We've been home for a straight week now, of course that meant we were also back at work, but still it was nice. I think we're feeling settled and rested now, especially after the long weekend when we were able to catch up on all the "normal" life things like cooking, yard work, cleaning and laundry. Not the most exciting way to spend a three-day weekend, but it needed to be done. We did spend Saturday out "playing." We took a trip to the mall in White Plains, N.Y. and bought a few more things for the baby's room.
Speaking of the baby's room -- it has one piece of furniture now! We ordered a dresser last weekend and Scott got it put together by the end of the week. The crib and glider should be in by the end of this week -- which means a trip to Boston next weekend :). We also took the doors off of two of the closets and replaced them with curtains (thanks to Sam for that suggestion) so that we would be able to get into them even with a chair partially blocking them. It looks pretty good. I need to do a few adjustments as the curtains are a little long, but I have a plan for that -- as long as I can find what I want to do it.... .
I spent the Thursday after we got back from Michigan un-packing everything we got from the baby shower and organizing the room as best I could. I was pretty perplexed when the morning started off and really wishing that my mom was here so that she could help me find a place for everything. I think I wished so hard for her to be here that I actually channeled her spirit for a few hours. 'Cause after looking at the room for a long time and then just digging in, I managed to get everything in it's place and have it look pretty good :). I'm sure things will get moved around a bit once the baby is here and we're actually using the room, but I think I did a pretty good job of making the room cute and functional. Now we just have to hope that the crib and the chair fit in the room. Actually, I'm not worried about the crib -- we were pretty diligent in our measurements for that space -- I'm not as confident about the chair. Though I do think now that we removed the closet doors we stand a better chance.
All of the new baby clothes, blankets, wash cloths, etc. were washed the Friday after we got back and then put in their new homes in the baby room. Just have to wash the quilts now. Per Aunt Janet's advice I bought some quilt wash to ensure that I protect them as best I can. So, we're getting there -- almost ready for this little one to come. Only two months to go now -- a little less actually! That is crazy to think about. We start our childbirth classes this month, then we'll really be ready.
My Dr.'s appointment last week went well. Still measuring on target -- 31 cm at 31 weeks. Fortunately, while my tummy is still growing, my weight gain has slowed significantly. I certainly gained enough in the first trimester to get me through the entire pregnancy! More than enough!! All for a good cause ... . Next appointment is on September 13th. Soon I'll get to start talking to the Dr.'s about the actual labor/delivery process and make decisions about pain-management, etc. Of course I know that no matter what kind of plans I make for the big day, it all depends on what the chickpea's plans are. Regardless, we're going to prepare and educate ourselves the best we can to make this the best experience possible.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Sunday, September 02, 2007
New Home
Well, at least for our baby website. If you're looking for news about our little chickpea, you're in the right place. We should have nearly unlimited space here to build a nice record of the remainder of our pregnancy and then life with the little chickpea after that. This blog-building business must be getting easier 'cause I was able to make a relatively painless switch without losing much from our previous site. I would like to change the colors of the current blog to be red and white, but I haven't figured that one out yet :). I also need to get the pictures linked from here, but that I should be able to do. Good thing it's a long weekend! More updates to come soon!
Well, at least for our baby website. If you're looking for news about our little chickpea, you're in the right place. We should have nearly unlimited space here to build a nice record of the remainder of our pregnancy and then life with the little chickpea after that. This blog-building business must be getting easier 'cause I was able to make a relatively painless switch without losing much from our previous site. I would like to change the colors of the current blog to be red and white, but I haven't figured that one out yet :). I also need to get the pictures linked from here, but that I should be able to do. Good thing it's a long weekend! More updates to come soon!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Cross-Country tour (half-way at least...)
725 miles (roughly), 10 hours, 8 potty breaks, and 7 bottles of water (necessitating all the potty breaks ) -- reaching Monroe, Michigan? Priceless!
That's how our trip to Michigan started last Friday. The drive up was pretty easy all things considered and we pulled into Monroe around 2:00 in the afternoon. We got a chance to visit with our old neighbors, the Brady's, to check on our house, and to meet with a realtor (the house is going back on the market -- keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer to St. Joseph!). The house looks pretty good. Some of the plants didn't quite survive our departure and we have a stray stalk of corn growing in the back garden, but other than that, all was well. We're really hoping to get it sold quickly and without too much financial damage.
Over the next day and a half, we stair-stepped our way up to Unionville, visiting with friends along the way. We had dinner with Wayne folks, Steve and Kay and Sub. Steve and Kay were gracious enough to let us crash with them Friday night. Steve then proceeded to treat us to a fabulous breakfast buffet Saturday morning! We're talking chocolate chip waffles!! It was great. We made a trip to Farmington Hill's farmers market after all that eating and picked up some fruit for our next leg of the trip. We really enjoyed hanging out with Steve and Kay -- it was the second time we got to see them this summer! Great company, and Steve's high-energy antics are always good for a smile!
From Farmington Hills we made our way to White Lake to visit with the Wiltse and Sonk families. Ryan and Carrie just happened to be in town from Denver the same weekend we were, so we couldn't pass up this rare chance to see them. We haven't seen them since we all fled Michigan to opposite corners (almost) of the country. It was great to see them and to hang out with their families just like old times. Ryan became an uncle for the first time just days before -- he's gonna get lots of practice with babies now -- well, at least from a distance. All is well with Ryan and Carrie, they are loving Colorado!
After more good food, we made our last leg of the trip up to Unionville. We got a chance to visit with Mom and Dad for a few hours before calling it a night and enjoying some sleep!
Sunday was our baby shower, and it was wonderful! Katelyn, Meghan, Amy, Kevin, Mom, Aunt Janet, Aunt Margaret, Kristen, Susan, Amy's mom -- everyone did such a great job with so many little personal touches around the room. There was red and white gingham everywhere! Along with lots of little stuffed animals . It was great to see so much family in one place and to celebrate with everyone the coming of our little one. There will be pictures soon ! It was a nice, small, intimate shower with good company, good food (cupcakes, yum!) and lots of love wrapped up in packages and bows and passed on to the baby. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone and all of the beautiful gifts we got. We certainly feel blessed and lucky. Of course, the time was too short, but we did enjoy the chance to spend at least a little time with everyone. It was great to see Kristen and Susan's kids too -- perfectly behaved little ones! Kamdyn said I could take her home with me (she was dressed in red and white gingham and would have matched the baby's room perfectly!), but I think her mommy would have missed her.
Sunday was definitely the high-light of our trip, but it wasn't the end of the excitement. We made another trip down to Detroit (Novi) on Monday and took Mom and Meghan along for the ride. Meghan made a stop at the mall and made the baby a teddy bear at "Build a Bear" -- dressed in a Tiger's uniform of course! Daddy feels that there is balance in the world now, as we received several Tiger's themed gifts ... . On our way back to Unionville we made a stop in at Birch Run and did a little mommy shopping (just a little...). Tuesday it was time to load up the car already. Amazingly, we were able to load in just about everything we received at the shower. That little infiniti can hold more than you'd think! We then spent the afternoon hanging out with Katelyn and Meghan. Meghan got to challenge Uncle Scott at Guitar Hero and both of the girls took him on in Football (playstation) -- they beat him on that one! We had lots of laughs playing Scene It Jr. with the girls (Meghan and I won!) -- particularly regarding "Potty Fish O'Kneel" Yeah, don't ask, just know it sent both of the girls into endless peals of gut wrenching laughter!
818 miles, 13 1/2 hours, 10 stops (I think), and 7 more bottles of water -- reaching Norwalk, CT and knowing we wouldn't be setting foot in PA again for a LONG time (sorry Aunt Diane, but that is one REALLY long state!!) beyond priceless! We rolled into Norwalk around 5:30, stopped for dinner and then headed home. Needless to say, we didn't last very long after story time that night. Despite the long drives and long days, we wouldn't have given up this trip for anything. It was a wonderful way to spend our time off and to focus on our family -- those members that are here with us now, and those that are on the way
725 miles (roughly), 10 hours, 8 potty breaks, and 7 bottles of water (necessitating all the potty breaks ) -- reaching Monroe, Michigan? Priceless!
That's how our trip to Michigan started last Friday. The drive up was pretty easy all things considered and we pulled into Monroe around 2:00 in the afternoon. We got a chance to visit with our old neighbors, the Brady's, to check on our house, and to meet with a realtor (the house is going back on the market -- keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer to St. Joseph!). The house looks pretty good. Some of the plants didn't quite survive our departure and we have a stray stalk of corn growing in the back garden, but other than that, all was well. We're really hoping to get it sold quickly and without too much financial damage.
Over the next day and a half, we stair-stepped our way up to Unionville, visiting with friends along the way. We had dinner with Wayne folks, Steve and Kay and Sub. Steve and Kay were gracious enough to let us crash with them Friday night. Steve then proceeded to treat us to a fabulous breakfast buffet Saturday morning! We're talking chocolate chip waffles!! It was great. We made a trip to Farmington Hill's farmers market after all that eating and picked up some fruit for our next leg of the trip. We really enjoyed hanging out with Steve and Kay -- it was the second time we got to see them this summer! Great company, and Steve's high-energy antics are always good for a smile!
From Farmington Hills we made our way to White Lake to visit with the Wiltse and Sonk families. Ryan and Carrie just happened to be in town from Denver the same weekend we were, so we couldn't pass up this rare chance to see them. We haven't seen them since we all fled Michigan to opposite corners (almost) of the country. It was great to see them and to hang out with their families just like old times. Ryan became an uncle for the first time just days before -- he's gonna get lots of practice with babies now -- well, at least from a distance. All is well with Ryan and Carrie, they are loving Colorado!
After more good food, we made our last leg of the trip up to Unionville. We got a chance to visit with Mom and Dad for a few hours before calling it a night and enjoying some sleep!
Sunday was our baby shower, and it was wonderful! Katelyn, Meghan, Amy, Kevin, Mom, Aunt Janet, Aunt Margaret, Kristen, Susan, Amy's mom -- everyone did such a great job with so many little personal touches around the room. There was red and white gingham everywhere! Along with lots of little stuffed animals . It was great to see so much family in one place and to celebrate with everyone the coming of our little one. There will be pictures soon ! It was a nice, small, intimate shower with good company, good food (cupcakes, yum!) and lots of love wrapped up in packages and bows and passed on to the baby. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone and all of the beautiful gifts we got. We certainly feel blessed and lucky. Of course, the time was too short, but we did enjoy the chance to spend at least a little time with everyone. It was great to see Kristen and Susan's kids too -- perfectly behaved little ones! Kamdyn said I could take her home with me (she was dressed in red and white gingham and would have matched the baby's room perfectly!), but I think her mommy would have missed her.
Sunday was definitely the high-light of our trip, but it wasn't the end of the excitement. We made another trip down to Detroit (Novi) on Monday and took Mom and Meghan along for the ride. Meghan made a stop at the mall and made the baby a teddy bear at "Build a Bear" -- dressed in a Tiger's uniform of course! Daddy feels that there is balance in the world now, as we received several Tiger's themed gifts ... . On our way back to Unionville we made a stop in at Birch Run and did a little mommy shopping (just a little...). Tuesday it was time to load up the car already. Amazingly, we were able to load in just about everything we received at the shower. That little infiniti can hold more than you'd think! We then spent the afternoon hanging out with Katelyn and Meghan. Meghan got to challenge Uncle Scott at Guitar Hero and both of the girls took him on in Football (playstation) -- they beat him on that one! We had lots of laughs playing Scene It Jr. with the girls (Meghan and I won!) -- particularly regarding "Potty Fish O'Kneel" Yeah, don't ask, just know it sent both of the girls into endless peals of gut wrenching laughter!
818 miles, 13 1/2 hours, 10 stops (I think), and 7 more bottles of water -- reaching Norwalk, CT and knowing we wouldn't be setting foot in PA again for a LONG time (sorry Aunt Diane, but that is one REALLY long state!!) beyond priceless! We rolled into Norwalk around 5:30, stopped for dinner and then headed home. Needless to say, we didn't last very long after story time that night. Despite the long drives and long days, we wouldn't have given up this trip for anything. It was a wonderful way to spend our time off and to focus on our family -- those members that are here with us now, and those that are on the way
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Still on Track
My Dr.'s appointment this morning was smooth and easy. Still measuring right on target -- 29 cm for 29 weeks. I passed the glucose test with flying colors -- my hemoglobin levels were apparently better than a lot of non-pregnant women, so that was nice to hear. It was a pretty quick appointment; weighed, measured, review of test, and that was it.
We're all signed up for our pre-natal classes now. Unfortunately I was a little late in signing up and couldn't get the prepared childbirth class until October. It's a four week class ending on October 25 -- just a week before the little one is due to arrive! Hopefully we make it to that last class!! And if we don't, hopefully they don't save all the big stuff until then . We also signed up for a "caring for your newborn" class that will go over giving the baby a bath, breast feeding etc. We're doing a one hour class on breast feeding tonight at the Dr.'s office. Our baptism class at the church is scheduled for September. We haven't quite decided yet when we will do the baptism, but this way we'll be ready!
Got to have lunch with Scott today at his work, which was nice. Tomorrow morning we'll hop in the car bright and early for our trip to Michigan. Should be fun!
My Dr.'s appointment this morning was smooth and easy. Still measuring right on target -- 29 cm for 29 weeks. I passed the glucose test with flying colors -- my hemoglobin levels were apparently better than a lot of non-pregnant women, so that was nice to hear. It was a pretty quick appointment; weighed, measured, review of test, and that was it.
We're all signed up for our pre-natal classes now. Unfortunately I was a little late in signing up and couldn't get the prepared childbirth class until October. It's a four week class ending on October 25 -- just a week before the little one is due to arrive! Hopefully we make it to that last class!! And if we don't, hopefully they don't save all the big stuff until then . We also signed up for a "caring for your newborn" class that will go over giving the baby a bath, breast feeding etc. We're doing a one hour class on breast feeding tonight at the Dr.'s office. Our baptism class at the church is scheduled for September. We haven't quite decided yet when we will do the baptism, but this way we'll be ready!
Got to have lunch with Scott today at his work, which was nice. Tomorrow morning we'll hop in the car bright and early for our trip to Michigan. Should be fun!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
The Beginning of the End
Just about 1 week into the third trimester now (tomorrow will mark 29 weeks). It's hard to believe that there are only 2 1/2 more months to go before we have a little baby in the house! It's been a busy week. We had Katelyn visiting us until yesterday -- we got some practice in parenting a teenager -- though Katelyn is such a good kid that really it wasn't much of a test. We had fun hanging out in the CITY on Saturday. Katelyn got to see the Central Park Zoo, Rockefeller Center (complete with all the information about the history and art of the center she could ever want, minus a trip to the top... oops...), The American Girl Place, Times Square, and even an apartment over-looking Central Park. We could have spent a whole week in the city! Unfortunately, we only had a day. After that we took a trip to PA to see Aunt Diane and family. We really enjoyed PA and seeing everyone and it gave Katelyn a chance to hang out with some kids. On the way back from PA we all got to experience WAWA -- perhaps the best convenience store ever made, complete with a coffee altar. All in all, it was a good trip. Katelyn headed home yesterday -- fortunately we'll be seeing her again in just a few days! We head to Michigan ourselves on Friday. It will be a packed trip, but it will give us a chance to see a lot of people as well as take care of some business.
Last Wednesday I went to my first La Leche League meeting -- an international group focusing on supporting and promoting breast-feeding. It had been a long day at work and I considered not going but I'm glad I did. It was a small group (attendance varies month to month) but they were full of information. It was great to listen to experienced mothers talking about the birth experience, what is and isn't necessary before, during and after birth, the process of breast-feeding, the process of weaning (not something I need to worry about for quite a while!) -- everything! I think it's going to be a good group for me to go to -- women who share my child rearing philosophy and can give help and advice when I need it. An especially important group given how far away from family and friends we are. The biggest lesson I learned? Next time bring a pad of paper and pen! I thought I would remember all the helpful advice, but of course I only remembered a fraction of it! I'm hoping to get some good Dr. references from the group too. I checked out "The Womanly Art of Breast Feeding" from the group's lending library and am continuing to educate myself as well as formulate questions for my Dr., the hospital, and day care providers. I'm beginning to know what I want from all of those people. Taking care of/ feeding a baby is a natural thing, but it's nice to get a head's up on some of the tricks of the trade -- knowing full well that my own experience will be something completely unique and wonderful in it's own right.
We'll be signing up for Childbirth classes at the hospital and Baptism Class at the church soon (will probably get that all set up today actually...) and I'm sure those will both enlighten us even more. My Dr.'s appointment is tomorrow morning and tomorrow evening we're going to a seminar at the Dr.'s office regarding breast feeding.
I'm glad to have these two weeks off from work to focus on both my existing and future family.
Just about 1 week into the third trimester now (tomorrow will mark 29 weeks). It's hard to believe that there are only 2 1/2 more months to go before we have a little baby in the house! It's been a busy week. We had Katelyn visiting us until yesterday -- we got some practice in parenting a teenager -- though Katelyn is such a good kid that really it wasn't much of a test. We had fun hanging out in the CITY on Saturday. Katelyn got to see the Central Park Zoo, Rockefeller Center (complete with all the information about the history and art of the center she could ever want, minus a trip to the top... oops...), The American Girl Place, Times Square, and even an apartment over-looking Central Park. We could have spent a whole week in the city! Unfortunately, we only had a day. After that we took a trip to PA to see Aunt Diane and family. We really enjoyed PA and seeing everyone and it gave Katelyn a chance to hang out with some kids. On the way back from PA we all got to experience WAWA -- perhaps the best convenience store ever made, complete with a coffee altar. All in all, it was a good trip. Katelyn headed home yesterday -- fortunately we'll be seeing her again in just a few days! We head to Michigan ourselves on Friday. It will be a packed trip, but it will give us a chance to see a lot of people as well as take care of some business.
Last Wednesday I went to my first La Leche League meeting -- an international group focusing on supporting and promoting breast-feeding. It had been a long day at work and I considered not going but I'm glad I did. It was a small group (attendance varies month to month) but they were full of information. It was great to listen to experienced mothers talking about the birth experience, what is and isn't necessary before, during and after birth, the process of breast-feeding, the process of weaning (not something I need to worry about for quite a while!) -- everything! I think it's going to be a good group for me to go to -- women who share my child rearing philosophy and can give help and advice when I need it. An especially important group given how far away from family and friends we are. The biggest lesson I learned? Next time bring a pad of paper and pen! I thought I would remember all the helpful advice, but of course I only remembered a fraction of it! I'm hoping to get some good Dr. references from the group too. I checked out "The Womanly Art of Breast Feeding" from the group's lending library and am continuing to educate myself as well as formulate questions for my Dr., the hospital, and day care providers. I'm beginning to know what I want from all of those people. Taking care of/ feeding a baby is a natural thing, but it's nice to get a head's up on some of the tricks of the trade -- knowing full well that my own experience will be something completely unique and wonderful in it's own right.
We'll be signing up for Childbirth classes at the hospital and Baptism Class at the church soon (will probably get that all set up today actually...) and I'm sure those will both enlighten us even more. My Dr.'s appointment is tomorrow morning and tomorrow evening we're going to a seminar at the Dr.'s office regarding breast feeding.
I'm glad to have these two weeks off from work to focus on both my existing and future family.
Onsies, Sleepers, and Blankies, OH MY!
I didn't realize how many baby clothes, blankets, towels, etc. we had already acquired until I did laundry today (see photos )! I figured I would wash what we've got so far and then do another round of laundry with the things we will acquire between now and when the baby comes. What else am I going to do with my one day free of obligations but think about and prepare for the baby?!
We've got onesies in every size ! All designed to engender a healthy sense of self-esteem in the little one. What child wouldn't believe he/she was the cutest baby in the world with things like "precious," "too cute," and "adorable" plastered across his/her chest?! Of course, our baby really will be the cutest ... .
I didn't realize how many baby clothes, blankets, towels, etc. we had already acquired until I did laundry today (see photos )! I figured I would wash what we've got so far and then do another round of laundry with the things we will acquire between now and when the baby comes. What else am I going to do with my one day free of obligations but think about and prepare for the baby?!
We've got onesies in every size ! All designed to engender a healthy sense of self-esteem in the little one. What child wouldn't believe he/she was the cutest baby in the world with things like "precious," "too cute," and "adorable" plastered across his/her chest?! Of course, our baby really will be the cutest ... .
Monday, August 06, 2007
Barefoot and Pregnant
That seems to be the state I find myself in often -- and yesterday I was barefoot and pregant in the kitchen most of the day . Gotta love the grain of truth that exists in most every stereo-type... Though I did discover that while being barefoot is generally more comfortable (and actually always has been, I've always preferred to go sans shoes...), perhaps it isn't the best idea when I'm standing on my feet for several hours cooking. Arch support is a good thing! Live and learn.
Things are going well. I had blood drawn on Saturday for my glucose test. This is my last week of the second trimester, which is kind of exciting. We're really hitting the home stretch now! We've been getting ready for our busy August -- which starts with a visit from our neice Katie this Wednesday. She'll be with us for a week and we're really looking forward to it. A trip to the "Big Apple" will take place this weekend, as well as a trip to Pennsylvania to visit Aunt Diane. August 16th is my next Dr.'s appointment as well as a seminar being sponsored by the Dr.'s office on breastfeeding. I'll also be attending my first La Leche League meeting this Wednesday. Just want to make sure I'm prepared and have a good support system in place for breast-feeding when this little one comes! Plus I think the La Leche League will give me a good chance to meet some other mothers in the area. August 17th we drive to Michigan to visit family. We're really looking forward to seeing everyone.
We put together a music mix for the baby (and mommy...). I'm actually listening to it right now -- and baby seems to be enjoying it. Lots of dancing going on in there! Baby really started moving when "Capri" by Colbie Caillat came on (a song about a woman pregnant with a baby girl -- thanks Aunt Lauren for passing that one along!). Could it be a sign? Baby was quiet during John Lenon's "Beautiful Boy".... I'll have to see if this is a pattern of behavior. Maybe baby just happened to wake up during that song .
That seems to be the state I find myself in often -- and yesterday I was barefoot and pregant in the kitchen most of the day . Gotta love the grain of truth that exists in most every stereo-type... Though I did discover that while being barefoot is generally more comfortable (and actually always has been, I've always preferred to go sans shoes...), perhaps it isn't the best idea when I'm standing on my feet for several hours cooking. Arch support is a good thing! Live and learn.
Things are going well. I had blood drawn on Saturday for my glucose test. This is my last week of the second trimester, which is kind of exciting. We're really hitting the home stretch now! We've been getting ready for our busy August -- which starts with a visit from our neice Katie this Wednesday. She'll be with us for a week and we're really looking forward to it. A trip to the "Big Apple" will take place this weekend, as well as a trip to Pennsylvania to visit Aunt Diane. August 16th is my next Dr.'s appointment as well as a seminar being sponsored by the Dr.'s office on breastfeeding. I'll also be attending my first La Leche League meeting this Wednesday. Just want to make sure I'm prepared and have a good support system in place for breast-feeding when this little one comes! Plus I think the La Leche League will give me a good chance to meet some other mothers in the area. August 17th we drive to Michigan to visit family. We're really looking forward to seeing everyone.
We put together a music mix for the baby (and mommy...). I'm actually listening to it right now -- and baby seems to be enjoying it. Lots of dancing going on in there! Baby really started moving when "Capri" by Colbie Caillat came on (a song about a woman pregnant with a baby girl -- thanks Aunt Lauren for passing that one along!). Could it be a sign? Baby was quiet during John Lenon's "Beautiful Boy".... I'll have to see if this is a pattern of behavior. Maybe baby just happened to wake up during that song .
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