35 Weeks - Baby Shower Fun!

This memorial day weekend we had our Baby Shower! My mother and sister decided to do a Circus Theme and it couldn't have been more adorable! The original plan was to have it outside, but due to the rain and humidity, they thought the circus could go on in the garage - and did it ever! The things they planned and set up were unlike anything I have ever seen! There were circus stuffed animals, circus peanuts, lollipops, nachos, pickles and ice cream, pigs in a blanket, pig races (too fun), decorations galore, and who could forget the circus cake! It was unbelievable! 

That night we also had a diaper keg at my Sister and Jake's house! It was a perfect night and we definitely are loaded up on the diapers now! It was great seeing all the couples and our guy friends that couldn't really attend the shower! We spent the night eating, drinking, playing bean bags, and beer games and just talking. It was so great seeing everyone, but crazy to believe that the next time I will see the majority of them, baby will be here! Eek!

Overall, we just want to thank everyone who attended and/or sent well wishes! We definitely felt blessed and cannot WAIT to fill our home with all of the amazing things for Baby R! I think I still need some advice on how to use some of the items! But don't worry, I'll figure it out! :) 

But we put together a short Smilebox so you can see all the fun that we had. Yup, I think Baby is going to be one spoiled, lucky and loved little Baby! Love You All!

How Far Along: 35 Weeks (5/28/2012) Maternity Clothes: I have a few favorites that I just keep recycling. But the dress I wore at the shower was actually from my mother and sister and it wasn't maternity! Those maxi dresses work wonders and it was very comfortable! I would say the toughest thing is finding shoes that I feel comfortable in for the whole day while working. Our school doesn't have AC, so I am fine on the cool days, but when the weather warms up, I puff up! So not cute! I never thought I'd say this, but I would be fine with summer weather waiting to come until school is out! Stretch Marks: None Yet! I think that belly butter is magical, because I am fairly certain my stomach is as far stretched out as it can possibly get! Sleep: Sleeping fairly well actually! As long as I am cool, I sleep wonderfully! Best Moment This Week: The baby shower/diaper keg! I waited and waited for that day to come! It was so wonderful seeing so many people that I don't get the chance to see that often! It was surreal to think that the next time I'll see a lot of them, we will have Baby R! Miss Anything: I miss a lot of things, but this whole experience has been pretty phenomenal. I can't believe how much I have learned about myself, Nickolas, our friends, family and just my overall feelings about being pregnant! I was so nervous about the idea of having a baby prior to being pregnant and now I (barely) think about the process. I just cannot wait to meet our little one! Movement: All the time! It is unbelievable! That is probably the thing I will miss the most about being pregnant. Just knowing it is always with me and safe. The movements aren't as hard anymore, now they are slow and like baby is stretching out - at least it's trying to! Labor Signs: None Yet! Starting at my next appointment (6/5/2012) I go in for my weekly checks and Dr. Taylor said we might start seeing progress by then! Symptoms: Overall feeling pretty great! I think I am on a life high right now with the idea of moving, summer approaching and a new baby - I cannot really complain! Worst thing is that there is a lot of pressure in my belly as it continues to grow & some pain in my ribs and lower back. About Baby R: Baby R is about 20 inches long this week and around 6 pounds! No wonder my tummy feels so heavy!  It is about the size of a sheet cake! Wow! Wedding Rings on or off: Took it off one day. It was just too dang hot and I wasn't sure if my swelling would ever go back down! But it did. Whew...so it stays on for the most part! Looking Forward to: So many things! The end of the school year fun events (class picnic, field trip, field day), packing up, moving into our new house and Baby R's arrival! Oh my goodness folks...life it grand.

34 Weeks - Nick's Marathon

Well we are finally at 8.5 months and had quite the wonderful weekend! On Saturday afternoon we headed up to Wisconsin for Nick to run his second full marathon and spend some time with the family. We stopped at Lambeau Field to pick up Nick's packet and then Jennifer cooked some delicious homemade Chicken Alfredo so Nick (well all of us) could carb load before the big day!

Race day has been filled with a lot of emotion for quite some time now. As I said previously, Nick's mother, Valerie passed away on May 20th, 2011. So he knew this race would be exhausting physically, mentally and emotionally, but he was ready for it.

Unfortunately, due to the heat the race officials called the race! So Nick never got to finish! He was running incredibly strong up until he was forced to stop (mile 18.71) but he is still determined to do another one - of course! We were all very proud of him and the beer definitely cheered him up at the end! Here is a look at the rest of our weekend. 

Top Right: Running in the marathon with a big grin on his face! Middle Right: I wrote on Nick's leg so people could cheer him on as he ran along. The other leg said "This Race is for You Mom - May 20th, 2011" Bottom Right: Stopping at Mile 18. At this point he knew they stopped the clocks, but he was determined to keep running! Middle: Celebrating with some well deserved cold beers. At least this cheered him up after having to stop early! Top Left: Running along in the race right before they pulled him off. Bottom Right: Stretching out after being pulled off the course.

Left: This was right before Nick had to stop the race. He wasn't planning on stopping here, but such is life! Right: Our amazing family! We chased him along throughout the morning so he had lots of support (Scott, Me, Nick, Mykah, Stephanie, Jennifer, Gracie, and Madilyn). Not Pictured: Duane Olson. Yes, Duane, Nick's good running friend, drove all the way out to support Nick and cheer him on. Unfortunately, due to all the traffic and them calling the race early, Duane never actually got to see Nickolas run! But he stayed with us afterward for some drinks, food, and fun!

When we got back from the Marathon Grace wanted to send another letter to heaven for mom. She sent a balloon and letter to Heaven on her birthday as well, so I think she has a forever tradition started that will always have a wonderful meaning behind it. Since we were all there we all wrote her a message. The weather was absolutely perfect and as soon as Gracie released it, it soared high into the sky. I am sure she loved getting our messages and seeing us all together. We miss her a lot, especially on days like today, but it is always reassuring to know she is looking over all of us. 

Thank you to all of you who were sending prayers to the family, Nick, and Valerie throughout the weekend and throughout this year. It is so reassuring to hear that people are still praying for Valerie, Gracie, and the family. It has been quite the year, but we have been blessed with A LOT of amazing things this year and we know that Val is just continuing to bless and support us day in and day out.

33 Weeks

How Far Along: 33 Weeks (5/14/12) I am behind again! 

Sleep:  Sleeping fairly well, minus the itchy legs and frequent cramping at night.

Complaint over the Weeks:  Whew! The past few weeks Nick and I have kind of went through a whirlwind of changes. We recently found out the place we are currently renting at will not work for next year (long story) so, with 7 weeks left, we began searching for rentals, homes, and any other living situations possible. So our nights have been spent with realtors, inspectors, estimators, and driving aimlessly around town to try to find a place to move into before Baby R’s arrival. No big deal right? Deep breaths, prayers, and positive thoughts folks!

Best Moment This Week: Umm...we bought a house tonight!! Yup, hence the being behind on blogging! So my complaint turned into the best news of our week and definitely is ranking up there for our best moments EVER!! It is perfect and more than we could have ever wanted! Closing on June 11th! Yes, the same day I will be considered "Full Term." Don't worry, I talked to Baby R and we agreed that it NEEDS to stay in me until we are unpacked!

Request for the Week: Nick sister, Rachel, is 30 weeks along and already dilating. She has been on bed rest for quite some time and now they gave her steroids to help develop Baby Mboob’s little lungs. The doctors are thinking that she will have him in the next few days, so please send some of your prayers to their family and that little guy. 

Movement: Lots more movement on the right side. Dr. Taylor said he thinks the baby’s head is down and it’s arms and legs are facing the right side causing most the big movements to be on that side. 

Cravings:  Still not really craving anything. Just eating…and then eating again… 

Symptoms: Leg cramps at night and sore ribs! 

Belly Button: The bottom is slowly starting to move out!  

About Baby R: Well no, that is not a bowling ball inside my dress, it just appears that way. This baby is definitely growing and growing straight outward! That is what I get for being 5 feet tall. Poor thing has no where to go! We are very close to 34 weeks already, but at 33 weeks, it is already 4.5 pounds and over 17.5 inches long!  Baby's respiratory system is almost completely mature and it can detect light! Yup our little one could be born anytime now and still be healthy! But let' s just keep it in for now :)

Looking Forward to: This weekend! Nickolas is running another full marathon on Sunday, May 20^th in Greenbay, WI. It is the one year anniversary of his mother, Valerie’s passing. So we know she will be running along with him every step of the way. He will also have us and other family members there with obnoxious signs and noise makers to push him too. Send him well wishes and prayers too as he will need all the physical and mental strength he can get that day.

 

30 Weeks

How Far Along: 30 Weeks (4/23/12)

Sleep: Okay for the most part! Me and my snoodle and fan. We are quite the combo. Poor Nickolas doesn't get much cuddling time anymore!

Best Moment this Week: Maternity Pictures and going Home! OMG, what a great time we had on Saturday! My mother was able to take my maternity pictures, which I never thought I'd say in a million years! But I did them at Shannon Dyce Photography and she works for them now. They did such an amazing job and I cannot WAIT to see them. Check out the sneak peak below, it is the only one I have seen so far too! Afterwards I had ladies night! We ordered in food, snuggled with Greyson, played with Andi, and had some girl talk!

Complaint of the Week: So about those childbirth preparation classes...anyone that really knows me knows I have this SMALL phobia. I have had it like...forever. I have never "liked" the idea of a baby coming out. I know. No one does. But I tend to think I worry about it a little more than most people. I always thought that by the time I had a child they could teleport it out of me, laser it out of me, or I could just throw it up. Anything would be better than the alternative. Right? Well for our classes I knew the dreaded "video" was going to appear and I was told it wasn't until session four. So my plan was just to "skip out" on that night. I figured I would be better off not seeing and just letting it happen. Well those sneaky people must have known my plan and they threw in the video and before I knew what was happening it was happening. So needless to say I am fully traumatized and I have decided that Baby R will be staying in me until they figure this teleport business out.

Movement: All the time and it isn't just quick kicks anymore. We are seeing the slow movements and bulges out now. Crazy!

Food Cravings: I REALLY love ice cream lately, but I don't necessarily think I am craving anything yet.

Symptoms: Heartburn is back on full force and tender ribs all the time! Oh yeah, and today (which is a very hot day) I noticed my ankles are swelling. So not attractive! I hope this isn't permanent for the next 10 weeks. If it is, well then brink on the cankles!

Belly Button: still flat as a pancake, not sure if it will ever "pop" out

Looking Forward To: Doing absolutely NOTHING this weekend. That sounds perfectly delightful doesn't it?!

28 Weeks - 7 Months!

How Far Along: 28 Weeks (4/9/2012)

Sleep: The last few nights I haven't had my snoodle and I have felt that pain! I guess I rely heavily on that C-shaped pillow of softness!

Best Moment of this Week: Seeing all our family! We drove all over the midwest to see our family and it was amazing! We started on Thursday night by heading north to see the Meyers and Scott and Grace for dinner at the Pizza Ranch. Then Friday morning we headed south and went to Spencer, IA to see Valerie's parents (Jim and Harriet Johansen), we also saw Valerie's headstone in Sutherland, IA. Then we headed to Paulina, IA to see Rick's parents (Wes and Mavis Rehder). After that we headed to Carroll, IA to stay with Auntie Rachel and Stephanie for the weekend. Scott and Gracie headed down to spend the weekend there! Then on Easter Sunday we headed over to Lennox to see my mother's side of the family. Needless to say there was a lot of belly rubs, food, driving, and excitement. I am sure I will be taking naps all week to recover! 

Symptoms: Sore ribs and tight back. But it is all part of the daily occurrences! I am feeling good, just always feeling like a chiropractor would be handy!

Movement: More and more every day!

Belly Button: Not sure what to call it right now!

About Baby R: The baby's eyes are partially open now and it can blink!

Looking Forward to: We take our first Newborn Preparation class on Monday night! We signed up for a few of the classes at the hospital. I think Nick is most excited for the breastfeeding class! :) What a trooper!

About the Pictures: My sister Angela rules! When I asked her paint a bunny or an egg on my belly she didn't even hesitate or question it. She just grabbed some paint, brushes and went to work! It was amazing! And the pictures rule! It was definitely one of my favorite moments of being pregnant!

 

 

Valerie's headstone in Sutherland, IA. I Love You to the Moon and Back!

Stopping on one of the MANY winding roads through Iowa. They made a sign for me! How kind!

 

Easter Day Celebration!

27 Weeks - Third Trimester

How Far Along: 27 Weeks (4/2/2012) Rolling into the Third Trimester and we can't express how giddy and excited we are getting for Baby R's arrival!

Maternity Clothes: Gap Maternity Rules. Enough said.

Sleep: Well, the books/websites don't lie. Restless leg syndrome has set it. There are nights I just have to stand and shake my legs, stretch my legs and of course complain to Nick. Then they begin to feel better for a short while.

Best Moment this Week: SPRING BREAK! Oh my goodness, I need to rave for a moment. My mother came Sunday- Thursday and we were machines! We painted the nursery (oh so bright and fun). So now our WHOLE place is finally painted! Don't worry, I'll post up some before/after pics soon! My dad also came up for the day to help us pick up all our furniture! So yes, he hauled his truck and a trailed through Minneapolis traffic! But the furniture is beautiful! And I have my parents to thank for that! Uncle Darren is also phenomenal and bought us an amazing crib to match! We couldn't feel more blessed and I am certain Baby R will definitely appreciate the perfect set!

Symptoms: Heartburn still remains. Tums, Milk and Zantac are helping though! I am also getting pain in my lower ribs frequently. I have found that if I take deep breaths and sit up really straight it quickly goes away! So nothing major to complain about!

Movement: Oh yes! We just lay on the couch and watch Baby R move now. Nothing makes me smile more!

Belly Button: Flat as a Pancake!

About Baby R: It is practicing inhaling and exhaling with its rapidly developing lungs. Baby's also showing brain activity! And it's brain will keep on getting more complex. Bring on the Baby Einstein  music melodies!

Looking Forward To: Easter Weekend! We are going down to Sutherland to see Valerie's (Nick's mother) headstone that just got put in and visit her parents. Then we are off to Auntie Rachel's house for a few days. Lastly we will head to Lennox to see my side of the family. Lots of traveling, but totally worth it! Oh yes, and since lent will be over I finally get to veg out on nothing but Reese's Eggs, Oreos, Pepsi (only one!) and all other chocolate goodies! Oh my will baby be moving that day!

25 Weeks

How Far Along: 25 Weeks (3/19/12)

Maternity Clothes: Due to the INSANELY gorgeous weather lately, I have been living in dresses. I have a few maternity dresses, but I am also wearing my old dresses and just no longer tying them at my waist! I love versatile clothes!

Sleep: I got a Snoodle!! For those of you that don't know what this is, it is my latest cuddle buddy. I literally spoon this thing all night. It supports my back, my hips, my big belly...it rules and it makes me sleep much sounder!

Best Moment This Week: Well while most were out drinking green beer and sporting green gear this weekend. We were painting our living room green! And yes, that was my BEST moment this week. Not only that, but we finished painting the kitchen, living room and hallway!! I cannot tell you what a relief this is. All that is left is our nursery and that is on the To-Do for the last week in March! Nickolas gets HUGE props for staying in this weekend and helping out as I don't think that is what he envisioned for his St. Patty's Day Festivities!

Missing: Chocolate. I gave it up for lent and I am having some serious withdraws and cravings! Easter can't come soon enough!

Feeling Queasy or Sick: Still a little heartburn. My friend Caitlin (who just had the cutest little boy named Greyson!!) gave me some of her prescription medicine for heartburn, so that has helped! But if the old wives tale is true, this baby is going to have as much hair as I have now!

Movement:  Oh yes. Anything fruity makes this baby squirm quite a bit and every night it doesn't want to go to bed until 30 minutes after I do...I hope that isn't a sign for future bedtime plans!

Pains: My lower back has been awful lately. I ice it, heat it, rub it. Nothing really seems to help except laying on my back with my feet up. This is my usual nightly position while Nick and I watch TV.  Completely normal....right?!

Belly Button: Almost fully out now! So bizarre looking!

About Baby R: It's beginning to exchange it's long, lean look for some baby fat and it's starting to look more and more like a newborn. Baby R is also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture. Lastly, it's hands are now fully developed and brain and nerve endings are developed enough now so that baby can feel the sensation of touch!

Looking Forward To: Conferences being done and spring break beginning!!! Appointment on Monday!

23 Weeks!

How Far Along: 23 Weeks (3/5/2012). I am a little behind!

Maternity Clothes: LOVING Gap Maternity Yoga Pants. Tracee Ronke, if you are out there, I bow to you for the recommendation! These things are a must for any prego lady. And yes, I will sport them even after Baby R.

Sleep: Well I am sleeping much better than before. I finally found my comfort. It is surround and intertwined in 8 different pillows! Why didn't I think of that earlier?! But I have woken up with these awful leg cramps a few times. A co-worker told me to pop in some calcium pills so we'll see if that helps!

Best Moment This Week: Seeing Grace and Scott in Milwaukee for Scott's leap year birthday. Yup, my father-in-law is only 11 years old! Grace and I even got some much needed quality girl time! We also got news that my pregnant sister-in-law Rachel can be off of bed rest! Keep her in your prayers for a healthy remainder of her pregnancy!

Missing: Laying on my tummy and being able to do a sit up (or any abs for that matter)

Cravings: Fried Rice and Goldfish. But not together...that would be weird.

Feeling queasy or sick: Ugh...I guess I have this thing people call heartburn. It is awful and my sympathy to those who get it all the time. I now carry Tums Ultra Strength with me everywhere.

Movement: Oh yes! This baby is a mover! I lay in bed for 30 minutes every night just feeling my tummy. It is amazing and Nick is so happy he can finally feel Baby R too!

Symptoms: This week I have been experiencing a lot of pressure. I always have to go to the bathroom. It is seriously  outrageous! If you are curious I could tell you about all the different rest stops/gas stations from Mankato to Milwaukee if you're interested!

Gender Prediction: I still think girl. Nick still thinks boy. I will be doing all the old wives tales soon though! Those will tell us for sure!

Belly Button: inish...definitely on its way out!

About Baby R: Baby is 11 inches long and right over a pound! Fun Fact: Baby R is actually transparent right now! You can see it's organs and bones through it's skin! But once those fat deposits settle in, it'll become less transparent! Blood vessels in Baby's lungs are also developing to prepare for breathing the it's ears are already picking up on sounds!

Looking Forward To: My friend Ashley's birthday party and seeing my family this weekend! We are also painting so getting the living room all painted so it is pretty for Baby R!

21 Weeks

How Far Along? 21 Weeks (2/20/2012)

Sleep: Getting better! Or maybe I am getting used to not sleeping for a whole night! It seems the more pillows I can wrap around my body throughout the night, the more comfortable I am! 

Best Moment this Week: My Birthday AND Lily's Birthday! I had SUCH an amazing weekend! I can't stop smiling when I think of this weekend! There was shopping, dining out at Axel's Bonfire, movies, winning $70 at Mystic Lake, ridiculous gifts, and amazing time with our family and friends! Then to top it off, we are finally painting our house!! We (well mostly Nick) just finished the bathroom today and it makes me so happy! Seriously can't think of a time I have been this happy with everything in life! Feeling so blessed! 

Movement? YES! I can finally feel it! Sometimes Baby feels like gurgling and other times it feels like it is tickling in my tummy! It rules and I can't wait to feel it on the outside!

Food Cravings: Well, I had a weird craving for fried rice the other day. And anyone that knows me, knows I don't care for Asian food, but I guess I care for it now, because it tasted simply delicious! And my sister brought up these ridiculous cupcakes from Oh My Cupcakes, and Oh My Word, they were outrageous! They were even covered in edible glitter! But now that they are gone, I want more! 

Miss Anything: Caffeine! I know, I know. It is okay to have a little, but I am overcome with guilt every time I ask for pop! And once again, I know they are probably terrible for you anyways, but I miss my 5 Hour energy shots terribly! 

Wedding Rings On or Off: On

Mood: I am happy! Rarely itchy anymore (Thanks to my sister's idea of combining Neutrogena Body Oil and Lotion. Sounds disgusting, but my skin has never felt softer!) So no complaints from this momma!
About Baby: Well this week the baby is about 11 ounces and 7 inches long (the length of a large banana!) It can also suck on it's thumb and yawn! 

Pictures: Well Lily's birthday was on Sunday (February 19th) and mine was today! So we celebrated with birthday crowns, a puppy grooming session, painting the bathroom, and dessert (Doggie Oreos and the Last Birthday Cupcake...sad moment). Now it is time for Bachelor, Blankets, and cuddling!

We are having a....

How far Along: 5 Months! Halfway and Feeling Good! (2/13/2012)

Maternity Clothes: I am starting to fall in love! These clothes are the most comfortable things EVER! Since it is acceptable for guys to wear baggy jeans all the time, I think it should be acceptable for women to wear elastic pants all the time! I am still wearing a lot of my favorite jeans and pants, but just adding that belly band and Voila! I am in comfort land!

Stretch Marks: No and I will continue to cake on my Belly Butter so this doesn't happen!

Sleep: Well, I am fairly certain I will never sleep normal again. Poor Nickolas is such a light sleeper and every time I wake up to readjust, go to the bathroom, or complain, he wakes up right along with me. Lucky guy!

Best Moment This Week: We got to see Baby R last week (February 6th)! It was amazing and I was far too emotional! I just had no idea that that little baby was moving soooo much inside of me! The poor lady had a tough time getting pictures because baby was moving so much! It was incredible! This was the appointment where we could have found out what Baby R was. And....we decided to keep it a SECRET! Come on everyone, you know it will be much more fun that way!
Missing Anything: Well, not right now, since I can still have chocolate so I am not missing out on much this Valentine's Day! I got my hubby, my chocolate, and my body lotion! What more could a girl ask for!?
Looking Forward to: This weekend! My family and friends are coming up for my birthday! It will be great seeing everyone and being able to spend time with them for a whole weekend! 

Pictures: The picture were the best ones I could get from our ultrasound! But my favorite is the one where Baby is sucking it's thumb! I will admit I was a huge thumb sucker when I was younger so it was amazing to see it already it taking on my characteristics! Lucky baby! :)