After 4 years of marriage, Dane and I decided it was time to expand our family. After what seemed like 3 very long months (to me), a pregnancy test finally came back positive- and it's a good thing considering how many previous pregnancy tests I had taken due to my own impatience. In Dane's words, "Pregnancy tests are expensive!" (or so I thought until I found out you can actually get them at the dollar store. Who knew?) It appears our baby was a gift from Grand Teton National park.
Pregnancy went well for me. I had only minor first trimester nausea, and continued to teach full time and coach the cross country team. The only cravings I experienced were for orange juice, pineapples and raspberries. I continued to exercise weekly, cutting back my running to walking by the middle of the second trimester. The most common comment I received when pregnant was "You're hardly even showing!" Apparently my tall frame hides a baby well.
Tara: I still can't believe that the little person who was kicking and hiccuping inside of me for 8.5 months is now in my arms. She still kicks and hiccups, so it must be the same one. :) She seems so fragile (pronouced fra-gee-lay.) :) Recently she enjoys peeing right after I take off her diaper for changing. We've gone through quite a few clothes in the past few days. Aria demonstrates dramatic hunger needs only to promptly fall into a milk-induced coma after 3 minutes of nursing. My favorite thing is when she opens her eyes and looks around at the world, and I try to imagine what it must be like to see everything for the first time. Amazing.
Dane: If you were a fly on the wall, you'd most likely hear me burst out saying "cutest baby ever!" each time Aria opens her eyes. It's amazing how quickly you can fall in love with a complete stranger. Ah yes. However, I'm still not very happy about sleep deprivation, but I'm coming to terms with it. Whoever said parental leave was a vacation told a very, very bad lie. :) It's still fun though.
