Week #25

Week #25 - Baby Bump Photo

Not too much bigger from last week...  I measured my belly and weighed myself this morning, it was about the same as last week!  Right now, my belly measures 40-inches!  Baby Brixen is growing and I LOVE IT!

This week, I felt great.  Had a lot of energy and got a lot of stuff done for the business and around the house.  I wonder how long this energy will last??!!??  I am sure now that I am 3-weeks out from my Third Trimester, I may start to get tired again.  I do notice at night, I get really tired and in bed by 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM at the latest.  It hits me all of a sudden and I can barely keep my eyes open!

I was able to wash all of Brixen's clothes this week.  I am sure he will get tons more but I wanted to get a head start.  It was so fun!  I am still deciding how I want to organize everything.  When it comes to organizing, I can get a bit annoying.  I always want everything perfect!  I know it will all come together but for now, I just hung most of the clothes in his closet and folded the onsies and blankets.  I took some photos...

Brixen is getting a head start on a lot of his clothes thanks to our family!  Like I said, I am not sure how I am going to organize everything but for now, it starts with NB on the left and goes up in month-sizes.  LOL!  So many cute clothes!  I love it!  Also, I took a couple other photos of his nursery...  It is a work in progress but is coming together.  Once I get everything cleaned out, I will vacuum and wait for the furniture to arrive.

 

As you can see, I took out the guest bed this week.  It looks messy now but it is coming together little by little!  :)

 

Here is a photo with his comforter, blankets, burp clothes, onsies, towels, and receiving blankets.  Actually, there is a lot on this iron board.  I am surprised it hasn't fell over yet!

Brixen's crib mattress, his little pillow, and the crib skirt.  I am trying to keep everything from getting wrinkled.  So far so good!  Can't wait to put the crib together!

That is about it for this week!  I was productive and looking forward to the weeks to come!  Next weekend, we are heading to PA for our Baby Shower with Chris' family.  We are very excited about it.  I am sure I will have a VERY LONG blog update for next weekend!  :)

Preparing for Childbirth - Class #1

On Monday, we started our first class at the hospital, Preparing for Childbirth (Lamaze Class).  For the next four Mondays, we will be at Evanston Hospital where Brixen will be born from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM.   So exciting...  Each week, I am planning to write in our blog about the class, our experience, and what we learned.  I really want to be able to look back on our blog from time-to-time and remember these special moments. 

At the beginning of our class, we had introductions.  There are two couples in our class that are having twins and both due sometime in January.  Most couples were due in December and January.  Two of us were due in February.  I decided to take this class in November because it was not offered in December.  Probably because of the holidays.  I thought January would be pushing it and it really is not a month you want to get out in Chicago!

Our instructor seems really nice...  Her name is Trish Sweeney.  She was a nurse for many years and now teaches Preparing for Childbirth.  She started off the class with Lamaze Tools.  Things we can do to decrease fear, anxiety, pain, and sense of vulnerability.  In addition, she talked about tools that help increasing ability to make informed choices and assert control over the birth experience.  She believes in a "good experience."  Whether that be natural or with an epidural.  

We went over a brief overview of the birth process, which includes four stages:  (1) Dilating Stage, (2) Pushing Stage, (3) Placental Stage, and (4) Initial Postpartum Stage.  I feel like I have learned a lot over the past few months with my readings but it is always good to hear this kind-of stuff from someone with experience. 

Also, we went over signs, characteristics, feelings/emotions, Mom's role, and Dad's role for early labor.  This was interesting and I enjoyed this part.  Our instructor mentioned that it is best to stay home as long as possible before coming to the hospital.  Home is comfort for most people.  While I am planning to put together a birth plan, I know that things change.  That is just how life is but my body is preparing for childbirth right now.  I want my body to take its course.  I plan to be as calm and patient as possible.  With my Husband's support, I know I will be just fine!  Once we feel the need to go to the hospital, we will.  But I am hoping to relax at home as much as possible beforehand and definitely take a warm shower!

We ended the class with some slow paced breathing techniques, which I loved.  I think taking Yoga in the past will really help me.  I am sure as the class goes on, there will be more techniques we will be able to utilize plus we got a booklet of information.  AND...  We got to watch a video!  We actually saw a baby being born.  I knew they would show this video BUT I was not sure if I could handle watching it or not.  Really, it was not that bad.  A baby being born is such a miracle.  I can't wait to meet our BABY BOY!

Next week, we get to tour the hospital.  I can't wait to see Labor and Delivery.  Especially, excited to see where my family will be waiting when Chris comes out to announce Brixen has made his grand entrance into this world!  This brings tears to my eyes...  I love you already, Brixen!

MI Weekend with Family

It had been almost 2-months since we had been to Michigan to visit with my family.  We decided awhile ago that this would be a good weekend because my Aunt Sue, Aunt Sandy, and Cousin Amy were flying into South Bend to visit my Great Aunt Fran.  It was perfect because we were able to see everyone!

Chris and I left for MI on Saturday morning...  It was a nice, quiet drive.  Sometimes it is nicer to leave on a Saturday morning because there is no traffic and it seems like it is harder for me to sit for longer times.  We got there and my Mom and Sister were so excited to see us and my growing belly!  We went straight to lunch...

All of us girls met at Schu's in downtown St Joe for lunch.  It was so good to see everyone.  I think the whole restaurant probably knew that we hadn't seen each other in awhile.  LOL!  We were loud and gave lots of hugs.  Lunch went by quick.  But we took photos and had a blast!

From Left Top:  Ashlee (Sister), Me, My Mom, Aunt Sandy, Aunt Sue, Great Aunt Fran, Cousin Amy, and Denise (Great Aunt Fran's Daughter). 

This is my Dad's side of the family...  It is really nice that my Mom still stays in-contact with everyone.  It was such a wonderful time.  I wish it was longer but Chris and I were only in-town for less than 24-hours and we had a lot to do!

After lunch, my Mom, Sister, and I went to TJ Maxx and Target shopping.  We found some cute stuff for Brixen.  I was surprised how much stuff my Mom and Sister had already bought for him.  We ended up bringing home 3 bags full of new clothes!  I love them!

Later that night, we all (Mom, Bruce, Ashlee, Kyle, and Kyle's Parents - Tony and Lisa) went to the Mark III for dinner.  For some reason, I wanted their bean burrito and it sure was delicious!  Yummy!  Craving satisfied!  Perfect day with my wonderful family!

We didn't do much after dinner because we were all tired from the busy day.  We just sat around and talked.  Ashlee showed us all the clothes she had bought for Brixen.  Everything is so cute.  I have looked at them so many times since we have gotten home!  Thanks Aunt Ashlee and Uncle Kyle and GRAMJO!!!

Chris and I decided to go shopping in MI City before we headed back home and that was a great idea!  Chris needed a lot for Winter and we found so many great deals.  He found a pair of jeans, two zip-up shirts, 2 nice sweaters, 3 long sleeve shirts, new sneakers, and a Winter coat!  So glad we finally found some stuff for him.  I even found a beautiful long, Winter white puff coat with matching gloves.  I can't wait to wear them!

It was such a wonderful weekend!  I am looking forward to the next time we see my family...  5-weeks, the first weekend in December for my Baby Shower in Michigan!  We are planning to put up my Mom's Christmas tree that weekend as well.  It will be another great time, like usual.  

Not this weekend but the weekend after, we are heading to PA to visit Chris' family for our PA Baby Shower!  That will also be another fun weekend.  We just love being around family, especially now that the holidays are approaching.  Can't believe 2010 is almost over!

Have a great week!  We start our first Pre-Natal Class tonight.  Preparing for Childbirth at the hospital.  It is a 4-week class with a tour of the hospital at the last class.  We are very excited about it and I am hoping to blog about each class.  So, be sure to check back tomorrow!  :)

Week #24

Week #24 - Baby Bump Photo

Wow!  I just can't believe how fast these weeks go!  It seems like I was just posting about Week #23.  And, now, we have approximately 16-weeks to go until we meet our Baby Boy!

I felt pretty good this week and had a lot of energy.  Got a lot done, especially with work and even around the house.  I decided a couple of days ago that I wanted to re-organize our entire closet in our bedroom.  It is organized now really well!  I just had that itch to start cleaning and organizing.  Everyone says "nesting."

I was able to get all of Brixen's bedding washed and started cleaning out the nursery.  We should have the furniture no later than Thanksgiving.  I called about it yesterday and it will be shipped from the FL store to Schaumburg sometime next week.  Typically, that takes about 2-weeks or less than they will deliver it to our house.  And, even put it together!  

All-in-all it was a pretty productive week!  I am happy!  Now, I am ready for the weekend of relaxation, fun, and food!  We are heading to MI tomorrow morning to see my family.  It has been almost 2-months since we have been there to visit.  I miss them!

My Aunt Sue, Aunt Sandy, and Cousin Amy flew into South Bend from FL to visit my Great Aunt Fran.  So, us girls will be having lunch together in St. Joe tomorrow when we get to town.  It will be a nice visit and I plan to take photos.  Of course, blog about it!

My Mom, Sister, and I will do a little shopping after lunch until we have dinner  with Chris, my Brother-in-Law, and his parents Saturday night.  I have been craving the Mark III in St. Joe for awhile now.  So, that is our plans for dinner and I can't wait to eat a burrito!

We will come home Sunday to relax, watch football, and prepare for another productive week!  It is always nice to relax on Sundays.  Probably head back sometime after breakfast.  My Mom is making us eggs and bacon!

I hope all of you have a great weekend!  Check back early next week for some photos of the weekend!  Family is so important to me and I am thankful to be able to spend time with them this weekend.  I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful Husband and family!

Week #23

Week #23 - Baby Bump Photo

Approximately 17-weeks left to go until we get to meet our Baby Brixen.  That is less the time than we have already waited!  Very exciting!  I know it will go by so fast so we are cherishing these moments now.

This week, Brixen definitely is moving around more.  I thought I would feel hard kicks but it is not like that this early on from what I have noticed.  I feel a lot of "bubbles."  When they are consistent, I think it is hiccups and other times I think maybe he is doing gymnastics in my tummy!  It is a great feeling and makes me smile every time!

Yesterday, we went to see RED.  It was a pretty good movie.  We enjoyed ourselves and our buttered movie popcorn!  Yum!  Usually, on Friday nights we go out to dinner for Date Night but I was just so tired.  My arm was sore from my flu shot and I just was not really feeling myself.  We went to the store instead and got a few things.  For dinner, I had a bowl of Lucky Charms and a couple slices of Jack's Pizza.  That did not really sound good to me but after Chris made it, it smelled delicious!  Couldn't help myself!

Today, I woke-up and Chris had a surprise for me...  He pulled out his couch in his office, turned on his computer monitor with Scooby Doo and made us breakfast.  We had french toast with bananas and bacon.  It was delicious.  It was very relaxing and we watched about 4-hours of Scooby Doo.  I don't think I could ever get sick of that cartoon!  Very fun...

Tonight, UFC is on and we haven't watched a Pay Per View in a long time.  I think we have a couple of friends coming up and we will either go out to Buffalo Wild Wings or rent it here.  I enjoy watching UFC so it should be a fun night.  

Tomorrow, the Bears play the Redskins at HOME!  Our friend is a huge Redskins fan so he is having a get together at his house.  Chris and him are having a Chili cook-off.  I am going to make score sheets.  LOL!  Dave, our friend, is also going to make stromboli and we ordered UTZ chips from the East Coast.  Should be a fun time and I hope the Bears BEAT the Redskins.

That is about all for this weekend...  Next weekend, we are going to MI because my Aunt Sue, Aunt Sandy, and Cousin Amy are coming into town from FL.  Looking forward to seeing my family.  It has been 7-weeks, which is a long time for us.

Off to make some yummy Hazelnut Coffee with Hazelnut Cream.  It is a windy, gloomy, Saturday afternoon and I plan on being lazy until tonight!  Have a great weekend everyone!  :)

Doctor's Appointment: 10.21.10

Today, we had another 4-week doctor appointment.  We were in and out of the appointment pretty quickly.  She was behind about 15-minutes, which is not too bad.  We had an early appointment at 8:45 AM.  Usually, we go in the afternoon so we can have lunch at Olive Garden.  But our original appointment was set for yesterday and she had to reschedule because of surgery.  There are two different locations and we went to the one that is a bit further from us.

I am right on-track for my weight and my blood pressure was great!  I think when it is all said and done, I will gain about 25-pounds.  That is average.  So, I am happy with that.  :)  Hoping to lose it with breastfeeding and looking forward to getting back to my normal work-outs.  It was hard to stick with a work-out schedule during my First Trimester because I got so tired and had no energy.  Now, I just walk when I can.

Brixen's heartbeat was 166, which is a bit higher than what it has been previously.  Past appointments it has been between 150 and 160.  But the doctor said everything sounded great and looked great on our ultrasound!  We were happy to hear that from our doctor!

Also, I got a flu shot!  I have never got one before but our doctor suggested it since I am pregnant.  I want to protect myself and most importantly, Baby Brixen.  So, I went for it.  Shots today do not seem as bad as they use to be when I was younger.  I was scared at first but it was SO EASY!  I wish they would have given me a sticker for being so good!  LOL!  :)

Next month, our doctor will be out of the office due to surgery so we are planning to see her partner at the location closest to us.  The one near the Olive Garden!  Our appointment is set for Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 10:15 AM.  Sometimes this changes due to surgeries, on-call, etc.  So, we will see if that appointment sticks.

At this next appointment, I have to get glucose testing.  So, they asked for me to get there earlier than my appointment so that I can drink something they call "soda."  I think that is what she said.  Any of my Mommy friends out there remember what that drink was like?  I hope it is not too nasty.  Anyway, I have to drink that and get blood drawn an hour later.  So, after the appointment, we should be able to get that done.  I am hoping this appointment goes a little longer because I would LOVE to have Olive Garden for lunch.  

Overall, it was a great appointment!  I am feeling good, sleeping well, and getting excited about putting together Brixen's nursery.  I will blog again tomorrow about 23-weeks and may even post some photos of the letters I finished for Brixen's nursery.  

Buy Buy Baby Furniture Adventure

Last Thursday, Chris and I, decided to drive to the suburbs to pick-out our nursery furniture at Buy Buy Baby.  Unfortunately, there is not a store in the city.  Schaumburg was our closest option but without traffic it is not that bad of a drive.

Our Buy Buy Baby Furniture Adventure was SO FUN!  The store is amazing with a lot of helpful people.  If there had been more stores around the country and one in the city, we probably would have registered at Buy Buy Baby.  I am sure we will be back there in the very near future.

Guess what?  We got a video of our Buy Buy Baby Furniture Adventure.  We just love getting videos.  We have a flip camera!  If you do not have one, I highly suggest getting one.  It is the BEST!  Enjoy our video!





We decided on our furniture.  My Aunt Sue and Uncle Stephen were able to get us 20% off.  Thanks, Aunt Sue and Uncle Stephen!  The furniture specialist there said it takes 16 to 18-weeks for the furniture to be delivered.  I sure hope it does not take that long!  I want to put Brixen's nursery together NOW!  Our friends did order their furniture from there and they said it did not take nearly that long.  So, I am praying to get it within a couple of months.  It would be nice to have it all put together before Christmas!  

On my last blog, I posted a photo of the crib bedding we registered for at Beyond Bedding.  I am so excited about it.  Below is a photo of the furniture we decided on at Buy Buy Baby.  We are planning to get the crib as well as the combo unit, which will also serve as a changing table.  Our nursery is a nice size, so I am also planning to get a rocker/glider, which I found at Babies R Us.  It will be perfect to nurse as well as relax with Baby Brixen.  See below!

Brixen's Nursery Furniture

Crib and Combo Unit in Expresso

Swivel Glider and Ottoman for Nursery

Chocolate Brown

I finished Brixen's letters for his room this past weekend too.  I will blog about that later.  We have another OBGYN appointment on Thursday at 8:45 AM.  Just another monthly check-up.  Soon we will be starting to go twice a week.  I think that starts in the Third Trimester.