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.