Our little popsicle is here!

Emma Katherine Hoff

9/27/07, 11:25pm

7lb 14oz

A pregnant woman WILL change her mind!

Ok, today's post will be a lot less serious. I can *finally* post pics of the finished nursery. The only thing missing from this picture is the lamp behind the chair with a light blue shade.

As you can see - I have changed some things. I decided to go with a more romantic theme to match the furniture. So while it's not totally "shabby chic" I think it works pretty well all together. Enjoy!

Close of up the new bedding - mostly pinks and blues.

New Chair - it's awesome! It rocks, glides AND reclines. Thank you Grandma Lee!

Close up of the chair and the new lace sheers.

One of these will be her coming home outfit - I can't decide!

Her dresser, topper and the frame above it is one that *I* made 20 years ago! It says "I love ice cream". My dad kept it and gave it to me on my 30th birthday. And what better place to put it then in Emma's room? It's also apropos - I have been enjoying lots and lots of ice cream! :)

The armoire, hamper and closet door.

View of side of armoire, walking in the room.

This little pipsqueak already has a better wardrobe than either one of us! :)

And just for kicks - me at 38.5 weeks! Aaagh!

Things I am grateful for Today: (and by no means is this an exhaustive list!)

1) Emma has turned! That's right, our little buttercup is "locked and loaded". I have no idea whether she decided to turn on her own, or if the accupuncture, massage, chiropractice, hypnosis, flashlight shining, ironing board lying, polar bear positioning that I tried had anything to do with it! :)

2) The weather has cooled off!! I almost melted last weekend (Labor Day) - and yes, I mean literally. It was approximately 95-98 degrees in the sun in San Diego, and it was 4000 degrees inside our house (we have no A/C). If it weren't for the use of three fans, very little clothing, 19 popsicles and the ocean five blocks away, I wouldn't have survived. It is a cool 69 degrees outside now.

3) I am officially done with work - at least until 2008! It was an almost surreal experience walking out of my building at 6:30pm on Friday afternoon. I was by far, the only person there, and I kept having panic attacks that I had forgotten to hand off an event, or that I didn't show my staff where I left a particular binder, table, key, whatever. I guess I felt this uber-sense of responsibility, like I was abandoning my post. I worked very hard to make sure that everything I was working on was organized and documented for my replacement - but it was still hard. I guess I had come to really appreciate my role as a manager, and I felt very protective of my staff. I also had another thought, as I was putting my box of things into the back of my car: I've been in that position for exactly 9 months. In other words, Emma and I had been working together as a team for the entire time that I was Manager of Project and Event Support. Pretty cool, huh? We already make a great team! :)

4) I am grateful for having such an amazing support team of friends and family, who generosity has allowed us to barely have to supply anything for Emma's arrival. I think we're set - and we're set really well. And I truly appreciate it.

5) That my weight gain has finally stopped! I think the pea-size stomach I have these days is primarily responsible. Of course, I think I'm making up for it by retaining water. My poor, poor feet. I am sorry.

43

What's 43? That's the total popsicle consumption count for me for the month of August. It's been THAT hot!!

Oh, and it was worth every single one. :)

Absolutely Preg-Tastic

It's warm in San Diego right now - and because our house doesn't have A/C, it's actually much more comfy outside. So for my birthday, Roger got me the best thing EVER - especially for a pregnant body. It's the "Outback Lounger". This is a combination hammock/chair and includes a footrest (this is a must). We finally got the stand for it, and set it up outside. This is where you'll find me most nights. :)

Just chillin' like a villain

You can see why Parker loves it too - he comes up and dumps his tennis ball right in my lap. I have no excuse NOT to throw it!

I'm in my 30's.......and now in my thirties!

This is the most recent belly pic: 30 weeks today. Not much longer now! I had to take it in the bathroom so you could actually see the outline. Of course, I post this with reasonable hesitation :-P

Showers of love

These pics are from my fabulous baby shower thrown for me at Roger's parents house. It was such a beautiful day, and we sat outside overlooking Norma's garden. The best part for me was seeing all my friends and family. The weekend went by way too quickly, and neither Roger or I wanted to come back!

Here is a picture of me with my "first" Emma, and our Emma's namesake. This woman is like a second mother to me and Anna. After I was born, and my mom went back to work, she came to take care of me when I was just 5 months old. She has been my guardian angel ever since. Emma is from Bolivia, and always spoke Spanish to both Anna and I while we grew up. That's how we became fluent! I was SO happy and honored to have her at our shower, since she is very, very special to me (and my family).

A recent picture of the original "Goddard Girls". Looking good ladies!

The fabulous spread that Norma created for the shower. Isn't it AMAZING!?

Rachael helps me record all the wonderful baby goodies, and Morgan was my very special helper that day. I couldn't have done it without these two girls!

Opening the "Grateful Dead" onesie from my family -- too cute!

Check out our little popsicle!

We had our 3-D sonogram pictures done last Wednesday. It was the coolest thing I have ever done! I could have watched her move all day long. We got some great pictures thanks to our very patient and thorough technician.

I think Roger and I both agree that she looks like she inherited his button nose (yay!) and maybe my chin. Not sure about the lips or eyes yet, but it's just fun to get a glimpse. Here are the three best pics:

So, do you think a girl lives here?

It's not quite finished, but I couldn't resist sharing photos of Emma's room. It's a way nicer room than I ever had, I just had TOO much fun putting this together.

I hope you enjoy - I know I have! I literally just go in here and stare. :)

I am trying to figure out on which walls to hang which pieces. Then, all we really need is the crib mattress and changing pad. Hopefully, in about a month we'll receive our glider. That can't come soon enough because momma needs to put her feet up!