Week #28

Week #28

Hello Third Trimester

WOW!  We are now in the final trimester...  Approximately 12-weeks and we will be parents!  Chris and I are so thrilled to be starting this next chapter in our lives!  We get so excited about Baby Brixen.  Every time we see baby clothes, diapers, or anything really, we start to get emotional.  It is such an exciting time, especially with the holidays!

This week was a short one!  We both worked on Monday and Tuesday.  But I left Wednesday open to bake and get any last minute items for Thanksgiving.  I will have a long blog post later about our Thanksgiving with videos and photos.  We have had a very fun-filled, relaxing weekend thus far!  I definitely am confused on my days, though!

Not too much went on this week...  Next week, we will be busy with a couple of important meetings, deals that need to be closed, and getting ready to travel to MI for our Baby Shower next weekend!  We are looking forward to seeing my family, it has been since the end of October.  It is always nice to go back to MI and relax!  

Be sure to check back soon for a Happy Thanksgiving blog update.  We will have at least two videos and some photos to share with all of you!  And, of course, I write about our entire weekend.  I just love blogging...  Enjoy! 

 

Baby Shower - Harrisburg, PA

On Friday, November 12, 2010, Chris and I flew to Harrisburg, PA for our Baby Shower with family and friends.  We had this weekend planned for awhile so it was something everyone was looking forward too plus his parents, Sister, and our nephew flew in from FL.  It was a nice weekend full of family, fun, food, and memories to cherish a lifetime!

To recap our weekend...  On Friday, we took his Grandma to lunch when we arrived in Harrisburg.  By the way, it is much nicer to fly directly into Harrisburg than flying into Baltimore and driving.  Anyway, it was nice to spend some time with just us and Grandma.  We all had some yummy salads!  That night, we went to a local bar (smoke-free!) with some of his family.  Chris had a Miller Lite and some wings.  I enjoyed a Diet Cherry Coke.  After, we headed to Chris' favorite place, YP (Your Place).  We chowed down on some Stromboli.  It was like Christmas for Chris.  He enjoyed that very much!  Friends and family stopped by so it was a nice, relaxing evening!  Of course, we were tired from getting up so early and traveling.  We headed back up the mountain, where his Aunt Judy and Uncle George live and we went to bed!

Saturday, we got up and went to meet Chris' grandparents!  This was a very exciting time for all of us!  We also got to see his Uncle Tom, his Wife, and his cousin, Signourney.  I posted photos from the weekend on FaceBook.  I am sure most of you have seen them already.  We spent most of the afternoon there, talking, and enjoying ourselves very much!  But our Baby Shower started at 4 PM and his Aunt Judy wanted us there at 4:15 PM so it was time to head back up the mountain.

Baby Shower Video - Harrisburg, PA

We had such a wonderful time at our Baby Shower!  It was so great to be able to spend that time with family and friends.  We played some fun games and got a lot of really nice gifts.  Brixen is set with blankets, which is great because it sure does get cold here in Chicago.  Also, Brixen got some cute clothes and a Lion Wall Art, which we have already put up in his nursery!  There were so many great gifts.  We are very thankful for everything we received but also feel so blessed that we have such wonderful family and friends.  THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!

Next time we see Chris' family and friends, we will be parents and Brixen will be with us!  It was definitely hard to say good-bye to our family, especially his parents, Brittany, and Caleb.  It was such a short visit but so memorable.  We look forward to seeing all of you hopefully next Summer!  Baby Brixen will be very excited!

Preparing for Childbirth - Class #4 (Last One!)

Last night, we had our final Preparing for Childbirth Class!  I can't believe it has already been 4-weeks since the class first started.  I always say this but I time sure does fly by!  ;)

Chris and I both enjoyed Preparing for Childbirth.  It was a great experience for us and we definitely recommend it to other couples.  Not only is it a great way for Mommy/Daddy to bond but also we learned a lot of great techniques and little tips to help us along the way.  We especially enjoyed the breathing/pushing techniques, the general discussions, and surprisingly the videos!  

When we first started the class, I thought for sure that I wouldn't want to watch a video on someone else giving birth, however, a baby being born is such a miracle.  It was amazing to watch!  It made me get teary-eyed!  And, we both are started to get even more excited about the birth of our son, Brixen!  If it is possible to get even more excited!  

Our last class, we practiced our breathing techniques, which is relaxing!  In addition, we watched a video on an Epidural Birth and a C-Section Birth.  The Epidural really doesn't look all that bad.  BUT I am still hoping to have a Natural, Drug-Free Birth.  I am keeping my options open, of course, but ultimately, I want to give birth vaginally.  

This class has really helped us realize that we want to stay at home as long as possible before going to the hospital to give birth.  Our home is very close, about 10-minutes.  It will be nice to just walk around here and have Chris take care of me in the comfort of our own home.  So, that is the plan!

We are looking forward to our next class...  1st Time Parents.  There are two classes, December 9 and December 16.  We are not sure exactly what takes place in this class but we are hoping to learn a lot since we are 1st Time Parents!  :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Daddy Felt Brixen Move!!!

Well...  I know I already did a blog post this morning (so be sure to read the post below this one for a Week #27 Update) BUT Chris felt Brixen move for the first time this morning!  For weeks, I have been trying to get Brixen to move for Daddy.  Every time Chris would put his hand on my tummy, Brixen would stop!  I think he thought it was funny!

This morning, we were watching TV in Chris' office (we have a pull-out bed in there) and I started to feel Brixen move.  I quietly said, "Honey, look at my stomach."  WE COULD ACTUALLY SEE HIM MOVING AROUND!!!  He was such an active little baby this morning.  I have noticed he is active in the mornings and later at night, but this morning it was double-time!  

It was strange to see my stomach move...  We were just sitting there and it was like waves in my tummy!  I told Chris to give me his hand, thinking maybe Brixen wanted Daddy to finally feel him move.  AND HE DID!  Chris felt him move twice.  It was a special moment!  We both had tears in our eyes and started giggling!  FINALLY!  :)

Brixen also woke Mommy up at about 4 AM because he was moving around but I sure didn't mind.  It is such a wonderful feeling.  I can't wait to meet our Baby Boy!  WE LOVE YOU BRIXEN!

Week #27

Week #27

Baby (Brixen) Bump Photo

It was a busy week for the Keller Family...  As you all know, I passed the State and National Exam for my Brokers License on Wednesday.  Thursday, we had an OBGYN Appointment and Brixen's Nursery Furniture arrived!

Our OBYGN Appointment went well.  We had to see a different doctor this time because our doctor was out of the office for the month of November for surgery.  We had to go early so I could drink that "flat orange warm soda" for my Glucose Testing.  That is really the only way to describe it.  However, it was not as bad as everyone said.  Although, it probably would have been better over some ice.  

Thus far...  I have gained a total of 17-pounds.  My blood pressure was 102/66 and Brixen's heart beat was 155.  According to the doctor, I am right on-track and she was very pleased.  The appointment went pretty fast.  I had a few general questions and they talked with us about Mandatory Maternity Pre-Registration.  I have to do that 90-days in-advance.  TODAY (Saturday, November 20, 2010) marks 90-days!  WOW!

My Glucose Testing went well...  I actually heard from our doctor later that night, which I was surprised since she is out for November.  My White Blood Cell Count was a bit higher.  However, according to my doctor, this is normal during pregnancy and it could get up to 20.  Right now, mine is at 16.  She also said that during labor, it could reach 30.  She didn't seem to worried so I just thanked her for getting the results back to us so quickly.

Brixen's Nursery Furniture came about 30-minutes after we arrived home from the doctor.  It was early and I was excited about it!  The delivery people were in and out quickly and even put it together for us.  The furniture looks better than it did in the store!  They are beautiful pieces.  

Below are some photos thus far...  We still have a lot to put together and organize.  I plan to go order my glider with ottoman at Babies R Us soon so I can use my 20% off coupon.  Just a lot of odds and ends that I will get over the next couple of months.  So...  More photos to come later when the entire nursery is complete.  Enjoy!

We decided on an expresso color for Brixen's Nursery.  The theme really is just the colors, chocolate brown and light blue.  That will be used throughout the room and we also plan to put several Lion Stuffed Animals throughout the Nursery.  The picture of the crib is not completely finished.

This was me very excited!  After drinking that stuff for the Glucose Testing earlier, I was getting a bit tired.  So, I did what I could and took a nap.  That corner area is where the chocolate brown glider and ottoman will go.  Brixen's letters will go directly above the crib.  And, thinking about putting some shelves on that other wall, straight behind me.

So much to organized!  There is A LOT of room in this combo unit.  We will also use this as a changing table.  I have registered for the changing pad at Babies R Us and the changing cover is at Beyond Bedding.  It matches the rest of Brixen's bedding.  Adorable!  :)

I plan to put a large mirror above this combo unit so Brixen can look at himself in the mirror when Daddy or I are holding him.  Not sure exactly how I will organize the combo unit but that will all come together with him.  I do not want to overwhelm myself so I plan to do a little bit at a time.  Plus, we still have two more Baby Showers and Christmas!  

Going to go watch cartoons with my Husband!  He is making us a delicious breakfast.  Can't wait to eat...  I am enjoying that more and more often these days!  Looking forward to relaxing this weekend and no big plans!  Have a great weekend!  Check back soon as we are still putting the final touches on our video from our PA Baby Shower!

Celebration Dinner

Wednesday, November 17, 2010 was a HUGE day for our business and future!  For the past 2.5-months, I have been studying to get my IL Brokers License.  This is something that Chris and I knew we would eventually want to do, especially to take our business to the next level!  Finally, I felt the time was right and the day after Labor Day, I went to purchased all the material for the Salesperson License.  I had to study that entirely and pass a classroom test before I was able to move onto my Brokers License.  It was A LOT of studying, Monday through Friday.  With a lot of discipline, patience, and support from my wonderful Husband, I passed 6 Classroom Exams and the State Exam!

A lot of you may be wonderful exactly what Chris and I do...  Good question!  In 2008, we started Blue Harvest Properties, Inc.  Blue Harvest came from Star Wars, it was the code name while they were filming.  As many of you know, Chris is a huge Star Wars fan.  Plus, the name is catchy.  We loved it.  Our slogan is "Planting Good Seeds in Real Estate."  We took a huge risk and left our corporate jobs to start our company.  I am sure a lot of family and friends thought we were crazy but we knew that we did not want to work a 9 to 5 job.  It just was not us!

We specialize in Pre-Foreclosures and Short Sales.  Basically, what that means, is we target homeowners in certain areas of Chicago, who are at least 30-days behind on their mortgage.  We have several different marketing techniques, however, now a majority of our business is based on referrals.  Once the client decides to work with us, we negotiate a Short Sale (a lot is involved but that would be way too long of a blog post) and purchase the property.  Our company actually purchases the property.  Our exit strategy really just depends because every property, location, and situation is different.  Sometimes we sell the same day, sometimes we rehab and sell after the rehab.  The strategy, of course, is determined before the deal is actually taken on by Blue Harvest Properties, Inc.

Since February 8, 2011 will be the start of our 4th year in business, I have developed a pretty dang good system!  As many of you know, I am extremely organized and you want to have a clean, concise, and to the point Short Sale Offer Packet when submitting to these lender(s).  There is a lot of research and analyzing involved.  You can't just submit an offer and that is it.  Plus, over the years, I have developed relationships with these lenders and know how most lenders work.  Typically, a Short Sale could take anywhere from one-month to 6-months.  Again, it just depends on the lender.  But it is all worth it in the end BECAUSE the homeowner WILL NOT have a foreclosure on their credit report and we have a great property!

I could go on and on about Blue Harvest Properties, Inc. but that is the short version of our business!  In addition, to Blue Harvest Properties, Inc. we also have Hot Damn Short Sales.  Over the past few years, I have developed different techniques and methods that made our Short Sale business successful.  I wanted to be able to share this with anyone across the country.  Right now, Chris and a team of individuals across the country, are developing Hot Damn Short Sales into a Internet Business for us.  I wrote a 150-page book on Short Sales and have so much information for someone to actually get started in this business.  The best part is WE ARE ACTUALLY CLOSING DEALS and NOT GURUS!  We have the proof!  

With all that said, Chris and I wanted to take our business to the next level and with getting my Brokers License, we are able to do this.  We will be starting a Realty Company shortly (name coming soon!).  This will allow us to put commissions on the HUD and make even more money on our Short Sale deals.  We already have a guy who knows the ins and outs of branding a company and plan to sit down with him over the next couple of weeks.  He has already done a lot for our company and we are looking forward to having him on board!  Our goal here is to target families who own primary residences.  Right now, we are strictly dealing with Investors and we are family kind-of people and want to branch out.  Lots more to come...  Stay tuned!

Our Celebration Dinner!  Chris took me to Pete Miller's Steakhouse in Evanston!  We got there and Chris had a special table waiting for us!!!  And..  RED ROSES, BALLOONS, and A CARD!!!  Of course, I had tears in my eyes because he is such an amazing, wonderful, thoughtful, sweet Husband!  It was a wonderful evening!  To top it off, we had this really yummy dessert brought out to us with a sparkler on top!  I am so thankful to have passed my State Exam but most importantly, I am so blessed to have such an outstanding Husband!  We have such an amazing relationship...  He is my Best Friend, Soul Mate, and Business Partner!  CHEERS TO THE FUTURE!!!

Me at Dinner w/ My Red Roses and Balloon

Us Enjoying a Relaxing, Delicious Dinner

Delicious Dessert w/ a Sparkler!!!

After Dinner...  FULL and HAPPY!  :)

Preparing for Childbirth - Class #3

Last night, was our 3rd Preparing for Childbirth Class!  Like I always say, just about every week, time sure does go by so fast!  It seems like we were just getting excited to start our first class and now, next Monday will be our last class!

At the beginning of class, we did some more relaxation techniques.  We use the stability ball this time.  I definitely want to get one of those...  They are very comfortable and I can use it for a lot of relaxation/breathing techniques during labor.  I enjoyed the breathing...  It really helped me relax.  Our instructor, Trish Sweeney, said we were doing a great job and that was how we were suppose to be breathing!  Yipppeeee...

We also discussed the "Pushing Stage."  Surprisingly, I am not nervous at all for labor.  I know that what is suppose to happen will and all I can do is try my best to relax and be patient.  Once the nursery is completed, I plan to sit in there every morning to read to Brixen and visualize our labor.  I truly think that if you visualize and belief in something, it will happen!  Especially, with patience and a wonderful coach, like Brixen's Daddy!  

We ended the class with discussing Events Surrounding the Birth and Newborn Procedures.  A lot of this information Chris had learned in this book he loves, called "Eat Sleep Poop."  It is a great book for Dads.  He highly recommends it because it discusses everything!

Looking forward to the last class.  We have met other couples who are due around our time.  One couple is due two-weeks before us so we plan to get their contact information and keep in-touch.  It is nice to have others to talk to who are going through the same experience.

Our 1st Time Parents Class starts in December.  We are really looking forward to that one and hoping to learn a lot for what to expect when Baby Brixen comes home from the hospital.  Infant CPR and Breastfeeding are in January.  That is about all I will be doing in January!  :)