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cHRIS graduation MBA

In addition to the Bramble Berry building project, my sweet husband and I have been working on a little personal project of our own. We are expecting our first child, the first grandchild in my family, on our 4 year wedding anniversary (no really, that’s the actual due date). Come April, we’ll have one new Brambleberrian to add to our team.

cHRIS graduation MBA

We found out on a very special day – my husband’s graduation for his Masters in Business Administration. Ironically, he had been telling me that he didn’t want a baby until he graduated. And in a stroke of amazing timing, when the entire family was here for his celebration, we added an extra little teensy sunflower-sized celebration to the day. Chris was sweet enough to share his day of glory with his firstborn.

This is the baby’s first picture – taken at 6 weeks:

This is the latest picture – taken at 12 weeks:

Totally loving the excuse to eat cupcakes and ice cream.

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224 Comments

  6. Thanks Lynn! I just had a cupcake (Red Velvet). It was delicious. Twins?
    That would have blown my mind. I’m already feeling shell-shocked about the
    one. Morning sickness was not fun but seems to be on the wane and I am so
    thankful for that. Also, I never puked from morning sickness so I think I
    had it incredibly easy and feel thankful =)))

  8. Congrats from us here in Australia- i remember my last pregnancy, IVF assisted, and foun dout at 6 weeks i was having twins….. they turned 13 last week.
    Time will fly… and hope you dont suffer too much from Morning sickness or heartburn.
    have to send yo osmething very non-gender based form here in Australia- see what i can find! πŸ™‚

    from your favourite carrot cupcake person!

  9. Congratulations! I gave birth to my baby boy 3 weeks ago, so I wish you a sweet and relaxt baby as well.

  10. congratulations to you both!
    what incredible timing!
    anne marie, wishing you a happy healthy pregnancy from australia.

  12. OH!!! How exciting! Congrats! A baby brings a whole new look on life. This is such exciting news!

  13. No judgment – you’re trying the best you can with the resources you have available. And independent children who grow up to think for themselves and not be followers are a good thing. Don’t ‘should’ all over yourself. I’m sure you’re doing a great job juggling it all.

  14. Oh, man! I am *so* happy for you two! Please, oh please, find out “what kind” of baby you’re having…for me? Pretty Please???

  15. I was just stopping by after not visiting for a couple of months, just in time to read your great news! I’ve been following your blog for a couple of years now and am so happy to see that you have finally !!! got a little one on the way πŸ™‚ Congratulations to both you and your hubby and all the best for the future! Can’t wait to ‘meet’ your little BrambleBaby πŸ™‚

  18. Congrats! You must be so excited about adding a little girl to the mix – and the boys will be incredibly protective of their little sister. =) We are very excited about our new journey.

  19. Congratulations to you! I can imagine how happy you and your husband are! Our first child will come between 22.-25 december 2010 πŸ™‚ You can see a video of our boy (called Lukas) on my blog, taken at 14 weeks πŸ™‚ Enjoy your pregnancy, itΒ΄s so long but nevertheless too short πŸ™‚
    Stefanie

  20. Ultrasound – Sonograph. I’m never sure what to call it. It was really neat what the technician was able to do. She’d say thing like, “Let’s get under it so we can get a better view” and all kinds of fun stuff like that and then whooosh! new view. It was really cool. =) Thanks for your note. I feel like I know all of my blog commenters because I read everyone’s blogs in return and keep up on their lives too =)

  21. Oh I know! It’s going to be a struggle to not turn this into a baby blog now but I’ll stay strong, I promise … =)

  22. Wow! That is an amazing coincidence. I guess great minds think alike, eh? =)

    I’m getting my energy back now (thank goodness – those 8 p.m. bedtimes were ridiculous!) and morning sickness is slacking off too so that’s been a welcome change. I just can’t wait to find out the sex of the baby!

  23. That’s a great suggestion – I think it would be fun to read a baby story to the baby every night now to get them in the sleepy time mood. =)

    I listen to a lot of books on tape. I wonder if that’s similar to music or reading to the baby? Granted, it’s not my voice but… =)

    Congrats on your new grandbaby. That is so exciting for your family!

  26. Amen! My little BrambleBaby will need two older, smart, funny, independent playmates for sure! =)

  27. Thank you! We are soooooooo excited and Amber is so happy that I’ll be getting my own office before the baby comes =) Ha ha …

  28. Congratulations!!! How exciting for you two! Hope you’re feeling well and enjoying every moment so far!

  29. From Argentina, Congratulations!!!!!!!!!
    You are a shiny soul and you give us dreams ,hope and the strength to reach the path.
    Thank you very much.
    Best wishes.
    Maria

  30. Congratulations to you too! You must be so excited to be having that baby girl – and she will be extremely well protected with two older brothers. I hope you have a safe and happy rest of your pregnancy and an easy 4 hour (apparently the ideal according to my doc) delivery. =)

  31. I know! It was completely mind blowing to see the baby at 12 weeks versus 6. At 6, it sort of looked like an ant – and I was excited but the WOW factor of the 12 week sonogram was very impressive. We were both blown away by how much the baby was moving (lots and lots and lots of kicking). =)

  32. Funny. I am on my treadmill desk right now.

    Four boys – you are a saint! I think our ideal is 2 children but I’ll let you know after this one. I just have no idea what to expect even though I’m reading all the books, the magazines, the chat rooms etc… I don’t think anything can accurately prepare you! =)

    I’m working out daily but with much less vigor than before. Lots of long walks, yoga and pilates – not so much on the running anymore. I started cramping right away in my 1st month with the running so quit that early on. That may account for a few of those first-trimester weight gain pounds. Ha ha.

    Yes, we are so lucky that both my husband and I are self employed. He works at a quiet office though (engineering) and Bramble Berry’s office are just one step short of controlled chaos so the baby will fit in here fantastic. I think the Pack’n’Play is going to be our friend! =)

    Thanks for your comment. It is so sweet of you to share your experience.

  33. Big congratulations Anne-Marie. Your life will never be the same (but it will be better- in SO many ways!)
    Bramblebaby- I love it!

  37. I just turned my treadmill into a desk, but if I get pregnant, I’m blaming you! :)_ At 46 I’m not sure that’s even possible.

    I have four boys and each one of them is a precious gem. You’re going to be very busy, but you’re also going to have the greatest joy, most frustration and most precoius satisfaction of your life. I don’t comment much. I learn here. I’ve learned a lot more here than I can ever thank you and your guests for. So, with that in mind, may your pregnancy go over by one day (preemie mom here), your back not ache and you’re able to exercise throughout. As long as I could it made me feel better. Till I got bed-rest, which you won’t. You have a wonderful husband and may he be as wonderful as mine. There are many nights I was never woken (first two were adopted). You’re going to be a great mom and you can go to the office together! My dream is a full family business. I hope your child is all you dream about and enough of a challenge to keep you on your toes, but getting enough sleep. I think it’s a girl, which practically assures a boy. LOL!!

    Nancy Liedel

  40. congratulations!!!!!! a child will bring you the most joy you have ever had. remember that a child only needs three things to become a success in life. 1-food….2- water…….3- your love. scapegoat soaps is very happy for you and your family, we have six.

  45. AHHHH I am so happy for both of you!! Even when don’t know you personally, I feel like we are great friends, so this are great news, and you are very sweet to share it with all of us!. I have four kids and I love being a mom, best job in the world. Again, Congrats!!!

  48. Wow that’s great news. I’m so happy for you. I remember when I had my first, it was just like yesterday. Nothing brings more joy then a baby. They grow up fast, cherish every moment with them, because before you know it they are all grown up.

  49. Congratulations! Our first was born a day before our 2 year anniversary and our 2nd child is due 3 days after my mothers birthday! So exciting! Good luck and congrats!

  50. Oh, that’ll help you undoubtedly. My little monster grows rather independent thanks to his very-busy-soapy-mammy, who always have no time for the baby =( shame on me!

  52. Congratulations, to both of you! I am so happy you will make the most beautiful mum. Joy to you and your family!

  53. I have been a stay at home mom for 19yrs and my youngest is 12. I would not have ever chose to do anything else. The only thing I regret is having one more after our youngest. But we are blessed and so are you. I LOVED being pregnant. The whole thing was a miracle to me and even when I felt a bit yucky, I just marveled in the whole process. Congratulations to you and Chris! You are going to do great!

  57. Congratulations, that’s marvelous news! The next time we are in Bellingham, we will make sure to drop some cupcakes off at Otion for you!

  58. Thank you for being an avid reader. =) We are hoping that the rest of the pregnancy is equally easy and joy filled. That second sonogram was one of the best experiences in my entire life…

  60. Thank you! We were absolutely overjoyed when we found out. It was hard to keep it quiet for three months!

  62. Thank you. We will happily take all the good wishes anyone wants to give us. As first time parents, we have a lot to learn. =)

  63. Definitely thrilled and feeling thankful about my husband’s graduation. He worked so hard on that degree – working FT at his own company and going to school and night and studying all weekend. He is going to be a great dad!

  64. Thank you! I hope I’ll be a good mom. I’ll certainly be a well-read mom. I swear, I started reading parenting books before we even got pregnant. =)

  65. I feel like I know all my soaping friends IRL too so no worries there. =) My only regret about the timing (and really, there is zero regret, so it’s like a little twinge) is that I’m going to miss the Handmade Soap Guild Convention because it’s right in the baby-birth time. =( But hopefully we’ll have a little BrambleBaby to bring to the 2012 one.

  67. You are so right – I’ll need a bigger apron soon. I’m already not fitting into my pants. Eek.

  68. Thank you. We are praying for a healthy baby and I am really really really hoping for a smooth pregnancy too. =)

  70. Congratulations to you too! It is definitely a new experience for me. I am glued to my ‘What to Expect’ book right now because every little twinge and side effect is a surprise to me. =) I hope your pregnancy goes smoothly too. =)

  71. Thank you. I hope that is true … I really hope so. I’m keeping up with daily workouts but not as strenuous as I have been. I’m hoping that helps with the pregnancy and the recovery.

  72. I’m so excited to jump in with two feet with the support of my family and friends. I know it’s going to be an exciting journey.

  73. I am thankful to have your good wishes. I’m a bit fearful that my very round face will just look like a massive beach ball but we can hope that you are right! =))) We are both delightful and I’m totally fine with the beach ball look for the next six months. I can handle anything for six months, right? =) (ha ha)

  74. Many many many cupcakes! I had a great one last night for my midnight snack with milk (gotta get the baby some protein). =)

  75. It was an incredible day – my husband literally found out about the positive pregnancy test while he was wearing his cap ‘n’ gown and getting ready to walk out the door.

  77. We’re hoping to be at least competent parents! =) Super may be asking for far too much but one can hope.

  78. Yeah, it is incredible timing isn’t it? My husband is charmed that way. We met on April 30th, he proposed on April 30th, we married on April 30th and now our first born is due on April 30th =) What are the odds?

  79. We are feeling extremely lucky and enchanted right now (knock on wood). I just told Chris your congrats. He said ‘Thanks!’ and looks incredibly relieved, even now.

  80. Thank you! I’ll pass your good wishes along to my sweetie. He’s sitting right next to me =)

  82. That’s definitely one way to put it – a ride! We are both holding our breath and ready to jump on that chute.

  83. Much better now but I had evening sickness for most nights in the first trimester. It was not my favorite three months. And the foods I had to eat to make my tummy quick being sick? Ugh. If I never see macaroni and cheese again, I think I will be just fine. =) It will all be worth it for a perfect little BrambleBaby!

  86. Congratulations! What wonderful news for you and your family! My son is now 5 and you are in for an amazing ride!

  87. Congratulations Anne-Marie! I am so happy for you and your family.
    Take care,
    Sherri

  90. I am soooo thrilled for you, A-M!!! Hearty congratulations for you and Chris, and congratulations to Chris also for completing his masters!! The sun is shining brightly on you, my dear. πŸ™‚

  91. Funny, that’s just what grandpa said! He insists the baby clearly is taking after him … ha ha.

  92. I’m having a great time eating one dessert per day without guilt (a first in my life!) and really loving the science part of being pregnant. It is really interesting to me how the baby develops and that’s definitely been the best part, so far. I know the best is yet to come … in 6 months!

  95. Anne-Marie, muchisimas felicitaciones, un hijo es la bendicion mas grande para una pareja tan hermosa que Dios los mantenga muy sanos y felices a los todos….

  96. Oh Anne Marie- That is soooo exciting! You guys will be the best parents ever! I am thrilled about this news! It brought tears to my eyes! XO Heidi Outre Beauty Bistro

  97. Congratulations to you, Anne and your husband!!!! You will have a new little one soap making for sure in the family!!! You will see that your baby will be the best and a unique project of your life.
    Enjoy a lot your pregnancy, eat cupcakes, icecream and just be very happy!!! Also enjoy each month and years they grow so fast, and when you realize they have 8 years old…. it happened to me. Don’t miss any episodes of his or her life!!
    Take care a lot too!!!
    Sincerely,
    Mariana
    from Mar D. Jabones

  103. Congrats to you both! Wishing you an easy, fun pregnancy filled with cupcakes & love! xo Heather

  105. Anne Marie, what wonderful news. I am so very happy for both of you. Life is good, but it’s even better with children in the mix. I am certain you will look radiant throughout your pregnancy. May health, happiness, and no-morning sickness be with you.

  106. I was waiting for this new!! I am so excited for you, congratulations.
    Diane, your mentor buddy in Santa Cruz

  107. Congratulations Anne-Marie! May you and your family enjoy all the blessings of the birth of a new child. May you enjoy good health and happiness. May you know all the love and supreme honor of motherhood. Many blessings!

  109. Congrats Ann-Marie!! Welcome to the world of parenting. May you have smooth sailing all the way through!

  110. Congragulations! We are currently expecting our second so I know how excited you must be! Enjoy your pregnancy!

  111. Congrats!!!From Buenos Aores Argentina, this baby will be the most clean in the world with this soapy mommmm.Ceci

  113. Thanks for sharing the good news with us.Congratulations to Mr Wonderful in his graduation too.
    You will need a soap queen bigger apron soon!!!!
    God bless you all!!!

  115. Congratulations!!! I let out a little *gasp* when I read the subject line, and said to myself, “Oh yay! Anne-Marie!!!”… like I know you IRL, hah!
    Wishing you a wonderful, healthy, happy pregnancy!
    Enjoy your cupcakes & ice cream!

    Robin πŸ™‚

  116. Oh,that’s so wonderful! we are all here happy for you!! congrats!!! sure you’ll be a great mom !!!

  117. Oh wow! How exciting! Congratulations to you both for the new baby to be and of course for your sweet hubby’s graduation!

  120. Don’t I know it! I once put on 5 pounds over a “Aw heck, I’ll lose it all after the holidays” lapse in judgement. Though that was over a decade ago, I still recall how long it took to take it off. I’m at the max of what I should gain for the first trimester but the doc said I was so thin to start with that they weren’t surprised I packed it on. That said, the month of nausea that was only quelled by white food may have had something to do with it too! :))

    Happy Soaping!

    Anne-Marie
    http://www.brambleberry.com
    Blog: http://www.soapqueen.com

  122. Huge Congrats to you both! Perfect timing indeed, I’m sure you’ll make a super mum πŸ™‚

  123. Congrats! Enjoy the cupcakes and ice cream, but remember, it’s not always easy to take it off after baby! I hope that you enjoy a healthy and happy pregnancy. I look forward to seeing pictures when your Bramble-baby is born πŸ™‚

  126. Congratulations. Thats wonderful. May the new wee one to be be a wonderful addition to your world.

  129. Annmarie,
    At the end of my work day I am always excited to see what you have been up to. Todays post is the “bestest “ever. Congratulations to both of you. Enjoy every moment and thank you for sharing with us.

  132. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so so so excited for you two!!! What fun fun news! Take care of yourself!

    Jeannie

  136. Wow, congratulations, Anne-Marie! So happy for you, your husband, and your family! πŸ™‚

  137. Congratulations!! My hubby was supposed to finish his Masters degree before the baby was born. He just squeaked it in before the 2nd BABY was born!!!

  138. Congratulations to you and your family. What a special time this is for you. Haha great excuse to eat cupcakes and ice cream….Why not both at the same time!

  139. Congrats on both the baby and the graduation. Double joy on the same day that is great πŸ™‚

  140. OMG! Congratulations….How very exciting. That is such an exciting thing to find out! Now we need to celebrate!

  141. Congratulations and felicitations….I am heart glad for you both Anne-Marie! What a wonderful day to share your special news with your family too. Baby is so pretty in the second pic πŸ™‚

  143. BIG News Anne-Marie, we at Mindfly are so happy for you & your husband. I’ve been at it for a year now, this motherhood thing, and they’re right, it IS worth it. I wish you a pleasant pregnancy & speedy delivery.

  146. Oh my word!
    That’s the bestest, most fabulous news I’ve heard in a long while.
    Tears *arrgh*.
    So nice for you
    x

  147. Lovely woman, you are going to be an outstanding mother. If you ever need company for a playdate, you know where to go. πŸ˜‰ CONGRATULATIONS.

  156. Great news! Enjoy, and hope your little one brings you as much joy and opportunities for inspiration as mine. I am what is commonly called an ‘old’ labor and delivery nurse, and the awe and wonder never wears off. Now, quick- go get a cupcake.

  161. Congratulations Anne-Marie! That’s great news! I hope the pregnancy is a breeze. Now you’ll have a little helper to toddle after you and help sniff soap!

  162. AAAHHH!!!!! Congrats Anne-Marie! That is super exciting! I’m so happy for you two!!!! πŸ˜€

  163. oh anne-marie! you are blessed! congrats to you and your husband:) you are on your way to a whole new adventure…its so great being a mommy. FYI, get all the sleep you can NOW, and really really savor it- every beautiful minute of it…really;D LOL, have a cupcake for me!

  168. Congratulations! Perhaps we’ll see some tutorials on baby skin care products? πŸ™‚

  170. Congrats to you – it is the most exciting time of your life – make sure you slow down and enjoy every second…..

  172. OMG! How exciting! Congratulations! I don’t post on your blog, ever, but I’m a loyal follower and I just want to tell you how happy I am for you! Yay!

  177. Oh, what wonderful news Anne-Marie!! Congratulations to you and Chris!!! Hooray!! πŸ™‚

  184. Congratulations to you and your entire family! Get ready; it ALL changes now. Wishing you the best of everything. πŸ™‚

  185. Congrats, Anne-Marie. It’s wonderful that you’ll be welcoming a new little one with such perfect timing!

  187. Oh my goodness How exciting!! Congrats!!

    Let me tell you, those Grandparents are going to be in HEAVEN.. We just celebrated the Arrival of our first Grandchild Oct 1 and I swear I am so in love with that lil man!! He is our sons first,as well..

    take care of yourself and READ read read to the Lil Bramble Bee as much as possible as well as listen to music- You would be surprised the effect it has on a baby,even this young!!

    Again,SO very happy for you and Chris!!

  188. What a great news!!!!! SO EXCITING!! Hope you are feeling alright and little peanut not causing mommy any trouble πŸ˜‰ Take care of yourself!

  189. Congratulations to you both! Yes, any excuse to eat cupcakes and ice cream is a good one! But this is the best one!

  191. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! becoming a mom is the most humbling and beautiful experience. enjoy every minute of your pregnancy and have a healthy and safe delivery! PLEASE TAKE FOLIC ACID EVERY DAY!!!!
    –Ayesha

  195. Congrats!!! and what a coincidence!!! Im expecting my first child too, its the first grandchild in my family, my due date is in my 3rd year anniversary in april and I have about 12 weeks too!!!
    And I looooove soapmaking!!!

  196. Congrats!! I don’t think there is anything better in the world than to see the positive sign on a pregnancy test=-)

  198. With the expansion of the company, you’ll need more staff! Congratulations honey!

  205. Oh this is the best post ever!!! Congrats!! I don’t know you, but feel like I do as I have been a daily follower and customer for a year now. Becoming a mother is the best gift in the world πŸ™‚ I’m also currently attending sonograph school (aka ultrasound) so I like to see your pics of your ultrasound. Thank you for sharing AM.

    Sarah

  206. Congrats!! Time to start focusing on new products like baby balm πŸ˜‰ You know, for the future!

  212. Anne- Marie,
    That is SO VERY EXCITING! Congratultions!
    I always say, “There’s nothing like a baby!”
    Carrie

  220. Anne Marie ! congrats!! wuaa…thank you for sharing this with us πŸ™‚ …

  223. Congrats, Anne-Marie!! I’m currently pregnant with my 3rd (a girl after 2 boys!) and am due in February. Parenting is the most difficult and rewarding undertaking ever! Congrats again!

  224. A big congrats! πŸ™‚ What a perfect timing. πŸ˜€

    What a big difference in those pics within 6 weeks!