DEEE-TROIT.... BASKET BALL.....

THE "Atlanta Hawk"!














Nestor Velez, Jane Mauritz and myself









GO PISTONS!









Rashonda Collier, Sebrinia Green and Macy Babb Philosophizing









Jane Mauritz, my pregnant self, the rest of the work crew









My Manager John McDonald on the left, and the rest of the crew....










Okay, so this post is very late, but it's here!

Last week on Wednesday my team from work went to see the Detroit Pistons vs. the Atlanta Hawks at Phillips Arena. We had an amazing suite, seats outside the suite and four additional seats very close to center court! Our team was treated right!

The score ended-up at 117 to 89, Pistons STOMPING the Atlanta Hawks.

It was interesting to watch the crowd cheer for "RASHEEEEEEEEEEDDDD" Wallace. The man is a tank! While they were practicing pre-game, Rasheed had one end of the court all to himself, while all other Pistons shared the hoop at the other end of the court. He is built like a brick wall! (Of course then you have his complete opposite - Tayshaun Prince - who looks gangly and like a little kid! Both are GREAT players, though!)

The Pistons seemed to have quite a following in Atlanta. That is what I have found to be very strange here in Atlanta, with any sporting event. Atlanta is such a "transitional" town, that you find more people often root for the "away" team than the home team. Very strange. Makes it interesting, though!

Quite a few "stars" came out to watch the game. The actor John Singleton was there, actor Emmanuel Lewis, one of the rappers from the musical group "112" (?) and others who currently slip my mind.

Go Pistons!

Shelly

Aunt Freda's Shower 12/11/2006

The Beautiful Diaper Bag Aunt Vickie Made!









Rebecca, Kristin and Shelly










Opening Baby Gifts










More Pink!










Mary Carey, Grandma Burn and Lynn Biskner Look On...










Lynn Biskner, Alyson White (also pregnant) and Shelly










As I've said before in previous entries, we are extremely blessed to have a family who have gone above and beyond for this baby! We feel very fortunate. Aunt Freda (Wright), Grandma Burnis (Griffith) and my cousin Rachel (Tannis) wanted to host a shower in our honor in early December. The shower was held on December 11th at Rachel's house in Macomb, MI. Rachel and her husband Paul have an absolutely beautiful house, fit for entertaining!

The house was decorated beautifully for the shower. Rachel even had a miniature Christmas tree on the serving table with light pink "boa" garland. It was adorable! The food was fit for a king, with yummy miniature quiches, very cute pink cookies shaped like baby "feet", miniature brownies, mashed potatoes and lots of other DELICIOUS food to start the holiday season off right :0)

Rachel, although four years younger than me, is FAR more experienced at being a Mom than I am! (And she is a great Mom, at that). Rachel's son Troy attended the shower (he's almost a year old), to represent the male population. He is such a little sweetheart... Crawling to bring me Kleenex when I was having a pregnant / emotional moment when opening someone's gift.

Those who came to the shower, who made it a very special day were: Aunt Freda, Grandma Burnis (Griffith), Janice (Brannon) Rachel (Tannis), Rebecca (Wright), Dolly Griffith, Sherry Tomczyk, Kristen Larabee, Jenny O'Brien, Mary Carey, Tracy Carey, Jackie Schuler (all the way from Pittsburgh, PA!), Alyson White and Lynn Biskner.

We received many useful items at the shower for the baby. This was my first introduction to SO MUCH PINK! The baby had better like this color or ELSE... :-) Many of the baby's "first' outfits came from this shower.

I packed a diaper bag for the hospital the other day, and a few of the outfits received from this shower will be taken along to the hospital for the baby to wear. It's SO strange to think that a little "being" will be taking up residence in our room upstairs and that we'll be coming home PERMANENTLY with a baby.

Speaking of having a baby "PERMANENTLY," this is a funny story. My friend who recently had a baby told me she cried when returning home. While driving into their sub-division, she found herself saying "We ACTUALLY get to KEEP HIM???" I thought that was cute.

HANDMADE ITEMS from the shower at Rachel's!
Aunt Vickie (Griffith) also sent along a gift of a hand-made diaper bag with many useful items enclosed. The bag is absolutely beautiful. A picture is attached. We'll be stylish, heading out-on-the-town with this diaper bag!

Aunt Janice (Brannon) crocheted a few cute hats for the baby, in various sizes. They're ADORABLE!

My friend Lynn Biskner made a flannel-type blanket (with a strawberry print on it), and quite a few burp-cloths to match. I KNOW these will be coming in handy!

Thanks again to everyone who came to the shower. You made our day!

With love,
Shelly

A Room With a View (of a Macau)

The big strange bird
























The wall facing the front of our house























The bunny mobile










The door to baby's room













The glider and crib













The glider and crib













The new dresser










Picture of Baby's Room













Okay, more pictures... This past weekend we got the nursery together. We shouldn't need to do anything to the room before the baby arrives, so this is a relief! I believe the nesting instinct has kicked-in. Either that, or I am realizing how little time we have to do SO MANY things!

Today is our 8th wedding anniversary. We're such geezers! I can't believe that eight years have gone by! They truly have been the best eight years of my life. I am so blessed to have a husband as understanding, patient and as COOL as Doug. (His brother may have a different perspective on that last attribute :-). We look forward to entering another exciting and new chapter with a little one in-tow.

Okay, about the pictures. I must explain the big, scary bird. Doug has this crazy stuffed animal / bird / Macau that he got as a souvenir when visiting Disney World in his younger years. This bird has somehow stayed with him through his travels and moves. Doug hung the bird in the "green" room, to be displayed to all, before the room was deemed the "nursery." This seemed fine and comical at that point, because the room had a tropical-look and feel to it (until I forgot to tell visitors it was a joke, and not the result of my decorating taste...). Unfortunately the bird still hangs in the room and seems to stare me down each time I walk in the room. The bird has since taken up residence permanently in this room. I seem to get shot-down each time I ask if we can take the bird out of the room. Sadly enough I think our daughter may have nightmares about big Macaus with red tails...

Hope your week is going well so far!

Happy Anniversary to my Duggers!

Love,
Shelly

How Amazing??? (okay part may be TMI)

God is truly amazing. Quite frequently lately, when learning about "birthin' babies" (as Aunt Pittypat from "Gone With The Wind" put it), I am amazed at how God works in us!

Even beyond babies, I am constantly astounded that we can actually live on the planet at "just the right" temperature... Any closer to the sun and we would be breakfast in a frying-pan, any further away and we would be walking igloos (okay, maybe NOT quite walking!). Doug would tell you that I would request we be located a few inches closer to the sun, most definitely!

TOO MUCH INFORMATION (if you're faint of heart, my entry ends here!)
Reading-up on breastfeeding, I didn't realize until recently, that a woman's breastmilk doesn't "come-in" until 3-4 days after the baby is born. (The "factory" doesn't start working just yet). I ALSO didn't realize that a baby isn't born with a sense of hunger, and doesn't really even need to eat for 3 -4 days. Whaaaa? After birth, babies will still automatically "root" to find food, but they don't necessarily require food... Their "rooting" is just a reflex. I also heard (not sure if this is true) that babies are born with a brownish-looking patch on the back of their neck, which is fat stored to take them through the days they don't eat at first. I heard the patch disappears shortly after birth (within a few days). Not completely sure about the patch-deal, though.

Maybe God got the "rooting for Mom" idea mixed-up? Maybe babies should've been born with pom-poms? (okay... bad, bad joke!)

It just amazes me to think that God took the time to "sort" all of these things out when he was creating us. It baffles me to think that any pregnant woman could be an Atheist, thinking that what is going on inside her is something she purposed on her own. Even if not an Atheist, a woman would have to think (or question) that this little "being" is coming from a greater source / creator than themselves. God indeed has a plan for each of us!

Okay, more TMI for you...

I NEVER realized until a few years ago, that a woman won't (most likely, if she is nursing frequently enough / often enough) have a period AT ALL for the entire time she breastfeeds her child. I guess God figures if a woman is nursing, she has enough going on? Nature's own "birth-control" method, I suppose. I was really struck by this when I learned of it.

So, it amazes me that, as we (as a society) continue to "evolve" scientifically / technologically, we still have basic features ("bells and whistles") that man couldn't improve upon if he tried. God certainly is the best inventor, scientist, and artist of them all!

Please note: The next blog entry I will spare you these odd thoughts! (okay, for the most part)

Have a great day!

Shelly

P.S.-Also of great comfort is Emilie Shepherd's advice from a recent baby shower: "It's really hard to break a baby." - Thanks, MLE!

Aunt Linda's Shower 12/29/06

Shelly and Doug opening baby gifts













Shelly, Doug and Aunt Linda with a wonderful lemon cake from Christine's Bakery!











Uncle Danny and Sug (my cousin Ginger)









Doug with pinky flaring (this was his first baby shower where HE was being honored :0)












Baby Shower Attendees









What a wonderful spread!













Cute and yummy cookies that Mom's co-worker made for the shower









Close-up of the cake










"Mom" Gayle Flanigan and Grandma Spangler









The Three "G's": Ginger, Grandmother and Geraldine









Shelly and Emilie Rohrbach










Lois Birdwell, Trini Laird and Grandmother









While visiting Michigan during the holidays, my Aunt (Linda Lawson) threw a baby shower for us at her house. To explain for those who don't know the good ole' family tree, Aunt Linda is my Uncle Danny's wife. Uncle Danny is my Mom's older (and only) sibling.

The shower was absolutely beautiful. We had a great time visiting with old friends and family (no, they're not old :-), catching-up, and gathering much-needed first-time-parent advice from those who attended.

Doug was able to come to the shower, so we let him open some gifts and get used to the color pink. (I don't wear that much pink, so he's on pink-overload right now!) I'm attaching some pictures of the shower and all of the PINK items that came with it :-) The poor guy was really outnumbered, but managed very well!

The following people made our day very special by coming to the shower: Aunt Linda Lawson, (cousin) Ginger Lawson, Mary Shepherd (Aunt Linda's Mom), Mom Strauss, Grandmother, Lois Birdwell, Geraldine Collingsworth, Gayle Flanigan, "Grandma" Thelma Spangler, Trinidad Laird and Emilie Rohrbach.

Aunt Linda, as usual, had enough of a spread to feed an army, complete with all the "fixins"! YUM! (To think I only gained a half-pound over the holidays is ridiculous, considering how much food we ate!) I'm not a "cake" person, but Aunt Linda got a lemon cake from Christine's (near somewhere on 19 Mile). It was the BEST cake I have EVER HAD! (and I'm not saying that just because I'm pregnant). I guess when Madonna is in town, she gets her cakes from this place, too! -Can't blame her! Later, Uncle Danny was able to visit with us when the female population dwindled. :-)

Grandmother Lawson made a beautiful quilt for the little one. Her friend Della Thompson crocheted a very pretty pink afghan. Cute outfits abounded! We feel truly blessed to have so many family members and friends that have spoiled us and our baby (without even knowing her!) This baby is coming into the world supplied with everything she will need to be comfortable and ever-so-cute in her early years! Thank you to everyone for spending time with us at each of our showers.

We learned that not only did Aunt Linda and Uncle Danny meet at Ambassador Roller Rink in Clawson, Michigan, but Grandma and Grandpa Spangler met there, too! Small world. Must be the place to meet for lasting marriages!

Not to be left out... Aunt Freda, Grandma Burnis and Rachel threw a shower for us earlier in December... I will be sure to create an entry soon with pictures from that shower, which was also very beautiful and special!

Have a great day!

Shelly

Preggie friends

Anna Fletcher, Shelly Carey and Kim Shaw at Kristen Henry's Halloween Party (Anna was "Fall", I was "Lucille Ball" and Kim was a "Baby") All of us are pregnant!















Alyson White and Shelly in their first "belly pic", taken at Aaron Case's Wedding
















Alyson White and Shelly at the Carey Casa (Al came down to Atlanta on a business trip)
















Lynn Biskner, Alyson White and Shelly at the Baby Shower Aunt Freda, Rachel and Grandma Burn threw for Doug and Shelly















Hello, everyone!

Is everyone pregnant lately, or what? Doug had to laugh last night when we were eating dinner at Atlanta Bread Company and pregnant women seemed to be filing in the door, one after another.

Our friends the Shaws (Kim and Brandon) had their baby girl this past Monday at 1:36 a.m. Kim was 30 weeks into the pregnancy. She was due 5 days after our due date of 03/18. Kim is in the picture above, taken of her and me at this year's small group Halloween Party. Kim and Brandon's baby's name is Kylie Reese Shaw. She weighed 2 lbs. 6 ounces and was 15 inches long at birth. The baby is now off of a ventilator and breathing entirely on her own. Mom is in the ICU today and hopes to be moved to a different room today or tomorrow. Please keep this family in your prayers as I'm sure they're going through quite a bit right now. Many adjustments to be made! As of this morning, we were told (by Dad Brandon) the baby is doing great!

We visited Dionne and Andrew Butler today at Northside Hospital. Their little one was born yesterday morning. Tristan Michael Butler weighed in at 9 lbs 11 ounces and was 21 1/2 inches long. Mom and Dad both seem to be doing well. Tristan looks just like his older brother Thomas!

Alyson (Case) White is also due in late March. I want to say her due date is March 25th or so? She and her husband Andy are having a boy! I will try to attach our "belly" pictures :-) She is the only one I've been able to keep up with as far as taking "belly shots" :-)

Molly (Flanigan) Carris KNOWS what she is expecting but is keeping it a secret!!! We're dying to know, Molly-girl! Molly and Rob are due sometime in July. They keep a blog (and do a much better job than I do at updating it). Here it is: http://www.carrisfamily.blogspot.com/

To update you on our "progress", we're 31 weeks this week! This baby is keeping me up at night. Such a wiggle-worm! The heartburn is not letting up these days, but Dionne told me to try taking Zantac, which should help some.

Last night we attended a free "Breastfeeding 101" seminar offered by a local Babies 'R Us. Someone from La Leche league spoke. It was VERY informative. We were glad we went. She had some very good tips for the Moms-T0-Be.

Tonight I am off to the Atlanta Hawks vs. Detroit Pistons game down at Phillips Arena with my team from work. It should be pretty fun. We've got a suite on the club level, so I'm sure they'll treat us right! GO PISTONS! (I'm sure our Atlanta Hawks are gonna get stomped!)

Doug is hoping to finish up some molding in the kitchen tonight. He definitely wants to finish the kitchen before the baby is born. He also plans on taking his last two architecture exams (that he hasn't previously taken) before the baby is born. I'm sure he will! It does take some discipline, though!

Tomorrow night is another Babies 'R Us free seminar called "The Doctor Speaks". During this seminar, a pediatrician will be talking about the criteria a new parent should be looking for when choosing their baby's pediatrician. This is ALL new stuff to me!

Okay, the weight gain has been gradual, but I just don't see how this stomach can get ANY BIGGER! It's ALL baby! There's no room in there at this point, and we've got TWO MONTHS to go! Where is this kid gonna go? Yikes! Within the past week (especially at work), I have felt a bit restless and just ready to have this baby already. I can see how women in their 9th month are just ready to "get it over with"! I truly can't complain, though. Other than the heartburn, my life hasn't been terribly disrupted.

Hopefully the pictures of my "preggy" friends are attached!

Have a great week!

With love,
Shelly

Due Date & Picture...

Doug and Shelly at Claxton Family Reunion, Faber, Kentucky (October 2005)















Forgot to mention... Our due date is 03/18 for the time-being. The day after St. Patty's day! We might have a little clover!

Also forgot to mention... We're thinking the baby's first name will be Ava...

I will try to include a "timeline" of pictures throughout the pregnancy, so you can see the ever-expanding belly! I don't have too many recent pictures on-hand right now, but will add them later.

The attached picture was taken the first weekend of October... This would put us at 16 weeks pregnant (4 months?) in this picture. The "pooch" seemed to pop overnight, but isn't too obvious in this picture yet. (Hopefully it attaches... This is my first attempt).



Love,
Shelly

Questions for Pregnant Folk

It seems there are a set of questions everyone is asked when pregnant. This is how the sequence of questioning unfolds:

1. You're pregnant.
2. You tell everyone you're pregnant.
3. They ask when you're due to have the baby.
4. You tell them when you're due.
5. They ask if you'll find out if it is a boy or a girl.
6. You tell them you will / won't find out.
7. They ask you what you're naming your little boy / girl.
8. You tell them (if you're insane) what you're naming your boy / girl.
9. They go home and talk about how they don't prefer that name, as a little boy / girl with that name, that they knew while in elementary school, picked their nose.
9. They ask if you will be having an epidural.
10. Their head nods in response, few words said.
11. They ask if you plan on breastfeeding.
12. Their head nods in response, few words said again.
13. They ask how long you plan on breastfeeding.
14. Their head nods in response, few words said again.
15. They ask if you've had the baby yet.
16. You hide from the phone as EVERYONE calls asking if you've had the baby yet.
17. You go to the hospital and have the baby.
18. You are discharged from the hospital.
19. They ask when you will be having baby #2.
20. Repeat items 1-18. :-)

The "To Do" List

Hello, everyone!

It is UNBELIEVABLE, the long list of "things to do" associated with preparing for a baby! We're reading books, taking free classes at Babies 'R Us, organizing the room, tying up loose ends and trying to prepare for parenthood as much as humanly possible.

We're at 29 weeks (plus) currently, and so thankful we've been issue-free to date. "Mommy-to-be" is feeling great (a little sluggish these days, and doing fewer cartwheels). The heartburn is KILLER, no matter how early she eats in the evening.

Doug had to wake Shelly up for the midnight smooch on New Year's Eve. Unfortunately, these days she can't hang with the big dogs and stay up as late as she would like!!!

Last night we attended our first free "Babies 'R Us" class, called "Baby Basics". It was a good starting point for learning about all the gadgets (bottles, baby bath-time, pacifiers, Diaper "stink-containment" systems, etc). We're trying to opt / prepare for the most economical but user-friendly way of doing things.

While attending class, it was cute... The class was held at the back of the store. All the "preggies" and their significant others got to sit in the gliders section (feet up on ottomans) while the store associate presented the class material. Genius! So, the "Mamas and Papas" were "rockin' out," learning all-the-while.

We still haven't decided on a middle name yet for our little one. Shelly likes the name Camille but Doug attended high-school with a "Camille" who wore 5 lbs of make-up on her face and 2 lbs of Aqua Net hairspray. So, this issue is still up for discussion. It just sounds so nice together though???? :-)

We hope this message finds you well and enjoying the new year!

With love,
Doug, Shelly and "Thumper"