Corn Stalks and Salmon

Mara Ruth

2012-02-11T10:41:00.000-06:00

Here is story of how Mara Ruth entered the world:

We went to bed on the 5^th and I just had a feeling that it would be last time I went to bed pregnant. I woke up to my first contractions at 3:08 am. I went to the bathroom and then laid back down in bed for about an hour, timing them. My first contractions were already coming about 5-6 minutes apart and lasting from 30 seconds to a minute. Around 4, I decided I should go ahead and get up an in the shower. Ian noticed the bathroom light on and called out to me, so I went back into the bedroom and told him that he would not be going to his Monday morning lab meeting. He asked me if I was in labor and I told him that yes I was. I headed for my shower and told him to go ahead and try to sleep some more.

Ian did get up while I was in the shower and by that point, I was already having some trouble talking through my contractions. We discussed when we should call my friend Jen to watch the kids or did I think I could wait until it was time to take the kids to daycare before we left for the hospital. At the time, I was hoping to take the kids to day care.

At quarter to five I remembered that Jen had started taking an early morning workout class that started at 5:30. I sent her a text and warned her that she may not be able to go that day!

After talking to Jen, I called the hospital and asked them if I should come in. My contractions where close together but they weren’t lasting more than about 30 seconds. The secretary on the phone told me to go ahead and come in. I called Jen again and told her to head on over!

Jen arrived at the house by 5:45 and Ian and I were on our way out the door by 10 to 6. I called my mom our way to the hospital and told her the news. She wished me luck and told me to call her when I could.

We arrived at the hospital and I had to pause at the car to breath through a contraction before we headed inside. We went straight upstairs and I was put into a triage room. Ian went to move the car and I started to change into a hospital gown.

While I was doing that, a midwife, Laurel, came in and told me that she was finishing up her 24 hour shift at 7 am but she would stay with me since there were currently three midwife patients on the floor. She also mentioned to me that it had been completely quiet the night before. Not one baby. I suggested it was because the babies knew better than to be born on Super Bowl Sunday! J

Laurel checked me and said I was at a good five and my cervix was just melting away in her hand. She didn’t waste time hooking me up to the monitors, she moved me to a labor room. By now, it’s only a little after 6. Ian is getting my bags into the room while Laurel gets me settled and tried to hook the monitors up to me. I told her I didn’t want to lie down; it was easier to handle the contractions if I could walk about some. She asked me if I was going to go natural or if I wanted the epidural. I told her I was very interested in an epidural!

I was then told that anesthesia was with another woman but I was next in line. My contractions where so fast and painful I was worried I wouldn’t get the epidural on time. I was also feeling very hot and thirsty. Ian kept giving me ice and keeping cold rags on my neck and forehead. What sweet relief!

I asked Laurel if I would have time to get the epidural she told me she didn’t think so. I was moving too fast. But she told me I could have a spinal instead.

I suddenly felt the need to go to the bathroom so Ian helped in there. At this point I was in so much pain I just started crying. I tried to sit down and go to the bathroom but it just hurt too much. I told Ian I was afraid I wouldn’t get an epidural. He assured me that anesthesia would be there soon. Luckily, he was right! When we left the bathroom, two very nice men in scrubs were waiting on me.

Laurel asked me if I wanted to try sitting on a birthing ball. One had been set up at the end of the bed and was ready for me. I straddled it and tried to sit down with the doctor explained the risks on a spinal to me and started to insert my IV. As soon as I sat down on the ball I felt incredible pressure. I stood right back up and my water broke! It was everywhere!! I told my midwife that my water had broke (you know, in case she hasn’t noticed) The very next second I was pushing!! I didn’t even think about it, just started pushing. Laurel told me her head was ‘right there’. I had been given a pillow to put under my arms at the end of the bed and I’m so glad. I screamed and grunted into that pillow. My IV was finally in and I remember the nurses being told to quickly push a bag of fluids through me. In one push I had her head out. What sweet relief. But there was still a lot of pressure. Laurel asked me to stop pushing for a second and I told her I couldn’t. She just said, ok, we’ll work through it. One more tiny push and my baby girl was out!! I was told to go ahead and crawl into the bed so they could give me Mara. I did so as the nurse pulled my drenched socks off of me. Ian cut the cord and I was given my brand new baby. I told everyone I was glad she was so small. The midwife and nurses laughed at me and told me my baby wasn’t very small! While I snuggled my new ‘not so little’ baby I asked my midwife how badly I’d torn. I mean, I just stood at the end of a hospital bed and pushed a baby out in two pushes! She quickly checked me and told me there wasn’t even on little tear!! You’re kidding me??! I was THRILLED!

That’s pretty much it. Mara Ruth was born at 6:55 am and was 8lb 5 oz, 21 in long.

Nesting, nesting,nesting

2012-01-22T20:20:00.000-06:00

Im 37 weeks and 3 days
This weekend we ran up to the cities to return a frame to IKEA that was too big before the baby gets here. For some reason, we decided to be brave and let Owen wear underwear. I was a nervous wreck on the way up there. Our first stop was an estate sale. Ian and day went in while Owen and I hung out in the car. They came back with a pile of books and a couple of other trinkets. Ian was happy with his books but a little shocked at how much it cost him. Oh, Owen was still dry!
Our next stop was lunch! Nothing fancy, just Chili's. We stopped off at Target and I got Ady some much needed shoes! Two pairs, one dress and one everyday pair, for only $11!! Score!! We also picked her up a new bookbag. I had a very very hard time walking past a new quilt for our bed. The one on our bed has been there since we got married. I'm ready for a change!
See, that's been my thing lately. Change. Last weekend we went to Ikea for some frames because well, we had some stuff to frame. Ian thought I was half crazy, but I had a piece of scrapbook paper that I wanted to frame. I love it! It's in our living room and looks so good!
Anyway, back to this weekend. We finished up at Target and headed for Ikea. Holy cow. What a zoo! We returned our frame and headed into the madness. Now I could easily spend all day in there but with a husband and two tired kids in tow, it was a quick trip. We picked up a new lamp for the nursery, some light bulbs, and a little footstool for Owen.
When we got home, I set about putting scrapbook paper on letters for the nursery. No, I won't show you pictures mom. :) you'll just have to wait like everyone else.
Today I woke up with the strongest urge to paint the office. I want to paint it gray and put up orange and cream curtains. Sadly, I dont have any paint on hand nor do I think I could have convinced Ian painting was a good way to spend the day. Ha ha. Instead I made waffles for breakfast. Then cleaned the kitchen. Ian put the crib together for me and we put up the nails for her name to be hung. I got the guest room ready and did laundry. Also, Ady and I went to the store and JoAnn Fabrics to get a pillow for another project I'm wanting to do. I don't remember the last time I had this much energy!!
Maybe it's a sign? I'll go into labor a little bit early??? Please??

Oh and Ian made a great dinner tonight... Actually we all helped, but Ian did most of it. He made baked ziti with homemade breadsticks. The breadsticks were great!

Rants of a 37 week pregnant lady

2012-01-20T14:42:00.000-06:00

In lieu of my semi-usual weekly pregnancy update, I'm just going to vent a little bit here. Being 37 weeks pregnant, i think I deserve that. :)

I hate pants. They are evil and uncomfortable. Everyday I can't wait to get home and put on comfy pj pants or my yoga pants.
Same goes with bras. hate them. Can't wait to remove it when I get home.
I'm over being pregnant. Yup. I'm done. Ian keeps telling me we need to have more. No way. This lady is done!!
I'm so sick of my back hurting and not being able to sleep well at night. I can't wait to be able to move easily again!
Picking things up off of the floor...yeah, not happening. A business card has been on the floor next to my desk all week simply b/c I can't bend over to pick the dumb thing up. Good grief.

Ok, I'll say a few good things.

Best money I've ever spent has been on a bi-weekly cleaning service during this pregnancy. It has been such a life saver to not have to worry about cleaning the house on top of everything else in life.
And I've totally blanked on the other 'good' things I was going to write. Oh well. I'll think of them at 2am.

2012-01-05T20:29:00.000-06:00

Due Date: February 9, 2012!

Weight Gain:30. ick. but Oh well.

Symptoms: Lots of Braxton hicks contractions. They've really ramped up this last week.

Cravings: tea. My appetite is pretty much gone. The tiniest amount of food has me feeling full, so I'm mostly after liquids

Aversions: Big meals and sitting at my desk all day long

Sleep: Sleep...hmm, I love sleep but it's rough.

I am loving: Since I had five days at home with the kids before it was back to work/school, I decided to tackle potty training. Owen took to it so well! He's had few accidents. We are so proud of him! Also, Owen is a "boy"now. No longer a baby. Boy does he get mad if you imply he is a baby! :)

I miss: comfy sleep!

I am looking forward to: not being pregnant! Lol. I'm done!

I'm spazzing about: getting things organized at work

Best thing about this week: we'll get to see some friends this weekend

Milestones:35 weeks. 35 days left. All her clothes are washed. The nursery has been cleaned, I just need to organize it some more

Movement: I'm pretty sure she is head down now. I'm kicked in the ribs quite often now! :)

It's a...: Little Lady!

32 Weeks

2011-12-20T08:47:00.000-06:00

Your baby's the size of a squash!

Still growing, your baby weighs in at about 2.5 to 3.8 pounds and measures about 15.2 to 16.7 inches.

Your baby at 32 weeks

She's getting ready for her descent -- she's likely in the head-down position now.
And she's probably feeling a even more cramped.

Due Date: February 9, 2012!

Weight Gain:30. ick. but Oh well.

Symptoms: Baby isn't the only one that's feeling more cramped! Momma is too! I have a hard time stretching out now. Breathing is becoming more labored too!

Cravings: grapes and clementines! yum yum

Aversions: chasing two kids around. :)

Sleep: Sleep...oh sleep. I haven't slept well the last couple of night and I'm about to spend the next week or so in a bed that isn't mine! I'm nervous about that! Hope that I can sleep well again soon!

I am loving: Ady got to feel the baby move the other night. She declared that the baby was trying to get out!

I miss: comfy sleep!

I am looking forward to:Christmas! I think the kids are going to be thrilled with their gifts this year!

I'm spazzing about: getting everything ready for baby. The nursery need to be cleaned and I haven't even started doing her laundry yet!

Best thing about this week: vacation!!

Milestones:passed my GD test. Baby can still roll around but soon she will get 'locked in' to her head down position. And I'll start going to the midwife more often now.

Movement: She's discovered my ribs!

It's a...: Little Lady!

Clift update

2011-12-20T08:40:00.000-06:00

My mom pointed out to me that I should stop 'seeing red' (see last post) and update my blog! I guess she's right! I've 'forgiven' the husband for leaving me for a week to go to DC. :) So what's happened since then....

we had a great turkey day. Brother-in-law came down from AK to see a friend and spend the holiday with us.
I attempted to grill our turkey this year. Didn't work out like I'd hoped. We couldn't get the grill hot enough. But it gave the turkey a great flavor for being on the grill about an hour.
I braved Black Friday so that I could purchase a new camera! I didn't get the camera I set out to buy, but I couldn't be happier with our new Canon Powershot 300!
All the Chirstmas shopping is done! All the gifts are wrapped and mailed or waiting to be loaded into the van for our trip home!
Owen has started three word sentences. last night he said 'dad, hurt me!" when Ian was tickling him too hard! That's one for the memory books! :)
Ady is becoming a little book worm! Yay!

That's about it I think. When the holiday's are over, I will switch gears and focus on getting everything ready for the arrival of our little bundle. :)

Seeing Red

2011-11-15T10:57:00.000-06:00

I miss my husband who has been gone at a conference for nearly a week, but at the same time I'm so angry at him for the way things have 'gone down' over the last week, that I can barley speak to him.
Between him being out at bars every.single.night and his main form of communicating with me being text messages, to him actually texting me last night, after I tried to call him, with 'why u calling' I've had just about enough.
This pregnant lady has hit her breaking point.

26 Weeks

2011-11-07T08:32:00.000-06:00

Wow! Can you believe baby has eyelashes at 26 weeks? And she’s amping up to start batting them soon. At this point, it probably feels like this baby (who you haven’t even met yet) has taken over your life. She’s interfering with your sleep. She’s messing with your brain. (Forget much?) She might even be giving you a stress headache or two. It’s normal to be experiencing some mild swelling, but around week 26, it’s important to watch out for swelling severe or sudden -- it could be the sign of a dangerous condition called preeclampsia. Notice your belly occasionally feeling really tight? That’s a contraction. Yup, already. Don’t freak out though -- your body is just practicing some tightening in preparation for labor. As long as the contractions aren’t steady or severe, you’re not in labor.

Your baby's the size of an eggplant!

She's still growing in the 13.6- to 14.8-inch and 1.5- to 2.5-pound range, and developing her senses, features and talents!

Share this with family and friends

your baby at 26 weeks

Her eyes are forming, and his eyes will soon start to open.
And her eyelashes are now grown, too.
She's getting her immune system ready for life on the outside by soaking up your antibodies.
She's taking breaths, too. They're of amniotic fluid, not air, but it's still good practice.

Due Date: February 9, 2012!

Weight Gain:15 (I"ll get an official number at tomorrow appointment)

Symptoms: Just plain worn out this week. Granted it's been a really busy couple of weeks and the next couple of weeks are busy with Turkey day right around the corner

What's different this time: Movement isn't as pronounced

Cravings: sweets. and home cooked meals! Good thing my momma was here over the weekend and was kind enough to make fried chicken!

Aversions: cleaning...blech.

Sleep: The last couple of nights have been good. I put flannel sheets on the bed and I absolutley love curling up in flannel sheets. On the other hand, Ian complained that I never sleep on my left side (facing him) so I gave it a shot. Holy batman. It took way too much effort for me to get turned over and situated!

I am loving: that Owen is talking about 'the baby' a lot now. My big girl turns 7 today!!! And since the parents were in town over the weekend, ian and I got a night out for a fantastic dinner and a play

I miss: being able to have a glass of wine with the above mentioned fancy dinner. oh well. :)

I am looking forward to:beef cube steaks with mashed potatoes for dinner this week. and being able to watch Greys on Thurs!

I'm spazzing about: convincing Ian of a couple of things that need to happen

Best thing about this week: Home cooked meals, spending time with my mom, throwing Ady a birthday party, date night with the husband.

Milestones:We've reached viability. meaning, that if for some reason I went into labor now, Little Lady would have a fighting chance at survivial

Movement: I'm starting to feel her move around more and more. Mostly when I actually stop and relax for a few minutes!

It's a...: I was right! It's a girl!!!

25 Weeks

2011-10-27T10:34:00.000-05:00

You’re 25 weeks pregnant and it’s probably dawned on you that soon you’ll actually have to deliver this baby. (A little scary, but exciting!) What’s cool is that most hospitals will let you preregister, which means you can put in your paperwork early, so the day you go into labor, you don’t have to stand around filling out a bunch of forms before you get admitted. Maybe you’re getting nervous about delivery, or maybe it’s your haywire hormones, but you might start to have trouble sleeping around week 25. This is a common complaint of many moms-to-be. Some people will tell you that’s just your body’s way of prepping you for sleepless nights with baby, but those comments won’t help you get the rest you need! Experiment with different strategies for getting some sleep. One idea is to drink extra water early in the day, so you can start tapering off your intake as you get closer to bedtime. That way, you might need less bathroom breaks during the night and can keep sleeping. After all, now that baby’s crowding your bladder, you’ve got to pee. A lot.

Your baby's the size of an eggplant!

During month six, the average fetus measures about 13.6 inches to 14.8 inches and weighs about 1.5 to 2.5 pounds.

Due Date: February 9, 2012!

Weight Gain:14

Symptoms: My eczema is crazy out of control. I slather myself with my medicated cream but it does little more that releive the horrible itching. Of course, I'm peeing a lot too. And there is already some leakage from the 'girls'. Joy.

What's different this time: I feel smaller this time around! :)

Cravings: sweets.

Aversions: cleaning...blech.

Sleep: After a good week of horrible back pain and waking up with one arm being totally numb, I've started sleeping with a pillow between my knees. Oh, and I'm doing my best to sleep only on my sides. But a couple times each night, I turn to my back to stretch out some.

I am loving: all the tiny little pink outfits hanging in the closet

I miss: not being stressed

I am looking forward to:deciding on a name!!! And B is coming to see me this weekend! And next weekend my momma will be there! She thinks it's to go to grandparents day and be here for Ady's birthday, but I know it's really just b/c she wants to see me! :)

I'm spazzing about: getting the house cleaned up. again. it was clean after the weekend, but it's a mess again. Vicious cycle

Best thing about this week: Tomorrow is my birthday!

Milestones:Um...I don't know if it's really a milestone but it's certainly something to remember. I woke up one night this week with a horrible leg cramp. I jumped out of bed as quickly as a pregnant lady can and stood at the end of the bed complaining about the pain. Ian woke up and freaked out asking me what was wrong with the baby. I told him to calm down, it was a leg cramp. That's so not like him to freak out about something.

Movement: Still feeling the movement. When i have my morning tea with honey she really gets to dancing!

It's a...: I was right! It's a girl!!!

23 weeks

24 Weeks

25 weeks

22 Weeks

2011-10-06T14:13:00.000-05:00

Your baby's the size of a papaya!

During month five, the average fetus measures about 10.5 to 11.8 inches and weighs about 12.7 to 20.8 ounces.

Now that he's got more developed eyes and lips, he's looking even more like a newborn.
He's sleeping in cycles -- about 12 to 14 hours per day (hint: they're probably those times you're not feeling any kicks!).

Due Date: February 9, 2012!

Weight Gain:13?? I don't know. I'll find out tomorrow at my appointment

Symptoms: Feeling more movement. My back hurt quite a bit yesterday.

What's different this time: I feel smaller this time around! :)

Cravings: I think I'm over my pumpkin cravings. I want carrots now. Oh and apples. That ones rough b/c I'm allergic to the darn things!

Aversions: cleaning...blech.

Sleep: Sleep is getting a bit harder. I'm having a hard time getting comfy at night.

I am loving: all the tiny little pink outfits hanging in the closet

I miss: not being stressed

I am looking forward to:deciding on a name!!!

I'm spazzing about: see above and getting the house cleaned up this weekend..I don't think this one is going to change!

Best thing about this week: um...

Milestones:Ian felt Little Lady kick one night. But I think that was in week 21, but we'll still count it here!

Movement: I'm feeling her move around a bit more. I look forward to when I can feel it higher up and not so low

It's a...: I was right! It's a girl!!!

Pumpkin oatmeal

2011-09-29T18:38:00.000-05:00

Ironically enough, I found this on the back Adys school lunch menu and decided I had to make it right away!
Serves 4
2 cups quick cook oatmeal
3 cups milk
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp raisins
Brown sugar

Bring milk to near boil. Add oatmeal, pumpkin, and spices

Once oatmeal is cooked ( only takes a couple of minutes) remove from heat and stir in brown sugar and raisins.

This taste fantastic! I can't figure out why Quaker hasn't boxed this yet for their I stant oatmeal!

20 Weeks!!

2011-09-21T09:10:00.000-05:00

your baby's the size of a cantaloupe!

Baby weighs about 10.2 ounces and measures about 6.5 inches. She's still got a lot of growing to do though. Can you believe you're halfway done?

She's got working taste buds.
Now, she's gulping down several ounces of amniotic fluid each day -- that's significantly more than before.

Due Date: February 9, 2012!

Weight Gain:I'm up 11 lb

Symptoms: I can no longer just roll over in bed. It's a process now. And I have to find just the right way to sit, or there is back pain to deal with

What's different this time: I feel smaller this time around! :)

Cravings: pumpkin desserts and drinks!

Aversions: cooking

Sleep: I"m so tired this week! I've been trying to go to bed early, but it's still just not enough sleep

I am loving: all the tiny little pink outfits hanging in the closet

I miss: not being stressed

I am looking forward to:deciding on a name!!!

I'm spazzing about: see above and getting the house cleaned up this weekend

Best thing about this week: sorry, nothing good about this week so far

Milestones: Half way through this pregnancy!

Movement: It's there, but I have an anterior placenta (meaning it's in the front of my belly) so every time she kicks, it's like she's kicking a pillow. So, I don't feel all the movements.

It's a...: I was right! It's a girl!!!

Just Between Friends

2011-09-17T11:13:00.001-05:00

Twice a year, there is a wonderful consignment sale that is just bursting with kids clothes, and gear, and toys, and books, and shoes, and on and on. I've been going for a year and a half or so. This past Thurday was the winter sale. My first sale, I went with a friend on half price day. Big mistake. Everything was really picked over. I learned my lesson and now I'm there in line waiting for the doors to open on the first morning.
Ian was kind enough to walk Ady over to school so that Owen and I could be up at the sale when it opened. We got there early enough that we waited inside. By the time the doors opened, the line was out the main door.
As soon as the doors opened, I bolted for the gear. That's the stuff that goes quickly and there were a couple of items I was hoping to find. I needed a Bundle Me cover for the car seat since Nora will arrive Feb. and I was hoping to find a new highchair and maybe even a play kitchen for Owen. I found a great Bundle Me, but the other two items were a bust. There were a couple of play kitchens there but they weren't great. The only on that was great came from Pottery Barn and the seller was asking $80 A PIECE! That's too much for my blood! So it was on to the clothes...
I think I got some great buys this season! It's getting harder and harder to find things for Ady since at her age clothes can last more than one season. But I did manage to find a few things for her. I found lots of stuff for the younger two though!
Here's what I got:

Ady:
3 Fleece sweatshirts
2 button down shirts (one was Ralph Lauren)
1 outfit - pants, turtleneck, and vest

Owen:
1 winter coat
1 fleece sweatshirt
3 long sleeve shirts
2 button down shirts
2 sweaters
2 pairs of jeans
3 pairs of PJ's

Baby Girl:
1 Bundle Me car seat cover
1 sleep sack (looks brand new!)
3 fleece sleepers
1 dress
3 outfits
4 cotton sleepers (with zippers!! I'm done with all those snaps!)

I got all of that for...are you ready for it?!?!....$155!! I could have spent that on just Ady if I had bought everything new in a store!

One day I hope to sell all of our baby clothes with JBF, but it will be a bit of a pain since I'll have to drive up to the cities. Why there isn't a JBF sale in Rochester is beyond me!

19 weeks

2011-09-17T10:54:00.000-05:00

your baby's the size of a mango!

At about 6.0 inches long and weighing in at about 8.5 ounces, she's getting there!

Due Date: February 9, 2012!

Weight Gain:I'm up 11 lb

Symptoms: Well the belly is getting bigger! :)

What's different this time: I feel smaller this time around! :)

Cravings: really cold ice water

Aversions: nothing really this week

Sleep:Is good, I just want more of it!

I am loving: that I'm in that great stage of pregnancy where I feel 'cute'. Not fat, or HUGE! Although, I know the HUGE part is right around the corner!

I miss: nothing right now!

I am looking forward to:going back to work on Monday! I know, that's weird. I've worked at home this last week and I really enjoy being around the ladies I work with.

I'm spazzing about: Potty training Owen and moving him upstairs

Best thing about this week: had dinner with friends last night and then Ian and I went and saw a movie. Oh! and the JBF sale

Milestones: We found out it's a girl last Friday and I'm feeling her move around a bit more

Movement: It's there, but I have an anterior placenta (meaning it's in the front of my belly) so every time she kicks, it's like she's kicking a pillow. So, I don't feel all the movements.

It's a...: I was right! It's a girl!!!

It's a Girl!

2011-09-12T12:17:00.000-05:00

We had the ultrasound on Friday but spent the weekend out of town, so I've been too busy to blog about the big event!
Ian and I went in to the ultrasound and told the tech that yes, we wanted to find out the gender. Of course we said Yes! The ultrasound went wonderfully. Baby was moving all over the place thanks to the OJ I drank on the way in. I found out that I have an anterior placenta, meaning it's in the front of my uterus. So everything baby kick, baby is kicking a pillow and that explains why it took me so long to feel any movements. I had my suspicions since I had the same issue with Owen. I think the best part was when we got to see the baby yawn!
Towards the end, our tech asked if we wanted to know the gender again. He confirmed my thoughts and told us that we are being blessed with a little girl. :):) I'm so excited!
I have a name all picked out but Ian isn't 100% sure on it yet. So I just keep mentioning it to him. :) And refer to the baby by her name. :)

Friday night after work, we packed up and headed north to Faribault where Ian was going to ride his bike 60 plus miles in a tour Saturday morning. Our plan was to eat dinner in Faribault. Bad plan. Turns out there isn't much to choose from. We really didn't want fast food but that was about all there was. It was late and we were all getting tired and grouchy and HUNGRY! So KFC it was. Blech. We took it back to our hotel and ate. The hotel was actually great because we got a steal on a suite so Ian and I had our own room with a king bed and the kids slept in the 'living room'. We should have gone to bed earlier since we had to get up so early on Saturday but we were sucked in by and HGTV International House Hunters marathon. I have a very hard time turning that show off!
5:30 came ver quickly the next morning. We all got up, slowly, and headed down for breakfast. After a quick meal, we loaded up and went over to Northfield to drop Ian off. He took off on his ride around 8. The kids and I went back to the hotel to swim and just hang out while Ian did his thing. The kids had a ball in the pool. :) There was a baby pool for the little ones that Owen loved to be in.
Ian called me at one of the rest stops and told me he would be in town soon. The kids and I headed over to the route so we could see Ian go by! We quickly snapped our pictures and then headed back off to Northfield to pick Ian up at the finish! Instead of spening 40 min in the car with two kids waiting for Ian to finish his ride, we went to Target. I may have bought some new clothes for the baby. :) Ian called while we were checking out and told me he was done. Opps! He finished faster than I thought he would. He was pretty mad at me for missing his finish.
Since this bike tour was happening as a part of the Jesse James Day's Festival in Northfield we headed back to the hotel so Ian could shower and then we went back to Northfield to see the re-enactment of the bank robbery. We didnt anticipate such a large crowd! Was it packed! We stood in the hot sun for 30 minutes before the 'show' started. Owen was very popular with some ladies around us. One group of college girls even took their pictures with Owen b/c he is so cute and spent so much time blowing kisses at them and flirting! Look out ladies!
The re-enactment went quickly and we couldn't see much of it from where we were standing. Oh well. After that we wandered around a bit and shared a snow cone. After that we were D-O-N-E done! We walked back to the car and left town in search of dinner. Pizza it was! It was ok. Nothing too special, but it was food! and at that point, that was all I cared about.
Back to the hotel for some time in the pool and hot tub. The kids had a good time again and Ian really enjoyed being able to soak his sore legs in the hot tub. Thankfully the kids were very worn out and went right to sleep when we got back to the room!

18 Weeks

2011-09-08T09:12:00.000-05:00

your baby's the size of a sweet potato!

She's about 5.6 inches long and about 6.7 ounces now and she keeps on growing rapidly. (That's why you're probably feeling so hungry.)

Due Date: February 9, 2012!

Weight Gain:I'm up 10 lb

Symptoms: I always think of these things during the week and tell myself to remember them so that I can write them down here, but then I forget what they are!

What's different this time:I still haven't felt movement.

Cravings: really cold ice water and chocolate milk

Aversions: big meals

Sleep:Is good, I just want more of it!

I am loving: that Owen is sleeping better

I miss: nothing right now!

I am looking forward to:feeling those first flutters and the ultrasound!

I'm spazzing about: Ian doing well in his race

Best thing about this week: Ady started 1st grade!

Milestones: Tomorrow we will find out if this baby is a boy or a girl!

Movement: I'm hoping it happens very soon

It's a...: I'm already convinced it's a girl

I"ll take a picture to put up tomorrow

First day of school

2011-09-06T11:21:00.000-05:00

My baby started the first grade today. I still haven't decided who this was harder on! I took Ady to school today, since it's her first day and it's a totally different situation to be a first grader instead of a kindergartner. We walked over to the school and upon seeing the big playground, Ady told me that there are 'thousands' of kids there playing. I told her there might be a hundred or so out there. :) Then the bell rang and there was chaos. The teachers were at the doors ready to take their classes in. Only problem was that no one was really sure who each teacher was. There a 'meet the teacher' thing, but parents were only able to talk to the teacher for a moment and then the next parent came in. And naturally, all the teachers have short brown hair. As soon as I thought I recognized Ady's teacher, the woman took the few kids in her line and headed inside. Great. I asked around and was told, yep, that was the teacher I was looking for. Another teacher offered to take Ady and a bunch of other kids in her class on inside. This is when Ady became a bit frightened. She told me she didnt want to go. This is when mom started to get a bit teary eyed. Poor girl had a death grip on my hand. I assured that she would be fine and she is going to love first grade. By this time, the group she was going in with had already left. Luckily yet another teacher saw us and asked Ady who her teacher was. Ady wasn't about to talk so I told the woman where Ady needed to go. Luckily for us, this woman had a daughter in Ady's class and she took Ady to go and meet a new friend. Ady was still pretty upset and nervous about going in. But I think she will do just fine and will love being in the first grade.
I decided to make Ady's lunch since I remember how awful school food is so I'm wondering how her lunch will go. That should start in just a few minutes. I can't wait to get home tonight and hear all about her big adventure today!

17 weeks

2011-09-01T10:17:00.000-05:00

Her rubbery cartilage is now turning to bone.
And she's growing some meat on those bones -- putting on some fat.
She's growing a stronger, thicker umbilical cord, too.

Due Date: February 9, 2012!

Weight Gain:I have no idea.

Symptoms: heartburn this week. ugh. Ian's days in the recliner are limited! The couch isn't so comfy anymore

What's different this time:I think the heartburn is hitting early and I still haven't felt this little one move!

Cravings: really cold ice water and chocolate milk

Aversions: big meals

Sleep:Is good, I just want more of it!

I am loving: only one week left until the big ultrasound!

I miss: nothing right now!

I am looking forward to:feeling those first flutters and the ultrasound!

I'm spazzing about: getting Owen ready to share a room with Ady

Best thing about this week: Ady had her very first sleepover

Milestones: um..nothing this week

Movement: I'm hoping it happens very soon

It's a...: I'm already convinced it's a girl

Will

2011-08-29T14:08:00.000-05:00

I felt Owen move at 15weeks5days. I"m 16weeks4days now and haven't felt a thing. I am often finding myself 'willing' this little baby to start kicking me. I'm so anxious to feel those wonderful flutters!

16 weeks

2011-08-26T15:23:00.000-05:00

your baby's the size of an avocado!

Now, she's about 4.6 inches long and weighs about 3.5 ounces, and she's big enough that your doctor may be able to hear her heartbeat.

Stay on the lookout for some fluttering sensations in your abdomen. It might not be right at 16 weeks, but pretty soon you’ll start feeling baby moving around in there. At first those moves might feel like gas or a muscle twitch, but over time, as baby gets bigger and stronger, they’ll be unmistakable. Of course, feeling those movements comes with other issues, like having your lungs crowded by your growing babe. That could make it seem tough to catch your breath from time to time. Don’t worry: There are some positive symptoms you might be having at week 16. For example, some moms-to-be find their hair and nails grow faster. (Your hair might actually look thicker and more lustrous and your skin might look radiant, too. Woo hoo!) Another cool fact? Baby’s starting to be able to hear your voice -- and she’ll recognize it at birth -- so feel free to chat her up.

Due Date: February 9, 2012!

Weight Gain:I have no idea.

Symptoms: belly has popped out now. Ian and I both caught colds this last week, so that's been fun!

What's different this time:I'm in maternity pants already. With Owen, that didn't occur until 17 weeks

Cravings: really cold ice water and chocolate milk

Aversions: big meals

Sleep:Is good, I just want more of it!

I am loving: counting down until we find out if we are having a boy or a girl!

I miss: nothing right now!

I am looking forward to:feeling those first flutters!

I'm spazzing about: making changes. I want to change things around the house but it seems there is never enough time!

Best thing about this week: Owen is starting to catch on when I tell him there is a baby in my belly

Milestones: Hello second trimester!

Movement: I'm hoping it happens very soon

It's a...: I'm already convinced it's a girl

Another gender prediction test

2011-08-23T08:21:00.001-05:00

I had some more fun last night. I found another easy experiment online that says I can add pee to baking soda and it will tell me if I'm having a boy or girl. If it fizzes (like pop does), it's a girl. If it foams, it's a boy.
Mine fizzed. :):) So is it a girl?? Well, we'll see in a couple more weeks!

Weekend recap and first belly pic!

2011-08-22T10:08:00.000-05:00

Hello all. :) We had a great, but busy weekend! This is definitely one I want to remember! On Saturday, Ady and I got up and got ready to spend the day together. Our very own 'girls day' We started with a much much needed haircut for my girl. Ady did a great job while getting her haircut. She even asked her stylist if she would dye her hair purple! I don't think that would have gone over too well when we got home! She doesn't look like a little girl at all anymore!

After her 'make over' we bought her school supplies and had a yummy lunch at Noodles. After a couple of more errands we went shopping!! I even bought some new maternity pants! Here's the funny part. They're skinny jeans. How funny is that? I've never ever worn 'skinny' jeans and now here I am buying my first pair and I"m pregnant! Oh well, they are comfy and I will get plenty of wear from them! This brings me to the first belly picture. Sorry it's so bad and that my head is cut off.

Sorry the pictures are so bad. Ady took the one that cut my head off and I attempted to take one in the mirror but forgot to take the flash off. I was in a huge hurry and didn't have time for anymore retakes.
I also took a shot at one of those old wives tales that say they will predict the gender of your baby. If you tie your wedding ring to a string and then hold it over your belly and it swings back and forth; like a pendulum, then it's a boy. If it goes in circles, it's a girl. Well my ring went back and forth, but I still think it's a girl!

Anyway, it looks like we might have found a babysitter so that Ian and I can go out on occasion! Those of you with kids knows how fantastic this really is! She is the neice of the guy a friend of mine is dating. She came over last night so that Ian and I could go to the FREE Collective Soul concert in town. The opening bad was terrible, but Collective Soul put on a great show! It gave me a very strong urge to go and see Aerosmith just one more time!!

That was pretty much our weekend. Not such a bad one if you ask me!

15 Weeks

2011-08-19T11:15:00.000-05:00

Baby's now the size of a naval orange!
Continuing the march toward normal proportions, baby's legs now out-measure his arms. And, finally, all four limbs have functional joints. Your fetus is squirming and wiggling like crazy down in the womb, though you probably can't feel the movements just yet.

Due Date: February 9, 2012!

Weight Gain:I"m up 6 lbs now. I haven't checked my weight since last week, so we're going to stick with that!

Symptoms: ta-tas are sore this week and I'm tired again. But that's mostly due to lack of sleep b/c the husband gets chatty at night time

What's different this time: I don't feel like I"m showing. I feel like at this point with Owen my jeans were already tight.

Cravings: really cold ice water

Aversions: big meals

Sleep:Is good, I just want more of it!

I am loving: counting down until we find out if we are having a boy or a girl!

I miss: not being super emotional. I'm all over the place this week!

I am looking forward to:having a girls day with my big girl on Saturday. Haircuts, shopping, lunch! Going to be fantastic!

I'm spazzing about: opportunities. decisions and making the right one!

Best thing about this week: it went by quickly and I got to hang out with some awesome girls one night!

Milestones: Hello second trimester!

Movement: I was 15w5d when Owen first kicked me, so I'm expecting it to happen soon!

It's a...: I'm already convinced it's a girl

Oh! I took a picture this week..but it's on my phone. So it's useless here. We really need to get a new camera!

Midwife appointment

2011-08-12T10:58:00.001-05:00

I had another appointment with one of the midwives today. I think I was there for around ten minutes. lol.
All we did was listen to the heartbeat. Baby was beating strong at 146 beats per minute. According to old wives tales, that means it's a girl!!
I"ll have the anatomy ultrasound on Sept 9 so we will know for sure in 4 weeks! Just in time for the JBF sale! I'll be able to stock up on lots of baby stuff! woo-hoo!

14 weeks

2011-08-11T08:49:00.000-05:00

Baby's now the size of a lemon!
Your adorable little fetus is busy with thumb sucking, toe wiggling, (not so cute but equally amazing) making urine, and breathing amniotic fluid as the liver, kidneys, and spleen continue to develop. Lanugo (thin, downy hair) is growing all over her body for warmth.

Due Date: February 9, 2012!

Weight Gain:I"m up 6 lbs now

Symptoms: Nothing really.

What's different this time: I don't feel like I"m showing. I feel like at this point with Owen my jeans were already tight.

Cravings: grapes, chocolate, crunchy things

Aversions: Ian ate nacho cheese popcorn last night. I thought I was going to throw up because of the smell!

Sleep:Is good, I just want more of it!

I am loving: knowing that I'm in my last few weeks of regular clothes

I miss: hmm..nothing this week

I am looking forward to:my appt on Friday! I'm really hoping my midwife want to take a peek at the baby and offers to give me a guess!

I'm spazzing about: washing maternity clothes (where on earth am I going to put those??), leaking faucet, buying mattress', and moving Owen upstairs. Oh, and all of the toys that are in the living room.

Best thing about this week: no big plans!

Milestones: Hello second trimester!

Movement: it should happen in a couple of weeks!!

It's a...: I'm already convinced it's a girl

13 weeks

2011-08-08T09:36:00.000-05:00

So the 13 weeks post is a teeny bit late but we've been super busy! My in-laws have been in town so we've been spending time with them. Ian and I took Thurs and Fri off last week so we could run around. On Thurs we all went to Niagra Cave in Harmony. Ady had a blast. When we asked her what she thought of the cave, her reply was ' it was awesome'! I'm so glad she loved it!! I think we all had a good time there. Owen didn't even seem to mind it much. He got to spend the hour in the cave on Ian's back. That was a little tricky in parts because the ceiling was low and Ian have to bend over to get through. But Owen only bumped his head once. And it was a little bump. As soon as we got back to town on Thurs, we went to Thursdays on First to grab a quick dinner. I (ok, well Owen ate a lot of it) had paella and it was delicious! Then it was off to Ady's final swim lesson. Unfortunately, she didn't pass the level, so we will be doing level 2 again in Sept. I was still really proud of her though. Poor kid just can't float. She doesn't have any body fat to keep her up!
On Friday, we headed over to Wisconsin. Ian wanted to show his dad a bicycle museum over there and go on a 32 mile bike ride. That left Care and I to entertain the kids. Care decided she wanted to go shopping and there was no way I was going to try and take my kids into a bunch of antique shops, so we found a park. With no shade. And no benches to sit on. Awesome. After a while at the park I convinced Ady to go over to a creek to put her toes in it and cool off. I figured by the time that got boring, we would have to load up and go find the boys. Ady took her sandals off and walked around a bit. I walked further down the bank to see if there a better spot for Owen to dip his toes in. All of a sudden I see this gray thing jump into the water. It was a damn snake. I jumped back and told Ady to get her shoes on!!!! I hate snakes!!
After that we walked over the picnic shelter where there was a pop machine. I was dying for some water! I put my money in, hit the button for water and get root beer. Uh. Maybe I hit the wrong button or something. (Owen was playing with the buttons too) Ady wanted an orange soda. Well that one said sold out. So we picked another kind and we got...root beer. I gave up after that. Two unwanted root beers was my limit.
Care, the kids, and I headed for Elroy to pick up Ian and Rob. When we got there, they weren't around so we wait a while. After 15 min of waiting, I called to find out where they were. Yeah, they were only 16 miles into their 32 mile trip. Care and I quickly told them to stop in the next town and we would pick them up there!!
After loading them up and driving a couple of more hours, we stopped and had a pretty good dinner in Chippewa Falls. Then it was more driving to get to our hotel for the night. It was 9 by the time we got to the hotel. Owen was asleep and Ady was itching to get into the pool. So that's what we did. We all headed for the pool. Ady did every single one of the skills she needed to do to pass level 2 of her swim class. If only she had done that the night before! Oh well. It was a late bedtime for the kids that night, but it meant that they slept like rocks and didnt wake before 8.
Besides the bike ride, the other point of our trip to WI was so Rob and Care could see some old friends of theirs. We spend the afternoon at their farmhouse. It was mostly a nice relaxing day. The kids did really well. Until it was time to eat. Owen was just too tired and Ady is just too picky of an eater. The conversation rolled around to us making a trip to AK next summer for Rob and Care's 40th wedding anniversary and their friends told us we could stay in the condo that they keep up there! Now, I just have to talk Ian into it!
Those are the major points of our weekend. Lots of traveling. Care is home now (or maybe almost home) and Rob will be headed out Tues.

Baby's now the size of a peach!
Your fetus is forming teeth and vocal cords...savor this, their nonfunctional phase. Baby is approaching normal proportions, with his head now only one third the size of his body. And intestines are in the process of moving from the umbilical cord to baby's tummy -- much more convenient.

Due Date: February 9, 2012!

Weight Gain:I"m up 6 lbs now

Symptoms: I'm at that awful stage of pregnancy where you don't feel pregnant, you just feel F-A-T!! And I'm really tired again. (But that should probably be blamed on a jam packed schedule and not the babe)

What's different this time: don't know this week.

Cravings: water and Flapdoodles ice cream and ceral

Aversions: large meals. I'd rather have lots of little ones.

Sleep:Is good, I just want more of it!

I am loving: Ady is done with swim for the summer. I'm kind of lost when I think about what to do with my evenings now...

I miss: cool weather...but it's coming!

I am looking forward to:my appt on Friday! I'm really hoping my midwife want to take a peek at the baby and offers to give me a guess!

I'm spazzing about: Getting Ady read for the first grade and when we should move Owen upstairs

Best thing about this week: no big plans!

Milestones: Hello second trimester!

Movement: it should happen in a couple of weeks!!

It's a...: I'm already convinced it's a girl

12 Weeks

2011-07-28T08:14:00.000-05:00

Baby's now the size of a plum!As you move into the second trimester, baby shifts into the growth and maturation stage. After weeks in the critical development stage, almost all of her systems are fully formed.

Due Date: February 9, 2012!

Weight Gain:I haven't checked this week

Symptoms: So bloated this week!! I'm at that awful stage of pregnancy where you don't feel pregnant, you just feel F-A-T!!

What's different this time: don't know this week.

Cravings: water

Aversions: Nothing this week

Sleep:If I could just relax at night, i would be sleeping like a rock. Once I get to sleep it's good, it's just getting to sleep!

I am loving: Ady passed her swim class with flying colors and still loves going 4 nights a weeks

I miss: eh, I dont know

I am looking forward to:end of first trimester and my next appt (not until 8/12) but I imagine I will schedule the big ultrasound that day!

I'm spazzing about: Busy weekends and Ady starting school again soon!

Best thing about this week: it's cupcake day!!

Milestones: see above

Movement: nope, nothing. still too early

It's a...: I'm already convinced it's a girl

First round of pregnancy brain

2011-07-26T14:51:00.000-05:00

This morning I was in the bedroom gathering up my clothes for the day. I had my jeans and shirt on the bed, but I couldn't find my stupid bra. (Yes, it's stupid. All bras are. Even more so when you are pregnant) I kept looking around for it and I finally said out loud, 'where is my bra??"
Ian looked at me and said, ' You're wearing it". oh. duh. Thanks for letting me know honey!

11 Weeks

2011-07-22T10:40:00.000-05:00

Baby's now the size of a lime!Your fetus currently enjoys a 1:1 ratio between body and head, and has skin so transparent that blood vessels show right through it. But fingers and toes are no longer webbed, and hair follicles, tooth buds, and nail beds are forming -- setting up a significantly more attractive future.

Due Date: February 9, 2012!

Weight Gain:I haven't checked this week, but I know its at least 3lbs

Symptoms: No symptoms this week really. I'm not so tired. But on Monday I did have to use the 'rubber band trick' on my jeans

What's different this time: I feel like I'm not showing as soon...

Cravings: dessert

Aversions: Nothing this week

Sleep:Fantastic! Except for getting up a couple times a night to pee

I am loving: watching Ady in her swim class

I miss: nothing this week.

I am looking forward to:end of first trimester and my next appt (not until 8/12) but I imagine I will schedule the big ultrasound that day!

I'm spazzing about: going to see Harry Potter soon!!!

Best thing about this week: Watching Ady jump into the deep end of the pool last night!! (18 feet deep!!)

Milestones: see above

Movement: nope, nothing. still too early

It's a...: I'm already convinced it's a girl

Name conversations

2011-07-20T14:44:00.000-05:00

With a new little one on the way, Ian and I talk a lot about baby names. We thought we had them picked, then we changed our minds on the girl name. Here is an email exchange we had today....

Ian: How about Syma or Seema

Me: No! Those are way too close to SEMEN! (I work in the swine industry so 'semen' is a word that is thrown around a lot in my office)

Ian: Huh... because it means treasure in latin. I'm starting to understand

Me: huge eyeroll....MEN!

10 Weeks

2011-07-14T14:24:00.000-05:00

Baby's now the size of a prune!With bones and cartilage starting to form and vital organs beginning to function, baby is making major progress. Body length will almost double in the next three weeks, and arm joints are now working. (Soon, legs will start working too.)

Due Date: February 9, 2012!

Weight Gain:I'm fairly sure I'm up 3lb now

Symptoms: When I get hungry, I"m HUNGRY!! Like feed me now or look out! And I'm still a bit tired

What's different this time: I'm not as bloated this time around!

Cravings: nothing really this week. I wanted fruit last night but we didn't have any in the house that I could eat

Aversions: Nothing this week

Sleep: I could sleep most of the day away and be very happy!

I am loving: sleep

I miss: nothing really. Maybe an occasional glass of wine

I am looking forward to:sleeping in this weekend. and being done with 1st trimester

I'm spazzing about: cleaning the house before the in-laws start arriving next week!!!

Best thing about this week: Got our big girl back last weekend and started her in swim again.

Milestones: can't believe I"m 10 weeks already!!

Movement: nope, nothing. still too early

It's a...: I'm already convinced it's a girl