Closing the past

It’s official! We set to close on our new house on Dec 23, right before Christmas! What a Christmas present that is. Official moving day (for all the stuff in storage) is Jan 8 so we’ll take all the help we can get! You know who you are. Meanwhile we’ll be painting the interior of the house & installing some immediate things (i.e. appliances, garage door opener, blinds, etc). Everything is close to happening!

Gobble Gobble

We spent Thanksgiving with both our families. Our son enjoyed playing with his basket of toys.

8 months!

It’s our son's eight month birthday! Yay! He’s so big now, eats 8-14 oz of baby food 3x daily, & has his top two teeth breaking through along with a fifth on his left! Already outgrowing 12 month clothes! Yikes!

A strong foundation

Our foundation has been poured & backfill is scheduled for tomorrow. Framing should then start on the 20th. Hopefully everything will go well. Will post more pictures soon!

Boycott in action!

Our son is starting teething now & may be boycotting rice cereal & oatmeal because of it. Haven’t gotten to the hard part where they pop through yet. He took to the baby foods but may not be eating those as much either because of his incoming teeth. He likes spinich & squash while grean beans & peas don’t seem so great.

Baby food is a go!

Our doctor okayed baby foods for our son so today we bought some geen veggies to start with. Today we started with spinich! I figured start with the worst ones (in my book) & the other ones will be better regardless. To my surprise though, our son loved the spinich & kept opening his mouth for more! So for lunch he had, 3 oz spinich, 2 oz baby oatmeal & 3-4 oz formula! Told you he was a big eater!

Taking shape

Well, if you call a big hole in the ground taking shape, then so be it. The foundation has been poured as well and with any luck they will be framing in the next week or two!

Roll over boy!

Our son's got rolling over to his side without a problem. It’s pretty much habit for him when he’s going to bed. Since his crib is next to our bed, sometimes he wakes up & is looking right at us when we wake up! It’s so cute but it could be a problem later on.

Remember when?

Last night we went to my hubby's 10 year high school reunion. It was okay. My hubby talked to some people who remembered him. I danced with K. & a few others. Our main gang was basically there so it was like a fancy get-together with our friends. Nobody seemed to remember us as a couple which is pretty amazing considering my hubby helped me around with a wheelchair and crutches for the last two years of high school. Afterwards we went to Omega with our friends.

Talking fool!

Our son's been talking (ooh & ahs) & smiling (BIG smiles) for us for about 2 weeks now! When he wakes up he half cries & half talks until we come get him & then there’s a BIG smile for us. We’re gradually getting him on a schedule. It is hard work but seems to be working! Hope you’re enjoying the pictures!

The secret

We’ve discovered the secret! If we change our son's diaper in the middle of the night (while he’s sleeping) then he’ll sleep til around 7 am! Mommy loves that!!!!

Progress? What's that?

Yesterday & today we’ve worked our butts off on getting the house fixed up. My youngest brother & hubby primed the bathroom walls yesterday after I had removed the wallpaper during the week. Meanwhile I power-washed the fence & what a difference it made! Today we finished power-washing the fence & driveway, weeded & trimmed most of the trees. Looks so much better already. Still have a lot left to do… but we’re getting there.

New photos

There are some new photos up at our family site in our son's gallery. Enjoy!

Fire up the BBQ!

Today we had a memorial day BBQ despite the nasty thunderstorms. We just moved everything in the garage where we partied & enjoyed three adorable babies (two couples brought their kids too). Later in the evening the weather cleared up so we relaxed in the hot tub! Very nice indeed! Even the newlyweds, B&M made it!

Family cat

Today we had to put G to sleep. She was my family’s cat that slept on my bed for many years & always licked you hello. She had bone cancer which had made her weak & difficult for her to move around. She was such a sweetheart. At least the process was quick & painless. It was heartbreaking to lose her but at least she’s in a better place now.

Two months

At two months, our son was 14 lb 8 oz & 24 inches! Wow! He’s pretty much out of newborn clothes now…

Road trip

This weekend our son went with us on his first vacation. We went to Saint Louis where we attended my college roommate’s wedding (R&E). On Saturday we had a family caricature done which turned out perfect! Our son was an angel for it. Will try to scan it soon so everyone can see it.

New construction

We bought a new house! Now we have a few things to fix up on the house up so we can have it on the market by the end of June. That should leave plenty of time to sell the house.

It’s an open floor plan of 2500 square feet with four large bedrooms each with it’s own walk-in closet, 2 & 1/2 baths & a full basement. We’re really excited about having a basement & space to grow into. This house is perfect for us. Very spacious, small country feel with room to grow, close to major shopping area & 5 minutes from the highway. It won’t be ready until November of this year. We should have an easy time selling our current house. It’s a great house with a great location.

We looked in our current area but couldn’t afford to stay in the area for the space we want. Too bad, but this works for us.

My 29th Birthday

Tonight we celebrated my birthday with dinner with friends at Olive Garden. It was so good seeing everyone again, especially those we don’t see often like B&S & S. & her two kids. We even met S.' fiance, K! Nice guy. Our son was very good while Daddy took care of him so Mommy could have some relaxation time with friends. Our little boy is the best!

First sniffle

Our son got his very first cold today. Started sniffling & generally fussy. Can’t blame him. Doctor said it should run its course in 10-14 days. It’s hard seeing him so helpless when you can’t make it better. One of the hard parts of being a parent…

Another happy wedding!

Attended B&M’s wedding where we had a great night out with friends. The guys smoked cigars while us women danced til the end of the night. Okay so the guys danced a little!

My folks watched our son overnight so we got our first night sleep throughout the night! We forgot how good that felt…

The wedding was beautiful, the vows emotional & the reception was beautiful! B&M looked great together. My hubby did a great job reading the poem for the ceremony as well.

Before the wedding... came food & drinks!

We had a great time tonight at B&M's rehearsal dinner. We had the party crowd at our table & the food was delightful!

Happy birthday bro!

Celebrated my brother's (two years younger than me) birthday tonight at Home Run Inn with the entire family. Wow! It’s been many years since the entire family had dinner together. Very nice though.

P.S. The restaurant had this awesome baby carrier sling!

A night out!

While my hubby's parents watched our son, my hubby & I went out for date night! Dinner & a movie! It was nice having some alone time even though we missed him.

Another bun in the oven out!

My cousin & his wife had a baby boy today. 6 lbs 10 oz & 20 in… Our son is definately a big boy!

Bonfires & birthdays

Had a bonfire with our friends, K&J, last night. It was great seeing them again. Their son is growing so fast. Hard to believe our son will be that big before we know it.

Went to my cousin’s daughter’s first birthday party today. My extended relatives met our sonfor the first time. I love being a mom!

30 days later...

Our son had his one month doctor’s visit today. We were told he was doing fantastic at 9 lbs 8 oz & 22 inches! That’s our boy!

We think our pediatrician is fantastic!

Dining on bunny day

We had Easter dinner with both families this weekend. Our son was the hit of the party.

We are looking into the possibility of building a new house & selling this house. Hard decision to make… but we are running out of room!

Lamaze baby

Our aquaintances from lamaze class, S&G, had a baby girl this evening. They sent a picture. She’s so cute!

Daddy's birthday

Celebrated my hubby's birthday tonight at home with both families. His birthday cake had a picture of him holding our son at the hospital. How priceless!!!

Did I mention he loved the web cam (so he can see our son & I at whome while he's at work) & his wireless digital outdoor thermometer. Now if those things don’t sound like my hubby then I don’t know what does. My techno ever-loving & helpful hubby!

First office visit

Our son had his one week check-up today. The doctor said he’s still a bit jaundice but otherwise he was doing good.

No one told me!

Today we took our son out on his first outing! He was great. I think it was easier on him than Mommy…

Daddy is a huge help. As we learn how to take care of this little bundle of ours, I’m slowly healing. The labor & delivery was a cinch! The reocovery process… now that’s a whole new story! Another thing they forgot to mention. LOL

First family trip

Today our son & I came home from the hospital. Like most babies he sleeps, cries & poops but we love him dearly! It's all true.

He is so precious! And cute to boot!

It's a boy!

Yesterday we had a baby boy was born! He weighed in at an impressive 8 pounds, 14 ounces. Yeah…he’s a big boy. He’s 22 inches long. Mom and baby are both doing very well.

Not again!

After three episodes of false labor, I’m currently 1 cm dialated & the baby has dropped. Will find out about effacement tomorrow. In the meantime, my hubby & I are more anxious than ever to have this baby. However the baby is taking its sweet time…

You're faking it?

Last night my hubby helped me through five hours of contractions! After 2-3 hours the contractions jumped to 2-3 minutes apart. We contacted the doctor who said we could go in if we needed to. I was in pain so I said “God Yes!” After talking about it though, we tried the hot tub & the contractions started coming sporadically. We decided to wait & then not go to the hospital. Finally about 2 am, they eased up & I was able to sleep.

False labor hurts! I’m so not looking forward to the real thing but since having the baby means STRONGER contractions…. then bring it on so I can be done & we can hold our baby!

Not a heavy weight champion yet...

Today we had our weekly check-up. Saw the dr yesterday who said everything looked great & that we can give birth any day now. To which I responded, “So can you do it now?” He laughed & said “Well I could but I don’t know about you.” I’m 38 cm & ready to burst. Hurts to move because of all the pressure & weight. They estimated that the baby is currently eight lbs & probably will be about 8 & 1/2 lbs at birth.

Using the hot tub (okayed by the dr for short periods & below 100 degrees) helps the pressure & eases the pains from the contractions. Maybe by doing this every night, the baby will hurry up & get here. That’s what we hope anyway. We’re both VERY anxious to meet this little baby kicking around in me.

Last night my hubby & I watched as the baby made some big movements & think we even felt a limb! Can’t wait to meet this miracle of ours… for more than one reason. Next Tuesday we go back & they do an internal check-up again to see how I’m progressing. We’re hoping that we’ll have the baby before then & will have to cancel the appointment. I told my hubby that at this point I don’t care how long or difficult the labor is that I would LIKE TO BE DONE!!! Can you tell I’m a little frustrated? LOL

Is it time?

Early this morning we had a false alarm. Here we thought my water broke & headed to the hospital prepared for the real event (video taken & everything!). After two hours the doctor verified there was no labor; just that the baby was leaning on my bladder! They never tell you THAT in the books or classes! So we are still anxiously awaiting to meet our little creation…

Head towards the light!

Well the past few days have been interesting!

Today we saw the doctor who said everything (of course) was going well. The baby starting to drop but has a ways to go. I’m dialated one fingertip (don’t get too excited!) & slightly effaced. Bottom line… it’s highly unlikely that it will happen in the next few days. Never know for sure but he said most likely that we have a couple weeks.

Also he estimated the baby’s weight currently at 7 lbs! Baby should be between 7 to 8 pounds at birth. Shouldn’t reach nine pounds before it comes into the world…

Braxton Hicks (false) contractions are increasing in intensity & coming daily. At least it prepares me for the real thing.

We come prepared!

After weeks of asking questions & watching videos, we have graduated from the majority of our classes!

Becoming parents reminded us how to continue our relationship as a couple after we have the baby & become a family.

Baby care taught us the basic care of a newborn; i.e. bathing, diapers, feeding, sleeping, etc. Things you generally learn as you go & ask questions later. Very informative!

Prepared childbirth (Lamaze) answered many questions about the birth itself & taught us relaxation techniques & positions helpful to speed the labor process along. We definately feel more prepared with what we know & now I’m not QUITE so nervous about going into labor.

The next few weeks we’ll be taking a infant/child CPR (because kids swallow & choke on anything!) & breastfeeding (to know EXACTLY what to expect & get helpful tips now) class. It’s amazing how much more prepared we feel after taking these classes & knowing what we didn’t before.

Now on to the grand adventure! PLEASE!!!!

Is that your final answer?

It’s about that time folks! Get on those computers & cast your final vote for our baby!!! Will it be a charming boy or beautiful girl? Will it take after us & arrive late OR advance with human race & actually come out early OR right on time? Will it be a lightweight string bean like we both were or a heavyweight champion? Let’s get going because the time will be up soon!

Feel free to leave any messages on the guestbook too! We loooooove messages! Baby (as do I) hopes to meet you all very soon!

P.S. My hubby's right about the swift kick to the head if he stuck a fork in me! He’s been absolutely wonderful though! Even cleaned the tub at 2 am this morning so baby & I could take a warm bath to get a little comfortable. We’re both out of room here! Hasn't my hubby been the best???

Stick a fork in her... she's done!

Our baby is now 36 weeks! That means that baby is fully developed and ready to come on out! Based on the power of those kicks I can feel, I think baby is anxious to see the world.

My wife has done an amazing job carrying our baby to term. Tradition suggests that men are stronger than women…but when I see how well she handles the enormous changes and stresses she goes through to grow one single cell into the beautiful, giggling life that we’re going to be holding soon it blows me away. Our child is going to have a very special mommy.

Oh…please don’t really stick a fork in her. I haven’t tried it, but I’m pretty sure I’d get a swift smack to the head if I did.

Head'n Downtown

Went to the doctor for our 34th week check-up. Baby’s head is now down! No signs of any labor (other than Braxton Hicks which is normal) & that is good because it’s the longer the baby develops in the womb the healthier he or she will be!

And for those wondering, I love feeling the baby move & am cherishing this time I have but yes… I could definately be done now! My body’s ability to wake me up every several hours is preparing me for the sleep deprivation to come when the baby arrives! Matt’s wonderful about it all!

Also got doctor’s approval to use our hot tub for soothing back pains & labor (when it happens) under the condition it’s body temperture (below 100 degrees) & not for long periods at a time. You can’t imagine how big my smile got when he said that! It was like Christmas all over!!!

Welcome baby!

Thank you to my best friend & our families for planning & throwing a very nice baby shower! The clubhouse was very elegant & homey with the kitchen, dining & living room area. The fireplace was an especially nice touch. The guys especially loved the big screen tv. Thank you also to everybody who was able to join us there or send something. Your generosity was appreciated beyond words!

Now in less than two months we’ll have our little miracle in our arms & THEN I can start feeling more comfortable. Until then, limbs are poking into organs of all sorts letting us know that he or she is eager to come out & join the fun!

Promise to post pictures soon!

Moving around

Here we are at 32 weeks along & less than 2 months to go! Baby getting big & moving around is definately getting uncomfortable. Of course I haven’t slept straight through the night in months… not that it will get better! Anyhow, despite all the inconveniences I love being pregnant & feeling our baby move inside me! It’s great knowing that they’re happy no matter what right now.

The nursery is done furniture-wise & I think that our cats are sensing the impending change in our lives. Before long our lives will be happily transformed!

Midnight Run

My hubby was wonderful last night & took me to Baskin Robbins & Krispy Creme at 1 am! Yum yum yum! Lucky for him it hasn’t happened all that often (since the first trimester enyway).

Rehab progress

Mom’s been doing her physical rehab & is doing great! So good that she’s decided to return to work part-time. I’m sure she’ll go back full-time as soon as she’s able to. Never has enjoyed sitting around.