Wow, it’s been a long time since I’ve posted here. Not because I didn’t want to, I just underestimated the amount of time I’d be busy being a parent! I still manage to surf my favorite blogs and websites from time to time, though, and it was on Flickr that I came across KateDW’s recipe for cheeseburger cupcakes. I tried it out yesterday for my dad’s 70th birthday and they came out great! It was so easy - just a little time-consuming. Next time I’ll try green gel for the relish instead of regular frosting.

Here they are:

My dad’s “birthday cheeseburger” with candle:

… and Julianna wearing a bit of the cheeseburger relish:
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Baby Julianna and I accompanied Andrew on his walk to work this morning. Just as Andrew was reminding me that it was Friday the 13th, this black cat came to the sidewalk from a neighboring yard. As if things couldn’t get any more eerie, another black cat came up the street shortly afterward!

Everyone may have already seen this, but I just viewed it today and it’s hilarious:

Andrew and I went for my 40-week doctor’s visit today. I had a cervix check (not much fun) to see if I’d progressed at all. Apparently not - I’m still not dilated and only a bit effaced. And the baby hasn’t even dropped yet, which usually happens between weeks 38 and 40 in first-time mothers. While this doesn’t necessarily mean I won’t go into labor tonight, I think it might be less of a possibility. Oh well, I could use the extra time to get ready. I wish this nesting instinct would kick in so I could get some work done around the house. Instead, I just feel like vegging out and watching TV, but there’s nothing good on - just reality shows and I hate them.

Anyway, to keep you entertained, here’s a picture of me at Thanksgiving wearing a t-shirt my brother bought for my birthday - “I Beat Anorexia”:

I’ve been terrible about keeping up with this blog lately, but I have an excuse - we’ve been working on the house, getting it ready for Julianna’s arrival (which could be any day now). The nursery is painted and there’s furniture in there, so I’ll get some pictures up shortly. She’ll be sleeping in her crib in our bedroom for at least the first 6 months, but the nursery will be a nice place for her to play.

Here I am at 38 weeks and 4 days pregnant:

Today Andrew and I heard our baby’s heartbeat at our 13-week appointment with the doctor. The heartrate was a healthy 160 bpm. Everything checked out well and I’ll be having my “big” ultrasound on June 20 to find out the baby’s sex. I’m planning on renting a fetal doppler monitor so I can check up on the baby regularly and entertain myself at the same time.

I went to get my “nuchal translucency” screening ultrasound yesterday and got to see the baby looking much more like a baby. At first, it appeared to be sleeping, but after I laughed while laying on the examination table, the baby woke up and became quite active. We saw it wave its arms and legs and flip around. It’s hard to believe this is real!

As if life couldn’t get any more interesting with a never-ending kitchen remodel, I’m pregnant. I’m a little over 10 weeks now and so far it’s been smooth sailing. We’re all thrilled about it and I’m excited to get started on planning the nursery … of course, after the kitchen is finished.

Our baby, due around November 30: