Pregnancy Pics

We went back and forth. Shpould we have pregnancy photos taken or not? So many we had seen were almost ... pornographic in nature. We didn't want to be THAT couple. We wanted to capture this exciting time in our lives without baring it all for the camera. So we turned to someone we could trust - the photographer who did our wedding, who's become a professional contact and a friend as well. Once again, he did a wonderful job, and we walked away with several photos we like. Hopefully, Baby Cowie will enjoy seeing how much his/her parents loved pregnancy - without blushing at the sight of Mommy's bare belly!

Babymoon

Mark and I went on a babymoon! We rented a cabin at Big Cedar Lodge in Branson and had the most wonderful time. It was beautiful all weekend, and our cabin had a fireplace and a fabulous view of the lake. Even in winter, it was so much fun!

That was a few weeks ago and now we only have 4 more weeks to go! We can't believe how quickly these months have flown by. Our good friends Becky and Mark had their baby girl, Ella Anne, two weeks ago, and now our friends Shalene and BJ are due in three weeks with their son, Trey. Then it's our turn - eek!

If all goes as planned, we'll find out if Baby Cowie is a boy or a girl on or around March 12! He or she better not come early - Aunt Melina has a big city birthday bash planned for March 8 in NYC : ) Stay tuned for more on Baby Cowie's Big Arrival! Coming Soon!!

7 weeks ...

We're getting closer ... and the nursery is really coming together! Check out the mural over Baby Cowie's crib - so cute! Ralphie loves it too. I don't think he and Reina quite understand the nursery isn't for them. They'll find out soon enough!

9 Weeks and Counting ...

The third trimester is off to a good start, although my fingers and legs seem to be swelling. Who knew trouser socks could be so painful?! We've had our first baby shower, and everyone was so generous! Now our nursery is almost complete! Check out the pictures ... We're having an artist paint some lambs and bunnies on the wall above the crib, and we still need window treatments, but we're almost ready to welcome Baby Cowie. Well, maybe ... We started our childbirth classes last night, and now we're interviewing pediatricians, enrolling with Parents as Teachers, etc., etc. It's amazing how much there is to do! Not to mention how busy we both are with work. Mark has interviews with 9 school districts in February, so we'll keep you posted on that. Hopefully, we'll have even more exciting news to celebrate this spring! Besides the swelling (the backaches, shortness of breath - the list goes on and on!) all is pretty much wonderful at our house as we get ready for the biggest - and most special - change in our life yet. We can't wait!!

Happy Holidays!

The holidays are here, and we couldn't be more blessed to have a growing family - and belly! Yes, at 7 months, I officially "look" pregnant. I'm feeling great for the most part, although I do seem to groan quite a bit when getting up from the coach, bed or any other horizontal position! Mark has started working on the nursery, and it looks great! Look forward to little lambs and bunnies everywhere. We hope this baby is an animal lover : ) Aunt Melina arrives in town from NYC on Friday. We're so excited to have her in town for an entire week, and then she's throwing our first baby shower ... So much to look forward to! We hope everyone has a happy holidays! 2008 is sure to bring many blessings our way!

Baby Cowie - We Love You Already!

We had our 20-week ultrasound today and it was amazing!! Baby Cowie moved all around, and we captured great photos of his or her foot, hand and little profile. Mark and I both had tears in our eyes. It was perfect!! I'm trying to post the photos as quickly as Mark can scan them in. I'll write and post more photos soon!

Traveling

It's raining outside, and I wish we could be anywhere but in Missouri right now. Mexico sounds nice. Spain even better. Mark and I have been craving a week on the beach, which we know is selfish since we were in Greece just a few months ago. What a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime trip! Thank you Mom and Dad!! I think it comes down to we just love to travel. Ever since my six months in Spain, I've been addicted. After introducing Mark to Europe for the first time - just days after we were engaged we headed off for a 2-week trip to Italy - we've both been obsessed, at times, with planning that next big European adventure. Our next trip (we're on a 3-year plan) is Spain in summer 2010 - the year I turn 30! I can't wait! But I do have to wait. So, until then ... I guess I'll just have to settle with happy hour tonight at Baja 600 ...