We bought a crib!

It sure has been a busy two weeks. Barack Obama is not the only one in transition mode, here at the Goodman house Brian's been working at a feverish pace to get the nursery ready for Baby Goodman. Last Wednesday, on a whim, Brian decided to remove the built-in shelves from the baby's room. Before removing the shelves, we called the previous owner of the home and asked him a few questions about how the shelves were assembled, assuming that as he bought the house in 1967 the shelves were installed on his watch. As it turns out the shelves were already here when he moved in and aside from a few inquiries about what we've done with the place, he was of no real assistance. It was cool however to learn that the shelves were between 40-50 years old. That being said, Brian promptly ripped out the shelves with Max (for moral support and an extra pair of hands).

On Friday, we went to the new baby/maternity boutique downtown (Adley Anne's) and bought a crib and a dresser/changing table! If you would like to see these beautiful pieces of furniture you can go to http://www.babysdream.com/ - the Serenity collection (in cherry wood). Wall color has finally been decided - "Sand Beach"...imagine "Dune" like the rest of the house...it IS different though...slightly. We (Brian) are now in the process of painting the room, choosing bedding and making room in the closets for lots of tiny outfits.

We are officially in the third trimester - week 28! The baby (like Chilly's waistline - 37 inches) keeps getting bigger everyday. The baby constantly rolls, jabs and kicks. (If you poke her - she pokes back). She's especially active around midnight. If you want to know what it feels like - imagine the "Happy Massager" - from the Body Shop - but on your stomach. We are busy preparing for her impending arrival and on Wednesday evening attended our first baby class at Altru, "Breastfeeding". Who knew there were so many positions to hold a baby to breastfeed? The class consisted of a VHS educational video filmed in 1982 starring shoulder pads, big red-framed glasses, flowery church dresses, huge nipples and a breast pump the size of a suitcase. We actually watched a woman milk her breast like an udder. It was gross but enthralling at the same time - like a train wreck. Both of us are looking forward to 10-12 feedings at 40 min. a feeding per day and filling the remaining time with diaper changing and engorgement. Sounds lovely, no? Up next - birthing class... we can't wait for the exciting cinema that awaits us.

In other news, HO HO HO! We are getting amped up for the holidays here in ND. The weather has added to the ambiance by cooling down to a chilly 10 degrees. We've been in full Christmas planning mode, from music mixes and Christmas shopping to holiday get-togethers and greeting cards. We are looking forward to our final Christmas as a couple and are happy for one last chance to sleep-in on Christmas Day. Last weekend we hosted an early Thanksgiving w/Max, Madison and Sam (Michael was ill). We had an impressive spread of duck and wild rice, stuffing, corn souffle, home made rolls, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole and homemade pumpkin cheesecake. It was nice to have everyone together and it was a great kickoff to the holiday season. Chilly leaves this Saturday for her own early start to Thanksgiving in Virginia and Brian will join her on Tuesday for a Thai Thanksgiving.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!