52:1 The Way You Took in the World

I want to remember 

the way you took in the world those first few days

I want to remember the way you took the World in so quickly. Even in the hospital room you seemed so alert. The nurses kept commenting on your eyes and how they were really taking everything in. I love staring at you, while you take in everything for the first time. I wish I knew what you were thinking. I hope we show you a beautiful world. 

We have been overwhelmed with all of the well wishes, family and friends visiting, and the constant support following Anniston's birth! The last few days have been so much more amazing than I ever could have imagined. I still haven't really slept and I still can't believe she is here. And there are moments where I look down at her and think. She is still here. She is still perfect. And she she is ours. Forever. 

It is really a feeling I can't describe to anyone else and it's quite overwhelming. Each day she is changing and I find myself just holding her tighter just to stop her from growing. She makes my heart melt and daddy's extra sweet side come out. I cannot wait to start making memories as a family.

Here are a few (of the hundreds) of photos that grandma, Auntie A, and I have already snapped from this week. She is definitely a heartbreaker and has stole daddy's heart and melted mine.

All set to go home.

Welcome Home Anniston Jean!

She was so exhausted she wanted to test out her crib right away!

She still has to grow into it quite a bit!

Annitston Jean - Day Four

Oh Please Mom, Stop with all the Photos!

Happy Fourth of July from our Little Firecracker!

My Little Firecrackers were all Burned Out!

52:0 The Way You Felt Against My Skin

I want to remember 

the way you first felt against my skin

 No books, no class, no conversation could have prepared me for how my life would change once you were placed against me. I know at the time I was completely exhausted, but it was the first time I felt like I knew what my purpose was in life. To love, hold, and care for you.

Meet Our Annie

Anniston Jean Rehder arrived at 6:17pm on June 30th, 2012. She weighed 7lbs & 12 oz and was 22 inches long. She has a full head of beautiful dark hair, sweet sounds, and is already nuzzling us during skin to skin time. We are so in love and couldn't feel more blessed!!

First family photo after 40 hours of no sleep!

Daddy doing skin to skin time

So sweet. So in love.

39 Weeks!

How Far Along: 39 Weeks (6/25/2012)

Stretch Marks: Nope! I am very thankful for this!

Sleep: Pretty rough. My ribs are bruised and pretty tender so sleeping on my sides isn't very comfortable. Last night I headed down to the couch around 3am and slept upright for the remainder of the night. But definitely waking up every few hours for the bathroom, to readjust, to take a bath, to put lotion on, etc. Pretty ridiculous!

Best Moment This Week:  We are an auntie and uncle again! Quincy Ganna Mboob was born on June 21st and doing great! He is at home now with mom and family and couldn't be more adorable! I cannot wait to meet him and hear all about his progress over the next few weeks! My friend Meghan  also had her baby today, on her birthday!! She named him Brock Patrick Rozell and I just know our babies will be great friends! My teaching friend, Brittany had her little Conner last week and we were lucky enough to see him at the hospital and that just made us so excited and anxious to meet our little one!! And my high school friend Betsy had Tayden Elroy, a healthy little boy on Monday! So happy for all the new mommas! Cheers to happy and healthy babies all around!
Around the Home: We finished packing, the nursery, painting our exterior doors, and ALMOST done painting the garage. (Yes, Nick insisted on painting the garage. It guess it's a "guy thing" and I don't understand).

Hardest Moment of the Week: Well I had my doctor appointment this week and this was "supposed" to be the big week. I was certain that I would go in and he would send me to the hospital since I have been having contractions since Thursday. I think he was even thinking that would be the case. Unfortunately, after checking, there was no progress and he told me he would probably see me next week! Yup, back to the original due date. Looks like we might have a firecracker baby after all!

Miss Anything: Sleeping on my tummy and the idea of drinking a big margarita after these HOT days!

Movement: Big movements and like I said, I have been having irregular contractions since Thursday. Most are very mild, but I have had a few that make me take a few deep breaths.

Food Cravings: Fruit and brownies! Weird I know, but both taste so delicious!

Symptoms: Contractions, pressure and sore ribs!

Belly Button: Still slightly popped out!

Mood: Happy, excited, emotional (whew), and anxious!

Looking Forward To: Baby R's D-Day! Seriously cannot come soon enough! 

P.S. Stay Tuned for More House Updates and Nursery Updates!  

Our Nursery!

Oh this nursery makes me so incredibly happy! We already painted and decorated our nursery in our rental, but I didn't have the energy to paint this time around, but we added lots of coordinating color, adorable animals, and amazing artwork to create a bright and happy nursery for Baby R! 

When I look at it, it is everything we ever imagined and more! Our inspiration from the start was a "You are my Sunshine" mosaic Nickolas made me a few years back. He has always called me sunshine and it is just a phrase that we've always used. And now, we will use it for our little sunshine! 

We also created a canvas with the "You are my Sunshine" words on it. Nick painted and I wrote and did the fabric flowers and sun. It is one of my favorite pieces in the room and I love that we were able to create it together! 
We added Valerie's prayer shawl over the rocker. It is so soft and I love the idea of having a little bit of her memory in the room. She also loves the phrase "you are my sunshine," so I think this makes her happy to be close to the baby every day. 

I also took on sewing again and created the baby bumper, diaper stacker and quilt for Baby R! It has been so fun to see all the pieces come together to create the nursery! I hope Baby R feels welcome and comforted by the color! I know I do!

I seriously just sit in there during the day, sit back in that chair and read baby books until I feel sleepy! It is the best stress reliever and feeling to know that in a matter of a few short days I will be holding our baby in that chair and reading him/her all those magical stories. It truly is quite a surreal and euphoric feeling. Here is a sneak peek at the completed nursery! 

Entrance into Baby R's Nursery. Curtains will go up this weekend as long as Baby doesn't come before then!

This is my bookshelf from my old room and it is filled with books from my students this year and friends and family! It has been so fun reading through all of them! Baby R has been read to quite a bit already! Above the bookshelf is the beautiful mosaic that Nickolas made me!

Here is the crib with the fun bumper and mobile! This is the fun canvas that we made to go along with the mosaic!

Other half of the room for the cute clothes, blankets and diaper changing area! This is also the fun diaper stacker that goes along with the bedding and bumper! Love it!

38 Weeks

On Friday night Angie and Jake came to stay with us and see the house! They brought us an amazing Bobo Hardy Hydrangea! Being a novice to plants I didn't know how cool this was. First off it is new and not being sold to the public until the fall (Angie knows way too many people) and secondly, it is going to be a beautiful plant! 

Now, we knew NOTHING about gardening before this weekend, but after talking with Angie and talking with some gardeners, we learned quite a bit! All part of being a homeowner I guess!  We found what we needed/wanted on Saturday and on Sunday we got to work early in the morning, and worked the whole day! And still no baby. I was certain it would induce labor...but no such luck! Overall, it was quite the learning experience but we can officially say we completed our first home project as a team! Now if we can keep it all alive...

How Far Along: 38 Weeks

Stretch Marks: None Yet!

Sleep: Still pretty good! Thankful that it is summer so I can squeeze naps in on most days!

Best Moment This Week: Seeing Angie and Jake and getting all our bags packed organized and ready to go for D-Day!

Miss Anything: Cuddling with Nick and laying on my tummy. I spend my nights spooning my snoodle pillow and if I don't have it, I am quite squirmy! But I won't complain because I know I will miss my belly more than anything when all is said and done!

Movement: Large body movements. It is fun to guess which part of the body with are feeling or seeing!

Food Cravings: Fries! Turns out Arbys has the best fries...EVER! Healthy, I know

Labor Signs: I have had quite a few Braxton Hicks lately, but they are very irregular. I think baby wants to stay in me a little longer than I would like. But we are still hopeful for sometime next week!

Symptoms: Quite a bit of pressure but baby did drop so my ribs are feeling much better. I just can't sit for a long period of times.

Belly Button: Just a little outie!

Mood: Happy, excited, over-whelmed and anxious!

Looking Forward To: D-Day! I cannot wait to meet our little sparkler!

37 Weeks - Finally Full Term

How Far Along? Full Term Baby! 37 Weeks (6/11/2012)

Maternity Clothes: Maternity Leggings and Dresses from here on out folks!

Stretch Marks: None Yet!

Sleep: Shockingly Awesome...new home = sweet dreams for this chica! I am also having a whole new surge of energy lately! I think I just have adrenaline from all the excitement in our lives lately and I am definitely in that nesting mode!

Best Moment This Week: Can I have Lots? Summer started for me on Friday. We watched my friend Vanessa get married on Saturday. We MOVED into our new home on Monday and Tuesday (with the help of my AMAZING family and KIND friends! And today my fellow teacher friends threw me a baby shower! Yeah….feeling pretty dang lucky right about now!

Miss Anything: Wearing Shoes. Yeah….my feet have taken on a whole new life. It isn’t pretty and it isn’t comfortable!

Movement: Lots of major movements and rearranging. I am pretty sure it is feeling quite cramped lately.

Labor Signs: Nothing Yet, but I am hoping Baby R does to decide to join us sometime soon. I am ready and I think it is too!

Symptoms: I am starting to feel pretty uncomfortable lately – it just feels like I can never find the correct position! But poor baby doesn’t have much room in my short belly, so I guess I can’t complain that it is kicking my ribs constantly! It has been in a curled up ball for over 9 months now. That’s rough! I also discovered another new fun symptom of pregnancy that I was never warned about! Carpal Tunnel….no, I have not been sitting at a desk typing like crazy! But I woke up on Thursday morning and my hands and arms were tingling and numb. And unfortunately they have been ever since. Sometimes it is really light, but other times I can’t even squeeze my hands enough to open the fridge! Another joy of fluid retention!

Belly Button: Flat as a pancake still!

Wedding Rings: Off!! On those day that my hands would swell, I paniced that they would never go back to normal. So now, it is off until Baby R comes. Then I’ll be married again!

Looking forward to: Baby R’s arrival of course! But first I would like to finish unpacking and decorating the house. Dr. Taylor said I probably didn’t need to take the nesting term to this extreme! But little does he know, Nick and I don’t do much the easy way, so this is completely how we roll!

Here is a pic of our new home! I'll try to post some more of the interior next week!

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?!