We Are Growing

It is amazing how quickly things change; skin condition becomes drier, body starts to put on weight, nausea over my favorite foods and the realization that my favorite jeans and pants no longer fit. That is the fun of pregnancy! I have experienced all of these changes at some point in the last 17 (almost 18) weeks of being pregnant.

While I have welcomed all of these changes with open arms, some are very humbling. I am now officially in the "middle" as they say. I can't fit into regular pants and maternity pants are way to big...what's a girl to do! So I have done what all first-time-mom's do, I have taken photos!

The first photo is taken at 11 1/2 weeks of pregnancy. No bump but the jeans are definitely getting tighter. Notice Whitlee, do you think he looks excited over the changes that are coming his way? The second photo is at 16 weeks. You will notice the small bump that is developing. Thank goodness for the Bella Band...those pants are unbuttoned and you can't notice.

Also, this week we have experienced a first, the movements. While they have been small and gentle, its amazing to feel the little guy or girl moving around. In the midst of the day, its very nice to feel a little poke to remind me that my bun-in-the-oven is still cooking.

For the ones of you that haven't placed your guess, on our fun game website, it's time to get your guesses in quickly. Before we go to the doctor on March 10, we will lock the game. You will be unable to make changes to your gender guesses. Here is the website http://www.expectnet.com/game.php if you need it, the game name is BabyPeters09 (no spaces between words). Be sure to log on, make your guesses on gender, weight, arrival date, hair and eye colors. Hopefully this weekend, will be adding a name poll so stay tuned!

Meet the family

Since this is our first baby, we tried really hard to make the announcement very memorable. I believe a lot of our family had given up hope of us having children. We surprised them!!! For Christmas, we traveled to my parents in Tennessee to announce the big news. A few weeks later, we traveled to Ohio to announce the news to Bill's parents and family. While the announcements took place on different occasions, we wanted the "main announcement" to be very similar for both Grandparents.

Both grandparents were given a gift. The gift was a picture frame with a stork. In the frame, held an ultrasound picture. In Tennessee, it only took a few quick moments for them to figure it out. With tears and laughter, my Mother said, "I had given up hope on you both! I am so excited." Since I am only child, Mom & Dad (Roger & Margaret) were super thrilled. At the family Christmas gathering, Dad did the honors of announcing to the rest of the family.

Here are Roger, Margaret, Papaw (the Great Grandfather) and me.

The gathering in Ohio was a little different but the gift was the same. The family gathered for dinner since Mary's, the future-grandmother, birthday was approaching. She opened birthday presents, not suspecting a thing. Once she showcased the gift, as she was crying and laughing, everyone caught on. The one image I will remember is Cheryl, the soon-to-be Aunt, doing a happy dance in the kitchen. I only wish I had that on video!!

Here are Mary, Stan, Me and Bill, the Daddy-to-be

Love is in the Air!

Happy Valentine’s Day! We are anxiously working on two projects this Valentine’s Day; both personally and professionally. First on the Shea & Company side, we are developing our summer line. While we can give you a few hints, the line is still in production so a few changes could occur. However, this collection will consist of summer worthy fragrances and nourishing ingredients to help the sun-drenched skin look beautiful. Another hint is the collection will definitely be pure and simple with a focus on mother’s natures’ unique gifts.

On the personal side of Shea & Company, we are joyfully awaiting the arrival of Baby Shea. The baby is expected to make his/her debut in August so stay tuned for more details, pictures and updates. We are using this blog to keep excited Grandparents, thrilled family members and friends up to date with the happenings of Shea & Company’s arrival.

Please don’t fret. This isn’t the end of Shea & Company…only the beginning of a wonderful new chapter.