Today I thought I would change things up a little bit and put my amazing husband on spotlight.

A Letter to My Husband

Kevin,

From the moment you spoiled me at that fancy dinner on our third date followed by a random trip to Walmart, I knew that you would one day be my husband, and ultimately the father of my children. Somehow, I was blessed enough for my initial thoughts to be true and I could not ask for a more supportive husband and loving father of our first baby. As of today we have been married for 164 days and our first child is due in only 51.

The last three years have been a beautiful chaos; from Norwich to New Orleans, and back to Connecticut; from the jobs from hell to satisfaction at work; and from riches to rags... I wouldn't trade a thing. It simply amazes me how connected we've become, and how I could not only survive, but genuinely enjoy, an entire year in a strange new place with one person. We have really become a unified front, ready to tackle life.

When I think about all of the things I admire and love about you, the one that stands out the most is your unwavering drive to support me. No matter what life has thrown at me, you have been there 100%, giving me tough love when I needed it, a shoulder to cry on, a shove in the back when I needed a push, and the love and encouragement to be a better person. Since we found out about Declan, I have seen an even deeper commitment from you in how much you sacrifice to provide for us (emotionally, financially, and physically). I want you to know that Declan and I appreciate everything you do more than you will ever be able to understand. Thank you for being the husband and father you are.

As far as I'm concerned, Declan is THE luckiest little man in the world because he has you for his father. I know you are going to be an incredibly supportive dad, who guides Declan through life's craziness. We won't be able to protect Declan from everything-- in fact, there will be little that we can actually protect him from, but together I know that Declan will have a home that he feels safe and loved in... Because of you, and the person that you help me to be.

So, here's my thank you. I will thank you and tell you I love you every day, support you in any way that I can and give my everything to make sure you and Declan are happy in life.

Declan and I love you more than words can begin to express.

Love,
me

31 Weeks!

Hi all :)

As I've proved in the past, I'm awful at updating this blog, so sorry for the huge gap yet again!

Today's picture was taken at 31 weeks and 3 days. Just a little under 9 weeks to go!

Two weekends ago Kevin and I moved to Clinton! We're renting an adorable condo right next to the marina. I can't wait for warmer weather and for Declan to get here so we can go for walks in the new neighborhood together! We're finally able to use one of our wedding gifts! Thanks, Skizz :)

After 2 exhausting weekends, we're all moved in and even finished painting Declan's nursery! We've decided on a "Vintage Airplane" theme!

We had a growth ultrasound on February 19th to check on Declan's growth, since my belly was measuring a little on the big side. He was a perfect 3 and a half pounds! Right on track! We're really  excited, except this means we're officially done with ultrasounds unless something else pops up. Hopefully the next time we see the little guy, it will be because we're holding him!

Declan has been moving around SO much and my stomach is doing rolls all of the time. It's really cool to see. Other symptoms I'm having are some SERIOUS heartburn (ouch!) and lots of aches and pains. Luckily, my husband is absolutely incredible and has stepped up a lot.

I thought it might be fun to put together some of the Bump pictures to see the progression. It really brings out the growth in my cheeks and arms... oh, and the bump, too! Haha

On to the stats!

How far along?  31 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss?  Last appointment was 166, taking us to 22 pounds gained!

Maternity clothes? Maternity clothes are my only clothes haha except, of course, sweats :)

Stretch marks? Still nothing!

Sleep? ...What's that? Declan is getting me ready for motherhood! I wake up a lot during the night and have trouble getting back to sleep... Mainly due to heartburn. I sleep like a champion during the day, though. I'm pretty sure I napped through our entire Saturday.

Best moment last week? One of my students is making me a keychain that says Declan on it in one of her classes. Corny, but it was a highlight of the week when she told me :)

Movement? Outrageous amounts of movement

Food cravings? Tomato and cheese sandwiches... In fact, I'll probably make one as soon as this post is done.

Labor signs? Wayyyy too early.

Belly button in/out? No more innie here. This belly button has popped!

What I miss: Sleeping on my back... and wine. Oh, wine.

What I am looking forward to: We'll start birthing classes next week!! We're hoping for a natural, medication free birth (unless Declan or I are in danger, then the doctors can do what they need to)

Milestones: No real milestones this week!