Our immediate family was aware of our expecting arrivals, but it was time to announce it on social media. It is a big step in our technologically social world. As a birthday celebration for me and my sister, my family got a table at the Ogden Eccles Valentine's Dinner and Dance.I stretched some black hose over my growing belly and squeezed (one last time) into my red dress so we could dance and dine the night away. We had a great time with Grandma Joyce, my parents, Megan and Coltan, and Aunt Gaylene and Uncle Jim.
https://www.facebook.com/courtneymatt/videos/vb.1064246721/10212943536717529/?type=2&video_source=user_video_tab
We had the twinkling of an idea to film a quick announcement video while we were already dressed up together and had access to the Egyptian theater stage as our set. A few friends and family had been releasing announcement videos on social media for their pregnancies and since it is Hollywood award season, we decided to make our video a fake award show for pregnancy videos. As the winners, we were able to give a speech thanking all the people that helped us on this journey to have our babies on the way. The Rosaschi family, for letting us stay at their house. California IVF (California Conceptions) team for the science that allows donor embryos to be available to couples like us. Thanks to God for making it all possible.With a little phone editing, we were able to release the video on Facebook and it was perfect!
Otto and I kept plugging away at Preschool. He was learning more letters, and memorizing his favorite books.
I wanted to continue traditions my parents did with us as kids and do something special for Valentine's Day. My dad would treat us girls and give us little gifts he would leave on the front porch and doorbell ditch. I left a bag with treats and a stuffed sloth holding a heart at the front door. I couldn't doorbell ditch because we've taught Otto never to open the front door by himself. Maybe when he's older.With babies coming, and such a big change to our family, I am trying to find the balance between spending quality time with Otto, and teaching him to entertain himself. He is quite a needy only child. I want him to understand that even when I can't play with him, he is loved. I set aside an hour of playing together, and plenty of independent activities he can do throughout the day.
Otto also had his first (yes, first, don't judge me) visit to the dentist! He did so good. He answered all their questions and got his teeth cleaned really nice.
Playing with him has turned out to be a harder task than I thought. I get quickly bored of driving cars and trucks around. We are working on other creative storylines that can make our playtime fun for both of us.Matt has also been finding ways to spend quality time with Otto in the 1 hour a day he has at home before Otto goes to bed. It isn't easy to work 12 hour days, eat a quick dinner, and sit down on the rug and play 3 rounds of UNO before getting Otto in the bath.
We went as a family date to the Ancient Life Museum. Another day, I took him back to the Children's Curiosity Museum.
By the end of February, "the bump" made it's debut! I had been able to see it just fine myself, but with clothes on it would appear I had gained a few extra pounds. Suddenly, overnight, the pregnant belly bump could now be seen by all. I was challenged with wearing belly band with jeans, wearing maternity shirts, and putting many of my t-shirts and blouses away for the season.
The ultrasound tech did everything she could to get a good face picture of Baby A. When she clicked the button, however, this is what came up. Matt and I were nearly in tears laughing. Baby A is mooning us!Uncle Coltan said this was his favorite picture. I think they will get along really well.
