I know, I know it's been too long. It has been a month since we've last updated this blog. I hope people are still checking in on this site. What has happened in a month? I painted the nursery and our room. We registered at Baby's R Us so you can go and check that out at www.babysrus.com . That was overwhelming all of the stuff that is thrown in your face as you walk down the aisles of this store. Natalie's sister helped us out, she is a new mother and had some wonderful advice. Natalie and I went to Arkansas to visit her Dad's family. We had a great time with everyone. I'm getting excited about having a little girl. I know that there are gonna be some rough times, but it's gonna be worth it. It's hard for me to focus on what to say after a month so that's why I'm all over the place in this post. Please let us know that you read this by posting a comment or if you have problems with that then email us at tobyhurst@gmail.com and nursehurst@gmail.com

Toby

Hello All. We're doing really well. I'm getting bigger every day. I'm feeling good too. Mia is kicking and moving around. She started kicking when Toby came home and talked with me tonight. She's had the hiccups a few times which feels funny. But it is a wonderful feeling when she moves. It's comforting and reassuring and just amazing that she is growing every day into her own person and who she already is, personality and all. I think Mia can hear the babies at work. She'll move when I'm holding another baby or attending a c-section when the baby starts to cry. I've heard that babies show empathy when other babies cry. Maybe she's developing that now. I can't wait to see her sweet face and count her fingers and toes!

I've never been this prepared for Christmas. All my shopping and shipping of presents is done, as well as Christmas cards, the cookies, the tree and the decorations. I've been superwoman lately. I think it's because after the holidays, we start childbirth classes for six weeks and then she'll be here soon after that. So, I'm looking at the downhill slope, knowing very soon it will start whizzing by quickly. I'm also trying to do so much now because I know I won't want to do it later on when she and I are bigger. Toby painted the nursery a pretty blue. I know, I know, we're having a girl, but I promise, it's pretty and not boyish. Much more has to be done, but it is a beginning.

We were in Arkansas for Thanksgiving visiting my granddad and the family. My sister brought her four month old Alison, to meet Gran. As she handed her to him when he first saw her, his eyes teared up and he said "Thank you" very quietly. I knew then how important it is for great-grandparents to meet their great-grandchildren. They meet their legacy in the flesh. How amazing it must be to recognize their children and grandchildren in the fresh face of their great-grandchild. Gran spent a lot of time crouched down beside Alison just looking at her. So, this summer, my sister and I are planning a trip to take Mia and Alison back so Gran can meet Mia. Start praying now, because two new moms with two babies and all the equipment on a plane will surely be a sight to behold! We're already planning on passing out earplugs to the other passengers who will unfortunately sit beside us! But it'll be exciting!

We conquered the Registry! We went to BabysRus and did it! What a project, good grief! So much stuff is so overwhelming. We had a lot of help from experienced moms, Lindsay and Heather, which we deeply thank. It was a reality check as we walked through the aisles and began to understand how different our lives are going to be...


I'm back, this is Toby. Sorry about my A.D.D. on the first part of the post. It was really acting up. I wanted to let you know about a cool experience that happened a couple of weeks ago. Natalie and I were sitting on the couch watching football. I muted the t.v. and put my hand on Natalie's belly and said, "Mia." As soon as I finished saying her name she kicked my hand really hard. Natalie and I began talking to her and she just responded with kicks and punches. It was an amazing time. My eyes welled up with tears. Then I got out the book I bought for her "One Fish, Two Fish, red fish, blue fish". As I attempted to read this tongue twister of a book with Natalie laughing at my feeble attempt, Mia continued to move around and kick. I will never forget that moment. I hope everyone has a great Christmas and is able to spend some time with family and maybe reconcile a relationship that went a little sour.