Key "$20" West

As many of you know, we went to Key West last weekend to see Brooke's parents renew their vows. The trip was great and we got to spend time with our family. Sue's family is so spread out that we don't get to see them nearly enough. So it's always a treat when we do. It was my first time visiting the keys. We drove over the 7-mile bridge, we went out on a fishing boat (big thanks to Ginger and Sharon!), we took the haunted tour, we rented bikes and cruised around the island, saw Hemingway's house, climbed up onto the top of a Civil War fort, visited the southern most point in the continental US, and I got to swim in the Gulf of Mexico for the 1st time. Great trip!

Brooke did well. No real problems traveling yet. She is definitely starting to show now and most of her pants are of no use anymore. She went shopping at lunch today and "saved a lot of money" on some much needed maternity clothes. We have a doctors appointment next Tuesday, so I'll try to update after that and include a profile picture of her belly.

Here are a few pictures from our trip.

Butterflies

Brooke felt her first movement today. It happened in the afternoon at work. She was talking with our good friend Brian S. (who happens to be her colleague) when she felt a little flutter in her lower abdomen. I guess she hesitated because he asked her if she was ok. I think it really surprised her. She came home and laid down on the couch trying to feel another one. It didn't come. I guess it's kind of like shooting stars? Both of the Grandmothers have said it would feel like little butterflies and that's exactly how she described it.

16 Weeks!

We had a good visit with the doctor yesterday. It was my first chance to hear baby's heartbeat. I was surprised at how fast it was. It's a neat feeling. Brooke's weight is right on track and she's starting to show just a little. She still has an occasional bad day but overall, her appetite is back to normal and she feels pretty good. We're walking around the neighborhood almost daily, about 2 miles. Also, her company has an olympic pool where she's swimming laps 2-3 times a week during lunch. She doesn't really worry about eating lunch because I think she pretty much snacks all day! The doctor said everything looks good and he wants her back in a month for another ultrasound.

Here is her belly shot today at 16 weeks. I think we will try to update these photos monthly from here on out so that people can see how she's doing.




Also, yesterday was our 3 year wedding anniversary. We went out to a tasty Italian restaurant overlooking the ocean. It was unusually clear last night and the sunset was beautiful. I just can't belive it has been 3 years. It doesn't seem that long.

In other news, we broke down this past weekend and purchased a stroller and car seat. The Peg-Perego Uno model.


We went into the store set on looking at a completely different brand but we really liked this one. It has the "hot new" feature where the handle folds forward, thus converting it to a baby carriage. I got to admit, it's pretty sweet. We ordered the green one shown here from babycatalog.com and saved 20% off of the store prices. That online store was recommended in a couple of books we've been reading and they have free shipping. So I hope we got a good deal.

We really like the color but also it's gender neutral as we have decided not to find out the sex of the baby. It may be a little inconvenient but we talked it over and we just don't want to spoil what should be the biggest surprise of our lives. And this decision has yielded one unexpected benifit; without knowing what sex to buy for, Brooke can't go crazy shopping (or as she puts it, "saving money") for baby clothes!