A Better Shave, a Birthday and a Baby Update

Our house is officially on the market. We've had one call, but I don't think they were "the ones." I forgot how hard it is to keep the house clean and ready for visitors at any minute. Our house in Birmingham sold in 10 days, and I figure we won't get that lucky again. If anyone is looking for a house in Montgomery, send them our way.

Bailey was shaved today for the second time this year. As some of you may recall, I let them shave her tail last time-- bad idea. She looks much better this time.

We celebrated my mom's birthday last weekend in Opelika. We started at Outback then came home for cake, ice cream and personality testing. Yes, you read that correctly; I made all of my family members take a test to determine their DISC profiles. I attended a class last week that involved taking the test, and I wanted to see if I correctly guessed my family members' profiles. I loved it, and they tolerated it well.

I went back to the doctor Monday for my 15 week check-up. We find out if Baby Reed is a boy or a girl on August 18th at 8:30 am. That is less than 3 weeks away! I really don't have a preference on gender, but I'm praying that he or she is healthy. I know the big ultrasound isn't just about finding out the sex. I wanted to think of a creative way to announce the boy or girl news, but I think we'll just spill it. Mike's parents didn't catch on to Bailey's shirt, so I'm thinking a more direct approach may work better:)

Finally

I finally figured out how to use the Photoshop Elements program that I bought weeks ago! Now the problem is my lack of creativity. I spent forever making this new header but can't figure out what backgrounds look best with it (most of them look too busy). At least I know how to use it now. Stay tuned for some new looks...

And here's another finally... We are putting our house on the market Wednesday! We've been debating about putting the house on the market (as well as where to move if/when it sells) for months. We finally took the plunge. We're getting it extensively cleaned tomorrow; and as of Wednesday, we'll have to keep it clean. Poor Bailey will have to stay outside during the day now. I'm praying that if God wants us to move, the house will see quickly. When we find out if Baby Reed is a boy or a girl, I'm going to want to start shopping and planning the nursery:)

I always like to include pictures (and belly pics are out of the question right now), so here is a picture of our prissy dog...

Happy Birthday Mike!

Mike prefers to make funny faces in pictures

Today is Mike's 29th birthday! I met Mike a few days before his 21st birthday, and we started dating a few months later. That means we've been together for almost 8 years:) He's already told me he wants a big party for his 30th birthday, so I'm open to ideas.

We're going to dinner tonight at Bonefish, and hopefully we'll get away for a beach trip in the next couple of months.

We love you, Mike! Happy Birthday!

Love,

April. Bailey and Baby Reed

Thank you

Thank you all so much for your messages and prayers for Baby Reed. I LOVE seeing the voting results!! Mike and I will be ecstatic either way, but I can't wait to find out if we're having a boy or a girl. We've decided we're not going to focus on a name until we know the sex. My super laid-back husband isn't so easygoing when it comes to naming our child. I was kind-of hoping he'd just go along with my ideas, and that isn't happening:)

Just for "voting" purposes, I will give you a little more information about me and Baby Reed. The Chinese calendar says Girl. The heart beat has been in the 160's. I have only thrown up one time, but felt nauseated often. I've been drinking gallons of apple juice and orange juice (the low sugar kinds). I'm craving McDonalds nuggets, hamburgers and Arbys roast beef sandwiches. I do not feel pretty (Do people really feel pretty during pregnancy? How does one become one of these people?) I am not "showing," but I do look like I've put on a few pounds... which I have. Anyone need to change a vote?

In other news, Bailey is sick. I went to McDonalds yesterday for lunch and brought it home. They gave me 11 nuggets instead of 10, so I gave Bailey a nugget. I also gave her a few french fries. Her stomach has been very upset since yesterday. I feel badly; I felt even worse when I saw the stinky accident on the floor (her 2nd accident in 3 years... the first one was when I gave her part of a milkshake). Hopefully she will feel better soon. I decided not to share my Arby's with her tonight:)

This Saturday is Mike's 29th birthday, so we're looking forward to a fun weekend. And Baby Luke is coming home tomorrow! I can't wait to meet him and see his sweet family! Please keep the Martins in your prayers.

Exciting news...

We has some news... Bailey is going to be a big sister! No, we're not getting another dog (yet)... we're having a baby!

I'm a little over 12 weeks pregnant, and Baby Reed is due Jan. 18, 2009. We've had one ultrasound and heard the heart beat a few times (thankfully, I have a great doctor who will let me come in anytime to hear the little heart beat.) I've been feeling okay. The oddest pregnancy symptom I've had is crazy dreams... nightly. Has anyone else experienced crazy dreams during pregnancy?

We find out the sex of the baby in about 6 weeks. Most people are guessing girl, but I'm kind-of thinking boy, at least for today :) We'll be thrilled either way. Please join us in praying for a healthy baby.

10 years

I can't believe I graduated from high school 10 years ago. I've been out of college and working for six years. Mike and I have been married for over four years and together for almost eight years. Bailey will be four in September. I am 28, and Mike will be 29 in a few weeks. Crazy... but the past 10 years have been great.

All of this reflection stems from my high school reunion, which was last weekend. It was an experience. I don't think I've ever seen Mike laugh so hard in his life. Did anyone else have a self-nominated "best dressed" contest that turned into a "dance-off" at your reunion? Yes, you might need to read that question again. And no, I did not participate.

Here are some pictures from the weekend:

I know my dress was too short. Unfortunately, I didn't know until my mom pointed it out once I got to Opelika and put on the dress. Oh well... it was a great excuse not to "get low" during the dance contest. If anyone has any funny reunion stories, I'd love to hear them; and I'm pretty sure I can top them.

ps- I thought I was going "Pro" blogger and ordered Adobe Photoshop Elements. It came in today, and it's not very easy to use. Does anyone have it and know how to use it?