Eating with the seniors...

And I don't mean the cool high school seniors that eat at Taco Bell everyday and hang out at 7-11. I mean the SENIORS, as in Senior Citizens.

I came home from running errands the other day at about 3:30pm and told Jeff I was starving and wasn't he because we never ate lunch?? He said "I did eat lunch, with YOU at 11". I responded, "That didn't count as lunch because it was 10:45am and was technically brunch". He wouldn't have it. Can't he just not argue with a pregnant lady wanting to EAT?!

So I suggested we eat an early dinner. I wanted to eat at 3:30, he wanted to eat at 6, so we compromised and ate at 5. Right around the early bird special if you ask me...


I got an e-vite to go to a girl's dinner. I was shocked at the time dinner was starting. I told my one friend I knew would sympathize with me (she has a two month old), Resha, my bff and business partner (business, not life partner). I said "Guess what time it starts?". She said, "When?" I said, "8:30". She said "I'd be in bed". A girl straight to my heart.

So now since being pregnant I eat at chain restaurants like The Olive Garden and Chili's, order the early bird special at Grandy's, think 8:30pm is PJ time, and next I will be watching TGIF. What has the world come to???

28 Weeks and Kickin'

We went in for my 28 week appointment. First I got berated by the lab technician for showing up at exactly the time I needed my glucose test. She literally lectured me for 5 minutes about how it wasn't fair that I was jumping in front of all of these people and I should have drank the orange soda on site. I wanted to say "I am sorry. I am pregnant. Do you really expect me to be on time? I can barely put on my shoes at this point" But instead I just kept saying sorry and looking really embarrassed.


No gestational diabetes for me! Yay!!! I was getting a little worried with all of the weight I am gaining. Looks like I will definitely be in the 50-55 lb weight gain range by the end. 50 is the new 20, right? So technically, I am right on track. Baby is great, I am measuring perfectly, and I found out that my doctor does not induce first-time moms, no matter HOW big the baby is. Grrrreat. I was really hoping that they would decide you were too big from all of this weight gain and induce me a few weeks early. Looks like I am stuck with you until you decide it is time!


I really wish my belly was cute and round. I feel like it looks like I ran into a counter and it flattened out at the round part. Why can't I just have a round belly, oh and no heartburn or flatulence??? And walking through the mall without getting a painful side ligament pain would be really nice too. Put those all on my Christmas list. And being able to get up to answer my phone without being breathless. That would be nice too.

She was a showgirl...

In typical pregnant freak-out lady style, I thought I hadn't felt you kick much for a couple of days. I tried to not be irrational and even laid down after a few meals one day to try and feel you kick. Nothing. So of course I get even more worried. I called my doctor's office and they told me to eat something on the way and come in for them to check me out.

The minute I get back in the room, you of course start happily kicking. My doctor and nurse walk in and the nurse is checking your heartbeat and you are now kicking so hard you are messing up the machine. I, of course, felt like an idiot. They told me this happens all the time.

I just thought it was hilarious that you performed so well for the doctor.

Your sister and brother

We thought now would be a good time to introduce you to your canine brother and sister. Halle is a black lab mix and is very loyal and a good watchdog. She will never let anyone harm you. Logan is a Cavalier King Charles and is very fun loving and the best lapdog. We keep warning them about your arrival but we aren't sure if they get it.

Once a year we like to be really mean, dress them up in Winter sweaters, and laugh and take pictures of them. From the video, you can tell Halle does not like Christmas at the Riddell house :)

Belly Pics

After getting harassed by all of my friends that live far away and want to see pictures of my pregnant belly, here are a few pictures from this week. I am 25 weeks along now - on the downhill slope! I am sorry to disappoint all of my far away friends. I am not a cute pregnant woman and I am not carrying a little "basketball" out front. I would like to think that Reese is growing in my chest, butt, thighs, etc. but I know that just isn't the truth. Looks like I'll be doing the Danksin Triathlon next June to help lose this weight...:)

Crib Arrived!

Jeff and his dad Fred were very busy the day after Thanksgiving. No, they were not fighting the crowds at the mall in search of their wife's perfect Christmas gift. They were moving furniture and putting together a crib and cradle!

The cradle you see above is one that Jeff and his brother and cousins all were in when they were babies. We freshened it up with some new bedding and are going to put new wheels on it as well.

The crib is sturdy and strong and ready for you Reese! Your grandma Martha bought you some cute and super soft animals to hold - Paco the Pony and Pascal the Elephant. They are eagerly awaiting your arrival just as we are! We could not get the mobile to fit to the crib so we are going to hang it from the ceiling above. All we need are some crib sheets and we are all set!

My Dad

This time of year is always hard for me because my dad's birthday is in October, he passed away in November, and he always MADE the holidays what they were in our house. I think about him every day but it is always harder this time of year. I know a lot of you knew my dad, Jim Cheatham, and a lot of you did not (but you probably almost feel like you know him from all of the crazy stories). I know Jeff wishes he got to meet him too.

It was very sad not having him there on my wedding day and even sadder he is not here now. I know most people probably wouldn't call up their dads about morning sickness, heartburn, and the weepies, but I would. I was dad's gal in every sense. Not "daddy's little girl" - I don't think I was babied or overly spoiled by him, we just loved each other's company! He was the dad that told me I could do whatever I set my eyes on, the dad that drove to Austin in the middle of the night when I got in a stupid fight with a boyfriend to take me out to breakfast, the dad that sent me 8 cards for my birthday in the mail even though we lived in the same house. He was my dad and I wish he was here just to talk to, give me advice, and one of his great, big hugs.

Reese, I know you will never get to meet him, but I hope I can share stories and pictures so that you know who he was. He would love you so much! So I thought I would start today with some pictures so you get a sense of who he was.

I had to put a picture on here of us doing his FAVORITE thing in the WHOLE world (besides eating of course) - deep sea fishing. He loved it so much and any excuse to get to Florida, San Juan, or the coast, he would. We loved to fish as a family until my brother and I became too cool to wake up at 3am on a Saturday to go fishing.

He also LOVED football. I think he loved UT more than I did! In this picture he is wearing those stupid foam horns and kissing me on the cheek in my dorm room my Freshman year. He was so proud of me!

The last picture my dad is somewhere in the Caribbean, can't remember where. I think my step-mom, Beth took this picture. It is a great picture but the story behind it is even better. When my dad was in a bad car wreck that left him paralyzed in his 20s, he lost a tooth. Well, on the cruise was when his fake tooth decided to fall out. So the guy who normally had a big grin on his face, had to spend the rest of the trip smiling with his lips closed!

I hope this will help you get to know him and it helps me to spend a little time crying and remembering him. I just hope Jeff and I can be half as great of parents as he was. And I'll sign off the way he did all of his cards and letter...God Bless, Dad (with a smiley face in the D :)).

Finally - a KICK!

So, I haven't really felt you move yet. Or maybe I just dont know what to look for? It doesn't help that every time I feel something, I think it could either be A) You B) Indigestion C) Tummy rumbling. But Jeff and I are very sure we felt you kick for the first time last night. It felt like a hollow thump - like a doctor thumping on your knee with that tool to test for reflexes. You kept at it for a few minutes and then settled down. I think Jeff was even more excited than I was! He is going to be such a good Dad to you. I just love him so much and am so lucky to have him (and you!)!

Here is one of my favorite picture's from our wedding. Jeff's Dad, Fred (a great Dad - Jeff learned from the best) imparting fatherly advice to him and David.

Your first Nike's!

Aunt Sara and Uncle Brandon bought you your first pair of kicks! I can't wait until you are running around in these!

I just couldn't resist....

So, I know you could very well be a tomboy like I was from 1-5 years old. My mom could never get me in a dress. Only pants, not jeans, PANTS (It was 1979, pants were in). I would at least like to dress you in some frilly items until you verbally object. Janie and Jack had all of their Spring and Summer clothes on clearance so I bought them out of 0-6 month outfits. I promise not to put bows in your hair.... Pink and white seersucker with ruffles on the butt! I can't wait to pat that diapered bottom!
Green! It even comes with the matching bloomers.

I had to buy you one "Suri Cruise" outfit. I thought this was very mod and stylish. Katie Holmes would approve.

Your first swimsuit cover up!

A freaking cute pink and white polka dot dress. Bloomers to match of course underneath!

Room Ideas - skip if you are male or care nothing of home decorating!

So many of my friends live far away and keep asking for me to send pictures of what I have bought so far and my room ideas. Here is what I am going with:

• Celery Green Walls (my favorite color is green so Reese's favorite color will of course be green. Also, we painted the room green a month before finding out we were pregnant and selfishly, neither wants to repaint)
• White Trim
• White Crib
• Glider and Ottoman - print TBD, I love stripes and toile

I bought a green and white gingham bumper from Pottery Barn Kids and found a matching crib skirt and mobile at the outlet (all pictured). Logan (our dog) seems to think it is HIS mobile. We are currently teaching him to share. I am going to add a pink and green paisley print for the crib sheet and have no idea what to do with curtains (maybe just basic white???).

The theme for the room is "Vintage Baby" and I will be scouring antique stores for old toys, pictures, and books to put in the built-in bookcase in the room. Jessica C. also gave a cute idea to hang a shelf with hooks and hang shabby chic dresses from cute hangers. She is coming to Austin in January to help me put the room together - she has the best taste and her son Jack's room is the cutest thing!

20 Week Bellies

Me and Jeff's bellies - 20 weeks. I think Jeff beat me here....

Button Nose and Acrobat!

The first photo is a 3D picture of your face. I tend to think babies look funny in 3D in the womb and you are no exception! You have quite the button nose and your big lips are smiling at us! At any rate, I doubt you will look like this when you enter the world because you are changing every day but your cute button nose is growing on us.



You were being very stubborn during your ultrasound today (like mother, like daughter, eh?). We were in there a very long time because you like to stay rolled up in a ball. The doctor said you must be sensing a cold front :) In the second picture, you can tell you are quite the acrobat with toes pointed and all above your head! Move over Mary Lou Retton!

It's a GIRL!!!

So we found out today that you are a girl! We were so excited! Daddy's gut instinct was right! For the past week I thought you were a girl and I think even started hoping a little that you were!

We promptly named you Reese Pendley Riddell so we could stop calling you "It", "Little Bit" and "Baby". We liked Reese for awhile and when looking at your Grandma's geneology book, we saw that is was a family surname somewhere down the line. Pendley is Jeff's Mom's (Martha) maiden name. We thought it sounded feminine and went perfect with Reese! Can't you see it now..."Reese Riddell reporting live from Channel 8 news". I think it sounds like the perfect weather girl name or whatever you want to be (rocket scientist would be my second choice) :)