Counting Down the Days!

We can hardly believe that instead of months or weeks left until Mills arrived, we can now count down the days! 

It has been an exciting few weeks since our last blog post.  The first thing that probably happened after that were the amazing baby showers thrown for us!  Nana Peggy, with the help of her family, did a Dr. Suess themed shower that was so wonderful!  Dr. Suess cupcakes, lots of Dr. Suess books and characters, blue and red balloons, delicious food and a life-sized Cat in the Hat were some of the features.  Take a look at some of the pictures below.

Friends and family from Jarrett’s side of the family and the state were in attendance, as well and Jillian’s Mom and sister Jennifer.  We received so many wonderful things for Baby Mills – we were so blessed by everyone’s generosity!  It was quite a feat to get everything in the car – and in a way to allow for more gifts from the shower to follow at Jillian’s Mom’s house!  Luckily Jarrett remembered a compartment below the “floor” in the car, so lots of things fit there! 

The next day it was on to Grandma Sharon’s home in New Albany, Indiana.  The theme was baby boy blue, and there were so many adorable little items all around!  Grandma Sharon had a sign made for the shower, got an adorable multi-colored polka dot cake, had blue candies of every kind, and a lovely spread of food.  Jillian’s family and friends were in attendance, and Mommy and Daddy were once again blessed with all of the wonderful gifts for Baby Mills!  Not all of the items fit in the car, but luckily they will be coming when Mills arrives as the family caravans to Pittsburgh to meet him!

On the way back from the showers, a great find – an adorable rug of blue gingham and red to match the room!  Pottery Barn Kids Outlet is the best – we highly recommend it! 

After returning to Pittsburgh the focus has been getting everything settled before Baby Mills arrives.  All of the clothes have now been washed and put away, and Mommy and Daddy finally located a white curtain rod (a little sweet-talking at the Home Depot, and we even got it cut to the size we needed!) and a blue valance that match perfectly.  Uncle Jay has completed the cutouts for the signs that Auntie Jen will be painting quotes on – it’s all coming together!  We’ve also had fun getting in things like the bouncey seat and putting those together.

Jill's colleagues at PNC gave her a surprise baby shower a few weeks after the family showers.  This lunch time shower was a complete feast of Jill's favorites.  They even invited Jarrett to attend as an added surprise.  Jill has some of the best colleagues ever.

A couple of weeks ago, at the doctor’s office, the doctor decided that a place above Mills’s home should be checked out – a bump that was painful at times – so Mommy and Daddy got the chance to see Mills again!  He’s getting quite big, so it’s a little hard to see him with the ultrasound, but we did get to see that Mills is growing very well, and got to see hands and feet, the spine and Mills moving around like crazy!  It’s a party in there!  We got to bring home a DVD of the whole thing and some pictures, which Mills will get to check out when he’s older!

Speaking of it being a party, the little kicks have gone to rolling movements, and, just as the What to Expect app describes, Mills is practicing moving from one side to the other!  Mills has been a little annoyed with another development, though – Mommy has had a couple of Braxton Hicks contractions, and Mills doesn’t seem to like those too much!  Luckily if Mommy takes it easy those don’t happen too much.

Mommy has definitely slowed down in general – Mills is becoming quite a load to carry around, so Mommy’s walking has gotten very slow!  On a trip to the mall a couple of weeks ago Daddy was pretty surprised at how slowly Mommy was walking – and that the marathon shopper was more than done after an hour and a half!  All of that will change very soon when Baby Mills arrives – Mommy, Daddy, family and friends are getting very excited for his arrival!



Full Moon...

Hello all!  We hope you are all enjoying a little taste of spring like we are in Pittsburgh!  Weather in the 60’s feels warm for us – we’ve heard it’s in the 70’s in Kentucky, and I’ve seen a few folks who already have Easter lilies!  Ours are just buds at the moment, but we know we’ll see them before too long.

In the month since we’ve updated, we’ve stayed busy again!  We are very excited to report that the nursery is nearing completion!  The stripes have been touched up, the furniture has been delivered, we’ve gotten the glider and we have the blinds installed and the valances purchased.  Things we never thought we’d have trouble finding, but have: white curtain rod, rug, and white lamp base with red shade.  We have a few leads, so we haven’t given up hope yet ;)  Also still lacking in the room, as you might notice from the pictures, are the doors.  Apparently we’ve had enough of painting.  We’re on strike.  For at least a few more days ;)  Painting the doors, which will require the oil-based stinky paint, is all in Jarrett’s court, so hopefully he gets motivated to paint soon! ;)

In the pictures below you can see a before, during, and after of Mills room.  The nice neon green color was left by the previous decor challenged owners.

 Before

 Before

 During

During

 Finished (Dr. Suess Theme)

 Finished (Dr. Suess Theme)

 Finished (Dr. Suess Theme)

 Finished (Dr. Suess Theme)

Finished (Dr. Suess Theme)

Also of note: after painting stripes in our condo in Louisville and now on three walls in the nursery, we’re pros – and we’re for hire! ;)

Since the last time we wrote we also took the Babymoon!  This is a new trend, apparently, in which Mommy and Daddy take one last trip before the baby comes.  We traveled to Savannah, Georgia and had an absolutely amazing time!  The weather this time of year in Savannah is wonderful – low 70’s, not humid at all, just a bit breezy – quite nice, and we even missed some snow at home while we were gone!  Our hotel (click to view resort) was amazing even our driver seemed impressed ;)  We ate some amazing food, did a cooking class, walked around and saw all the beautiful houses in Savannah, did a trolley tour to hear some history, and had massages (Jillian’s prenatal!) – utter bliss!  It was so much fun, and we feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to do it!

We are getting close enough to the due date that the doctor’s visits are moving to a bi-weekly schedule.  Jarrett was traveling in sunny Florida last week and couldn’t make it to the doctor’s visit, so Jillian went alone for the first time since we found out we were expecting!  Luckily the practice we go to has offices that are about one block from Jillian’s office, so it worked out well that she just walked there.  Everything went fine at the appointment, with one interesting twist – Mommy is measuring a little big!  For those of you who haven’t been through this, the doctor measures with a tape measure the size of the belly from pelvic bone to the top of the uterus (which you can feel because it feels sort of harder under the skin).  All along Jillian has always measured “perfect” – so it was a little surprising to be measuring big…so big, in fact, that the doctor seemed a little surprised!  Jarrett figures the measurement last week was right around 36 weeks – about 5 weeks ahead of schedule!  As you can see from the belly pic, Mills is definitely popping out there!  From what we’ve heard from other pregnant ladies and read online, it can be normal to measure big, and it doesn’t necessarily mean you will deliver early or have a bigger baby.  But it does make things interesting, and sent Daddy and Mommy to an extent into a bit of a panic!  There is a full moon tonight, so Daddy keeps teasing that Mills is going to come tonight.  He even requested spicy food for lunch, and a walk afterward!  Mommy thinks Mills should stay put for a few more weeks – at least until after the showers!  (For those of you interested, the next two full moons are on April 19 and May 18 – anyone want to start making bets? ;) )

Another adventure for us over the past couple of weeks has been putting together baby stuff.  Jarrett’s work colleagues got us the high chair we registered for at Babies ‘R Us, and we also ordered a glider for Mills’s room that was shipped from Amazon.com.  We were a little concerned about how difficult these things would be to put together and actually reserved an entire morning to do so.  Luckily, it wasn’t as hard as we imagined!  It actually only took about an hour to do both – and we’re fairly sure everything was done correctly ;)  I guess we’ll see what things to come may be harder to assemble ;)

Jillian also got to do a prenatal visit to a pediatrician last week, and had a really good experience at the first location!  The office was just renovated, and they are about to add a fifth doctor.  The nurses were really nice, there is a breastfeeding room and a lactation consultant on staff – all seems like two thumbs up so far!  We are excited to have that decision made!

One other fun thing that happened this month: we scheduled our first family vacation to Gatlinburg!  Mills’s cousin Riley will be coming too, as well as his Aunt Allison, Uncle Nate, Nana Peggy and Poppy David!  We will be staying in a nice cabin and hope to have fun relaxing, cooking, and shopping ;)  We look forward to scheduling vacations with other family members soon!

Up soon for us in preparation for Mills’s arrival: an Infant/Child CPR class on April 9 and two baby showers – we can’t wait!  Looking forward to seeing some of you soon!  Let the countdown begin! ;)

3 Months and Counting!

Wow, it’s been nearly a month since we’ve updated – things have been very busy in the Stull household!  The main project has been the nursery – and oh what an adventure it’s been!  First step: paint the woodwork.  Woodwork to be painted white, then walls white thereafter – no big deal, right?  Three coats later, we just couldn’t figure out why we could still see stain through the white paint.  According to the experts at Home Depot, an oil-based primer is the way to start.  We learn something new everyday!  So, one coat of oil-based primer and another coat of paint later, the woodwork was done!

Next, white walls.  The previous owners thought lime green was the way to go for their youngest son, so it took three coats of paint to cover up that lovely shade.  On the third coat, Jarrett says to Jill, does the ceiling look green to you.  Yup!  A very light, almost white shade of green – but definitely green!  So, the ceilings got painted too!  Surprise!

Next, stripes.  We did not let the trauma of the stripes in our condo in Louisville hold us back – nothing but the best for our baby boy!  Along with the expected need to touch up once the tape was pulled, we have the extra bonus of repainting some of the white, which came off with the tape!  That commences tonight, since we’re under a time crunch – nursery furniture is delivered on Thursday!  Despite it all, we’re bound and determined for a Suessical room – hopefully we’ll have pictures to show by the next update!

On the Mommy front, little Mills has been kicking up a storm!  He is extra-active after Mommy eats, and even more so when she eats sweet stuff – he’s already got his Daddy’s sweet tooth. ;)  Sometimes when we watch Mommy’s belly, as you can see from Mommy’s belly pic, Mills has made a little extra room to grow.  He is about 16 inches long this week, and 2.5 pounds.  He has added a new skill – he can dream now!  Wonder what he’s dreaming about?

On the Daddy front, Daddy is getting nervous!  While Jill is pretty much constantly conscious of the new chapter about to begin in she and Jarrett’s life, Jarrett has opportunity to let it slip his mind.  Sometimes when he remembers he gets a little freaked out, which is understandable!  Jill reminds him that it will be so amazing to have little Mills around, and that the difficulty will be more than worth it.  Jarrett agrees, and hopes he will be ready – three months and counting!

To prepare for little Mills, the Stull household needs a lot of baby gear – thus, the Baby Registry.  The Grandmothers assisted with the first two registries while we were home for Christmas – an adventure of about six hours!  The final registry: Babies ‘R Us.  Three registries were necessary because there isn’t one place central to all of the family members of Jill and Jarrett.  Four hours later, Jill was exhausted, Jarrett was in a daze, and the registries were all finished!  It’s absolutely amazing how many choices are out there – hopefully we picked the right things!

The last few bits of preparation updates: we have located a daycare for Mills – yay!  This took lots of effort on Daddy’s part, and a couple of interviews by both Mommy and Daddy.  The place we’ve decided on is on the grounds of nuns, and run by certified childcare folks – it really felt like a family atmosphere, which we loved, so as hard as it will be to leave little Mills to go back to work, we both feel like he will be safe and loved at the daycare.  The second update: Mommy has been compiling a list of places kids eat free!!

That’s it for this update – hope everyone has a Happy Valentine’s Day!

........ And we’re back……..

Nearly 22 weeks and counting.

It seems our extended Christmas break carried over to neglecting the blog, but we are back and ready for the NEW Year.  And some NEW YEAR it will be!

Let us get right to the big news that capped off 2010.  If you do not already know if LillyMilly is a Lilly or Milly, please allow us to introduce you to Jarrett Mills Stull.  That’s right, we are expecting a boy!

Profile of Mills

 Proof he is a boy!

We learned on December 13^th that the name of our baby will be Mills.  You may remember from previous posts that we had the names chosen well in advance and were only waiting to learn the gender.  You may also remember that initially we were scheduled to learn the gender on December 20^th.  What happened?

We had a little scare after the results of a blood test indicated our chances were greater than normal for having a baby with Down syndrome.  We quickly learned as much as we could (thank you Mayo Clinic and Dr. Jackson for answering a never ending list of questions Jarrett had from his research) about further testing to determine a greater accuracy and we elected to see a genetic specialist (Dr. Jackson) for a level II sonogram and amniocentesis.  This is the only way to know with 99% accuracy before birth if a baby has Down syndrome.  It was clear to us that the risk associated with the amniocentesis outweighed the benefits of knowing early if Mills would need special care once he was born.  It is important for the physical and mental development of children with Down syndrome to start as newborns with specialized sensory activities and we wanted to be immediately prepared with the best educational and development programs available if necessary.

We were delighted to find out just a few days before Christmas that the result of the amniocentesis indicated that everything with Mills was normal.  God heard and answered our prayers along with the family and friends who knew of our increased risk with this pregnancy.  Our thanks and appreciation goes out to you, you know who you are, for the prayers, support, and love during the days of waiting for results.

I would be much remiss if I did not mention my wife’s strength and bravery as we faced this challenge… And as she faced the biggest needle of her life!  Sitting next to Jill and watching with great curiosity as the doctor performed the procedure I could tell from the look Jill gave me she was saying to herself “Jarrett better save any of his questions for the end and let the doctor get this finished as quickly as possible.”  And I did!

 So Mills, all I can say buddy is you have one strong momma, so yeah go ahead and try her!

Reflecting on much happier events, nothing could keep Jill away from the mall after we found out LillyMilly is a boy, not even the first big snowstorm of the season.  We arrived at a nearly empty mall as people were staying home out of the weather, while Mills got a few new outfits.

Our travels to Kentucky for Christmas were enjoyed with our time spent with family.  Don’t tell the grandparents, but Mills does not arrive until mid-May; they clearly thought he was here already with all the gifts he received. 

We arrived back in Pittsburgh on December 27^th, yet another night I will not soon forget.   Jill and I were only in bed about 5 minutes when she grabbed my hand and put it on her stomach just below her belly button and only seconds later I felt my son!  What an amazing feeling us dad’s get to feel.  You can bet that every night since I reach over to feel my little buddy.

A Foot - Probably the one I felt :)

Jill read earlier this week that Mills should be 1 pound by now.  It is the little milestones that make us happy in life!

Back to work this week and making our to-do lists for everything that must be completed before May.  The next 5 months will be busy!

We hope all of you reading were able to share time with family and friends this Christmas season.  We wish for you and yours a great 2011!

He waved at us on the sonogram

Wow… 5 ½ Months Remaining

Are we ready?  That seems to be our new question to each other. 

The past month has been riddled with Jill volunteering a majority of her non-work time with the Junior League and their annual American Girl Doll runway show.  Jill graciously volunteered to coordinate all the models and serve as a co-event coordinator (she made this challenging commitment months before knowing we were expecting).  Jarrett has crossed the northeast 2 or 3 times during the past month with travel for work and we both traveled to Kentucky (Louisville area and Carlisle) for Thanksgiving with a mini-trip to Pigeon Forge, TN for black Friday shopping at the outlets (essentially began and ended Christmas shopping during this trek)… It’s been a busy, busy month!

Somewhere in there we had the monthly check up with the doctor where we again heard the sound of LillyMilly’s heart beating 150 beats per minute.  Everything is on track with LillyMilly and his/her mommy.  At the check-up visit Jill had gained just 4 pounds total and her stomach is measuring where it should at this point in the pregnancy.  We were not expecting Jill’s tummy to be measured, so when the doctor pulled out her measuring tape (yes it looked just like one you find in your tool box only smaller) we were both a little curious what she wanted to measure.

Next month’s check up is the big one…. We learn on December 20^th if LillyMilly is Lillian or Mills.

The nursery furniture has been ordered.  You can see in the picture a couple of the pieces that will be in the nursery. 

The furniture will arrive at our home in mid-February, which leads us back to if we are ready?  Hopefully the nursery will be fully painted and ready for furnishings by early January.  Jill is working with family to plan baby showers in March and we are narrowing in on childcare options.  Aside from other small preparation items, we are paying special attention to how parents, parent.  We now take a closer notice when in public places or around other family and later discuss what we witnessed.  There have been many great parenting examples that we have noted and a few outrageous parenting examples that we wish not to duplicate.  In our attempt to not say, “our kid won’t be like that or our kid won’t do that”, I must admit there are a few things we have seen that make us say “boarding school is in our kid’s future if they act like that”.

Are we ready?  We doubt it!  From what we hear from those of you who are parents, you are never really ready for what’s to come.  We would like to hear from you concerning what you learned in the early days to toddler years that you wish you were ready for.  Post your comments or send us messages with your stories and suggestions.

Above you read that Jill has gained only 4 pounds total… THAT WAS AS OF THE LAST CHECK UP!  While in Tennessee over Thanksgiving Jill had to unbutton her pants for the first time while shopping when she became uncomfortable.  Thankfully, she had packed a few maternity and elastic waist items for the trip.  Just today she wore the “tummy sleeve” for the first time, which for those who don’t know, is a stylish way to wear your non-maternity pants leaving them unbutton while the sleeve acts as a bridge holding both sides of your open pants together enough so they don’t drop to your ankles.  (Editor’s note:  You may recall from an earlier post when Jarrett questioned new shoe purchases for pregnant women.  We are happy to report that Jill did purchase new “flat” shoes to replace her 3 and 4 inch hilled shoes while pregnant.)

Tomorrow begins week 17!  The time is going quickly.  Keep praying for a healthy LillyMilly and his/her mommy and daddy as they enter parenthood.

We hope each of you are taking time to enjoy this special season of love, joy, and peace. 

Two Weeks and One Pound

For many, reading this blog entry may be your first time learning we are expecting.  Below you will find a few early entries we blogged.  This is our first time going “public” about our good news.  We decided to wait to share with everyone until the pregnancy was far enough along to be considered in the “safe zone”.   Actually, right about now Jill is informing all her colleagues we are expecting.

This morning was the second doctor’s appointment where we once again heard that wonderful sound… the heartbeat.  Beating at just over 160 beats per minute and moving around vigorously in the safety of mommy’s womb the doctor assures us LillyMilly is progressing wonderfully.  To listen to our baby's heartbeat click here.  The due date has also been revised, we are now due May 14th.

Speaking of LillyMilly, in about 45 days or so, we will learn if LillyMilly is a Lilly (Lillian) or a Milly (Mills).  People have asked which gender we hope for.  Aside from the cliché “it doesn’t matter as long as the baby is healthy”, we are honestly indifferent about having a boy or a girl.  So until we know more we continue to prepare the nursery and shop for anything that doesn’t concern the gender.

Starting week 13, how is Jill feeling?  It is great news to report the nausea has subsided.  The appetite has remained steady, however trading Taco Bell and McDonalds for more healthy selections.  You may remember from an earlier blog entry that vegetables were not appetizing.  Just this week Jill found herself eating a salad and really enjoyed it.

As the title of this entry suggests, Jill has gained 1 pound since our last doctor visit 2 weeks ago.   Jill was surprised to learn she gained only 1 pound as all her regular clothing is beginning to feel much snugger for just 1 pound.  She predicts the first maternity clothing will be worn soon.

If you are just joining our blog, thanks for reading.  We are anxious to read your comments and hear your stories and thoughts.

We will blog again soon.  In the meantime, mommy will keep the baby safe and healthy and I will return to working on the nursery… right after a little UofL football this weekend.

A Baby’s Heartbeat

We have made it to week 11. Last Friday (October 15^th) we met our doctor (Dr. Udrea) for the first time and were able to hear one of the most amazing sounds… the baby’s heartbeat!

At 167 beats per minute LillyMilly appears to be growing healthy.  Mommy and Daddy were elated to hear the beating heart and also see the first image of LillyMilly during the ultrasound.  Now at approximately 3 centimeters LillyMilly is growing quickly each day and according to aunt Jen, the teeth are developing.

You can see Jill below modeling the latest fashion in paper gear at last weeks appointment.

During the past several days Jill’s appetite has continued to grow.  My attempts of getting fruit and liquid in front of Jill have been met with resistance of cravings for Taco Bell and McDonald’s.  Jill is quick to assure me she is eating fruit and drinking plenty while she is at work… it’s convenient that she magically desires the healthily foods when I’m not in sight.

The shopping has begun…. Not for the baby, but for Jill!  Maternity clothes is the new fall fashion in our home.  Although she is buying larger clothing, Jill is secretly excited because she gets a new wardrobe from head to toe.  Does a pregnant lady really gain weight in her feet?... because Jill insists she needs all new shoes too.  I’m a little suspicious.

By now, most of our family has heard our good news – thanks to LillyMilly’s grandmothers.  The news is spreading viral among our friends thanks to Facebook.  It’s great to have all the support from our family and friends.  Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Week 12 starts on Saturday!

Sniff Sniff… What is that Smell?

That is right, Jill is passing gas at both ends quicker than a ruptured gas line.  But the iPhone app says this happens in week 8.

Nothing too new to report this week.  It appears the nausea comes and goes with varying intensity.  Food is my friend and sleep is my best friend. 

Jarrett has been away on work for a few days this week… so I found myself taking lots of naps in the evening.  Speaking of sleep, Jarrett doesn’t know it yet, but I’m considering acquiring a bed pan to prevent all my early AM visits to the bathroom.

MillyLilly has received a first travel gift from daddy!  Jarrett picked this up while in the Charlotte, NC airport. 

The hormones have gone mad!  I met Jill for dinner after landing back in Pittsburgh.  While at dinner I could tell, just being gone for a couple days, her face looked different and during conversation Jill describes how her clothes are beginning to get a little snug.  So I say, and must first point out this was the wrong thing to say, “Your face looks more plump.”  All along I am thinking in my mind, “hey she is pregnant, she is supposed to gain weight, I think it’s cute”.  This set off a tirade of exploding emotions, much like fireworks, you don’t know what was coming next.

After a couple more bites of food she was laughing at herself because she realized it was the first time she has been hormonal.

7 months to go….

Week 9 begins tomorrow.  Check back next week for the latest on The Eggo is Preggo! 

Welcome to our pregnancy blog.

Yes, we have been diagnosed with pregnancy! 

It was recently brought to our attention by Nana (a.k.a. Peggy Hardwick) that we should write a blog about our pregnancy experience.  Nana is convinced the child will enjoy reading this later in his/her life. 

We agreed a blog is a great idea to capture the experience of life… So here we are!

Currently, we are ending our seventh week of pregnancy, so we believe.  I say “believe”; because we have not been to the doctor (first appointment is scheduled for October 15^th).  However, with the great invention of the iPhone app What To Expect (from the author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting) it has calculated us to be in our seventh week with a due date expected on May 14, 2011.

Now, we have seven weeks to catch you up on… (Queue the “going back in time” sound bite.)

From the beginning:

It was a mild summer evening and we just returned home from a romantic al fresco dinner at a local establishment where we shared a bottle of imported red wine and dined on lavishly prepared….. <a screeching interruption>

(Jill): Jarrett, we are not starting at the very beginning.
(Jarrett): Why?  It’s part of pregnancy.
(Jill): Just NO!
(Jarrett): Okay. Okay.

Okay, well I think you get the idea.  I will just skip to when we found out the big news.

We were in Kentucky for the first UofL game of the season against state rival UK and visiting family.  It was during this weekend (and before any tailgate drinking began) that we learned the joyous news! 

We decided to keep it a secret for a while.  For the weeks to follow we shared together in the enjoyment of planning for what is to come. 

And what is the first thing any woman wants to do when she learns she is pregnant (or any other time for that matter)? You got it… SHOPPING!!!

On our way back to Pennsylvania we stopped at the Prime Outlets near Columbus, OH for some shopping at Pottery Barn Kids and Motherhood Maternity.  This is where the first pair of maternity pants were purchased along with a pant extender/I still want to wear my regular pants/my pants are unbuttoned but this black band holds them together thingy. 

While at Motherhood Maternity the overly friendly, loud speaking sales clerk gives us a quick tour of the store after learning we have never shopped there and shows us what becomes Jarrett’s favorite aspect of the store… the strap-on baby bump women can use to see how the clothes will look when they are greatly showing their own baby bump.  Yes, Jill did try it on!  After making clothing selections, but continuing to browse the store the same overly friendly, loud speaking sales clerk from across the opposite side of the busy store shouts to Jill… “We have Shea Butter over here; you need to be using lotion on your stomach and breasts like yesterday.”  We kindly nod trying to disguise the fact she is talking to us.

During the next week, we begin to gather nursery ideas.  We e-mail each other ideas throughout the day and begin to devise a plan.  First, we have to get what will become the nursery free of boxes and miscellaneous items from our move earlier in the year.  Immediately it is determined a yard sale is in order (planned for the first weekend in October). 

The next weekend we make trips to USA Baby, Target, and Babies R Us.  We have decided to buy the bedding and furniture ourselves and be most determined not to buy anything else until after the baby showers…. Right Jill?

Nursery Theme:  Dr. Seuss

We looked at many nursery and bedding themes, never getting very excited about anything we saw.  Last Saturday, we decided to look at Pottery Barn Kids online and immediately we both knew it was the “one” (kind of like I knew Jarrett was the “one” when I first met him at Miller Hall on UofL’s campus our freshman year --- just to note Jarrett added this comment) when we first saw the picture.  The colors are more bold and uni-sex which was our goal to achieve.  It’s made even better that the theme is all about reading, which ties directly with our strong believe about the power of education (okay I had to get a little philosophical).  We purchased the bedding immediately and it arrived this week.

Names.

This has been the easy part.  For a while, we have had both a girl’s and boy’s name chosen. 

Lillian Marie Stull (will be referred to as Lillian and/or Lilly)
Jarrett Mills Stull (will be referred to as Mills)

Where did we get these names?  Jarrett’s great grandmother was named Lillian and Jill’s middle name is Marie.  Jarrett wants to use his name, as it is a family name.  His great great grandfather was named Jarrett.  Mills comes from Jill’s family; it is her mom’s maiden name.

We quickly found ourselves referring to our child as “it”, “he”, or “she”.  It was decided in place of using generic terms to describe our incubating child that he/she will be referred to as LillyMilly – I think you get the combination of names.

We have also been exploring child care options for LillyMilly.  Any family members want to move to Pittsburgh and become a baby sitter?  Wow, child care is very expensive and comes with many options.  For one child the monthly cost appears to be somewhere between $800 and $1,200.  Child care is as much as or more than most mortgages.  I never realized my option was to have a kid or buy a vacation home.  Soon we will begin to do site visits with private sitters and educational child care centers.  Most centers have a waiting a list; therefore we need to add our name to a list soon.

Pregnancy Week 6:  I am not in control of my body.  (Want to see what the iPhone app says is happening this week just click on the link “Week X”.)



Week 6



Beginning at week six (right on queue with what the iPhone app says will happen in week six) I become and stay nauseous.  At the end of week seven the nausea is still much the same.  Constantly eating and I literally mean constantly.  Food helps relieve the nausea for a while.  I never realized you could literally become tired of eating, but this is the feeling experienced by the end of the day from snacking in the morning until I go to sleep.

Pregnancy Week 7 (a.k.a. Ta Ta Week):  My body is still out of control.



Week 7



This week the iPhone app only discusses all the changes I should experience with my breasts…. And trust me I am feeling the pain.  Jarrett insists on calling me Boobs McGee.  I think he is trying to see how much he can get away with or test how hormonal I am.  So far, he is still allowed to sleep in the bed.

Tomorrow begins Week 8 and an entire new list of firsts for us.  Stay tuned!