Bathroom Reno.

The last 2 1/2 weeks have been crazy at our house. We completely gutted our bathroom and we are finally on the end stretch so here are some before and after shots. It turned out really nice and I'm glad we were able to get it done before the baby comes. Renovations always end up taking more time and costing more than expected, but it always seems worth it. I'm glad I married such a handyman. The worst part was the plumbing and prepping. We were lucky enough to have Jeff's parents come help us with the tiling. What lifesavers! They brought a tile saw so that saved on expenses and it went so much faster. We are so lucky to have family!

In other news, I am getting very big. Pictures to come soon. I hate this phase because I pretty much just feel fat! Oh well, August will be here soon. The countdown is also on...9 more days until we know if we're having a boy or a girl!

The Cat's Out of the Bag!

First things first--vote on my poll! I have always wanted to do a poll and I am excited to have a reason to have one.

So now all my kids know my exciting news...long story. Anyway, ever since they found out two days ago, my life has gotten just that much funnier. Seriously. I didn't think the kids would react the way they have.

Apparently a good story spreads like mad no matter what age you are. It all started when one little girl found out. Then she told someone and that was the end of it. All I heard for the last 15 minutes of school was whispers, "It's true. Ask her." Then of course two seconds later a student would approach me and say, "Are you going to have a baby?" Once they found out it was no rumor they would immediately get a huge grin on their face and run to tell someone else. It was pure comedy.

My favorite was as they were lining up to go home. One little girl started rubbing my stomach and talking to the baby in a very baby voice. I almost peed my pants listening to her conversation. It went something like this:

"Hello baby! Hello! Oh you are going to be a lucky baby, yes you are. I can't wait to see you! You are going to be so cute, just like your mommy!"--This last comment is why I love elementary school...they always think their teacher is the best one, love it.

Yesterday I had a HORRIBLE migraine and had to come home because I could not stop throwing up. Anyway, the kids could clearly tell I wasn't feeling well since I kept running to the bathroom. I told them I had to go home and it was so funny because they all gave me this knowing look and one of the kids goes, "It's okay Mrs. Hunziker, we understand." They are all experts on the whole pregnancy/baby thing by the way. Too funny.

Then today at the end of math I was standing in front of a little girl's desk and she goes:

"Mrs. Hunziker, I can definitely tell your stomach is getting bigger."

Now I know my stomach is growing, but I think she was just mostly saying it since she knew my "secret" because she then reached out to feel my stomach and informed everyone, "I just felt the baby kick!"

The best part was that as I was feeling self-conscious, one of my boys (who is now clearly my favorite student) says, "What? Mrs. Hunziker looks pretty skinny to me." His grades are definitely on the rise.

On the way out today all the kids gave me their hug for the day and the majority decided they needed to rub my stomach and say goodbye to the baby. It was just too funny. I love my class this year. They have so much personality and I love that they feel like they are part of this whole baby thing.

Updates

I don't really have an excuse for why it has taken me so long to write since my last post, but here I am a month later with updates.

Let's see...

*Due date: August 24

* Boy or Girl? We find out April 9. I think it's a boy, Jeff thinks it's a girl. Most people are having boys these days so it seems to make sense...

*Feeling okay, but still suffering with horrible migraines 3-4 times/month. Having a student teacher has definitely been helpful. I have a prescription for something that is supposed to be safe, but still not sure whether or not I'll actually pick it up. If I didn't know this before, I definitely know it now: Tylenol sucks. I think it's safe because it does absolutely nothing and quite possibly makes headaches worse.

*I went to my 16 week appointment Friday. The heartbeat was 147. Everything looks good so far.

*I put in my resignation letter last Monday....it was a hard day and a hard decision. Definitely the hardest decision I have ever had to make. I hadn't planned on making the decision so soon, but when a $500 stipend was offered, I decided I had better decide. I cried for about 3 hours straight and then realized that we have been fasting and praying for this little miracle for a very long time and the thought of dropping it off was more than I could handle. I feel like I am losing a piece of who I am, but I know it was the right decision for me. I have LOVED the last 7 teaching years and have learned so much. Back to a tight budget! I hope to go back someday and my principal wants me to come in and teach writing lessons every now and then.

*We have been spending a lot of time looking at baby stuff and have become very overwhelmed...how can something so small require so much? Then there is the question of what is really necessary because let's face it, I really don't want extra stuff around if I don't need it! Where did everyone find their cribs and changing tables?? I need some ideas.

*We are making plans to gut our upstairs bathroom before I get too much farther along so I can be a little more help. I can't wait to have that project out of the way.

*At my last doctor appointment I found out horrible news. If you know me, you know I have been searching for a long time to find a good doctor. Well, last summer I found him, and I love him. On Friday I found out he won't be around when our baby is born because he is in the national guard and was called to Afghanastan. What are the chances? That was devastating for me, but I know it will work out. Now I just need to get familiar with the other doctors in the practice.

*I found out I can't run anymore...now that was not fun to hear. I have been banned to walking. Before I had to slow to jogging, but that was still better than walking. It will be worth it and hopefully I can get back into a routine after the baby is born.

*No pictures of the belly yet, because apparently there isn't too much to see yet. I definitely know it's there and growing. I have a bad feeling I am going to be huge, but in clothes I guess no one can tell because all I hear all day is, "So when are you going to start showing?" I keep thinking, "Please tell me my stomach didn't always look like this."

So, that pretty much wraps it up...would love any and all advice about how to prepare and where to get what I need!