So it begins.......

Okay, so I'm finally getting around to write my first entry to this blog that I started. I'm hoping to post some pictures up here of our house, my growing belly, and many other things that are going on in my life right now. I'm thinking that this will be a good way to keep everyone updated with our crazy life seeing as we are going through lots of changes right now.

As of today, I am 28 weeks and 4 days pregnant. It's so crazy! My belly is definitely growing and I'm starting to get much more uncomfortable. We found out that we're having a girl, which I wasn't very surprised about. I had a feeling it was a girl. Her name will be Emily Rae Phillips. Dave and I picked the name out together. It was pretty much the only name we could agree on for a girl. So far, my pregnancy has been semi-normal. A few months ago, after I took one of those flippin blood tests (I hate needles - cant stand the thought of them!), they found that my AFP (whatever that is) level was higher than normal. So, they sent me to UConn Medical Center for an in depth ultrasound to determine if the baby was okay. Everything came back normal. But, they have me going back to UConn every 4-6 weeks for ultrasounds to monitor the baby's growth. I guess it's a good thing because I get to see her every month. But at the same time, I hate how they throw you this curve ball and make you feel like their may be something wrong with your baby. Every ultrasound that we've had there has come back normal. She is growing, her heart is nice and healthy and everything looks good. My next appointment is June 18th. Hopefully everything comes back normal for that appointment as well.

I have to say, however, that this baby is really taking my body for a ride. She is taking all the(goodness" out of me and keeping it to herself. I had to take that glucose test this past Friday and of course, my luck, it came back with issues. They are now saying that I am low in Iron so now I'm taking an iron supplement everyday. They are also saying that my glucose level was higher than normal so tomorrow I have to go through another round of tests. They call it a 3 hour Glucose Screening. Sounds wonderful, right? Basically, I have to go in there, they'll draw my blood to get an initial reading of my glucose levels and then I'll have to drink another very sugary drink (which mostly tastes like orange soda with too much syrup in it). Then, I have to go back there every hour for three hours for them to take more blood. From this test, they will determine if I have diabetes brought on by the pregnancy. I'll keep you updated as to the results of that test.

Needless to say, going for all these tests and ultrasounds makes me nervous. No one wants anything to be wrong with their unborn child. But, I guess all these procedures are precautionary at this point.

And so our house - 8 Walnut Street - built in 1889. We bought this house the week of our wedding - back in September 2007. We have been working on it since the weekend we returned from our honeymoon. Alot of work has gone into this house. It all started with the demolition. That meant that everything had to go - everything but the studs. Then we had to fix the old bones of this house. That mean lifting the house, replacing most of the sill plates, putting in lolly columns in the basement as there were none at all (yes, the house was collapsing into itself), reparing the brick & rock foundation, and cutting down two very massive trees that overtook the house. The majority of this work was done by Dave. So, needless to say, it took a while. Then came the framing, plumbing, electrical, new siding, new windows & doors, a brand new heating & air conditioning system, the duct work, and insulation. Again, all pretty much being completed by only Dave. I do have to mention that pretty much since we started the work on this house, my brother Mark as offered up every other weekend to help us with whatever we want him to do.We love him to death for this and will never ever forget it. I dont think I could ever repay enough him for all the work that he has done for us. It is because of his dedication, I believe, that we are as far along as we are today.

This week, Dave and his dad are working on the sheet rocking. His dad took this week off from work to help get the marjority of the sheet rock done. I'm so thankful for that. I dont want to leave Brucee out when talking about the help we have received with this house. Bruce has been there many times for Dave when he needed his assitance and we are very thankful for that.

Did I forget to mention that living with the inlaws and not having your own space is another challenge of ours? No need to expand any further on that.

So, besides the fact that Dave and I have gone through 3 of the most stressful life experiences in one year than any human will go through in a lifetime (getting married, buying a house, & having a baby) , it has made our connection stronger than ever. I'm so thankful for his hardwork and dedication to making our house be as perfect as possible. It's hard spending EVERY weekend working at the house. But, we've had some good times and made lots of memories.

Check back soon....I'll have an update on my 3 hour glucose test, progress on our house, and hopefully some pics.