Don’t worry, I’m still alive…

Posted on December 17, 2013 by carlieblissirwin

And so is Nick!

Which is fantastic, since the very purpose of my existence these past couple of months has been to keep him that way.

Let me ask you something: are you aware that it’s already December? Because it’s taken me well over a week of being barraged by Christmas lights, trees and holiday-themed advertising to realize that it’s not October anymore. Somehow, that month has come and gone. And I’m pretty sure that for the very first time in history, November never happened at all.

So what have I been up to these past couple months? There’s been a lot of couch-sitting, daytime TV watching and not showering. And I’m exhausted. I guess I forgot to mention the feeding, pumping, soothing, playing and diaper changing.

On any given day, if you ask me what I’ve done during the past 12 hours, my response will most likely be “I have NO idea.” But you know what I actually did do? I survived. I may not know if it’s Monday or Saturday or what the weather is like outside, but I can tell you how many times Nick pooped and who the guests were on Ellen. So that’s something.

All in all, these past couple months have been pretty great. We’ve been blessed with a well-behaved kid who is exceptionally adorable and likes to sleep somewhat regularly.

Addendum: I started writing this post at the beginning of December. Two weeks later… it’s still not finished. This is pretty much how everything in my life is working right now. So while Nick is passed out in his swing, I’m going to hurry up and post this before he wakes up and another two weeks go by!

Oh, and here are some pics of Mr. Nickster because CUTENESS.

Meet Nick

Posted on October 25, 2013 by carlieblissirwin

He’s here!

Nicholas David Irwin was born on October 9 at 5:43 pm, weighing in at 7 lbs, 10 oz of pure cuteness!

I’ll post more about the whole experience and how parenthood is going later (spoiler: I’ve been pleasantly surprised), but right now the dairy farm (me) is working overtime trying to get this little guy to bulk up! It’s all boobs, bottles and babies over here…

The baby’s room

Posted on September 30, 2013 by carlieblissirwin

Well, eight days before my due date, we finally have the baby’s room ready! I have to say, I’m pretty pleased with the way it turned out. It’s cozy and colorful and full of adorable animals (including Gatsby).

Check it out!

Now all it needs is a baby!

And speaking of babies (which I’ve been doing a lot of lately), my sister had hers! Little Weston was born a little over a week ago, and was kind of enough to let me practice my newborn holding skills on him.

His unborn cousin served as a nice little ledge for extra support.

So I guess it’s my turn next… (eek)

Here’s what you’ve missed

Posted on September 20, 2013 by carlieblissirwin

Wow. Hey blog! I kind of forgot about you. It’s been awhile since we last caught up. Not much has been going on with me, except that EVERYTHING HAS BEEN GOING ON WITH ME.

Here’s a nice little rundown of things that have happened in my life over the past month and a half:

Did I mention that my sister is also pregnant and due a week and a half before me? I’m going to assume no since a whole lot of nothing has been mentioned on this blog in the past few months. We’ve had fun comparing pregnancy notes, and it looks like her little guy (she’s having a boy too!) might be on his way sooner rather than later…!
It’s safe to say that I am now two people in one. Not necessarily double the pleasure. But double the surface area? For sure.
No, we haven’t completely finished settling into our new place. Don’t ask. Just know that there are framed pictures that are still not on the walls, and boxes where I still don’t want them. But progress has been made. Plus, I’m over it.
I’ve been to five baby showers, four of which were in honor of me and my abdominal resident. We are currently digging out from the avalanche of baby gear that has been so generously thrust upon us.
I’ve eaten my weight in peanut butter M&Ms and ice cream. And I weigh a lot now.
I’ve finished a couple of freelance projects because it would be nice to have money again someday.
Will and I spent a relaxing weekend in South Haven, Michigan. I love Michigan. Even when it’s 50 degrees at the end of July. Not sure what that was about. I can only speculate that Mother Nature somehow knows that I’m way more comfortable in a sweatshirt than a bathing suit these days. Thanks, lady!
I’ve been shoved, beaten, bruised, poked, prodded, smacked and head-butted. From the inside. My organs are going to need therapy for post traumatic stress disorder.
We had a housewarming/anniversary/pre-baby party, and people came! And possibly even had fun!
We’ve taken some classes at the hospital where we learned that all you have to do to breastfeed is shove a boob in your baby’s face and that most of the post-delivery recovery rooms have lake views. I don’t know what I was so afraid of!
OH YEAH–we also learned that labor for first-time moms is usually a never-ending hell. And there will be blood.

I’m 37 and a half weeks pregnant now, which I’m told means that the baby could technically come any day. So I’ve been sitting with my legs crossed very tightly and hoping that I have the Four Seasons of uteruses so that this kid will want to stay in there awhile longer. I’m not ready!!

Stay tuned for some baby pictures, it won’t be long now…

We moved!

Posted on July 22, 2013 by carlieblissirwin

So in my last post (let’s not talk about how long ago that was…), I mentioned that things were a little crazy. Part of that was because we bought a condo and moved in at the beginning of July!

Our old apartment was in Old Town, and while we loved the neighborhood (LOVED!), we decided we needed more space and a place that would work better for us a little further down the road.

So now we’re in Lakeview, just a little north of where we lived before. We’ve been exploring the neighborhood, and really like it so far. It’s weird, but it’s exactly the kind of area I always imagined having a family–cute row houses and shaded sidewalks peppered with neighborhood restaurants and watering holes. Plus, there are dogs, pregnant women and people with strollers everywhere, so I have a feeling we’re going to fit in.

The condo itself is also pretty fantastic, at least compared to our old place. We have an in-unit washer and dryer! And it doesn’t require quarters! It’s amazing. Also (and this is the best part), we have THREE outdoor spaces–a big deck and two smaller balconies off the bedrooms. For someone like me who craves fresh air, it’s heaven.

The only thing is, we’re unpacking–still. So the place is kind of a mess right now. But, I took a few photos to give you a sneak peek…

I’ll post more when we get the place together. But honestly, I’d rather relax on my new deck than unpack boxes. So don’t expect that to happen for awhile…

Charleston wandering

Posted on June 24, 2013 by carlieblissirwin

Things are CRAZY in Irwinland right now. More details on that later. It’s all good, but a bit stressful. If I don’t go into preterm labor this month, I should be good to go for the rest of the pregnancy!

I just wanted to post some pictures from our Memorial Day weekend trip to South Carolina. We relaxed by the beach at Hilton Head for a couple days and then headed to Charleston. On our last day there, I walked around the city by myself while Will was at a deposition. I love the big city feel of Chicago, but I think Charleston might be my favorite city for wandering. There are gorgeous buildings and so much history around every corner.

See what I mean? Love it there.

I also love these guys, who we got to meet up with in Folly Beach:

I’m just trying to keep my head above water right now, but I promise more posts after the craziness of this month blows through!

Proof

Posted on June 12, 2013 by carlieblissirwin

Ok, now I believe there really is a baby in there.

Lil’ Irwin has made his presence known, and I am now being offered people’s seats on the train during my morning commute. Today I made an emergency trip to Old Navy because suddenly my pants don’t fit.

23 weeks down, 17 more to go…

Little gentleman

Posted on May 18, 2013 by carlieblissirwin

I haven’t bought any baby clothes for Lil’ Irwin yet, but I think that’s about to change…

(via Baby Gap)

Let’s hope he can live up to that description. With Gatsby as a mentor, I don’t think it will be a problem.

Important

Posted on May 15, 2013 by carlieblissirwin

Shake Shack is coming to Chicago!

When? I don’t know.

Where? I don’t know.

But apparently it’s coming.

**This has been a public service announcement from a pregnant woman who loves milkshakes and cheese fries.

(Photos from our trip to NYC last September.)

Some thoughts

Posted on May 6, 2013 by carlieblissirwin

So my blogging slump continues.

I can’t really explain it, but I haven’t felt inclined to write in a long time. I thought being pregnant might spark some inspiration, but if anything, it’s making me feel even more guarded and private than usual. I write 40 hours a week at my day job, so maybe that’s what’s sapping all of my mental energy?

I don’t know what the deal is, but I do know that I want to continue this blog. So don’t give up on me yet!

When you last heard from me (an entire MONTH ago), I announced that we’re having a baby boy in October. And we still are. 🙂 So, while I don’t want this to turn into a mommy blog by any means, I thought I might share some of my thoughts on early pregnancy because, well, I have a few.

1. Getting bigger and gaining weight is a little scary. This is coming from someone whose weight has not fluctuated a single pound since about 8th grade. I like my body, and I don’t want it to change. And I guess that’s just too bad because it’s definitely changing. I’m not wearing maternity clothes yet, and I don’t look outwardly pregnant, but this potbelly I’ve developed is only going to get bigger. I’m trying to embrace it because obviously I want the baby to grow and be healthy. And if embracing it means ordering dessert or drinking a milkshake every now and then, so be it. (Helllooo silver lining!)

2. I don’t feel any different. Granted, I’ve had a very easy pregnancy thus far, and after hearing some of the horror stories from friends and family, I’m raising my hands to the sky and yelling, “Thank you, Jesus!” for that. I’m not sure Jesus is necessarily responsible, but I like to cover my bases. But really, the only physical changes I’ve experienced are the aforementioned potbelly, slight fatigue and… that’s about it. I’m glad I’m not uncomfortable, but I also sometimes forget that I’m pregnant. I can’t feel the baby yet and I don’t look much different to the naked eye. I’m told there’s a fetus in there somewhere, but sometimes I wonder…

3. A lot of people get glowing skin and thicker hair when they get pregnant. I got bags under my eyes and some major frizz issues. Go figure.

4. Surprisingly, I haven’t missed drinking all that much. That is until last week, when the weather in Chicago finally decided to acknowledge that it is, in fact, spring. Passing by all the people on sidewalk patios sipping champagne cocktails and white wine was almost enough to tempt me into making my very first questionable parenting decision. A delicious Sauvignon Blanc vs. the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome… ugghhh being unselfish is hard.

5. So far, I’ve been managing my fear of labor, sleepless nights and keeping a human alive by just not thinking about it. Any of it. I know I’m going to have to face these things eventually, but right now this whole denial thing is really working for me.

So there you go. A select few nuggets from my brain for your Monday. And just to prove that this blog will not be all pregnancy, all the time, here are some fun photos from our trip to Phoenix/Scottsdale a few weeks ago. We were there for the beautiful wedding of Mo and Kelly and got to spend a fun few days with Will’s high school crowd. It was a great time, and a much-needed vacation!