And Baby will make 3.....

That's right; we're PREGNANT!

Let me just start off on a somewhat negative note: 2011 has not been my friend so far. Between getting sick right after Christmas, followed by the flu two weeks later, followed by falling on concrete stairs after the ice storm and injuring my back, then top it off with the back pain traveling into my neck two weeks later....I was really beginning to feel down on my luck this year. In fact, I distinctly remember telling Rob "I really need this year and my luck to turn around, and it needs to happen quick". The irony begins.

Finally, after what felt like forever, I begin to feel somewhat normal again. My back is tolerable, my neck is movable, and I begin looking forward to our vacation just around the corner. 4 nights and 5 days in New Orleans, our absolute favorite place to be. Everything about the city is amazing; the food, the people, the drinks (!!!), the culture, the architecture, we just love it. And this is an extra special trip as well; it was what we were planning on being our last, blowout, have the best time ever trip before we would begin to think about starting a family. I was ready to take full advantage. I could already taste the Pat O'Brien's Hurricanes and the Tropical Isle Hand Grenades. I needed to enjoy the cocktails while I could, right?

Here we were, less than two weeks away from our trip. I meet my wonderful friend Leslie for some drinks and dinner at Uncle Julio's. I get comfy at the bar, order myself a very tasty margarita, and wait for her arrival. She sits down, and proceeds to order a water from the bartender. I know this is not like my Leslie....I peer at her with wide eyes. "Water?", I ask. She looks back at me, just as wide eyed and announces "I'm pregnant!". I'm floored, so beyond excited for her. It's early for them, she's about 7 weeks, so we chat about how she's feeling, how she found out, etc. Adding to the irony, she states "you guys need to get going so our kids can be close together!". I laugh, nod in agreement and move on. Margarita and two glasses of wine later, we finish our dinner, hug our goodbyes and she wishes us a fun and safe trip.

The following day at work, St. Patrick's Day and my dear niece Holland's 6th birthday, I sat at work with the realization I was a couple days late. But, I tend to fluctuate a couple days here and there. I had been feeling the cramps coming, and didn't think too much of it (TMI, right??). The one thing I couldn't shake was just how hungry I was. I mean, I'm always hungry, but this was ridiculous, and had been going on for at least a week. I did some research on websites about possible early signs of pregnancy, and seriously?? They are all the same damn signs of a menstrual cycle....so, how does this help me? I finish up work, head to the gym, and then decide I'm so tired that I just want to go home and have a nice glass of red wine. But I just couldn't get over the feeling that something is different. I decide I'll take a pregnancy test and this will put my mind at ease and allow me to enjoy that wine!

For a split second before I take the test, I look in the mirror and think; this could change your life forever. Then, I almost laugh to myself and blow that thought off. There is NO WAY this will be positive. Just give me the 'not pregnant' reading and I'll be on my way. I set the test on the sink, just as I hear the back door open downstairs, indicating Rob is home from work. I finish cleaning up some things and glance down at the test, not expecting anything since it has not yet been the alloted 3 minutes. There it is, plain as day. Pregnant. WHAT?? I grab it, shaking, and head downstairs. I call out to Rob, he immediately asks what's wrong. In a shaky voice I respond "I'm pregnant". He reacts like me...."WHAT"? I repeat myself and hand him the test.

I'd be lying if I said I was thrilled in those first few minutes. Honestly, I thought I would be....this is what I've wanted for some time now. But I think the shock of it being unplanned just, well for lack of a better word, shocked me! My mind went straight to 8 months or however long from now when I would have to GIVE BIRTH. And I'm not going to sugar coat it here and please excuse my language, but that notion scares the shit out of me.

I guess I thought at 31 years old this would take longer...I expected around 6 months considering they say you have about a 20% shot each month. I also expected 6 months of charting, temperature taking, ovulation strips, all these unromantic things I read about online! And I was definitely not prepared to give up my wine so soon. And the drinks I had at dinner just 24 hours prior! What have I done?! I have to keep reminding myself that this has happened countless other people. But the guilt I felt for those cocktails was immediate.

So here we are, present time. Sunday, March 20th. Three days after the big P pregnancy test. I can say now, I am so ecstatic. We are both still having trouble letting it all sink in, but we're very excited. Very much looking forward to our first appointment, the confirmation from the doctor, and getting the thumbs up that all is well and good. And now 6 days until New Orleans. I'd again be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed that I won't get to have all those fabulous cocktails that I had been looking forward to, but the end result is something much greater, and worth all the sacrifice! At least I still have the food!

So there is the long (and not so short!) of life for the Daffer's so far in 2011. Let the real adventures begin! To be continued....