New Year

I can not believe it is already 2012!!

In less than 100 days (hopefully, haha), Paul and I will OFFICIALLY be parents.  It is so crazy to think about.  It seemed like just yesterday I was having my first ultrasound staring at the little bean on the screen wondering how it was possible for that to turn into a precious baby. 

New year, new trimester... 

I am now 27 or 28 weeks (depending on which EDD you go by...) which means I am entering my thrid trimester!!  2 down, 1 to go!  Time seriously is FLYING, its nuts.  I have had the easiest pregnancy so far, and I can only hope that this last stretch goes just as smooth.  I know our little girl is going to be growing like crazy, making me more and more uncomfortable as the days and weeks go on.  But, it will soon be over, and the moment that she is in our arms, it will all be worth it.  Countdown time!

Team PINK!!!

Well, yes, I do fully support breast cancer... But this is the other team pink.

We are going to have a baby girl!!!  I can not wait for spring now so that we can meet her!

Almost 20 weeks... Not sure how many exactly, but CLOSE!

Pregnancy is still being good to me... Some think too good.  I consider myself lucky, very lucky.  No morning sickness, weird cravings, swelling (yet) or any of the other crazy things so many pregnant women have to deal with.  Our little girl is being good to me, I thank her a million times over for that!

Can not wait to meet you!!

and baby makes three

That's right, we are going to have a baby!!  

It's pretty crazy, but we are definitely excited.  I can't wait to find out the sex of the baby, we are hoping at my next appointment that the doctor will be able to tell... I guess we will have to wait and see!  I have been given 2 due dates, March 26 or April 2.  So, I am going for a due date range.  HA!  I figure baby will make its arrival anywhere from March 20 (would be cool, since it is the first day of spring) to April 9. 

Currently, I am almost 14 weeks... Heading full steam ahead into my second trimester.  I was very lucky during the first trimester.  No morning sickness or any of the other negative side affects of pregnancy.  I still don't really feel pregnant, although I am sure that will change soon.  My pants are starting to get tight, but no baby bump to see yet.  Within the next few weeks I think baby will need more room and it might be time to break out the maternity jeans.  

We are so excited to meet our little one.  Spring seems so far away, especially since we are just beginning fall.  But, I am sure that the next 6ish months will fly by.  Can't wait!

First glimpse of baby... Approx 6 weeks.

Baby is growing little arms and legs!

Baby at 12 weeks and a few days.  Starting to look like a little person!

Yep, looks like we have a bun in the oven!

"For Always"

Since Paul and I started talking about our lives together, we never really talked about "forever".  It was always "for always".

When it came time to get our wedding bands, I knew I wanted to get them both engraved with something meaningful and something that wouldn't lose meaning over time.  So we both took a little piece of paper, wrote what we wanted each others ring to say then we put it in the box.  I took them both to our jeweler to have them engraved.  I made sure to tell him that if Paul picks up the rings, don't let him see what his ring says.  And I (surprisingly) didn't even look.  I wanted to know, but I wanted to be surprised on our wedding day as well.

May 8th came around, and after we said our "I do's" I slipped off my ring to see what he wrote.  It said, simply, "For Always".  It made me smile even more than I already had been.  What did I write in his?  "For Always 5-8-11".  It really made me happy.  We know that we are meant to be.  But seeing what we both wrote, without knowing what the other was writing, well, its pretty cool.  Great minds think a like they say... I think the same goes for those who share a great love.

The BIG Question

Since we got married, just over 2 months ago now, there has been one big question...  So, how does it feel?

Well, it doesn't feel any different than before we were married.  

The hardest part, which is kind of silly, is signing my new name.  :)  

I think that marriage, although a BIG commitment, should not change you, or change your relationship.  Paul and I had for a long time, before we were Mr & Mrs, had that level of commitment.  It was not signified with a big ceremony or diamonds or any of that.  We just knew that no matter what, we planned on being together.  We were each others other half.  There was no wondering what our intentions were.  They were to be together.

That being said, I could not wait for the wedding.  I could not wait to be his wife.  There is something special about having that title of husband and wife.  Although the title doesn't change us, it does make me smile every time he introduces me as "my wife, Niki". 

Lorelei, my hair dresser of 3ish years, got married in May of 2010.  We had the "hows it feel conversation" and she agreed that it (marriage) is only a big deal if you make it a big deal.  She said, "It is just great that I get to spend every day with my best friend."  I couldn't agree with her more.  I am so lucky to have Paul.  He really is my best friend, and will forever be.  

So, no, it doesn't feel and different.  Being married feels the same as not being married.  It is great.  Always has been and will always be.

1,000 Words

Our professional pictures are up!!  They are absolutely amazing.  Not sure how we are going to pick which prints to order, but I am excited to see them all!  Here is a link so you can check them out too!

www.pictage.com/1041861

Mr&Mrs

We're married!!!

On Sunday, we were married.  It was the most amazing wedding, ever.  I cannot even begin to describe how magical it was.  It was just perfect.  And being able to marry the love of my life, well that was the best part.  We leave tonight for our honeymoon and we are so excited for vacation time!

Here are a few pictures from our friend to share a bit of the day...

And they lived happily ever after!