Belly Blog

We're having a baby!!!

Most of you know by now, we're pregnant! This is a very exciting time for the two of us as we can't wait to start a family! As we count down the days (due in January) we thought we would extend our excitement to you by publishing this blog, which we hope will not only keep you up-to-speed with the progress of Melinda's belly but also act as an outlet for all of the stories that we are sure to experience as we come closer and closer to bringing little Leonardo into the world. Please share your excitement and/or advice by posting blogs of your own.

...here we go:)

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Benjamin Button is signing off for now...

Benjamin syas he can't wait to meet all of his family and friends someday soon!

First "Worldly" Events

In his first days of life not only did Benjamin get to see SNOW (a special treat for all of us in Raleigh!) but the new President addressed him directly during his inauguration speech :)

Welcome Home Benjamin!

We headed home from the hospital on Sunday to a big welcome from Grandma and Grandpa Messmer (thanks for the balloons and BIG blue sheet across the front porch!! :)).

Big brother Stanford was SO happy to meet his new brother!

And Mommy and Daddy couldn't wait to show you your nursery we worked so hard on (no need for that baby doll for practice anymore! :))

Thank goodness for all the help from Grandma and Grandpa...we couldn't do it without them!

Having our little one home makes everything complete...now for some sleep!

Meet Our Sweet Pea

As we wrap up this wonderful "belly blog" (considering the surprise inside my belly we've been watching for so long is finally here!) we thought we'd share some photos of the newest addition to the Leonardo family. He is our pride and joy (if you couldn't already tell!) and we are in complete and utter amazement that we could create something so perfect.

This process, from start to finish has been a miracle to experience and we thank each of you for all of your prayers and love along the way. What fun we have had and what fun now lies ahead with our Benjamin...

Welcome little B!

JANUARY 7, 2009 SURPRISE IT'S A BOY!!!

Little did we know that less than 24 hours after Mommy's last post on January 6 we would meet our little sweet pea! Tuesday night was a wonderful evening of pizza, watching football, taking down the last Christmas ornaments, cuddling with Stanford, and ironically spending a few quiet moments together in the nursery talking about what was to come in less than a week.

Mommy woke at 5:56am on the 7th (Wednesday) thinking she had to go potty for the 45th time that night. But she knew something felt different the minute she got out of bed. She waited a few minutes just to be sure and then woke Daddy up with the news that "something is happening."

When she went downstairs to let Stanford outside her water broke (good thing she was on the porch!) and we knew you were really on your way. We tried to reach the doctor but then decided we needed to just get to the hospital when the contractions started coming more quickly. Mommy wasn't supposed to go in to labor but you gave her a wonderful surprise and she got to experience it all...minus the pushing of course!

Your Daddy helped Mommy the whole way even while she was in surgery; she was very lucky to have him! We can't describe to you how excited and nervous we were being wheeled down to

the OR knowing that we were finally going to meet you after all this time. Daddy was all smiles.

And then at 12:29pm Dr. March pulled you out and held you up to introduce us to our new SON, Benjamin Elis Leonardo, all 8 lbs 2 oz and 20.5 inches of you! Mommy and Daddy couldn't stop crying and laughing for joy.

What an amazing, unbelievable miracle you are! And even moments after you arrive (screaming that sounds like music to our ears!) we can't imagine when you weren't here with us! We've been waiting nearly 39 long weeks for you and WE LOV

E YOU MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF! Welcome to the family our beautiful baby boy!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

One last project...

Dear Baby Leonardo,

HAPPY 2009!! Mommy and Daddy can't believe that 2009 is here! We have been talking about January 2009 for almost a year and it's finally here. We really can't believe it... (and Mommy is so thankful we made it past December for you to arrive!).

Daddy has been working hard to get everything just perfect for your arrival. He had one last project after the holidays...to assemble your pack a

nd play. Who knew it would require serious contemplation and translation from everyone including your brother Stanford! :)

Your car seat is installed and approved! The nursery is complete and waiting for baby! And Daddy has mastered the serious technology that is your video monitor!

We are counting down the days until we get to meet you little one. Your Daddy is so excited that he talks to you every day and night and Mommy finds him in your nursery just day dreaming about when you will be here. Pretty soon you'll get to see just how amazing your Daddy is.

You are going to be the best part of our 2009 sweet pea!

We love you forever!!

Surprise for Mommy!

Dear Sweet Pea,

You will hear the stories someday about how you were the best gift I could receive for my big 3-0 birthday...but Daddy and Grandma Messmer went one step further and decided to surprise Mommy with a birthday party a little early :)

It was the perfect way to celebrate your 37 week birthday too!! :)

Mommy is glad you are the talk of the party because it takes the focus off how old she is! :)

Pretty soon we'll be celebrating your birth day.

Thank you to all of Mommy's sisters and brothers, Munchkin and Padre, and of course Daddy for the big surprise!

Beautiful Tree

Dear Sweet Pea,

Mommy thinks you can see the lights from our beautiful Christmas tree when we sit together in the dark and look at all the beautiful ornaments. But I thought I'd save you my favorite picture of the tree from this year so you can see where we had lots of special moments just a few weeks before you arrived.

I love you!

Mommy

Christmas is Here!!!!

Our wonderful Messmer family came down to be with us this Christmas since Mommy and Baby can't travel anymore (they don't sell airline tickets to whales!). It was the absolute perfect holiday and we are so thankful for everyone!

It wouldn't be Christmas Eve at a Messmer Christmas without matching pajamas so I have to throw this picture in to be sure Baby Leonardo knows what's in store...

Big brother-to-be Stanford enjoyed playing Santa and opening his own gifts :)

We LOVE YOU SO MUCH FAMILY!!!

Your next Christmas gift comes in just a couple of weeks....

Monday, December 15, 2008

Another Daddy Accomplishment!

Daddy is very proud to have made you your bouncing boppy chair little sweet pea! He's getting very good at putting all kinds of things together to be ready for you!
We can't wait to see you!!!! Only 4 more weeks and you'll be here! :) We love you!

Time to Decorate for Christmas

Not only are we getting ready for Baby but now it's time to get ready for our favorite time of year...Christmas! What a beautiful tree and Stanford is thrilled to help decorate. We're almost ready for the family to arrive :) Yeah Christmas!!!!

Our Babymoon :)

Daddy gave Mommy a wonderful surprise and took her on a Babymoon....our last little trip together before baby arrives. We visited the gorgeous Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC and got to enjoy the beautiful Christmas decorations and festivities. Lots of hot chocolate and perfectly adorable restaurants in the historic district of Asheville. It was a wonderfully relaxing weekend!! Thank you Daddy!!

MOMMY AND DADDY LOVE YOU

Dear little sweet pea,

Your mommy and daddy just want you to know how much we love you and can't wait to meet you. This has been such an exciting adventure for us and as we watch you roll over, push your head up, kick your feet out, and do acrobatics in mommy's tummy we just can't get over how much pride we feel for who you are! One of the best days of our lives will be meeting you in just a couple of months. Know that when we rub mommy's belly and pat your little head (or bottom) that's always sticking up :) we are loving you more and more every day!

love,

Mommy and Daddy (and Stanford too)

Just a little practice....

Sooo....Mommy and Daddy have read that you should "practice" with a baby doll around the dog so that they become accustomed to you holding something, talking and singing, etc. Since we DO this with our own dog (the holding and singing part) we figured it might be a good idea for him to see that we will be doing this soon with another little one. So Daddy bought a baby and Mommy captured him on camera teaching Big Brother Stanford how it's going to be come January. **Note Stanford's look of sheer confusion towards his mother behind the camera :).

We know you'll "understand" soon Babooshka and we know you'll be the best big brother ever!

TURKEY DAY 2008

Dear Baby,

The whole Leonardo family can't wait to meet you...especially your two sweet nieces Josephine and Eleanor. We had so much fun cooking, eating, playing at the park, eating some more :), and being with our wonderful family on Thanksgiving! Mommy can't hide you under her apron anymore :) and I know you smelled those artichoke hearts!

Daddy did a great job cutting his first turkey! We can't wait to celebrate one of our favorite holidays with our own little one this time next year.

So much fun to show you and so many wonderful people to love you!!

Grandma Messmer is Comin' to Town!

Little one,

As if you didn't already know by the smells of Christmas cookies and spaghetti....Grandma Messmer is here to visit and make lots of yummy food for Mommy, Daddy, and Baby too. She is helping us get ready for all the fun we're going to have on Christmas. She can't wait to meet you!!

And thank you to Grandma for helping Mommy wash ALL of Baby's clothes and blankets and get even more done for the nursery. Those little socks were out favorites :)

Creating Baby's Nursery

Time to put all of our baby nursery imaginations to work! Daddy spent a LOT of time making the nursery just PERFECT for Baby! He painted, put up a chair railing, and hung curtains for Mommy - all under the watchful eye of Stanford. Daddy sure is wonderful!!

Mommy tried to help with the curtains but Stanford was more interested in cuddling. Oh Stanford!

We'll show you the final product of Daddy's hard work a little later, little one. We know you'll love it! It is GORGEOUS and just waiting for our little sweet pea!

Halloween in the Leonardo Clan

Dear Baby,

Just think...next year Mommy and Daddy will be as excited to dress you up as we are to dress up your big brother Stanford! :) He was not only an Ewok for Halloween this year but then decided he would also spend half the night as a Notre Dame quarterback. Daddy was very proud!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Elephant Ears and Corndogs

Well...not for Mommy, but Daddy sure did enjoy them! The North Carolina State Fair was in town so we wanted to introduce you to all the noise, flashing lights, and favorite foods we wait for all year :).

I think the animals will be your favorites, especially the cows! Or maybe the piglets?!

Daddy can't wait to introduce you to HIS favorite...the corn on the cob!

Daddy's First Project

Dear Sweet Pea,

I thought you would enjoy seeing your Daddy's success in his very first "Baby Building" project. We received your high chair from a very sweet friend of Mommy's and Daddy was so excited that he decided to put it together that ev

ening.

Your high chair now stands proudly in wait for you in the corner of our breakfast nook. And your big brother Stanford anxiously awaits your use of the chair (and NOT the tray...all "extra" food can be tossed to the floor for cleaning purposes :)).