Little Kicks

No, I am not talking about Elaine's dance moves on Seinfeld. I am talking about the moving and groving Baby Brian is doing inside my belly.

I had been waiting to feel that first amazing movement and finally I did...about two weeks ago. But, it was more of a little flutter - so little in fact, it left me doubting that it was Baby Brian vs. a little indigestion!

But, Baby Brian is developing a routine. I feel little kicks around 8am, 4pm, and again around 9pm. (He/she might be moving around during the day, but so am I.) And, these kicks are getting stronger and stronger. I can actually feel them by placing my hand over my belly. Unfortunately, each time this has happened, Billy had been no where near me. I want to see his face when he feels those little kicks.

Anyway, it's been fun and amazing. I described it as a blessing...Billy said it was just his boy throwing bullpens already. (Such a proud papa.)

Bun in the Oven

Yep, Billy and I are expecting Baby Brian this Halloween! I am just over fourteen weeks pregnant and finally feeling good. The first trimester was pretty rough - lots of morning sickness and fatigue. But, I am now experiencing that glorious second trimester spurt of energy!

We've had one ultrasound and heard the heartbeat a few times. All is well. Baby Brian has a strong heartbeat and as of yesterday was a bundle of energy constantly moving around.

I'd post some "baby bump" photos, but the "bump" hasn't quite appeared yet. But, don't worry, it is on its way and pictures will be forthcoming.

Thanks for all the wonderful words of love and encouragement everyone has given us. We're so excited about our new family and happy to share it with all of you.

SNOW!

Our Street

I know, I know...snow...in Mandeville...in early December? Well we wouldn't have believed it either. But, here it is!!

Our humble abode

The Cul de Sac

The Murphster enjoying his first snow!

Making up for lost time

Well, the Brians have been very busy since November. Marcus got married; the Brian Family Christmas helped christen our new home; we spent our first Christmas all together in Montgomery, Texas (thanks to a cancelled flight); Billy and I put some finishing touches on the house; and I accepted a new job. Whew...

The last stand...Marcus' Bachelor Party

Rehearsal Dinner Photos

Thanks to a cancelled flight, Marcus and Robyn were able to spend their first Christmas as a married couple with the Brian family in Texas! Who would have thought we'd be so happy about an airline mistake!?

And finally, two very good looking men.

It's Tool Time

The AMAZING cake

To help celebrate the pending nuptials of the youngest Brian sibling (aka Marcus) Billy and I, with the help of Elizabeth and family, hosted a "Tool Time" shower. Here are some of the pictures from the affair. I'd say the party was a success...seeing as the party started a 3pm and the last guests left at 11:30pm...

The spread...

Murphy waiting for his shot at the spread....

Billy and Marcus

The Proud Parents...

Floor!

The living room...just ignore the copious amounts of dust...

We finally have floor! Last night, with Chad's help, we finished laying the wood floor in the living room and dining room. The wood looks beautiful...but it could stand a good cleaning now - that damn dust won't go away!

We laid the tile in the master bathroom and downstairs bathroom. So now all that's left is the kitchen and the upstairs bath. Then, we have to grout it all. That sounds like fun! (Can you sense the sarcasm???)

More updates later...

Tear down that wall!

Well the wall is down. Marcus came over a last weekend and helped Billy finish tearing down the wall between the kitchen and the sunroom. It was every bit as long a process as we thought it would be. First, we had to tear out all the sheet rock. Then we had to sever the electrical wire (that was fun...and Marcus has a scar to prove it!).

Now you see it... Now you don't!

Next Marcus and Billy built a temporary wall to support the sunroom. Then came the really fun part...actually knocking down the load bearing wall. We were happy to hear...or not hear...any creaking or movement the whole time. Anyway, Marcus and Billy then placed the 12x2 support beams in the new wall and the Robyn and I (yep...we weren't just sitting there looking pretty) helped place the 2x4s to support the new load bearing beams.

All in all it was quite a bit of work...but so worth it! The new space looks TWICE the size and we're so very happy with the result.

On to the floors...

On the Street Where You Live

Our humble abode...just ignore the POD in the driveway.

Well...we're back. Billy and I have moved from Denham Springs into our new home back in Mandeville. Ok, we haven't technically "moved in" yet. We bought a beautiful house that needed a little work. It's got "great bones," or so I'm told; but it definitely needed some cosmetic improvements.

The Kitchen - with and without a ceiling...

So, Billy and I are doing some remodeling (and my parents are helping a bit too). The downstairs wil be receiving all new flooring and a fresh coat of paint. The kitchen will be a total redo with new appliances and countertops, and we're knocking out a wall or two for a better floor plan (did I mention that through all this I'm studying for the bar???)

The foyer...with and without floor.

Making way from the breakfast area to the sunroom...

Anyway, I'll post more pictures as we progess. Hope when we're done everyone will come by and visit!

That's my story...

So last weekend was our girls' weekend in Florida for Rebecca's Bachelorette Party. We had so much fun; it was a welcome break from the humdrum of law school.

The weekend was especially funny when Jenny met some people and said, "__________." Then Garrett said, "___________." We had a good laugh with that one.

Garrett's brother, Bill, serenades Rebecca. It was sooo lovely.

Oh, and then while we were out Rebecca _________ and then she ________ and finally she _________. I thought Jess and Kim would blush but they just __________. Stephanie had fun to; she _________ all night.

Oh, and though she doesn't think we know about it, Jessica ______ with ______ in the _______!

Of course, I was a perfect angel.

Meanwhile, back home Billy added some much needed mulch to the garden. Sounds like we both had fun weekends.

Playing Catch Up

Yea, yea, yea...I know it's been a while since I posted, but I've been busy. And yes, I know that's not a good excuse since we're all busy. But, whatever, here goes.

For Christmas this year Billy and Murphy and I traveled to Conroe, Texas for the Brian family Christmas party.

I really enjoyed it, especially since this is the first time I've ever been able to make it for the Brian family Christmas.

Ann and Harry were very gracious hosts and it was so nice to catch up with family members we don't often see.

Also, we were able to preview Debbie and Tom's new home in Montgomery. They're now officially moved in and we can't wait to make our first trip to visit.

In December my law school friends and I hosted a "sweet" bridal shower for our dear friend Rebecca. Rebecca is set to marry her college sweetheart in May of this year.

The shower was so much fun, but her bachelorette weekend is next weekend, and I think it might be even more fun!

This year for Mardi Gras we took Murphy to the Puppy Parade in Baton Rouge. He seemed to enjoy himself, but he didn't handle not being the center of attention very well. Do you think he's spoiled?!

Also, Billy and I went "dogless" to New Orleans with some friends and spent the Saturday before Mardi Gras on St. Charles. We had a wonderful time, but I'm done with Mardi Gras for a while. I'm getting too old for it!

So, besides all that, Billy and I have been doing very well. Billy is still working for Marine Interior Systems and is looking forward to moving to the Northshore and ending his long commute. I am looking forward to graduating lawschool in May. The countdown has begun! Of course, once law school is over, preparing for the bar exam begins - oh joy.