November

Here's a quick flash of November. I can't believe I've let a whole month slip by without a post.

November 4th we flew to Appleton, WI for Carl & Nikki's wedding. I was a bridesmaid and Anna had her first fancy dress. Friday the 5th Jon took Anna to see his grandparents in Sun Prarie. He said she did well. I stayed behind for the bridesmaid duties. That night was the rehearsal and my cousin Allison babysat for Anna. Saturday was the wedding. A beautiful if not cold day. Nikki looked amazing and Carl cleaned up pretty well too. We flew back on Sunday. That next week things took a big turn. A business opportunity landed in my lap and I've been running with it ever since.

In late August I may have mentioned that I was starting to write blog posts for an agent I was working with in my office. She has been so pleased that she told others in the office of my skills. Then it came time to sell my website. It sold for a nice price, and that agent has been very pleased. He told others. Since then I have created two additional websites, I maintain two blogs, I maintain 4 websites, and I have orders for more blog posts, enewsletters, restaurant birthday clubs, and a yoga website. All coming out in a matter of weeks. It has been very busy and profitable. I am really enjoying it, and I still manage to find time to spend with Anna. I will admit our house isn't very clean these days, but I am really working on trying to find a better balance with those duties as well. I really need to find a babysitter during the weekdays to help me out occassionally. It's tough to trust perfect strangers.

Anna's first Thanksgiving was great. We trotted in the Turkey Trot in the morning, met up with the Schulers for coffee afterwards, and had a quiet and relaxing four days together. I felt like I was able to just catch-up, not really get ahead, but I enjoyed the family time.

Now we are into high holiday season. My parents are flying out in two days to spend the weekend with us and to watch Anna as Jon and I go to the HP Christmas party in Loveland. The following weekend we will be with friends at their holiday party then it is a mad dash for three days as we prepare to go on the trip we've been anticipating for over a year.

Anna will walk with us if we hold her hand. She hasn't figured out how to sit up on her own or to stand up on her own. We have a doctor's appointment on the 21st where I am hoping to get some answers if she hasn't figured out at least one of those by then.

A Catch-Up

We are starting to get invitations to holiday parties, and our weekends are quickly filling up. This weekend we are going to the last farmer's market of the season here, then to the Emma Crawford Casket Races in Manitou. Later on Saturday, your Dad and I are going to have our first date night since June 25th. You are going to hang out with Ed & Libba-our neighbors, while we go out to dinner and to an Avalanche game. I'm excited for a night out.

While our social calendar is starting to heat up, the temperatures outside have crept down to the 40's by day, and the 20's by night. This weekend looks promising with low 70's.

Uncle Carl and Nikki's wedding is next weekend. I can't believe it is nearly here already. The month of November is going to be a very busy one for your Dad. We will be in Appleton from teh 4th-7th, on the 16th he leaves for Chicago and will be there until the 19th. The following week is Thanksgiving. We have one weekend in November and one weekend in December open. I would like to host our own little holiday party early in December, but to take away one free weekend in a very busy month is questionable.

As I look at our calendar and the colder weather coming in (snow in Aspen 1 foot of snow yesterday!) is getting me very excited to be up in the mountains for Christmas this year. I am starting to think about meals and activities. It isn't quite Halloween yet, but as of Monday, I will probably be in full holiday mode.

Bump in the Night

It's creepy, it's spooky, it's Halloween time! On Saturday we are going to our friends Matt & Kelley Schuler's house for a Halloween party. We are going as a family of garden gnomes. Is it the cutest costume idea ever? Probably not. In fact, I stole the idea from a 3 year old we saw last year while handing out candy at JD & Stacey's house. BUT, this is the family version, and I am making most of the costumes.

Anna is teething like crazy lately and a bit crabby for two-three days at a time, then seems happy for a few days before turning into a mini-monster again. Poor kid. I feel so bad for her, but I hope that first tooth starts to show itself soon. I can feel it if Anna lets me.

Anna has also been crying in her sleep. This is an incredibly creepy and eerie thing to watch. It started three nights ago, but when I think back I think it was happening back in WI too. At first I thought it was just her teeth bothering her. Now as I've witnessed it, she will be sleeping fine for a couple of hours. Then she will start to pout or whimper, if I let it go long enough or if something happens in her sleep, it will quickly turn into a full out scream. Two nights ago it was a full out scream and when I picked her up (later found out a HUGE NO NO) she was thrashing in my arms and I had to lay her back down so I wouldn't drop her. These apparently are called night terrors. Babies start to feel seperation anxiety and stranger danger, and have bad dreams about a vision that mommy or dadddy are leaving them. When I look in on her, Anna's eyes are shut but she seems very awake. I thought this was odd, but interesting. Now during the day, if I set Anna down to play and get up and walk away she starts to cry out. Apparently, this is a very real thing, and she doesn't like to be left alone.

I've learned the only way to deal with this is to start to go out once or twice a week for a little while and let her hang out with Jon or a babysitter. I'm hoping to actually implement this next week. We go to the Y 4 times a week with 3 of those days she goes to the child watch area. She doesn't seem to cry when I drop her off, but she does look around frantically. The other day we go swimming. She loves the warm water in the pool.

Late 6mo check-up progress

Since our trip started earlier than planned, we missed your 6 month checkup and went the day after we returned to Colorado.

You are 16 lbs 14.5 oz., 27.75" tall, up from 23.5" the last time we were in Wisconsin. The doctor says you are a tall slender baby like her parents.

You received four vaccines, one oral, and three in your legs. You were very tired and crabby all day, but I don't blame you. I wouldn't have been very cordial either.

Anna, you seem disoriented since we returned. It has felt like we brought you home from the hospital all over again. The first night home was spent with several wakings, and few smiles. You look around like you aren't quite sure about this place, or about your dad. Luckily the second night you seemed to recognize him. This morning you are full of smiles again and seem to remember your play area.

September Blog - A Long Read

At David's enjoying the beautiful fall day.

September we had two weeks here in Colorado, then you and I went to Wisconsin. The original plan was to fly out on the 22nd, but on the 13th Grandma Sanderfoot called me to let me know that my Grandma Mackowiak wasn't doing well, and that she was fadding fast. A few years ago when I received a similar call from my mom encouraging me to call my grandpa because I made excuses not to go back. It's a regret I have to live with, but I knew the next time I got a call like that, I would go. After much frustration with United Airlines (a true love-hate relationship), we were on the next flight out at 6am on the 14th. We arrived in Green Bay around 11, and were at Great-Grandma's bedside that afternoon. It was a shocking difference between your bright lively smile and her dull dying gray face. You cheered up everyone in that room, and the nursing home. The next morning she passed and we went back to meet up with the family. It was a very cold and rainy day, perfectly matching our somber moods. We hung out at the farm cooking and baking for everyone else while they prepared the funeral arrangements. The rest of the week was sad, but finally came to its conclusion on Saturday with the funeral, church services, and the burial. Afterwards we went to Great-Uncle David's and spent the afternoon taking in the beautiful fall sunny weather and enjoying each other's company.

A Five Generation photo. Alice (Great-Grandma), Leone (Great-Great Grandma), Theresa (Mom), Anna (5th generation), Don (Grandpa).The next week was spent at Grandma and Grandpa's house playing, and settling in for our extended stay. Some days we were working on wedding stuff, other days just running errands. On the 25th, you went to stay the night at Great Aunt Jo's and from the sounds of it you had a great time. Grandma and I went to Aunt Nikki's bachelorette party. The next day, we went to your Great-Great Grandma's 100th Birthday! She is an amazing woman, and it was really nice to spend time with the Sanderfoot family.

Tuesday the 28th was your Uncle Carl's birthday and we all went to the Stone Cellar Pub for dinner. That is where their rehearsal dinner will be, so we went to sample different meals so they could choose what to have. A jam band was playing when we were there and Grandpa and you checked them out and danced a bit. You had your first french fries there.

Wednesday we drove down to Madison and visited with your Great-Grandma and Grandpa Schroeder. For lunch we met up with Heidi and walked around the capital before heading back to Grandma and Grandpa's house. That night Carl came over to hang out and we watch Iron Man 2. A decent flick, but a lot of loose ends and possibilities for a trilogy.

Saturday, October 2nd was Nikki's bridal shower. It was a beautiful shower held at the deli. You stayed with Grandpa and had a fun day with him.

Sunday we took a girl road trip with you, me and grandma up to Eagle River. It just happened to be Cranberry Fest. We walked around the crafts but only left with craisins, kettle korn, and maple walnut fudge. :) Yum. You had some of the craisins added to your applesauce. You seemed to really like it.

Tuesday the 5th we flew back to Colorado. Your Daddy really, really missed us and was happy to have us back home. What started out as a two week vacation to spend quality time with family without the rush, and to attend a bridal shower, turned into a three week vacation with quality family time seeing more people than originally expected, and lots of love. You helped so many people during a tough time, and reminded people to smile.

Oops! Catch-up!

August 27th was your Dad's birthday. He turned 29 (the first time), and we celebrated by going to Glenwood Springs. We rented the suite of the house we are going to stay at over Christmas and New Years. It was amazing. We spent some time at the Glenwood Hot Springs which you LOVED.
Your feet are kicking! You seem to enjoy swimming.
The next weekend was Labor Day weekend. Most of the weekend your Dad was working on his new brewing stand called Brutus. He brewed his first batch on Monday night. I hope it tastes good!

Other than that, I continue to learn about our food system and to find good recipes that are healthy, satisfying, and most of all tasty!

A Special Note to Anna

I loved you the minute I knew I was pregnant. I loved you the minute you were born. Then I saw your face and fell in love some more. You were only a minute old but I knew I would die for you, to this day I still would. When you choose to have a child you make a conscious decision to allow your heart to walk around outside your body.

You are so adorable, that every day I fall in love a little more. Your little giggles, your little squeals, the way you put your hands up by your ears when you eat from a bottle, or smear food in your hair, the way you wiggle and smile when I see you in the morning, and stick your banana goober hands in your mouth then smear them around on my face. I love you Anna.

The Big News & Funny Quirks

Here's the Big News: I am icing my license until further notice. That's right. I am going to be a full time SAHM Stay At Home Mom, and will be working on marketing and media freelance projects in between.

Big News #2, you slept through your first night last night. You slept from 7:30pm-6am, woke up, I changed your diaper, and you wanted to sleep some more! So we layed down until 7:45am. I can't believe it! I am sure I have just jinxed myself and this phenomenon won't happen again for another month or so, but I loved it.

Anna, you have many funny quirks these days that can only be explained as a personality. Here is a list of them:
1. When I change you now, you grab my wrist with your feet, making it almost impossible to finish my job.
2. You don't like carrots, but I'm not giving up, I'm getting sneaky.
3. When I lay a light blanket on top of you, you wiggle and smile the biggest smile. The excitement is so funny to watch.
4. Every morning when I go in for you, you are laying there and as soon as you see me, you wiggle and smile. So funny and cute.
5. You love to stand if your Dad or I hold your arms, or support your trunk. Ironically, you do not like to sit much.
6. You are still not a big fan of lying on your tummy, but you are getting better at rolling over.
7. You love bananas, watermelon, peaches (only if you can suck on one. You don't like them pureed), apples, and sweet potatoes. Squash is kind of take it or leave it.

Lots of Changes

This week we are experiencing a lot of changes. Last Saturday we started to "Ferberize" you. It is better known as sleep training by Dr. Ferber, but essentially we are weaning you off of your nighttime feeding in hopes of you finally sleeping through the night. I have experienced success and epic failures this week in trying this, but I remain persistent as I want US to sleep. Some nights it finally seems like we are making progress, then others...not so much.

The second big change happened yesterfay. We are set up to do cloth diapers until you start to use the toilet. For a mere $200 you are officially off the [diaper] grid. It seems every week your Dad and I are trying to find more ways to be economical but more importantly more environmentally sound in our decision making. We are still trying to find an effective way to recycle (BASIC!) in Colorado Springs as it is not handled through the city but through private businesses, as all trash pick up is.

The third big change has yet to be made official, but it's monumental for me. Since I haven't notified those I need to yet, I will not post the big news here today, but soon. If you are on the edge of your seat, feel free to email me. :)

July is almost over, and this weekend we will be with JD, Stacey and Owen swimming in their pool and welcoming August with a probable rainy day.

Summertime Firsts

Anna, you generally like thunderstorms. I like this about you. I am a big fan of them and love cuddling with you during them. Today you held your bottle all by yourself. It was amazing to watch you feed yourself. You've played with the bottle for a week or so now and holding it for a few seconds, but today was nearly the entire bottle.

Yesterday we restarted you on whole foods. We had blueberries and bananas, which you seemed to enjoy. It was the first time I was able to feed you with a spoon without a fuss! No crying, no screaming, no spitting it all over the place. It was so enjoyable! I was instructed by your doctor to feed you solids three times a day now. I am enjoying making your food for you, that I am even thinking of doing it as a side business, though as I look into it, seems a little cost prohibitive at this exact moment.

You are so close to rolling over too, I can't wait to watch you do it over and over again. Ah, soon enough.

Yesterday was your 4 month check-up and you are slightly above average in height and head circumference (but proportionally so), and average weight. You are a tall skinny thing. Aside from feeding you fresh foods, you are developing at or above average in abilities. Of course, that made me happy to hear. I am hoping we can continue this trend as I've recently learned that parenthood can be a full-contact sport. While I refuse to be one of those parents who pushes their kids into unhappiness, I will push you to achieve to the best of YOUR ability.

WIMN Part Three

We arrived at the cottage and decided to stay in the brown cottage. Aside from being possibly haunted to just being a little old and someone playing a practical joke (jury is still out for me) it hadn't been used in a few years. Susan, Liz and I gave it some elbow grease and cleaned it up so Jon and I could sleep in it with Anna. It had a great view of the lake from the bed and was such a sight every morning. Friday night we gathered up Great-Grandpa & Great-Grandma Schroeder, Grandma Watkins, Aunt Liz, Great-Great Aunt Eunice & Great-Great Uncle Virgil for a fish fry at the Waupaca Country Club. It was very tasty.

Saturday most everyone else arrived late Friday or mid-day Saturday. I found myself floating in the lake for most of the day with a sunburn to prove it. It was very relaxing and it finally felt like I had it the vacation sweet spot. (Only took me a week to get there!) We went and watched a waterski show that night and the success rate was about 50/50, but the ones that did do it were neat.

Sunday was a cloudy day, thankfully, and we were able to spend some really nice quality family time together in the morning and into the early afternoon. Some people seemed upset, but the family time was so great. I sat down with Mary (Great-Grandma) and learned about the history of the property around the lake. It was fascinating and made me more intrigued about scooping up a piece of property for our family to enjoy year-round. I guess we'll see about that though. Rain came in around 7:30, but that didn't stop the fireworks. I stayed behind with Anna because it was going to be way too loud for her little ears. Jon went ahead and took some people in our car. I'm told Issac and Jake were crawling back and forth between the back seat and the trunk. It sounded like fun, but I had a nice time reading a book and listening to the rain.

Monday we left the cottage around 10am to make our trip back to Colorado. This was the end of the vacation and it was a very long travel day. We were home around 10:30pm.

WIMN Part Two

Great-Great-Grandma, Dad, Anna and myself



Jon picked up the rental car Monday morning and we drove to Wisconsin. My parents were very excited to see us and Grandma scooped Anna up right away.

Grandpa & Anna looking at Cloverleaf Lake.

Tuesday the five of us drove around to see Great-Great-Grandma, Great-Grandpa Sanderfoot, then Great-Grandma Sanderfoot. We stopped for lunch at Great-Uncle David's restaurant/bar and continued the visiting tour to see Great-Grandma Mackowiak. That night Dad, Jon, myself, Carl & Nikki went to a Timber Rattlers game while Mom stayed home and had Anna all to herself. Anna went down a bit early that night so Mom found herself with some free time.

Wednesday Jon, Mom, Anna and I went to Green Bay and found Mom a dress for Carl's wedding. We grilled out some yummy kabobs for dinner and Mom, Anna and I went to Sarah's salon so I could treat myself to a good haircut. Much needed, and glad I had Mom there to watch Anna since she wasn't having a good time to say the least.

Thursday Mom had to go to work, but Dad and I mostly worked to set up for the party in between taking turns with Anna while Jon took some personal time and got a coffee. That night we had all kinds of folks over anxious to meet Anna. The food was great (Thank you Carl!) and it was so nice to see so many family that I haven't seen in so long. I'm already looking forward to Carl & Nikki's wedding so I can see everyone again.

Friday morning we left and here is where part three begins.

Summer Trip 2010 part 1

Part one of our WIMN trip started in Minneapolis visiting Ben and Linnea. We flew in Friday, June 25th in the morning and had quite an adventure. After landing, we rode the light rail to downtown. We went to Target to get Anna's supplies and while there she had a big mess that Jon had to deal with. She destroyed her outfit and since I had her spare clothes, Jon just put a new diaper (her last one until I made my purchase) on then threw a blanket over her. She streaked Target and Nicollet Mall. We checked into the Hyatt which left a little to be desired, but the location was good.

That day we walked Nicollet Mall, had lunch at Brit's Pub, met up with Ben, and walked over to the new Target Field-Twins Stadium. That night he and Linnea watched Anna for us while we went out to dinner at the Oceanaire to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. It was a great meal and a great time to spend with Jon alone. We went to the Foshay Tower for drinks at Prohibition and had the beginning of a mid-life crisis. I learned I was becoming too old to enjoy certain things.

Saturday we hung out at Ben and Linnea's while Ben whipped up a tasty quiche. Later that day as the humidity was rising, we went to Ian and Hannah's house for a cookout along with Phil and Cecillia. It was a great time! The games, food and company were amazing.

Sunday we went for a walk around a lake, grabbed some food afterwards, took a nap then met up for dinner out with Hannah and a walk across the Stone Bridge. We ended up in the Amber Room (pictured above) inside the theater.

Jon picked up the rental car the next morning and we headed to Wisconsin which is where part two begins.

Father's Day

For Jon's first Father's Day we went to his favorite breakfast spot, Bruegger's Bagels. It was a very hot day that day and quickly grew hot in the morning. We did not do much in terms of being out and about in part of the heat and in part of an upcoming trip to MN & WI. We grilled out for dinner and just enjoyed each other's company. Anna gave Jon a card, a picture frame with their photo in it and a gift card to a local homebrew shop.

The Stevens Family Visit

Ben & Linnea at Garden of the Gods during a small break from the rain.


Photo of Popsie with Anna and Dennis in the background looking on.

Ben, Linnea, Patrick and Dennis were here from Friday, June 11th through the 14th. Dennis and Patrick left in the morning to start their way back to Houston. Popsie was having some difficulties at this elevation and the cold, wet weather.

Saturday B,L,J,A and I went to Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs. Later that day Dennis joined us and we headed downtown for a latte walk.

Sunday we hiked around by the garden and the peace garden in Bear Creek Park. That evening the whole group went out to Front Range BBQ for some bluegrass and BBQ.

Ben, Linnea, Jon, Anna and myself went to Boulder Monday morning hoping to do a tour at Celestial Seasonings (couldn't because Anna was too young/loud factory), but walked around Pearl Street and had a tasty lunch at the Rio Grande. Later we went to the Denver REI and sat out on the patio to enjoy the one sunny day of their trip. After that we parted ways as they headed to the airport and us back home to start pulling ourselves back together to start our week.

This Weekend

Last night Dennis and Patrick Stevens arrived from Houston. Dennis (Grandpa Stevens) drove from Elkhart, Indiana to Houston to pick up Patrick (Popsie-Great Grandpa Stevens) before heading West to Colorado Springs. They drove in an RV and Dennis will be staying at an RV park not far from where we live. Popsie will be joining us here. Uncle Ben & Aunt Linnea are flying in tonight into Denver and will drive down and stay at a nearby hotel. We will all unite over breakfast tomorrow.

We don't have any plans really, but have kept it open so if someone really wants to see something in particular, we can accomodate. The weather is looking gross, but maybe we will get lucky and it won't be too bad. Jon and I have talked about taking the group up into the mountains, or at the very least Garden of the Gods.

Anna has started to slide and wiggle on her back and can roll over half way. She gets stuck on her side and then gets upset. It is pretty comical watching her little legs stuck up in the air because her butt is too big and won't help her over the rest of the way. She'll figure it out in another week or two I'm sure. When she does her tummy time her little legs are stuck in the air and she looks like she is doing the Wonder Woman move flying through the air with her arms out and legs out. She also looks like a beached whale. She doesn't like tummy time very much so I have to make sure she starts off in a good mood before turning her over. If you start her when she is upset it is a lost cause.

Her cereal feedings still feel like bloody murder, or at least sound like it. She doesn't much care for it, but towards the end of each feeding seems to either give in or get it. I'm not sure which yet. I really hope the screaming will stop soon though so I can learn to enjoy her feeding times again.

A Perfect Sunday Afternoon

While sitting around yesterday morning we were wondering what to do with ourselves. It was a beautiful sunny day with a nice breeze. I suggested a picnic lunch at the park across the street and Jon and I brought books to read while Anna snoozed. We found a great shady area to lay the blanket down and was definitely one of the most relaxing times the three of us have spent together.

It was so nice I can't wait to do it again!

Oopsy...the long catch-up

So being a mom means filling your days with a lot of "stuff" and I've been meaning to write, but it's like making a wish in one hand and you know the rest of that saying.

In a fast-forward clip-like fashion here we go:
Called to list house. Yay!
Trying to find the right time to meet with client and not bring baby with
Decide I don't care.
Pull comps.
Jon comes home early.
Meet clients.
Find out half of the job is to show up.
Found out the other half is to have an awesome sticker on the back of your car.
Got the listing.
Mommy is happy.
Baby doesn't show same enthusiasm.
Marketing gets done between feedings, burps and gooey diapers.
Get a call from old co-worker about another co-worker looking for an agent.
Call is made.
Appointment is set.
Starting to wonder about balancing Mommyhood and Real Estate
Go full steam ahead.
Appointment is cancelled.
Appointment is rescheduled.
Apointment is cancelled.
Wondering if I will ever get a contract.
Appointment is rescheduled.
Yay! Another contract.
Go to high school graduation party.
Jon brewed 10 gallons of beer.
Watched the hs girls and thought of easier times.
Beer is gone in 2.5 hours.
I am a nice shade of red.
Order another sign.
Wrong sign gets made.
Get an email from Texas.
They want to buy a house.
Perfect. I know of a lot of houses.
She wants to meet the morning of my next listing.
Oh boy... or girl?
I wonder why it's always oh boy!
Really consider calling a babysitter.
Spent most of the night tossing and turning over it.
Decide it's too last minute, we have to go in an hour.
3 hours later and another light sunburn.
Yay! Another contract.
Pick up the right sign.
Not amused about lugging growing baby around for these errands.
Marketing is done.
Hoping to sell these houses quickly.
Crying baby in the back of the car.
Get pulled over.
Get out of the ticket because cop was at graduation party and liked the beer.
Whew.
Down to the garden.
Things are growing.
Pack for a staycation in Boulder.
First time away with the baby.
Wake up early with baby.
Drive to Boulder.
Farmer's market is cool, but we don't have a cooler.
No fresh produce for us.
Cool street festival.
Lunch out with friends.
Their kid likes to throw food.
I laugh.
I also wonder why I'm not horrified.
Check in at hotel.
Wonder about bed bugs or cooties in the baby play yard
Decide I'm too exhausted to care.
Sorry baby.
Dinner out.
Massive hail storm in.
No damage to car.
Whew.
Check out.
Breakfast at nice spot.
Crying baby killing the mood.
Momma gets new running shoes.
Change into Hawaiian attire.
Wedding at Garden of the Gods.
Beautiful.
F-ing hot.
Another light shade of red.
Feel bad for my own skin.
Stop at Sonic.
Reception at someone's house.
Great BBQ.
Memorialized by spending time in my garden.
Hoping I've reversed the killing curse.
Hang out with baby.
Run.
Remembered it's now Tuesday and running club that night.
Not going to run twice in one day.
Clean.
Wondered when the last time we vacuumed was.
Couldn't come up with a date...or a month.
Cousin Ben comes to town.
Hang out in the morning, lunch out in the afternoon.
Meet with Kelley.
Drop Anna off.
Yay! Adult time.
Feels so good I don't want to go home.
Pick up Anna anyways.
Run at 6 am.
Anna is crying every time I stop to walk.
Not amused, but she's a good coach.
Go to the garden.
Jon takes Anna.
They have a date out at Babies R Us and the park.
Go to a cookout.
It rained.
Baby was good for the most part.
She makes friends everywhere she goes.
Have no plans for today so who knows.

Mother's Day & More

My first Mother's Day was amazing. May 9th, 2010 was way better than my birthday. Jon made me breakfast while I hung out with Anna. After breakfast I took a shower (and took my time taking that shower), and when I got out they were gone. So I did a little work on the computer and when they came home, on top of Anna and her carrier was a bouquet of flowers. I pulled them off and started to take her out of her seat when I saw a card in her hand that said Mom on it. (Pictured above) It was so cute how she was holding it. Jon brewed that morning, and while he was busy in the kitchen I took Anna down to the garden with me to plant some carrots and spread some of the brewing leftovers around on the ground. The three of us went out to Jose Muldoon's for lunch and enjoyed the 70-some sunny degree weather on the back patio. After lunch we went shopping at the outlet malls and I got a few new clothes. Much needed, and am glad we went. For dinner that night we had potato salad and grilled chicken.

This week has been more manageable with only one small medical scare that turned out to be nothing. (Too gross to mention here, but I'm ok). I having a listing contract-signing meeting on Friday night and am excited for the added business. Saturday we have a wedding and Sunday I hope to have as a day of rest for all of us before another busy week.

Catching Up

Last week went a lot better for me mood-wise, and I found myself with a few new balls to try to juggle. My business has started to blossom, and while this is exciting, I'm trying to balance professionalism with mommyhood. I will no doubt overcome this obstacle, and am grateful to have Jon to help me when I need it.

I chatted with a friend from Wisconsin last week as well about pre-schools. Her daughter is 3 and about to go to pre-school in the fall. That is, if she can find one that will accept her daughter. It turns out that April is the main month most pre-schools do pre-screening for the fall enrollment. She completely missed the boat, and I wondered how far in advance should a parent be getting their child(ren) ready for a half-day of school? So I called a pre-school within our school district, and it just so happens that we live in one of the top three rated school districts in the state. I was excited to hear this, and as I was speaking to the admissions director, she informed me that it wasn't too soon to get Anna's name on the list as there were 6 other students for her school year already listed. A few of those children's names have not yet been born. I thought this was crazy when the woman asked me if Anna was born, but then realized why she was asking. Suddenly I find myself researching schools, teaching philosophies, districts, funding, teacher longevity/turnover and so much more!

Becoming Invisible

When a woman is pregnant people say, "She has the glow." There is a strange aura about a pregnant woman. I believe it is the light shinning on her for the last time. It is the last time that people will see her as an individual, and the last time they will notice her.

Shortly after birth the attention is given all to the baby. Sometimes, and I've noticed mostly from other moms, the new mom is asked about how she is doing as though she is still an individual, still a living being and not just a baby-carrier. After a couple of weeks though, this changes too. Phone calls from parents aren't for their children, but their grandchildren. "Wellness checks" to make sure the baby is still alive and doing well. Occassionally, I am asked how I am doing, though for the most part I just tell them that I am fine without being asked. And "fine" usually means there are highs and lows but since you didn't ask, I won't depress you with some of the tougher tribulations.

Maybe this is part of the post-partum sadness and changes that new parents go through. Ironically, my husband has contributed to the group who asks only about Anna. Am I jealous? It sure sounds like it doesn't it!? Truth is, no. I'm glad so many people are interested in knowing how she is doing. I just wish that I wasn't invisible, and that I was asked once in awhile how I am doing too. Some days I am great, loving being a mom and feeling good. Other days I am tired, exhausted and want Anna to stop fussing, or to at least be able to read her mind. Those powers didn't come to me in the delivery room. But, you didn't ask.

So to those of you new mommies, I hope you are well, feeling good or at least hanging in there, and finding creative ways to feel like your old self or incorporating your new member of the family into your old activities without too much brain power or over planning. I hope you are taking care of yourself, showering, eating right and exercising. (Yes, I really wrote showering because that has become a luxury.)

I realize that nothing will ever be the same, but my wish for you is that it is even better than before.

Yucky weather

Since the last entry we have had yucky weather. Mostly windy, a bit of rain and even snow yesterday! On the 19th we had your first month check-up with the doctor. It went pretty well. You are great on all of the growth charts, and I learned that your days and nights were turned around. I was advised to give you a "wake-up bath" every time you fell into a deep sleep during the day. I felt like I was water boarding you. Poor thing.

We've had a few visitors since the last writing. It has been nice to see friends again.

My 28th birthday was yesterday and on the 24th your dad took me out to a great dinner at MacKenzie's Chop House, and we dropped you off with Miss Julia. It was our first time paying for a babysitter and brought back childhood memories of our parents going out on date nights. We've come full circle.

I am looking forward to my 6-week check-up with Dr. Ryan. I'm hoping everything is healing up down there and that soon I can go back to working out because I've been feeling pretty fat.

In other news, I was supposed to get my garden key last Saturday but because of bad weather the meetign was post-poned until May 1st. The forecast doesn't look too good, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the old lady who is the president of the gardening club will just hold the meeting anyways. We meet indoors so I'm still confused why weather plays a roll at all.

Photo of the week. Anna hanging out in our bed while I take a shower and daddy makes some coffee. I walked out of the bathroom to find her like this.

The First Month

Can you believe we've been kickin' it out in the real world for a whole month?! I can't. Your Dad was saying yesterday that it felt longer. I feel like it has only be a couple of weeks tops. I guess that's what sleep deprivation will do to you.

Our first month has been marked with many visitors and helping hands. We have appreciated the visits as much as the assistance. We are falling into a routine of sorts, but some days or shall I say nights, have room for improvement. That's ok, we'll get there.

I find myself with conflicting emotions about your first month. I'm happy to say we have all survived it, and WOO-HOO to you being healthy. Though, I am a little sad too because you are growing and changing so much every day. I'm afraid that if I blink I will miss something great. I love you more and more every day Anna girl.

Photo of the Week:
Anna's first pair of sunglasses. Far cooler than the ones we had as kids, 100% protection.

Your nicknames

Anna,

We have called you many things already and I hope you won't grow up to have an identity crisis over it. Here is a list of what we've fondly called you:

Sprout
Anna
Anna Bannana
Anna Girl
Miss A
Booger
Our Turd Bomb
Yellow Devil Child
Peanut
Cupcake
Pumpkin
Squeeky
Squeeks


Love,
Your Mom & Dad

Topsy Turvy

It is the end of our third week already, and it has been quite the week.

Last weekend was very windy so we ran a few errands, but otherwise stayed indoors. By Tuesday I was going a little stir crazy and decided to go to the breastfeeding support group through the hospital. I really wanted to find out what else I could do to make more milk. A harsh reality fell upon me that nothing else in the medical field could help me bring in or make more milk. With this news from the lactation consultants, I went over to my OB's office where I was told the same thing and was also told to stop taking the Reglan as it is a depressant and they don't want new moms on it for more than two weeks. Now I really was depressed, and feeling a whole new mix of emotions. I felt defeated, disappointed, and a general sense of loss and a lack of connectivity to Anna. I still get a little sad over that last part. I try to remind myself that there are many more ways we will be able to connect as she grows.

Susan arrived on Wednesday as did my first listing. Both were exciting and we all went out to Jose Muldoon's for dinner to celebrate. Thursday was very busy trying to get my work done (the first real day of work it seems) and I was grateful to have an extra set of hands at home. I felt guilty about how good it felt to get out of the house and take care of things, but didn't feel guilty about leaving Anna behind. Strange. Later that afternoon I went on my first walk/hike in long time and we were out for a little over an hour. It felt good and I'm looking forward to getting out more as the weather gets nicer. Jon took Friday off and we went to Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, and the new Costco. It was so gorgeous outside we grilled out steaks for dinner. Saturday was another busy but fun day of hiking out at Red Rock Canyon.
On Friday and Saturday the weather was great and we picniced our lunches both days. (picture was taken at Garden of the Gods, Scotsman Picnic Area)

Anna, you have been getting into a bad habit of being a fussy-butt at night and a princess during the day. I would ideally like you to be a princess around the clock. That's my vote. Your dad and I have been debating about getting a co-sleeper aka "The bread box", but we have made no moves toward the door to actually buy it. It is a little box that we would put in between us in our bed. You lay in it and you are right there. The pros: You would be right there when you start to fuss, and we wouldn't have to get out of bed to fetch you. The cons: You would be in our bed. You would be blocking us from "talking". You may think our bed is your bed and we will never get you out of it. I would literally be around you 24-7 WHICH don't get me wrong, I love you, but I also need grown-up time and just me time. I wouldn't be able to be a good mommy to you without it.

Photo of the week:
Wisconsin Badger "Jump Around" onesie. The Story: During the 3rd quarter at the Badger games, the song Jump Around by House of Pain is played. The entire student section jumps around. Years ago, it was determined by some engineers that the critcal frequency was at its height during the jumping around. This is a potentially dangerous thing as the structure of the stadium could falter. Nonetheless, the student governing board passed a resolution to allow this to continue after the administration had banned it at one game. Speaking of Badger gear...you received a new Badger onesie from Aunt Linnea and Uncle Ben. It is super cute!

Grandma & Grandpa Sanderfoot's Visit

It's funny what a tiny new person will do to adults. Adults suddenly start talking softer, cuter, non-sensical at times and are pleased with a tiny smile or grin...even if it is gas related. Adults will make cross-country trips, cry at the first sight, or last (at least for the end of a trip). A baby can make its parents question everything they thought before, render them speechless, make them cry and make them laugh; sometimes within minutes. A baby can bring out the soft side that the rest of the world doesn't see as often in each other. All of these wonderful gifts, Anna has brought to our home in a short two weeks.

Grandma and Grandpa Sanderfoot came to visit us over the past week. They arrived last Saturday and left today (Friday, which sadly is called Good Friday in relation to Easter, but has left me feeling blue). We had a great visit with some sight-seeing, dining out, good conversations, but most of all they just loved all over Anna.


I am thinking of doing a photo of the week. So here is my favorite of this week. This was taken right after Anna's first "real" bath. She didn't seem to know what to think about sitting in warm water while getting lathered up. Luckily, Grandma and Grandpa had just arrived and Grandma was able to quickly pacify Anna. This picture looks like Anna is mischeviously plotting revenge.

First days home

We left the hospital on Friday the 19th with the most precious thing in tow. It was snowy and cold that day, but we were anxious to get you home and find our rhythm with you. the first hours made us think this parenting thing wasn't so bad...but then night fall came and it was a different story. Night one was a long night. Night two was much better, night three became a challenge again and night four was the best night yet! we are hoping tonight will be manageable as well.

The funny thing about sleep deprivation is that it can make adults start crying for no good reason and start saying crazy things to baby like, "peace, yellow devil child" after she gives a peace sign with two fingers. You have a touch of jaundice by this point, but it is very common at high elevations. We are working on getting it resolved.

Your birth day

On Wednesday, March 17th we went to the hospital pausing at our front door knowing when we came back there would be three of us and our lives would be different forever.

I was induced around 9 am certain you would be my "green leprechaun child", but at 1pm not much chang was happening or it was too slow, so the doc broke my water and by 3pm I had an epidural. Things seemed to picking up, but by 8pm I was only at 5cm, and I wasn't sure when you were coming. At 11pm I was checked by a nurse and was at 10cm ready to push. Two hours later you were crying your first cry, but your dad and I were balling like babies too.

It is one day I wull never forget! March 18, 2010 1:07am, Anna Louise came into the world. Your big beautiful eyes opened very early and you looked so curious. You hardly cried that very long first day. Your Dad and I hardly slept until late on the 18th.

Due Date

Dear baby,

Today is our Due Date! As in, you're due, time's up, come on out! For about the last 48 hours you have been giving me contractions of all types ranging from mild to strong to 30-minute bad cramps. I woke two nights ago around 2:30 to do my usual 2:30 business, but wasn't able to fall back asleep and found myself watching people buying hideous jewelry at 3:30am. Last night I woke around 3:30 to do my usual 2:30 business, and again wasn't able to fall back asleep. Only this time I fought for nearly 2 and a half hours to go back to sleep, and ended up making pancakes and eggs for your Dad and I for breakfast.

So here's the thing--I need you to come out on your own very soon or I am going to go ahead and get induced. I am feeling very tired, sore and beat up in ways I didn't think were possible. I know these feelings will get worse before they get better, but I also know I would like to go into the labor process with some energy.

Love,
Mom

To induce or not to induce

Dear Baby,
This is your Mama. Come out and no one will get hurt. At yesterdays doctors appointment, the doc said that I am "right there" and can go into labor at any time. This thought excited me, though no major changes had happened from last week other than your head is moving lower yet. She also mentioned that we could go ahead and induce labor if I was tired of waiting...which honestly I am right on that electrical fence. One wrong bump and I start thinking, "Yes doctor, let's set it up." Alas, I did not take her up on her offer at that moment because I was feeling crummy all morning as it was and thought maybe, just maybe the Baby will come out on her own. (This is where you, Baby, do a favor for your Mama.)

During our childbirth classes we talked a lot about medical interventions and what it would mean to the overall birthing experience. For those who are unaware, there are a couple of labor inducing drugs out there, most commonly used is pitocin. It is an IV and once you start it you are connected via IV throughout your labor. You can get out of bed and still walk around, use the bathroom, rock in a rocking chair, but you are stuck there. Our visions and conversations after the classes were that we wanted to do a lot of the early labor at home. It is more comfortable to be walking around without bringing a rolling IV unit with you, we can go outside for a walk, take a warm bath, and I can stay in comfortable clothes for many more hours. The other fear we have that we learned about in the classes was once you allow medical interventions, you may keep having more to push your labor along like artifically breaking the "bags of water" or needing to have a C-section because you are so exhausted from the many hours of early labor and just want to end it all quickly.

Our birhting expereince looks more like me at home resting when possible, taking a walk in the park across the street if I'm feeling ambitious, using the birthing ball, massages, still being able to eat a little like some soup and getting enough fluids, and being able to pack my bag with the clothes I want to bring. I would much rather spend 10 hours (plus or minus a few hours) doing these comfortable things at home than in the hospital. Once we get to the hospital, soothing sounds, watching movies and depending on how far along I have progressed, getting the epidural will be our plan. Did you see the blue birds singing, or a movie montage there? We'll see how it really goes.

The quirks of this pregnancy

In honor of what is hopefully our last week of this current living arrangement, I have decided to list the quirks of this pregnancy before I forget them. Happy starting of our 40th week Baby!

1. Found out I was pregnant on July 9, 2009. Had family visiting on the 10th. I was completely freaked out, Jon held it together and was genuinely excited after the shock wore off.
2. Had total loss of appetite as of July 10th, but blamed it more on the summer heat than the pregnancy.
3. Started to feel nauseous around July 14th, and was sick (vomitting at LEAST once a day, usually more) until mid-October when I received anti-nausea meds that are usually prescribed to cancer patients.
4. Lost 27 pounds before I was prescribed the meds.
5. Mostly ate cereal (Capt'n Crunch Berries, Apple Jacks, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch) through the first four months, and then the cereal became my afternoon snack. Watermelon also helped in the early months. Nothing else would really stay in me.
6. At our last appointment I had just reached my starting weight. So this pregnancy, I technically gained no weight. I lost so much and gained that same amount back. I will come out of this pregnancy weighing LESS than when I started!
7. I haven't experienced pregnancy cravings. Everyone asks me, but I am just trying to eat healthy (minus the sugar bomb cereals).
8. The doctor never seemed settled on a due date. She has kept it at March 16th and as time has progressed she has felt better about it. I suppose it is a big guessing game anyways.
9. You have racked up close to 4,000 frequent flier miles, and over 9,000 road miles while hanging out in me.
10. I have convinced myself that I am feeding you too good and you are too comfortable to come out to the real world. If I had room service the way you do, I would probably put up a fight and not want to leave either.

Week 39

We had another doctor's appointment today, perhaps you felt her poking around? We've made some progress this week, but I've come to realize it doesn't mean anything in terms of a "date and time". So here's where we are at: I am 80% thinned out of a possible 100%, your head is on my pelvis bone (which I didn't need the doc to tell me, I've known this for a few days now), and I am still dialated about 1.5cm. What does this mean? Last week I was at about 10% thinned, and all of these small contractions and cramping feelings ARE being productive. I am to start to watch for show, a water break, or strong and regular contractions. You could be days away or a week or so yet.

Yesterday I started a fun game of, "Guess when baby is coming". It's funny that no one has chosen the actual due date yet, but 5% of births actually occur on the due date. It is becoming more fun for me to look at people's guesses and look forward to that day than counting down from the due date.

We have been experiencing great weather here in early March, and though snow is in the forecast for tonight/early tomorrow, Saturday looks to be gorgeous and I am planning on taking a walk out at Garden of the Gods to see if we can make something happen. I will probably just end up utterly exhausted and sleep for the rest of the day, but just for giggles we'll see.

March 1st

Last night was the end of the Winter Olympic Games, and for the first-time ever I actually watched a lot of the games. Hannah Kearney kicked off the games with a big win and gold medal in women's moguls, Apolo Ohno set an all-time record for the most decorated athlete of the winter games leaving Vancouver with a career total of 8 medals, Bode Miller is the most decorated men's downhill skier, America finally won a gold in Nordic combined skiing -- the first medal ever own in this event. Lindsey Vonn was a hot mess but walked away with a few medals, and another first-ever was the 4 man bobsleigh who pulled down a gold. Shaun White was impressive, but has raised the bar to the point where we expect nothing less than a gold to come from him.

Yesterday was also the end of February, and now we can say it is only a matter of days before we get to meet you! People are starting to ask on a daily basis about you and how much longer. I wish I knew the date you were really going to come. I think it would help ease some of my new mommy-to-be jitters.

Let's Make a Deal

In 2009, Let's Make a Deal came back to TV with a new host, but the concept is similar. Re-runs of the Monty Hall days are still arguably better than Wayne Brady who hosts today's version of the show because of the wacky things he asks for from the audience and the flow of the show. Here's the premise: audience members dress up all wacky and are asked to show an item. This item could be nail clippers, a banana, or a stamp, etc. Those in the audience with that item stand up and the next item is called out and it is narrowed down to one remaining person who will then play the game, Let's Make a Deal. There are three doors to choose from, and temptations to deviate from your first choice along the way (they call this a tension builder), until the player finds out what he or she won, or finds a disappointing ZONK and they lose.

Today felt a bit like I traded in a lame prize in hopes of getting the BIG DEAL at the end of the show only to find out I only upgraded slightly by prize value, but felt more like a ZONK. Last week at the doctor's office she told me I was dialated about a finger, which from our baby classes I remembered it to be about 2 centimeters. Turns out, she meant to say a finger tip and I don't know what measurement that is. So today, after a weekend of bad cramping and wondering how much progress I was making (because I HAD to making some kind of progress!) I found out that I haven't been upgraded to one whole finger yet, but she did say a little more than 1 centimeter, I was softening more, and she was convinced you had dropped down a little lower...sorry if you feel like I am sitting on your head, I feel that way too.

I propose to make a deal with you. How about you show your sweet face sooner rather than later? You are measuring around 7 pounds, and there really isn't much more growing you need to do in there. At this point you are shedding the last of the languo hair and vernix, and that's something we can easily take care of out here. :) What's in it for you? You will get to see snow, snuggle with me and Daddy, and meet some neat people. Not to mention check out your new crib (home and literal sleeping space)!

The Ninth Month

If you were to be born today you would be considered full-term. You aren't done growing yet, weighing in at about 6.5 pounds. You are keeping busy in there testing out your lungs by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, sucking on your thumb, blinking and pivoting from side to side. Your little hinny and feet seem to roam from left to right throughout the day and is still a constant form of entertainment for me to watch you.

The doctor's appointment went well. I am starting to dialate and "soften". Good thing because every once in awhile I don't feel so hot and it is nice to know those bad feelings are working towards the end goal.

Happy Valentine's Day!

My wish for you is to always have a pleasant Valentine's Day. This year, it fell on a Sunday but we celebrated it over two days. On Saturday your Daddy bought me a dozen roses, ran to the grocery store for a few items, cleaned my car inside and out, and took it in for an oil change. I was able to start some seeds for our garden while he was out taking care of things on my to do list. It was so sweet and I appreciated it more than I probably have in the past. You see Baby, I'm getting big out here because you are getting big in there. I don't feel as mobile as I used to be, and this waddle is comical. My left foot and ankle turn into a cankle by 1pm if I do any kind of errands, and it is really sore by 5pm to the point of not wanting to walk on it at all. Oddly, it is JUST the left foot. On Sunday I had a lazy day and your Daddy brewed a batch of Wildflower Wheat. One of my all time favorites. I made a delicious steak and lobster dinner for us and all of a sudden it was as though the nesting vibe struck your Dad and he started to thoroughly clean every surface in the kitchen. I don't think I've ever seen this before, at least not to the extent he went last night.

I am hoping for one more big burst of energy to come my way and help me finish any lingering tasks out there before you come. It's strange and exciting to think we have about four weeks left until we meet in person. Your room is virtually finished except for a couple of pictures to hang, but I am not going to sweat it at this point.

What's a few days amongst friends?

On Wednesday I wrote that I goofed and we were now at 35 weeks. While that may still be true to the doctor's records, and again depending on how you are counting, she is right. I on the other hand apparently have a different form of mathematics (just ask any math teacher I've ever had) and have been counting you at 36 weeks. Whattoexpect.com has the same way of counting as me, so at least that makes two of us. Today, I went in for another ultrasound and check up. There were some concerns that you weren't growing evenly or fast enough. You sure proved them wrong this time! Last time your head was two weeks ahead of schedule (doctor's), your torso was a week behind and your legs were right on time. I thought it had to be a measuring issue, but it turns out we caught you during a growth spurt and everything has evened out just nicely. The caveat? You are measuring at a strong 36 weeks, maybe a little more. HA! So now that makes three against one, but what's a few days amongst friends? I still think you are going to come when you are ready and it isn't going to matter how early or late you are...well, maybe how late you are. This isn't the Plaza after all.

You seemed to have or are currently going through the lightening phase, where your head is in my pelvis and I have started to dilate. Only about 2cm, but that is 2cm less I will have to go through later. I didn't realize we were going to check for that today so imagine my surprise when I'm being asked to take my pants off! You seemed about as comfortable as I was since you were squirming about, but I treated us to a cherry limeade from Sonic with some of my winnings from last night's Bunco game. Enjoy and get used to more people checking you out from this new angle.

Getting Excited

Baby, at some point in the blogging madness and excitement of you, I must've skipped a week ahead or the doctor and I have a different way of counting time. In any case, this is actually our 35th week now. Oops. See, even Mommies make mistakes.

Our non-stress tests have all come out normal and on Friday we have another ultrasound to check your weight and measurements. I'm excited to see if you are starting to turn and get ready for your big "drop". I keep waiting to feel you drop or "lighten" but I guess I have at least another week if not three to go yet. I am not that excited about having to go the bathroom even more than I already do, but to get a good productive lung full of air might be a nice change from recent months.

Business is really starting to pick up and while the timing is less than desirable, I am excited nonetheless. It would be great to get some paperwork going soon and checks rolling in!

Happy Groundhog Day!

Punxsutawney Phil the official groundhog who according the myth can predict if we will see six more weeks of winter or if spring will come early based on if he sees his shadow, today predicted six more weeks of snow. I'm a little bummed about this because I'm still waiting for winter to arrive here in Colorado Springs. It has hit virtually everywhere else, even Florida, but not so much here. At least with the spring we are bound to get one or two really good snowfalls.

Tomorrow is going to be a bit crazy so I thought I would go ahead and get our weekly posting about you taken care of today. So for Week 35 you are topping out at about 20 inches tall, which is the ideal length of a full-term baby, and you are still gaining about a half pound a week. According to the doctor's scale yesterday I hope like heck you are carrying some of the newly put on pounds. In the last few weeks your brain development will continue to grow quickly. At this point your head is likely facing down and your rump is on top as though you are mooning me if I had a window through my belly.

Hello February!

Whew! What a weekend Baby! Friday night we had friends Ashley and Tony over for dinner. We had a great time with lots of laughs. Saturday friends Tyson and Amber drove in from Santa Fe and we whisked them off to Breckenridge to walk the snow sculptures. A lot of driving in one day, especially for them, but we stretched our legs shopping around town and having dinner at the Breckenridge Brewery. I was surprised by the number of families and small children, and oddly it put me at ease. I appologize if you were feeling a little uncomfortable in there when we were going over Hoosier Pass. I've never put it together that it is higher than 10,000 feet until I saw the sign saying as much.

Sunday was my/your? Baby shower in Colorado Springs. Ali and Jess hosted it at Panera Bread. It was a great group of ladies that showed up! It felt like it lasted about 30 minutes we were having so much fun! The items we received helped us to finish up your room except for some small touches, but a big leap nonetheless. You have so many adorable clothes that I can't wait to take you out and about.

Today is the start of February and it is hard to believe I will see you sometime next month. We had a doctor's appointment today and it went well. We still get to go in once a week for the "non-"stress tests, our next one is on Thursday.

Five pounds of sugar & spice

This is our 34th week together and you may be about 20 inches tall now and about 5 pounds. My trusty book tells me that your tiny fingernails have probably reached the tip of your fingers this week too. You already have an offer by Kelley to paint those precious little fingers any color you want, but I think she has purple picked out already.

Our trip to Glenwood Springs was delightful. We got in a little late on Friday night but hit up the Glenwood Springs Brewery for some dinner before checking into our hotel. We just crashed and it felt good to be away, up in the mountains, and to see some snow. Saturday we hit up a cute coffee shop for breakfast and then hit the hot springs for many hours. It was the best I've felt in the last 34 weeks. My lower back no longer feels strained, my feet seem to have good circulation yet, and you were fairly mellow too - allowing my muscles to relax everywhere. Part of our deal was a free dinner out and while my expectations were low, it ended up being one of the best prime rib dinners I've ever had at a very cool restaurant. After dinner we went back to the hot springs for one more dip. It snowed on and off all day and night, but that night it was also very windy so we didn't stay much more than an hour. Sunday we hit the road early both of us thinking of the Starbucks in Vail, and heavy snow was coming in. Turns out it was just starting as we were on the road and it was a little scary at times until we got past the Eisenhower Tunnel.

The week so far has been fairly mellow with some occassion work popping up. We have another stress test tomorrow to make sure you are still good. I am hoping to pick up some fabric today or tomorrow to work on your bumper pad and crib skirt. Your room hasn't had any progress in two weeks, and this is the last little push. Every Wednesday now has become a reality check realizing you are going to be here before we know it and I would like to feel ready when you arrive.

Mountain Getaway

(Glenwood Hot Springs) It's been a little more than a week and it's been a busy one. Last Friday your Dad and I went out on a date night and had dinner and took in a Wisconsin vs. CC hockey game. Saturday I sat an open house and later met up with a couple of friends and again we went to the Wisconsin vs. CC hockey game. Sunday was busy catching up around the house and we worked hard at cleaning and finishing up assorted projects like your dresser and bookshelves. Your Dad finished putting together his kegerator and had the inaugural tapping on Wednesday night. I came down with something and was sick from Sunday night until Thursday night. I am feeling better today. Thursday I had a listing appointment that went well and we'll see if anything comes of it. This afternoon your Dad and I are taking off for the mountains and will be hanging out in Glenwood Springs. We are going to the Hot Springs Resort which we took Grandma Sanderfoot to in July. You probably can't tell much of a difference between the hot springs and a warm bath because I have to make sure to stay under 100 degrees.

According to "The Book" you should be gaining about a half a pound from here on out, and you are probably another inch longer than last week. The amniotic fluid level is maxed out so there is less fluid to cushion those blows you've been handing out. And trust me girlfriend, you've been handing them out a plenty lately.

8 months in 8 weeks to go

Happy Week 32 Baby! You are almost 4 pounds and 19 inches long. While your Dad and I are honing our skills of parenthood, you are practicing your survival skills from swallowing and breathing to kicking and sucking. Your skin is no longer see-through but is opaque like mine!

We get one more sneak peak at you on Friday. At yesterday's doctor appointment, Dr. Ryan told me she wanted to make sure you were gaining enough because I haven't packed on any weight in the last three weeks and the past three weeks were essentially the "holiday season" also known as the "gaining weight season". Nearly everyone gains a few pounds over the holidays which I now have to believe is in relation to alcohol and getting the buzzed munchies. Since I didn't experience that this year, that could be why I didn't gain. Nonetheless, you are supposed to be gaining and since you are inside me yet, in theory I too should be gaining. She also mentioned that around this time a lot of pregnant women slow down, kick up their feet and eat bonbons while watching movies. These women must have all of their classes done, nurserys set up with all of the laundry done, and have no jobs to go to or have easy jobs. As you've read, we've been busy out here preparing for your arrival so I am not one of those women kicking it and packing on the pounds via baked goods. Assuming all is well we will have our next checkup on February 1st and then we will start going in once every two weeks.

You are wearing me out

Dear Baby,
It is true that I have been feeling moments of nesting, and when these moments hit I tend to use the energy to knock down my massive check list of things to do. Both daily things, and my "Before Baby Arrives" list. Your dresser arrived yesterday and Daddy put it together last night. Your bookshelf is a mere sanding, priming and painting away from being completed. Your clothes that we've received to-date are in the process of going through the laundry and will be clean and ready for your use. For some reason this makes me feel better knowing the tags and plastic things will be off and the clothes (and stuffed animals) will be clean before you come home. There are just a handful of things left to do, but we finish our classes tomorrow night and I meet your pediatrician next week. It is all coming together, but it is leaving me feeling exhausted at the end of each day...which is no longer 10 or so on a weeknight but like 6pm and dinner is a real chore.

I'm thinking of charging a food entry to people who want to come visit and meet you. No one sees Baby unless they feed Mama. Whadda think? Sure it's shameless admission, but I'm not sure how I'm going to surmise the energy to make meals if I'm feeling this tired and you're still a part of me.

This morning your Dad told me that he scored a couple of tickets to the Colorado College vs. Wisconsin hockey game for Friday night. So naturally I said yes. I will apologize now if things get a little loud for you in there. Hockey is a PHENOMENAL game, we have two Wisconsin outfits for you already and you'll have to become a fan. Plus, there's something magical about watching hockey, eating nachos, and drinking hot chocolate or Pepsi. You'll see. Maybe next year you can hold onto some red and white pompoms too.

31 Week Brainy Baby

You still have about 3 to 5 pounds left to gain before your big arrival, and you are already weighing in at 3+ pounds. You are about 18 inches long which explains why I can feel you kicking and punching at both sides of my stomach at the same time. Your brain connections are already processing information, tracking light, and perceiving signals from all five senses. You move quite a bit when we are getting ready to sit down to dinner and I wonder if you can smell the yummy food. I've read that you are a sleepy baby too putting in longer stretches of snooze time, specifically in REM sleep. I would like to debate this. It is true that there are times when you "settle down", but you move so much throughout the day and into the night that I hope you are getting good sleep in there too. This is the last week of our seventh month together, and putting us at 9 weeks or so until we can finally meet.

Your Daddy and I have been busy out here getting ready for your arrival. Last week it hit me that we had 10 weeks +/- 2 weeks on either side and we didn't have a lick of progress on your room. I am happy to report that we got busy and have your dresser on order (should arrive on Friday), we moved the chair into the room, and your Dad built the crib. We have a couple smaller things to get yet like a bookcase, changing pad, and mattress (with linens), but it is starting to come together. We have restarted our baby classes too. Last night we attended the first of two feeding classes. I'll spare you the details, but if you ever have any questions I'll be completely honest with you and give you other details you might not have thought possible. Again, my eyebrows were left in a surprised look when leaving the class. Tonight we have our first class of two on caring for a baby. Saturday we have a Baby CPR class, but I hope to not have to use it.

Happy New Year!

Today kicks off a very big year for our family! For the past six years or so every January 1 I sit down with a new journal and plot out goals for the year. Some of them I undoubtedly know I will accomplish and just want them in writting, and others take a little more effort but are still doable. Usually I have some sort of fitness or weight-loss goal jump starting my year. This year is a little different in that I will still gain a bit with you Baby. I remind myself that it is a healthy gain for your sake. Other goals I set usually are personal health/cooking, spiritual, recreational achievements, groups/organizations to get involved in, charities to support for 2010, and career. This year, I am adding a family goal. This is where you come in Baby, because it is going to revolve around you!

Your Dad and I have been working on getting your room together. So far he has set up the crib, sold the large corner computer desk, bought a new desk for me to use in another room, and the futon will be in your room before the end of today. The other furniture is a work-in-progress, but we'll get there. We are also finishing up our classes this month so if you decide to come early we will be ready for you...but please try to work it into your schedule to shoot for closer to March 16th.