Random Updates from the Baugher Household (20-22.5 weeks)

Fall is in the air...which in Houston means that the temperature has dropped below 95 degrees and people start cautiously venturing out of their air-conditioned homes and offices (after 5 months of hibernation) to enjoy the great outdoors again.  It's a really exciting time here, with folks buzzing about the outdoor eateries and exercising in Memorial Park instead of at the gym.  It seems that our little bun-in-the-oven is also rejuvenated by the cooler temperatures and has been doing some in-utero exercising of his own.  I can't quite establish a pattern to his movements yet, but I am really enjoying the frequent reminders that our little guy is growing bigger and stronger in there!  My favorite time of the day is first thing in the morning when I wake up...I lay still and try to feel if Brady is awake yet.  When I do feel a little flutter, I think it's him saying "Good morning, Mom", and there could not be a better way to start my day!  I can't wait for the time when I can open his bedroom door in the morning and see that smiling face!

Even more exciting than my own early morning "chats" with Brady is that he's starting to communicate with others as well :0)  On October 13th, we had spicy jambalaya for dinner and then settled down on the couch to watch some TV.  Apparently, that spicy food lit Brady up, because it felt like he was doing kick-boxing in my belly!  At 21 weeks and 1 day, I didn't think it was really possible for Chris to feel movement from the outside, but I put his hand on my tummy to see if he could feel it just in case.  Much to my amazement, Chris picked up on every little punch/kick for a good 5 minute period of time!  It was such an awesome moment and I was so thrilled that Daddy and Boogie got to spend some time together.  I also suspect that Camden and Brady are already bonding.  Cam's favorite place to snuggle up nowadays is right on Mommy's hip with his head resting on my lower tummy.  I'm sure those two will be best buddies, and Cammie is already showing that he enjoys "talking" with his little brother too!

In other news, we spent most of last weekend registering for our soon-to-be new arrival.  I'll admit that after our first attempt at Babies R Us, I was in a bit of a panic.  If you have ever been to the back of a Babies R Us store, then you know that section is filled with dozens of choices for car seats, strollers, high chairs, pack n plays, swings...the list goes on and on.  To say that the task of choosing the "right" baby gear is daunting is a huge understatement.  Over and over again, I would stand in front of all these options with no idea what I was doing.  Chris was there, registry scanner gun in hand (cocked and loaded), but each time I would shake my head and walk to the next aisle I could hear a little whimper of defeat escape his lips.  I know he was frustrated with my indecision, but like a very smart husband of a pregnant woman, he did not make any rude comments.  When we left there on Saturday night, I think we had registered for a total of 15 items.  The lady at the registry counter actually laughed at us.  Chris assured me on the way home that a good night's sleep would bring clarity for the morning and we'd go back.  Well, after that good night's sleep, a TON of online research, and a phone call to my super knowledgeable sister, we did have a much more successful Sunday.  Here are some of the exciting items we decided on:

Chicco Key Fit car seat/stroller combo...I'm totally loving the yellow and gray circle motif!

Awesome Jungle ExerSaucer...seriously, how happy is that baby in the picture?!?!

Ergo Baby Carrier - Chris is so excited for all the journeys he and Brady will take together with this!

Portable Duck Swing...seriously, could this be any cuter???

All in all, I would say that we got our act together pretty well and are feeling better about all the picks we made for our little boogie bear.

Our 2-year wedding anniversary is tomorrow, and we're hoping to get away for a night next weekend at the Hyatt Regency at Lost Pines.  One of my girlfriends described the resort as a modern-day "Kellerman's" (the club where the Dirty Dancing movie takes place) so what could be better than that?  I think we're both looking forward to a little romantic getaway.  We really don't take many vacations together, and since this will be our last anniversary without little one(s), we feel like we'd better take advantage.  Although we don't take fancy trips, my hubby does know how to remind me how much he loves me.  Just last week I received these at the office:

Not only is the blue hydrangea our wedding flower, it also symbolized our baby boy on the way!  I am so lucky to have such a thoughtful man to share my life with and Brady is so lucky to have such an awesome Dad!!

Until next time, hope everyone is having a fabulous start to the fall!