My Big Girl is Five!

My beautiful girl turned five today. I remember the day she was born like it was yesterday. We had had my baby shower a week earlier, and even though she wasn't due for another four weeks, I was busy washing all of her little baby clothes and blankets. Conrad wondered why I was getting things ready so soon, but I knew she was coming. Sure enough a few days later I woke up at 2am with my water breaking. I hurried and packed my bag, showered, blow-dried my hair, made Conrad take a shower because, "labor could take all day," then finally left for the hospital. By the time we got there (it was only 1.5 hrs later), I was having contractions four minutes apart and was in some serious pain. An hour later the doctor checked me and said, "The bad news is that it is too late for any pain medication. The good news is that your baby will be here in less than an hour." Half an hour later, Bronwen Clara Douglas was born. I cried when I held her -our miracle was here!

Conrad and I had tried to have a baby for two years, and finally resorted to invitro fertilization. We were lucky that things took on the first try. As a side note we were given a <1% chance of ever conceiving naturally. I like to believe Bronwen is responsible for kick-starting the process as I am now pregnant with our third baby (naturally!). She really must have wanted siblings... :-)

Here are some pictures from her birthday party. I'd like to say thank you and I love you to my wonderful girlfriends. Bronwen had a wonderful time (and I did too!).

I love you my "Pocket Buddy" and happy birthday!

Baby Update

I got to see our sweet baby with his/her little heart beating this afternoon. Everything looks great (heart rate 136 -old wives tale says if below 140 it's a boy; due date is January 26th), and I'm feeling really good. Ironically this is one of the reasons I went in...

It seems as if from the moment this baby was conceived I've had one type of ache or another in my lower abdomen. I wasn't sure if it was just the muscles stretching out after such a long time of not being pregnant, or if it's because I'm 30 (I know it's not old, but it does make a difference lol!). Well, the pain seemed to be a little worse today, and then I didn't have any nausea at all. I know it may sound morbid, but when I feel terrible during pregnancy I am secretly relieved because then I think things are moving along in the right direction.

On that note, I went ahead and called the doctor. She told me to come in for an ultrasound. To my relief, the baby is fine, and the pregnancy became more real to me. I guess I'm going to have to trade in my sports car after all. Ack! ;-)

Happy One Year Anniversary Seattle!

Seattle Space Needle Views

Our Green Backyard (complete with rasberries, strawberries, blue berries, rosemary and thyme)

Bronwen and Ava Painting at Seattle Children's Museum

The best way I can describe Seattle is that this is a place where within seconds of visiting, I felt rejuvenated by the sweet air. Conrad, Bronwen, Ava and I have never been physically healthier. We live a stone's throw from several lakes and parks, and have a seemingly endless list of activities to enjoy. My favorite place is still Seattle Center, which we visited today. Happy anniversary Seattle, I couldn't imagine living anywhere else.