Scary Santa!

So last weekend Scott and I decided it would be fun to take Olivia to get her first picture taken with Santa. We always did it as kids growing up and we figured we would regret it if we didn't do it! Well I do regret it and once you scroll down and see the picture you will know why!

From where the line started to where Santa actually was located in his little village was actually quite far. Because of this, we didn't really get a good look at Santa until it was our turn! Scott and I made our way and as we got closer I was totally freaked out by the ugliest, scariest and grumpy old Santa I had ever seen! Scott was like, "Stop it and put Olivia on his lap so we can leave!" I was so freaked out and so mad. I was like dude you chose this job so play the part and be happy! I am convinced he was taking drinks of whiskey in between kinds as well!

I am so mad that we wasted all morning and made our child sit with that man! When she gets older she is going to be so mad at us!

Anyway I am done venting! Take a look at the picture for yourself and you will know what I mean!

Four Months!

We took Olivia for her four month well baby visit this morning in all of this snow! We are expected to get about 10 inches before this storm is over yikes!

She weighs 14 lbs which puts her in the 56% for weight. She is 25 inches long, which puts her at 84% for height! Our girl is growing beautifully! She again was showing off for Dr. Mike this morning and decided that she would roll over on the table for him while we were talking! Scott and I were shocked since we haven't seen her roll over yet! She rolled over once a few weeks back, but we both missed it and I think she just surprised herself that time!

Olivia is certainly starting to demonstrate her personality lately! She likes to make several noises as I think she is realizing that she has a voice. She grunts, screams and laughs! She is grabbing at objects and is wanting so badly to sit-up, but just can't do it yet. Only with the help of the bumbo or a pillow. Olivia loves to be talked to and if you leave her sight all of the sudden she will let you know that she is not happy about it! She is very busy and is always kicking her legs. She wants to know what is going on all the time! She is sleeping pretty good and if she does get up it is usually once and because of the pacifier. Yes, we still have issues with the pacifier. At least now, she can sometimes find a way to put it back in her mouth, but not always. We discussed starting cereal this morning with Dr. Mike and I think we might try it this weekend. This may also help with her reflux, which is getting better!

She is so much fun and we are just loving every minute! I can't wait to celebrate her first Christmas!

On a side note, Congratulations to Sasha and Kevin as they welcomed Sabine Nicole on December 2nd! She is beautiful and you will be great parents! My cousin Cassie is also expecting her first baby in May. They are going to find out the gender on December 17th and we are all very excited for her and Randy! I think it's going to be a girl, but we will see!

Thankful!

Here a few big, small, frivolous and special things that we are thankful for!

OLIVIA,FAMILY,FRIENDS,BOSTON,OUR HEALTH,NICOLE FOR TAKING CARE OF OUR PRECIOUS BABY GIRL,SLEEP OF ANY KIND,LAUGHS,SMILES,FIRST MOMENTS,COFFEE,CHOCOLATE,BABIES ON THE WAY (NOT ME, MY COUSIN CASSIE AND SEVERAL FRIENDS),GOOD JOBS,A FEW MOMENTS OF PEACE AND QUIET,A GOOD MAGAZINE AND/OR BOOK,THE DECISION TO MOVE BACK TO NEBRASKA TO BE CLOSER TO FAMILY,DVR...I SAID FRIVOLOUS!,PHOTOS,THE PACIFIER EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE A LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP,RECONNECTING WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS VIA EMAIL,TEXT,FACEBOOK, PHONE OR GOOD OLD FASHIONED MAIL,CLEAN SHEETS,A CLEAN HOUSE:),PANTS THAT FIT POST BABY...ANYTHING THAT FITS POST BABY ACTUALLY,MY HUSBAND FOR LOVING ME EACH AND EVERY DAY EVEN WITH ALL OF MY FLAWS AND IMPERFECTIONS!

I could go on and on, but we just have so many things to be thankful for! We are most thankful for each other and our beautiful baby girl that has blessed our lives more than we could have ever imagined!

I need a nap!

Since I have been back at work, which has only been a few weeks, I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off!

The day starts whenever Olivia wakes up, usually around 6:30 and ends when she falls asleep usually around 9:00, but last night it was 10:30 and then 12:30 and then 2:30...well you get the picture! Scott has to be at work by 7:15 and he just started basketball so he doesn't usually get home until 6:30 so I have to drop Olivia off and pick her up! I feel like every morning no matter how organized I am the night before, I am still running around till the last second trying to remember everything and making sure that I have five minutes to throw on mascara and lip gloss so I can look human!

I chose to go back to work part-time for now, but it isn't really working out too well. I am trying to meet the demands of my job and motherhood and I feel like I am failing miserably at both. The purpose of wanting to be part-time was to spend more time with Olivia, but I picked her up late two days in a row last week. I also wanted to continue to nurse so I pump, but with my hectic work schedule that isn't going to well either! She is going to need to have formula during the day now becaue I am killing myself trying to find time to pump and get enough!

I know it will get better, but right now I just feel really stressed out everything. I am sooooo tired at the end of the day that I feel disconnected from Scott and myself! I just want to crawl into bed the second she falls asleep even if it is 7pm! Everything that I didn't want to happen to me is happening! Why doesn't anyone REALLY tell you how hard it all is!

Is there therapy for new mom's? If so I need it!

Halloween and New Milestones!

Olivia had plenty of cute outfits to choose from on her first Halloween thanks to her Grandma's and Aunts! My aunt got her the cutest cheetah costume so she wore that on Halloween even though she slept through most of the evening!

She will be three months old this Friday and we can hardly believe it! I went back to work today and it was REALLY hard! I cried on the way to work, but managed to get through the day without anymore tears! Thanks to my amazing friend who is watching Olivia for us and the fact that I will be part-time, I think the transition will be fine!

Olivia is such a sweetie and just loves to smile at her mommy and daddy! We just sit and talk to her and she just loves it! She has also started to discover her hands as they are always in her mouth. She has started to swat at the toys on her play gym as well! She has also graduated from sleeping in her bouncy seat in her crib, to actually sleeping on her back in her crib! I often wake up and check on her, but she is sleeping great knock on wood!!!!

Below are some pictures from Halloween!

Pacifier Wars!

Let me just start by saying that I was very hesitant about giving Olivia a pacifier from the beginning and I blame her addiction to it on the nurses in the hospital. Our second night in the hospital they brought Olivia to me for her middle of the night feeding all bundled up with a binky (that's what I call it) in her mouth and she was so cute and happy! Ever since that night she wants that thing in her mouth all the time!!!! I am glad that it calms her down and it is soothing, but it is starting to cause some issues, more specifically sleep issues! She can't fall asleep without it and if it falls out, she wakes up and will not go back to sleep until she is happily sucking!!!

Here is a typical night! She goes to bed around 9:30 with her pacifier in her mouth of course, and will sleep great anytime between 2:30 and 4:30 am. She will not have her binky in the whole time of course, but when she wakes up and realizes that it is not there she freaks out. From that point on, Scott and I are up and down several times putting the binky back in her mouth until she finally gets herself back into a deep sleep. It is so frustrating! She can't get back to sleep without it and she can't fall back into a deep sleep for a long time either and I think the binky has something to do with it!

I know she is still little and part of this pattern is just her age and soon she will be able to sleep better and longer, but we don't know what to do! Soon she is going to really start figuring the binky out and I feel like we are headed down a road that I do not want to head down! HELP!!!!!

Despite this little bump in the road everything else is going great! They switched her to Prilosec and although I have had some dairy I am really trying to eliminate it from my diet. I think it is part of the puzzle. We also do Mylicon drops for gas and maybe it's all in my head, but I think they help a little bit!

2 months!

Yesterday Olivia had her two month check-up with the pediatrician! I was very nervous about this because I knew she would be getting three shots, but also glad because this past week she has been having some eating issues and I had a list of questions for the Dr. I have to say she did amazingly well and didn't even cry at the first shot! She is growing beautifully and weighs 11.5 lbs and is already 23inches long. She is going to be so tall! She was in such a good mood during the visit and decided she wanted to smile and laugh at the Dr. while he talked to her. Basically she is right on track and very healthy! We did discuss her reflux, which is why this week has been so challenging with eating. He told me to up her dose of Zantac and for me to scale back on the dairy. This is going to be very hard!!!! From what I have gathered from reading, talking with other mom's and the pediatrician, she is gaining weight which is the most important thing and she basically will grow out of this by hopefully five to six months!

It is hard to believe that it has been two months already! We are cherishing every minute!

Bath Time!

Part of our night time routine is to give Olivia a bath. We do it every night to a)keep her awake after dinner and b) because it calms her down and she absolutely loves having a bath! I don't know if it is because we started doing it so early in her life or we just got lucky, but she just loves to splash and feel the water. She smiles and giggles and Scott and I just love watching her!

Smiles!

Olivia has been smiling a lot lately and I really wanted to try to catch her in the act, but she has been stubborn. The other day I got it on video and it turned out so cute...despite the spit-up at the end:) I tried to post it to the blog, but the darn thing would not work. I know most of you have facebook and I uploaded it on my facebook page so check it out!

She is just a bundle of joy and slowly starting to show her personality. I love the stage she is in now and being able to cuddle with her so much, but when she smiles and coos it makes me excited and curious for the months to come!

Scott and I went out alone last night for the first time since Olivia was born! We just went to dinner and ran some errands. We did think and talk about her almost non-stop, but it was a nice little break. She stayed with Grandma and Grandpa so we knew she would be in good hands! I had a margarita, just one, and it was amazing. My first drink in almost a year! I am a cheap date, because one was enough ha!

Oh and one final note! Huskers what in the hec are doing? I still can't get over that game vs. VT....so sad!

Update!

I was reminded the other day by my good friend Morgan that I need to do a better job of updating my blog. She was just giving me a hard time, but I did realize that it had been awhile so Morgan this is for you!

A few new things to note! Olivia gave me some great smiles yesterday morning and they were the real thing. They were not followed by gas! I tried to record her, but the second I started filming she stopped. Again, she is a DIVA! She has really started to notice my face and voice and it is so neat! She has also decided to change her feeding schedule on me again. I am trying not to get frustrated and just go with the flow, but it is hard. She tends to be fussy around dinner time (Lucky me) and I think that has something to do with it. As my friend and new mother put so perfectly, "The one thing that is constant about babies is that they constantly change it up on you." Seriously! Right when I think I have her figured out she changes something on me!

Scott also took this week to stay home and help out! It was so wonderful to have him here to help and bond with Olivia. He let me sleep every morning and he gave her a bottle for the first time as well. That went great and she gulped down 3oz in no time. I will be sad when he goes back to work next week!

Below are just a few photos with Olivia and her great grandparents, Baby Evan who was born a week earlier than Olivia (notice the size of my daughter next to him ha!) and just one of her being cute!

We are Learning!

Over the past few weeks we have learned a few things about our little girl!

1.) Olivia loves her bath time! We recently starting using her little tub in the sink, and she just makes noises and likes to have her hair washed. Let's hope this continues as she gets older.

2.) When she has to poop she makes these grunting noises, her face gets really red and then they just come out so loud and forceful! The poor little thing has no control, but Scott and I just crack up every time! This is how much our lives have changed! Our laughter comes from our daughter's poop! Olivia is also notorious for having several bowl movements in a row and it took us awhile to figure this out. I will change her diaper and while I am changing her she will poop again. I will clean that one up, start getting her dressed and she will go again! Now we just wait a little longer to change her diaper. Sometimes she will even smile after the last one like, "Ha Ha mom and dad!"

3.) I am starting to think that maybe she is a bit of, should we say, a DIVA!!!!Recently she has decided to scream when she wants something. She doesn't really cry, she just let's out these big screams. The crying is added to the mix if you wait too long to meet her needs! If she is hungry there is no waiting!!!

4.) She loves to be in the car and go for walks!

5.) She hates socks...sorry mom! I will put them on and I have seen her kick them off, by taking her heal and rubbing it on the other foot until the sock comes off!

6.) She is getting better at sleeping at night, but only because we put her in her bouncy seat in the crib! Hey, whatever works people!

I also wanted to add a funny thing that happened yesterday. Scott went to go change her diaper and wanted some help because it was a big poop! He got her all cleaned up and picked her up and she decided she would pee all over daddy! It was so funny and he laughed pretty hard. Luckily most of it was on his shirt, but some did get on the floor and guess who came to lick it up...yup Boston! Gotta love life!

2 Week Appointment

On Friday Olivia had her 2 week appointment with her pediatrician and she did wonderful! Here are her stats from her appointment:

Weight 8.5lbs(50%)
Height 21" (75%)

I can't believe she weighed 8.5lbs, but the Dr. was thrilled with her weight gain and said it showed that she is a good eater! He is right about that! Olivia has been nursing really well and has plenty of diapers to show for it! I can't believe how many diapers we go through, but it's part of the drill!

Things are going well and Olivia continues to have many visitors! Great Grandma and Grandpa Joekel stopped by this week and gave Olivia her first Husker outfit, which I can't wait to put her in! They also engraved her name on two little keepsake boxes for her first curl and her first tooth! Grandma and Grandpa Wenz stopped by and also brought Olivia many clothes for the upcoming months! Today we are going to meet some Willard girls at the Cheesecake Factory for lunch and then tonight Olivia is going to meet her Uncle David for the first time! We are very excited about that!

Before I close, a quick congratulations to Angie on the arrival of her baby girl Katelyn and to Courtne on the the birth of baby Landon just yesterday morning!

FIRSTS

We have had many firsts over the past week and half since Olivia was born! She had her first bath, which she actually really enjoyed! Mommy and Olivia had their first outing together to the DR. (for me)and to visit great uncle Dave at his office since it was close. She also had her first walk with mom and dad! We thought that would keep her awake for a bit, but no, she slept the whole time and loved it! And today we went to the grocery store alone for the first time! I was nervous about this and it is much more work by myself, but she slept through it and I moved quickly!

Each day is getting a bit easier and we are getting more comfortable with her. It is still hard to believe that she is no longer in my stomach! She changes everyday and we just stare at her in amazement when she makes little noises and makes funny faces!

Many of you have asked about Boston and how he is handling baby Olivia, and I have to say that he is doing great. He is curious, protective and always wants to be really close to her. She is currently sleeping in her pack-n-play at the end of the bed and he sleeps at the end of the bed so he can watch her! Every time we go into her room, he follows and if she cries he just sits there and wags his tale until she stops! He is doing great!

Here are a few updated pictures from the week!

She's Here!

So it has taken me awhile to find a minute to get onto the computer and post the announcement of our new arrival! They say a baby changes everything and that is so true!

Olivia Nicole Wenz was born on August 6, 2009 at 11:28 AM! She weighed 7lbs, 11oz and was 20 1/2 inches long! We were completely shocked that our bambino was a girl and we could not be more excited! The last few weeks of pregnancy Scott and I both thought for sure it was a boy and when she came out we kept saying "Oh my gosh!" Our families are thrilled, especially mine as I am the last girl on my dad's side and we have several boys! Deciding to not find out the gender of the baby was well worth it!

Labor and delivery was actually a great experience and went much faster than anticipated. We got induced as many of you know of the evening of August 5th. They gave me some meds to move things along. My water broke in the middle of the night, they gave me Pitocin at 6am and I really wanted that epidural by 7Am! Once I got the epidural I fell asleep and really a few hours later I was 10cm. I only pushed for 18 minutes and little Olivia was here!

Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers throughout the pregnancy and while we were in the hospital! Here are some photos of Olivia!

It's Time!!!!!!

The day is here and in about 30 minutes we will be leaving for the Hospital for our planned induction. I thought I would take a minute to post before we leave to help clear my head a bit and calm myself down!

It is hard to believe that what started out as a poppy seed nine months ago, is now ready to meet the world! I, or should I say we, are full of so many emotions. We are scared of the unknown, excited, nervous, happy and I am a bit queasy from nerves...not good! I think I will be fine once we are there and hopefully my nurse will calm me down! Scott seems to be pretty calm so that should help too! We are so ready to meet this little one and start the next chapter of our lives!

Thank you so much for all of the texts, emails and phone calls over the past few days! We have never felt so loved and I am overwhlemed with the support and prayers! Please continue to pray for us throughout the evening and tomorrow as we really hope he/she arrives safe and healthy by tomorrow:)

Love,

Stephanie and Scott

Full Term!

I am at 37 weeks, full term, and feeling very ready to meet this little one.I am still only 1cm and 50% effaced, but at least I am doing somethig! I should be feeling really excited about where we are, but the last few days have been tough on me both physically and emotionally.

I covered a big milestone, by finishing out my Lovenox shots! I thought about it and realized that I gave myself 288 shots and I am very proud of myself! The flip side of this is that now I have take Heprin, another shot and that is 3x a day! I thought these shots would be no big deal considering what I have been doing, but the Heprin shots are much more difficult as I have to draw them up myself, carry all of the stuff with me to work for my afternoon dose and they hurt way worse than the Lovenox! The Heprin is a much more concentrated dose and the injection sites tend to bleed more. I was not really prepared for how much more until Friday afternoon. I was sitting at my desk and suddenly looked down to find a blood soaked area on my cute dress! I was so upset! It had been a long, hot and busy week and I just lost it! I put bandaids on the site and called my mom in tears saying, "I can't do it anymore!" I know I have to and I am so close to the end, but I just hate these darn shots and they are ruining all of my maternity clothes! Scott came home and I started crying again and of course he feels bad because he can't do anything!

He has been so great through this pregnancy and especially lately as my emotions have been running high! If I haven't told you enough that I love you, I am sorry. I love you and thanks for helping me get through this journey! You are going to make the most amazing father and I can't wait to see you holding our little baby soon!

To close, here is a recent picture of my ever growing belly and the nursery. We are ready!

Progress and a Plan!

For the past few weeks I have been going to the Dr. every Monday and Thursday for Non Stress Testing. I get hooked up to two monitors and sit in this big, comfy chair for about an hour and listen to the baby's heartbeat. When the baby moves they check the heart rate of the baby, which they usually want to increase during this time. I never know what kind of mood this baby is going to be in and yesterday was no exception. I sat there for about 15 minutes and this child was sound asleep. They decided to do an ultrasound just to be sure. We could easily see the baby breathing and the heartbeat was good, but he/she just did not want to move. I was starting to panic as this has never happened before and if the baby did not really move, I wondered what the next steps would be. They stuck this little machine to my stomach and it made this buzzing noise, which is supposed to wake up the baby. It helped a little, but the bambino would make one movement and then go back to sleep! Needless to say Scott and I got to spend some quality time looking at our little baby just being content. Everything eneded up being fine, but I was scared. We got some amazing pictures of this 6lb 3 oz baby at this point and I really hope when this baby arrives, that he/she is really that calm and can sleep through anything!

The other part of my Thursday appointment was to actually see my OBGYN and get checked! I mentioned last week that I had my first check and my cervix was closed, which at 35 weeks was no surprise. Well yesterday she checked me again and I made significant progress! I am 50% effaced and 1cm dialted! I was so excited. I do know that I can stay at this point from here on out, but at least it is something and now we can put a plan into place.

So the plan you ask? After we met with our specialist on Monday for our last ultrasound, he told me to finish my Lovenox, which at this point is one box, yay! Then during my 38th week I will take Heprin, which is a different form of a blood thinner that get's out of your system much quicker. The crappy part about Heprin for me is that it is 3 shots a day for that week!!! So based on all of this and talking with him and my regular OBGYN yesterday, if I don't go into labor on my own during this time, we will be heading to the hospital the evening of August 5th to be induced at 39 weeks!

How exciting is that!!! Scott and I are thrilled that we have somewhat of a gameplan and of course things could certainly change, but if nothing else August 5th is the day!!!! The timing couldn't be more awful for Scott as he is to report back to school on August 6th, but oh well!

I will keep everyone up to date as the next few weeks go by, but please continue to pray for a safe and healthy baby and mommy!

Getting Excited!

I am in the middle of my 35th week and with each passing day we are getting more and more excited and lately....emotional and very irritable! I got checked on Thursday, but my cervix was closed so no progress there. I am not worried though as we have time. I have been feeling quite uncomfortable the last few days though. There is a spot in my back that constanly hurts and I honestly believe that I have a little foot pressed against one of my ribs on the left side or it's pressing on a nerve. That actually hurts more than my back at times! Between the two and not sleeping very well I think that has lead to my emotional and irritable mood....sorry honey! I also got a little freaked out when my Dr. told me she was going to be gone for vacation during my 37th week! I really don't think I will be going into labor while she is gone, but just knowing that she is gone puts me a little on edge!

I feel like we are close to being ready. My parents got us the cutest glider that arrived the other day so that helped make the room look more like a nursery. I washed bedding and changing pad covers and assembled all of that so everything is almost complete. I will post finished nursery pictures soon! Things are slowly but surely falling into place. We need to get a few more items and figure out what we are taking him or her home from the hospital in and we also need to schedule an appointment with a safety check inspector to help us install the carseats properly.

We have one more childbirth class this week, which is focused on breastfeeding so that should be very helpful. Last week's class was really helpful as we discussed the joys and challenges of new parenting. They gave each of us a baby that we had to hold throughout the whole class and we also practiced swaddling them. I have to say that my husband is better at swaddling than me, which does not make me happy. While all of the women in class were holding their baby's, Scott swooped up our baby and pretty much held it the entire class! He is going to be such a great dad!

Other than that I am just trying to sleep when I can, go for walks and enjoy these last few weeks with just the two of us!

34 Weeks!

Wow, 34 weeks, how crazy is that? As each day passes we are becoming more and more excited! The baby ticker is almost less than 40 days!!!! I just can't wait to meet this little one and lately I have been having feelings that it is a boy! We have so many boys in the family so it certainly is a possibility. If it is a girl, it will be a huge deal as on my dad's side I am the last girl! On daily basis I keep getting mixed reviews so time will tell!

Life has been pretty busy since my last post. Between two more baby showers, childbirth education classes, more frequent Dr. appointments and trying to get the nursery organized, June just flew by! My sister and my aunt Debbie both threw me amazing showers this month and we just feel so blessed to have such wonderful families and friends! I look in the nursery at all of the blankets(some of them made by hand with 100% love), toys, books and baby supplies and I just get overwhelmed with emotion.

Here are a few photos from both showers although I have posted all of them on my facebook page! I think the little duck outfit might just be the take home outfit!








I also want to take a minute to congratulate Emily, Sasha and Molly on there pregnancies! I found out all three of them were pregnant in the same week how crazy is that! I will be praying for all of you that you have safe and healthy pregnancies!

I think that is it for now and I hope everyone has a great 4Th of July weekend!

It' So Hot!!!

I am 32 weeks tomorrow and feeling,
1)Big!
2)My lower back aches like you wouldn't believe
3)I am really HOT and I don't mean hot in a sexy way!!!!
4)Super tired again
5)Trying to deal with heartburn, especially at night!

I know it is June, but we have been really spoiled with mild temps and now this week it has decided to be in the high 80's and 90's with some added humidity. I wouldn't mind it if I was in air conditioning all day or didn't have to be on my feet. I think that I am getting my first taste of what is, "yet to come" and it is going to be a long haul until August!

We went to our specialist yesterday for another ultrasound and the baby is growing right on track and weighing in at 4lbs 3oz. We saw more hair this time and got some great images of his/her little feet. The baby is head down so that is good, but we were not able to get any profile or 3D pictures because the baby was facing away from us. Oh well, hopefully next time, which I believe will be our last ultrasound!!!

We started our childbirth education classes last week and that was interesting. It was kind of a general first class, but the instructor did have us do some relaxation breathing. It was good, but Scott kept whispering crap to me and then I would laugh. I was trying to take it seriously, but he wasn't helping. Hopefully tomorrow's class goes better. I am really curious how Scott is going to react to the next few weeks of class as we get into more detail and watch the birthing video. I am sure I will have some funny stories so stay tuned!

We also purchased our stroller and car seat this past weekend and although there was some assembly required, Scott did very well getting everything together and we didn't argue at all, ha! Now we just need to figure out how to install the base. Our SUV is newer so it has the latch system, but it is not in the middle, which makes no sense to me. Scott doesn't believe me that the baby needs to be in the middle seat. We did argue about that! We are going to take the car seat base's to a safety check at the police station and they will show us the proper way to install the seat in our cars. I am sure I will this argument!

So I guess, you can say we have been pretty busy. The nursery is nowhere near ready, but I have another baby shower this weekend and another shower at the end of the month. I think I am just going to wait until they are all done before I really start organizing and putting anything away!

We are getting so excited and just ask for continued support and prayer for a safe and healthy mom and baby!

Busy Weekend!

This past weekend was very fun and busy. I think this is the first time I have sat down since Friday. My brother David flew in from Houston on Saturday so we picked him up and went to my sister's to have Valentino's and share some funny stories and ideas for my dad's retirement party on Sunday. We stayed up way past my bedtime these days, but it was great to hang out with my siblings, eat and laugh till my stomach and cheeks hurt.

On Sunday I had my first baby shower with Scott's family in Lincoln. My sister-in-law and Scott's Aunt put so much thought into the shower, it was so great. They came up with some very creative games and I learned that baby food, with the exception of pears and applesauce, is gross. It is no wonder that my mom had a hard time feeding me when I was a baby! We received so many wonderful things for the baby, it was so exciting! My sister posted some photos on facebook if you want to check them out, but here are two photos that I took of some of the gifts. When I got everything out of bags and boxes it really hit me that this is happening and happening soon! Actually seeing clothes in the closet and blankets and toys on the changing table, I almost teared up from the joy and excitement.





After the baby shower we had to head back to Omaha, change and then go to my dad's retirement party that Millard West hosted. My dad has decided after many many years at Millard West that it is time to move on! I am happy for him as he opens another chapter, but it is strange and kind of sad because he was such a great Athletic Director. He will find a new passion....we think! The party was very fun and several of his colleagues, family and friends took the opportunity to formally "Roast" my father for a good three hours. I laughed so hard that I was literally sore the next day! Again it was a late night and I had to work early and Scott had his first day of grad classes at 7:20 A.M. blah! We survived though and all met up again for some good food and smore's at my parents house!



It was so great spending time with our families this weekend and I am truly in amazement with how blessed we, and this baby are. We couldn't ask for better families and we are so excited for our little one to meet all of them.

New Look

As you can see I changed the blog again! What can I say, I get bored easily and will probably change it again once the baby arrives. I do, however like this particular look and feel that is a good choice for the many updates once the baby comes. Let me know your thoughts as well!!!

I had a super busy and fun weekend so I will post about that later and provide pictures so stay tuned!

29 Weeks!!!

Looking at this picture I am huge! My appetite is ridiculous and I really feel like the last few weeks and have been growing weeks for the baby. I just feel big and I have at least two months to go so this should be interesting. I go the Dr. on Thursday and I am afraid of the scale already! I am feeling good otherwise, but definitely starting to feel hot! I keep asking Scott, "Is it hot in here?" and he just looks at me and laughs. I am generally a cold person so this has been an adjustment!

I also had my first baby dream the other night. I don't remember too much except that it was a girl,I ended up having a C-section and I was crying like crazy! I don't know if there is any truth to these dreams, but at least it was something. People keep asking me if I have a feeling either way and I honestly don't. Just because the baby was a girl in the dream doesn't make me feel that it is a girl. Only time will tell! I keep looking at the baby ticker and I can't believe we are under a 100 days!!!!

Nursery Part One!

The 2nd crib arrived today and I am happy to say that this one was undamaged and in perfect condition. It is so strange to walk by, what used to be our office and now see a crib and changing table! I can't wait to see the whole room come together with the addition of a glider and bedding for the crib so stay tuned!

26 Weeks and Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful mother's in our lives and all of the soon-to-be mommies. Happy Mother's to my mom specifically who is the most amazing mom in the world. I love you and I truly hope I can be even half the mother that you are!

I got a couple of mother's day wishes and it is STILL so strange to me that I am now, how should I say this...in that "I am a soon-to-be-mom" category! The other day my mom and I were shopping and I asked her, "So when exactly is it going to hit me that I am having a baby and going to be a mom?" I think she was shocked by my question, but really I still feel like this whole thing is kind of a dream. Don't get me wrong, Scott and I are both so excited to become parents and we both knew from the beginning that we wanted children, I just can't believe it is actually happening. I know I sound crazy, especially this late in the game, but I think part of it comes from fear. I don't think I will actually take a deep breath until I have this little bambino in my arms. And then, from what other's tell me a whole new set of worries begin so I guess I should just let God do his thing and RELAX! I am sure Scott would like that too!

We had an ultrasound a few weeks back and I really wish I could figure out my scanner because we got some of those 3D pictures of the baby. They are so cool and everyone is so amazed by how much you can see! We are too! I think they might be doing another one when we have our next ultrasound on the 18th. I will try to figure it out and post them!

Also, our baby furniture was supposed to arrive yesterday, and I was waiting to blog about it and post pictures, but the stupid guys at Nebraska Furniture Mart dropped the box with the crib and three of the pieces came out broken. I was so bummed! We got the changing table, but we will have to wait for the crib! Oh well, that's why we gave ourselves some time! Stay tuned for future pictures of the nursery yay!!!!

I did it!

I survived the glucola this morning and it was at first not too bad! I took a few big gulps and thought, "Yes, it does taste like orange pop" but then after two more swigs something came over me and I had a hard time with the rest. It was sooooo sweet and thick blah! I got it down and it stayed down so it was a success! Now let's hope the results come by ok! I can't take anymore needles!

Also, on another positive note I only gained 4lbs this month! I thought for sure I gained at lest 8 to 10 because my appetite has been ridiculous! I also ate so much candy over Easter and I still have some left over that often makes its way into my mouth! All in all everything is going good. The heartbeat was in the 140's and I am measuring right where I need to be! I made my appointment for next month and then after that we start going every 2 weeks!!!! Just a sign that we are getting closer to meeting this little one!

23 weeks!

So here are some recent photos at 23 weeks and 5 days. We had a visit to the specialist today for another ultrasound and as usual I worked myself up right as I walked into the room. I always get so nervous when I go so when they take my blood pressure it's high. This time it was higher than last time, but they understood and were not worried! Once we started the ultrasound I could feel my heart slow way down and I was calm the rest of the time.

We had quite the party in the room today as there were two students, the regular sono tech and then the physician. Usually we are in and out pretty quick, but today each student got to practice doing an ultrasound. After that the regular tech came in to check their work and finally the Dr. had the final check. Everything looked really good and I must say we loved being able to see everything from the kidney's to the different parts of the brain really close up. They measured and looked at every part of the baby and it was amazing! We did have to look away a few times though so we could keep the sex a surprise. Scott had a hard time with that and almost gave in, but we made it through without finding out. They even did a few 3D close-ups for us! The baby was being a little stubborn though and really liked his/her hands in front of their face so it was hard to get a good shot. We got some great profile shots though and you could see the face perfectly. The baby has the cutest little nose!

Even though my pregnancy is considered somewhat high-risk, it is amazing to get to see our baby every 4-6 weeks and see how he/she is growing and changing. I am very thankful for constant reassurance and all of the photos we will have for the baby book!

Next up is the scary drink for diabetes on Thursday at my regular OB's office!

Baby kicks!

I was recently on my way to bed after watching a very enticing episode of The Hills, when I realized that the baby was moving like crazy! I think I missed the flutter stage because ever since I have felt movement it has felt like...well popcorn popping or something. So just minutes ago I put my hand on my lower right side of my belly and I could actually feel it! I ran upstairs and sat by Scott and told him to put his hand on my belly. I was still for a few seconds and then the baby kicked, and kicked again! His eyes were huge and he was like, "I felt that oh my gosh!" It was so amazing we both just sat there and the baby was moving like crazy! I wasn't sure if he would acutally be able to feel anything and at first he was scared to push, but I assured him that it would not hurt me or the baby!He was so excited and I just had to post this right now so we would never forget this moment!

20 Week Photo!

Some of you have requested a recent photo so here you go! I am definitly feeling bigger these days and as I looked at this photo, I think my rear is getting bigger as well!!!! Please keep your opnions to yourself on that one please!

20 Weeks!

Today I went to my 20 week appointment, which just seems so crazy. Hearing the Dr. say you are half-way just makes me so excited. The heartbeat was good and I am measuring right on at this point so yay!I have gained 5 Lbs, which freaked me out, but I know it is necessary and will continue. Maybe the Girl Scout cookies had something to do with it? I went into this appointment much more calm than in the past and that is such a good feeling. The first trimester, and even a few weeks after were so emotional and scary with all of the "unknowns" and the shots on top of that. I am starting to embrace the pregnancy more and just find myself wondering what the baby looks like, will he/she look more like Scott or me? What the sex is, and can it hear our voices or Boston barking at this point? It also helps that I actually look pregnant at this point too. The other day at work this nurse came up to me and said you are so cute and can I rub your belly and bless the baby? Other than friends she was the first stranger to touch my belly. I must say it was sweet and I am thankful that she asked!

I also have noticed, what I think is some movement over the past week or so. It feels kind of like bubbles, but not like gas bubbles as everyone keeps asking. I wouldn't really call it a flutter like some people may say, but I am pretty sure it is the baby saying hello!

Next month I have to do my diabetes test and drink that nasty orange stuff, but if I can deal with these shots, an orange drink will be no big deal. I would take any advice from previous mom's though on the best way to get that stuff down.

At this point I am very excited about the rest of the prgnancy. We are becoming more curious about this baby and really just continue to pray for a strong and healthy baby!

Ok now there is a bump!

19 Weeks!

Well here we are amazingly in the middle of March and I can hardly believe that I am almost halfway there! I thought I was showing before, but no...now I am showing. I went to a bachelorette party this weekend and my friends were the first to rub my stomach! It was so strange and wonderful at the same time!

I have been feeling really good and my appetite is certainly growing as I find myself snacking often! My lower back is hurting a bit, but I am sure that is only going to get worse so I am dealing with it! Thanks to my husband I did get my first prenatal massage this past weekend and it was great! Honestly my hips have been hurting less since then so I may have to make those massages a necessity! Everyone says you have the most energy during your second trimester and I find that to be true for me as well. We have been blessed with amazing weather the past few days so I have been taking full advantage and taking Boston for some good walks. I also find myself able to stay up longer at night and have actually managed to finish two books during this pregnancy! I know! I normally never make the time to read, but I figure I better get it all in now and it really has been wonderful! If anyone has any suggestions for books please let me know while I am on a role.



Also, I forgot to post this, but a few weeks back my mom and I went shopping for maternity clothes and we saw the cutest and softest baby hat I had ever seen. It was on clearance because it's actually for winter, but I had to have it so we made our first purchase for the baby! It was so exciting so I took a picture and wanted to share!