Ever since I was in high school when I received the black nylon Kate Spade messenger bag, I knew that I would to have the Kate Spade baby bag when I had a baby. This bag has only gotten cuter.

While shopping in Charlotte last weekend, I decided to stop into the Kate Spade store to try on the baby bag and see which style I liked and what kind of strap would be the most comfortable. They were having a 30% off sale! 30% off and a huge store credit! They were practically giving it away! I had to get the bag that day while the sale was going on and before I used my store credit on a small clutch! This gorgeous bag was only going to cost us peanuts. Todd’s mom offered to get it for us and I’m so excited to have it.

I wasn’t really worried about making sure to get a pink bag if it’s a girl and a blue bag if it’s a boy. The baby isn’t the one that’s going to be carrying the bag for two years anyway. I wear at least one piece of black every day, so it’s going to match everything. I can’t stop staring at it!

Today is a special day. It’s my friend, Cyndi’s birthday! Head on over to Southern Daze to wish her a very happy day. Hopefully she’s relaxing and doing things she loves like reading blogs and watching Sex and the City.

I love you, Cyndi and I hope you have a fantastic day!

*photo by Kelly Moore Photography

Yes, the little one growing inside of me is starting to make his or her appearance. There’s not much of a bump and I don’t have a picture to show you, but my regular clothes were starting to get really uncomfortable.

I tried the Bella Bands a few times, but they didn’t really stay put and if my shirt wasn’t long enough you could see the band. After church on Sunday, Todd, my mom, his mom, and I got in the car and headed to Charlotte to Destination Maternity. Destination Maternity has all of the major maternity retailers all in one location; A Pea in the Pod, Mimi Maternity, and Motherhood Maternity. Todd went on to the mall to entertain himself while the ladies watched me try on clothes.

Trying on maternity clothes was even more strange than trying on a wedding dress for the first time. We found so many cute things and my mom and I did some serious damage at that store! Since then, I’ve been in clothes heaven! Maternity clothes are so cute and so comfortable.

I was able to find my usual Seven A-Pocket jeans, but maternity-style, and in my usual size. The legs and booty fit the same, but there’s just lots of space for my expanding mid-section.

These are two of my favorite new short sleeved sweaters that I’ll likely wear with a long sleeved t-shirt underneath.

I got to try on the little velcro baby bumps to see what the clothes will look like when I’m 7 or 9 months pregnant. That was pretty strange, too. My mom took a picture and I may be able to get my hands on that to show all of you. The other thing I noticed is that when I took the baby bump simulator off, I noticed my tiny bump a lot more! Maternity clothes these days don’t hide the bump, the accentuate it so you can have your normal shape and curves, but that the bump looks like a baby bump and not a Christmas diet bump.

I’ll be 17 weeks pregnant on Friday. Time is flying! I went to the doctor on Monday for the 16 week appointment and to have the genetic blood test done. I don’t know the test results yet, but I’m trying not to really think about it. I didn’t have an ultrasound, but I heard the strong heartbeat again and the doctor says that everything is fine.

I am feeling much better during the day (except for the last two days when I’ve pretty much thrown up all day), but I’m finding that I feel sick right when I lie down to go to sleep. Here’s to no more throwing up in 2009!

Todd and I are spending the evening at home with Italian take-out and some movies. I can’t think of a better way to spend the evening! Happy New Year, friends.

I’ve been gone a while, but I have very good reason! My parents, brother, and their dog Beaux arrived on December 23 and I didn’t read or write a blog the entire time they were here. They left yesterday and, as usual, the goodbye was tearful.

We had a great Christmas at our house. We went to church on Christmas Eve with my family and Todd’s family and then we all came back to our house to eat gumbo. On Christmas morning we woke up and ate breakfast and then opened presents. My family decided to draw names this year so we could all save some money and it was great. My parents and Todd’s parents gave us a new hutch for our dining room. My mom got my name and gave me lots of scarves and a beautiful silver tray for my dining table.

Todd gave me the Canon Rebel. I can’t wait to figure out how to use it and get ready to take lots of gorgeous photos of our new addition that will arrive in June.

He also gave me the Sonya Renee necklace I’ve been wanting, some comfy boots, and DVDs.

I gave Todd lots of lawn equipment, some jeans, and the new Gamecock football vault. My brother drew Todd’s name and Todd got loaded up with clothes and socks.

We went to see Marley and Me the day after Christmas and I’m not sure I’ve ever cried so hard in a movie in my life. The only other time I’ve cried that hard over a story was when I read the book. But I was crying and had to take a couple of those big deep, choking breaths. Great movie. I’m sure I’ll watch it every time I see it on TV. There is nothing like the unconditional love that you get from your dog.