Birthday week!!!

Yes...it is FINALLY birthday week :) My favorite time of the year (next to Halloween!)...woo hoo! Last night we celebrated with the Bales at Cafe Allegro and today at work we went to lunch and then to PIX for a birthday treat. It was delicious! Here are a couple pics of the yummy dessert I got...Amelie :)


PS - my weird hand thing above was because I thought the sparkler candle was going to set me on fire :)

Love,
The Birthday Girl

Bigger than a Ken doll! (week 27)

Let's see...we had a lot of fun this week doing lots of things :) We went to both of the Blazer playoff games, although Saturday's was much more enjoyable :) We also went over to Caryn and Jeff's to watch the Tuesday night Blazer game and get our "Luke fix" - it was fun to catch up and see them. Saturday night we went to dinner with the Fetrow's and had a pitch game night. The big winner was Nick, who didn't lose one of the ten games we played. Brad says this was because it wasn't for money ;) Sunday we cleaned the house and then headed out to find something fun to do in Portland on this sunny day. We ended up going for a drive all over the place, stopping to have a bit of wine in an orchard and then hit up the Medieval Fair in Forest Grove (good people watching) before going to Carlton for dinner. All in all, it was a great week and we are BOTH looking forward to my birthday week starting Monday ;) Poor Nick...he did know what he was getting into though before we got hitched :)

We had an exciting week with baby movements - our little man got his first case of hiccups (that I could feel) on Friday night at 1am. I felt so bad for him...there is nothing I can do and he was moving all over trying to get a comfy spot and make them stop. Luckily, it only lasted for about 10 minutes. Other than his hard and constant movements, I am still feeling really good. We are headed to Lincoln City for a couple days to celebrate my birthday and I am looking forward to just relaxing and hanging out.

Baby boy is now LONGER than a Ken Barbie doll and weighs over 2 pounds. He is growing like a weed and can now open his eyes and blink. His immune system is growing and getting stronger too...so hopefully no colds early on :)

Next week we start our 7th month and 3rd trimester...unreal! We have a dr appt on May 5th (Cinco de Mayo!!!) so we will hear the heartbeat and measure my uterus. So far so good! :)

Love,

The Bales

PS - Since it worked last time, GO BLAZERS!

Spring is here!!! (26 weeks)

This has been a great (busy) week...we went to the Blazer game with the Sleeman's and Parker came with us. Nick was so happy he was the one who took him to his first game :) Then on Friday, I got a surprise delivery from our wedding florist, Lacy, with an adorable arrangement from my fabulous husband :) He is the best! That night we went to Matt and Kim Clark's wedding - it was such a nice evening and a wonderful celebration. Saturday night we went to the Timbers home opener with Tay and Brad and had a blast. Finally, today we had brunch with Kelly and friends to send her off to work for another 2 months. Fun and full week of events and activities!

Oh - and yes, I FINALLY planted our planters in the front of the house. They look so much better...it only took 3 years ;)

At 26 weeks I am feeling pretty good! Getting tired again - but we are almost into our third trimester so I guess that is going to happen. Other then the occasional hip pain, I really do feel awesome. I am so lucky to have such a nice pregnancy (I don't dare say "easy") so far...

Our little man is almost two pounds and is about 14 inches tall (think cucumber). He can now inhale and exhale small amounts of amniotic fluid - which is getting him ready for his first big breath! Apparently, his testicles are now "dropping" - this takes 2 or 3 days. I bet you are so glad I shared that ;) 

We are so excited the weather has been getting better and are taking advantage of it. Hopefully it sticks around so we can get out again this week. The dogs are loving being outside :) 

Love,

The Bales

PS - GOOOO Blazers!

Cookies, candy and cake galore!!! ;)

Just kidding...but I could if I wanted to! Just heard from the doctor today that I DO NOT have gestational diabetes! :) Very exciting and good to hear since my mom had it and it is usually genetic. All is well and healthy...time for a doughnut to celebrate ;)

The size of a rutabaga??? (week 25)

This week we were busy with work, friend dinners (thank you Yee's) and gatherings (congrat's again Sleeman's!!!) - as well as trying to finish the nursery and get the house into some sort of order. We both were in the yard and cleaning house/doing laundry. You know, the fun part of married stuff :) It has been a busy time, but we are getting so excited for our main man to be here in 15 weeks (this is me being hopeful!).

I am doing well - we had our dr apt last week and I took the glucose test. It was not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be - phew! We should have results this week, but the doctor didn't seem to think it would be bad news. I am still having quite a bit of hip pain...which is not fun. This is of course "normal" so there isn't much you can do for it. On the up side, I am still able to sleep through babies kicks all night...so at least I am getting shut eye.

I have no idea what a Rutabaga is, but apparently little man is now 13 1/2 inches long! He weighs about a pound and a half and now has his hair :) If we could see him right now, we would know his hair color! However, most babies lose that hair and grow in something else. He is also starting to put on some fat and lose the wrinkles...I bet he is getting SOOO cute :)

This week is looking a little more relaxed...so I will treasure that and just enjoy it :)

Love,

The Bales

Officially a Bales :)

That's right...I made it official! Today Nick and I hit up the DMV and Social Security office and made me Alicia Bales. :) About time...I know, I know. At least we did it before the baby is born ;)

Foot long, who's got the foot long?! (week 24)

We do!!! The baby is now about a foot long - which is roughly the length of an ear of corn :)

Let's see...this week was kind of low key, but picked up a bit towards the weekend. We are both busy at work (with my boss out for three weeks and Nick doing a couple deals), and then Friday night we went to dinner and the Michael Buble concert with a few of the Weber's :) It was a great night, great people and wonderful music. Saturday we had a couple birthday parties and then today is of course Easter :) We had church and breakfast with the Bales/Weber clan and are headed to a late brunch with the Lindquist side. Lots of good food and family time.

I am getting bigger and bigger (as you can see!) which tells me this "little" guy may not be so little. I can't imagine how much I will grow in the next 16 weeks. In fact, I just try not to think about it :) I am still feeling good, the shortness of breath is a little embarrassing at work sometimes, but other than that all is well.

As I mentioned, the little one is about a foot long! His lungs and taste buds are developing more rapidly now. His skin is still translucent, but that will begin to change over the next few weeks. He should start putting on some fat too...I will gladly give him some of mine! :)

This week we have our doctor appointment so we will let you know how that goes next week. Have a hoppy and safe Easter ;)

Love,
The Bales