Tears and TinTin Cookies

Alien!!!

This week Dan and I have run the gauntlet of emotion: joy, laughter, fun and tears! Here's how the story goes...

About a week ago, I experienced my first, full-blown break down. I had been hearing mothers talk about them each time I was asked to share a story about my pregnancy, but I continued to tell myself, "Buck up, Sunny! Ladies have babies all the time--no need for a meltdown." So, in true fashion-I have been holding up like workhorse. Go to work-check, run-check, garden and weed-check, clean the house-check, grade papers-check...I was moving along like a freaking juggernaut, but in the back of my mind, this little voice kept telling me, "Hey Sunny, you and Dan are about to have a baby! Just a matter of weeks now! Are you scared? Have you finished the nursery? Are you nervous about breast feeding? What about a long-term sub?" The questions continued and that little voice shifted into a roaring yell in no time. So, last week I retired to bed thinking I was in for a good night's rest. I attempted to ignore the roaring voice in my mind through reruns of The Office and witty exchanges of banter with Dan. Well, wouldn't you know, I woke up in the middle of the night and all those anxieties that I was trying to avoid had flooded my dreams. I popped out of bed in tears!  Dan woke upon hearing my sniffles and sobs and boy did I vent to him--what a great coach by the way! He knew exactly what to say! Despite the fact that snot was running down my chin, my nostrils swelled to the size of raisins and I was barely able to articulate anything--he understood and we talked through it. I realized that I am entitled to a meltdown or two--they are even necessary. Having a baby is scary business and it really freaks people out once they realize the life-changer they're getting into. It's strange to say, but I awoke feeling fresh and renewed. 
 
I think this little meltdown led Dan and me down a path of motivation. This past weekend we made sure to pick up our crib, which Matt and Julie had so generously offered to us, we popped by IKEA for nursery inspiration and we now have things in place to put the nursery together! Plus, we started our birthing classes this week. All I can say about that is that delivery sounds SCARY!


On another note: Dan was treated to a Tin-Tin cake and a yummy BBQ! We hadn't celebrated with Madeleine, so she made sure to treat Dan to birthday goodies! Check out the yummy cookie! SO FUN! 

So Cool!

Dannyboy has a birthday!

Birthday Time!

This week marked Dan's 33rd birthday! We both reflected on how this was a unique birthday, as it was closing the book on birthdays sans baby. Next year, we'll look at birthdays in a whole new light! We'll probably focus a lot more of our attention on our little girl's birthday. Does that mean that we'll start going to bakeries and ordering "Princess" themed cakes or purchasing pink, frilly pinatas? We may, but our hope is that we're sensible enough to realize that we don't need to go too crazy for a one-year-old--isn't the celebration often for parents anyway?

Dan's birthday was a great success--it was a low-key birthday, but it was just what he needed. With water polo and work in full swing, he needed a day to decompress. He was treated to coffee cake in the morning, a one-hour massage from Massage Envy, silly gifts, birthday songs and dinner out with his best friend Andrew. It was a lovely day and we were glad to spend it together!

We ate dinner at Wood Ranch, a local steak house that Dan loves! We got to talk lots and eat yum-yum guacamole, burgers, tri-tip and roasted veggie salad!


Upon returning home, Dan opened more gifts!

Dan and I also received a gift for the nursery--the baby's first picture for her room! Thanks Andrew!

It was fun to imagine what her room will finally look like once it's finished...that will be my birthday present--a completed nursery! :)

Birdies and Bear!


Happy Birthday, Danny!

A Fresno Weekend...

Well, here we are in our 29th week! The 30th week is around the corner and that number is really making Dan and I realize that babygirl is coming so soon! We became even more aware of this reality with our visit to Fresno over the Labor Day weekend! We had such a good time visiting with family and friends, especially our cutie niece, Caitlyn.

Papa Matt, Uncle Danny and little Caitlyn

Caitlyn was the most adorable highlight of our weekend and also the most eye-opening. Being with our niece over the weekend was a great mini-training lesson for what's to come. Now, I have been told by many of the sleep deprivation, feeding hours and surprises that come with infants, but it wasn't until I witnessed Matt and Julie relay their experiences to us over the past two months, coupled with seeing our niece firsthand and in close quarters that Dan and I put imagined experiences aside and traded them in for the real thing! We were given some sound, realistic, sometimes scary, but always well intended advice. While it did wake us from our little bubble that we so comfortably live in, it also made us really excited for the future. Caitlyn is adorable! She looks at everything with the wonderment and awe that only an infant can! If I got the same pleasure and amusement from watching a ceiling fan spin, I would be set for life! Now, she also spent a great deal of her time observing a harpoon that is hanging above the living room in the Hipp house; I don't know what that means, but it was incredibly funny! Maybe we have a mariner on our hands. It was so heart warming to watch Caitlyn curl into her G'ma's shoulder and nap, or when she would coo and form spit bubbles on her lips (why isn't it cute when I do that?). She is simply exquisite!

G'ma with her little lady!

In addition to our amazing adventures in the Hipp house, I also was honored with a spectacular baby shower, hosted by three lovely ladies: Jean, Gwynn, and Robin, three of Sue's awesome friends! The shower was so much fun! We drew babies on our heads (don't ask), ate yummy food, laughed a lot and managed to turn even the sweetest baby items into some twisted innuendo (Thanks to Robin and myself). All I can say is that these ladies know how to party--TOO MUCH FUN! My cheeks hurt from laughing so hard during the afternoon.

The host-i with the most-i!

Here are some of the sweetest moments:

Grandma and Mama-to-be

The party was really special to me. Dan and I both felt celebrated and excited for this new part of our lives. Thanks to everyone who "showered" baby with love!

Now, if this wasn't enough--I was even able to see my big brother, Rob and my sister-in-law Marybeth, as well as our nieces Bekah and Bethany! We did a little celebrating of our own too at a local yogurt shop. Did you know that there is shop that exists that sells both frozen yogurt and grilled cheese sandwiches?! Well, now you do! Who would've thought?

Big Bro serving up some tea!

Dan looking awesome!

Our weekend was awesome! We truly feel blessed. It was great to see so much family and know that all these people will love little girl SO much!

Crazy Grandparents!