Halloween!

Zach's first Halloween was great! Zach took trips to both of our works and made the rounds in his costume. Then, we went to Buckalew Farms for pumpkin picking and a giant corn maze with Alex, Jennifer, and Andy. We found 11 of 12 check points- wooo hoo!!
Here's the cute little pumpkin we picked for Zach- doesn't he look excited:Zach went off to daycare in his special halloween outfit:We're super excited about how these pumpkins came out- our fanciest ever. While handing out candy and getting high on sugar Alex took an informal poll of trick-or-treaters regarding which is their favorite pumpkin: the results....the cat won 12-4 (I maintain that the results were skewed by the poller's sugar intake). Yes, we only had a couple of trick-or-treaters...we're still swimming in candy! And the coupe de grace- Zach in his Halloween costume.

Zach with Lisa while visiting mommy at work. Halloween night ended with everyone happy- we had lots of candy, Zach gorged on milk and cuddles, and Belle got her favorite treat of all: carved pumpkin (even Pete got a few bites!)

Zach at 3 months!!

Zach is 3 months old today- time has flown by! He's so fun and smiley these days. Here's Zach in his favorite place...the changing table:

(first video upload per Rona's suggestion!)

First week of daycare went...GREAT!!!

Zach had an amazing first week at daycare. Justin took him each morning, and left work early each day to keep Zach's day at care short. Although Zach cried a bit more than usual (daycare ladies said he cried "a normal amount"- which is a lot for our cheerful boy) he has made huge developmental leaps: Zach can now nap on his own in a crib! He can also entertain himself while awake (last night he discovered his left foot)! And.... he got his first cold. The snorting and congestion is no fun, but Zach is still a smiley boy. This week he also had Picture Day (we're not clear on what that means- but we got a sticker notice on his daily report- maybe we'll get pics back in a few weeks??)

I was nervous about going back to work- but its been good- I love the team I work with, and everyone kept up with my work, so I'm not backlogged at all.

I've missed Zach, but keeping busy has kept time flying by. And Justin has been so sweet about picking the boy up early, and calling to let me know he's ok. Here's the photo text message Justin sent after picking Zach up on the first day:

We're having a lot of fun together in the evenings and on weekends- and we're doing really well!

Zachary's Grams & Poppop Visit

All weekend my parents tried to get a picture of Zachary smiling. Zachary has the ability to sense a camera and turn off his smile instantly. Here though, he wasn't fast enough for my dad (Zachary 1,245- Poppop 1).
Grams is having a great time playing with her new grandson. Zachary just loved all of the attention!
Poppop taking a turn feeding the boy! Sometimes he can just hoover it all down.
Grams and Poppop with their # 1 Grandson. (First grandson in the family, but no one is counting:))
We had a great weekend with my parents. We are so glad that they had a chance to come see Zachary in person. The webcam is great, but it is definitly not the same as in real life. Zachary already can't wait for Christmas to see everyone again.

Last day at home

...and its breaking my heart. Today is my last day at home alone with Zach. I have so treasured the time we've had together- the chance to really get to know our boy- and to nurture and cuddle him as he grows.
I am returning to a job I love, with people I love working with- but I've only been apart from Zach for 9 hours so far in his life, and I hate that our time apart is going to increase exponetially.
On monday Zach begins daycare- I know he'll be safe, and as he gets older that he will enjoy interacting with other kids and adults- but right now all he wants is cuddling.
I am thankful that we have such a happy healthy boy and I keep reminding myself how lucky we are (and that millions of parents have survived and thrived through this change before us:))

Uncle Alex (photos to come)

Zach's Uncle Alex has been there since one hour after Zach was born (Alex escaped early from his internship and raced over to the hospital as soon as he knew Zach was born). And he's been here every step of the way since then.
Alex spent almost every evening with us for the first month of Zach's life, and we now get to see him a couple times a week, even though he's increasingly busy. Alex had very little prior baby experience- but now is an expert is holding and handling Zach. They cuddle and play, and now "chat." Alex notices and celebrates each milestone (e.g. last night "he did a two syllable coo.")
Zach loves his uncle and clearly feels safe with him. Alex doesn't just play with Zach when he's happy, Alex takes turns with Zach when he's grumpy and inconsolable; he knows all the tricks to try to cheer Zach up; he takes his turn as we pass Zach around during meal times. And last night, the final hurdle, while babysitting Uncle Alex even changed a poopy diaper!
Zach (and we) are so luck to have Alex as such a sweet and integral part of our family!

Best Birthday Ever!!

Saturday was my 28th birthday- This is the first year in my whole life I haven't had a birthday party (do not judge). Although my really sweet friends at work had a party for three of us september girls- so I did get together with friends. However, no party at our house- but this was still the best birthday I've ever had because of Zach. He is such a small guy, but has so dramatically changed and enhanced our lives.

On Friday night we got together with my parents, brother, and grandad to celebrate at a local italian restaurant (the menu had changed dramatically- sadly no more table-side pesto, but it was still fun and yummy):
Although Zach was quiet for most of the meal- playing with everyone as we passed him around the table, both my parents took turns walking him around the outdoor patio:

After dinner we went back to our house to hang out and open presents:

You'll note that Zach is happy with his daddy- and wearing his first "outfit" - a cute collared onsie and overalls (overalls were a bit big...)Justin made a beautiful *pink* frosted carrot cake!
We then showed everyone Zach's version of baby crack- his floor play mat (he is transfixed by the smiling star that lights up and makes music- he'll lying staring at it for minutes on end, sometimes he really gets going and is smiling and talking to it):
Every year I stop to think about where I am in life- and this year is a wonderful assessment: a husband who is a fun, supportive, and loving life partner, Zach who is sweet, inquisitive, cuddly, adorable, and funny; two cute and personality filled pups, a wonderful family who I am lucky enough to see regularly, a job I find challenging and rewarding; a house that is perfect for our family, and great friends. I feel very blessed. Thank you all for being a part of our lives!

How big is Zachary? SOOO big!!

As of yesterday at the doctor- 11 lbs! Wow!! He's our little chunker!
He also got shots yesterday- yuck. No one warned me he'd feel so bad after- he has a fever and is having trouble eating and sleeping- poor guy! He's so sweet- he still smiles and coos when the Tylenol's working, but its heartbreaking to watch him feel bad. I can't wait till he's better- in the mean time we're cuddling a lot.

Family Renunion & Sabino Canyon

OK, so we've been remiss in not posting for a long time- then it snow balls, so instead of telling you everything thats been happening, I'm starting fresh.

We had a great Labor Day weekend- Justin took off Friday, so we had 4 days together! My extended family on my mom's side all came in to town for a reunion and to celebrate my grandad's 85th birthday! I dont have pics of that yet (please send them to us!) but suffice to say Zach got a LOT of love and cuddling. He was bounced and carried by all his great aunts and uncles and played with by my cousins (not clear what that relationship is to him?) We all had a ton of fun and Zach was totally spoiled.

As part of the weekend fun we went to Sabino Canyon- Zach's first desert outing! Also, embarrasingly, Justin had never been to Sabino Canyon- so this was a first for both of them.

Zach rode in the carrier with his Daddy- we lathered him in sunscreen and put on his little hat. Luckily it was cloudy and pretty cool for the most of the time.

We had to scramble into the tram to get the stroller aboard- but it was great to sit together and Zach really enjoyed the cool breaze on the way back down the canyon.

Ultimately he fell asleep for almost the whole walk- he does love to be carried!

It was wonderful weather and really fun to go out with the whole family- plus its so cute to see Zach new places (even if he doesn't notice the scenery- yes that his little hat covered head in the carrier- I promise).

Zach was showered in love and in gifts- here's a random pic from yesterday of Zach cuddling with one of his tribe of monkeys (what are a group of monkeys called?)

Two and a half weeks in- lots of first!

We can't believe two weeks have already passed! Justin and I are having so much fun with Zach. He's very good natured- we still see that peaceful alertness he had at birth: after he eats he likes to just look around for a while. Zachary is also a pretty good sleeper- going 3.5 hours between feedings and sometimes going right to sleep afterward. Justin and Zach have enjoyed numerous sun rises together- but with a late morning nap, Justin is doing fine. Zach is also a very good/eager eater. Its hard to explain how wonderful he is withou sounding crazy!

Here are some photo updates: First car ride- Zach doesn't like being squished into his car seat, but he enjoys the car ride once he's in.

Zach and Justin hanging out with the dogs- Belle mostly ignores him (but will stand guard while I feed him), Pete watches over Zach's crib as he sleeps. Both dogs seem fine with the new addition- and Zach is totally peaceful and doesn't mind when they bark!

First bath- he enjoys the warm water, and loves the cuddly towel afterward! And we love bathing him!

Just cuddling- Zach is a very sweet and happy baby. Right now we're just enjoying each moment with this tiny guy! We're enjoyed all the visitors and showers of support- Zach is very lucky to share in our great friends and family. Justin's parents see Zach online every few days, my parents stop by to see him regularly (and feed us! We all celebrated his two week birthday together), and Alex comes over whenever he's not at the hospital (he's become an expert at soothing Zach to sleep).

Zach is now 6lbs 10 oz, so our doctor has us feeding him extra to plump up a bit. He's very healthy and doing well. (We took a feeding break in the middle of this post- and now Zach is happy and cuddling with his daddy). What fun!!

Here's what we know about Zachary so far:

likes: cuddling, his special hawiian pacifier, warm baths, warm towels, anything warm, milk!, holding hands, sitting up on clean clothes and furniture, making faces, waking daddy at 3 a.m. to hang out, hopefully mommy and daddy (can't tell yet!)

hates: getting naked to be changed, pooping (this seems to terrify him), sleeping not in someones arms (ok, he just prefers being held), not sure about the baby swing yet

Zachary Parker Dye

After 2 long days of work from Lindsay, our beautiful new son was born. He was born on Tuesday, July 8th 2008. He weighs 7 pounds and 1 ounce, and is 20 inches long. He is quiet and curious and so adorable. We think he is just perfect, and words can't describe the love that we have for him already. More will come, but we just arrived home with our new family member.

Tomorrow is induction day!!

THis is it- the last day without our son. We are sooooo excited to meet this little guy who is going to change our world! Justin is, of course, remarkably calm- he promises we're as prepared as we can be, we'll do our best, and this will be amazing. I'm more insane- I'm feeling the desperate need to stock up (Justin had to tamp down on my crazy at the grocery store yesterday), I feel very emotional about the huge-ness of this all, and I'm having trouble staying distracted so time passes. I know I should be more nervous about labor, but I'm just excited to get this going- we've been talking about it for so long, its great to finally be on the brink.
No we haven't settled on a name yet- but we've narrowed down to two. Its a huge decision, but I think we'll know when we meet him. I promise- he'll have a name, and it wont be Jackary.
We've got to pack our hospital bag today- make sure both cameras are fully charged (digital and the video camera my parents gave Justin for his b-day)- this baby will be a super star.
Keep us in your thoughts are we begin this new adventure.
Love,
Pre-mom Lindsay, for the last time!

Countdown to B-day

At our recent doctor's visit we learned that I am 2 cm dilated already (yey!!) so the baby could come at any time (I've been faithfully walking extra and sitting on my exercise ball!) The big news: if he hasn't come before then- labor will be induced on Monday, July 7!! Sounds like a good birthday, no?!
Justin and I are very ready- as is the house, though the dogs may be skeptical. We appreciate all of the baby goodies that have us prepared to welcome our son! And all the love and support- especially as we impatiently draw near to his birth.
We'll update before he comes, if we get the chance. Otherwise, we'll have new baby pics very very soon!

An update...

Yes, I know- the baby is not due until July 14- we are 2.5 weeks away, and I have no right to be impatient yet. But I am! The combo of insane Tucson heat and desperate eagerness to meet this little one is keeping me on edge.
Tucson- while always toasty in the summer- is especially lovely when pregnant. A few confessions: 1) the other day when I got to work and my AC wasn't working (yes, mine, only mine- all other offices were cool!) I freaked out- thank goodness it got fixed within hours. 2) The super cool hiking gel neck pack that I first scoffed at, has become my best friend- I've even worn it inside a court room (yes, all sense of decorum scrapped in a desperate attempt to stay cool).
THe baby has become much quieter with the heat- he's very inactive during the day (which scared us last week and sent us running to the doctor for a check up- turns out his heartbeat was great- he's just hot!) But at night he makes up for lost time- tossing and turning so I feel (and frequently look) like a very active jumping castle.
This week, at our regular appointment, the doctor became mildly concerned about possible pre-eclampsia. So, after some not so cool sample collection (read: caused my first full on melt down at work) we got the restults today- everything is fine- whewwww! We have been so fortunate. I've had a very smooth pregancy and from all we can see the baby seems to be doing well. Its so scary to think of all the dangers and know what friends have gone through- so we're thankful for our apparently healthy (if hot) boy.
Tomorrow we're attending our third baby shower- this one hosted by my friends at work. I'm sooooo excited! I feel lucky to have such amazing friends- and its been great to have something to look forward to!
Thats it- still pregnant- we'll keep you posted!

Baby Room is Coming Together!

Here are a few pictures of our new and improved baby room. We still have a few things to do to finish the room. We hope our baby boy will love his decorated walls. It was fun to paint. Enjoy.

Getting to know baby

The baby (Jackary as I affectionately, and Justin reluctantly, call him) is very active these days.
Last week I fell getting out of the shower (yikes- and yes, Justin properly lectured me) and when we went to our normal check up that afternoon, the doctor wanted to put me on a monitor for a while. It was so neat! First the baby was playing with and pushing the heartbeat monitor away- very active. Then he got the hiccups and you could see my whole stomach bouncing with them. It was neat to see and hear him at the same time.
Last night was apparently open gym night. Jackary was wiggling and kicking and really interacting with Justin as Justin chased him around my tummy, moving his hand as the baby wiggled away from him. It was a great chance for Justin to feel him for a prolonged period- and it was amazing to feel the interaction.
I am so excited to meet this baby, but at the same time it will be weird not to have him wiggling around with me all the time. We now have less than two months till the due date!!

Pitty party over!

Well, after re-telling the wedding weekend story many times, I can do it with a smile- and recognize that projectile vomiting in a church is pretty unusual and funny. Plus Jen's been so sweet, she puts it all in perspective.
Justin still hasn't been able to feel the baby ("Jackary" is my joke name for him, much to Justin's chagrin)- but finally saw him kick the other day- yey!!
I swear he's grown since Saturday- ever since I was sick, I feel full of baby, and very very big. I dunno. But I definitely look and feel pregant!
Ooo- and fun other news- another friend and co-worker had her baby on Monday. Between the two of us, Justin and I know 4 babies born in the last few months (8 in the last year)- its so fun to be part of a growing network of parents!

Worst pregnancy weekend

SO everyone probably knows that Jennifer and Andy were getting married this weekend- I talked about it non stop and I've been so excited! I skipped work on Friday to do fun pre-wedding stuff, went to the batchelorette party (at Skate Country- so fun!), got our nails done, had a wonderful bridal brunch, and then had a great rehearsal and dinner.
Thats when the fun ended. Friday night I got really really sick (read- uber morning sickness). Ultimately we went to the hospital early Saturday morning and spent several hours there with Justin sweetly sitting by my bed while I went in and out of a medicated doze- the good news is the baby was kicking around and doing fine. We left the hospital at 9am, in time for a nap before getting ready for the wedding. My mom came over to do my hair (since I missed the hair appointments), my make up, and got me ready since I was still feeling lousy. We got to the church, where I spent a little time with Jennifer- these are moments I will cherish.
Soon thereafter, Justin and I were sitting int he church waiting for picture when I vomited all over my hair, dress, shoes, the pew, and the floor. Great. Justin got me washed up for one picture with Jen. Then we left. My biggest disappointment in this pregnancy: I completely missed Jennifer and Andy's wedding.
Jennifer is one of my best friends and married her perfect partner. I did get to see what a beautiful bride she was, and I got to see the exchange of vows during the rehearsal, but I missed the real thing. I know they will have a lifetime of happiness and we'll all look back at this as a memorable story, but I'm still shocked and really upset that I missed it. Justin promises I can lord this story over the baby when he's older.... I'm so lucky to have such understanding and good hearted friends, and such an amazing, caring, and supportive husband.
And yes, I'm lucky that despite all the craziness going on in my body the baby continues to thrive- what a relief.

Baby Room

Here is our baby room thus far. We painted 3 walls a nice yellow color and 1 wall a cool blue color. As you can see our bedding is Nojo Jungle animal theme. We love the entire setup! Soon I will paint some of the animals onto the walls.

Big week!

The last week has been great- and super busy! Last weekend Justin's family came for Easter weekend- and it was the first time Nathan (J's brother) and his girlfriend Anita had been to our house. After tweaking sleeping arrangements (turns out I forgot our study door has a giant window- he he he), we had a great weekend. While here, Justin parents bought a crib and dresser combo that we've been eyeing! It was very generous! Although we had hoped to bring them home and assemble them, that didn't work out...
We also celebrated Easter with my family- and had a lovely dinner outside in perfect weather. That night we also got a call from my friend and co-worker Michelle who's baby was born early Monday morning. We got to visit them on Wednesday- Michelle is so excited, and Tyler is AMAZING! I can't wait for our little one to be here! Tyler pretty much absorbed all my free thoughts this week- he's enchanting.
Final excitement- the furniture Justin's folks bought for us came in early! On Friday night Justin, Alex, and I got and assembled the furniture- it looks GREAT! I'm hoping to post photos later, but its so exciting to have the nursery start to come together.
Oh- one other piece of excitement- I have now felt the baby moving a few times from the outside- so amazing. He's been largely quiet, so Justin hasn't had a chance to feel him yet, but this is such a neat milestone!

Ode to Tums

Amiee (34 week pregnant co-worker and friend) and I were reveling in the joys of Tums today- and Katy and Karen actually laughed! Ha! I have therefore decided to share publicly my new found love of Tums. I never used them before- but now they are dessert every night. I've got the pretty and delicious mix fruit flavors (taste like sweet tarts- I swear!) Today Amiee hooked me up with the mixed berry- I look forward to savoring them in about an hour. Yeahhhhh- living the dream.
So- embrace the Tums- and buy some for any and all pregnant women you know- they ROCK!

P.S. I'm still sick but less often- averaging one every 2 or so days- yeyeyeyeyyey! My boy is treating me well :)

Quickening

Yey! I finally feel the baby moving around inside. I have felt the movements for a few days- but on Tuesday I was finally sure it was him! Quietly sitting on my boss' couch, I felt the faint lurching of my stomach or pressure like a moth hitting a window. Its very weird!
We were so excited, that we spend Friday night with Alex and his stethoscope- after much poking and prodding, none of the three of us could hear the baby's heartbeat (though the three of us, and Belle, and Pete sound cool). Guess we'll try again next month!
Its amazing to feel a little being inside! I can't wait for Justin to be able to feel him, too (and Justin's pretty eager!)

The Name Game

So, ever since we got the news that its a boy- I feel the desperate need to name him! (And to decorate his nursery- but Justin is reigning me in on that one for a while longer- too bad he's so sane....)
Many thanks to all of you for the name suggestions so far. Katy has been lovingly placing little sticky notes with boy names on my desk, Detective Barrett helpfully suggests we name the baby after my favorite detective (hummm), my least favorite defense attorney proffered his name as a nice solid baby's name, and even Stephanie's mom is getting in on the act!
We love getting all the suggestions- we need help generating a list of names to pick from!
So far everyone at work is on the naming committee (especially Danielle who suggested "Zachary" which I love), Maggie is on, but unfortunately Alex is off (he sweetly suggested "Cougar"- which, while macho, I dont think you can find pre-printed on pencils), and Justin is teetering on the edge. I know, I know- he's the father! And lately he's been getting much better at suggesting real names (rather than ones like "Juan" which may be nice- but would be fairly odd for two very white parents- or Carlos Pierre- he's very into mix ethnicity).
Such a fun quandry!

20 Week Sonogram Pictures

Well, if you haven't heard by now, IT'S A BOY! We are very excited about this news. It makes everything even more real. Now we need to figure out a name and a baby room design. We can't wait until he is born. It's cool to say he instead of it! Here is another picture of him and then one of his 2 foot prints. We got to all of his major organs and all of his bones. The doctor said that he is doing very well!

Yep, still vomiting

Yes, I know- thats the question everyone has when they see me- I am still barfing once a day (yep, down from 1-2 times a day- wooo hooo). I did survive my first trial while asking for a vomit break- the judge granted a brief recess (explaining to jurors that sometimes, in the course of trial, things "come up")- and I trampled a minister in my rush to get to the bathroom. But I did it- and won the trial (wheww!)
Mostly I am just sooooo excited for our next doctors visit- to see the big sonogram- and maybe the sex! Justin is way more chill than I am about this- but he's excited to see the baby, too!
Jennifer, Stephanie, and I took a road trip to Phoenix and got a pregnant Maid of honor dress (I refuse to be a matron of honor)- and I'm super excited about the dress. So perhaps I will just wear that for the last month, instead of my bathing suit.... we'll see.
Thats the update- I so appreciate all the support and interest from all of you- we're so lucky to have you all!

Our Second Visit to the doctor's office!

Our second visit to the doctor's office was quick, yet very exciting. Here is the latest picture of our baby; he/she measures about 4 inches long. You can see in this picture the head very clearly. It is amazing to think about what is going on inside of Lindsay. Lindsay is doing such a great job with being sick all of the time, yet still having a great attitude and doing all that she is doing.

We also got to listen to the heart beat which was quick. The doctor remarked that it sounded like a girl's heartbeat, but then quickly covered it up with all babies have a heart beat like that. We hopefully will find out what we are having in 5 weeks on Feb. 18th. Hopefully then we will be able to take a video of the ultra sound and perhaps post it on here for all to see.

Confessions of a Pregnant Trial Attorney

As I lay awake for hours last night (my bladder just ain't what it used to be- and cold tiles on sleepy feet jolt you right awake), I decided to share this. When I found out I was pregnant I almost immediately began looking online for blogs or webpages from other pregnant trial attorneys because 1) I'm so type-A I love to research and plan everything, and 2) I needed the comfort of knowing others had gone there before. But, no such luck, so I decided to post a list of my biggest pregnancy concerns as an attorney who's supposed to be in trial regularly (I have had a run of office weeks lately!)
1. What if my morning sickness overtakes me in the middle of a jury trial?? (I got a trial run at this today- no jury present, but I ran out of the courtroom in the middle of a sentencing while the judge was talking- we all survived although he did look at me like morning sickness might be contagious)
2. What happens as the baby grows shrinking my bladder? I have always been the camel and I will be very lost at this turn of events- the only time I had to ask for a bathroom break, I first seriously considered peeing in my chair, but thought it might not be seemly when I got up for closings. Maybe astronaut diapers are the solution?
3. What the heck am I going to wear that is professional in July in Tucson? Although I've put my boss on notice that I will be wearing a bathing suit and close-toed shoes (per office policy), I don't know that I can just throw on a blazer over that and go to court.... hummm.
4. Finally, I've got my jury persona down (yes I think of this as theater), does it need to change when I am hugely pregnant... will I have changed?
These are my concerns- now written out, they look silly, but I wanted to know someone else worried about these things, so now its out in the cosmos for the next pregnant attny. I feel totally sane, but perhaps this is a sign of a little pregnancy lunacy...
Everything is going smoothly so far- thanks in huge part to Justin's constant care and the love and support of my work family who keeps me going each day!