She Said Yes

New Blog Address

2010-04-25T15:08:00.000-04:00

Due to Blogger's recent changes, the blog has a new address ---->
Brian & Jennie
(you'll still be able to visit the old pages)
:)

Nursery Preview

2010-04-15T18:56:00.000-04:00

This is your official nursery preview...we are *almost* done with things, but are still waiting on the cutest ever rocking chair and some art to be framed.

Mr. Q said it's his favorite room in the house - he wants to lay down a sleeping bag and spend the night in there watching her sleep :)

Homestretch

2010-04-11T15:11:00.001-04:00

I can no longer reach my toes. As much I contort and twist...it's just not happening. This must mean it's time.
That's right...time for a pedicure.
So I did it. I got a pedicure in my 36th week of pregnancy and it was fantastic. And while I can't reach my toes, I can still see them...and boy are they cute.
Other highlights of the week include, but are not limited to: beginning final touches on the nursery, putting away all of Raisin's clothes, toys and books, and installing the carseats. The weather has been on the nice side, so we've been able to walk outside (albeit at a slow pace) and enjoy our pretty surroundings. Neighbors are beginning to come out of hibernation and everyone is excited to meet our little lady.
I've been feeling pretty good for the most part, save for the occasional Braxton-Hicks (ie: practice contraction) when I'm out walking, but overall cannot complain. I think I'm finally settling into a tranquil state that helps me believe we are ready to have this baby.
4 more weeks to go...

Calm Before the Storm

2010-04-06T19:08:00.000-04:00

Our post title might not be super accurate. I mean, it's not entirely "calm" around here...there are a zillion things to do before Raisin arrives. I am working a lot, Brian is working a lot and we even bought a microwave.
Did you know we didn't even have one? Now we are so modern it hurts.
Brian finished painting the nursery, and I've washed and folded every piece of clothing or fabric that Raisin will come in contact with during her first 3 months of life. Still have yet to actually organize and put away said items, but that will happen. Eventually.
I've been incredibly tired. What's new? But this tired is taking things to a new level. I suppose when you're carrying what is now a 5-6 lb baby, she is going to be demanding in regards to energy. Thankfully, we've had some wonderful visitors to keep our spirits up. Mr. Q's parents came down a couple weeks ago and helped put together furniture for the nursery, and then my parents came this past Easter weekend. We relaxed, cooked, took walks around the Riverwalk and of course dyed eggs. Okay, so we only dyed a few eggs and drew silly faces on all the rest...but it was beautiful decoration nonetheless.
Look for new pics this weekend as we hit the big 36 weeks!

A Pineapple? Really?

2010-03-21T14:41:00.000-04:00

At 33 weeks and 1 day, we have 6 weeks and 6 days to go. My "What to Expect" iPhone app says Raisin is as big as a pineapple. hmmmm. I don't know if I believe that. If it said she was as big as maybe 5 burritos or 23 pizzas, then I'd agree...because that's what it feels like. In fairness, Mr. Q says "pineapples are pretty big!"
errrr...okay...
This photo shoot was a struggle...I'm not gonna lie. I didn't really feel like taking pictures. I didn't like looking at the pictures. I remember specifically telling Mr. Q that we were just going to stop after the last set. Raisin would understand, right?
But we did it...and it's okay...and next month will be okay too...and then we'll start posting even better pics. Of our little girl :)

To Shower with Love

2010-03-17T11:43:00.002-04:00

It appears as though Spring has arrived, and even though it is not quite April...we were blessed with some delightful Spring Showers in recent months. Our baby shower in Michigan, which I mentioned in another post, was *quite* lovely, and our Milwaukee celebration followed shortly after that. While it is always exciting to go home and visit, this was especially fabulous because I was able to see so many of my best girlfriends (many of whom I had not seen since our wedding) as well as spend time with family.
There were sugary pink sweets, a delicious meal of homemade soups and salads and lots of precious touches here and there.
I loved, loved, l-o-v-e-d it.
Thank you so much to everyone who was able to make it such a great night. xoxo

Camera Shy

2010-03-02T17:20:00.003-05:00

Today we had another ultrasound and much to our dismay, Raisin did not want to be properly photographed. She was covering her head (which is now facing down) with her hands like "No! Go away!" so we didn't get to see her lovely face or anything. Sad. But we did get to see some fun things like her feet (she was wiggling her toes), her spine and her cute perfectly round head. The tech estimated her weight right around 4lbs or so, putting me a tad bit ahead in our weeks here...31 weeks actually...which means Raisin could be arriving early if she continues her little growth spurt at this pace. But overall, she is looking like a very healthy, active, growing baby.

Mr. Q says it's because I'm a "good incubator".

And honestly, at this point, I'll take a compliment whenever I can get one.

29 weeks

2010-02-20T18:22:00.000-05:00

You may have noticed that we missed last week's photo session. So sad, I know...but for good reason I promise. My first baby shower! Thrown by my lovely mother-in-law and her sisters, it was a sweet little soiree with yummy food and excellent company. Thank you Carol and Marsha - I had so much fun!

That being said, we now present our baby bump pictures this, my 29th week of being pregnant.

So what's new in the 7 month? Hmm...well the nursery is coming along. The horrible wallpaper is officially off and we are making strides to priming and painting this week. (as-in-this-week-darling-Brian-are-you-reading-this?) We bought a crib, which is waiting patiently to be put together by my handy engineer Mr. Q and oh yeah, my belly is getting bigger and am having a hard time believing that there is no stopping it at this point.

Which leads to me to question - how cramped in there is it Raisin? I mean, I have 2 bites of food and I feel like I'm going to explode! And I'm so thirsty, but sometimes can't fathom putting any extra liquid in there. Between that and trying to avoid peeing all the time, well honestly it's exhausting. More importantly, where did all my other parts go that were in there before? I just don't think there's any more room in there is all I'm saying.

Raisin is moving around a lot and I think she's in a different position, specifically LOWER in my tummy because now when I walk on the treadmill, it feels like she's putting on the pressure to come out! (Not yet honey, just WAIT a couple months)

In any event, every week just flies by and now when I see a baby, I can't believe that we are going to have.one.in.11.weeks.OMG.

Nursery Inspiration Board

2010-02-09T12:47:00.000-05:00

I was having a hard time visualizing what our nursery might look like. Maybe it's because the concept of having a baby, for real, in our house, is so foreign. Or maybe...it wasn't until we knew her gender that I could wrap myself around some concrete ideas. But whatever the reason, things started coming together recently. The main inspiration was the photo in the upper left corner. This room seems so warm and full of light...feminine, but not too sticky sweet. And with some minor adjustments (just add crib and baby!) it is becoming clear how this could be quite the lovely space.
Primarily whites and light grays, subtle blushes of pink and a pop of gold (LOVING the yellow dresser) to set the mood. Twinkly white lights with candy-colored garland in the corner, a fluffy rug and lots of books as little accessories. One sparkly chandelier for the finishing touch.
Now if we can just get all the wallpaper off and furniture assembled...we might have something special here.

Wake Up!

2010-01-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

Raisin punches and kicks a lot when the alarm goes off in the morning.
I hope this means she will be punctual...

Sunshine and Such

2010-01-28T17:40:00.000-05:00

It's snowing. Again.
Which really, should not come as a surprise seeing as how we *do* live in the Midwest and this is what happens from December to March (or April or May). But perhaps it stings worse coming back from a sunny vacation. Or a mini-vacation. Or 2-days-in-Florida-when-the-weather-is-between-60-and-70-degrees-but-you-are-going-to-put-on-your-bathing-suit-and-sit-by-the-pool-anyways-because-you-WILL-enjoy-yourself!
Mr. Q and I went to Orlando for a couple days. He had to go for a work conference and I tagged along. Originally, we had wanted to go on a "Babymoon" (meaning a nice little getaway for the two of us before this tiny little person decides to invade our world) but in all honestly, it just didn't look like it was going to happen...so this was a small blessing.
While Mr. Q wowed the engineering circuit with his world-class presentations, I walked laps around the resort, read a lot and even braved the pool one day. But only for approximately 1 hour, under the supervision of an extremely high SPF...hello! Have you seen how pale I am?? We also managed to hit up Epcot and Downtown Disney. This was quite fun, but even the magic of Disney cannot stop a pregnant woman from having to pee every 7 minutes.
xoxo

Grandpa Mead

2010-01-18T11:02:00.000-05:00

My grandpa passed away last night. Did you know that Brian actually asked my grandpa's permission first to marry me before asking my dad? Grandpa lived with my parents for 13 years after the passing of his wife Adine, and when Brian and I were still just dating, he often referred to Brian as my husband. Slightly embarrassed at what we now know was a prophetic slip of the tongue, I would tell my grandpa "We're not married yet - but you'll be the first to know."
And he was.
There are lots of things to say about this wonderful man, and I think my mom has done it perfectly.
Please read her blog post "For the Love of Lenny".
Grandpa we'll miss you. Please watch down on us in the next coming months so you can see your great-granddaughter. We'll make sure to tell her all about you.

24 weeks

2010-01-16T18:53:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen...here we are. Another month has passed and the 24th week is upon us. 6 whole months since discovering our small family was about to become a little bit bigger.
I keep thinking to when we found out about Raisin. It was hot out, we didn't have a dog yet and we were still unpacking. Did I mention it was hot out?! Now it is freezing, Doris is practically running the house and the only thing we've unpacked in months has been a random set of gloves or maybe a scarf for aforementioned freezing weather.
Also, I think I'm starting to waddle. You know, the stereotypical pregnant-walk commonly seen in movies or on television? Well, it's not fiction. And you can't help it. It's not even like you have to be that far along for it to come to you naturally. It just sort of happens. Mostly I believe it's God's subtle way of making you totally unattractive to the opposite sex because you are married and oh yeah...carrying your spouse's baby. ie: Please do not hit on this woman as she is completely unavailable and will be sleep-deprived in approximately 4 months. Thank you.

"Ring" in the New Year

2010-01-02T11:23:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! Did everyone have a wild time?? Naturally! I knew our friends and family would not disappoint us with tales of ho-hum evenings...
We were fortunate to have NYE plans set since July or so, as Mr. Q and I were invited to a black tie wedding in Milwaukee that night. This was particularly fantastic since a) I don't think either one of us was anticipating a crazy night (thank you Raisin) b) we were able to go to Milwaukee again and c) we were genuinely excited for our friends to be married.
The event was held at Cuvee, a champagne bar in the Third Ward.
Yes, I said champagne bar.
And yes, as one could imagine, it was totally cruel (despite all the love that was flowing of course) to invite me to an event where what would otherwise be an ideal heaven of sparkly, bubbly, every-kind-of-champagne-in-the-whole-wide-world goodness, was in fact, not - being that I was unable to actually drink said champagne. It was a true testament of sacrifice for our lovely Raisin. But I managed. (I have always had above-average willpower) And we still had an excellent time :)
Cheers Bryan and Andrea!
ps. doesn't Mr. Q look so dapper and James Bond-ish in his tux? perhaps this could be his outfit for Raisin's delivery ensuring an absolutely cool, calm and collected attitude during the whole thing...

Southern Belle

2009-12-22T12:05:00.003-05:00

While it seems almost impossible to think of anything *but* Baby these days...this past summer Mr. Q and I tied the knot. And people seemed to like it. And we at Quinn household are just tickled pink.
Today our wedding was featured on Southern Weddings blog. It will be in three parts throughout the day...so stay tuned!

20 weeks

2009-12-20T13:20:00.000-05:00

Halfway there! I can't believe it. Mr. Q can't believe it. We haven't gotten...um....ANYthing for the baby yet. I do however, have a million zillion ideas for her nursery.
Raisin, you don't mind sleeping on the floor right as long as the rest of the room is decorated pretty right?
I suppose we should get on that. So what has the 20th week brought? Maternity pants. Real ones...with elastic belly tops and everything. And you know what? They are comfortable. You know what is not comfortable? Sleeping. What? You mean this belly gets bigger? I have so much to learn...
xoxo

Isn't She Lovely?

2009-12-17T09:37:00.000-05:00

Is everyone freaking out that it is almost Christmas? It really seems to have snuck up on everyone this year...
We at the Quinn household are not *too* stressed, fortunately, because we had a super exciting doctor appointment last week which seemed to make everything okay and right as rain around here. I had my first ultrasound and we got to see Raisin up-close and personal.
We also found out that...Raisin is a GIRL!
Yes a little girl. Sugar and spice and everything nice. Hooray!
Dr. B said that everything looks good, all her organs developing nicely, etc. I have another appointment with the doc next Tuesday so perhaps we will chat more about what she saw and I can learn a little bit more. I was also fortunate to visit Milwaukee early this week and I got to spend some much needed time with friends, family and coworkers. We even got our first sets of girl clothing. Pink this, ruffly that...I think Raisin is going to be just fine in the fashion department :)

Boom Boom Pow!

2009-11-25T07:57:00.005-05:00

Hello Friends! It is almost Thanksgiving!! Hooray! Am excited to visit Mr. Q's family but am a little sad not to see my own this year. However...that's okay because I'll be seeing them *very soon* in a couple weeks and I will for sure be calling them on Thursday. Perhaps we will share a piece of pie together over the phone. It has been rainy and blah here, but yesterday our trip to the doctor's office was just as good as the sun coming out.

We got to hear Raisin's heartbeat for the first time! At my last appointment, we were unable to (sad) as Raisin was most likely too little yet, or hiding. But yesterday...the doctor found it right away. And it was LOUD. And fast. Our doctor (Dr. B) said it was right around 140-150 bpm. In addition to the fast little thumping, there were all sorts of other noises. It sounded like someone was hitting a microphone. Lots of Pows, Bams and Bada-Bings. It was all very Batman fighting and such.

Dr. B commented that Raisin was doing aerobics and was being very active. My guess is he/she felt extremely guilty for not showing up last time on the doppler, so wanted to make sure we were all VERY aware of her presence. It was either that or she was still very energized from our super powerwalk on the treadmill earlier that morning.

In any event, we are both so thankful to know there really is a baby in there (as if growing tummy was not enough evidence). Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy time with your loved ones...near and far.

xoxo

An Homage to My Jeans (15 weeks)

2009-11-15T14:39:00.000-05:00

Are you all having a fabulous weekend? After an exceptionally warm and sunny day yesterday...we are faced with lots of blah and rain today. Which I guess it is okay for a Sunday, considering we really just feel like laying on the couch and watching football.
And...taking Baby Bump pictures.
Things are going well. As mentioned in the previous post, Raisin has decided to make a permanent appearance, which I'm getting used to, but am also excited to see. Fortunately, my jeans and I are still friends. As in, I am successful at getting them to button up comfortably...although I recognize the day is coming soon when I will have to put them in a drawer to hibernate until next year.
Thus, wearing them in this 15 week Baby Bump picture is like an tribute to them. Dear Jeans, I really enjoyed our time together and I promise that no pair of maternity ones will ever take your place (permanently). xoxo

Blog-a-boo

2009-11-10T14:23:00.002-05:00

Helloooo.
Well, it seems as though my tummy has had quite a growth spurt in the past couple days. Yes, seriously.
It is taking some getting used to. You know...seeing it in the mirror during yoga class...and trying to get over the fact that it's no longer a gut that I can just suck in...the usual. Is definitely a bit weird.
But aside from Raisin news, I'm pleased to report that a few more blogs will be featuring our wedding. Joy!
Our photographers, Jesse + Whitney posted a couple of days ago, Latin Weddings posted today, and Southern Weddings Magazine will be posting within the next couple weeks, so stay tuned. The last two are especially exciting because we are neither Latin or Southern. very flattered to be on their radar nonetheless. thank you for the recognition!
xoxo

Raisin

2009-11-03T09:47:00.002-05:00

I'm pretty sure that Mr. Q and I are not the first couple to nickname their baby while in the womb.

We actually found out that I was pregnant pretty early, around 4-5 weeks, and when we did, we were super curious to know what size it was (wouldn't you be?) And when we looked it up, the all-knowing internet said that our baby was approximately the size of a raisin.
And we all know if it's on the internet, then it's got to be true.

Baby Raisin! Of course! And the name stuck. Because really...who likes calling their unknown-gender-kid "It" or "He/She" or "The Baby"?

Raisin just seems to work.

Hopefully Raisin doesn't mind this and doesn't get offended when he hears it. Although, we could always tell him later that "I'm sure it was really stuffy there in the womb and all, and everyone knows it sounds like you're underwater - we would never refer to our little angel as a wrinkly, dried fruit."

**artist's interpretation of our floating little miracle - not to scale, or reality for that matter**

Friday the 13th...weeks

2009-11-01T12:39:00.000-05:00

The ability to be witty & smart today is escaping me this morning (can I blame pregnancy brain?) so will have to save the in-detail post about our lovely news for another day. All the stories about vomiting, aversions to anything in the kitchen, and just how elated I am to be feeling better should be justified with really good story-telling.
That being said, I am 13 weeks and in an effort to slip into a slinky kitty outfit to hand out candy during trick or treat...it became obvious that Baby Raisin (which is our cute nickname, more on this later) did not want to be left out of the festivities.
Hello Mini Baby Bump!

Oh Baby!

2009-11-01T12:31:00.000-05:00

** Baby Quinn ~ May 8, 2010 **

Zoo-Boo

2009-10-26T15:57:00.000-04:00

I know I haven't posted many festive fall pics lately, but I am feeling a bit more perky these days...so...here's to improvements!
It was so beautiful out yesterday, so Mr. Q and I decided to go to the zoo. We were in luck because not only were there hilarious and adorable animals to see, but there was also an event called "Zoo-Boo" where we got to see little kids in hilarious and adorable costumes!
We didn't take pictures of strangers' children (because that would be creepy, yes?) but we did manage to snap some of our favorite creatures (and some of us).
Enjoy!

Man-tastic!

2009-10-26T15:46:00.000-04:00

Hola!
Mr. Q escaped to Michigan this weekend to partake in Quinn Guy Retreat at Uncle Tim's farm. They did, um, well, you know... man-things like shoot stuff, (avoiding each other of course), drink stuff and eat stuff. And I think they played a couple games of Euchre (sp?).
All-in-all a mantastic time! They were also very happy to capture a photo with all the Quinn men in attendance. How cute.