Back to home page

Emily was born on December 17th, precisely on her due date. Admittedly, that is probably sheer coincidence, but Tom and I feel it is an early indication of her personality (and preference for punctuality).

It was hard at first. Tom and I made do with very little sleep. We had to learn how to communicate with her. But we've eased into a pattern that keeps us all (mostly) sane.

We call her Snuffles. In the hospital room, on the night she was born, I was holding her and she made a little noise, like a sniffle, but with more mouth, and I said, "Well, hello, Snuffles." And thus, her moniker was born.

Our Snuffles is a wonderful baby. She usually sleeps for 6-8 hours at night. She loves to be held, but she'll hang out in her bouncy chair while we make and eat dinner or fold clothes.

She started smiling at us around the middle of February. Her favorite game (at the moment) is bouncing with daddy. He holds her up and puts her legs on whatever surface is available, then lifts her in the air saying, "Boi-oi-oing!" and then repeats. That makes her grin.

Emmy had her first cold three weeks ago, and is still coughing. Her being sick was one of the hardest moments of my life. I would hold her and rock her, and nothing I did made her feel better. She would cough and cough and then make this terrible frustrated noise. It still makes me tear up thinking about it.

This weekend, we took her with us on a 5k walk.

Our Secret Pregnancy

I didn't mean to keep my pregnancy a secret.

I think that if you know me, and if you know Tom, one thing you might be willing to acknowledge about us is that we're rather private. We're also really likely to just keep putting things off if we aren't really sure how we want to go about doing it. Like, telling people big news. "Well," we'll keep saying, "eventually the news will come out regardless."

Anyway, I know it's a little late for an announcement, but Tom and I are expecting a baby. In about two more months.

We're having a little girl, and her name will be Emily.

My mom threw us a baby shower yesterday, and it was very nice. Tom was very pleased to receive a baby bjorn carrier, along with the many other wonderful gifts we got. We got a travel system, several adorable outfits, blankets, baby towels, several toys, and some other necessities one doesn't even think about at the outset (dishwasher kits for baby bottles, diaper cremes, etc.)

Four Months of Marriage

Return to Home Page

We've been married four months (well... next Tuesday...)

Honestly, not much changed for us. We moved into the new house, and that was a bigger adjustment than being newlyweds. We've lived together since 2004, and it wasn't a big change to be Mr. and Mrs. instead of Mr. and Ms.

I am really enjoying using my new last name. Mrs. Watson just has such a nice ring to it. And now, when I call people for Tom and say that I am his spouse, I'm not fudging at all.

Thinking back, I knew when we were in Australia (and I was pretty sure before that), that I wanted Tom to be my husband. It just took Tom a little longer to be certain. He is a very cautious man. Don't misunderstand-- that caution is a large part of the reason I feel so secure with Tom. I'm just saying that not a lot changed when we got married, because we had been partners for a long time already.

This next statement is not meant to be gooshy, so take it with a grain of salt if the goosh begins to bother you: every day I feel grateful that Tom and I found each other and that we are together. He and I really fit together, like two halves of a puzzle.

Sorry for the mushy goosh. I'll try to avoid it in the future.

5 days to go.

Back to Home Page

We've got five days to go, and I am excited. We've got a few chores left, but for the most part, we're done.

My co-workers threw a bridal shower for me at work. It was a really nice gesture. There was cake, sandwiches, chips and dip and peanuts. Oh, and some cranberry punch (with sherbert!). I had a really good time.















Here are a couple of pictures. I'm wearing my favorite shirt. In the one on the bottom, you can see the veil they made me wear. In the one on the top, I'm opening presents.

(Thanks for the photos, Barb).

Final dress fitting is on Friday, and then I should be able to take the dress. Mom bought me some outfits for the other events (rehearsal and such).

Patricia is taking me to get a manicure and pedicure on Friday too. Hair and make-up is Saturday, and then I should be ready for my trip down the aisle. And then the honeymoon, which will involve a lot of resting.

Second Fitting

Back to Home Page

I had my second fitting on Saturday morning, and it went much more smoothly. Unfortunately, they took the dress in a little bit too far, so they have to let it back out, which means I will be going back again this Saturday. That's okay with me though. I'd rather the dress be perfect.

Anyway, when they held it up on me, it looked great. I really love my dress. Now we're just waiting on the girls' shoes and my veil.

25 days to go.

The Girls' fittings

Back to Home Page

31 days to go. I saw the countdown this morning and had to remind myself to breathe. I just keep worrying that I have forgotten something , and that by the time I remember, I won't have enough time left to deal with it.

April and Patricia tried on their dresses yesterday, and they both fit like a glove. No alterations needed. That was a pleasant surprise, especially after my first fitting last Saturday.

That fitting did not go the way I expected it too. The dress was hanging off me, and the ladies kept telling me I was pulling it too high on my chest. (A statement with which I strongly disagreed.) After trying to pin it (the material is too thick) they said I would have to come in for a second fitting.

Later on Saturday we met with Rebecca at Stones River and with Matt, their chef. We tried out several different things, and then set the menu. I think everyone will really enjoy the hors deoeurves (can't spell it, don't care) during the cocktail hour and the dinner later on.

I know I shouldn't be, but I am really stressing out at the moment. It's not that I'm worried about the wedding, and certainly not any hesitation about getting married, it's more just...
Well... its hard to explain. I've been working on this one day for the better part of a year. I've put in a lot of effort, and am pleased with the decisions that Tom, our parents, and I have made. I think it will be a really nice event. But I am terrified that it will go wrong. I am afraid the cake will fall off the table, I'm afraid my dress will rip or that I'll spill food (or eeek! wine) on it. Mostly, my biggest fear is that I haven't thought of everything. And that things I haven't thought of will ruin the whole day.

So, hopefully it will make sense when I say that I will be relieved when the wedding is done. I am looking forward to the day with all my heart, and even more so to being married to Tom. But at the same time, I will be glad when its all over and I can stop worrying about all these things.

At least until Patricia gets engaged.

Bridal Shower

Back to Home Page

Registries

47 days and counting.

April and Patricia threw me a shower last weekend. They did a fantastic job, and I had a really good time. They threw me a tea party. We had blooming tea (the tea flower blooms in the clear teapot), earl grey and green tea. They also made some really tasty food. Cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon sandwiches, roasted veggie and goat cheese foccacia. Summer squash soup, flourless chocolate cake with raspberry coulis, and lots of others.
I (Tom too) got some very nice gifts, including a set of Calphalon cook ware (red enamel) and a Calphalon Dutch oven.

Tom spent the day getting his tuxedo reserved with Chuck. He and Dad went this weekend and got Dad's sizes. Now, Jason is the only one left who needs to have a fitting.

We're almost done. Just a few more items left on the list.

The party planners.

Me, with my pile of gifts.