Prego + Flu = One Exhausted Mama

      Well... this last week wouldn't be what I would call the most fun week of pregnancy thus far.  I spent almost the entire week either in bed or in the bathroom.  I had such high hopes that my immune system was doing it's job and fighting off all those nasty germs that have been circulating around but alas I got struck with the dreaded flu.  It was six full days filled with lots of Kleenex, tea, tylenol, cough drops, fevers, coughing, sneezing, throwing up, and lucky for us lots of love from family and friends. Damien even came home early one day because he had caught a little bit of the bug as well (Hannah you will soon come to realize just what a shocker your dad leaving work early actually is).  I spent the first part of the week feeling pretty sorry for myself, I mean isn't being pregnant enough stress and hard on the body?!? As the week progressed and everyday I received many calls, texts and fb messages from family and friends and even a BUNCH of goodies from Auntie Abbie to help ease the symptoms, I realized just how blessed we are to be surrounded by people who love and truly care about our well being.  Happy to say I'm finally on the up and up and it felt good to get back to work today even though even after just five hours I was pretty wiped out for the rest of the day. Lets hope to no more sickness hitting the McClain/Chevalier family anytime soon. 

Happy Valentine's Day

     Happy Valentine's Day Miss Hannah Banana!! You had a big milestone today, you received your very first flowers from your daddy.  I'm sure with him being wrapped around your little finger, this will be the first of many.  I have to say I was pretty shocked at how thoughtful and romantic it was.  Your dad is a lot of things, wonderful, smart, funny but I wouldn't necessarily call him a "Valentine's Day kinda guy".  However just when you think you know someone they surprise you and do something completely out of the ordinary.  Your dad left early this morning for work, about 530, he gave me a kiss and wished me a Happy Valentine's Day, nothing really out of the ordinary as far as leaving so early (he's such a hard worker for us).  I stayed in bed for another few hours then got ready for work upstairs.  I headed downstairs and low and behold on the coffee table were two long stem red roses wrapped in xoxo/love paper along with a note.  The note explained that one of the roses was for me and the other for his "Hannah banana''.  It was truly one of the sweetest things I've ever experienced.  I have been so stressed out lately with school and work that it was just what I needed, just when I needed it.  We are two very lucky girls to have your daddy in our life to love us and take care of us, especially when we need it the most.  xxoo

You've been kicking and we've been shopping

       Hi baby girl! Lots of changes are going on with you right now.  You are constantly moving around in there and you are finally big enough I can feel you everyday.  It's such a special feeling and gives me so much comfort knowing you are making yourself right at home in there.  The first time I felt you full on kick was February 1st right after your dad left for work around 6am. I'm convinced you were just as sad as me to have him leave the nice warm bed.  Since your first real kick it seems like I feel you more and more each passing day.  You are most active early in the morning around 5-6 (early riser just like your parents), when I get off work and before I go to school so around 2-4 and then again when your dad and I spend the evening lying in bed and watching either Seinfeld or The Office.  It's kind of neat knowing you already have a little bit of a schedule, we'll see how long that lasts.  Your dad has not been able to feel you kick yet, I think he's a little weirded out by the whole thing :) but he loves when I tell him what you are up to in there.  It's been really nice knowing you are a girl because the shopping has commenced.  A few weeks ago your Grandma Sandi was here and we all went shopping and bought you quite a few goodies.  Your very first binkie, Sophie, a cute 4th of July outfit, a carrier your dad is really excited about and a few other things.  We have also been doing a little online shopping mostly from my new favorite store, Restoration Hardware. We got a few things for your nursery from there and I have been obsessed with these adorable boots from them that your future BFF Lyla has.  They have gotten a few mixed reviews (your auntie Abbie hates them), but I'm in love and can't wait to see your sweet little feet in them. Please continue to move and groove in there and just know there are so many people out here so excited for your arrival in June.  xxoo