared at that little boy. I tried to hold it in, but I must admit my own eyes wielded some tears thinking about how Great God is to but such joy in the eyes of a little child. It melted my heart as I thought about how exciting it would be to gaze into the eyes of my own son.

Lately, I have spent a great bit of daydreaming moments thinking about life after Turner arrives. I think about holding him as we both drift to sleep for an afternoon nap. Sometimes I think about the way his little head will smell. I look at some of the baby clothes we have and imagine him wearing that particular outfit. I know that when he comes my life will be forever changed. SO many people have advised me to sleep now. To enjoy these last few months because babies are a lot of work. I know that there will be an increase in work to do at home and that there are only 24 hours in a day. I know that I will work harder than ever, will get less sleep, and will have more stress. After gazing into the eyes of that little boy Joshua ... I can't wait. We're four months away and I think it's time I pack a handkerchief with me at all times. Babies are so cute and I am becoming a softy.

Baby's First Beach Trip and Winter Break

Julie and I love Hilton Head! Winter Break for the Cherokee County School District gave us the perfect opportunity to leave the cares of Canton for the sunny beaches of South Carolina. I would say it was warm ... but frankly it was anything but warm. Our first night at the beach brought snow flurries to this beautiful coastal city, the first such winter weather activity of that kind in several decades.

Time with Nana, Papa as well as Jackson and Pierson was a lot of fun. Julie and I especially enjoyed all of the firsts ... those moments when we would realize it was the first time to do whatever as expectant parents. There was the first trip to our favorite breakfast place, Stack's or our first trip to the greatest little bakery called Signe's. We had our first trip to Guiseppi's for pizza (we repeated a couple more times), as well as the first time to Salty Dog and Charley's Crab. We are definitely excited about bringing Turner back ... after his exodus from the womb. I can't wait to make beach pictures as a family!

Julie successfully broke through the 21-week mark and her belly is starting to pop out. I find it very attractive. There is something indescribable about seeing the woman you love growing because of baby you helped create. It's an amazing gift from God! We are so amazed at those moments when we can feel the baby kick ... sometimes dance inside that tummy.

Over the Winter Break, we did a lot of things, mostly rest, eat and shop. It never got above the 50's at the beach, so time there was limited. Julie and I found some great baby clothes and maternity clothes. She kept up with facebook, I read two Agatha Christie books and we both got to enjoy time with the boys and her parents.

Upon returning home, we commenced to tackling the issue of closets. The nursery is going into my man cave ... a simple room containing my television, playstation, an exercise bike and a closet with my clothes. Julie's closet, the much bigger walk-in in the master, need a complete reorganization plan. I love my wife ... she loves clothes (me, too, of course). With Turner on the way, she finally bit the bullet and gave in to giving me some closet space in our bedroom. After two days of removing the pre-maternity clothes and replacing with stretchy, expandable, tapered fashions, the closet is finally done and we can begin the necessary work of getting Turner's wardrobe ready for his grand entrance.

I hate to admit it, but after two days of closet shuffle ... I was ready to go back to work :)

A note to any newly expecting couple ... invest in an iPhone ... it's perfect for keeping everyone up to date on the exciting changes that come with pregnancy, including photos, videos, email, and social networking.

I love my wife and every step over the next 18 weeks is going to be a blessing as we wait for that precious arrival.

Halfway There ....

It is so hard to believe that we are halfway towards the birth of our first child! Where does the time go? Julie is showing a little more every week. She said the other night that she gets out of breath bending over. I just laughed a little. I call it life ... some of us have always been a little husky :). The last couple of weeks have been pretty busy around here. Julie had a bout with a small cold/sinuses. I hate seeing her not feel well. I hated even more the whale mating call sounds she made snoring. She reminds me that I make the same sounds and have no pregnancy to show for it. I, too, have had a little bout of sickness. I thought I was getting that horrid stomach virus. I came home on a Tuesday feeling icky and just knew I couldn't get Julie sick. I strapped on a mask and rubber gloves before coming in the house. I grabbed a couple of essentials from our bathroom and sequestered myself in the guest bedroom until a trip to the doctor the next day. Julie and I communicated that night by texts. It was like being in a hotel!

Luckily, I rebounded overnight from my illness and got to attend our regular visit with the OB/GYN. This was the big one. We didn't let on that we had been to Peek-a-Belly. The lady with the ultrasound took a long time with us. We saw the kidneys, the spine, the fingers (I saw him point!), the feet, the heart, the hemispheres of the brain and the big clue ... yep, officially a BOY!

Julie feels the baby kick ... and sometimes I do to. It is so amazing! We still have a lot to get done, though. There is still the issue of the nursery. We've got to find closet space for all of these clothes (luckily Jodi has given us some great hand-me-downs), including the addition of maternity wear. Lots of changes still to come, but not nearly the time we used to have to get it done. I'm looking at the calendar thinking, "June will be here soon!"

Feeling the baby kick ...

Last night was quite the experience for Julie and me. We had decided to go to Right Wing Tavern in Woodstock to eat dinner last night ... Julie was really craving some fried dill pickles. While at dinner, it was determined that we needed some chocolate-walnut brownies for dessert. When we got home, I started the baking and Julie decided to take a shower and get into bed to watch a little television. By seven o'clock, Julie was out like a light and the brownies were cooling. I couldn't bear to wake her ... she looked so cute sleeping and I knew she was tired.

About 10:30p.m., after I finished some computer work and got ready to go to bed, I woke her up so she could brush her teeth. When we got back into bed, I noticed after a couple of minutes that she wasn't breathing in her (now a light snore) kind of way. I turned over to see she was lying very still and very much awake. "What are doing?" I asked. She told me that she thought she felt the baby kick. Hesitantly, I reached out to see if I could feel it too. I watched her face and about the same time we smiled. We both felt a little movement ... a little kick. We know it was the baby, because we felt it at the same time! I can't describe how happy that made me feel. I know there will be a lot of kicks and bumps in the coming months. Last night, however, I came as close to feeling this precious little baby as I will be able to until he's born and it was pretty special. I'm sure I slept with a big grin all night long.