Welcome to the Third Trimester!!

Well, we've made it to the third trimester and preparations for Baby Codd are in full swing. We inherited a changing table/dresser from my boss, Dr. Rick, and ordered a matching crib that should arrive in a few weeks. We're also gearing up for our childbirth preparation class in early March. There are three showers planned in the next two months and one is even virtual; happening via Skype since Carey and I are unable to get to Baltimore before the due date.

At our last doctor's appointment everything looked good and my belly was measuring several weeks bigger than average. Carey thinks this is a sign that baby will come early. Our midwife said it could just mean that baby had a growth spurt. I guess we'll see at our next appointment how things are going. Meanwhile we are working hard on coming up with possible names for this kid. Since we don't know the gender, we obviously have to pick two names, boy and girl, which seems so daunting since picking just one is harder than we thought.

The next three months are probably going to fly by while we finish up getting this world ready for baby. We can't wait to show off our nursery and pics from our upcoming showers. Stay tuned...

Getting Bigger...

Today Mere is officially 24 weeks. Her tummy is expanding and the little guy/gal is kicking, flipping and making his/her presence felt. What fun!

Meredith and Carey Lasso Stork

It's a ??????????

Here is my first attempt at this 'blogging' thing. Carey is the writer so bear with me as I attempt to express my experience in a few paragraphs...

I can't believe we are over halfway there. I am 21 weeks and 4 days today. While the first trimester went by with little morning sickness, fatigue, and other less than pleasant symptoms of pregnancy, the second is turning out to be much the same: negative symptom free. I'm truly having the 'honeymoon' period of pregnancy where I feel great. One thing I think is the most exciting new development is the amount of movement I've been feeling. This baby loves to move and groove!! Carey's had the privilege of catching a few punch/kicks but baby still gets a little performance anxiety as soon as Daddy's hand goes to my belly. Who would have thought Carey and I would have a baby with stage fright?

We went for an ultrasound yesterday and, as to be expected, were both mesmerized by the tiny human body being knitted together inside me by the grace of God and the miracle of science. They checked the brain and all of the internal organs and everything looks perfect. Baby weighs a whole 1 lb. 1 oz.! As far as finding out the gender, I was very tempted to have the tech tell us. But we resisted and the mystery of boy/girl remains. I like knowing that in this technologically advanced day in age when a question of gender is easily answered by a quick wave of the ultrasound wand, Carey and I have opted for the old-fashioned method of waiting until the baby's first cries are met with, "It's a _____!!!!!" I can't, therefore, go out and buy any of the adorable pink flowers or truck covered onesies until after that happens. Bring on the green, yellow, and khaki.

21 Weeks and Counting

Our little boy/girl is moving around more and more inside Mere's tummy. Mom's and Dad's across the world have experienced that feeling for centuries and now it's our turn!

Amazing.

Mere's tummy is getting bigger and bigger and we have an appointment this week to see more pictures of our little one.

We've spent lots of time clearing space for our arrival. We've made at least half a dozen trips to Goodwill as we cleaned out the closets and the attic.

We know the next four months will speed by and we're prepping for lamaze classes, gift registry's and furniture buying. Can't wait.

Welcome to our blog!

This is an exciting time for Meredith and I. We are thrilled to tell all of our friends and family that we are expecting our first child!

Mere is about 14 weeks along and we've wanted to shout the news from the nearest mountaintop (which is difficult since there are no mountaintops in South Florida). We waited a while to let the pregnancy progress and allow our little person a chance to grow.

The time is right to let everyone in on what has been, until now, a closely guarded secret amongst immediate family. And a few strangers -- like the guy at Universal Studios who asked me why my wife wasn't riding the Hulk roller coaster with me. I couldn't think up a lie quickly enough so there's a stranger in Orlando who knew before our parents did.

This week we've heard the baby's heartbeat -- ridiculously loud! -- and seen pictures proving that the baby is human. Heretofore, it had a vaguely frog-like quality.

Our goal is to update the blog as often as we can for family and friends who are near and far, so they can share our joy and see Mere grow...and grow...and grow...and gr(I'll stop now. I think she's a tad self-conscious.)

On a personal note, it continues to blow my mind that this woman I met nearly 12 years ago at a rehearsal for A Chorus Line is carrying my child. We have both grown and labored over the years as individuals and as a couple. Meredith is taking beautiful care of herself and our little nugget...We are grateful to be on this journey as we await the arrival of our little guy/gal.