Counting Down the 10's

This week is another big week. We are now counting down the weeks until your arrival and we are at 30 weeks or 10 weeks left to go +/- 2 weeks depending solely on you. Tomorrow night at midnight we will also celebrate the end of one decade (the 2000's, referred to as '0#) and we will ring in the new year and decade 2010!

You are still about 17 inches long and a little over 3 pounds. Your brain is starting to look like one, taking on the characteristic grooves and indentations you will eventually see first hand in science class...probably soemtime in middle school. Your brain is starting to take on tasks like temperature regulation, and you are starting to shed the languo you grew many weeks ago leaving you cute and not hairy for your big arrival. :)

The picture on here is a photo of the very first ball used in New York City in 1907 to commemorate the countdown. This year we are spending New Year's Eve with Matt, Kelley and Austin. We are looking forward to having a Mexican Fiesta at their house, watching movies and counting down the end of a good year, great decade and welcoming another!

Merry Christmas Sweetie

Merry Christmas Eve Baby! I have been so busy with holiday preparations that I have not gotten on here to log our 29th week. You are as tall at 17 inches and weigh about 3 pounds. You are within 3 inches of your final birth length/height, but will gain at least double your weight before delivery. We are at 11 weeks before the big D-Day, and as you plump up your little home will start to feel very cramped. I won't be feeling you kicking quite as much in the weeks to come but rather jabs from your elbows and knees. (Looking forward to it, Mommy says sarcastically but lovingly.)

Today is Christmas Eve! I have been making food prepartions nearly all day. Tonight your Dad and I are having brisket, Christmas day we will have turkey with many of the fixings traditionally seen at Thanksgiving, and Christmas night we will be at JD, Stacey and your buddy Owen's house where I will be making a fondue four-course meal. Your system might go into shock over all the different flavors you will experience tomorrow, but rest assured it is not a typical day out here.

Baby Ninja

Baby, you are moving around so much that I have been losing my appetite! You move around like a little ninja and I have now started picturing you wearing a black little outfit. :) haha. You were fiesty on Saturday night at the Medlyn's Christmas party to the point where I had to sit down a couple of times. You would calm down though on occassion and it was pretty loud there at times so I understand why you were moving about.

Yesterday I had a doctor's appointment and everything is still good. We don't have to worry about gestational diabetes, my results came back ok. My blood count was down a little, so I've been recommended to step up my iron intake. The doctor asked me if you were moving around. I laughed and said you were a little ninja in there. When it came time for the doctor to check your heartbeat though, it was pretty funny. You would not sit still long enough for her find it and count the beats, and she said, "You're right, she is a little ninja." HAHA! That's my girl! We did get to hear your strong heartbeats for a few seconds but with the way you've been moving, I haven't felt nervous about how you are doing in there.

Today is your Grandma Susan's birthday! Yesterday was the first day of Winter officially, and the weather forecasters are calling for some snow tonight and tomorrow. I would absolutely love a white Christmas. You'll understand this phenomenon in years to come.

Happy 7th Month! 28th week

This week you are about 2 1/2 pounds and about 16 inches long. I don't have any charming anecdotes to compare you to this week. Looking at a tape measure, 16 inches is pretty long and it makes sense why I can feel you in two different places at the same time. Lately there has been a very small pitter-patter sensation which I've been telling myself is your tiny hands practicing boxing or dance moves. Daddy felt them last night too. You also seem to enjoy story time and last night you seemed to find ways to work yourself into our conversations. Daddy was talking about the new 787 airplane's maiden voyage and you seemed to get excited by this. Will you be a pilot?

You are building your skill list to include blinking this week, along with coughing, sucking, hiccupping, and taking practice breaths that you've learned in the past few weeks. You are also starting to dream thanks to REM sleep. As the month progresses, I should be able to tell more definitively if you are awake or sleeping.

We are a mere 12 weeks away from meeting in person, give or take a few days on either side.

What a Weekend!

Friday night we went to the Red Rock Realty Christmas Party hosted very graciously by Staci & Marc. The house was gorgeous, and the food delicious. It was great to see the agents out of our "normal" settings and to meet their significant others.

Saturday we had some pictures taken in Denver. These pictures (above) were probably some of the last photos of just Jon and I. Some of the photos will be used in our Christmas cards, some are just cute for the two of us since we haven't had pictures taken since being married 4 1/2 years ago, and some show the baby bump signifying the time in our lives. Later, we attended the Hensel Phelps Christmas Party at the Greeley Country Club. Attending this event sober was difficult at best. I am proud to say it can be done, but if you were there you would ask why unless you were prego.
After the program portion I drove our crew over to Old Chicago's and we had quite a late night. It was a lot of fun, and baby you were dancing up a storm inside!

Sunday we started our drive back to the Springs, and had a stop at Johnson's Corner for breakfast and found out we had a screw in one of our tires. Luckily, we were able to get that repaired while we ate. We stopped again in Lakewood to visit with Jess, Damon, and baby Reagan. She is going to be your buddy and she is cute. You and her both seemed to sense each other because she was really good with me, and you would occassionally give me light taps like you were reaching out with your hand to touch her too. I can't wait to watch the two of you play!

New Measurements, Last Week of Second Trimester

We are now into week 27, and this week you will be measured from head to toe. All of the length measurements up to this point were from your crown to your rump. You are about 15 inches long and you are over 2 pounds. Another fun fact: You have more taste bud now than you will have at birth and beyond! (Please don't ask me how the doctors figured that one out because I couldn't tell you.) This may explain why you react differently to certain foods since you can actually taste the difference in foods I'm eatting. This is also our last week in the "fun zone of pregnancy" also known as the second trimester. I feel a little cheated since I was still sick in the Fourth month, so I'm going to cheat the third trimester and make the Seventh month a really good one yet. :) We are about 90 days out from the big day!

What else has been going on out here? Bitter cold temperatures and snow. We finally got a decent snowfall (5 inches)and an Arctic cold blast followed pushing temps below zero. Trust me, stay put for now...I hope you have been staying warm enough when I trek back and forth from inside to outside.

Christmas Joy

We've had a busy week! Tuesday was spent running a lot of errands and sending our holiday postcards for work. Wednesday it was so frigid outside that I did not leave the house and worked on some housework, email catching up and other stuff. It's been many months since I haven't left the house for at least one thing. Thursday I was back out and about even though it was still quite cold out. I worked on my Christmas shopping list and you, Sprout, were moving about that day too! Maybe you are understanding the concept of power shopping and getting your little legs ready. :) Friday we had the office tour mostly around Manitou Springs and lunch out at La Petite Maison. It was very good and perfect portion sizes. Later, I went out to try to get some more shopping done and was successful for the most part. I just have your Aunt Nikki left, and I know what I am going to get Daddy. After that whirlwind of a day I was planning on taking a nap, but Daddy came home shortly after I did and suggested we go pick out our Christmas tree! So we did. By the end of the night our tree was lit and decorated.

Tonight there is a Holiday Light Parade downtown that I'm pretty sure we are going to go to. We will probably watch from Slayton's BBQ, have some dinner, watch the parade and listen to some more live music. This is my favorite time of year and I hope it will become one of your favorite times too. It is so magical and beautiful.

2 Pounds of Love

This is the beginning of our 26th week, and you are weighing in at a full 2, that's right count 'em one-two, pounds and more than 9 inches long. I believe this because my belly is starting to really grow. This week your eyelids will start to open and you will start to really move around if you see a bright light or hear a loud noise. You will react by blinking (which of course I won't see) and by startling (which I certainly am feeling these days). I like feeling you move and a few others have felt your kicks too. You've certainly been squirming when music comes on and I just hope it hasn't been too loud for you in there.

There aren't many good pictures of a two-pound object except maybe a pot roast, so in the spirit of the current weather, I decided to post a picturesque winter image instead. It is very cold today 18, with windchill it is closer to the single digits, and it is snowing. I would like to say I believe the weatherman when he says 2-4", but he has let me down a few times already this year, so if we get an inch I will be thrilled. Plus, I know where the real snow is for snowshoeing and they always get more snow than what is forecasted. :)

Oh the Fun We've Had

It is December 1, and we returned from our road trip of Wisconsin last night. Thanksgiving was a very delicious meal for us and it was a very relaxed day. Friday we took your Grandpa Sanderfoot around to some stores to buy a snow blower for the upcoming winter, and we went out to a tasty Friday night fish fry for dinner with Carl, Nikki, Grandpa & Grandma Sanderfoot.

Saturday was a really big day. We were showered with gifts for you! JoAnn and my Mom hosted a baby shower for us and it was so great to see so many people! We received so many adorable outfits, cute blankets that I can't wait to cuddle with you in, and many other useful items to aid in feeding and cleaning you. Just before we left, a co-worker of Daddy's gave us a crib. So our list of things is starting to dwindle and it is making me feeling a little better. I am on a mission to find a decent dresser/changing table, a small bookshelf for the library you have awaiting for you, and a rocker. After the party, both your Grandma and I were pretty tired so the four of us decided to order in pizza and watch a movie.

Sunday morning we left Appleton and headed to Madison. We stopped in to say hello to my Uncle Alan and cousins Olivia & Ivy. It was great to catch up with them. We also stopped at State St. Brats for lunch, and bought a new shirt for each of us (you included). At a second store we saw a onesie that said, "Jump Around." This is a phenomenon which occurs at Camp Randall where the UW-Madison Badgers play football. When the song, "Jump Around" comes on the entire student section jumps around. This has been an area of contention for engineers who do not want to see part of the stadium collapse, but as a young person sitting in those seats it is so much fun you can't help but want to get up! It seemed fitting that day as well because you were really squirming inside like you already had the Badger blood in you.

Our road trip continued back the same way we came and we stopped again in La Vista, Nebraska just outside of Omaha for the night. While stopping makes the trip seem neverending, it was good to stop both drives to break it up and get us much needed sleep. We pulled up around 6pm last night and unloaded the car. It feels good to be back, but we also had a great time being in Wisconsin. There are so many people who can't wait to meet you!

Thanksgiving

We are going on tour! Ha ha ha! Your Dad and I are driving back to Wisconsin starting this afternoon for the Thanksgiving holiday. With all of the buzz about this year's flu season and the H1N1 virus, the doctor has put me on a no-fly zone for Christmas. While I have both of these vaccinations, I could still in theory get sick and frankly, I'm not going down that road or aisle and catching something weird from someone who is super sick right before Christmas. We will drive from Colorado Springs to Omaha, Nebraska today, and tomorrow we will continue on through Iowa, going into Illinois and finally north to Wisconsin. Along the way on Wednesday we may stop in Madison to visit one of Daddy's friends, and probably a stop in Sun Prarie to visit with your Great-Grandma & Grandpa Schroeder. Then we will be in Appleton staying with your Grandma & Grandpa Sanderfoot. Uncle Carl & Aunt Nikki are making Thanksgiving dinner for us on Thursday. Everyone is bringing something to pass, and I'm making my twice baked sweet potatoes. Seriously delicious!

But what are you doing? Well, it is week 25 and you are reaching 9 inches in length and weigh more than 1 1/2 pounds. Capillaries are forming under the skin and filling with blood, and air sacs lined with capillaries are developing in your lungs getting your lungs ready for their first breath of fresh air! Also, your vocal cords are functioning now, leading to occasional hiccups, which I have been feeling (and seeing) lately. A few days ago I was feeling you move a bit and decided to lay down. You were having a case of the hiccups and I could actually SEE you moving with each one. My belly in one area just moved. It was a pretty cool thing to see.

Birthing Class

Holy cow Sprout! Your Dad and I are taking our Prepared Child Birth classes at the hospital, and I wasn't so sure I was going to make it through the graphic movie. Most women who have been through it will probably tell me it is such a miracle, and no doubt it is. But somehow I've made it through sex ed, health classes and college level human biology classes without ever seeing the whole process. The film is usually done like the Baby Story on TLC, where they show the woman in labor in varying positions, then when the "big show" or "your debut" happens, they cut out to show the doctors, nurses, or family gathering around offering support and encouragement while the mom is reddish-purple faced from pushing, and a commentator is talking about the rest of the birth and briefly mentions the after-birth. Then the film cuts back to mom whose hair is drenched in sweat and baby has already had its first bath and is clean as can be. I've secretly always wanted to see the real deal just so I could truly know, but after seeing it I'm pretty sure I'm good for the rest of my life.

We have our second class today and after 5 pm tonight we should have the jist of what's going to happen from the time I start going into labor until the time we get to take you home with us in our arms. For the next part of once we get you back to our house are other classes offered by the hospital which we plan on taking, but that will come in January.

We are both learning a lot, and while there were moments in the class when I thought I had a permanent eye brow lift (Look Everyone! No surgery!) as I let the information settle and sink in, I started to become more excited about getting to meet you. Your Dad is going to be a great support partner too. The teacher is showing different ways to offer support, comfort and relaxation techniques. He caught on very quickly and has always done a great job being a cheerleader for me.

Who doesn't like getting mail?

This week you are about 1 1/2 pounds and a length of about 8 1/2 inches or the size of a standard letter envelope. I've read that from here on out you will be packing on about 6 ounces a week as you begin to accumulate baby fat and your organs continue to develop. Your face is almost fully formed with eyelashes and brows. You may even have hair on your cute head, but it is snow white until you get some pigment.

Last Sunday your Dad and I took advantage of the recent snowfalls and went out to Mueller State Park again. Only this time we remembered to bring the snowshoes. I found an easy rated trail in our snowshoe trail book which frankly lied to us. Even if I wasn't 6 months pregnant I would say the easy rating was a little off. Nonetheless, it was beautiful and I survived. At the trail head parking area we used the new Subaru to barrel through a snow barracade and wouldn't you know it, but we had first tracks too! It was great. We talked about you on and off while we shoed and what we hoped you would become. Not like; I hope she becomes an astronaut or marine biologist, but we hope you will take to the outdoors the way we do and have a sense of adventure and travel.

Along the trail (School Pond Trail) we came across a small "pond" (your relatives in Wisconsin would certainly argue the term watering hole or puddle), and we sat on the bench more for me to bring my breathing back to normal before treking up one heck of a hill. It was so beautiful. Here we were the only two people out there in a valley of mountains and hills in front of somewhat frozen over water and the remaining snow falling looked like glitter in a snow globe against the hazy sun. The clouds were orange and pink, and bright blue skies were beyond the clouds. The trees looked like they jumped out of a Christmas card, and had it not been for the batteries dying we would have attempted to catch this magical moment. We bought a whole pack of batteries when we got back to Woodland Park.

23 Week aka Beginning of the 6th Month

Baby, your Dad and I have not come up with a name yet for you, though we have been discussing it on a regular basis. For now I'm going to call you Sprout. I've been reading in our trusty hand-guide to pregnancy that your skin is developing faster than the rest of you leaving a saggy appearance. By the end of the month you will be weighing twice your size now which is just over a pound, as your fat cells start to fill in and keep you from looking so translucent. So much irony!

Anyway, you are definitely starting to move more and more which is great except for when I am trying to sleep. It's a little unnerving feeling you move so much when I am, or correction, was sleeping. I have a feeling this is just the beginning though and maybe this is your way of preparing me for the months ahead. Kinda like Mommy Bootcamp where you strip away all of my energy and sleep until I am one big emotional bomb. It's working Sprout. Emotional bomb is definitely here, and I swore to myself I would not become one of THOSE pregnant women. I had no idea that there isn't jack squat I can do to stop it. And as my Dad says, "There's nothing worse than a pregnant woman." So true. Make sure you are extra nice to your Daddy when you see him. He's going to need some extra sweetness from you to make up for me.

Sunday Hike

We had a good weekend! Friday night we met up with Matt, Kelley and Austin for dinner. There was a slight traffic glitch that was keeping us from getting to where we intended to, but we were able to find a place to go and it was delicious. Austin slept right through dinner which gave me hope of being able to take you out with us for date nights.

Saturday was a low-key day with a coffee shop break and a movie. It was nice just to spend time together.

Sunday morning we stopped in Woodland Park at the Donut Mill for breakfast before heading to Mueller State Park. We took the interpretative trail and came across sections of the trail with a lot of snow yet. At times I was really wishing for my snowshoes! It was a bit cooler there, but the views were great and it was so nice just to get out of the house and get some fresh Rocky Mountain air!

Mommy Likes to Get Out

Dear Baby,
When I started to feel better in my second trimester I was energized by the thought of leaving the house with out any "incidents". I looked forward to hanging out with friends like we used to in June, but oddly or maybe not so oddly to those who have been through this, things can never be the same and you quickly realize who your real friends are. This came as a surprise to me that just because I can't have a cold one or a frozen one I am no longer welcome to go out on girl's nights. Am I missing something here? I like the camaraderie, the jokes, the girl gab, but I think most of all I miss the invites and being included. Apparently, I'm a ghost?? So while it seems like a lot of friends are excited for us, they also don't want to hang out again until perhaps I can hoist and toast. But that is a story of loss, and here is one of gain.

We do have a few friends who will still hang out us even in my pregnant state. They are genuinely excited to see us out-and-about like it is a mystical appearance to see me out of the house, and they seem honored to do dinner or lunch. These are certainly people who you will meet and some of their kids will even be your playmates. That's right little girl! We have play dates and mates for you already lined up. At least three friends close by! There will probably be a few slumber parties in your future too. One thing I am really looking forward to are our girl's nights. We'll have our own and go shopping, out to dinner, movies, or whatever else you want to do, because kiddo--I like to get out.

Small Doll

We are entering our 22nd week and you are a whole pound and measuring 8 inches long, about the size of a doll. I'm thinking Barbie was about 8" tall, but you have a little more to you like a Cabbage Patch doll. You are developing your senses of touch, sight, hearing and taste. According to "The Book" if I were to shine a flashlight over my belly, I might feel you react and turn away from the light. Daddy and I might try this tonight. :) You are starting to hear our voices more and any other loud noises which may explain why you were dancing last Friday when Daddy and I went on a date night and listened to a solo act.

I've been feeling a little under the weather again and hope it won't get any worse. I don't know what the effects are on you, but my hope is that this sickness is only building up your immune system. My immune system seems to have skipped town this summer and I find myself having to be more cautious about being out in public places where sick people gather and using more anti-bacterial soaps or gels.

Happy Halloween!

So the post is two days late for Halloween, but in my defense it's been a little busy out here kid! While your practicing your summersaults, we were car shopping. This is usually THE worst thing to do with any free-time in my opinion, but luckily this time wasn't bad. Last Friday your Dad took off of work early and we went to Heuberger Motors. Please note readers that I am not getting paid by them, but if you do go there, invite me along at least for the free coffee. We started working with Bernard and then our friend Kirsten. She showed us the new 2010 Subaru Outback which I have been eyeing up for over a month now. It is like the vehicle was made just for me. While we were there I kept bumping into other folks I know or have met through working at the paper. We struck our deal Friday night and then proceeded with our date night plans. That's right kiddo, we still love each other and like to go out. We met up with a couple of friends at Slayton's BBQ (again, no endorsements or kickbacks) and had some good BBQ and listened to Mike, your Dad's barber, jam. It was a good day.

Saturday we went back to Heuberger for coffee and to sign the deal in ink. We were so excited about the new vehicle that we drove up to Johnstown to visit with JD, Stacey and Owen. We handed out Trick-or-Treat candy and hung out. We saw so many neat costumes I can't wait to dress you up.

Sunday we hung out some more and watched the Packers vs. Vikings game. For the record, we are Green Bay Packer fans and always will be no matter who our quarterback is. The Packers tragically lost, but they put up a fight at times to keep it interesting to watch.

Today I have been busy working, but took a break to go out to lunch and pay my advertising bill at the paper. Of course that led to nearly an hour and a half pit stop, but it was nice to see the folks I enjoyed working with and there was a lot of patting the tummy going on.

Baby is a......

GIRL! Well done to all of you who correctly guessed the gender of Baby Stevens! Congrats to Linnea Stevens, the winner of the gender drawing!

Last week I received a call from the doctor's office informing me that the ultrasound tech had jury duty and we were going to have to reschedule my ultrasound for Friday morning. I was really sad and a bit upset because I've been so looking forward to this one visit. After my check-up the doc told the front desk gals to call me if the tech came in at all in the afternoon and to schedule me in. I was so lucky I was able to go in after all at 3pm.

It was by far the coolest experience in the pregnancy to date. We not only found out that you are a girl, but we were able to watch you move, saw your heart fluttering, you showed us your hand once as though you were high-fiving us, and again looked like you were making the quieting shush with one finger. (As pictured here) The tech was telling us it appeared you liked to play with your ear and she showed us. Already you have cute mannerisms. We don't have any names yet for you so you will still be Baby until we can find a name or names we like.

How did you look medically? Fantastic. We saw the four chambers of your heart, your brain was developing and looked big, as far as we could tell you have ten toes and ten fingers. Your kidneys and bladder looked great and even your tiny tummy was looking good. You do not have a cleft palette, and I'm amazed at what they check for. We may have one more ultrasound around the 8th month to check the placenta and make sure we don't have to do a C-section, but for now there isn't much reason to be concerned. My doctor seems to be very thorough in this regard and I'd rather know in advance than later and have it become a medical emergency.

Banana-fana-fo-fana

We are in our 21st week and you are 7 inches long, about the length of a large banana and you weigh almost 11 ounces. You are practicing swallowing so now I need to really pay attention to the foods I'm feeding us. Don't worry, I'll still have some ice cream! Your arms and legs are finally in proportion and the cartilage is turning to bone. I've been able to feel you move about a little more each day, and even Daddy can feel you once in awhile now.

I had a monthly check-up yesterday morning and everything is coming along great. The doc told me at this point I need to be gaining about a pound a week until delivery. By my calculations, at delivery I should weigh about the same as I did when I first found out I was pregnant! Not many women can say that! Daddy was along as well and he heard your heartbeat for the first time. I'm glad he got to hear it!

Cantalope!

Baby, I need to play major catch up here. Last Wednesday we entered our 20th week where you became the size of a cantaloupe. Hard to believe already, but true. I started to feel you moving about, but no consistency to what I have to believe are little kicks or elbows. You are about 10 ounces and 6.5 inches long.

But why the long delay? Well, Grandpa had a bit of a motorcycling accident back in September. Don't worry, he's going to be ok. He underwent a surgery a few weeks ago and when he went back about two weeks ago for post-op to make sure everything was going ok, he found out he was going to have to go under the knife once again. This time it was closer to critical organs and seemed a bit more risky. I flew back on the 17th of October to help him out for a little over a week. I'm glad I went.

Grandma and Grandpa Sanderfoot are excited to meet you. They were rubbing my belly hoping you would give a kick for them, but you were sleeping at the wheel or too bashful. Overall it was a very relaxing and kicked back week. Grandpa and I watched a lot of movies, went out for coffee a couple of times and even went to visit your Great-Grandma Sanderfoot and your Great-Great Grandma Melone. Great-Great Grandma just celebrated her 99th birthday in September. She is very eager to meet you and I hope she gets to. That would be a five generational picture worth more than a thousand words. Your Grandma Sanderfoot took me to Babies R Us to look over the registry items and she is pretty excited about the things on there. Your Uncle Carl and Aunt Nikki took me along with them to a dog park to play with Stella and Jake. Nikki also bought you the first of the baby clothes. They are little booties and very cute.

Mango Tango Week 19

Welcome to Week 19! You are about 6 inches long, a Subway sub anyone? And you weigh about half a pound! It must be you making the scale go up a tiny bit, because I still don't feel like I'm doing a great job of gaining weight yet even with the meds. There isn't much going on right now other than more development of what you have and getting bigger. As the weeks progress, more of your internal systems will become more mature and able to function out in the world.

I've been feeling more odd movements from inside which is a cool feeling, but we haven't been able to feel them on the outside yet. We try every night though when it seems you are more active in hopes that very soon Daddy can feel you too. We talk to you too in hopes that you won't be as frightened when you hear our voices. I talk to you throughout the day which is kind of funny. I'll say things like, "Come on Baby, we have some errands to do. We are going to go to the post office, Office Depot and then the grocery store." Like you have a choice in it anyways! Other times when I can't tell if it is some crazy gas or you dancing in there, I'll put my hand on my belly and tell you to keep dancing, live it up in there while you still have space. When Daddy talks to you he will say things like, "Hey Baby! Wake up, haha, I want to feel you kick!" His hands feel pretty cold against my belly so if you can feel that through the layers of skin, throw him a bone and kick a bit harder.

The Week of Fives

This week Baby you are 5.5 inches long and about 5 ounces in weight. Which is about the size of a chicken breast featured here from KFC. (Sorry Ben, another meat reference, but I think this is the last one) It is also the kick off for our 5th month of pregnancy! Yay! At 18 weeks you are now mastering how to yawn and hiccup. You have also developed your fingerprints on your fingers and toes. You are truly one-of-a-kind now!

On Sunday night I woke up to a strange sensation and the truth is I'm still not sure if it was you or a dream. This actually happened again last night, but not as vividly. It was a fluttering sensation from within on my right side. According to the books and Dr. Diane this is what it feels like to feel you move in the early days. I hope that's true! It hasn't been consistent, but always at night when I am fast asleep. I hope soon enough you will do it long enough for me to tell your Daddy about it so he can feel too. I haven't felt it from the outside yet, just from within. So keep up your aerobics--I do realize I will regret this in a month or so--because there are a few people who would like to say hello.

Guess the Gender, Win Big!

We are three weeks away from finding out what Baby's gender is. I thought it would be really fun to hear everyone's guesses. Only one guess per person, and the group of folks who guess the correct gender by Oct. 26th @ midnight (verified by ultrasound on Oct 27th) will be entered into a drawing! You can facebook your guess, email me at: theresa.ann.stevens@gmail.com, or leave a comment on this blog with your guess.

Innermost thoughts

I was looking through the pictures of the past week and there are two that strike me with such emotion that I had to share. This particular picture was taken by Ben Stevens at the Erikson Orchard in Bayfield, WI.

In this brief moment that Ben captured, I had a lot on my mind. I was thinking, "Wow. So this is how big Baby is." I was comparing the size of the apple to the size of my tummy and trying to figure out the logistics of 1. How can this be? 2. Are they sure Baby is really that big? 3. Wow, I really did lose a lot of weight and that belly really is all Baby now. 4. Am I taking care of myself well enough to keep Baby healthy? 5. I better bite into one of these apples to make sure, and I'll put the other in a pocket for later. Which is exactly what I did after this thought process.

But truth be told, (because apparently that's all I can seem to do these days...sorry folks no more nice pleasantries here!) that's not all that was on my mind. I talked with my dad the day before and learned that he was going into surgery the next day. It shook me a bit to think of him as human and vulnerable like the rest of us because he has always been a solid rock. Even when the worst things happened (and they really did) he was always there. He might've cracked for a minute or two, but he was always strong for the rest of us. And one of my many happy memories of my youth was cherry picking with the family in Door County. Something about walking amongst the trees reminded me of those times.

The second picture was also taken by Ben Stevens on an iron bridge in Bayfield, WI. The picture looks serene and beautiful, us walking towards something...parenthood? Ironically, we were laughing and I couldn't bear to look at Ben and Linnea at that particular moment because Jon decided to be a funny guy. Maybe he sensed that I needed a bit of cheering up, or I had a heavy head of thoughts. He's good at being able to read me like that.

Baby, I hope you read this particular passage when you are a teenager, hating both of us "So uncool parents who won't let you do anything fun", and I hope you realize how lucky you are to be born to a couple of great parents who love you. But most of all, since the test came back positive, I've never stopped thinking about you and your well-being.

Apple of my eye - Week 17

This week is our 17th week, and after last week's unfortunate reference to meat portions I'm excited to move forward to a palm-size. Since we are in Bayfield, WI it only seems appropriate to compare you, Baby, to the size of an apple. You are weighing about 5 ounces so it's a good reference. Your heart beats are now regulated by your brain and are not spontaneous anymore, approx 140-150 beats per minute. Other than that you are simply gaining weight, packing on the pounds, and the good Doctor Diane has me doing the same. In total I lost 27 pounds while surviving the first trimester.

While in Bayfield, we ventured out into the cold and rainy day to go orchard hopping. We learned about apple cider, bought another bag of apples, taste-tested apple mustard, apple butter, apple chutney, apple cider, apple-raspberry cider, and apple jam. Last night I made the best apple pie ever. I hope I can duplicate it.

Your Uncle Ben and Aunt Linnea both took pictures with me and our bellies. Ben's is what we call a food baby, and Linnea's was a bag of apples we bought at a road stand. A random stop along the roadside, but a pleasant one nonetheless. Both your Dad and I are having a great time with Ben and Linnea! The photos will be posted later when the internet isn't so intermitent.

Week 16

Baby, you are growing up so fast! You weigh about 3-5 ounces which is about the portion size of chicken or meat, and about 4-5 inches long. This does not however, make for a pleasant picture for the blog. Your muscles are getting stronger and I read I should start to feel movement from you soon. Your eyes are working in the sense they can perceive light even though your lids are closed, but you also have eyebrows and eyelashes! Also in reading, I've learned that you've become more sensitive to touch and will squirm if I poke my belly. I still won't feel you squirming for a couple more weeks, but I just might take pleasure in poking myself knowing that I am making you move. :)

Outside the belly the temperatures here have plummeted, and we had our first snow fall on Monday. More snow was in the forecast for today and tomorrow, but I haven't seen anything at home. I'm sure at the higher elevations they are getting it. The forecasters are calling for 6-12" in some areas. I am clearing out the garden today of any remaining produce and calling it a season. I will have to go back down in October to remove the remaining plants and clean up my plot.

We have a big week coming up. On Friday morning we are flying to Minneapolis. We are going to stay with your Uncle Ben and Aunt Linnea. On Saturday we have a wedding for your Dad's friend Aaron. You might get a few tummy rubs from two or three of my high school gal pals as well if we are able to meet up. On Sunday the four of us will head northeast to Bayfield, WI. We rented a condo to stay at until Wednesday morning. Wednesday night we will fly back to Colorado.

Snowy Doctor's Visit

Baby, it is September 21st, and we have our first snowfall! I left home this morning for the doctor's and noticed it was starting to sleet. As I drove north the sleet turned to rain and by the time I reached the hospital it was starting to snow. I could barely believe my eyes. This is slightly unusual and about a month early. We all know the Halloween snowfall is inevitable, and like all snow here in the Springs it will only last a day, two tops. Even if it lasts through the night it will be a cool sight to wake up to tomorrow.

The appointment went well. I was able to ask a lot of questions mostly about the different flus going around and what I can do to prevent both. I received my first flu vaccine this afternoon, and will have to go back mid October for my H1N1 shot. I can't wait to see you again in a month. On Oct 27th, your daddy and I will finally be able to find out if you are a boy or girl.

Last Friday your Dad received his gold hat at the Old Timers banquet. It was fun to see a lot of folks your dad works with and catching up with them. I am proud of him too for his accomplishments. For those of you reading this and not sure of what's going on, I'll break it down for you. HP starts every employee with a red hat. This is a signal to those on the job site that the person with a red hat is new and caution should be used. After 6 months with the company, they give you a white hard hat to wear. This signifes that you have some experience. You are not brand new. You wear the white hat until Old Timers (5 years) at which point they give you a gold hard hat to wear signifying you are very experienced and have put in the time and dedication to the company. At Old Timers they also award those with superb safety ratings, and those who have been with the company 20, 25, 30 + years.

Rollin' along like an orange

Today you are measuring about 4 1/2 inches, weigh about 2-3 ounces and are roughly the size of a navel orange. It's good your in side where you don't have to battle sick people. I'm finding out from my doctor on Monday where I should go to get my flu shot. In the meantime, I've been trying to take in good ol' vitamin C.

You must be starting to have fun in there too! Now you have the coordination, strength and smarts to wiggle your fingers and toes! I can't feel the beginnings of your acrobatics yet, but I have been experiencing Round Ligament Pain. This is where the ligaments running vertically start to slowly stretch to help carry the weight of Baby. Sometimes it is sharp pains usually following a deep cough or big sneeze. Other times it is a slow, dull pain that just seems to be there.

Happy Second Trimester!

Today marks the first day of my second trimester, week 14. Baby, you are about the size of a clenched fist, (whose? I'm not sure) and on top of your cute little head you might be starting to grow some hair! Your furry blanket is also growing, but I'm told not to worry, it isn't permanent...we hope.

I've read this will be the most comfortable of the three trimesters and the best time to travel. The morning (really ANY time of day) sickness should subside, energy levels should start coming back (thank goodness! Baby, if you saw my garden you would be appalled), and I will start to show more of a prego belly. I'm definitely at the stage of questioning, "Is she pregnant or just fat?"

Which brings me to my shopping excursion yesterday. Kelley, baby Austin and I went shopping yesterday. The main goal was to find me something appropriate to wear to a work function for Jon next weekend and for a wedding the weekend after. Since normal pants don't fit right I knew from the get-go I would be buying my bottoms from a prego store. But shirts are still fine for the most part. I tried on a couple of shirts at the prego store and wouldn't you know it but those shirts are made for women who must be 8 or 9 months pregnant! I looked far more pregnant that I am, and I felt H-U-G-E in them. I almost started to cry but remembered I could try shirts on at other stores. Luckily, I found a shirt that will work perfectly. At least for now. Shopping these days seem to make me very emotional.

Hot Air Ballooning

(photo: Side-lined for 2009)

Every Labor Day weekend since 2005, Jon and I have crewed for Thom Zinser pilot for JD's Dream hot air balloon. We were addicted after our first flight and have gone on a few road trips at other festivals to help him out.

This morning Thom told us that it was our turn to fly again, assuming the weather would clear up enough to allow us to launch. I was excited...until he told me his general rule of thumb was not to carry pregnant women unless she was less than 3 months pregnant. At first I was thinking of the altitude, which I knew I would be ok on. But as he was talking, he reminded me of the landings, and since there are no guarantees for a text book "soft" landing, he came up with this prego-rule. After talking to us about it, I recalled our worst landing which we all still walked away from uninjured, but quickly realized it would be best to err on the side of caution on not go. He promised me he would make it up to me next year so long as I didn't come pregnant again. :)

As it turned out the weather barely cleared enough to allow to FAA to rule on allowing pilots to launch at their own discretion. We didn't launch. Thom likes the old addage, "It is better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air, than to be in the air wishing you were on the ground." Which oddly, became my mantra for the day.

The Energizer Bunny had a good flight today.

"How are things in the produce department?" Peachy!

Happy Week 13! You are growing quickly and are now the size of a peach! The highlight growth mark for this week is the development of your vocal cords. The book jokes "the better to cry with" but I hope you aren't a screamer. I'm really hoping you are a good, happy baby. One can dream right?

This is the last week of our first trimester, a third of the way through. It is hard to believe, but I must admit I am quite thankful. The random runs to the toilet or sink are getting old and I haven't been able to gain any weight. My doctor assures me this is ok for now, but I will need to start gaining soon for your sake Baby. Please be kind to mommy so she can keep in the vitamins and healthy foods, like peaches for you.

BOB is on board

It has been too long since I have last written about what is going on. Sure you're the size of a fresh plum, but last week Friday I came down with possibly the worst cold I've ever had! I could barely open my eyes all day, and Saturday wasn't much better. Sunday and Monday were a little better in terms of occassionally eatting, and starting to feel better with the help of modern medicine. Tuesday was even better and by Wednesday it felt like I might live through it. So to my loyal readers, I'm sorry I've nearly fallen off the planet.

And a special shout-out to Linnea, this pic is for you! I imagine I'll be showing even more when we see you in September. Thank you Ben and Linnea for inquiring about Baby's progress!

On Thursday Jon and I went up to Beaver Creek/Vail and had a wonderful time at the Hyatt. Friday we had massages, and it was my first pre-natal massage. I felt spoiled by the end of it. :) Friday afternoon we headed closer to Vail and stayed at the Vail/Cascade Resort and Spa. We found out from some locals that after 4 the gondolas are free to ride and on Fridays there is free music at the top. So naturally we went. It was a good band, and there was affordable food and drink too! It was a lot of fun and it was great to spend some quality time just the two(ish) of us. No offense Baby.

On our drive back down the mountains from a glorious getaway we stopped at REI and picked up our new BFF, Bob the Revolution stroller. Pricey? A little. BUT it can go off road, I can run with it, I can go shopping with it, there are attachments for an infant carrier, so all-in-all, this is our ONE stroller! We vowed to have only one and I'm glad it's this one. I am counting on Bob to help me get out of the house with Baby, and to enjoy the beautiful Colorado weather.

You are a fresh plum

We are now into week 12 and according to WTE most of your systems are fully formed and your digestive system is practicing contraction movements. You are the size of a fresh plum.

In going through the past few weeks I have come to realize that I am a picky fruit eater. I had no idea until recently when nearly every fruit that describes your size I have not been a fan of. But just because I am not a fan doesn't mean you won't be a fan. You see, my Uncle Alan and Aunt Jen taught me something a few years ago when we went out to dinner at a pizza place. They ordered a vegetarian style pizza with spinach on it. I had never had spinach because my mom wasn't a fan and my dad never pushed me to try it. Once I had it I realized it wasn't bad. Popeye would've been proud. It was at that moment that I admitted it was my first time trying spinach and another dinner they had taken us out to had been my first time having asparagus. Crazy right? They told me this, "You have to try a new food three times before you decide if you like it or not. The first time your brain is telling you to not like it, but your tastebuds might have a different opinion. The second time you're more willing to try it and your mind is more open. The third time you will know definitively if you like it or not."

Great advice and I've stuck to it ever since. I've come to like sushi based off of this. No eel, but there are many other fish in the sea. So kiddo, while I might not be a big plum fan, be prepared to try it three times before making your decision.

Fingernails

This week you are just over 2 inches long and weigh about a third of an ounce. You are starting to grow hair follicles (you won't be a baldy forever), and your fingernails are beginning to develop. Your fingers and toes have recently seperated from the webbing that was there, and your nasal passages are opening on the tip of the nose. Your tounge and palate are taking shape and apparently you have visable nipples. :)

When I read that your fingernails are starting to develop it reminded me of the scene in Juno when Juno runs into Su-Chin and Su-Chin starts talking about the baby having fingernails, Fingernails!

I babysat for Owen Tuesday and Wednesday and it made me realize a few small things that I can look forward to with you. Like the cuddling, the nap times, playing, bouncing around, and just trying to make you smile and laugh.

Doctor's Visit

This morning I had an appointment with Dr. Ryan to find out about all of my blood work, ultrasound results, etc. Everything came back good. Baby is healthy and growing as it should. We get to hear the heartbeat at the next appointment in September so I am very excited about that!

I would like to thank Baby for being so cooperative in the last couple days. I haven't been feeling as nauseus or sick as last week. I'm hoping it is a sign that the worst is over. My stomach muscles have been pulling a lot lately though and quick movements feel like little muscle pulls. Odd, but still better than staring down the toilet.

Social Butterfly

You will grow up to become a social butterfly. Want to know how I know that? Because I used to be one before nausea and tiredness took over my body. But we got a taste of it again yesterday! We hung out with some great gal pals of mine and they are all so curious about you! I heard many predicitions about you and if you are going to be a girl or a boy and the wonderful things that come with each sex. In about 10 more weeks we get to find out just what you are going to be and it's tough to say who is more excited to find out. Jess's baby shower was great. We sat out on her patio, played a few games, and ate Jess's amazing cooking! It was fun to catch up with some ladies who I haven't seen in a long time, one of them had been nearly two years!

There is a big sale on Friday and Saturday called the Just Between Friends sale that is similar to a consignment store, only held in an expo center. It is going to have all baby and kid stuff. I'm going to go and check it out to see if there is anything I could pick up for a great bargain. I'm a little leary of picking up a lot of stuff since we still don't know about Jon's next project, and we have a good 6 months to accumulate the baby gear.

Fat Pants

Well Baby I have to say you are doing some crazy things to my wardrobe. I know that this temporary fashion crisis is of little concern to you and you don't really care what I'm wearing or what I look like when I step outside. For now I will remain happy and liberated from your "Oh my gosh, I can't believe my mom is wearing that," withering stares. But seriously kid, these pants, while they have come a long way from what my mom used to have to wear, are still not the cutest low-rise bootcuts I've ever seen. Are the pants hideous you ask? Well, not exactly hideous, but more of an embarassment.

Just like when I had to wear a hat or earmuffs to go to school in the winter. So uncool as a kid. But as my mom used to say, "Function over fashion." Clearly her mom also made her wear hats to school in the dead of winter.

The pants are comfortable and as long as I have long shirts you can't really tell the difference. I tried on a couple of shirts while I was there and I was not ready for that yet. One looked adorable on the hanger, but once I put it on I looked like I was at least 5 months prego. Not exactly the look I'm going for. That will come soon enough. It seems the current fashion options are: 1. Look like a house. 2. Show off your rounding belly. I see myself leaning more towards option 2 when the time comes, but hopefully I will have made my peace about growing outwards by then.

Week 10

Baby is nearly an inch and a half long, about the size of a prune....ew. Let's change that fruit to a cherry stem which happens to be the same length. Bones and cartilage, knees and ankles are forming. The elbows on baby's arms are already working. Tiny baby teeth are forming under the gums. Baby's stomach is producing digestive juices, kidneys are producing larger quantities of urine (NO wonder why I am going to the bathroom so much!) and if Baby is a boy, he is starting to produce testosterone.

While Baby is busy inside growing up a little storm, I've been highly productive outside. Well, at least yesterday I was and today is looking promising. I woke up yesterday without the dreaded nausea feelings that have been plaguing me, and not wanting to jinx it or waste it, I high-tailed it out into the real world to run as many of my errands that have been stockpiling as possible. I was even able to meet up with a good friend for lunch (still didn't eat much, 5 year olds seem to be able to pack away more than me yet, and I am not a proud member of the clean plate club). I even had enough energy to visit with some previous co-workers at the paper yesterday as I was paying my advertising bill.

Today I am hoping to get some big stuff done again like painting my sign post, watering the garden, washing the guest room bed sheets, folding my laundry, approving my artwork for advertising, and working on my website. If I still have energy or I just force myself to do it, I am going to try to tackle cleaning the living room and kitchen too. So wish me luck as I try to become Wonder Woman for a second day in a row and seriously get my To-Do List back under control!

A Moody Monday

I woke up on the same side of the bed as any other day, but today seems a little different. It started off ok, but as the morning has progressed I'm feeling agitated. I have nothing to feel agitated about, nor has anyone actually brought it on. I think it is just the emotional roller coaster that has started to take shape in the last week. I cry during commercials or movies for no good reason...the acting never affected me before, why now? And trust me, the acting is rarely that good. And why did the emotional train have to come already? I thought pregnant women didn't become certifiably crazy until their third trimester! It's too early for this!

Or, could it be the hundred different things weighing on my mind? Dates, events, and meetings coming up, holidays and vacations that need some planning attention, How huge am I going to be at these things and do I need new clothes?, Am I going to be sick yet or will I have enough energy so I don't do a face plant in Jello?, Will there be opportunities for nap time or will I need to pull the prego card?, And when is autumn coming? I'm ready to put on the long sleeves and bundle up a bit. The A/C has been working overtime in our house and I feel bad for it. (stupid emotions)

Porcelin Queen

It's been one of those days where I have seen my reflection more in toilet water than windows or mirrors. Oddly, I look about the same. Last night I started to feel yucky and lost my dinner just minutes after sitting down. It's a real bummer because it tasted really good and was quite healthy too. Today has been a continuation of last night in which nothing will stay down.

The doctor reassures me that this is perfectly normal. I don't feel perfectly normal so I felt a sting on my cheek when she said it. I hope this passes soon. I don't like feeling so bad.

Dear Motivation,

Where have you gone? I have a lot to do today, and while surprise, surprise I am accomplishing things on my list, I still don't feel like I've gotten very far. My real estate sign is almost approved for printing, I talked with a potential client who could make a move in a week or a month or months (please not months), I've showered and eaten twice...(yes, I do need motivation or a place to go outside of the house in order to shower before noon) All that leaves is grocery shopping, picking up paint, continuing to work on my website for work, cleaning the house (Moms everywhere would be appalled I'm sure) and some serious laundry.

Motivation, I sincerely hope you return soon. I miss being able to get about a hundred things done before lunch and another two hundred done before dinner. If you see my brain out and about, send that back too. I miss having an organized system for getting things done, remembering simple items like needing milk or the last sentence I just read.

Week 9 & First Ultrasound

We are now into Week 9 and Baby is the size of a medium green olive. Since I don't like olives, I'm changing it to my favorite, the strawberry. Baby is starting to form its muscles allowing him or her to move about. I'm sure there are other amazing things happening, but the book isn't repeating itself, so this is the one big new thing for the week.

The Ultrasound went well enough.

We waited for over a half an hour just to get in (we had an appointment) and then the technician didn't even know why I was there. I told her the doc told me to get an ultrasound so I made the appointment and here I am. I didn't fully know why either but had wishes of hearing the heartbeat or getting to take home a photo so I could remind myself that it is worth it when I'm bent over vomiting.

It was too early in the pregnancy to use the goo on the tummy, so I had a little surprise when we did the ultrasound the other way. Everything checked out ok and Baby is measuring right on track. The technician was making me aggitated about little things here and there and I nearly went off on her the way Brenda did in the movie Juno. Which I later recited in the elevator leaving because I was still a little frustrated. "What? You think you're so special getting to play God up there with picture pages? My four year old daughter could do this job and let me tell you something, she's not the brightest bulb in the tanning bed if you know what I mean." Granted, the context of the two situations were different, but it made me feel better nonetheless.

The weekend

We had a quite the weekend! Friday night JD, Stacey, Owen and Nala came to visit and spent the weekend with us. We watched the Brew Crew and cooked out Friday night. On Saturday we went to Bruegger's Bagels for breakfast and took a nice long walk along the river. We had a picnic lunch at America the Beautiful park and splashed around in the big O fountain. The rest of the day was pretty low key. Sunday we had monkey bread at home before the crew packed up and left. I was very sick yesterday and did nothing but sleep and lay around. It is an awful feeling.

The End of July

Well Baby, it seems we've made it through the hottest part of the summer. We might have one more hot week in August, but the first 10 days of it appear to be in the 70's and 80's. This is incredible news since I don't like super hot weather to begin with, but with you starting to squirm (yet I can't feel it) I really can't handle hot weather. My appetite is non-existent, I feel very slow moving, and the worst kind of ill. I'm told the sick part should start to subside in about another four to five weeks once I get into my second trimester. I hope "they" are right!

Yesterday I came to the realization that it may be time to start shopping for some new pants. My jeans are fitting all wrong. If I leave them in a comfortable place they show off my crack. Completely unacceptable unless I was a plumber, which I am not. They also make my bottom very saggy like I soiled myself which is not okay. If I pull them up so I erase these two problems, my stomach hurts when I sit. I've heard of the rubber band trick and tried it. I don't find this to be a good solution with these pants.

Stacey, Jeremiah, Owen and Nala (adorable yellow lab) are coming to visit for the whole weekend! They will arrive here sometime after work, probably 7-8ish and stay until Sunday. I see myself going shopping with Stacey who just went through these shopping dilemmas not too long ago. It is just too early to break out the yoga pants.

Rainy Day

Waking up to a rainy day rarely happens here in sunny Colorado. So when it does I feel a little nostalgic from home. I generally want to go hang out in a coffee shop and read, or find a good book store and hunker down for a while. Occassionally, I feel like shopping. It is also cooler out, which I personally favor. I like putting on layers of clothes, lounging around in a hoodie or curling up with a comfy blanket. I know it is still the end of July and it sounds like I'm talking nonsense, but I am genuinely excited for fall and winter!

I am going to get some work done today and probably take another online real estate class to stay current. There is talk of hanging out with Jeremiah, Stacey and baby Owen on Saturday. Owen is now 6 months old and it's been a while since we've seen them.

It still amazes me how tired I am and how much sleep I can get. I remember the days at work when everyone is moving at a snails pace because they were tired, didn't sleep well, went to bed late, etc? I wonder if any of them have ever been pregnant?! You learn a whole new level of tiredness.

Sweet Raspberry

We are into Week 8 and you are now the size of a raspberry! This week you are starting to become more human-like and less alien-like. Your lips, nose, eyelids, legs and back are taking shape. You are starting to have spontaneous movements with your limbs, but I can't feel them yet.

I DO feel incredibly nauseous and tired. It has been nearly a week since I have written, so here is what we're doing out in the world.

Grandma Linda came to visit and she is so excited to meet you! I took her to the Breckenridge Brewery for lunch (don't worry, I didn't have any beer...but the food there is great) before heading up to Aspen. We camped for two nights at Difficult Campground. On Friday I took her to Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and we mostly hung out in the regular pool. I did dip my feet into one of the hot pools but it didn't last long. That night we walked the streets of Aspen window shopping and people watching.

The rest of the trip was very relaxing. We attempted to go to Garden of the Gods but the rain showed and cut our trip there short. We were soaked, so we went home to change and tried to go to a baseball game after it seemed the weather had passed. We were at the game for about a half an hour before another storm system came blowing in, only this one lasted most of the daylight hours.

I am trying desperately to get back into the swing of things, but have been feeling so crummy that I don't last very long. I'm trying to strategize for a better approach and finding ways to break up big tasks into very small ones.

You are now a blueberry

Tuesday was the start of week 7 and you are now the size of a blueberry. You are growing quickly!

We have been enjoying Liz's visit. Monday we drove up to Boulder and took the Celestial Seasonings tour. It was very interesting and tasty. We probably spent as much time in the gift shop as we did on the tour. We enjoyed a nice dinner out near the mall and stayed overnight at the Omni Interlocken Resort. Fun!

On Tuesday we woke up to a very overcast, cloudy and misty day. A little unusual for Colorado, but we took advantage of it and went to Caribou Coffee and to the outlet mall! Later we decided to go to Jack Quinn's Running Club...only we walked...and cheated a little. :) The rest of the night was very relaxing and low key.

This morning I made pancakes, eggs and bacon for breakfast and we rented scooters! We scooted around Manitou Springs and Garden of the Gods. We had a blast! Jon and Liz are now off to visit Susan and my mom is flying in tomorrow.

Autie Liz is Coming!

Today Liz is coming to Colorado for a brief visit before her and Jon fly to Idaho on Wednesday to visit with Susan. We are picking her up from the airport and dashing off to Boulder. I am so excited! I LOVE Boulder and Jon picked up a hotel room at the Omni Resort for tonight. I love their pool. We are going to do a tour of the Celestial Seasonings factory and a tea sampling.

Tomorrow, we are going to rent scooters and zip around Garden of the Gods, Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs. I think we are going to pack a lunch so we can picnic along the way.

Weekend

Saturday Jon and I gardened/weeded for a total of 5.5 hours. My garden is starting to look much better again. I sat an open house and felt very tired all day. I miss having energy!

Sunday we were both rather lazy. I was able to make it to the grocery store, and do some light cleaning. I also took a 4 hour nap. :) The rest of the cleaning will have to happen tomorrow morning before we go to pick up Liz.

A rather uneventful weekend, but we have a great week coming up!

You're getting me free food!

Yesterday I was supposed to go for blood work right after my doctor's appointment. I went to a lab where three women couldn't find a good vein, but tried twice unsuccessfully. After have three women stare me down with needles and finding nothing but poking me twice I bounced. I decided to go home, drink a lot of water and try again in the morning.

So this morning I went to a different lab (would you have gone back to the same place??) and waited an hour before a nice man tried to find a vein. He tried where he should've but was unsuccessful as I knew he would be, then went for the most obvious (and painful) vein. The job was finally finished! I hope I don't have to do this very often.

After my second double wamy with the needles, I met up with Jodi, Theresa and April for lunch at the Purple Castle where I was hooked up large by Squidward and Gary. The others had eatten a big breakfast, and I was the only one eatting. I think they felt bad that I had to eat alone so they waved off my $10. It was nice of them since I was feeling queasy all morning and didn't have a huge appetitie anyway. We also stopped by D-n-D Ranch Aromas to visit Michelle and take part in her ribbon cutting ceremony. I absolutely love her candles and her amazing personality.

Aside from my morning, my afternoon was fairly uneventful and I was able to get some work done. I must admit that it has been very difficult to concentrate this week on work between family visits, upcoming family visits, the big news and figuring out how to make everything work.

Doctor Day!

This morning we had our first prenatal doctor's visit with Dr. Diane Ryan. I am already a big fan of hers. She was recommended to me by Kelley who recently gave birth to a boy. Everything was looking good and we got a lot of good information. I am scheduled to go back in two weeks for my ultrasound when we can listen to the baby's heart beat. I am very excited for that.

You're sweet face

Baby, you're face is starting to develop this week. You are no bigger than the head of a nail. (.08-.2 inches) Tomorrow is our big appointment with Dr. Ryan. I have been feeling queasy all day long now for two days. It is especially bad after I start to eat something. We have so many questions for the doctor, and a lot of reading to do.

Yesterday we went to the top of Pikes Peak by the Cog Rail and took an adventurous hike to Dorothy Falls and the punch bowls at Glen Eyrie. It was a very tough day for me, but I was determined to keep a positive attitude for those around me. Later we came back to our house for a delicious lasagna, fresh salad from my garden and garlic bread. I wished I could've had a pint of Jon's homebrew or a glass of red wine.

I can't wait to tell everyone the good news! We are trying to wait until after the appointment tomorrow, and when we can each tell our moms in person next week.

Tough Secret

Baby, you are one tough secret to keep! Jon and I are getting more excited each day. I made my first ob/gyn appointment for Thursday morning. I'm not sure what to expect at this appointment. I have a lot of questions about what I can or cannot do, healthy eatting habits, etc.

We visited Garden of the Gods yesterday and went rock climbing in Red Rock Canyon. I even went...whether I should've or not, we still aren't sure on those rules. Jon took down the rope in a very heavy rain storm while I belayed. We were soaked to the bone!

Later we met up at the Schroeder's hotel and had dinner. It was a beautiful evening so we sat outside and chatted.

You are tiny, but already loved

Week 5. Baby is the size of an orange seed.

Yesterday the Waukesha Schroeders arrived. We walked down the hill to the park where they had a picnic lunch before playing the Bear Creek and helping me weed my garden. I felt awful about them pulling weeds on their vacation, but appreciated the help so much! After they settled in at their hotel, they came back to our place and we had a great roast for dinner. Later, we went for a drive through Garden of the Gods...a fly-by you might say, before hitting the Old Colorado City Creamery for some Blue Moon ice cream.

I've been feeling a little queasy, but it comes and goes. It has been very hot outside so I am trying to stay hydrated and my appetite is low. I feel like I'm moving slower too. My muscles seem more sore with moderate exercise and after telling Jon this we've decided to continue with running club on Tuesday nights and a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise each day. I think this will be a healthy approach to the pregnancy both for myself and baby.

We have our first appointment with Dr. Diane Ryan on Thursday. She is affiliated with a fantastic hospital and came recommended by the Schulers.

I still can't believe I am saying the word, "baby" in relation to myself. We are getting more excited and can't wait to share the news!

Oh Baby

What a surprise you are! We were celebrating many good things through June and early July. I decided to go full time in real estate and leave my job at the newspaper, we celebrated four happy years of marriage, Daddy's barracks project is coming to an end and family is arriving today.

In all of this chaos though, nothing could have prepared me for this daunting thought...and it took a Target run to prove it to me; I'm pregnant.

Since "they" say you shouldn't talk about it much in the first couple of months because of a possibility of miscarriage or complications, I have decided to blog about it. I won't share the address until it is ok to talk about it freely. So for now...you are our secret.