Shy Girl!

All smiles of course, with many fingers always in her mouth thanks to the teeth working their way out!

6 months!

Here are a few preview of Lexi's 6 month pictures! So happy with them, but wanted to share. She was so easy, until we put on her Christmas dress...notice she likes the nude! Uh oh, Dad!

Baptism

Last weekend we had Alexa's baptism. She was great! Talked as she was getting water splashed on her and was all eyes when Pastor Janis passed her around the congregation. My cousin Rachael and our good friends Kevin and Erika LaPean are her godparents.

This weekend Lexi has caught her first bug. She was running a temp, vomitting, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and then of course to top it off, pink eye. They think it is this bug going around right now that is everything down to the pink eye. Although she looks miserable, she has been a trooper talking and playing and smiling still. She is such a good baby!

Vacation, giggles, and chatter

We just got back from our family vacation for the summer. The Griswald family vacation was fun, but not quite like the T.V. Lexi was a trooper. The airplane ride was pretty uneventful. California was hot 105 or so.....Sequoia National Park was beautiful. We made it to Kings Canyon and did a Cave tour. Lexi slept in the bjorn the whole time. We did a few hikes, one morning Lexi blew out of her diaper at the first stop, peed while I was changing her in the car, then blew out of her diaper at the second stop. It was a messy morning. We even saw a bear cub, thankfully while in our car. On the way back to L.A. we went through wine country and had some great wine...even joined a wine club. Then we stopped and had dinner at a friends house in Pasedena. It was a great first trip as a family...but I did become that person that didn't wander more than a few miles from the road in a National park.....

The night we got back after a major crying burst, we gave Lexi a bath and she just giggled and giggled and giggled and broke us all up laughing.

Thursday Lexi went to her first day of day care. We got there and she was all eyes and smiles at the kids. It wasn't so hard leaving her once I saw how well behaved the other kids were. She is the only infant. She is going to an inhome daycare with a friend of mine from our tri club. Very nice family, her husband is a teacher in Mequon and bball coach that I have coached against. When I picked her up I walked in and she was sitting in the swing...facing the wall...WHAT?!? Nikki was quick to walk out and say she was getting a little fussy and had kept looking at the calendar, so she turned her to face it. (All the other kids were taking a nap). I went around and her eyes were as big as can be looking at the calendar, she didn't even realize mom was there! Finally after realizing I was there, she turned and gave me a big smile...AHHH!! She has not stopped talking since her day at daycare, she loved it soo much. She won't even take her naps because she just wants to talk.

We are heading to the 'sau this weekend for the Speci-al Olympics......we'll fill you in.

Growing by the minute!

We weighed Alexa at Mommy class this week and she was 12lbs 13 oz! Oh my! She is falling into a routine when mommy doesn't have errands to run or people to see. She is now sleeping in the big girl crib at night and we have broken the every two hour routine from her first week and half in it. The other night she slept from 7:45 to 4:45 with one waking in there that we managed to put in a binky and she fell right back to sleep...Yeah!! I'm hoping that continues.

Today has been a great day! Mommy had a good night sleep sleeping through her night wakenings after she fed Lexi at 2...thanks to Daddy. I have gotten so many things done around the house cleaned the sheets, washed the cat water dish out, went for a run, ran to Target, cleaned my linen closet and tried on some of my clothes. YEAH for jeans that fit!! All of my jeans fit, with my favorite skinny jeans just a bit tight yet. Some shorts, but that is ok. Lexi has been content talking to mom as she has been getting stuff done, walking around in the baby bjorn to practice for our trip to CA and now taking her long nap! I love days like these!

Looking forward to our trip to CA in 2 1/2 weeks. We will let you know how it all goes when we get back.

Big Bed

Well, Mommy started to break down and had to start putting Lexi in her big bed for naps. Right now she is, well I guess not, but suppose to be sleeping the night in her big bed in her own room. Sounds like she is stirring, but hoping she falls back to sleep by herself. She is regularly sleeping 6-7 hours in the first stretch. I'm hoping tonight in her crib will be the same.

Uncle Dick and Aunt Kay came down to visit Stefie and Tim. We went down to say hello and Uncle Dick took pictures of Lexi for her 2 month birthday. She was a little crabby that day as I think she was warm and possibly going through a growth spurt. We had our 2 month appt. last week (10 weeks) and had our first round of shots. Daddy came with, Mommy choked back tears. She was a bit cranky a few days after, but we aren't sure if that is why or not.

Mommy is going back to school part time in the fall after her leave is through. She will be 80% at the Middle School, so she won't have to go in until 9:30. That will be nice to get stuff done in the morning and spend some extra time with Lexi at night or even in the morning.

Lexi is making big strides. She now is in size 2 diapers and weighed 11 lbs 3 oz. at her visit last week. She has grown 3 inches and now is 23 inches long! We are no longer in the 5th percentile for weight, but 50th% and 75th% for length. She is getting chunky legs and arm rolls and loves to Sing, Dance and Play when she wakes up in the morning. We throw on music and dance, dance, dance. She loves music! She is all smiles especially in the morning. We have been trying to do our part for the environment by using G Diapers when we are home. They are ok, but you have get past the mess that they can be at times.

7 hours of sleep for some....

We had a church dinner thing that we signed up for on Saturday night. Lexi had Mark and Karen Bruggemann come stay with her while mommy got snuuckered on a few too many glasses of wine. Who would know that those church faring people would drink so much?

Although she was a bit fussy, when mommy and daddy came home at 10 she was still up, but went down shortly there after. She didn't wake until 5 a.m.! Mommy on the other hand woke up and had to pump at 4 and Daddy of course had to go potty so we didn't make it. After Lexi fed, she went right back to sleep downstairs in her swing and mommy laid on the couch and fell asleep until 8:45! What a great night of sleep. Too bad mommy had drank the night before, it could have been more rest for her too! We don't know if our drunken snore drowned out Lexi's snorting to signal time to wake up, or if she truely slept that time??

She's been crabby all day on Sunday and fussy on Monday, so we are thinking she is going through a growth spurt and just trying to catch those zzzz's. :) She is sleeping now and even allowed for mommy to take a nap too.

2 months and Milemarkers!

Wow, how time flies!! Can't believe Lexi is 2 months old today. We have had some milemarkers this week. Last weekend at Nana and Popi's over the 4th Lexi officially smiled when she was awake. We have seen that gummy smile several times this week. Yeah!

Tonight Lexi took her first bath where she didn't cry, we could hardly believe it. She also went to sleep like a charm at 8:00. Hopefully this will continue. Maybe that 2 month magic date has hit and we'll wake up in the morning running to her bed to see if she is still breathing....of course she will be, just slept through the night. One can wish, right?!?

Lexi is getting out her running legs and biking legs and gabbing up a storm. She looks at times as if she will flip over onto her back at any moment. Somehow that basketball round belly that she has with the cork stopper popping out seems to help in the turning and stopping. Ha!

Mommy is getting out on her own a bit. She went on her first 2 hour bike ride with a friend today, managed to go for a run this week, and runs errands while leaving Lexi behind with our sitter. Freedom, Sweet Freedom.

Yep, sitter. We have an incoming 7th grader that lives down the street coming to get experience with Lexi while one of us is at home. She is doing great! Cheap labor and a ton of help when I can get in a shower or run or just clean up while she holds Lexi on a fussy day, or plays with Lexi when she is awake. A couple hours here and there allows her to get some money to pay her texting bill. She is a quick learner and has fared well through some of Lexi's cranky moments. I don't know when I'll leave her by herself, but as long as we are in the area and her mom is home maybe sometime sooner than I had anticipated.

Lexi's room is getting closer to being done. Just waiting on some wall art that a friend is painting before hanging any of the other stuff. Her butterfly rug came this week and her crib is made. We'll be moving her to her crib soon, atleast for naps for the time being until she gets closer to sleeping through the night. Most nights she'll go a 5 hour stretch first, than a 3 hour stretch second. Sometimes she fights going back to sleep at 4 or 5 in the morning...I think she hears the birds and thinks...yeah, time to keep mommy and daddy up. Well, bedtime while we can. I"ll post more pictures next week!

Sunny Days

Lexi and I went for our daily walk this morning with Mariah and along the way we hit our motherload rummage sales. Mommy had to stop as she could have bought out ahead so far, as there were many cute things and in great shape. We ended up buying mom a stylish diaper bag and Lexi a few hats, winter coats (for a few years down the road), little red shoes, black dress shoes, tennis shoes, a swimsuit for next summer and a few winter outfits for down the road. Although it was warm, we went at 8 a.m. Yesterday we went shopping at the mall with Erika and Miss Charlotte. Mommy didn't find any good deals for a summer dress that fit her so I'm sure we will go out again sometime in the near future.

My Basketball girl

Lexi made it to her first basketball game tonight. We went to watch the middle schoolers play and Lexi showed no interest. Hmm...we'll have to work on that. Lexi is growing by the minute, she seems huge to me, but know she still is just a little pipsqueak. She is starting to talk and has been such a good little girl, even with the spit ups all over mommy. Very alert and watching everything around her. We have been walking with our neighbor during the week. Trying to shed these last 15 pounds.....once I get running they will melt off, right?? Well, Daddy is watching Lexi right now, but it sounds like he is building a shelf instead, so I'm going to go rescue her.

1 month!

YIPEE! It is hard to believe that Lexi is 1 month old today! We have been adjusting, but the past two weeks it has been hard. She is fighting falling asleep during the day, fussy when she is awake and spitting up all the time. We walked to Walgreens yesterday and picked up some Mylicon, next step is Gripe water then to Zantax. We went to Babys R Us this week and she did great. Slept the whole time of course as she needs movement. She reminds me when the cart stops by screaming out. I threw her in the sling and tried to do some weeding, which posed a little difficult, but she fell asleep. We also took a walk around the block in the sling last night.

Wednesdays we go to Mommy Class, which brings some sanity for mom. If Lexi isn't screaming, another baby is....but atleast we can commiserate together. I get lots of ideas and even more reassurance. We made our first long trip to Wausau last weekend. We had to stop to feed along the way, but she was a peach. We'll try to post today's pictures (this was from Wed.) if Lexi cooperates, or at the very least, more from Wed. :)

We are on our own

Nana and Popi are going home tomorrow. Lexi just started fussing lately, and mom thinks she may have colic. Oh I pray that she is just having a bad couple of days due to saurkraut and beer. I am not good with the whole crying thing. The plan for the week is to sleep. It has been really nice having mom here to run errands, plant my plants, wash my windows, and cook. It will be tough week adjusting and our doctor appt. isn't until next Monday so I am a little unsure. It is a growing time for us, and I pray for patience for both Lexi and Kent.... ho, hum.

Life at 5 days of age

Alexa is settling in at home. We came home on Sunday and are adjusting well. We went on our first trip to the Doctor's office on Tuesday. Alexa is still a little jaundice and since she is small is struggling to latch and feed. She has lost 10% of her body weight already, which is concerning but we are working on her feedings. Today we went to the lactation consultant and she did gain 2 ounces since yesterday and talking to her. Alexa sleeps mostly, but in the past day has had wake periods where we can just sit and talk, not just feed. This is a good sign, and part of her coming early. Nights have been pretty good. Monday night she fussed a bit, but she just wanted to be held. Otherwise we are up a few times a night, but not bad.

There have been quite a few visitors (which is nice, but exhausting!), looking forward to tomorrow with only a quick Dr. visit and catching a few naps and maybe going for a walk in the Bob with Lexi. It is suppose to be another warm day in the 80's. I was thinking today it was nice not to be pregnant and miserable at school with it being so warm. Going to try to squeeze in a quick nap to get me through the night. Mom left to go to Madison today, she'll be back tomorrow night, but we are on our own tonight and tomorrow...YIKES! It has been really nice having her to help.

Alexa Lynn Wuebben

Pay Day! 2 weeks, 5 days early Alexa Lynn was ready to face the world! On May 15 @ 7:19 p.m., 6 lbs, 6 oz. and 20 in, she surprised us all!! Impatient like her 'rents, but optimistic like her Dad as she came out face up! Mom is thankful she was tiny and healthy!! We named Alexa after Kersten's Dad Allen, and Lynn is her mother's middle name (we wanted to continue a middle name in the family and thought that was the best one that we knew of.)

The Details: It started at 1:00 a.m., mommy started having contractions which she thought were just because she had not gone to the bathroom in awhile. They eventually started into a pattern where she realized, oops, contractions...maybe we should finish packing our bag. So every 5-8 min. we had contractions then Dad woke up at 3:30 and helped mommy keep track by starting a log. Mom had tried to go back to bed, but it wasn't working so she did some minor cleaning. We stayed about 5 min apart and decided to call around 5:00. At times we were 3 min. We were told to go to the hospital, even though mom was tolerating pain very well as we had not felt BW move for quite some time. Even though Mommy thought we would be sent home and these were merely Braxton Hicks, she was wrong! We were admitted around 6 and got settled into our room. From there we continued contractions around 2:30 min. apart-5 min. until about 1 p.m. At that point we decided to increase the intensity and were put on Potosin which hadn't even gotten into mom's system when her water broke at 1:15 p.m. 12 hours after contractions had started. Then between the Potosin and water breaking her contractions picked up their intensity with minimal rest time. Mom had her epidural around 2:30, she was 3 cm dilated and 95% effaced telling Dad that he owed her! Mom squeezed in a nap as she was exhausted and when they checked again she was 8 cm!! Yeah for the Anesthesiologist and Epidurals!! A half hour later they were calling the Dr. and they started pushing around 6:15 and she was born an hour later. Phew! No cesearan, no episiotomy....minor issues...just a a plummet in blood pressure after Epidural, but all was good with BW the whole time! We were thankful for our Duola Julie even though Mom handled the pain very well through most, the emotional support and sounding board was tremendous! She will be making a house call in 2 weeks and calling this week.

This was an amazing experience and now we have a bundle of joy! We are enjoying our waking moments with Alexa and get to go home today! We have had a few visitors including Erika and soon to be Alexa's best friend Charlotte on Friday to help get our carseat in. She brought pretty tulips from her yard. Good focal point for mom! Popi and Nana Prochnow stopped by on Friday night at 9 and also on Sat. Tri Friend and prego Jodi stopped in on Sat, she looks great!! Grandpa Wuebben stopped in on Sat, but I think was afraid he break her so didn't want to hold her, but admired her from a distance. Grandpa and Grandma Wuebben will stop by on Monday, as Grandma will be back from her trip to the Dells. Tim and Stefie are planning on coming up today. Mommy is going to go get a little sleep now!

Lexi is a perfect little baby, although she was a little tongue tied in the begining we had the ENT Dr. stop by and fix that in a 5 min. procedure and now she is ready to go! She is sleeping soundly right now! When she wakes we will get her new outfit that Nana picked up and washed for her to go home in today. (Nana and Popi also hit the garage sale in Cedarburg that Mommy was planning on going to and picked up a few other things on Sat., Popi put together the swing too!) Pictures to be coming soon!!

Shower #3

This weekend my good friends Erika and Julie threw me my final shower with my friends. Good eats with egg salad and chicken salad sandwiches, fresh fruit salad, spinach salad, pasta salad and yummy cupcakes!

It was fun to spend time with friends and thier little ones. Julie and Miss Sienna (10 months), Erika and Miss Charlotte (2 months), Michelle and Miss Brynnleigh (4 months), Joanne and Miss Abby (4?) and Miss Ruby (18 months?) and Annie and Lindsey. The Moms were there including Barb H., Mom and Corey.

My mom was worried that BW would arrive before we were ready. "I feel like I need to come back one more time before the baby is born to help get everything done." Who's nesting? No worries Mom, I washed the 0-3 month clothes, put everything away, get the car seats installed tomorrow, and the Diaper Genie was set up. We plan on picking up some last minute things such as the changing pad, playyard sheet and maybe a few other things prior to the arrival of BW. I plan on attending the Cedarburg rummage sale this weekend and hopefully finding those last minute things.

36 Weeks....

Another busy week, but it does help it go by a bit faster. I'm tired, but to be expected. My heart burn/acid reflux is unbelievable and tums is not working. Not hungry, but forcing myself to eat.

My "family" at John Long Middle School threw me a shower this week. I am still shocked at thier generosity. I'm thinking there will be little that we need to go out to get prior to BW's arrival. Not only did I get the swing I had registered for, but many people even got me little gifts such as books, toys, wipes, onesies, etc. They decorated the face room and my team made snacks. I still can't believe it! I even had to look up who some people were that got me gifts as only their names were familiar.

Cathy, Will and Stef stopped by yesterday as they can't make it to the shower this weekend. It was fun watching Will as he laughed and grunted and was just so darn cute. Sasha was ok until he fussed a bit...then she started her hissing and growling. She will need to realize who is boss pretty quick!

Mom is coming down on Friday and my last shower is Sat. I'm really excited to see everyone!

35 Weeks

Mommy is feeling big, feet are swelling a bit, and the two naps she took today were welcome! BW is growing by the minute. This week I wore my Grafton Blackhawk basketball t-shirt to work. While talking to my m.s. principal he so kindly pointed out, "Kersten, Go Big or Go Home, Nice." Without thinking as I put it on that morning, it was on my shirt...never thought about it. Ha! I would have liked to go home and been less big....but, atleast I'm not the house quite yet.

Mommy all tired with Baby Sasha Swaddled

At our last class this week, we learned to Swaddle. So upon our nightly tired stupor, Kent tried out his swaddling skills (seen below) on our unsuspecting victim. She is our baby after all...spoiled that is for sure. Well, to let you all know the swaddling worked, she stopped crying and started purring as Daddy passed her onto tired Mommy. And then we finished watching Brothers and Sisters online as Mommy held Sasha in her arms. What will we do?

The Unsuspecting Victim

Baby Shower #1

I had a nice trip to Madison this weekend. It was great to see Julie and her new home, along with her family. Sienna is getting so big already! We had fun making thank you cards, although not professional, but still better for the environment with all the recycling I did!

My aunt Kay threw me a baby shower this weekend. It was really nice to see everyone and visit. Just the right size to talk to my guests and make it a little less spotlightish if there is such a word. I recieved a lot of nice gifts and tonight unpacked them and started organizing them a bit. I'll wash everything up once my last shower happens. I feel a little more like the stork will be dropping by sooner rather than later, maybe that is all it takes! It was a long weekend so i headed to bed at 7 last night....good night sleep...might be heading there shortly once again.

Yesterday my feet, legs, hands and arms started to swell. They also ached really bad. Today I have tried to keep my feet up as much as possible, but I still have cankles. Called my doctor to let her know and see if she wanted me to come in. She thinks it is just 3rd trimester happenings...but I'll keep my eyes on it. My feet hardly fit in my shoes today and my arms still ache, but could be worse! My love slave is out of town so I have been on my own since my cat hasn't been trained yet to get me sorbet or make me dinner. Wish atleast she could rub my arms, but atleast she cuddled next to me last night! So this week is week 35....counting the days!

Stick me with a fork!

I've finally hit the uncomfortable feeling (not that at times I wasn't before), you know, the one that makes you grunt everytime you change positions and sigh everytime you pass gas as you have just a little more room to breathe?? Yeah, that one! My upper back is still bothering me, my stomache is pushing out further each day, and I come home from work exhausted....yet I can't sleep! Go figure! But despite getting up at 3:30 this morning, my kitchen is cleaned and I'm packed to head to Madison for the rest of the weekend and now I just have to wait until the Redline swim is over at 8 a.m. Perhaps I'll take a nap before I leave, or maybe I'll just drive then take a nap someplace in my car? Not sure. I picked up the Happiest Baby on the Block DVD from the library yesterday to watch next week and managed to read a little more on the delivery and aftermath of everything I never thought about. I don't know why they make you watch those videos, what you have done has already been done and can't be undone....it only scares you more! Next week when I get to that in the Human Growth and Development Unit I guess I can honestly tell the kids I've seen a much worse video and trust me when it even scares me what is ahead! Well, Life is Good, things are coming together and it is time for me to go grab something to eat before heading to open the pool. Only 2 more weeks left of that!

It is like the reappearing ink spots....

Spring break is over, boo--hoo, but a lot got accomplished over break. BW's room is cleaned out and the carpet has been cleaned. Although disappointing at the spots that reappeared after it dried, knowing that it is atleast clean is reassuring. It looks like a war zone on the floor. I might just find a light carpet to throw over the top after awhile. Everything is back in place such as my rocker and crazy light and Kent even moved the dresser into the room. Now all I need is a few things like changing pad etc. to get set up on top of the dresser and we are ready to go. We have our first shower next weekend in Madison so I'm sure things will start to fill up a bit.

Besides that, I spent some time at school situating the end of the year stuff and making sure grades are up to date so depending on when I go, it is easier for someone to take over....because I'm not going back! The only thing I am procrastinating on are my finals, but in the next two weeks will be done. I might even sit and work on something tonight...keep my fingers crossed!

Ultrasound #3 and our OB

Today we had an ultrasound to make sure our measurements were on as I have been measuring on the smaller side, but within normal every time. For those that don't know, about an hour before the ultrasound you need to drink 32 oz. of water within a halfhour of time. This time that water didn't want to stay down so I ran to the toilet and pretty much everything came back up. Try puking when your diaphram is at chest level...man that sucked! It was a good thing though for those that remember last time and running back 5 times to let about half my bladder out as I was too full, well they were running about 20 min. behind...there was no way I would have been able to hold off! This week I had a 2 in. gain from last week that I measured around my belly today as my mom mentioned how much bigger I was this weekend, then last which was a little surprising. Anyhoo, everything was right on and it was interesting to find out that BW is already in position!! And I also found out that BW is already learning to Box Out right into my right rib with his/her butt!! Pain from the ass, instead of pain in the ass is what BW is trying to communicate to us, I guess.

Any case in our Prenatal Class we learned about all the options of drugs during labor. At the end of the class another couple was talking to our instructor about their doctor and how they seem real stuck in their ways....and so I thought they had the same doc, and sure enough. My feelings exactly, but will be communicated next week what I am looking for in my labor...not confined to a bed all the time with an IV attached like she basically stated to both of us. Ann said that she was one of the stricter OB-GYNs around....now we are hoping we get someone else from the practice, but then again maybe she will bend after we talk to her and let her know our desires. If worse comes to worse, I guess in the last month we just switch our doctors. Hmmm....

On a good side, I had a massage today....really helped with my upper back pain...yep upper. Nothing like spring break!!

Easter Weekend

Mom and Dad came down for Easter weekend to help with yardwork and spend Easter with us. Dad and Kent laid out the mulch and edged the berm as the grass was taking over, laid patio block for our new monstrous garbage can and recyclying bin to go on, and replaced the mailbox that the snowplow managed to take out this winter. Mom and I went to the nursery, Steins, and home depot to check out ideas for what I can do for flowers in the front, side and pots for planting a few garden things. Plus getting a few things for the guys of course.... It was a big help to get things kinda figured out.

We spent Easter at the Inlaws with my parents, Ted and Tammy and no kids, and Kim and Mary. There was good food and a good time. Not enough room for all the food I wanted. Anyway, I negotiated with Bill on taking his recliner for the next 8 weeks! As I type I am half reclined so I can breathe and the heartburn seems to have died down now. I am looking forward to my first nap (ON MY BACK!) this week or maybe my midnight get up and go downstairs and sleep? Last night I was up at 4 raviging through the fridge and found my watermelon I bought yesterday. Sat and ate half of it and started going through junkmail. Anyway, battery is going to die, it was a great weekend!!

32 Week Check Up

Had my doctor appt. today. All is well, talked about what to do when we need to go to the hospital, what to expect with labor and a few other questions answered. My blood pressure was back up to normal 110/70...much better. Because movement had changed a little for me (probably because BW is getting big and not much room for movement!) they put me on a fetal monitor for 20 min. So I got to relax in a recliner and hit a button every time I felt BW move. BW's movement was good. Dr. Gottwald wanted me to go get another ultrasound to make sure the baby is measuring well. During her measurements I have always been in range, but a bit small, so she just wanted to make sure. (R U surprised??) So we will get to see BW one more time before entering the world. That will be next Wed. So all is good and a little added reassurance!

Budda Bellies!

Going on to 32 weeks and counting....Jaimi had her baby shower this weekend. Lots of baby stuff. She measured at 45 in.....I am at 40 in. Mom and I measured as we cleaned out Grandma's sewing machine and found a tape measure. :) (I'm due the day before Jaimi) Now there is room in their guest room for a pack and play. Short week this week with Spring break starting and then lots of baby preparations. I plan on cleaning the carpet and getting the crib set up and Kent's dresser cleaned out and moved over. Tonight we met the Doula's at the birthing center. Although we are not completely decided on it yet, we are leaning toward it. We start our 2 week check ups this Monday. I started getting up at Mom and Dad's 4 times a night to go pee...hope that doesn't continue! 2 is ok, 4 is obnoxious!

My Mom...

I miss my mom. I hope she is having a great time in ARUBA.

Here Comes the...

Baby, all dressed in Green, where is the dad, he is on the floor??? Nah, just kidding. But 10 weeks left it is just around the corner. This week was filled with our first baby class and meeting our pediatrician. The baby class went fast, which I was worried about the time as it cuts into nap time and usually I don't have energy to do much at night. Granted, it was tough to sit through still as I wanted to put my feet up as my legs ached from being on them all day, but it was interesting.
Our pediatrician was, OWWWW foot cramp!! Breathe.... Ok, I'm back. Our pediatrician was very personable....Kent started off on the whole, lets cut the bullshit, my wife won't let me get a golf membership and I think this will affect my child....what suggestions do you have....We knew he was a member to Hidden Glen. Anyway, we have heard a lot of good about him and know he has been recognized as one of two in the Northshore, and the other one is retiring so...no brainer. We were just lucky as he was only accepting first time parents at the time that I called. It was nice spending the time talking etc. He is all about Education, as we all know, I will need!! Can I say Clueless!!!! Fun times, starting to make things real. Need to find time to read all this material. I also need to go to the library to rent a video a friend suggested.

OMG!

Today I had my first dream about the birth of BW...but it wasn't just BW. It was 7 BW's!! It was quite interesting with a lot of detail....but thank goodness, the ultrasound only shows one and I am much to tiny too hold more than one baby. BW decided to kick me back into reality as I woke up jumping up as BW kicked me in the side so hard it shot me straight up out of my nap.

I hit my 30th week this week....10 to go! I'm on the home stretch and when I compare it to finishing the school year, I do have a week and half in there from spring break yet...so less than 9 weeks of work left! I do feel the best I have felt all pregnancy so far. I know they say you should be feeling more fatigue, but right now I am not any more than I have been the whole time, in fact I feel better. I have been really tired the whole pregnancy and getting sick definately did not help. I think the weather helps as I feel like doing something then when I wake up from my 2 hour nap as it is still light out.

My weekends have been spent catching up over the week. I did manage to get a few new bra's this weekend so the skin on skin can stop!! Uck!

The Revolution!!

Awaiting the Revolution...the Bob Revolution that is. With much thought we took the splurge and bought our Bob with the handlebar accessory, as well as the car seat carrier....I'll be back to better than ever within months after BW is born! Great thing about this stroller is that the front wheel can lock or unlock to swivel so it can be used as our "big stroller" if we go to the mall etc. as it allows us maneuverability. I'm really excited to use it, maybe we'll lock Sasha in and take a stroll this spring when it comes??!??

Treasure in the Cargo

We made it down to Madison to watch the girls basketball team win state this weekend. YEAH!The game wasn't overly exciting and my adrenaline shakes were minimal. I have to admit, I did have to go get ice cream at halftime as I just needed some food in my system from the adrenaline. The pretzel also helped take the focus off the game and onto the food.

We met up with Julie, Mike and Sienna. Sienna had her fun throwing her cheerio bowl on the floor along with her nook. Julie brought along her maternity clothes that I sorted through when I got home. Needless to say I had to finally admit my friends are right, my boobs are HUGE! Nothing fit the top I was busting out. I did find a treasure in the stack of a pair of cargo pants that were perfect in length and weren't the type of pants you have to pull up every 2 seconds. I LOVE THEM. I would probably wear them even if I wasn't pregnant! So yes, you can all guess what I wore today.......

Overall it was a nice weekend. We saw family including Grandpa (who made it home from the hospital for a few days and is now back in) and Grandma and mom. Along with Aunt Patty and Uncle Ken, Gail and Blake and their new house, and Reuben and Rosey. Our time is limited in Madison and unfortunately we never see all of the people we want. I even managed to see Jennie Adrian who came down to sit by us at the game.

I am gettting some energy back from being sick. We got a few things done around the house and Kent and I made it out shopping for a freezer and a few other things today, we might even head out for a short walk tonight. I did take my 2 hour nap and skip the welcome home for the girls, but I was beat after running around all day. It is back to the grind tomorrow and the catch up on grading and such throughout the week. I feel like I can't get caught up with all the big things coming in at once. Oh well.

It's ALIVE!!

BW is moving and flinging like a triathlete that forgot to put on body glide around their ankles and wrists and is fighting to get out of their wetsuit on a bad day. This morning, you could see the stomache switch positions as BW did. Almost like BW would crawl right out of the stomache, but not YET! Lots of punches and kicks, especially in the ribs.

And where did all that belly hair come from anyway? I don't get it.

Baby LaPean

For those who know our good friends Kevin and Erika, this morning they brought Charlotte Oline LaPean. She was born a 4:38 a.m, was 8 lbs. 11 oz., 21 1/2 in. and she came fast! Erika's water broke at 9:30 p.m. I can only hope my delivery is as smooth and easy! We are looking forward to our babies growing up together!! How fun!

Fun Times!

Today we went to watch the girls playoff game, then onto baby shopping. As some have referred to it as overwhelming, sure it was...but I went in prepared with the big things already researched which really seemed to help. Kent was patient, but he was the little boy with the toy gun shooting away. I'm not sure how we did overall, but as I continue to play with my registries and move things back and forth and add and delete I'm sure it will all come into place. I'm trying to get things all situated before the end of March so my registry is finalized. I know some of the things I scanned, I really had no idea what they were used for...but they looked like I might need them.?....We might continue our quest tomorrow and go into the Target store in Menomenee Falls, rather than online. Kinda fun overall, made it a little more real....we are only 3 months off!! Oh, and Jaimi....I have heartburn too!!

Massage...ahhhhhh!

What a wonderful way to start my weekend! I had a massage tonight, and I have to say ahhh! That is the one thing I have splurged on this year and it is definately worth it now!! (Especially if you find a therapist you like!) If you are my one of many friends that are pregnant....GO GET A MASSAGE!! If you aren't pregnant...go get one anyway! :)

Black Hole?

For years I have joked that my belly button was a bottomless abyss. Embarrassed by the fact that it makes the extra storage of fat in my abdomen a little more obvious as it is not taught, but a hole that speaks to you when you run with just a sports bra on. Something I only would do when I was out in the country at Ma and Pa's on a hot day. The thought of someone seeing my hidden treasure stored there, left me grabbing for my shirt that was tucked in the back whenever a car would approach. During my spring break of my third year teaching I went out to Colorado and then onto a road trip with a few friends. I came home with a souvinier of a belly button piercing that half hid the hole, or atleast the depth of it. It is the type of belly button hole that if you stuck your finger in, it would get sucked right up...you'd be lucky if you could retrieve your finger at all.

Well, that abyss opened again when I found out I was pregnant and my OB-GYN told me I had to take out my belly button ring. Ugh! Right now, I am excited to say there is a bottom to that black hole! I checked it out and not an ounce of lint present! I have about a half inch left to my belly button, what would be a typical innie belly button. However, there are high hopes that as we near the end of pregnancy, I will be one of the few that the belly button will pop out and never go back in. I guess if it doesn't , at least it will continue to be good for storing a jelly bean or two or we can go back a few years and do some body shots...it is like an automatic shot glass that I can carry everywhere!

A week without work...

Well, ok, I did work a few days part-time. My Dr. told me to stay home again tomorrow, so I guess Monday will be my next day of work...hopefully. I'm feeling a little better tonight. I went to my Dr. today and she said I had bronchitis. So now I am on antibiotics and despite that I just went on them today, the Benedryl seems to have helped quite a bit. Hopefully I'll feel even better tomorrow and get some work done around here too. Maybe? I don't think I could spend any more time in bed!

I want my mommy!!

I am still sick, if not a worse kind....atleast with the flulike symptoms I had this weekend I could sleep....now it is cold...miserable, stuffy yet runny...Is that possible? Hacky cough and aah...Just miserable. So I made it to school today to make my day even better! At the beginning of third hour I did the not so graceful fall down 3 stairs landing flat on my knees and twisting my ankle. That broke whatever I had left in me so I went home after the hour was over. My ankle hurt like no other....little swelling, but a high ankle sprain most likely...hopefully no tear or broken ankle. I iced all day long so it does feel better, just don't touch it. My knee is bruised, my other knee has a floor burn and I burned my pants on the fall. Any other day I probably would have sucked it up, but my ankle just killed down into my foot and up my leg and I had nothing left...plus it didnt' help that there were a few kids in my 3rd hour that just annoyed the heck out of me. On the plus side, I didn' t land on my stomache and BW is still moving. I don't think BW is moving as much, but I'm really sick and am more overwhelmed by how miserable I am. Pulled out the Vicks tonight, and my coughing has diminished...plan on putting it on my feet when I go to sleep. Kent will probably sleep in the guest room again tonight.

Sicko

Last weekend I left my sick husband behind as I made my journey North to Ma and Pa's. Thinking I outran the nasty bug, I've been fighting tiredness all week, this morning it ran out. I made it through my H.S. teaching and took a half day and went home and slept the rest of the day. I feel awful. I had cramping this morning where it hurt to lift my leg (I hope round pain!) and just buggy otherwise. I need to open the pool in the morning, but not sure if I will swim, might just sleep in the lockerroom. I'm hoping I slept enough today to fight off the worst....I think I can take Tylenol cold, but will call my trusted few if it gets to that point. Eating my chicken soup, drinking my smart water and Kefir and apple juice.....and hugging my blankey...

Jaimi Hoernke (Coleman) and I

Jaimi and I were bridesmaids for each others weddings. Now we are having babies with a due date 1 day apart! Craziness! (She really thinks she is having twins...)

Home Sweet Home

Nothing like going home. Kent came down with a nasty cold this week, and just prior to leaving with his bags packed we decided he wasn't coming home with me. So I left him behind with his sick self, so that none of us would be sick next week. I met up with Mom in Rib Mt. and we did some shopping on Friday afternoon. When we got home, I drove Dad to the shack so he could drive the four wheeler back to the house and then we walked out to the stand on the corner of the field by the big woods. Rickety the stand was, and uncertain it would hold my extra 20 pounds...I climbed it carefully, like it was a Jenga board game ready to topple at any minute. Looking through the binoculars I could see the deer one, two, three coming from the woods. In the end I think there were 10, but Dad had said the night before there were atleast 30. Fun to watch, but the wind was cold.

Sat. I was up early as I could not sleep. Beat everyone up for once. We had an egg sandwich for breakfast and mom and I went for a walk in the woods. It was a beautiful day, warming up. We checked out the woods taking two dogs for a walk and what mess the loggers had left! I slept for 3 hours that afternoon...don't know if I am fighting off Kent's bug, or just tuckered out. Sunday morning we had pancakes for breakfast and then mom and I started to tackle cleaning out the closet. Fun things we came across from my old school papers, trophies, stuffed animals to Dad's papers and his teacher yelling at him for his bad penmenship. I left this weekend with a handful of things including my quilt Grandma gave to me, my cupid doll, a few porcelain memorabilias from chlidhood for BW's room and my baby book. Fun times. Nothing like mommy hanging out with me.....She agreed to come down for 2 weeks when BW is born to help out. Phew....atleast I will have someone to watch when I take a shower and maybe to help make some good meals. :)

Phoenix

This weekend we spent 4 days in Phoenix on our last get-a-way before BW arrives...70 degree weather this time of year is nothing to complain about, that is for sure. It was a pretty laid back weekend. Kent and I did some shopping, went to Old Town Scottsdale to walk around and had a nice meal at the Saddle Ranch Friday. Kent got in a round of golf with Sanjay and Anna and I hit the spa for a prenatal massage. Anna is 30 weeks pregnant and bound and determined not to slow down. When we walked in on Sat. she was just getting back from mountain biking, pure craziness!! In any case, Anna and I went on an hour hike in the afternoon after our massage, which I had enough energy to do (after lazing around all afternoon watching T.V.) then we went out to eat when we got back. Sunday Kent, Sanjay and I did another hour and 15 min. hike at the Usery Recreation Park. We didn't quite make it up to the cave, but I was a little leary after hitting the wall on the way home on Sat. with Anna and almost passing out in the car...oops, needed to eat something a little sooner. It was a tougher hike, but nothing too grueling. We went out for lunch and parted our ways. Kent and I spent the remainder of the day checking out Maryville Park (Brewer's spring training camp), jumping in the pool and enjoying the last rays of sunshine, watching part of the game then grabbing something to eat before returning the rental car. A very laid back weekend for us, I definatly enjoyed the Marriott bed and pillows and all the fresh fruit. Today was a long day back to WI, but we managed to sit by the pool for 15 min. while waiting for our shuttle this morning....every last ray counts!

Gymnastics??

So I am finally sure that I can feel the baby moving, in fact it is a lot. You know you second guess all the time in the beginning....is that gas? Sideache...what? Now I can feel some punches and flips etc. Good to know this isn't in my head.

Ring of Fire...

So I've dealt with heartburn prior to being pregnant, I figured I'd have more going into this, but definately not this early! I'm telling you it burns from my belly button up to my larnyx. It starts out throughout the day as just burps whenever I eat. I can handle that. Then as the day progresses it burns and then it burns, then it burns more. I have the ball of fire at the base of my throat and even when I watch what I am eating, it burns. Yesterday was no exception. I stayed clear of the tomatos at lunch in the pasta, chose the stroganoff instead at Noodles. It was so bad by 7, that I couldn't even drink water any more...what gives? Going to bed, well we know what happens when you lay down, so I propped myself up. It took over an hour to fall asleep last night as the burn just wouldn't stop. I wish it was the after workout burn instead. But, last weekend I did learn that Tums are acceptable....I picked up my rather large bottle today and filled a baggie in my purse, some in my school bag, and one for my car. that should help....They are like candy right?

My cup runneth over...

Alright, so I thought I should add a story, well actually true account that happened when I went in for my 20 week ultrasound a few weeks back. For those who have not had the pleasure, or it has been awhile they tell you to drink 32 oz. of water completed an hour before your appointment. Well, this happened to fall during my last class of the day. I did a good job, drank my whole Nalgene but before the class was done I was thinking I have to go to the bathroom already. So when I was done, I went a little just to hold out until my appt. I think on the ride there Kent hit every possible pothole in the road, needless to say I had come to the conclusion there was no way I would make it through the hour appt, so when I walked thru the door I went immediately to the nearest restroom and again went a little. They were so kind to pull back to the ultrasound within 5 minutes of walking through the doors.

I got all gooped up with whatever the stuff they put on your stomache, the cold ultrasound thing-a-ma-bobber rubbing on my stomache and second later the technician say...holy cats, your bladder is exploding, you need to go let out about 2 1/2 cups....THANK GOODNESS! Well, when you really have to go the thoughts are running through your head that you just want to let it all out....but thank goodness for those kegels as once again I stopped midstream. So I ran back across the hall, laid down and once again got all gooped up. "Nope, you need to go back I still can't get an accurate reading, your bladder is just too full." My goodness what do they expect??? So once again I got back up and tried the same thing once again went back in and laid down. Three times a charm, right? Nope, one more time I went thru the goop, cleaned up and went back across the hall to let out yet another 2 1/2 cups out. Finally, I laid down we went thru all the measurements and BW thought it would be funny to start jumping from side to side...by that time my bladder had shrunk about 10 fold. Anyway, I thought we were done, but once again the technician said, I need you to go back and go to the bathroom once again so I can get my measurement that I haven't gotten yet.....Man, why drink 32 oz??? That was just cruel!

Too Hard of a Saturday leads to a lazy Sunday!

Yesterday sure was a busy day. First I opened the pool and swam with my Tri club at 7:00 a.m.. Then revisted the Breakfast club with Jodi after swim and headed home for a quick 20 min. snooze. Kent and I joined Anne and Rick for the MU vs. DePaul Bball game after doing lunch at the Village Pub in Shorewood. Then I managed to squeeze in a nap before our friends arrived for a game night. What a blast! Long Day. Erika made it, 9 months pregnant and all, and stayed until 11, what a trooper! I can hardly stay up that late now!! :) I learned last night from Joanne and Erika that I can take TUMS...I think I will be running out to Costco this week to buy a huge bottle, I'll need it for MY heartburn!

Today I lazed around most of the day. Joined the InLaws for lunch at Panera, then met Erika to find some fabric to cover my lovely Valances?? in my living room. I think I found one that works! One more thing to get done almost crossed off my list! I just need to run back and get more fabric this week, then staple it on! Thank goodness for my hubby's willingness to drop off a pillow from our couch so that I can find the right fabric, after leaving home without it! Otherwise that would have really pissed me off! But, I am really tired today, don't feel like moving much. Getting ready for a funfilled week. New students at the H.S. and a screwed up schedule due to curriculum and vacation.

My parents got me Tai Chi lessons for Christmas, which start this week. I am hoping that will bring back some more energy.....

19 Weeks

Welcome!

I felt it was about time to start the baby blog, especially with all the time I have been spending on the couch. One more distraction, never hurts. We are busily trying to get the house situated before BW (Baby Wuebben) arrives in early June. Kent's office is complete, the doors are going on to my craft room, and piece by piece furniture and accessories are taking their place. BW's room is almost cleaned out, I just need to find a good friend to help me hang my pictures around the house. Then I will need to clean the carpet. We are keeping the baby's room the same light green, but I found some cute patterns for our baby's crib and wall hangings. That will be the next purchase.

We are in our 21st week, more than halfway there! It seems at times that my belly grows twice the size, then shrinks. I think when I have a full bladder or stomache it definately pushes out further and makes me look much bigger. No place to go. I can still fit into my pants, but I just am not comfortable for long, so I do have one pair of maternity pants. If only they would stay up! I think the hardest part right now is the between stage where I still pass as mushroom top, put on weight.....not quite belly out pregnant looking.

At night I wake up and look in the mirror just to make sure this is for real, and then realization hits, dang, this is for real! Hard to believe. I think I have felt BW move, especially when I can't sleep at night...in fact BW seems to be doing flips right now. Today I had another teacher comment on how she was looking down the hall the other day and saw me and thought, dang, she is having a baby in 4 months and doesn't even look pregnant. Let me tell you, 15 pounds makes you feel pregnant!

We had our ultrasound last week, everything looked good. When I get time I will upload a few pictures. We aren't finding out the sex of our baby until its birthday. I have been trying to stay active, but am quite tired. This week especially, I came home 2 days and slept for 2.5 hours, then was back in bed by 9 or 10. I'd have to say at this point, it is just tired still. Atleast my morning sickness has gone away and I do have more energy than in the first trimester. Smells really no longer affect me. I tend to not have a lot of taste right now, but I do have cravings from time to time.

I'll leave you with one last thought...I've been waking up in the middle of the night with not a drop of moisture in my mouth. My lips are dry and cracked at night, and it isn't exactly cotton mouth...its the Sahara desert! I can't even take a breath my mouth is so dry! So I take a sip of water and it really doesn't seem to help. Before I go to bed I drink water, I put on half a tube of chapstick and I tuck myself into a hotel room full of pillows. Perhaps it is the breathing through my mouth as I tend to be a little more stuffed up. Our humidifier runs during the day, yet leaves nothing for me at night. I really can't explain it much better than that. I hope you got the picture, and if you have any tricks, send them my way!