Baby Shower in Gackle - 3.18.12

My mom and best friend Lisa helped throw me and baby a shower in Gackle, my hometown. Mom and I had a lot of fun getting everything ready, especially decorating the baby bottle cookies :) 

Baby K got a lot of nice loot and we had fun and ate some really delicious food. 

After the presents came. 

We had the guests write little messages on diapers for Scott and I's entertainment while changing his diapers. 

My bff Tiffany and I smelling the "dirty" diapers to figure out what kind of candy bar had been melted in it. Some looked pretty gross. 

My mama and me. 

My grandma trying to figure out how big my belly was. She was like two feet too big!

Autumn, the grand daughter to one of the guests, came up to help me with presents. 

The cutest little bibs outfit from Tiffany :)

My grandma Knoblich made this quit for our baby boy out of my dad's old flannel shirts. Tears came down right away, things like that just break me down so fast. I'm SO happy my baby will have something of his grandpas. I can't wait to tell him how much his Grandpa Jon would have loved him to death. 

A few tears. Grandma also made a pillow out of the flannel. 

The best part of the shower :) Cookies on top of champagne glasses filled with milk, frozen fruit cups and mini cheese cakes. Sooo good. 

My cousin's boy, William, was dedicated later on that day. Here he is in his studly little man suit. 

My cousin Jonny, his daughter Mabelyn and son William, Grandma Betty, my Aunt Sheila and Jon's wife Tanya. 

Week 36 & 37

36 weeks 2 days pregnant with baby boy. Photos courtesy of L.J. Photography. 

How far along: 36 weeks 5 days --- Baby K is full term in two days!!!

Days to due date: 23 days! HOLY MOLY!

Total weight gain: 36 pounds. Feels like 70 somedays. 

Maternity clothes: I've decided to just move on to Scott's shirts. They fit nice and loose still. Running low on tops and bottoms that are comfy and don't show a few inches of belly.

In these pictures, my belly button looks like an outie. It's not. The button itself is still holding on and in, its the little circle around it that has decided to "pop" out and stick out like that :) Ahh, the weird things that happen during pregnancy. 

Sleep: Very good. Thank You, Jesus. The only thing I can complain about is the constant numbness in my hands... more on that further down.

Best moment this week: PUTTING THE NURSERY TOGETHER!!!!!!!!! Oh goodness, I'm so, so glad the carpet came and Scott was home, as well as my sister and bff Jackie. It's the sweetest little space in our house. Many times we have found ourselves sitting in his room, talking about when he'll arrive - those times have probably been the best part of this whole pregnancy.

AND just the simple fact of having Scott home for his full two weeks off was pretty great. We were busy with buying a new boat and him using it every single day to fish (sometimes dragging me on the river at 7 a.m. in my heaviest winter gear), going to Gackle for my baby shower and moving everything around and putting it back in the rooms with the oh-so-wonderful new carpet.

What I miss: My normal hands. I pried my rings off the other day in the shower. After I lubed them up with shampoo. Lately my fingers have been numb, sometimes my whole hand. I guess it's normal, according to my doctor. This carpal tunnel syndrome can stick it where the sun don't shine...

Oh, and my feet and ankles. Lets talk about them. Cankles are an understatement. Somedays its more like elephantiasis. Yeah, go look that up. It's disturbing. 

Movement: Lots of flops and plops and a little shark fin, that I'm assuming is his foot, that pops up and moves a little then goes away. I'm just trying to take in all of this baby time I have to myself before he comes into the world and I have to share him. 

Food cravings: Ice water. Lucky Charms.

Making me queasy: Nothing.

Starting to show: I have a nice tight, round belly. 

Gender: A sweet baby boy. 

Happy or moody: Happy. Especially knowing he'll be coming oh-so-soon :)

Things I've been experiencing this week: Oh, we've had quite the week, or past few days. I went in for my doctor appointment on Friday where I had an ultra sound to see how big the little guy is - turns out he's in the 53rd percentile at 5 pounds 11 ounces and head down, in the correct position. And he still has boy parts! (I was worried they were going to tell me, oops, baby is a girl. I'm pretty dead set on a baby boy now:) 

But during the ultra sound, they saw his heart beat was low. So they hooked me up to monitors for a non stress test. His heart rate was 100-110, when it should be 120-140. Since everything else looked good, the doc said she wouldn't have to induce me, just watch me closer. She said if I don't feel him move 10 times in 2 hours I should go into the hospital to labor and delivery. Well, that of course freaked me out. So I started counting. We decided to go into the hospital that night to make sure he was ok. 

We packed our bags, put the car seat in the pickup and headed to town. On the way there we were so excited that we could possibly meet our little man that day. Since it seemed that if I were to be induced, baby would be just fine, we really wanted him to come. His heart beat was back to normal at the hospital and the doctor said we could go home. We are very thankful that Baby K is healthy and good, but as selfish humans, we are disappointed he isn't here yet. Monday's appointment showed a good, strong heartbeat again, so I think we have nothing to worry about in that department. He is already practicing messing with his parents. Ohhh, the joys of another 18 years of that!

Since our close encounter this past weekend, everything has become all the more real. I have the awesome job of carrying this baby, so I've felt him and lived with him the past months. He has been real to me for a while. But I think it really hit Scott that our baby could come at any time. He's going to be the greatest dad. I'm so thankful for him and this baby that is a part of both of us. The pack n' play is set up in our room with blankets and diapers ready, the nursery is nice and cozy and I put the lamps on in the nursery in the evenings because I love walking by and picturing all the activities that are about to occur on that room. 

We are so ready for you, baby boy. Not only to be a dad and a mom, but to be parents. Together. You've already brought your mama and daddy closer. We can't wait to meet you. Your dad asks me everyday when you'll be coming.

What I'm looking forward to: Seeing our baby on the ultra sound again on Friday. And possibly discussing an induction date. 

Size of baby: A watermelon:

36 weeks 5 days

Week 35

This is what my lap (or lack thereof) consists of these days. 

How far along: 34 weeks 6 days

Days to due date: 36 days!

Total weight gain: So last week my journalist skills (and downfalls) shown through brightly - I did the math wrong on my weight. Simple subtraction stumps me sometimes. Last week I had gained 31 pounds. This past appointment showed I'm up 33 pounds. Depressed... wow. 

Maternity clothes: Yes. Almost ALL shirts are too short. 

Sleep: So much better. Thanks to decongestant nose spray, my humidifier and Mucinex. 

Best moment this week: Just the process of feeling better. And the old man on the train asking me about my pregnancy and telling me he is/was a doctor, hasn't delivered in 40 years but would hep me out if needed. 

What I miss: My cheeks not trying to (seemingly) overtake my lips and eyes. They are getting out of hand. 

Movement: He's decided to get into my ribs on the right side again lately. But other than that, lots of flops and swooshes in my pelvis and middle/right side of my tummy. 

Food cravings: Glasses and glasses of ice water. And ginger ale with mango fusion V8. 

Making me queasy: Nothing.

Starting to show: Yes. Quite the understatement. 

Gender: A sweet baby boy. 

Happy or moody: Happy for the most part. 

Things I've been experiencing this week: I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but one of the first signs of pregnancy for me was a sore tailbone. Well, as I get closer and closer to popping, my tailbone pain increases immensely. I am on the road a lot and sitting in the truck is the worst way to sit. So I've had to get creative. Sitting on my foot, pushing up with my leg on the door. Basically any way to sit crooked and not straight on. 

Fun fact: TheBump.com says my uterus has a 1,000 times it's original size. I believe it. 

What I'm looking forward to: Well, first off, my baby shower in Gackle! Can't wait for it. And secondly, my OB appointment on Wednesday. I'm scheduled for an ultrasound as well. Since my tummy has consistently measured bigger, the doc wants to see how big the baby is. So I'm excited I get to look at him again! And I'm secretly hoping she'll tell me he will arrive earlier than expected!

Size of baby: A butternut squash:

And here's my new hair cut. I decided one night I needed bangs again. And then I chopped many inches off, flipped out and spent the next hour trying to fix them. They're growing on me...

Guest blogger

A while ago Aliya from Double the Fun asked me to be a feature on her weekly Monday's Mamas.

Go check out her blog, it's really great! Here is a link to my post.

Happy Tuesday!

One year of us

Today is Scott and my very first anniversary! So, yeah, this post might become a little mushy. Hey, what can I say? I think the guy is pretty great. 

Our first first anniversary card - from my uncle Jim and Sandra. 

For those of you not from North Dakota, we've had a crazy warm winter. The past two days have been 65+ degrees and today doesn't seem to be looking any different. WELL, last year at this time I was getting my hair did with my bridesmaids and a storm was a brewin'. (We decided to be married in Park Rapids, Minn., where my grandparents live because Scott is from Wisconsin and I from NoDak.)

Well, they closed the interstate from the middle of N.D. that runs into Minnesota - the road most of my relatives needed to take to come. So, luckily our photographer was able to make it, but others, like my aunts and cousins and grandma and brother, couldn't make it through. It was sad, but what could you do? Our wedding ended up being a little smaller, but still one of the best days of my life. 

The day was a little jumbled with some last minute plan changes, but overall it went well. (If you asked Scott, he had to do a little too much waiting for his taste. But he got over it.)

The ceremony was short, quick and to the point. His uncle was the pastor and had this great anecdote that ended in him playfully slapping Scott in the face :) Very memorable, Ron. Thanks for that!

I never had cold feet or anything like that. I have never been more sure of anything in my life than having this man for my husband. But seconds before my uncle was due to walk me down the isle, I had a little breakdown that my dad couldn't be the one giving me away. But it was time and I had to procede. 

I almost forgot to put my vintage yellow heels on, so I quickly kicked off my sandals and had my attendant crawl under my dress to "shoe" me :) Only after the ceremony did I realize I also forgot my bouquet. 

My eyes were on him the whole time I was walking down. I could have started running. The nervousness subsided and there I was, walking down to a whole new life, as a whole new person to this wonderful man. 

I don't remember much of saying the vows, or anything else for that matter. It went quickly and surreally. And then it was time to kiss and he came toward me, attempted to lift my little bird cage of a veil (I tried to tell him no, that my lips weren't covered, but he wanted a veil to lift. So he did.) He dipped me and kissed me perfectly. (Yes, we had practiced on the proper kiss for the occasion :) 

And then there we were, walking down the aisle again as a married couple. And I couldn't have been more giddy. 

The rest of the day went by fast, with food, drinks and dancing. We throw a good party, if I do say so myself :) Even with the storm, those that came early were the ones that we really wanted there. 

Scott was so, incredibly attentive to me the whole evening. The sweetest he's ever been. The most loving he could be. (He even put on some lovely 40's music on the way to the reception for me:) And he did what he set out to do - make that day wonderful for me. 

So, here is to a year filled with a whole bunch of "new" and "first" adventures. From new jobs to quitting a job, to a lifestyle of driving back and forth, to new vehicles and first pregnancies, new furniture and joint bank accounts.

I am ever-amazed at the amount of love I have for this man. And the incredibly heavy love I feel back from him. He is a great leader of our home. Smart and dignified. My husband.

Happy anniversary, huney. I truly am the wife of a good man.

xoxo,
-e 

Mama bird

I've been wanting to get my baby's nursery done for the last... umm... 8.5 months. And it's still just a room where I put the things I get and make for Baby K while we wait on the carpet guys to get going.

But lately I've felt like a psychotic bird getting every little branch and twig ready for her little birdies. With washing all his clothes and then we got the pack n' play in the mail the other day - I set it up today and it's adorable and cuddly and sweet. It doesn't help that I spent 2 hours in Hobby Lobby just walking around gathering ideas and supplies for a few projects.

Although Baby K's room isn't done, here are a few pictures of what I've been working on. In a few weeks the carpet will (FINALLY) be in and I'll have my sister and bff Jackie's help putting all together. I can't wait!!!

The chair I'll be spending lots o' time in and a few blankets and pillows I finished the other day.  (See our need for new carpet??)

I wrapped cardboard letters of Baby K's name in yarn. They will go above the chair in his room. Here are just two of the letters so far in the wooden frames. This is probably my favorite part of the room so far :)

 The playpen that I put together all by myself :) It's in the basement now, but I'm thinking Baby K will be sleeping in this in our room when he first arrives. It seems pretty handy with the little baby bed (that you can take out and put on the floor) and the changing pad thing all in one. With our bed being pretty high, it'll be just the right hight. 

Week 34

Baggy sweats and a tank top. Because I'm
sick and these hormones are making me
all hot and sweaty. Yummmm. 

How far along: 34 weeks

Days to due date: 42 days!

Total weight gain: I think 29 pounds. I think that's what the scale said at the walk-in clinic yesterday. I'll find out for sure on Monday at my OB appointment. 

Maternity clothes: Yes. I am so, so, so thankful for the one pair of maternity jeans that fit me just right are are as comfy as all the sweats I wear the other days of the week. 

Sleep: Quite the roller coaster. But not because of my growing baby. This week I came down with this n.a.s.t.y. head cold and terrible chest congestion. Turns out I could possibly have some sort of pneumonia :( I wheeze constantly, even at the shallowest breaths. I've slept on the couch most nights propped up so I can breathe. I know I shouldn't complain, but it's been such a challenge. I'm so thankful Baby K was being good and pregnancy was good to me and let me take the week off to focus on getting better. 

Best moment this week: Scott and I on the couch, his hand on my belly and him saying after some kicks, "Honey, (-insert Baby name here-)'s talking to me." 

What I miss: Right now just not being sick anymore. It's been two weeks but if feels like an eternity. 

Movement: Yep. The lumps in my belly seem to be staying longer. I usually have this large protrusion on my right side near my ribs. Baby K's little butt, maybe? :)

Food cravings: Lovin' me some pears. And large amounts of water. 

Making me queasy: Nothing.

Starting to show: Yesss. Everyone seems to comment on this big baby belly lately.  

Gender: A sweet baby boy. 

Happy or moody: Kind of crabby. I wheeze when I talk, so I have just been trying to avoid talking to anyone. 

Things I've been experiencing this week: Besides the sick thing, I want to say that maybe, possibly, (I really am not sure) that baby has "dropped." The only reason I'm guessing that is because I dont have the enormous pressure on my lungs, causing me to not be able to breathe good.  I don't think I feel him any further down in my pelvis, but it seems he's not as far up anymore. But who knows, I've never done this before. 

AND I've had some blurry vision. It seems to take longer to focus on some things really close up.

What I'm looking forward to: The OB appointment on Monday. And the breast feeding class with my bff Lisa on Tuesday :) 

Size of baby: A durian, apparently. Never heard of one of these:

My excitement the last few days

So, I've been kicking butt and taking names on the home front this week! I finally unloaded the two suitcases from my trip to Wisconsin (only took me, what, two weeks? but hey, I've been gone most of that time in Williston), the small one with the clean clothes I came back with and the HUGE one full of baby shower gifts. Oh, and cleaned our entire house from top to bottom.

I sorted the clothes by months, added the ones people had previously given us to the mix and started laundry. Why can't doing my own laundry be that adorable!?

Then, I sorted the clothes again (a little dryer mix up), folded all those tiny little onsies and soft flannel blankets and boxed them up for now. Baby's nursery isn't done yet... waiting on the guys to come put carpet in and then I can FINALLY move into the room and FULLY nest to my little heart's content :)

Later I whipped the sewing machine out and got on an amazing roll. In two days I finished three blankets I've been meaning to get to, another set of mittens and a top knot hat, put velcro on a bib I had done before, and sewed some hems into some extra flannel I had for some under-his-little-butt-clothes to save on washing the changing pad cover so much. Then threw them in the wash so they smell nice and yummy like babies from the Dreft :)

My mother-in-law sent the car seat we recieved from some friends in Wisconsin but I couldn't take back on the train. So I got that all set up, screwed around with the latches to get a little used to them and put the oh-so-soft "baby sleeping bag" thing in. Its now all ready to be snapped in the pickup for arrival day!

After the past two days I am more ready than ever to get this pregnancy thing over and have our baby with us at home. I absolutely cannot wait to snuggle into the nursery and change him 17 times a day in those sweet little soft outfits and be a family of three on the couch in the evenings.

Cook a little longer, little guy, but then come as soon as you want. Because mama and daddy are all ready for those sleepless nights and hours and hours of snuggling.

xoxo,
-mama

Week 33

How far along: 33 weeks

Days to due date: 49 days!

Total weight gain: Haven't stepped on a scale this week. 29 pounds, maybe?

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Sleep: Can't complain, as long as I take my cold medicine and some Tums I sleep like a baby. 

Best moment this week: Being in Williston with my husband. I haven't been going to work with him, but it's so nice to have someone to cook supper for and for someone to come home to me in the evenings. AND, my bff Tiffany came to Williston to stay with us for a few days to work on a research project on the oil field - it was really nice to have her here!

What I miss: The body I had the past 22 years of my life. A slightly slimmer midsection. 

Movement: Lots and lots. It hasn't been painful or bothersome at all - just nice swooshes and flops. And his movements have become pretty predictable :) He wakes up when daddy leaves in the morning, wiggles around in the afternoon and again at about 9:30 p.m. while mama and daddy are snuggling in bed. 

Food cravings: No. Been doing pretty good in this department. 

Making me queasy: Nothing.

Starting to show: SHOWING. 

Gender: A sweet baby boy. 

Happy or moody: Happy.

Things I've been experiencing this week: This pregnant lady is HOT! Socks make my feet too hot, I walk around the house in just a tank top (I'm usually lovin' my sweaters year round) and blow drying my hair in the mornings about gives me a heat stroke. I usually bundle up for bed, but lately it's just been a t-shirt of my hubby's. Pants are just too hot. And no covers. 

Oh, and shortness of breath. Sitting the wrong way, laying the wrong way, walking too much, having a full stomach... everything makes me winded. 

What I'm looking forward to: Finally having a baby. I can't wait to get into that new routine and watch Scott being a dad and having someone to take care of. 

Size of baby: A honeydew: