Sinking in....

I think the reality of having a baby of our very own is starting to sink in...a little.

I'm slowly expanding past the waist bands of my pants and as my belly grows, I'm reminded more than ever that there is something growing inside of me . Thank goodness it takes 9 months to make this thing - by the time I meet it, I'll be so overjoyed that I'll forget all the time it's taken to prepare for it. And I know I won't ever be fully prepared for what's in store, but 9 months is at least a long enough time to get used to the idea!

Baby reminded me that it really is a part of this world about a week ago when it gave me 3 little punches to the right and below my belly button. I felt it as I had a few spoonfuls of delicious Wendy's chocolate frosty - I guess the kid was as happy as I was to be eating the yummy treat. No movements or flutters since - but am looking forward to more.

Oke and I went to Baby's R Us a few weekends ago to get our first taste of all the things we'll need during Baby's 1st year. Boy was he grumpy [and I"m not talking about the wee one]! But I'm glad we went and I'm glad we were able to decide on a few things. Oke is very excited about picking a glider that will be comfortable for him to sit in with Baby. I can see it now...its 3 in the morning and Oke, Baby, and Abby are passed out in the Baby's room as Oke rocks away on the glider [not sure if he's rocking the wee one or himself to sleep]!

As each day passes I grow more and more attached to what is growing inside of me. I can't wait to meet you, wee one, and show you off to everyone!

I hope to have my 20 week ultrasound scheduled the week of the 12th. Can't wait!

Lexie

Cathy and Chip's new puppy - Lexi...

She's so cute I just want to eat her up!

am I really getting that old?

We had our friends from UVA in over the weekend. Golf for the men and the pool for the ladies and kids. The weather was perfect!

I arrived with Jim at the golf course a few minutes early and hit the range, the ball was flying straight and true (except for those that I didn't hit correctly).

The foursome included Jim, Drew, Dave and myself. For 3 of us, the front 9 was pretty good as we shot a 40 and 2 43s. Drew has just begun playing golf and was establishing a baseline score for himself. He did hit some good shots and after a few pointers from the seasoned hackers he was hitting the ball fairly consistently. The back 9 didn't see as many quality shots from Dave and I, but Jim ended up shooting a 41 for a total score of 81, not too shabby.

The real issue is that I woke up on Sunday morning with a stiff neck and shoulder. After some reflection I have been able to determine that this has happened each of the times I played golf this year--not a good sign for someone who wants to play a lot more in 2007.

It was a fun day overall, but as everyone was leaving by 10PM and we were quickly heading for bed we realized that our lives have clearly changed. I think the change is positive, afterall we were able to get up and beat the church crowd to Bob Evans for a send off breakfast with Jim & Sarah.

And am I really wearing an apron?

Dogs

Abby's best friend is Jenna, a lab/pit mix. She is a adorable and tons of fun. We offered to have her for the day as Jenna's dad, Paul, went to a wedding.

When Jenna came over she immediately made a bee line for Molly, our 12 year old cat. Molly [aka Toothless] is fierce - even though she has no teeth and no front claws. She continues to remind Abby who is boss around these parts and always welcomes a new challenge. Jenna was no match for Toothless, but boy did Jenna try and try to get her to play! For those of you who have older cats - you know that they dont play. Anyway, Jenna wanted Toothless and Abby wanted Jenna...eventually Jenna gave up her cause and decided it was time to give some attention to her gracious host!

Once Jenna discovered Abby, it was all over! The two of them played and squeeled and tugged and jumped and couldn't get enough of each other. It's interesting because when Abby goes to Jenna's house, Jenna is always the instigator. When Jenna came over to see Abby - roles reversed! I don't think we ever saw them both laying down at the same time!

Unfortunately, there was one casualty. The racoon Abby received last Christmas from Grandpa Johnson is not in its original form any longer. The girls managed to tear the head from the body during one of their games. We've memorialized the racoon head by placing it as a bottle topper [see 1st picture - proof that Oke really is drinking non-alcoholic brews!].

So goes another Saturday afternoon...

No alcohol for 9 months, really?

Really?

There are a few simple exceptions. Atlantic City and Vegas. I have been to Atlantic City once and those first 5 Miller Lites may have been the best every produced. I am scheduled to go to Vegas in a few weeks, which at this point is the last scheduled drinking until the wee one enters the free world later this year.

The first 2 months has been an eye opener, it is harder than one may think. Once I tried to drink only during 'special' occassions. There are a lot of special occassions. There really isn't a good reason for me not to drink, other than supporting Liz. I think this year will be a good one for me. Who knows, maybe I will find it refreshing to go through all of life with a clear head.

Then again...

My first thoughts...

It is true, we are having a baby. I am thrilled! Some will say that the end of life as we know is rapidly descending upon us. I have given this some thought and I really feel that we are entering the best years of our lives.

Liz and I have shared some amazing memories over the past 10 years together. I am looking forward to making new memories with new members of our family. People have told me that I won't be able to play poker as much or I won't be able to hang out as often as I once did. That doesn't bother me. I know that if something is still important enough to me that I am willing to miss time with my family, than Liz will understand. If she doesn't understand than I will resort to such things as bribery and maybe a little trickeration.

All in all, I am excited that once again Liz and I will be able to share our new adventures with our family and friends.

-Oke

Heartbeats...

We're having a baby!! Most of you are probably thinking and saying FINALLY! Those two have been together long enough and it's time to start a family! We took our time and are now joining the ranks of most of our friends - look out world because here comes baby Johnson!

Baby is due on or about December 27th - Oke says it MUST arrive by 11:59 this year! I told him that I'll do my best to make that happen :) Pregnancy has been a fine friend to me so far. Other than feeling more tired than I have felt after a day of snowboarding, Baby is treating mommy well. We're coming onto the last week of the 1st trimester and I hear that the next few months are the best to come. Oke has been a wonderful source of support and strength. He reassures me whenever I get scared about something I read and pampers me to no end! I don't ever want to stop being pregnant!

We had our 11 week appointment last week and heard Baby's heartbeat. WHAT AN AMAZING SOUND! We are reassured that there really is something going on down there. It truly is a miracle to think that there is a mini-me or a mini-oke inside my tummy - we can't wait to meet it!

To those who are wondering - we are NOT going to find out the sex of the baby. We want to be completely surprised and overjoyed regardless of what it is.

Stay tuned!