Southern Greek Girl

I woke up yesterday morning to hiccups coming from inside my belly. Baby J had the hiccups for the first time! What a sweet sensation..... quickly followed by the kicking and punching that cause my stomach to look as though is were about to burst open. I must admit, it was very strange to watch my stomach jump around like that. I don't think I ever watched it with Abi. I just put my hand down to feel it. Maybe it was because I was in meetings and working and didn't feel I could look down, or maybe it just never crossed my mind to watch and see. However, there is still something calming yet exciting about the feeling and the strange appearance of all the internal activity. You wonder what goes on in there.... what she is thinking, what she is trying to accomplish through all the movement, etc. A co-worker opened my eyes to another thought when I was pregnant with Abi. She said, "I always wonder what the conversations are like between God and the developing baby. Are they conversations of what He is calling them to do in life, constant affirmation of their existence, just unconditional love...?" What a sweet thought to think about the conversations God is already having with our baby girl.

I am sure you are reading this and wondering, "Why the strange title." Well here is the answer! Abi has begun to talk a little as I am sure you all have guessed. When she hears us on the phone, someone is leaving, she is heading up for a nap or bed, etc. and a "bye" is in order, she comes out with, "Bah!" (yes, that is bye with a southern accent). She is always so proud of herself and we always repeat is just like her which brings HUGE smiles to her face and ours. I am not sure if she picked that up from me while hearing me on the phone with friends from Nashville, or what (I get a little bit of my accent back when I am talking with my friends), but it sure if fun to hear!

Now you are wondering, "Where is the Greek in all of this?" She just recently started saying, "up" when she wants to get up on the couch, come up for a hug.... except when she says it, it comes out as, "Upah!" Always with great emphasis and exclamation. She sounds Greek! Too funny. So there you have it. Our Southern Greek Girl! We love it and can't wait to hear what else she comes up with!

Melinda Doolittle Update

Hey everyone! Melinda Doolittle's first single is out today on iTunes! See below to download it now. It is fantastic!




Also, here is some information I received from a friend regarding Melinda's upcoming albums:

Melinda is busy working on three albums right now. The first will be released in June and will include mainly cover tunes (songs that have been recorded by other artists or songs that have already been written but never recorded). She will also release a Christmas album this year. The third album will be more soulful music with many songs written or co-written by her, and this album is set to be released sometime after the first of the year since it will take a little longer to put together. She is working on these projects under an independent record label (I don't know the particulars right now). She plans to release additional singles as she completes those tracks.I will let you know the particulars on the full CD release dates and other single releases when I have them, but I wanted you to know about her first single. Get "My Funny Valentine" Today (Click on link above)! Also, you should be able to call and request this song on your local radio stations!

Her other "upcoming project" is a tour for Dryers Slow Churned Ice Cream. From what I understand, she will be making appearances and doing concerts in various cities around the country to promote the new ice cream flavors. But the cool part is that you could win a private concert by her! Go to http://dreyers.slowchurned.com/idol/ for more details about the cities and appearances.

Subscription

Because I am a bit infrequent these days with my postings, I have added a place on the left-hand column for you to subscribe if you want to receive an email when I publish a post. One day I will be more consistent with these!

Thank you everyone!

Trips to the Doctor

Both Abi and I had appointments this week and all went well. I started out the week with my 28 week appointment. Everything seems to be growing well! My tummy is right on target, the nurse said, "Well it's about time you out on some weight!" (yeah, still not quite sure how to take that one :)), ultrasound shows everything growing well and I had the lovely Glucola test. I just found out that I failed the Glucola test, so I get the opportunity to spend 3 hours in the doctor's office next week! How fun! Not sure what to expect, but all the ladies there are fun so I guess I can chalk it up to a "getting to know you" session :)

Abi had shots and cried for a total of about 3 seconds - really! She watched the shot go into her arm and it wasn't until it came out and the nurse turned away that she started to get a pouty lip. She stopped with the cry as soon as I turned her around so she could get one in the other arm. After that one, she cried for a second until I put her upon my shoulder! Then she was done! I asked her is she was ready to get dressed and go home and she quickly replied, "Yeah!" Everything else with her is great. She is now in the 20th percentile!!!! Yippee!! She is growing for sure! She was born in the negative 5th percentile, so this is quite a leap for her. She has slowly been moving herself up the charts! She has also finally reach 20 pounds..... 20 lbs and 1 oz to be exact. She is petite, but very strong (yes, the doctor mentioned how strong her legs and hips are) and is growing at a great rate. She also keeps us laughing! Man she is funny and so sharp!!! Nothing gets past her....

Well, I think that's about all that is new for the moment. I am sure I'll have some more funny stories soon! Why, you ask? Well, because I have come close to tripping on the stairs a few time in the past week! Now that I am getting tired again, I know my feet and legs are getting lazy. It's just a matter of time! The good news? The bruise from the fall I had the day before Abi was born is finally almost gone! Yes it has taken quite a while for all of that to heal. The shin is a hard place to heal!

Happy thoughts and lots of smiles!