Welcome to the world....

Many of our friends have had babies in the last few months. So, we wanted to officially welcome into the world:

Nathan Nels Fromme (10/13)
Lily Gray Moyer (10/31)
Lena Franziska Block (11/8)
Ivan Donald Garlitz (11/12)
Conor Jacob Gordon (11/21)
Presley Sue Pate (12/17)
Mathilde Joy Guajardo (12/18)
Katherine Maya Emmer (12/21)

We can't wait for Tomato to meet each and every one of you!
Love,
Marisa, Sean, and Baby Raymond

38 weeks - getting impatient!

We had our 38 week appointment today. The baby is doing well, still head down. But, for some reason (probably because it's warm and cozy in the womb but cold and snowy outside!) he refuses to drop. Come on baby! We can't wait to meet you!!

Goodbye to the noble Papi....

The day started off so calmly. Tomato is officially full-term at 37 weeks! We had a doctor's appointment for our weekly check-up. Our last with Dr. Jones until 40 weeks (if we make it that long!) It was snowing again (gotta love winter and winter babies!). The appoitnemtn was quick - the baby's heartbeat is great and my belly's measuring right on track (fundal length is 37 cm).

Then the day got hectic.... we dropped the car off at the dealer to replace a part and when we came back.... we were told that our faithful Papi (our '98 Subaru that I got as a junior in college - formerly known as Johnny Damon until he signed with the Yankees) was on his last leg. The dealer didn't think the car would make it to the next oil change due to a bunch of engine issues. The car (who we affectionately refer to as "Papi") seemed to be running fine and both Sean and I were sure we would have many more years carpooling Tomato and his friends around in the car. But, that fear of the car dying on the way to the hospital while I am in labor was enough to drive us to the Subaru dealer on Saturday and trade in our trusty car for a new (and safer) car: a 2008 Subaru Outback.

The new car is blue so we are calling it "Bluebeard." And, we've decided that if the car was a member of the 2007 Red Sox, it would be Dustin Pedroia or Jacoby Ellsbury - fearless rookies with both great offense and defense skills.

So, goodbye Papi. We will miss you.... we had many great adventures with you. We hope that your next owner treats you well!

Our last picture with Papi and the infamous "Spank Me!" bumper sticker (we'll miss the sticker too!)

Baby Shower weekend

Despite LOTS of falling snow Boulder (see picture from Sean and Marisa's front porch), Marisa's baby shower still took place on Saturday. Aunt Barbara and Vovo Yolande flew in from New York (made it just before the snow!). The girls hung out at the Palace of Princesses (Grandma Nancy's house) while the boys played frisbee and football in the snow near the Castle of Masculinity (Sean and Marisa's house).

The baby shower was really fun and I want to thank EVERYONE who came despite the weather and those who couldn't come were with us in spirit!



Here are a few pictures from the baby shower from Yol:

36 week ultrasound

We went to the doctor today for our 36 week check-up! Everything looks good with Tomato. His heart beat was strong and he's still head down which is a great sign that he's getting ready to make his appearance into the world.

We were excited for our ultrasound too - hoping we would have another cute picture to show. But, Baby Raymond was covering his face with his hands and, because of his size and his position, it was hard to make out a lot of his features (though the doctor did confirm that he is still definitely a boy!)

Based on his head, femur, and stomach measurements, the doctor was able to estimate his weight at 6.2lbs (give or take a pound) so he seems to be growing well.

Eagerly anticipating the big arrival!!
Marisa & Sean

Getting the room ready

Thanks to Pancho and Coco, our little buddies in Breckenridge (and their parents Minda and Adam, of course), we have a crib!! We spent Saturday assembling it and, just as we were tightening the last screw, we received our first baby shower gift... a bedding set from Laurie and Keith. The baby's room is starting to come together...

Avocado belly?

Sean found an avocado at the supermarket that reminded him of my belly.
You be the judge.....

December has arrived....

December 1st... the start of the season for holiday parties. First stop.... a Wine & Cheese party on Saturday night at the home of Chris and Melissa (another NASA Postdoc Fellow at CU).

Sean was the hit of the party with his Star Wars tie and Marisa got some surprised looks while drinking a wine-colored drink (it was really flavored water).

We're trying to get in those last few late evenings (we were in bed by 11!) before BBR arrives.