19 weeks down...21 to go!

We are one week away from the half-way mark. This weekend was pretty exciting for us. I spent most of the weekend in bed with a terrible chest cold which made little Beebop very happy!! He moved around SOOO much this weekend, that Rick was even able to feel him kick for the first time! Very exciting times! Rick's mom comes in town tomorrow to help us paint a few canvases for the nursery! We're very excited! Please pray that her flights are safe and on time! Below is our 19 week shot. How sweet is little AppleJack in this picture?? She looks like she is trying to help hold up my big tummy! She is very very sweet!!

Happy Birthday Tyler!!

Today, Tyler Curtis Ewing, first born son to Matt and Sarah Ewing...IS ONE YEAR OLD!!! Happy Birthday Tyler!!!!! I can't believe this little guy is already a year old! He was 7 weeks old the last time I saw him. But, because my BFF, Tyler's mommy, is throwing me a baby shower this weekend, I will get to see him!! I can't wait! Here are a couple photos of Tyler at his Baptism. Can't wait to see you baby boy!!

The genius that is the love of my life.

For those of you who know us, you may know that my husband has had many-a-professional accomplishment. From discovering new things earning him both domestic and international (world) patents, to getting his cute little face in the paper every other month, to marrying me...oh wait...that's not a professional accomplishment...anyway...So he's incredibly successful and very good at what he does. You can even check out his website (http://www.bama.ua.edu/~swatl001/) if you don't believe me and look at his 47 peer-reviewed publications with over 2,000 citations, his over 120 presentations made at national and international conferences, his 9 invited seminars and his 6 patents. He's brilliant, okay? Brilliant.

His latest accomplishment has been in his recent induction to The University of Alabama Leadership Academy. The Leadership Academy is a program for promising University employees where each member is assigned a senior mentor from somewhere in the University. This is an incredible learning opportunity for those involved. This year, 6 members were inducted...and my husband was among them. Click here to read the article in the UA news. Here is a picture of the 6 inductees photographed with Dr. Judy Bonner, Provost of the University. Congratulations my darling! I couldn't be more proud of you!!!!

Dr. Rick Swatloski, Licensing Associate for the Office of Technology Transfer, to be mentored by Dr. Pam Parker, Vice President for Advancement.

The boy...

I have started being able to feel the baby move around during the day recently. I used to only be able to feel him when I was laying down. So, I used to come home from work and veg out on the couch with the excuse of "but this is the only way I can feel the baby." Guess that won't work for me any longer. Rick still can't feel him yet, but as his little kicks get stronger and stronger everyday, I know it won't be long!! Here is our 18 week shot!

IT'S A BOY!!!

Rick and I had an appointment at the OB today at which we discovered that we are having a BOY!! YEA!! He was somewhat uncooperative in the beginning but with some finagling we were able to conclude that he is a boy!! We're super excited! He looked healthy with all his internal organs functioning as they should. He crossed his little ankles so we could see his tiny toes. He's precious! I have included pictures of him as well as a picture of what he is doing to me! Enjoy! And congratulations to his Grandparents and Aunts that love him very much!

Tippers (AppleJack)

Ok ok, so my husband and I have strange pet names for each other, the baby and of course, the big baby (so called because at 18 lbs, she is the largest dog in the family). But Tippers, or TipperTot or The Baby or Toes or Apple-ie-Toes (as her Grampy calls her) had a stressful day yesterday. Rick and I left work early, since we had an abbreviated lunch break, and were home by 4:30ish. When we got home, The Baby greeted us like usual, but we noticed that her "I'm so glad to see you" whimper was much more high pitched than it normally is. It sounded more like she was crying. She was loving on Rick and then started to walk over to me when we noticed that she wasn't putting any weight on her back right leg. She was crying!! She was hurt!! Well, in case you haven't figured this out, I'm pregnant. I can't handle the Tippers being hurt not pregnant, but I REALLY can't handle it pregnant. So, I suggest we scurry on to the vet since I knew they would close at 5:00. We rush up there and see the doctor. He said that she has strained a ligament in her knee. So he gave her a shot of Cortisone for inflammation and the canine variety of Celebrex for her to take for 6 days. My poor baby!!! How did it happen? We have no idea. However, there was a baby shower gift left at the front door by Mr. UPS so we imagine that on her way to greet Mr. UPS she either jumped straight down from somewhere high, or she got it tangled in a blanket as she jumped up to run to the door. Either way, she was utterly pitiful and it broke my heart! Apple is a 7 year old Chihuahua-Dachshund mix and I love her more than any human should love an animal. She is my baby!!

7 weeks old


Watching TV with her Daddy


Helping her Daddy check his email


Loving on her Mommy

Sex and the City

Ashley and I went to see Sex and the City this weekend and I am sorry, but I LOVED it! It was exactly what a hormonal pregnant woman needed. I cried, I laughed, I cried some more...it was fabulous! Thanks Ash!

One more week until we find out if Beebop will be shaving legs or a face!

16 weeks....that's 4 whole lunar months...4 more weeks and we'll be at the half way mark! Woohoo!!