Fat gal...in a little suit.

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/chris-farley-fat-guy-in-a-little-coat/2006692995

This is how I feel each time I wrestle myself into my Speedo for a morning swim, while singing to myself "Fat gal, in a little suit". Other thoughts that cross my mind - beached whale and sausage too big for it's casing (stole that one from Annie who made numerous sausage references to her own pregnant body approximately 16 months ago). And once I miraculously squeeze myself into the suit (after some pretty impressive acrobatic moves), I can't help but laugh as I look like a seven-year old girl at the pool, with a huge potbelly, and one serious wedgie. Yep, I think it's time to start shopping for a new Speedo.

21 weeks - Preparation has begun

We are definitely having a girl as she is already costing us an arm and a leg as we begin preparation for her arrival. We have numerous projects going on in the Osterhaus household!

We will be turning our upstairs office into the nursery and as such, have a few upcoming expenses. First, we have decided to move the office into the basement along with a 46' flat screen TV Ryan won with some freaky luck. Once complete, Ryan will have his very own "man room". While this sounds like a fun endeavor, you must remember we live in Prairie Village, our home was built in 1948, and while it's "quaint" and has a lot of "charm" this really means it's old and falling apart.

So in order to comfortably hang out in the basement, a few improvements must be made. First, we have a little mold issue from a couple floodings caused by an non functioning sump pump. Not a cheap fix, but obviously important. Ryan has also found himself a leather couch and chair (he is modeling his chair with our gals Lynnie and Elhers) as well as carpet for his hangout. Finally, we have new windows being installed upstairs which will hopefully help with the cold temperatures in the baby's room, and will then move onto nursery furniture, bedding, decor, etc. Busy busy in our house, and we are looking forward to enjoying our completed projects!

On a side note, here is an updated pic of my ever growing stomach. Though the doctor tells me I haven't gain much weight, I definitely have a pouch! Physically I am still feeling great and continue to run or swim most days of the week which helps me to feel somewhat "normal" in my changing body. My poor husband though...I've been a bit of an emotional basketcase lately. I'm sure it's due to the crazy hormones flowing through me and stress of trying to get the basement and nursery projects done as well as the start of my 'busy season' in public accounting. Ryan continues to be patient and understanding and for that, I am extremely grateful. Ice cream, Starbucks, and chocolate also seem to help! I'm out of town this upcoming week for work, and I'm sure Ryan is very happy to see me (or at least my emotions) go! :)

Maternity Clothing

Why, oh why, have I been resisting!

After trying on every single pair of slacks in my closet Monday morning, I had to make a choice - either squeeze into my regular clothes and be uncomfortable, or give in and wear the maternity slacks I bought the previous week. Comfort won. The verdict.............HEAVEN! Hello, these things are like wearing yoga pants to work (see previous posts on sweats obsession, maybe I have an illness). Seriously, I think every woman should be able to wear elastic waisted pants every single day! I am never going back to normal clothing!

Ladies, bring on the stretch pants.

Playing with Dolls

Ryan continues to have revelations regarding having a little girl. His entertaining comments have continued throughout the weekend with concerns that along with a girl comes lots of screaming, sleep overs, ballet shoes and dolls. Growing up with only a brother has not prepared him for a life with gals. Lucky for us, Ryan has been learning a few things about girls these past few years - we have a niece Aynslee who Ryan just adores (and Aynslee thinks he's pretty special as well). Aynslee is three years old and loves her dolls. Ryan is always telling me the story of hanging out with her this past Thanksgiving when she asked Ryan to play with her, and he said sure, what are we going to play. She sat him down surrounded with all the dolls she could gather at Grandpa and Grandma Osterhaus's house and began lining them up from smallest to largest. He said, ok, what do you want to do - she said, "Uncle Ryan, we are now playing!" He had no idea what was going on and was so confused....what do you mean, sitting with a bunch of dolls and then lining them up was playing? Poor guy has a lot to learn.

Aynslee and Liam with Ryan and I at Christmas.

Sonogram pics

A few pictures from the sonogram. My favorite is the middle pic - those feet are just too cute. Everything looked perfect - ten fingers and ten toes - and we are still on track for the end of May.

20 weeks - Pink or Blue?

It's a girl! We found out today at our 20 week appointment that we are having a little girl. Ryan was there (obviously) and my sister Mallory tagged along as well. Prior to the appointment, the three of us were discussing what our feelings were – Mallory and I said boy, Ryan said girl. Once in the exam room, the technician started out the appointment explaining at a high level what we were looking at - head, leg, arm, heart, ambilical cord, etc. After pointing out all the major organs and limbs, she told us we were having a girl - and I lost it. I knew that the sonogram would be interesting, but had always thought of it as very scientific and technical. But seeing a baby in there, and watching the baby waive at us with that little hand was one of the most surreal experiences. And then to finally identify the baby as a girl, an actual person, your own child, was so much more emotional than I could have ever imagine (I am still getting emotional typing this!). I looked over at Ryan after the technician handed me a tissue, and saw that he too had tears in his eyes. I must admit, this was one of only a very few times I have seen him cry!

Ryan’s reaction to having a girl is priceless. A few comments out of his mouth today “I am off to buy some cement panties” and his favorite mantra from the movie Cocktail “And if it’s a daughter that blesses our clan, the shit will certainly hit the fan.”

Our kids

Ehlers and Lynnie are taking the news of another sibling well. They are mostly concerned with sharing their dogs biscuits.