Counting down the hours...

Well, it's official...I am going in to be induced at 8 am in the morning. I am absolutely stoked! Matt and I are so anxious to hold our precious baby boy. I thought this day would never come. We've had a great weekend. Last night, we went to see a movie, "Four Christmas's"...hilarious! And tonight we went out to enjoy our last dinner out together as a married couple, without a baby. Although, we would have liked to have him here by now, he's been worth the wait. Surprisingly, I'm not very nervous about tomorrow...yet. It will either hit me when I try to go to sleep tonight or maybe not until tomorrow. Either way, we are both very excited and cannot wait to bring Matthew into the world. Hopefully, I'll have pics to post very soon!

Well, I'm totally bummed!!!

well, i went to the doc today and i have dilated, but now he can't induce me tomorrow b/c the hospital is overbooked with inductions and non-scheduled labors. they moved it to mon at 8am. pretty disappointing, but i guess these things aren't meant to be planned out. i just hope he'll come on his own before monday. to top it off, if i happen to go into labor thursday or friday, my doc said i should probably go to baptist women's hospital instead of st. francis, where we were supposed to go. i realize things happen for a reason. we are just so ready for him to be here!

Just wanted to share...

All four of our nieces played soccer this Fall. Madeline, Hannah, and Bella played for Hope Church and Taylor played for her school, Saint Louis. This is such a great picture. I'm just missing one of Madeline, age 10. Hannah is 7 and Taylor and Bella are both 6.






Also, my best friend Rachel, took her two daughters to see Santa last week...adorable! Addison is 3 1/2 and Savannah is almost 5 months.

It's about time!!!

Considering it has been months since I've posted anything, I should probably catch you all up on the latest...
We are officially counting down the days until the arrival of Matthew Jr. I am 39 weeks and due in 4 days. I do want to say how blessed I feel to have had such an easy going pregnancy and my loving husband has been so supportive through it all. I just went to the doctor this past Thursday...my belly is measuring 36 cm, I've gained 13 lbs to date, and my cervix is soft/thin, but I haven't dilated. Here's a funny bit. At my previous visit, I was asking my doctor about being induced if I go past my due date. I want to have him before Christmas. When I went to my last visit, the doctor said he remembered us talking about being induced and he thought he promised to induce me on Thursday 12/18, but forgot to schedule the induction. So, he frantically scheduled us for 6:30 am on Thursday, 12/18. When I told him he didn't promise me that and we had only discussed our options, we decided to keep the appointment since he went through the trouble of scheduling it. I will go back to see him on Wed 12/17....if I have dilated, he will induce me on Thurs, if I have not, he will push it to the following Monday. Either way, he'll be here soon!!! I do believe Matthew should come when he is ready, which is why I'm not at all worried about being induced because I know that my doctor will not induce me unless he truly feels I am ready. Dr. Wilson seems to think that I won't even have to be induced. He said that sometimes just scheduling an induction is enough to go into labor on your own. We shall see!
Here's my most recent belly pic...

Matt and I are both so anxious for Matthew to be here already. At my appointment two weeks ago, Matt was crossing his fingers that I hadn't dilated yet. But, at my appointment the other day, we were both crossing our fingers that I have dilated. We are so ready for him to get here. My last day of work was Friday, so now we wait...

Matt Sr.'s Thought Of The Day

I have realized that I am counting down the holidays that I am going to be celebrating as a kid...without a kid. I am actually excited that I will not be able to fully enjoy the holiday's from now on because, frankly, I have not truely enjoyed a holiday since I was 16. Not that I haven't appreciated the time that I spend with my family during the year, but I am starting to realize why my Dad would go hunting every Thanksgiving. It's not that he did not want to spend time with us, he just wanted to get away from the chaos for a bit to enjoy his own holiday for a couple of hours. If you give me the choice of Thanksgiving preparation at the Morris household or a nice round of golf...I will not be a hard decision. I am the first to admit that spending time with my family is a great experience, but it's a shame that these visits are mostly under the pretense of a holiday. I miss the times when I was a kid when everyone sat at the dinner table and cracked on each other non stop while complaining about my Mother's tuna helper.
If I sound like a Scrooge...it's because I am. But maybe this year's Christmas present will change my perception on the holidays. I have been pretty good this year so I am anticipating the greatest gift I could ever ask for...

By the way...

We have finally decided to name our son Matthew Christopher Morris, Jr. It's official! Since Matt goes by Matt, we'll call the little one Matthew. It's up to him if he wants to go by Matt when he gets older. Then, there will be a Big Matt and a Little Matt, I guess. But, let me just say that Matt hates the nickname Matty, so we won't call him that for short. So, I guess it's just Matthew. But, that's just fine. "Matthew" doesn't need a nickname.

I SUCK at this whole blogging thing!!!

I knew I wouldn't be so good at keeping this updated. It's been over a month since posting anything new. Although, not much has changed.
So, I am almost 33 weeks along and still not showing very much. I've only gained 8 lbs to date. My belly measured 31cm at my 32-week visit. My doctor keeps asking me if I'm eating. Well, I am. He says I am one of the lucky ones since I have not put on much weight. Apparently, it's normal to gain 21-27 lbs by this point. But, there's nothing to worry about because our little Matthew is growing just as he should. Good to know! He's definitely a squirmer...constantly moving. It's so hard to believe I'm only 7 weeks and 4 days from my due date. Time has flown! Can't wait for our little bundle of joy to arrive! I am going to the doctor every two weeks now. Pretty soon, I'll be going every week. I had my first baby shower on Sat. Oct. 18th, given by my best friend, Rachel, and her mom, Tara. Thank you to those of you who came and made my first baby shower so special.


My sister and her friend Michelle are giving me one next weekend. It's so exciting to get all this cool baby stuff! My sister will be due in May, so she'll get to go through all of the excitement soon enough.
I can't tell you how excited I am that Fall is here! The weather just puts me in such a great mood. Although, it does make it harder to get up in the mornings because it is so cold in the house and I just want to stay bundled in my blankets. I do hate the cold/sinus problems that go along with the weather changing, though. I've been fighting it for over a week now and I'm ready for it to pass.
Until next time...

Guess what ?!?!

We have some more very exciting news in our family...my sister, Jennifer, is PREGNANT!!!! Words can't express how happy we are for her and Tim. Even though I only have about 3 months to go, it's still very exciting to be pregnant with my sis. This is truly such a blessing. She just found out, so she's only about a month along. Congrats, Jen and Tim. We love you! I'll keep you all updated about her exciting news!
I don't have much to share about my pregnancy. I go back to the doctor next Thurs. I do feel our baby boy moving on a regular basis. One night, I was just watching my belly move up and down. The weird thing was when I could see him moving, I didn't feel it. One day last week, I felt a movement in my lower abdomen and right under my ribs at the same time. He must have been stretching. That was the only time I've felt that, so far. It felt really weird!!!
I still don't seem to be growing much, but I guess we'll know when I go to the doctor next week. I'll post another belly pic soon. I haven't taken the pics weekly because I haven't changed that often.
After we can get some things cleared out after the big Countrywood Garage Sale this weekend, we will start arranging the room and getting the baby bed set up and all that fun stuff. December will be here before we know it.
I'll write an update after my next visit.

Matt's Latest Perspective

Howdy gang!!! Well I guess it's my turn to talk about the whole baby thang. So, it's a boy. Was there any doubt in anyone's mind that a manly dude like me would have created anything but a manly son? I guess I've just got what it takes. If anyone has any input on what the name of the child should be I would welcome the feedback and would consider each entry on an individual basis. If we use the name you submitted you could win a free all expense paid trip to Liberty Land and a year supply of hugs from Melissa (subject to availability). If no name is selected the baby's name will be defaulted to Magnus Von Morris or something equally as European.
Anyway, I do want to communicate how blessed I feel to have been chosen by God to have a son and I look forward to making sure that my son is a better man than me...a daunting task indeed. I don't know how she is doing it but my wife has never looked so beautiful in her life. She doesn't get sick...or bitch at me any more than normal...or cry spontaneously...or lose bladder control. All of these things have added up to a pretty easy role I have to play which is good because I am not the best at this whole supportive partner thing. I have agreed to take some birthin' classes with her. Don't tell Melissa but I only agreed because I see the guys in the movies doing it. I can't imagine I'm gonna have much to do with the actual birth because...well...I'm not the one doing the work. I will be happy to cut the cord but if the kid takes after his daddy I better make sure and cut the right one! OK, that was a little crude and I guess I am sorry.
Well everyone, I want to thank you for all of your support and prayers. HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
........This is breaking news!! As I write this- Melissa just walked in and I FELT MY SON MOVE FOR THE FIRST TIME! I HAVE TO GO...PEACE!!

How to measure the belly...

I went to the doctor for my monthly checkup. I guess having the latest appointment of the day works out because we were in and out in about 30 minutes. I signed in and they promptly took my payment and sent me back. We had to make our first "delivery bill" payment. It's like a car note!!! I stepped onto the scale to find that I have gained 2 pounds since my last visit, which makes 4 pounds total that I have gained. It's hard to believe that I'm almost 6 months along and have only gained 4 pounds. The nurse then started taking my blood pressure, using the "extra large" cuff. When she realized that was too big, she said "Well, I guess I didn't need the large one, after all. Your weight is in your height." Still not real sure what to think about that one. Then she proceeded to ask me if I had eaten lunch because my key tones were low. I asked her what that meant and she replied "Well, it's like saying that you're starving, but I know you're not starving." (There was another poke at my "size".) Then, we went in to see Dr. Wilson and he began talking about my weight gain. He, too, was a little surprised that I had only gained 4 pounds. I guess because of my "size", everyone thought I'd be pretty big by now. To be honest, though, I thought I would, too. But, Dr. Wilson assured me that mother nature would probably catch up to me towards the end. He was just concerned that I may be dieting, but I'm not. I promise. I just don't have as much of an appetite. Plus, I think that not drinking has caused me to lose some weight. Well, they tried to get another ultrasound picture since he wasn't cooperating last time. But, again, he wouldn't pose. He was too squirmy...which I've been feeling a lot of lately. It's becoming stronger and Dr. Wilson said that Matt should be able to feel it soon. He's been poking me alot today. I also found out something else interesting. I asked Dr. Wilson to measure my belly because I wasn't sure I was doing it right. He asked me how I was measuring it and I said around my waist. He laughed and told me that I wouldn't be able to measure my own belly anyway because I have to lay down. I didn't know you were supposed to measure it from the top of your pelvic bone to the top of your uterus. Now I know that my belly is 19cm. I learn something new every day!

Belly Pics!

I finally took my first belly pic on 07.10.08 at 17 weeks. I didn't measure my waist at the beginning of my pregnancy, so I don't know how many inches it has grown. At 17 weeks, it measured 43 inches. I took my second belly pic on 08.14.08 at 22 weeks. I've only grown a half an inch since my first pic. It's now 43 1/2 inches. It seems like I'm not growing very much. Alot of people can't believe I'm 5 1/2 months pregnant because I don't look like it. I weighed myself one night last week and I weighed 5 pounds less than my last doctor's visit. From what I hear, it's normal to lose weight. I just wasn't sure because my baby books say it's normal to gain 10-15 pounds at this point. I guess everyone is different, though. I'm also not so sure I am measuring my belly in the right spot each time. I think I'll see if the doctor will measure it for me this week. We're also supposed to have another ultrasound to see if our little man will cooperate this time for a picture. We'll see!
My due date is exactly 4 months away!!! Wow, time flies!

It's official...

Wow, it's been a month since I have posted anything new.  Well, alot has been going on so I will start with the most exciting.   We went to the doctor on Thursday, 7/24 and we are having a boy!!!  We don't really have the name down yet but we do like the name Jacob.  Right now he weighs 10 oz.  and seems to be doing great.  I have still been very fortunate to not be sick (much).  I have only gained 2 lbs. since we found out I was pregnant back in April.  But, it's shifting from somewhere because I do have a belly.  I finally started taking belly pics and measuring my waist.  I'll post those soon.  Back to the ultrasound...our little man did not want to cooperate for a picture.  But, we did get one good one.  He's quite limber.  In case you can't tell, he has his legs stretched out all the way over his head.  I used to be able to do that...not anymore. We go back to the doctor on Thursday, August 21st.

Let me also say what a great birthday I had! I turned 28 on Sunday, the 27th.  It was a great weekend.  On Friday night, my husband took me out for a nice dinner at Firebirds.  ( I had been craving their BLT salad!)  Rebecca joined us for dinner and we met up with Brian at East End after he got off work.  Philip also joined us at East End.  It's so much fun watching everyone else get to drink! :)  Although, I did have a glass of wine, which gave me horrible heartburn.  Actually, it's okay...I can have a good time without drinking.  It just seems like everyone is running specials on Blue Moon when I can't have any.  (I'm okay, though)  On Saturday, my sister came to pick me up and take me to a Consignment Sale.  I found lots of great buys on clothes for our baby boy.  She also took me to lunch and shopping for my birthday at Ulta.  Thanks, Jenny-Pooh! I love you!  On Sunday, we had a family dinner.  Even though my Dad was sick, he smoked a pork shoulder.  I'm sorry you didn't get to join us, Dad.  Thank you for cooking, though.  Matt's Mom and Dad came over for dinner, too.  I got lots of great gifts...mostly maternity clothes (which I needed).  Matt also got me a delicious birthday cake that said "Happy Birthday, Mama".  Did I mention it was delicious?  Overall, it was a great birthday weekend.  Thanks to all of you who made it so special.

Nothing really new, but...

So, I know it's been a while since we've posted anything.  I knew I wouldn't be any good at keeping this updated.  Not much has been going on lately.  I still haven't noticed many changes with the pregnancy.  Although,  my pants are starting to fit a little too tight.  I'm not sure how much weight I have gained, but my pooch is becoming a little more visible.  It is becoming more difficult to sleep comfortably.  According to my baby books, this is the last week that I should be sleeping on my back.  So, I have been trying to get used to sleeping on my side which is only comfortable for so long before I go numb.  Not to mention, it is quite a pain to keeping getting up through the night to pee.  I've realized that it doesn't even matter if I stop drinking fluids several hours before bedtime.  I constantly have to go.  And even after I've gone, I still feel like I have to go.  It's a bit annoying.  But enough about me...

I wish I had some pictures to post of the exciting events from Father's Day.  Matt and I went to his parents house for lunch and had Jack Pyrtles chicken...yummy.  That could be my new favorite food.  After spending some time with his dad, we came back to the house to start preparing dinner for my dad and the family.  Matt cooked beer brats.  They were awesome! By the way, the alcohol is cooked out of them, so I was not consuming any of that.  After dinner we played a little badmitten (not sure how to spell that).  Then we all joined in playing the Wii Fitness.  That was a blast for the whole family.  You can go to my parents' blogpage to view the videos.  I hope our fathers and the father-to-be had a wonderful Father's Day!

Matt turned 27 on the 19th.  We both took off work that day and just enjoyed spending some quality time together.  The next night we went to dinner with some close friends.  Thank you to those that joined us.  We had a great dinner, with great conversation, and great company.  On Saturday, we visited with Matt's family and celebrated Madeline's 10th birthday.  She is our oldest niece.  I can't believe how much she has grown.  She was only 3 when Matt and I met.  All of our nieces are so excited about us having a baby.  They want it to be a boy.  They even tried to help us come up with some names.  Some of them might be good candidates.

Well, luckily this week is going by quickly.  We get to go to the Dr. on Thursday.  I can't wait to hear the heartbeat again.  Not on this visit, but on our next, we will find out what we are having.  It is very exciting.  We'll keep you updated.

Oh, by the way, our baby is a softball this week.  (That's not quite as fun as saying I have a lime in my grapefruit, though)

MATT'S PERSPECTIVE ON THINGS

Now that my wife has informed me that we are part of the blogging community, I have decided I would attempt to entertain  the masses with my unique view on things.  For those who have not had the pleasure of getting to know me very well you will find that I usually have a pretty strong opinion on issues that directly influence me and my wife.  For those who know me well it should come as no surprise that I have interjected my opinions on this blog.  With that said, I have a few things to share.

First, I would like to formally thank the Good Lord that he chose to make me a dude.  After reading three different pregnancy books I have come to several conclusions.  The most poignant being that any woman who knows what she will be going through during pregnancy and still wishes to be knocked up, is either insane or has a strong case denial about the effects of growing your own little rug rat.  I have not properly diagnosed which symptom Melissa is showing but I think it might be a little of both.  I'll get back to you with my conclusions.  It's already such a daunting task for her to try to raise and nurture me, I can't see why she would want to add another needy, immature person in her life but it's too late now.  As for my feelings on her disability-er'-pregnancy(j/k)...I have but a couple of feelings that I will share with you guys and they are as follows: Fear, Scaredness, Fright, Worry, Anxiety, Elation, Happiness..........oh yea,  FEAR.  It's not that I am scared for myself,  I have already resigned to the fact that my life is over.  I am scared for my wife and child.  I have nothing but confidence that Melissa might be the second greatest mom in the world, only trailing the wonderful and loving Donna Morris.  I just know that they deserve to have the greatest life and I'm not sure I can give them that, but they are both stuck with me and I will do everything I can to ensure that they at least have what they need in life.  

I might sound like a worry wart but I don't think that I am feeling anything different than any other father worth a damn.  In all seriousness, I have never felt happiness like this before.  I have never felt like I was involved in something so important before.  I have never felt more love for my wife than this before.  I didn't know I had it in me to give but I am learning some new things that are pretty amazing.  As for my personal life, that's none of your business and I would thank you to stay out of my personal affairs.  I just want to communicate that I have never been so happy and scared at the same time.  My hormones have been racing and the cravings are just annoying.  I won't even get into the tenderness of my breasts.  I also just realized that I have included too many "I's" in this blog.  I suppose I need to get acclimated to the fact that it is going to be "we" and "us" from know on.  So, on that note, WE would like to thank OUR family and friends for all the good words and prayers.  WE will be needing you in these next few years and look forward to sharing OUR new life with you.  Peace!!

Welcome to our page!

Hello, everyone!  I know, I know... It's about time I created our blogpage.  Well, here it is!  I just hope I can be as good as all of you about keeping it updated.  I really enjoy reading all of your blogs.  I will try to make ours as interesting to read.  I never really thought about creating a page because I knew I wouldn't keep up with it...until now.  On April 18th, we found out I'm pregnant!  This is very exciting for us.  What better way to keep everyone updated about our journey than to post blogs for you all to read.  Unfortunately, it's too hard to keep everyone informed on everything individually.  So, for starters...here are some answers to very common questions:

"Are you excited?" - As a matter of fact, we are ecstatic!  I have always wanted to have a bundle of children.  But, for now, we'll start with just one.  Matt is really looking forward to being a dad.

"Do you want a boy or a girl?" - We both want a healthy baby.  I've always wanted to have a boy first, so my kids could have an older brother to look out for them. (I'm not saying my older sister didn't look out for me!!!)  But, neither one of us have a preference.  Matt thinks we will have a girl, because everyone is having girls.  We have 5 nieces and 1 more due in July.  I think it will be a boy because someone has to have one!

and my favorite...

"Were you trying?" - Well, if you mean "were we expressing ourselves like married couples do", then yes.  We were not avoiding it.  We were going to be ready whenever the Good Lord decided to bless us with a child.  Apparently, that time is now.

Now, we've gotten those questions out of the way.  So, I found out on April 18.  I came home and took a test because I was over a week late.  Matt had no idea.  I planned on taking the test and seeing that it was negative so I would just quit thinking about it.  No part of me thought I was pregnant, I just wanted to confirm it.  So, when it came up positive...and it read "PREGNANT", I flipped out.  I couldn't control myself.  I cried.  I came out of the bathroom and Matt asked me if I was ok.  He had a confused look on his face when I said yes, but couldn't quit crying.  So, I showed him the test.  He flipped out, too...in excitement, that is.  It's kind of funny.  I always had an idea of how I wanted to tell him the news whenever I got pregnant.  That all kind of went out the window that day.  I couldn't think straight.  Also, like I said, I was expecting it to be negative.  So, I didn't have a plan.  We were expecting company within the hour.  Our best friends, Rachel and Tony, and precious Addison, were coming over for dinner.  So, they were the first to find out our news.  We obviously couldn't hold it in!  Their daughter, Addison, is 3, and Savannah Brook Kieffer will arrive at the end of July.  I always wanted to be pregnant with my best friend.  She got a head start, but at least their second and our first will only be 4 1/2 months apart.   

The next day we told our parents.  My mom and dad both cried and Walker is so excited about being an uncle at 13.  This is my parents' first grandchild.  My sister, Jennifer, and brother, Philip, both cried too.  It was such a happy occasion!  Matt's mom and dad were equally excited.  This will be their 5th grandchild.  Matt's sister, Marie, has one daughter - Taylor, age 6.  His other sister, Elizabeth, has 3 girls - Madeline, 9; Hannah, 7; and Bella, 5.  So, now we need a boy to add to the family!

I went to my first Dr.'s visit on Friday, May 2.  It was confirmed..I was 7 weeks and due Dec.18th!  Matt kept saying "So, she's pregnant?  She's really pregnant?".  He was a little nervous at first that the test was wrong and here we were telling everyone that I was pregnant!  He just need a little confirmation.  By the time we left, we were walking past the nurses station and he was telling everyone "She's pregnant!  Hey, my wife's pregnant!"  He was a little excited.  He's going to be such a good daddy!  My sister gave us some baby books to read.  She bought Matt a book called So You're Going To Be A Dad.  He couldn't put it down.  He took it to work with him and finished it in a few days.  He's also read What To Expect When You're Expecting, from front to back.  Now he's on a third book.  He's been educating me a bit.

We went for our 2nd visit on Thursday, May 29.  We were going to hear the heartbeat.  The doctor couldn't get the sonogram machine to work, so we had to do an ultrasound.  Oh, darn!  We had to see the baby, instead.  This was such a treat because we weren't supposed to have an ultrasound until I was 20 weeks (end of July).  Words can't express how unbelievable this was.  We got a picture of our little bundle of joy.  Not sure about the gender, yet.  Matt doesn't like it but I keep saying that I have a lime in my grapefruit.  My books say that at 11 weeks, our baby is the size of a large lime and my uterus is the size of a grapefruit.  Therefore, I have a lime in my grapefruit.  Matt says we did not create fruit, we created a baby!  

Having the ultrasound done and getting a picture of our baby just makes this all so much more real.  I keep saying "I don't feel pregnant!"  I just want to feel like I'm pregnant.  Matt says I'll be eating my words later.  I have been fortunate enough to not be sick.  I've gotten sick a few random times, but only due to being sensitive to smells/food.  I have not gained any weight yet and I can't really say I'm showing because I already had a little pudge.

Matt and I are looking forward to this journey and sharing it with all of you.  My next visit will be Thursday, June 26th.  We'll keep you updated!