Week 16
Week 18
Week 19
Week 20
Week 22Thursday, January 27, 2011
Where to begin
Well i'm not sure where to begin as it has been so long since we posted. Over Christmas my good friend Leatrice was sent to the hospital with a bunch of serious problems and ended up in the ICU for awhile. Well thankfully God works miracles and she was able to come out of the ICU better than most expected. Due to her being forced to be bedridden for so long she lost most of her abiltty to move, function and take care of her kids. She is so amazing that only a few weeks from being out of the hospital she was pretty much back up and running however taking care of her kids was still a bit of a problem. I volunteered as soon as i could to come and help her take of her family. So off to Arizona i went for a week, lucky for me i left when Wisconsin was haveing horrible snow and cold storms. So while i was in the sun and wearing t shirts and flip flops, Wisconsin was stuck inside dealing with the cold.
I had a truly great time, being able to just hang out with Leatrice and talk to her after I thought i would never see her again was the biggest gift i could ever receive. John and i are going to make it a priority to see her, tony and their family at least once a year so either they come here or we are going there.
While i was there Leatrice kept me super busy doing crazy amounts of shopping (can you say fun!), book club (which i read about half of before the meeting), MOPS (mothers of preschoolers, very inspirational and informative), girls night (never have laughed so hard) and of course watching the growing Embry and the beautiful little Nola.
Going and watching 2 little girls (a two year old and a 3 month old) right before i have my own little one could not have been better timing. I feel so reassured that i may actually be able to do this whole parenting thing. True, Leatrice and Tony were both around to always be there for advice and of course help. I feel like i can now change a diaper (couldn't really remember what i was doing the first time, so Tony and Leatrice talked me through it), feed a baby a bottle (and make the formula bottle) and even change little ones outfits. Nola is a very calm baby so she was easy to take care of and it doesn't hurt that she is so cute. Embry is definitely a 2 year old, everything she said was i NEED this, and i do it myself and everything i asked her to do she would of course do the opposite. But even when she is being a 2 year old she gives you this cute look and you can't really be mad at her.
Couple of funny stories of taking care of the kids from my trip:
- I was dressing Nola one day and Leatrice told me to put her socks on, so i put these tiny little sock like things with a ruffled rim on her feet, however they kept falling off when Leatrice informed me that i had put her mittens on her feet. Guess that is why there were so small, and who knew babies wore mittens that look like socks.
- Changing my first Nola poopy diaper was gross, how does a kid who only drinks formula poop so much green goop? And no matter how hard i tried the poop was in every crevice of her tush.
- Changing my one and only Embry diaper though was a million times worse, as it was still green but it was chunky and the smell was so freaking strong that i couldn't help but gag.
I can't wait to see Leatrice and her girls again as I hate that every time i see them they will have all grown a ton. I am so much more ready to see my little boy, it probably doesn't hurt that Leatrice helped me buy a ton of little boy outfits YAY.
Gender Shmender
To find out the gender we decided to have our Dr mark down boy or girl on a card and put it in an envelope. We kept this envelope closed a whole two days until christmas morning when we opened it under the tree.
So we finally know the gender. It was such a treat to get to know on Christmas morning, by far the best gift under the tree. When we started this process, we were open to either a boy or a girl, as we want two kids, and one of each. Its funny that even though we have just found out the gender of our first, we are already worried about the future. What happens if baby two is the same gender, do we try for a baby three? how about baby three, then do we try for baby four? Well i don't know about you, but when we haven't even had one, its hard to imagine three or four little ones running around.
Knowing the gender gives us such freedom. We now can plan the colors of the room, the theme of the walls, and the cute baby outfits to occupy the first year of the baby's life. I think that hardest part is going to be thinking of names. Up to this point, we were able to think of general things that we like, but the reality has set in, and its time to go from general, to first and middle names, and even spelling comes into play. We want something that is unique enough to not be on the no fly list, like john white, but not bizarre to the point that people say, were your parents on something when they named you?
O, did i go all this time and not say what gender we were having? how rude! I guess we wanted to wait a bit, as the doctor was only 90 percent sure in December, and we just had another appointment where they could give us the 110 percent answer. ITS A BOY! Its strange that when they confirm the gender, they give you a nice picture of his package on the ultrasound. Is that something we should save until he brings home his first girlfriend to embarrass him? I mean if we have a picture of 5 days after conception, then what else can get better then that.
Having a son is something both Kristy and I knew was coming. I had predicted it since before we got pregnant, in part because i think we were so excited for a daughter. Kristy also had dreams about holding a baby boy in her arms, which was a sign. As the reality sinks in, its getting better and better every moment. I get to teach my son to play sports, and to wrestle and rough house. I get to have him help me with construction projects and work on the car, and everything that typical boys do. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not sexist, and if i had a daughter, i would offer to have her do the same. But its just surreal that I'll have a son that will emulate my moves and try to grow up to be like me. A good friend of my was very excited we were having a boy and said "the world needs more good guys". It sort of caught me off guard, but its very true. I don't claim to be a saint, but i know that I am a man that puts his family first, and has such a strong sense of doing good for others. And the thought that my son will grow up with some of the same values makes me proud already.
So we finally know the gender. It was such a treat to get to know on Christmas morning, by far the best gift under the tree. When we started this process, we were open to either a boy or a girl, as we want two kids, and one of each. Its funny that even though we have just found out the gender of our first, we are already worried about the future. What happens if baby two is the same gender, do we try for a baby three? how about baby three, then do we try for baby four? Well i don't know about you, but when we haven't even had one, its hard to imagine three or four little ones running around.
Knowing the gender gives us such freedom. We now can plan the colors of the room, the theme of the walls, and the cute baby outfits to occupy the first year of the baby's life. I think that hardest part is going to be thinking of names. Up to this point, we were able to think of general things that we like, but the reality has set in, and its time to go from general, to first and middle names, and even spelling comes into play. We want something that is unique enough to not be on the no fly list, like john white, but not bizarre to the point that people say, were your parents on something when they named you?
O, did i go all this time and not say what gender we were having? how rude! I guess we wanted to wait a bit, as the doctor was only 90 percent sure in December, and we just had another appointment where they could give us the 110 percent answer. ITS A BOY! Its strange that when they confirm the gender, they give you a nice picture of his package on the ultrasound. Is that something we should save until he brings home his first girlfriend to embarrass him? I mean if we have a picture of 5 days after conception, then what else can get better then that.
Having a son is something both Kristy and I knew was coming. I had predicted it since before we got pregnant, in part because i think we were so excited for a daughter. Kristy also had dreams about holding a baby boy in her arms, which was a sign. As the reality sinks in, its getting better and better every moment. I get to teach my son to play sports, and to wrestle and rough house. I get to have him help me with construction projects and work on the car, and everything that typical boys do. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not sexist, and if i had a daughter, i would offer to have her do the same. But its just surreal that I'll have a son that will emulate my moves and try to grow up to be like me. A good friend of my was very excited we were having a boy and said "the world needs more good guys". It sort of caught me off guard, but its very true. I don't claim to be a saint, but i know that I am a man that puts his family first, and has such a strong sense of doing good for others. And the thought that my son will grow up with some of the same values makes me proud already.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Weekly Pictures
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 13
Week 13.5
Week 15I know i missed a few weeks in there but you get the general idea that my belly is starting to grow!!
FREAKING OUT!!
I feel time is flying by! I’m just about half way to the due date which scares me completely as I feel I have not made any progress on getting done what needs to be done for this baby. I have no nursery set up, I have no registry completed and I have no idea what I’m really getting myself in for. I’m sure this is completely normal but it is freaking me out and I feel that no one understands. I really like to be prepared ahead of time for any major event. I mean I had 2 years to plan my wedding and I still was freaking out that I wasn’t prepared. Well I guess in a way I had 2 years of my life to plan for this event however when your trying to get pregnant you really don’t go and buy baby furniture and register as then your family looks at you like you’re a nut case.
How does one ever really prepare for their life to change in unimaginable ways? I mean I know I need to get the basics, I need a daycare, a place for the child to sleep and some other random stuff and all I have so far is oh that’s right nothing!!! I have 4 months left before the earliest I could go and in my head 4 months is not long enough to get ready for this. I lie in bed thinking about how our guest bedroom how to be converted to a nursery and that means clearing out all the junk that has accumulated and actually put a closet system back in the closet. I think about how am I suppose to know how to change a diaper, I think about how can I possibly find a daycare that I can trust to love and protect my child 10 hours a day, I think about how is my relationship with John going to change and how do I protect it so it doesn’t. Pretty much I lie away at night freaking out.
How can I feel so ready and excited and yet so scared and unprepared at the same time? I just need to get through the holidays before I freak out too much as everyone I look to for advice and help has too much on their plates right now to help me stop freaking out.
How does one ever really prepare for their life to change in unimaginable ways? I mean I know I need to get the basics, I need a daycare, a place for the child to sleep and some other random stuff and all I have so far is oh that’s right nothing!!! I have 4 months left before the earliest I could go and in my head 4 months is not long enough to get ready for this. I lie in bed thinking about how our guest bedroom how to be converted to a nursery and that means clearing out all the junk that has accumulated and actually put a closet system back in the closet. I think about how am I suppose to know how to change a diaper, I think about how can I possibly find a daycare that I can trust to love and protect my child 10 hours a day, I think about how is my relationship with John going to change and how do I protect it so it doesn’t. Pretty much I lie away at night freaking out.
How can I feel so ready and excited and yet so scared and unprepared at the same time? I just need to get through the holidays before I freak out too much as everyone I look to for advice and help has too much on their plates right now to help me stop freaking out.
Waiting game
There hasn't been a ton to post about recently, as we are currently in that waiting game. Its weird to say, as what is life but waiting for the next moment. I mean before being pregnant, we were waiting to become it. Now that we are pregnant, we are waiting for our child to arrive. It feels like being in an airport. You rush to get there, hours ahead, only to sit in a cramped terminal, waiting for something to happen. We are ready to have our number called, but at the same time, we are terrified of how different life will become.
The scary thing that we are coming to realize is that we are waiting, and yet still traveling at hundreds of miles an hour. Picture yourself standing up, looking at your feet. They are not moving. Now look up, and notice that everything around you is flying past in a blur. Its hard to accept that at this time next year, we will have a 8 month old baby crawling around. Its strange to think that next Christmas we will begin new traditions, with our own family. It is not an easy thing to decide as these traditions will be something that our children remember for their entire life.
We are excited this week to get our next checkup, and hopefully learn the gender of our baby. Fingers crossed that the baby is just as excited to show us and cooperates. At that point the waiting game will go away for a bit, as we can begin to plan that much more. We can organize clothes, setup the nursery, and think more about possible names. We will be more then halfway to the baby at that point, which is scary. Wasn't it just yesterday that we were so excited to hear the news we were pregnant? And now in 4 months, we'll be carrying a bundle of joy around to meet the world.
I'm sure we will post again soon, as the news will be too good to not let everyone know, but until then, wish us luck on the baby's cooperation and have an excellent holiday everyone
The scary thing that we are coming to realize is that we are waiting, and yet still traveling at hundreds of miles an hour. Picture yourself standing up, looking at your feet. They are not moving. Now look up, and notice that everything around you is flying past in a blur. Its hard to accept that at this time next year, we will have a 8 month old baby crawling around. Its strange to think that next Christmas we will begin new traditions, with our own family. It is not an easy thing to decide as these traditions will be something that our children remember for their entire life.
We are excited this week to get our next checkup, and hopefully learn the gender of our baby. Fingers crossed that the baby is just as excited to show us and cooperates. At that point the waiting game will go away for a bit, as we can begin to plan that much more. We can organize clothes, setup the nursery, and think more about possible names. We will be more then halfway to the baby at that point, which is scary. Wasn't it just yesterday that we were so excited to hear the news we were pregnant? And now in 4 months, we'll be carrying a bundle of joy around to meet the world.
I'm sure we will post again soon, as the news will be too good to not let everyone know, but until then, wish us luck on the baby's cooperation and have an excellent holiday everyone
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The first wave
Up to this point, Kristy had lucked out in the morning sickness department. I mean she totally deserves it with all the stuff she had to go through, she had here share of pain and discomfort. But no throwing up, none at all.
That all changed this week, and it came on rather fast. From one day everything being fine, to the next throwing up so often that it was easier to lay on a pillow on the floor of the bathroom then to rest on the couch. We couldn’t tell if this was a bug, which many people have been getting, or if she was finally getting the morning sickness that everyone talks about.
The sickness continued over the period of 24 hours and it was obvious that it was a bug. Whew, because if this was morning sickness, then it would be a long pregnancy. After that 24 hour period, she began to slowly get back her appetite and no longer felt the need to get so friendly with the porcelain throne. We are glad to say that its over.
…
We just had our first appointment with our OB, and got a chance to learn a lot more about the process ahead of us. You would think some of it would scare us, but at this point, there is no fear, just a strong sense of we have lots of plans to make, and not too much time.
The ultrasound was a little different, as this time we got to hear the heartbeat, which was a neat experience, compared to just seeing it on a screen. The doctor also was very good in showing us the arms, legs, head, ect of our baby. In fact, as we were looking at the arms, at that same moment, our baby waved. I feel bad for Kristy as since she is on her back, the viewing of all these amazing moments isn’t quite as easy to see. Needless to say I waved back.
In addition to various checkpoints, we got to learn more about our specific situation. With our unicorn uterus, the doctor felt that it’s the most likely that we will be delivering closer to the 37 weeks area, instead of the normal 40. We also learned that they will try to get a good reading on the gender of the child by Dec 23, to allow us to open an envelope on christmas day and learn which gender we will be having.
The waiting game is now old hat. We are excited to be on this journey, and again thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Its far enough for us to be comfortable letting people know, so you know what that means. Here we come Facebook!
That all changed this week, and it came on rather fast. From one day everything being fine, to the next throwing up so often that it was easier to lay on a pillow on the floor of the bathroom then to rest on the couch. We couldn’t tell if this was a bug, which many people have been getting, or if she was finally getting the morning sickness that everyone talks about.
The sickness continued over the period of 24 hours and it was obvious that it was a bug. Whew, because if this was morning sickness, then it would be a long pregnancy. After that 24 hour period, she began to slowly get back her appetite and no longer felt the need to get so friendly with the porcelain throne. We are glad to say that its over.
…
We just had our first appointment with our OB, and got a chance to learn a lot more about the process ahead of us. You would think some of it would scare us, but at this point, there is no fear, just a strong sense of we have lots of plans to make, and not too much time.
The ultrasound was a little different, as this time we got to hear the heartbeat, which was a neat experience, compared to just seeing it on a screen. The doctor also was very good in showing us the arms, legs, head, ect of our baby. In fact, as we were looking at the arms, at that same moment, our baby waved. I feel bad for Kristy as since she is on her back, the viewing of all these amazing moments isn’t quite as easy to see. Needless to say I waved back.
In addition to various checkpoints, we got to learn more about our specific situation. With our unicorn uterus, the doctor felt that it’s the most likely that we will be delivering closer to the 37 weeks area, instead of the normal 40. We also learned that they will try to get a good reading on the gender of the child by Dec 23, to allow us to open an envelope on christmas day and learn which gender we will be having.
The waiting game is now old hat. We are excited to be on this journey, and again thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Its far enough for us to be comfortable letting people know, so you know what that means. Here we come Facebook!
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