Pregnancy Progress: Week 16

Due to popular demand I have begun to document the growing baby bump. It doesn't look like much and is most likely just bloating (since I don't think I have gained any weight yet) but it is enough to make buttoning my pants uncomfortable and requires me to wear a Bellaband most days. The days I don't wear it I am mostly home in my stretchy pj pants or drawstring sweatpants.....aahhh...so nice. After work I can't wait to get home and change out of my work clothes and into something comfortable since as the day goes on my bloating seems to increase....or maybe I just ate too much during the day :-) Being the planner that I am, and hoping I don't jinx myself, I bought some maternity clothes even though I really don't need them yet. My fear is that I will need winter clothes but by the time I go shopping for them only spring tops, capris and dresses will be available since we know most stores can't wait to change over their merchandise.

So, I am officially in my 16th week (pic 15 weeks, 6 days), how time flies!! It sure doesn't feel or look like the baby is about the size of an avocado (yum!!). So, this week Baby Ciano should start being able to pick up the sound of my voice which could be scary. Hopefully he or she doesn't get irritated with my incessant coughing and perhaps now is the time I should start "cleaning up" my language. I may also potentially start feeling the little one fluttering around which would be very exciting (and reassuring)!!

I have my next prenatal appointment on Tuesday so crossing fingers that the heartbeat is strong and that I have at least gained a couple of pounds.

New Year and a New Addition

There is something about watching New Year’s Rockin’ Eve (that is if I don’t fall asleep before hand!!!), watching the ball drop and listening to Auld Lang Syne that brings a tear to my eye at the beginning of each New Year. It is a combination of the lyrics, the happy and sad memories of the past year and the excitement and anticipation of what the next year will bring that makes me a little emotional. I am clearly a sap but I feel the same emotion each New Year’s Eve and I have no doubt that this year will be no exception.

Even though 2010 hasn’t officially launched yet (only hours away now!!), Chris and I know that it is going to a BIG year for the Ciano household since Bambino Ciano will make his or her official appearance sometime around June 19th. We couldn’t be more excited to bring a new addition into the world and share the experience with our family and friends. I am looking forward to meeting the little one and holding him or her for that very first time but I also can’t wait to see Chris as a father, my mother as a grandmother, my father as a grandfather and my sister as the best Auntie a niece or nephew could ask for. And, I think they may like to see me as a mom too since I have a feeling some of them thought the day would never come. I have to admit that I am curious myself!!

But for now we plan to enjoy the days leading up to that big moment, give as much love and attention we can muster up to our current only child, Violet, without forgetting about each other, because I think there may be some truth in the saying, “a baby changes everything”.

Despite all of the happiness and tears, changes and challenges about to come our way we are looking forward to the New Year….well, I know I am, we may need to poll Chris. All kidding aside, we wish you all a happy and healthy 2010.

Dining Room Before and After

Here are some before and after shots of the dining room. We still have some decorating to do...putting up curtains, hanging some photos, maybe a new rug, etc. but all in all, it feels cozy and inviting.

Before - November 2008

After - December 2009

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

Well, dreaming isn't necessary this year since we just got about a foot of snow dumped on us. For the first time in awhile we have more snow in Ashland than in NH. Lucky ducks!! The snow is quite pretty and I can appreciate it more since I don't have to dig my car out of an on-street parking spot and have anxiety about whether or not I will find a spot when I get home or not. Oh the glories of a driveway. Now, I'm sure if you spoke to Chris he would have some gripes about shoveling the front stairs but that is the price you pay for home ownership....I think of it as good exercise. This year the deck and a landing area need to be shoveled for our little Violet so that is an added cardiovascular workout but thankfully this latest storm's snow was very light :-) Looks like we won't be using the grill for awhile!!