This weekend, three lovely friends of mine threw me a baby shower. In the midst of everything else that is going on (selling a house, moving, building a house, moving again...), this was a great time to really sit back and enjoy the fact that I am about to be a Mommy! And, it gave me a GREAT excuse to hang out with a bunch of friends and family all in one spot - something that is not to be taken for granted!
The shower was fabulous. After a trip to the nail salon for a much-needed pedicure, Joyce and I drove over to the church just in time for the shower. As people began to arrive, the mingling began! So many people that I love at one time - fan-tastic! We ate some uber-yummy food (brought to you by the Whiting/Olsen clan), and the went into the gift opening and Bingo game. Everyone outdid themselves with the gifts - from books to stuffed animals - to basic necessities like onesies and washclothes - everything was so cute! I really am getting so excited for Kiddo to show up! I know I still have about three months to go - but, still...! :)
After the shower, Joyce and I bombarded my soon-to-be new home (thanks Mark!) with all the presents...and then she brought me back to the condo; we rested a bit before we all (Rich included) began packing. I had done some preliminary packing before now, but since we just got the appraisal approved this past week, we can really start getting in the swing of things without hesitiation -- which is good, since we have to move NEXT Saturday! Whoa!
So, packing went on for a few hours before we had to leave for dinner with the other Olsen crew. Rich and I also packed today after church for a few hours. I am hoping that we can get it all done before Saturday! I am really glad that I decided to take a half day on Friday to get everything finalized and ready to go. I think that will really help alleviate the 'down to the wire' feeling that I am sure to bump into this week.
This week ahead marks 26 weeks on the pregnancy calendar. A few weeks ago, I started to feel the baby kicking. Easter Sunday, actually. That was the first time I felt anything from the outside of my stomach. I'd been feeling some movement, but this was really distinct. Ever since, the baby has been very active - at least 2-3 times a day I am able to feel a kick or at least what must be the backstroke. Our kid is either going to be a soccer player or a serious swimmer! This weekend, Rich was able to feel the kick on the outside for the first time, as well! Very cool!
Anyways...almost to my third trimester. And, almost to the next doctor appt. where I get poked and prodded with needles (eek!) - but, it is also the next ultrasound, so Rich and I are really praying that the minor issue we are facing has cleared up, and we can avoid the C-Section - well, at least the planned one. Only God knows for sure how this baby is getting out! :)
Time for this Momma to head to bed. Thanks again to everyone who made the shower so special!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Halfway there!
Ok, so I am little bit more than halfway there. 22 weeks today, actually. I apologize for the long break between posts!
There has been SO MUCH going on lately! And, even though some people will argue the fact, Rich & I are counting some "firsts" for the baby.
February 2010 - Baby's First Olympic Games
I spent so much time in front of the TV in February watching the Olympics that I don't know how this cannot count...besides the fact that the baby couldn't SEE the games...I have it on good authority that (s)he could definitely hear what was going on. It was amazing to track the progress of the baby and learning that those ears are working now (albeit muffled, no doubt).
March 2010 - Baby's First Trip to CA (and Disneyland!)
Rich and I took a mini-vacation to San Diego in the first week of March. We had decent weather (no snow on the ground = always a plus)...and were able to get a lot of good sightseeing in, as well. We had planned a hot air balloon ride, but it got cancelled because of the wind. So, we went to the beach, had some random late-night dinners...saw the zoo, Balboa Park...went whale watching and finally ended up in L.A. for the Oscars! (after which we stopped in Downtown Disney for dinner...but that didn't end up with a happy ending, despite it being the "Happiest Place on Earth"...)
In other news, the condo SOLD, and we are also building (another) new house in Whitestown, IN. Walker Farms...here we come!
The baby is growing, growing, growing. We had the "big" ultrasound at week 20 - and there was nothing wrong with the baby, but had one tiny issue that will require another ultrasound in a few weeks from now. Hopefully that will clear up - otherwise, this mommy may be having a C-Section.
There has been SO MUCH going on lately! And, even though some people will argue the fact, Rich & I are counting some "firsts" for the baby.
February 2010 - Baby's First Olympic Games
I spent so much time in front of the TV in February watching the Olympics that I don't know how this cannot count...besides the fact that the baby couldn't SEE the games...I have it on good authority that (s)he could definitely hear what was going on. It was amazing to track the progress of the baby and learning that those ears are working now (albeit muffled, no doubt).
March 2010 - Baby's First Trip to CA (and Disneyland!)
Rich and I took a mini-vacation to San Diego in the first week of March. We had decent weather (no snow on the ground = always a plus)...and were able to get a lot of good sightseeing in, as well. We had planned a hot air balloon ride, but it got cancelled because of the wind. So, we went to the beach, had some random late-night dinners...saw the zoo, Balboa Park...went whale watching and finally ended up in L.A. for the Oscars! (after which we stopped in Downtown Disney for dinner...but that didn't end up with a happy ending, despite it being the "Happiest Place on Earth"...)
In other news, the condo SOLD, and we are also building (another) new house in Whitestown, IN. Walker Farms...here we come!
The baby is growing, growing, growing. We had the "big" ultrasound at week 20 - and there was nothing wrong with the baby, but had one tiny issue that will require another ultrasound in a few weeks from now. Hopefully that will clear up - otherwise, this mommy may be having a C-Section.
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Words I Would Say
Lyrics by: Sidewalk Profits
Three in the morning,
and I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,
Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,
From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say.
Three in the morning,
and I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,
Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,
From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The Second Trimester
The Second Trimester - the "happy" pregnancy timeframe. You know, that "magical" 3-month span where you suddenly regain energy, actually don't feel like throwing up all day long, and can productively check things off the baby-to-be-checklist? C'mon moms - isn't that the way of it? Huh?!
Yeah, right.
I have yet to see it.
Besides, this whole "countdown" thing is kinda confusing. Is 12 weeks your second trimester because you believe that 4 weeks make a month, and, thus, 12 weeks must make 3? Meaning, it IS time for the second trimester to start. Right?! Right? ...........right?
Regardless...this "magical" second trimester, here or not, is not-so-magical. At least, not yet. In fact, this week has been my sickest (literal) week of the entire pregnancy. I've FELT worse, but...well, you get the drift. Wednesday I had to go home from work because I couldn't keep it together. Yeah, it was THAT bad.
Today, thankfully, has been better. I nipped it in the bud this morning around 5am with the only "magic" proven to show up and work around here - a lovely anti-nausea prescription.
I know, I know...everyone is different. Each pregnancy is unique. I get it. Let's just say...I'm ready for the aforementioned happiness.
..............as if you couldn't tell.
Yeah, right.
I have yet to see it.
Besides, this whole "countdown" thing is kinda confusing. Is 12 weeks your second trimester because you believe that 4 weeks make a month, and, thus, 12 weeks must make 3? Meaning, it IS time for the second trimester to start. Right?! Right? ...........right?
Regardless...this "magical" second trimester, here or not, is not-so-magical. At least, not yet. In fact, this week has been my sickest (literal) week of the entire pregnancy. I've FELT worse, but...well, you get the drift. Wednesday I had to go home from work because I couldn't keep it together. Yeah, it was THAT bad.
Today, thankfully, has been better. I nipped it in the bud this morning around 5am with the only "magic" proven to show up and work around here - a lovely anti-nausea prescription.
I know, I know...everyone is different. Each pregnancy is unique. I get it. Let's just say...I'm ready for the aforementioned happiness.
..............as if you couldn't tell.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Supernanny, Dinners and Professional Husbands
Supernanny
I'm newly addicted. Jo Frost, aka "Supernanny", is my new hero. True, I have long-since swooned over the likes of SuperMAN, but this Brit-chick is seriously amazing. My kiddo isn't even born yet, but I am trying to absorb as many rules, tactics and strategies as I can manage. From bedtime routines to house rules, to the naughty corner and handling over-scheduled days of school and after-school activities...this show is an hour-packed toolkit of wonders. I even found out she has a book! A book! Sounds like the teacher's guide or answer-booklet that you would find at school....but it's for PARENTS. An amazing, Supernanny-filled book of wonders. I must have this. Someday.
My favorite, and hopefully never-to-be used technique is the bedtime routine. This can be used if you fall into the trap of having your child(ren) sleep in your room night after night or if the kid has a serious excuse-filled up-and-out of bed phenomenon (that is, they won't stay IN bed after lights out). It starts with your normal bedtime actions - PJs, toothbrush, storytime and the ever-needed "tuck-in" and goodnight. The child may get up soon after, and the parent takes them back into bed and simply says "it's time for bed" and puts them back in the bed. The second time, the parent simply puts them back in bed without saying a word. This last step gets repeated over and over and OVER again until the child finally falls asleep/stays in bed. It sounds exhausting, but, trust me, I've seen it happen and work on this show more than once. Amazing! I hope I don't have to implement this ever, but at least I have the steps down.
Dinners and Professional Husbands
Today was a "major" night. I helped...helped...with dinner. OK, so, I warmed up some leftovers. In the world of cooking and/or helping, this is not the biggest deal. But, I haven't made, helped, or done much of anything in the kitchen in over a month. I have done SOME, but I am no longer making dinner each weeknight, like I normally would. The minute I started getting morning (read: anytime) sickness, I left cooking to those of us who could stomach looking at/smelling food, and still be left standing to consume it. Thus, my husband is starting to earn his PhD in food preparation. Mind you, he is also minoring in dishes, cleaning, foot rubs, trash removal, tidying, and request-taking/meeting. He may have also earned a boy scout patch in Christmas Tree removal.
I have had a combination of nausea and exhaustion for what seems to be an eternity - and, Rich has seriously stepped up to the plate. He claims he would rather do anything and everything than be sick - which is neither frustrating to me or in any way untrue. Nevertheless, he has been on the ball, working all day, running in the freezing cold (marathon training), and coming home only to work all night to make sure that the house and his preggo-wife is taken care of. Did I mention the Bible Study leadership prep? It might be the hormones talking, but I think this deserves a big thanks!
I'm newly addicted. Jo Frost, aka "Supernanny", is my new hero. True, I have long-since swooned over the likes of SuperMAN, but this Brit-chick is seriously amazing. My kiddo isn't even born yet, but I am trying to absorb as many rules, tactics and strategies as I can manage. From bedtime routines to house rules, to the naughty corner and handling over-scheduled days of school and after-school activities...this show is an hour-packed toolkit of wonders. I even found out she has a book! A book! Sounds like the teacher's guide or answer-booklet that you would find at school....but it's for PARENTS. An amazing, Supernanny-filled book of wonders. I must have this. Someday.
My favorite, and hopefully never-to-be used technique is the bedtime routine. This can be used if you fall into the trap of having your child(ren) sleep in your room night after night or if the kid has a serious excuse-filled up-and-out of bed phenomenon (that is, they won't stay IN bed after lights out). It starts with your normal bedtime actions - PJs, toothbrush, storytime and the ever-needed "tuck-in" and goodnight. The child may get up soon after, and the parent takes them back into bed and simply says "it's time for bed" and puts them back in the bed. The second time, the parent simply puts them back in bed without saying a word. This last step gets repeated over and over and OVER again until the child finally falls asleep/stays in bed. It sounds exhausting, but, trust me, I've seen it happen and work on this show more than once. Amazing! I hope I don't have to implement this ever, but at least I have the steps down.
Dinners and Professional Husbands
Today was a "major" night. I helped...helped...with dinner. OK, so, I warmed up some leftovers. In the world of cooking and/or helping, this is not the biggest deal. But, I haven't made, helped, or done much of anything in the kitchen in over a month. I have done SOME, but I am no longer making dinner each weeknight, like I normally would. The minute I started getting morning (read: anytime) sickness, I left cooking to those of us who could stomach looking at/smelling food, and still be left standing to consume it. Thus, my husband is starting to earn his PhD in food preparation. Mind you, he is also minoring in dishes, cleaning, foot rubs, trash removal, tidying, and request-taking/meeting. He may have also earned a boy scout patch in Christmas Tree removal.
I have had a combination of nausea and exhaustion for what seems to be an eternity - and, Rich has seriously stepped up to the plate. He claims he would rather do anything and everything than be sick - which is neither frustrating to me or in any way untrue. Nevertheless, he has been on the ball, working all day, running in the freezing cold (marathon training), and coming home only to work all night to make sure that the house and his preggo-wife is taken care of. Did I mention the Bible Study leadership prep? It might be the hormones talking, but I think this deserves a big thanks!
So, my dearest hubby:
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!
2010: Take One.
I am officially a full day into my 30s, and, while I cannot prove it, I think I would feel the exact same as I did as a 29 year-old, except for the fact that I have a baby brewing in the belly. I mean, good grief, I am tired. It makes you FEEL old being so tired after having..what, ONE night of fun past 10pm? So, instead of blaming the innocent, I will blame the 30s.
Last night was my birthday (if you haven't guessed already). My friends did an excellent job planning and prepping a very memorable 30th birthday and end-of-the-deccade celebration. My surprise, progressive dinner was movie-themed and contained 3 stops. First up - The Millers. Appetizers under the sea as we set out to find Nemo. He ended up in the cheese dip, I think. Next up - Steph's house. This was the main course of lasagna, salad and bread. You had to get through with your food, however, before the Terminator could kill you. Nah. Not really. But, it was totally T-2 themed! Black leather, motorcycle helmets, big sunglasses, and the movie playing on the big screen. We ate, talked, and watched until that last (cheesy) moment when Ah-nold took a plunge into the melting abyss and gave his final "thumbs up" goodbye.
Finally, we loaded up and headed to Dave and Wendy's pad for dessert - brought to you by "13 going on 30". How appropriate! The "set" even included a 7 minutes in heaven closet and razzles. I think the closet left unscathed, but the candy took a major hit. We watched the bulk of the movie, ate fabulous desserts, and then it was time for my birthday song and some sparkling drinks to ring in the new year. I took that last moment of my official birthday to annouce the arrival of Baby O. With cheers all-around, we all watched the ball drop and passed out hugs and kisses (where appropriate, of course).
2010 is gonna be great. I mean, with a start like that, how can it not be truly memorable.
I am officially a full day into my 30s, and, while I cannot prove it, I think I would feel the exact same as I did as a 29 year-old, except for the fact that I have a baby brewing in the belly. I mean, good grief, I am tired. It makes you FEEL old being so tired after having..what, ONE night of fun past 10pm? So, instead of blaming the innocent, I will blame the 30s.
Last night was my birthday (if you haven't guessed already). My friends did an excellent job planning and prepping a very memorable 30th birthday and end-of-the-deccade celebration. My surprise, progressive dinner was movie-themed and contained 3 stops. First up - The Millers. Appetizers under the sea as we set out to find Nemo. He ended up in the cheese dip, I think. Next up - Steph's house. This was the main course of lasagna, salad and bread. You had to get through with your food, however, before the Terminator could kill you. Nah. Not really. But, it was totally T-2 themed! Black leather, motorcycle helmets, big sunglasses, and the movie playing on the big screen. We ate, talked, and watched until that last (cheesy) moment when Ah-nold took a plunge into the melting abyss and gave his final "thumbs up" goodbye.
Finally, we loaded up and headed to Dave and Wendy's pad for dessert - brought to you by "13 going on 30". How appropriate! The "set" even included a 7 minutes in heaven closet and razzles. I think the closet left unscathed, but the candy took a major hit. We watched the bulk of the movie, ate fabulous desserts, and then it was time for my birthday song and some sparkling drinks to ring in the new year. I took that last moment of my official birthday to annouce the arrival of Baby O. With cheers all-around, we all watched the ball drop and passed out hugs and kisses (where appropriate, of course).
2010 is gonna be great. I mean, with a start like that, how can it not be truly memorable.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
10 weeks, 1 day
Christmas has been here and gone, and New Year's Day is just around the corner. I am officially 10 weeks and 1 day pregnant. Not everyone knows just yet, but Rich and I had a blast telling our families at Christmas. Reactions ranged from surprise and joy to shock, for some. It was such a relief to finally let our loved ones in on the secret - even though we've only known since early November, a few simple weeks turn into a year-long wait when you are keeping something this "BIG" hush-hush.
We went to the doctor for the first time on December 11. Turns out I was about 2 weeks behind where originally thought - 7 weeks, instead of 9. That took a bit of adjusting, since I have/had been so sick - it was simply proof that I would be sick for about 2 weeks longer than I had planned on. But, on the upside, we still got to see the baby and hear the heartbeat. That was so cool, and really drove home the fact that there truly is a baby growing in there! It's so surreal. If the sickness didn't prove it, the heartbeat sure did :)
We are really excited about the new addition, and cannot wait until everyone knows. It is getting harder to hide my tummy, although it isn't too big just yet...when the clothes start to fit differently, it's a whole new ballgame.
Anyways...here's hoping that 2010 is full of memories in the making. Happy Birthday, Mom.
We went to the doctor for the first time on December 11. Turns out I was about 2 weeks behind where originally thought - 7 weeks, instead of 9. That took a bit of adjusting, since I have/had been so sick - it was simply proof that I would be sick for about 2 weeks longer than I had planned on. But, on the upside, we still got to see the baby and hear the heartbeat. That was so cool, and really drove home the fact that there truly is a baby growing in there! It's so surreal. If the sickness didn't prove it, the heartbeat sure did :)
We are really excited about the new addition, and cannot wait until everyone knows. It is getting harder to hide my tummy, although it isn't too big just yet...when the clothes start to fit differently, it's a whole new ballgame.
Anyways...here's hoping that 2010 is full of memories in the making. Happy Birthday, Mom.
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