Who Knew Exercising Could Be This Fun

Evan received the dynamo gift for Christmas this past year. Grandma and Grandpa Bopp sent him a bouncer swing that suspends from a door frame. When they were visiting us in November we discussed how much Evan liked to bounce...especially on laps. Robert wasn't too thrilled about that as you men should understand. So we thought if we had a contraption of sorts that allowed him to bounce on his own he could go to town without injuring any one. Grandma Bopp found the swing and had it sent to us to put under our tree. Well, it didn't quite make it under the tree. Evan had an early present...and man, was he pleased. There have been times where he'll bounce violently for 10 or 15 minutes straight and squeal at the top of his lungs. It's quite amusing...really. Robert and I just lay on the bed and watch him and laugh. I wonder if that bothers him?? hmmm We figured there were many advantages to this swing including a bit of trimming to Evan's thunder thighs. But as a hearty appetite would have it...the thighs are still rumbling...and we love every rumble!

From Videos

The Gift of Gab

Well, we wondered if Robert's long-windedness would be passed on. I think we found our answer. It is also apparent who will be the overprotective parent. Watch and see.

From Videos

Take a Peak Inside the Womb

At 30 weeks pregnant I was given the opportunity to have a 3D ultrasound done that would enable us to actually "see" our baby. We debated whether or not it would detract from his arrival at birth. I had arguments for both sides, as did Robert. We both agreed that we would most certainly ruin the surprise of seeing our son for the first time at birth, but we also agreed that the technology was too fascinating not to have the experience. We decided to go ahead with the ultrasound.

I was not aware that there are several factors that can affect the visibility in the ultrasound. If there is too much amniotic fluid present around the baby it will distort the image. Also, if the baby is not positioned correctly you can run the risk of not being able to see him at all. Usually the technicians will suggest having the ultrasounds done between weeks 30 and 33. At this point in a woman's pregnancy the baby is small enough that it still has room to move around, but large enough that it has displaced quite a bit of the amniotic fluid. We got lucky and had all factors in our favor.

I was very much entertained by the experience, but I think I was more fascinated by the sounds and the images of the uterus. I couldn't get over the fact that I was peering into my own uterus! Another incredible part was seeing his movements on the screen and feeling them simultaneously. I must say I am glad that we did it, but I don't think we will do it again. So that you can share in our experience I have posted one of the short videos clips from the ultrasound. There are a few others to view in the album as well if you can't get enough! Enjoy!

From Videos

So Long 2008...Heeello 2009!

The year 2008 will be remembered for many reasons: The crash of the real estate market, the tailspin of the economy, a new album release from New Kids on the Block, the Giants winning the Super Bowl, Tennessee not making it to a bowl game and the list goes on. But there is one dominating reason we will cherish 2008 and that is the birth of our first child. With that being said, we sure are looking forward to a new and prosperous 2009! I've made a new year's resolution to work on my photography skills so we don't have an album full of fat faces (from getting too close) and ghostly white faces (from using the flash). Amanda clued me in on these simple, but very important details. So I have posted our December album which is guilty of both errors mentioned above...but like I said, "Heeello 2009!" You're gonna be AMAZED by my January album. ha!

Evan December 2008