Some more firsts!

(I can't post any pictures right now due to being on dial-up, I'll get more on as soon as I get to a high speed connection!)

Since I last posted, Peyton has had quite a few more firsts. She had her picture taken. They are absolutely gorgeous. I'll get those on here as soon as I can.

Grandpa McDonald and Aunt Kendall have come to visit (and Grandma again too! I hope to post some of those pictures soon too). Grandma & Grandpa Maack have been down again as well.

We have had our first shot and oral vaccine and our first trip to the emergency room. We thought she was having a reaction to her vaccination (it sounded like she was wheezing), but apparently, she was just really congested. She did well with the shot when she got it though. Daddy was holding her and she was asleep. She screamed for a few seconds and then just moaned and whined (which was more heartbreaking than the crying!). We are getting her immunizations at the health department so we can spread them out more than the pediatrician would like to do. We know there have been no real connections made to certain diseases and syndromes, but we are just being a little cautious. She will get all of her immunizations, just not on the schedule that the state of Indiana would prefer!

She also went to the doctor for her 2 month check-up. She is up to 10 lbs. 4.5 oz. She is a whopping 25 inches long!! They measured her twice just to make sure it was correct! She is still in the 50th percentile for weight, but she is in a percentile for 4 month olds in length!! We are going to have a tall girl!

Mommy went back to work on August 6th. It was a little difficult, but not as bad as I was expecting. It helped knowing that she was with daddy (and Grandma, Grandpa, & Kendall were still here). She has been with daddy pretty much all the time since then. He has had a few things to do, so Erixana has watched her a couple of mornings for us. He has really enjoyed his one-on-one time with her. He isn't looking forward to going back to work on Monday! We take Peyton to the "real" babysitter for the first time on Monday. We don't know Stacy all that well, but she is a good Christian lady and we know a lot of people that know her and have heard nothing bad at all. We feel comfortable leaving our precious Monkey with her! Erixana will be watching her on Thursdays as well. We hope to carpool as much as possible still, so we will be able to drop her off and pick her up together. I have been able to pump at work so we are still just nursing and feeding breastmilk in bottles throughout the day. We hope that will last for a good while. It is kind of a pain to have to pump at work, but I have to keep reminding myself what a good thing it is for Peyton and how much money we are saving!

She is still sleeping through the night very well. She usually goes to bed around 10pm or so and gets up around 5 (sometimes a little earlier or later). After eating then, she usually goes back down until 8:30 or 9. She is a morning baby too (we have no idea where she got that!). She is all smiles (once she gets on Uncle Rob's changing table and realizes she will be eating soon!). The other morning, she even let out a little bit of a giggle! What a wonderful baby! She is rarely fussy and is a joy to have around. We both love her to death...but she is definitely daddy's girl!!

Another First!

Peyton went on her first boat ride yesterday on the Grand River in Michigan. Isn't she too cute? We had to make sure she was legal, so Grandpa Maack bought her a life jacket to wear. Too bad she slept through the whole thing!!

(She helped Daddy drive the boat!)

Could it be true??

I don't want to jinx it...but I think Peyton is sleeping through the night! For the last 2 nights she has slept at least 7 hours and gone at least 8 hours between feedings. I hope I'm not jumping the gun...but this is wonderful! And the times she has gone to bed (between 9 and 10:30) and the times she has woken up (between 4:45 and 5:30) would be perfect times for us staying in our routine for going back to work. Thank the Lord for what a wonderful baby she has been! She really is our little angel!

One Month Doctor Visit and other stuff

Our Monkey is a big girl!! We went to see Dr. Sue on Monday afternoon for Peyton's one month appointment. She is all of 8lbs 15.5oz...basically 9 pounds!! She went from the 25th percentile at birth, to the 50th! You go girl! And she has grown to 22.5 inches. She has stayed in the 90th percentile there. She is going to be our tall girl!

We asked about the purplish mark on her right shoulder that appeared shortly after birth and has grown and become raised. It is a hemagioma (or something like that!). Basically a birthmark that is deeper than the average birthmark. It is very similar to the "pretty mark" my sister Kendall had on her face until she was about 2 or so. The doctor said it will probably continue to get bigger, we just need to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't go too deep and impede any range of motion in her shoulder. She also said that it should begin to fade after a few years. If it doesn't there are treatments that can be done to lessen the color and size.

Everything else looks good! We found out that Peyton's "gassy" problems are probably a result of mom having too much dairy in her diet. That stinks! I am a big milk drinker and I love chocolate and cheese!! So I am to limit my intake to one serving a day! No cereal or cheese on my sandwiches if I want anything dairy for dinner! We have already had to change our plans for our anniversary dinner with Scott's parents because of it. Good thing I love her and she is worth it!! :)

Peyton slept for 7 hours last night! She ate at 10, went to bed around 11 and didn't even so much as stir until 6!! It was awesome! I think I finally caught up on some sleep. (And I went back to sleep after she ate until about 9 when she wanted to eat again!) I hope this is the beginning of wonderful nights!! Thank God!!

We are in Michigan this week on a mini-vacation and for an Open House shower for Scott's side of the family. It will be nice to relax, go out to the boat and not have to worry about keeping my own house clean!!

Doctor Appointment Updates

As I finished that last post, I realized maybe you all would like to be kept informed of Peyton's doctor appointments too. If not, then don't read! :)

She had her first pediatrician appointment last Wednesday (June 26). She was scheduled to go on Friday, but she had had a terrible evening the night before and the doctor wanted to see her to check her out. We were thinking she was having some pain with her teeth because my mom had been massaging her gums and that seemed to calm her down. The doctor gave her a total once-over, checking everything very thoroughly and said there didn't seem to be anything wrong. She was gaining weight fabulously (already up to 7lbs 6oz. and she had grown 1/4 of an inch) and she told us there is no scientific evidence that teething causes pain to babies (which we all find very hard to believe, but she is the doctor!). We were told that she could have Tylenol if we really did think she was in pain. We went home and tried the Tylenol and she was a lot better. She hasn't really had any more episodes (other than some screaming during bathtime--which has been remedied...apparently she doesn't like to take a bath after she has been awakened!).

The next Monday (June 30), we went back to the oral surgeon. We were there for about 5 minutes! (We weren't happy because it was early!) But Dr. Butler felt the teeth again (which have now both broken through the gums) and said they aren't in any imminent danger of falling out so we are all good. He said that the roots still aren't coming in enough to warrant another x-ray so we made an appointment for a month to check them again. So we still don't know if they are her real baby teeth or a harmless 3rd set of teeth that can be pulled with no repercussions.

We are to have her 1 month check up at the pediatrician next week (if they ever call us back to schedule it!). And we have our next appointment with Dr. Butler on July 28. We'll keep you posted!

3 Weeks Already!

I can't believe it has been 3 weeks already! In some ways it seems like a lifetime, but in other ways it seems like it was just yesterday. Labor seems like a distant memory and Peyton seems like she has been in our lives forever. What did we ever do without her? She is such a good baby. She has her own schedule, but we are adapting (as is she). She has started having about a 6 hour stretch between feedings at night, so we are definitely enjoying that! She usually only gets up around 3am and then at 6 or 7. During the day she eats every 2-4 hours and sleeps most of the rest of the time. She is rarely fussy (only when she is awakened from a deep sleep or evening times). We are truly blessed with a really good baby.

Scott is being an awesome dad too. He has had band camp this week and he has pretty much taken over when he gets home. He gets up with her and changes her in the middle of the night and then brings her to me. He is also in charge of bathtime...they both love it! As we speak he is reclining in his chair with Jake on one side and Peyton on the other! What a cute picture!

Grandma & Grandpa Maack were here for a few days after she was born and were a great help at the hospital, at home, and with Peyton. It was great having them around when we first got home. We had about a week to ourselves, then Grandma McDonald came out. She stayed for a week. Peyton had a great time getting to know her too. Aunt Britney and Uncle Ryan stopped by on the way home from their honeymoon...that was a great visit too! It's sad that we don't all live closer, Peyton has some great Grandparents!! The McDonald's will be back in August for a week or so and we will see the Maacks again in a few weeks for an open house with Michigan family.

Here are a few pics: (I will try to post more when I can get into town and get get access to some high speed internet)

SHE'S HERE!!!!!

On Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 11:52AM, we welcomed Peyton Elizabeth Maack into the world!! She is absolutely gorgeous and perfect! Stay tuned for the story...it is a little long!!

On Tuesday afternoon, Scott and I went to the doctor for a normal 39 week visit. Dr. Roney said everything was looking pretty good (like usual) but she was still concerned with my measurements. My uterus still hadn't seemed to grow over the last 2 weeks. (I had had this concern about a month ago, but the ultrasound showed nothing to be concerned about.) She then asked if we had time to schedule another ultrasound for Wednesday or Thursday. I said not really because I really wanted to finish out the work week at school (Friday was to be our last day) and didn't want to take any more time off. She then said that she had a break coming up and if we could stay for a little longer for her to do an ultrasound in the office. We agreed.

During the ultrasound, she said the baby looked great (size, weight, etc...along with really long legs!). As she started measuring my amniotic fluid, she was a little concerned. She said it measured a little under 6 and they like to see at least 8. She measured it again and got the same results. She then told us that she would like to induce labor due to the risks to the baby. Those risks included cord problems that could happen so fast and not be able to be corrected. Like the baby laying on the cord or there being a kink in it and that would not allow the nutrients, oxygen, etc. to get to the baby and very bad things could happen. She said we would never know when it happened to be able to stop it. We said, OK, when do you want to do this? She said today...um...OK. She left the room for us to chat (I am soooooo glad Scott was able to come with me that day!!). We decided to ahead with the induction even though we didn't really want to be induced. She assured us that the baby was full term and there were very few risks for the induction as opposed to waiting. She allowed us to go home and get the rest of our lives ready and then come back when we could.

So we went back to my office to tell everyone there and help clean up as much as possible (of course after calling all the grandparents and letting them know what was going on). (Everything had to be cleaned off my desk and ready for summer cleaning.) They told me not to worry about anything...then we all stood in my office and had prayer. It was great. I have a great place to work!!

We headed home, finished packing our bag (that was luckily pretty much packed anyway), put the car seat in the car and headed back to the hospital. We got all checked in and settled in by about 4:30. The pitocin had been started by 5 o'clock and my Foley catheter was inserted shortly after. (The Foley was to help me dialate faster than the Cervadil they usually use because I was only at 1/2 cm when I was admitted. The Foley was to get me to 4-5 cm without any other drug intervention.)

That is when the fun began!! We had agreed to try to be as natural as possible in the birth of our little one, but I had a feeling the pitocin would wreak havoc on that choice. The contractions started out OK in intensity and pain. I had to begin my breathing by 5:30 though. Scott said that the farthest away my contractions were apart all evening was 3 minutes. I didn't get much rest!! The doctor came back about 1am to check the Foley and it was able to be removed, which meant I was 4-5 cm already. The pitocin was not increased because my contractions were progressing well. However, at about 6am, I was in so much pain from the contractions and still at 5cm, they needed to increase the dosage. I then agreed to get an epidural. That was the best decision I have ever made in my lifetime!! That next hour I waited for the anesthesiologist seemed like about 3 hours!! But once it was in, I could really get some rest. I was worried I wouldn't be able to get enough rest to be able to push. A C-section was really off the table in my mind's eye so anything I could do to avoid that, I was willing!!

Apparently the contractions went through the roof after I received my epidural, but I couldn't feel them!! I was able to get some light sleep too. At one point the baby didn't enjoy the contractions, so I was put on oxygen for a little while, but we both recovered and things looked good. By about 11:15, I could feel the pressure of the baby and thought I would need to push soon. I was examined, found to be at 10, fully effaced and ready to go!! A short 20 minutes after I started pushing, Peyton had entered the world!! I did have to have a small episiotomy because her heart rate dropped between contractions while I was pushing and they wanted her to come a little faster. It isn't that painful (and it was not in my plan either), but I'm glad the did it and she is OK!

Scott was absolutely fabulous during the whole thing. He got me through every contraction. He sat next to me almost the entire 20 hours (except for a short break for dinner and breakfast). He either rubbed my les or massaged my hand the entire time as well. (He had raw skin on his knees where his elbows rested from rubbing my hands!) He is being an awesome dad as well. He gets up with us in the middle of the night, changes diapers, and bathtime is daddy time!! (Peyton loves it!)


So here are her stats:


Peyton Elizabeth Maack
June 11, 2008
6 lbs 13.3 oz.
20.75 inches (they said she is VERY long for her weight!)
11:52 am (EDT)


And here are some pics!!

I am READY!!

OK, so I am officially over being pregnant!! I am still feeling pretty good for the most part, but the heat and humidity and this overactive kid are about to do me in! There is no air conditioning in our office and my office doesn't even have a window, so these sweltering days are almost unbearable! As much as I would like to finish out the school year and get ready for next year (only 8 more days), I am done!! If it doesn't come soon, the way it is kicking, it will kick it's way out!!

I have been having pretty regular Braxton Hicks contractions. And on Sunday I had some pain in my lower abdomen that was pretty intense and not associated with my contractions, so I'll have to ask the doctor today what that was about. (By the way, Scott's end of the year concert on Sunday was awesome!! If you didn't know, he had the composer of the music score from the movie Madison come in for the weekend and conduct the kids playing excerpts from the movie...way cool!!) Some of the contractions started being a little more noticeable last night, so I think the end is near! Besides the fact that I cleaned all the windows and the refrigerator this weekend. I am nesting!! There are still a few more things that need to be done in the back room before visitors come, but it isn't that pressing (even though I think about it daily!). Anyone willing to help empty a curio cabinet, move some stuff back out to the barn, and clean out a 2 drawer filing cabinet...I am accepting volunteers!!

Tonight is our last Lamaze class...we are done being educated on being parents! I am really glad we took the time to take these classes. Even though most of it has gone in one ear and out the other due to my preggo brain...Scott has learned a lot (and teases me about how much more he remembers than me!). Now we are just waiting for the big day!!

I think we MIGHT be ready...

We went to Target this weekend and I think we got all of the last minute things that we need (Boppy, Diaper Genie, extra burp cloths, batteries, etc.). We kept asking ourselves if there was anything else that we needed for the minute the baby came home. We said we didn't think so, but I'm sure we'll get home and realize that there is something of dire importance that we have totally overlooked! To all of you who have given us anything (gifts, gift cards, etc.) it has all been wonderful and we haven't had to spend much of our own money at all. I think we may even have enough diapers to last us almost a month!! (I know, I know, no one believes me...but when you see the boxes and boxes of diapers that we have stashed in various places around the house, you might!) And Scott found the GREATEST back massagers at Bath & Body Works too...he was so worried that he was going to have to use tennis balls in the delivery room (that is what we have been practicing with in our Lamaze class and the only thing that seems to feel good on my aching back!)

We have our visit to the hospital to pre-register this evening, even though we have been there 2 times over the last 3 weeks...it shouldn't take long!! I had a dream that I went into labor last night...but at this point in our lives and at the end of school, we need it to wait until at least next Monday!!

After today, Scott has 8 school days and a teacher day and I have 13 days of work!! Woo Hoo!!

More surprises!!

I went back to the doctor today to get the results of the ultrasound from last week as well as the Strep B thing (whatever it was, it was negative so that is good!). As of the ultrasound last Wednesday, the baby weighed 5lbs. 13oz. That puts it in the 64th percentile for a 35 week pregnancy. Just above average! If the internet sites are right (yeah, right huh?) the baby will weigh about 8 lbs. if we go full term (40 weeks). She said the fluid levels are where they should be, I am just measuring small. She isn't concerned at all. That was a great relief!

Now on to the surprise...we had a staff meeting this afternoon and it turned out to be a semi-baby shower for me! I couldn't believe it! A few staff members had already gotten me some nice gifts and they said they were working on doing something for me as a building, but I had no idea it would be this! There was a wonderful cake (and a smaller version for me to take home) and punch, a gift card to Wal-Mart and 2 baskets stuffed with goodies for the baby! If I wasn't sure before (which I was), it was just cemented that I made the right move in changing jobs! What a great building I work in! Thanks everyone!!

Enough Already! :)

So I hope that a visit to the hospital is not in store for every Friday for the next 5 weeks (OK, maybe the 5th week would be OK). After a short visit to the hospital today, we found out I am still not dilated at all, and what I felt was not amniotic fluid leaking out. Which is a relief. As much as I am ready to have this baby, and am getting impatient about still being pregnant, the baby really does need a few more weeks to "cook". The doctor and nurse said the baby sounds really happy and healthy, so that is good. But my doctor has been out of town since after my ultrasound, so I don't even know if she has looked at the results. I can't think that there would be anything wrong, but the belly was measuring a little small compared to the other things she measured (that I caught...she went so fast!). Thanks for all of your prayers today...again, they were felt!

Another Ultrasound

Well, yesterday at the doctor, I was measuring small again, so we are going in for another ultrasound today. She said the heartbeat sounds strong and is encouraged to hear how active the baby is, so she is 95% sure everything is fine. But she wants pictures and measurements to make sure. We aren't too worried about it, just praying that everything really is OK. I am starting to thin though...the process has started!! I'll keep you posted on the results. Thanks for your prayers.

Little bit of a scare...but everything is OK...for now!

Well, for all of you that don't know, we spent about 5 hours at the hospital on Friday. I didn't feel bad when I woke up in the morning, got ready as usual, but as I was picking up my clothes from the bathroom floor, I noticed there was bright red blood on my underwear. I didn't immediately freak out, I called the hospital and they told me that I could either wait and call my doctor when she got in, or I could just come to the hospital. I was thinking I would just wait to talk with the doctor. Scott was hunting and I left him a message on his cell phone. As I was getting ready to leave for work, I realize he had left his school keys in my purse so I needed to call him again and let him know about the keys. He answered his phone this time and he decided that we should just go to the hospital. At this point, I started freaking out!

We got to the hospital about 8:00 or so and they rushed us right up to OB and into a Labor/Delivery room. I got all hooked up to the monitors and all that jazz and just started to wait. I was checked to see if I had started dilating at all, and I hadn't so that was a good sign. The baby's heartbeat was nice and strong and everything looked fine. About an hour later, the nurse came in and said that the doctor wanted me to stay about an hour more because I was having contractions. I didn't even know! I didn't feel any of them at all!! Another hour passed and I had had 5 contractions in 1 1/2 hours. I guess their rule is that they won't let you go home unless you have 4 or less in an hour. So another hour went by! I started to "feel" some contractions that were happening, but I think it was just because I was watching the monitor and trying to "remember" what I was feeling so the next time it happened I could see if it was a contraction or not. The contractions were getting closer together (4 in an hour the last time she checked) so they checked me again to see if I was dilating. I wasn't, so when they talked with the doctor again, she said it must just be Braxton Hicks contractions and to send me home. So at about 1:00pm we were sent home to rest, take it easy, and drink lots of fluids over the weekend.

I believe I am still having contractions, but they must be Braxton Hicks because they aren't that often and I still don't really feel them. I go to the doctor tomorrow (Tuesday) so I'm sure I'll be checked again. We know the baby will be OK if it comes now, but will probably have to go to Louisville for a little while to be monitored. That would stink. Just a few more weeks, baby, just hang in there for a few more weeks!

To all who did know, thanks for your prayers...as I was sitting at home this weekend, not allowed to do anything, I could really feel them. My husband was wonderful throughout this whole thing, he kept me laughing at the hospital and kept everyone informed of what was going on. He made me do nothing on Saturday and on Sunday, treated me like a queen. After taking me to a very nice lunch and giving me a gift certificate for a pedicure and manicure...he cleaned the whole house, helped wash, fold and put away baby clothes, and rearranged the living room for the swing to fit. What a great first Mother's Day!!

Surprise!!

Oh my goodness!! We had our first Lamaze class tonight (and stopped at Dairy Queen on the way home). It was pretty cool. There is a 14 year-old girl in there with us, so that is a little wierd...but it should be a good class. Anyway...the surprise was when we got home. We walked in the door and I started a load of laundry in the dryer as Scott called the Truesdell's to talk to Rob (who shot his turkey this morning). I went into the bedroom to get another load of laundry and as I turned around to walk back out...there it was. Our brand-new, handmade changing table!! I screamed at Scott (who was now on the phone with Sheena) and he came running in. I started bawling. It is absolutely beautiful!! We had no idea that Rob had even started working on it, let alone had it done. I can't believe it. We were just talking the other day about where we were going to put stuff (it is all still in my suitcase from my trip to California) and now my shower is this weekend and we had nowhere to put anything else. Well now we do!! I still am in shock. We were expecting to have Scott help out with it and if it wasn't here by the time the baby was, it wasn't a big deal. But it is here and done and perfect. Can you tell I'm excited?? Well, here is a picture!!

Thanks for praying!

Well, other than gaining a little too much weight in the last 2 weeks (but it could be due to swelling and the heat that is here and there already around here), the doctor said everything looks OK. Apparently I have been measuring small all along, but not enough to say anything about (a cm behind since wk 20). She was concerned last time because there was no measurable growth since the last appointment, meaning I was 3 cm small. But today, I am back to my "norm" of 1 cm small. She said there is no need for another ultrasound at this point. They will keep an eye on it though and will order another one if it happens again. She thinks (like a lot of others) that the baby must have been just lying in a different or weird position when I was measured last time.

We start Lamaze class tomorrow night. I am excited. Scott is a little anxious because he isn't really the partcipatory type. I'm sure it will be fine! One of the couples from our childbirth class will be in there with us so it will be nice to see familiar faces.

Our shower for (is that right? or is it by...) our friends here is this Saturday, I am really excited about that too. It is at our church and Sheena has invited people from church and the band so it should be a lot of fun. We are so blessed to have so many people that care for us and take care of us like family out here.

How can you not believe??

Everytime we go to our childbirth class, we have the same conversation on the way out to the car. "How can anyone not believe there is a Creator?" From the fact the baby "tells" the mother's body to start producing the hormones to begin contractions when it is ready to be born, to the purity and perfection of breast milk. How can anyone think that this is all random, by chance, or it has evolved over time? It just boggles my mind. Anyway, just a random thought I had today that I thought I would share!

A little prayer...

So just a quick update...

I went to the doctor on Tuesday afternoon. I was worried about my weight, I thought for sure I had gained a ton again. But that wasn't true! I lost a pound. The doctor didn't even mention it. But, almost as I was walking out the door, she mentioned that I was measuring a little small. (Meaning my uterus isn't quite as big as it should be for how far along I am.) She said that they will keep a close eye on it and if I haven't "caught up" by my next appointment (on the 30th), they will order another ultrasound to make sure the baby is developing properly and there is enough amniotic fluid. She said 95% of the time there is nothing wrong, but they just want to make sure. That last part made me feel a little better, but not to worry? Yeah, right!! I have been doing some reading on-line, talking with nurse friends and other doctors at other hospitals. They have all said that it is probably no big deal. That helps, but I still worry a little!! I am having a hard time turning this one over to God!! The heartbeat is still strong and easy to find and there is still a lot (a lot) of movement going on so I keep resting on that.

So, all that to say, please pray for us. For the baby, for my worry, for Scott. (He is basically force feeding me these days...making sure I am eating whenever I can!) He has been totally awesome throughout this whole thing (the entire pregnancy) and I couldn't do it without him!!

It's starting to come together...

Here are the pictures of the cradle that I promised. It is sitting at the foot of our bed where it will stay until the baby is too big for it. I think I mentioned before that Scott's dad, Dale, made it for his youngest, Jason. It rocks and can be made to stay stationary as well. It is a very cool heirloom!

There is a lot to go, but it is starting to come together. At times it is cool to see all of it out and ready to go, but then...

Scott is being so funny about the whole thing too...he has said at least once a day for the last couple of days..."I can't wait for this kid to get here, isn't it time yet? I am ready to be a dad, I wish it was here already!" He has changed so much, it is so cool to see!

We're going to be Parents!?!?!?

We just returned from our first childbirth class at the hospital. I never thought this would come. We registered so long ago and it is finally here! There are 3 other couples in the class with us. One couple that sat next to us is a youth pastor and his wife. They seem pretty cool. Maybe some new friends? We learned about the first stages of labor, when to go to the hospital and stuff like that. We also took a tour of the maternity ward, saw a labor room, a post-labor room and the nursery. There was a new little boy in there...he was soooo cute!! At the end, the teacher made the guys give us (the moms, she kept calling us...sounds so weird!) shoulder massages and hand massages. It was great!! (I'm not sure how Scott felt, but he did a good job!) I am the only one in the class that wants to try and have a natural childbirth...everyone else said they want an epidural as soon as possible. I felt kind of out of place. But, I'm not totally ruling it out...just want to try with no medication.

Scott's parents were down this weekend. We got some stuff ready and they bought us a few new things as well. They bought us our stroller/car seat. It is all put together (and safely stored down at Rob & Sheena's until we have more room) and pretty cool! I always swore I wouldn't be a trendy mom...but the stroller we fell in love with and works the best for us is an Eddie Bauer Edition! But it is a nice green color and very versatile (and made for longer babies, which we will probably have!). They also outfitted our cradle. We are using a cradle Dale made for their youngest (Jason) until the baby needs a crib. It is a beautiful handmade wood cradle that rocks...it is very cool. So now that is already at the foot of our bed and all made up and everything. Kinda weird to see it sitting there. Definitely making it seem more real! We also got rid of our HUGE computer desk in the back room (soon to be shared with the baby) and replaced it with a smaller unit that has doors to hide my mess and to have more room back there. We have also decided that we want as little furniture back there as possible, so we are going to combine as much as possible. With Rob's help, we designed a changing table that is a dresser/armoire as well. He is pricing it out for us now and I think we will have it made before school is out. I am really excited about having a piece of custom furniture for our baby, let alone one made by Rob. We have also decided that we are going to use the crib that has been in my family. Because we have the cradle to use for while the baby is very new and in our room, we can wait until mom comes to visit in August with the 5th wheel and bring it to us. We will keep the baby in our room as long as we can and then move it back to the back room in the crib with the other furniture (at least that is the plan!). I'll try to get a picture of the cradle on here as soon as I can. I can't access the blog from school so it may take a while with this wonderful dial up internet!

Well, that is probably enough for today...thanks for reading and I'll talk to you later!!

Pics

For those who haven't seen them, here are some pictures. My profile picture was just taken this week at Britney's wedding shower. Enjoy!

Welcome Home

After a quick trip to California, I am home. I never imagined that this trip would seem so short, but it was jammed packed with lots of fun, family, and friends. It was wonderful albeit too short. Scott is home now as well, asleep in his chair after an exhausting, yet fun-filled trip to New York city with some of his students. They had a great time, but he is glad to be home as well. I am glad to be home with my husband!

After talking with a few people on my trip, I figured a blog would be a good thing to get started. Since the baby is right around the corner (more on that later), and family is so far away, this will be a great place for us all to keep in touch. I will hopefully be better at posting regularly to this as I have been at e-mailing everyone to keep in touch. If I can figure this out, pictures, etc. should be easy to post here and others can join in the conversations as well.

So this first post will probably be pretty lengthy due to not knowing who all is reading and to get everyone caught up!

My pregnancy has gone wonderfully smoothly so far. No morning sickness to speak of, no real bad side effects. I have an continually stuffy/runny nose and this pain in my side is worsening as my belly grows, but if that is all I have to complain about, I think I am doing OK! However, I think the emotional roller coaster has begun. Up to this point, I have been pretty rational and sane and myself. I have been a little clumsy (Scott says that I am like living with a one-man circus, he just sits back and laughs at me. He also says I can screw up a one man parade!) There have been times of irrationality (more than usual!) that he has had to put up with, but he has been wonderful. With all that has happened over the last week, though, my emotions are in high gear and seem to be stuck there! Over the last 2 or 3 days, every little thing has pushed me to the edge of emotional neverland. I am getting pretty tired of crying at the drop of a hat (and not being able to stop). Scott has been home for less than 2 hours and I'm not sure what he thinks either! I hope this wanes because if it doesn't, the next 2 1/2 months are going to be very interesting! And I hope it ends when the baby comes (or at least changes) or else I am going to be an absolute nightmare to be around!

Speaking of baby, I am beginning to freak out about that a little too. OK, a lot. Did I really feel ready to be a mom at some point when we were talking about doing this? :) How in the world are we going to handle this? Scott says he is so ready for it to be here...to meet this little kicker that is growing inside me...but I'm starting to have second thoughts!! I know there is no turning back now, and I'm sure everyone feels this at some point with their first. I have been trying to pray about it and let God have control of the situation, but you know me...control freak! There doesn't seem to be any relief from this anxiety or feelings of overwhelm. Any suggestions? All of your prayers are coveted. Besides the fact that I feel we are totally unprepared. We have received so many gifts already and they are so fabulous...but we have nowhere to keep them!! Right now they are stacked on the couch and on the top of the box of computer paper in the back room...where is the baby going to go? We have plans, but they are very, very slowly coming to fruition. And the more I think about what we need to do, the more money it involves and the less of it there seems to be!

So, all of that to say, there is a lot going on around here! Maybe getting back to "real life" on Monday with work and school, things will calm down a bit. Thanks to all of you that made my trip to California so wonderful. And thanks to all of you that are reading this and saying a prayer for us right now. You are all so wonderful and I thank God for you.