Cruise part 3

The third and final post of the trip I hope. We didn't do much in Cozumel so there are only a couple pictures, but we did shop a little a get a couple things at the end of the day. Mexico was probably the place I felt safest walking the streets in. Jamaica... SCARY! We always try to get a little something from each trip and we did that, but not each stop. I can only handle so many trinkets!

Again we really cannot thank my Grandparents enough for the fabulous trip. We are so lucky to have such amazing family all around!

 This pretty much finishes up the trip. The last full day on the ship we were at sea all day and pretty worn out. Can't wait to see where our next trip takes us!

Cruise part 2

Part 2 of the vacation post is actually only one day... the Cayman Islands. This by far was the best stop and I think most would agree. We swam with sting rays and later swam with Dolphins. It's amazing to be so close to a mammal that is swimming below you one minuet and in your face the next. Dolphins are smart little guys too!

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Cruise part one

Getting our trip posted has taken a lot of work! I decided to break it up between the 4 stops so this one is of our first two stops the Princess Cays and Jamaica.
We had such a good time with the whole Coache Family and can't thank my Grandparents enough for taking the Family to celebrate their 55th Wedding Anniversary. Happy Anniversary you two!

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It was a great opportunity for Jeff to REALLY get to know my extended family and how vacations roll with my Dad! We had a TON of good times and some really great laughs... like Jeff calling my grandpa by his real name not knowing he HATES his name! I so wish I would have had a picture of both of their faces as my Grandpa says "What did you just call me?" "Where the h*ll did you get that?!!" and finally through all our laughter followed by a "Well I'm done talking to him for a while" and poor Jeff looking at me trying to figure out what went wrong but nobody could answer from laughing so much! I was able to lean over and tell him what he goes by but the damage was already done! Sorry Babe... Francis doesn't go by Francis, it's Mike! AHAHHAHA Seriously still makes me laugh!
So many great stories from one little trip I hope we can do it again some time!

Gender

I know I need to post about my vacation but i'm waiting on pictures to do so! Today was just as exciting though... Jeff and I went and had the anatomy scan done and right off the bat our little one was showing off the goods!
I was a little nervous because while we were on our cruise I had a bleeding episode. Knowing there was nothing that could be done on the medical stand point I got a blessing from Jeff and my Brother. I knew I would need something to get me through the rest of the trip without stressing too much about it and it was wonderful! That night was the first time I felt a real kick and every day after that I have had those reassuring kicks. I just know this kid has some long legs and lets face it, we saw today the feet are pretty big too!
 If the picture isn't obvious we will be welcoming a little BOY come January! We are so excited. Jeff is already talking about sports for him and keeping up with the crazy name suggestions.

We are so excited to start shopping and getting all the little boy things picked out! I think Jeff will love picking stuff out and that makes me excited knowing he will enjoy it! He'll be such a great Dad, he already is!

Oh legs!

Dear Long legs,

You make shopping for these:

a VERY difficult task! These beauties are Citizens of Humanity and one of the VERY few pairs for us pregnant tall women that come long enough... guess the price $180! Are you kidding me! Yes, I understand some places sell "tall" maternity jeans but no "tall" comes in a 36" inseam! That's right, so to you 34 inch "tall" pants... thanks but no thanks!

Next you make looking for one of these:

A difficult little task as well. You see I don't enjoy bending over and I shouldn't have to. That being said ZERO of the "cheaper" strollers come tall enough. Sorry kiddo but mommy isn't giving up her high heels!
I am sure I will only find more that is hard to find because of you long legs! For now those are my two frustrations with you, as I'm sure more are to come (sorry)!

Thank You so very much!

p.s. I do appreciate my long legs they just frustrate me at times! You try and find regular pants long enough for these babies then stick a basketball in your belly and it's a whole new ball game!

15 weeks

Little one,
As I write the title It seems funny that I thought 15 weeks was a long way but now it doesn't seem like it is. I mean yes, I have roughly 25 more to go but it's taking FOREVER! I have been lying still at night and in the mornings as I wake up to see if I can feel you moving around. I thought I did once but I highly doubt it. You see, you make digesting things a little more difficult these days so I'm going to go with "It was just gas" oh yes, I said it... gas!
The past week has been pretty easy. I am feeling much better and have energy once again.I will admit that you make getting dressed for the day a difficult task. I can't button some of my pants anymore and others get uncomfortable as the day goes on. I"ll take it though because that lets me know you're still growing strong!
At 15 weeks you are about 4 inches long and almost 2 1/2 ounces. Although you can't taste much yet your taste buds are beginning to form. Best of all we are getting closer to finding out if you are out little boy or our little girl!

I'm getting quite anxious to know how I get to decorate your bedroom. I have a pretty good idea if you are a little boy but not so much if you're a little girl other then the fact that I'll trade your light out for a little chandelier. If you can't tell as I was taking pictures this week Bauer decided he wanted to be a part of it. We are still a little worried about how he will react with you once you get here. I watch two little boys one that is about 3 months and every time he sees him he gives him lots of kisses but we don't let him do too much more. The other little boy walks and Bauer got in one day and was so excited he knocked him right over and licked him. We know he will be nice no doubt but how nice is the question!

Oh one more thing little one... if you could lay off the tail bone that would be great. I'm not really enjoying the shots of pain it sends down my legs every now and then while I'm walking and sometimes the only way to ease the pain is to lay on my side for a few minuets. You go ahead and do whatever you want though as I know you will but it's just a thought and maybe even a small plea!
Keep growing Norris,We won't be ready for you for 25 more weeks and we want you healthy and strong with maybe even a little chub as you are coming at the coldest time of year for us here!
Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Dear Baby

I have opened and re-opened this post a few times now. I have wanted to write down my thoughts about everything as it has been going on but all I really want to do is write to our little Norris. I have written about the day I found out and a few other days but for now they are private. As I come into the second trimester I feel better about the reality of a little human growing inside of me so I will write more about the experience, not for anyone really but myself, Jeff and baby Norris. 

14 weeks marks the 2nd trimester. The baby is almost fully developed his facial muscles are working away at making one expression to another. S/he can suck his thumb and has functioning kidneys. Measuring in around 3 1/2  to 4 inches and about an ounce and a half. 

Our little Norris,

I thought today I would tell you the story of your nick name (Don't worry baby you won't hear it once you are born). Before your daddy and I found out you were coming to our world we sat and talked about baby names. I have had a couple of names i have loved and as I told him he hated them! Yep that's right, names I have had picked out forever gone just like that. 

The name game quickly became a joke and your pops started tossing names like Chuck and Rambo. Awful I know! I asked him where Chuck came from and it's Chuck Norris of course, silly me I should have known it was from a TV show my grandpa watches. 

Right after he said Norris he was set on it and continues to torture me with it on a regular basis. I can say we have settled on two names for you if you are a boy that are much better but the girls names are in the works. We will continue to call you Norris until you are born most likely as we are not going to share the names we have picked until we give one of them to you after you are born. I don't feel like I can give you a name until I see you and know for sure you are a ________.

I feel as though we I am starting to believe it more and more that there really is a little baby in there baking away. So far you have been an easy little one. I only had about 4 weeks of feeling terrible and although I still have some days I'll take them after hearing your heart beat for the first time Tuesday. Pregnancy truly is a beautiful thing and I'm excited to continue to feel the changes good and bad. We are so greatful you chose us as your parents, know that we love you already and keep growing little Norris. Can't wait to meet you!

Love, 

Mom and Dad

*Information and photo from babycenter.com