3 Months Old

Wow, our little girl is 3 months old today. She is growing up so fast. Her new achievements are that she loves to smile. She is so happy in the morning when we are getting ready. She just lays in her bassinet smiling and giggling while I get ready for work. We pretty much have a routine down in the morning.
The past three weekends we have been in Mora. Nate did some deer hunting while Nate's mom, sisters, and aunts went to local craft fairs. This past weekend Kaitlyn cried real tears. We think she was a little gassy and her little stomach wouldn't let it out... so she cried. It was cute, but sad to see her little eyes water up and tears run down her cheeks. Daddy pumped her legs to get things moving to relieve some of the pressure.

It is so much to watch her grow and become more active and alert. She loves to watch her cousins play when we are up north. It is also fun to dress her in 0-3 months clothes finally! She was wearing newborn clothes for the first 2 1/2 months of her life... Now the challenge is to make sure she gets to wear each outfit before she out grows them.

Here is Kaitlyn smiling... it is hard to get her to keep smiling. She gets a little confused when you put the camera up to your face.

Dairy Queen

This blog is not about Dairy Queen the restaurant, but my new title. My co-worker has renamed my slog from "Drama Queen" to "Dairy Queen". Most of you know that I have chosen to breastfeed Kaitlyn because of the following benefits:

1. The best thing for Kaitlyn

2. Less poopy diapers

3. Readily Available at the right temperature.

4. FREE

5. Bigger Boobs

Because I have chosen to breastfeed and work full-time I need to dispense my supply during business hours. My boss has provided me a new pumping space in our conference room. The only problem is that this room does not have a lock and can be used by anyone in our office. So, I had to make a sign to make sure that I was not disturbed during this process.

Today is also Halloween and our little Kaitlyn has on a cute little pumpkin sleeper with matching pumpkin hat. I was tempted to go trick or treating tonight, but thought I would get some strange looks if I show up asking for candy with a 2 month old. Maybe if I dressed up like a cow I would get a better response?

Here is our little pumpkin with her daddy this morning. Unfortunately we won't be having any trick or treaters at our house this year. We are still not able to drive to our house. It has been over 4 weeks... but I hear that we should be able to by the weekend. I am crossing my fingers.

2 Months Old

Our little girl is getting big. Last Friday she turned 2 months old. I can't believe that I have been back at work for 4 weeks now. Yesterday she went to her 2 month old wellness check. As I have mentioned before she is able to roll over from her front to back and back to front. According to my aunt it is not necessarily intentional, but she can do it. This weekend I tried to see if she would roll over, but never did... until I found out the secret. She has to be mad before she will do it. Back to her wellness check... the doctor put her on her stomach and said "Okay, show off for us..." Kaitlyn got upset and rolled over right in front of doctor and myself. It was so exciting. According to her doctor... "She is an over achiever." She now weights 9 lbs. (12th % tile), and is 20 1/2 inches long (3rd %). The good thing is that she is following the curve on all areas of weight, height, and head size. She also got a few vaccinations, which she did not like. The look on her face was so sad, but she calmed down with a little extra TLC from mommy.

Here is Kaitlyn's 2 month old picture with the duck. She is almost bigger than the duck. She isn't smiling at you just yet, but she does smile when she feels like it.

This past weekend we went to Mora so Nate could set up his deer stand. All his aunts were up to see Kaitlyn and her cousins. I had plenty of babysitters for the weekend. Here is a picture of Kaitlyn with her cousin Hailey. Hailey is 2 1/2 and just loves her baby cousin Kaitlyn.

I took this picture a few weeks ago, but it is just too cute not to put on my blog. Here is my other favorite Hailey helping me feed Kaitlyn a bottle. My neighbor Hailey loves to help me with Kaitlyn by giving me blankets, so she is always warm. She has also helped her mommy when they babysit Kaitlyn for us.

Pumpkin Patch

It's that time of the year for pumpkin patches and falling leaves. This past weekend Anne, Kristin, Kaitlyn, and I went to a pumpkin patch in Wyoming. (Not the state, but the city in MN.) The weather was perfect and Kaitlyn decided it wasn't what she was expecting, so she slept pretty much the whole time. Or she could have been awake with her eyes closed because it was kind of bright outside. Either way, it didn't stop us from having her enjoy the festivities. She got her picture taken with some kind of strange animal.... that I can't remember the name of.

We also went on a tractor ride, found our way through the hay maze, and took pictures in the pumpkin patch.

Here is Kaitlyn and I posing in a pumpkin cut out. As you can tell Kaitlyn wanted nothing to do with it. I think she thinks that if she closes her eyes, she can't be seen. I kept telling her that it will be fun, but she didn't care.

This is my favorite picture from our adventure. Kaitlyn decided that this picture was worth taking, so she opened her eyes. Overall, we all enjoyed the sunshine and warmer temperatures. I think next year she will be more enthusiastic about going.

The other big milestone is that she rolled over yesterday. I know we are all amazed. I have yet to witness this, but when I picked her up from my aunt and uncles they said she rolled from her back to stomach more than once. I guess being early isn't an issue for our little girl.

Under Construction

Many of you know that the road in front of our house is being redone this fall. This little project will most likely cost us a good chunk of change that we will get to pay for the next 10-15 years! Don't worry - we will be having a party to celebrate this new look to our house. You may be wondering why I would blog about road construction... Well, you see... for the last 2 weeks we haven't been able to park in our driveway. I take part of that back... Nate has parked in the driveway one week longer than I did, but that is because he has 4 wheel drive and is a boy. Normally this wouldn't be a big deal, but try to tote a 6 week old with all her gear through our backyard and the neighbors in the rain. Our garage now holds the stroller and the boat.

Most of the time we can park in my neighbor Diane and Brandon's yard... but I have been able to park in my space in the cul-de-sac close to our house. I think people just know that we have a newborn so they leave the space for me. Here are some updated pictures of Kailtyn. She is growing so fast. We just finished a week without pooping, but the doctor told me not to be concerned. I never knew I would be talking about poop so much now that I have a little girl. The joys of parenthood. She is getting into a schedule too. She usually goes to bed around 8 and doesn't wake up until 2 or 3 to eat. After that she is up every 2-3 hours. At least I get more than 4 hours of solid sleep in a row. I can't believe that it has been almost 8 weeks that I haven't slept through the night.

This is Kaitlyn's first bath in her baby bath tub. Daddy took some pictures and video. I think she enjoyed being in the warm water. She really likes it when daddy washes her hair. That is what calmed her down last week when she wouldn't stop crying for 4 days in the evenings.

Here she is sleeping in her swing. She gets to wear a bib all the time because she likes to spit up a lot. Sometimes she seems to spit up everything I just fed her. She also gets to wear little mittens so she doesn't scratch her face up.

Mommy Brain

Most pregnant woman experience what people call "Pregnancy Brain". No one warned me about "Mommy Brain". Let me recap two stories that have happened to me last week. Last Monday Kaitlyn and I went to the doctor for a Jaundice check and than off to the grocery store. My shopping list consisted of 3 items for dinner that night. Well, since I was at the store I decided to pick up a few more things... well that turned into $100 worth of groceries. Just as I was bagging my groceries I realized I forgot to get 2 of 3 items I originally came to the store for. So, I parked my completely bagged shopping cart and ran back with Kaitlyn to get the 2 items. I quickly paid for the items and proceeded to my car. It was there I realized that I forgot to grab the 2 items I just purchased. Normally this wouldn't be such a big deal, but when you have a newborn to tote around too it just adds to the whole experience.

The sad part of mommy brain is that it happens more than once. My second mommy brain experience was on Friday. I needed to return some things at Target and Walmart and to pick up a few things before we left to Mora for the weekend. So, I decided to go to Hutchinson to do my shopping. (It takes 30 minutes in any direction to get to a Target or Walmart.) Once we got to Hutch I realized that I forgot the diaper bag. No big deal, right? Normally it wouldn't be, but that is where my wallet was... so here I am 30 minutes from home with a newborn and no money. (Plus I don't know anyone that lives in or near Hutch that I could call to borrow some money.) So, we returned the items and back home we went. The problem was that I needed to get some things before Nate got home. When we got home the diaper bag was right where I left it... on the garage floor. I grabbed the bag and double checked that my wallet was inside and went to Target in Chaska.

One Month Old

Today Kaitlyn is one month old. This past Sunday was my original due date. It feels good to not be pregnant anymore. The funny part is that I would do it all over again... even the labor without pain medicine. It is worth all the worry and pain. I can't believe that I have to go back to work in a week in a half.

Here is a picture of Kaitlyn today. She is laying on the beautiful quilt my cousin Michelle made for her.

We went to the doctor on Monday and she gained another 7 ounces, so she officially weighs 6lbs. and 13 ounces. She is still jaundice, but her numbers are slowly getting lower on her own. We don't have to go back until her 2 month wellness appointment.

This past weekend Kristin came over to visit Kaitlyn. Here is a picture of her visit.

Monday Auntie Anny came over and watched Kaitlyn while I went to get my hair done. They spent the afternoon taking pictures and hanging out.

Picture Perfect or Not?

Today Anne, Kaitlyn and I went on a little shopping trip. Our main goal was to get Kaitlyn's newborn pictures taken. We got to the mall around 11 and set up an appt. for 2. Since we had a few hours to spare we had lunch and did a little shopping. The whole time Kaitlyn slept peacefully in her car seat while we made our way around the mall.

At 2 we went back to get her pictures taken and Kaitlyn started waking up. So, we got her already and the put her down to start taking pictures... and she started screaming. I tried every technique to get her to calm down so we could continue... I mean start our photo session. (We were able to get one picture taken.) After about 15 minutes of trying to get her to stop crying... we decided to just try again another day. I guess she just wasn't ready to get her pictures taken. We are going to try again tomorrow!

Well, we had a successful picture session yesterday. Kaitlyn and I went back to JCPenny and tried to take her pictures again. She cried in the car on the way and right before, but stopped when we started taking pictures. Yeah!!! They are so cute! I can't wait to get them back.

Here are some updated pictures..

Here is Kaitlyn at 2 weeks old enjoying life at home. She has started being more awake now. She is usually awake in the morning around 9 am to 11 am. Than she fusses before she starts falling asleep again. She also wakes up around 2 or 3 and again fusses when she is waking up. Than she wakes up sometime in the evening for 2 hours before bed.

Here is Kaitlyn and Cody. Cody was a good boy and laid still for us to take a few pictures.

An Unexpected Arrival

What can I say? Our daughter made her appearance on August 19th, 2007 at 9:03 am. Yes, she was four weeks early, but that isn't the best part of her arrival. (Her actual arrival date should have been September 16th - meaning that I would still be PG right now.) Let me take you back to the Thursday before Kaitlyn was born.

It was my 36 week appointment and the doctor checked me. I was 2 centimeters and 70% effaced. (Whatever that means... but everyone informed me including my doctor that I would not deliver over the weekend.) (I have to add something I forgot to mention... I lied when I said everyone told me I would not deliver over the weekend. Diane had a dream the week before we left that my water would break this weekend and told me to stay home and hang out with her.) So, on Friday Nate and I were on our way to Alexandria with his parents, sisters, and niece and nephew. (Don't worry I made sure that I knew where the hospital was when we drove through Alexandria.)

Saturday night while trying to fall asleep and waiting for Nate to get back from the bar, my back started to hurt. I started praying to just let me fall asleep and that I couldn't be in labor. After a few hours of trying to ignore my back pain... my water broke. By this time Nate was in bed sleeping and so were his parents. Of course, I had to wake up everyone to let them know that I was pretty confident that my water broke. I called my doctor and they informed me that driving 2 hours home was not in our best interest. So, off to the Dakota County Hospital at about 2 in the morning. Of course, I was nervous as my contractions were five minutes apart.

The Labor...

Before I was afraid that I wouldn't know when I was in Labor... to be honest when my back started to hurt I was questioning what was going on... It wasn't until my water broke that I realized that I was definitely in labor. Once we got to the hospital my contractions started getting stronger and every 2-3 minutes. (No time to rest in-between - so frustrating.) The most disappointing part was that I was still only dilated to a 2. (What?) They did give me some sort of pain medicine to take the edge off... so I could rest... what do you mean rest? Plus, what is the deal with the number scale for pain... Um... my pain level... is off the chart. Oh, the pain medicine to take the edge off did not help during the most active part of my labor. I asked for a epidural, but I needed to be dilated to a 4 before they give you that. By 8 am I could tell that things were changing. They checked me again and I was dilated to 7... I guess I won't be getting an epidural. Than at 9:03 she was born. Here are some wonderful Nikki quotes during labor...

"Can't you just go in and get her?"

"Get the doctor now... I mean NOW... I need to push."

Doctor - "Do you want to feel her head?"

Nikki - "NO! I just want her out.... NOW!!!!!" - I don't even want to see this happening. I can feel it and that is enough for me.

FYI - Don't get a pedicure on vacation and close to your due date... unless you want to deliver that day.

Kaitlyn Jean McNeilly weighed 6 lbs. and was 18 1/2 inches long. I wonder what she would have been if she was full term... Some people tell me the last month of pregnancy is the worst, so I am happy I missed that.

About 24 hours after Kaitlyn was born she developed a mild case of Jaundice. We had to stay an extra day in the hospital so that her numbers were low enough to get home. On Wednesday night at 7pm Kaitlyn was discharged and we were on our way home. The next day we went into our clinic to have her Bilirubin checked and it had jumped from 11 points to 16.9. (Still not in the danger zone.) The doctor ordered us to keep her on a bili-bed. This special bed has UV lights that helped her process the bilirubin in her system. So, the past 3 weeks we have been taking Kaitlyn in to get blood drawn every other day. She is still Jaundice, but the doctor thinks she is starting to work through it. The doctor thinks the main reason she is Jaundice is because she was so early. This has really taught me patience.

Kaitlyn did not mind laying on the bed. I think it was harder for me to not be able to hold her unless she was eating. We did this for several days. For the past week we haven't had to use the bed. Plus, the doctor gave us a week break from the Lab. We don't go back until next Monday to check her levels. Oh, and she weigh 6 lbs. 6 oz. as of Friday.

Another Wedding

Last Friday my good friend Chad got married. Nate and I enjoyed the nice weather and beautiful scenery of Lake Minnetonka. They had a very nice ceremony under the tent with some great food and dancing. We are so excited to have Ashley join our group of friends. Saturday Nate and I spent all day out on the lake. We invited my sister Anne, her friend Lindsay, and our friend Sean out with us. We had a blast floating in different bays, feeding the sunfish our lunch, and enjoying a nice dinner at Lord Fletchers. The weather and water were perfect. You could not have asked for a better day. We sure do enjoy being able to spend time on the lake with our friends.

Here is Nate and I on our way back to the launch. The sunset was beautiful. We hope that we have a few more weekends like this before our daughter arrives.

Here is a picture of my sister and her friend Lindsay. We all got a lot of sun that day. Sean wasn't too big into letting me take a picture of him. Maybe next time.

A Weekend Full of Events

Brandon and Diane Tied the Knot

This past Saturday our neighbors Brandon and Diane got married. They had a beautiful outdoor wedding in Minnetonka. The weather was perfect. Diane and I started our morning by getting our hair done. Then it was off to get dressed and ready for pictures. We took pictures down by Minnehaha creek... I can't wait to see how they turned out. Here is a picture of Diane and I after we got our hair done. It was fun to have someone else do our hair for a change.

Here is a picture of Nate and I right before the wedding. I am just so happy that it wasn't humid out, so we could enjoy being outside for most of the day. The reception was at Brandon's parents house where we had dinner and a bonfire. By the end of the night I was ready to just lay down in our bed. My back was so sore from all the activities from the day. (The joys of being 8 months pregnant.)

Baby Shower in Mora

After my big day on Saturday my weekend was far from over. Sunday morning I got up and drove to Mora for Nate's side of the family baby shower. We had so much fun playing the games that Mandi (Nate's sister) and Angie (Nate's cousin) thought of for the shower.

One game we played was to see who could drink the most liquid out of a bottle within a certain period of time. Of course I didn't win, but it was really fun to watch everyone else trying to drink as fast as they could.
Hailey (Nate's niece) helped me open all my gifts. She was a big help. We asked her "Where is Nikki's baby?" - Hailey's response "In mommy's tummy!" Thank you to everyone for giving us such wonderful gifts.

After the shower I had to drive back to Eden Prairie for Nate's company picnic. We enjoyed some BBQ, swimming, and soccer. Of course I was just a bystander on the game playing, but it was fun to talk to all his co-workers and spouses.

I am so happy that my busy weekend is over and next weekend I will get to relax on the lake.

Thoughts for the Week

Maternity Swimsuits

Being pregnant in the summer sometimes means that you might have to wear a cute maternity swimsuit. Luckily, my co-worker offered to give me her maternity swimsuit. (Who wants to buy a maternity swimsuit with the chance you might not be pregnant during the same time the next time around.) But the history of this swimsuit doesn't just go back to one co-worker. This swimsuit originated with another co-workers daughter. I love how maternity clothes are shared and borrowed. (I would like to thank my co-worker Cassie who has borrowed me several summer maternity outfits during my pregnancy.)

I know this isn't my most flattering picture, but I thought I would share.

I am Not a Shower Virgin Anymore

Last week my co-workers threw me a baby shower. We went to my favorite restaurant Olive Garden for some dinner and gift giving. I got a lot of cute girls outfits and other very essential baby supplies. When I got home I had to organize all my gifts and put them into her room. Of course I have already rearranged things 3 or 4 times, but who is counting. I think I am addicted to organizing her room.

Here is a picture of all my co-workers that joined in my first baby shower. It was fun to just get together outside of work. I want to thank everyone for coming and for all the beautiful gifts.

Here is our daughters first cell phone. What little girl doesn't need a cell phone and to grow up just like her mommy.

Three Hour Doctor's Visit
Last Friday I got to spend the morning at the doctor's office. It wasn't my first choice of things to do, but I had failed my one hour gestational diabetes test a few weeks earlier. So, I got the privilege of sharing my Friday morning in the waiting room. My morning started by drinking sugar... Okay it was in a orange favored drink... but it took some effort to get it down. (Plus you only have 5 minutes to drink it.) The three hours they took blood samples to be tested. I only ended up with a few bruises. I passed the time away with reading my book and writing Thank yous from my shower the night before.

During my three hour test I also had my 30 week doctor's appt. My new fear is pre-term labor, but my doctor assured me that I was not showing signs and that everything was closed and exactly where is should be. In the 2 weeks since my last doctor's appt. I didn't gain any weight, but I am measuring perfectly. I guess they look at your overall weight gain more than the weight you gain between appointments.

Monday my nurse called to tell me that my tests came back normal and that I was not showing signs of gestational diabetes.

A Week in Review

A Big Purchase

This weekend Nate and I decided we couldn't pass up a great deal on a new boat. Friday after work Nate called me to come look at a new boat. By the time we left the marine store we had put down $500 and started the paperwork to purchase a new 2007 Stingray 195LX. The next morning they called telling us that we qualified. Within minutes Nate was in the truck ready to go. A few hours after that we were out on Christmas Lake enjoying the water on the hottest day of the year. Sunday we took our friends Jeff and Kailey out on Lake Minnetonka. We spend the day cruising around the lake and looking at houses and swimming in different bays. After a few hours we noticed some dark clouds coming, so we headed back to the launch. The moment we pulled the boat out of the lake the wind picked up and it started to rain.

Last night Nate and I took my Uncle Jim out on Lake Waconia. We were able to put on a few more hours so that we can now official pull skiers, wakeboarders, and tubers. Next summer we will be purchasing some of the water toys.

Here is a picture of our boat right before we were going to launch on Lake Waconia.

Here I am relaxing the other night on Lake Waconia. Here is Nate and my Uncle Jim enjoying the nice weather on Lake Waconia. The lake was calm, so I didn't have to worry about being bounced around.

Ten Years Already?

This past Saturday Nate and I went to my 10 year high school reunion. I can't believe that I graduated high school 10 years ago. Where did the time go? I saw a lot of old friends that I had lost touch with over the past few years. Of course after we left I kept thinking of people I wish would have come. Everyone kept telling me that after high school time flies by. They were not joking.

Camping

Camping

A few weeks ago Nate and I went camping with Nate's family. We spent the weekend near Mille Lacs at a beautiful campground. The weather was beautiful... warm sunny days and cool evenings. It was so nice to be away from home and spending time with family.

Cody loved being outside the whole weekend. He did get tired of being tied up, but he did get plenty of walks and playing catch. He also enjoyed being around Hailey who played catch with him.

The campground we stayed at had several activities for kids. Here is Hailey and Darren enjoying the train ride around the campground. Mel, Mandi, and I also enjoyed the train ride. The only problem was that Hailey kept asking about the train. We had to keep telling her that the train was sleeping.

There was also a 4th of July parade around the campground. Auntie Mel did a wonderful job decorating Hailey's trike. She made it almost all the way around the campground before she was ready to be done.

Weekly Update

Doctor's Appointment - 28 weeks or 7 Months

Wow, I can't believe I only have 3 more months until our little one arrives. Today was my monthly doctor's appointment. My previous post noted that I didn't gain any weight, but things have changed. In one week I have gained 4 lbs. What???? There went my joys of no weight gain. My doctor reassures me that my overall 17 lbs. weight gain is just right. Not only did I gain 4 lbs. but I got a shot in my butt. The joys of having RH Negative blood.

The big news is that I failed my one hour gestational diabetes test. Yes, I had to drink some orange pop tasting sugar, wait one hour, and than get my blood drawn. Unfortunately, I didn't pass meaning I get to spend 3 hours in the doctor's office. That is right three hours. I plan on getting some reading done. My doctor reassured me that 25% don't pass the one hour test pass the 3 hour test. So, I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will pass the 3 hour test.

Here are a few pictures from Kristin's Birthday party last weekend. I hope you enjoy my rounded figure.

Sometimes I forget that my front side clearance has changed. A few times I have closed the car door and my stomach got in the way. The other day my co-workers and I went to lunch. We sat outside on the patio at a high top table. I was unable to move my chair forward while sitting, so my co-worker Cassie tried to help. With no success, I just sat at the edge of the chair so I could reach the table.Here is a picture of Jessa, Kristin, and I at Kristin's house for her birthday dinner.

Dumb Dog Award

I am giving this award to our dog Cody. I would like to first note that Cody is scared to jump into and out of the back of Nate's truck. Nate has to lift him up into the bed of the truck. We have tried everything so he does it himself and nothing seems to work. The other day Nate and I decide to take him to the lake for some swimming. (Nate has previously taken Cody to the lake the last several days.) Anyway, as we are just about to pull into the launch area, Cody decides to jump over the side of the truck (while in motion). Nate watches him do a complete somersault and land on his head. In shock he just lays there until Nate jumps out of the truck. Cody gets up and is ready to play catch in the water. After a few times in the water I notice that he has some road rash on his head. The good news is that he is okay, but now he gets tied up when he rides in the back.

A Full Week of Events

Happy Anniversary turns into spilled milk...
Sunday was Nate and I's two year anniversary. I can't believe that it has been 2 years. I feel like he has been a part of my life forever. I am so blessed to have him in my life. He has been patient and understanding as I work through all my drama. My therapist tells me that I have improved greatly. Enough about my other life long drama and back to the present...

Last night I got home from Diane's Bridal Shower and sitting on top of the stairs is a new carpet cleaner. You are probably thinking... What a nice anniversary gift? It is, because we do have a dog that likes to pee on our visitors and a little one on the way. Now we can clean the carpets whenever we want to... the freedom this provides is awesome. Anyway, last night we make steak, corn, and rolls for dinner. Our routine is just to sit by the TV and eat dinner. I have now resorted to using a TV tray because I am not as bendable as before. As I set my dinner and full glass of milk on the tray - I try to squeeze in-between the couch and the TV tray... Of course my belly gets in the way and I bump the TV Tray. My entire glass of milk (in slow motion of course) spills everywhere. It spilled on the dog, Nate, the couch, the coffee table, myself, and the carpet... So, after some quick cleanup with the help of Cody and Thomas we finish dinner and than try out our new carpet cleaner. My question is: Did this happen because we just got the carpet cleaner? or would it have happened without it?

Another House Guest
It's summer again and Uncle Jim has moved back in. He came on Wednesday and moved into the guest bedroom downstairs. Thomas is very happy to have someone that doesn't care if he sleeps on the bed. He plans on staying for a few months to visit his mom (my grandma) and get away from the Florida heat and humidity.

Doctor's Appointment
Last week I went to the doctor to have some things looked at that were bugging me. The good news is that I am measuring at 27 weeks and I haven't gained any weight in the last 3 weeks. I know this will change, but hopefully this will make it easier to lose the weight after she is born. I also was seen by a nurse midwife because my doctor was out of town. (I guess doctor's like to work the first few days of the week and than take the rest of the week off in the summer. That would be really nice.) Our little daughter has been very active the last few weeks. I worry when I don't feel her moving around. Nate just tells me that she is sleeping. It sure is strange to look at my stomach and seeing it moving. Is there an alien in there? Plus my belly button is starting pop... Does that mean she's done cooking? My 7 month appointment is this Thursday... Stayed tuned for an update.

On a side note: I am becoming an expert at peeing in a cup and I am very confident to carry it out of the bathroom and across the hall to the lab.

A Montage of Events

Wow, it's been a few weeks since I have posted a blog. I need to start getting better at this. I thought I would share a few stories and events that have happened over the past few weeks...

Memorial Weekend!

Nate's parents, sister Mandi, and her kids Hailey and Darren came to visit Memorial weekend. We painted the babies room, had Nate's extended family over for a BBQ, and relaxed. Below is a picture of Nate and our Godchild (nephew) Darren.

The Joys of Pregnancy

First let me tell you that being Pregnant makes you do strange things. I find myself more emotionally connected to TV, people, and pretty much everything else. Besides the nauseous feeling I had the first 3 months... my second biggest complaint is that my contacts don't work anymore. I have been forced to wear my glasses... I feel like a little school girl. I can't wear my sunglasses outside the car. (Here is my secret... I wear my sunglasses over my glasses while driving.)

I also want to share with you how irrational I was this past Sunday. Nate and I decided to go visit his friends Justin and Amy. On our way to their house we decided we wanted to stop and get something to eat. I wanted BREAKFAST. The closest restaurant serving breakfast was Perkins in Elk River. Of course it is about 11 am on Sunday, so the wait for a table was ridiculous. So, Nate decided he didn't want to wait... and I just agreed. On our way out - Nate said he would wait in line if that was what I really wanted. Of course, it was too late for me and I just said "No!" Of course we missed the McDonald's breakfast by 5 minutes... so I started crying. Good thing Nate just held my hand, while my irrational thoughts passed. In the end, I just got something at the gas station while Nate had McDonald's.

Our Crazy Kitty Thomas

I have always known that Thomas loves hair binders. I used to find them all over the house. If I left one on the bathroom counter I would always find them either in the toilet or just laying around the house. The other night I put my hair in a ponytail. As I was sitting on the couch I felt something pulling on my hair. I looked behind me and Thomas was trying to pull the hair binder out of my hair. Of course, Nate and I had to see if he could actual get it out. In about 30 seconds he had it out of my hair and was playing with it on the couch.

The Pictures You All Have Been Waiting For....

I have finally taken some side shots of my growing belly. It does take some time to get used to the fact that I am gaining weight. This is the heaviest I have ever been. Of course I have only gained 7 pounds, but it still takes some getting used to. Too bad the baby doesn't weight 7 lbs right now. (Reality - the baby ways around 12 oz.) Ugh!!! Maybe it is in my boobs. :) (For those who care... Yes my boobs have gotten bigger.) FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!! Too bad they go back to normal after the baby is born.

So here it is...

The next picture won't surprise you if you know Nate. Saturday night I walked into the babies room to find the following...

I am not sure if this is Nate's way of telling me that he wants to name our little girl "Gunnarette", but for now this is our new baby girl. As you can see Thomas is also enjoying the new furniture in the babies room. Nate found this crib and a matching dresser/changing table at a garage sale. It is perfect.

A Montage of Events

I thought I would combine several different events and pictures of things that have gone on these past few weeks. So, sit back and enjoy...

A few weeks ago Nate and I became Godparents to Darren (Nate's sisters son.) He was a good boy until we put him in-front of everyone. Nate did a good job trying to keep him occupied while he cried and spit up all over Nate's shoe and the floor. I think he just wanted to be heard. He looked so handsome in his white tux.

This past Saturday I had several of my friends over for my annual Birthday BBQ Bonfire Bash. Unfortunately we weren't able to have a bonfire because of the wind, but we stayed inside and made our own fun. We were also able to watch the Supercross race that was live from Vegas.

Here is a picture of my good friend Heidi that came to my party on Saturday. I hadn't seen her for over 2 years. We pulled out the old pictures and laughed at ourselves. Maybe one day I will post a few old pictures of myself for your viewing pleasure.

By the end of the night Cody was exhausted and so was my friend Jessa. So they found a comfy spot on the floor to rest.

It's a Girl

The news is out... We are having a little girl. The ultrasound showed that everything was normal.

A Taste for Cravings...

I thought all of you would like to know that I had my first real taste of a craving I couldn't resist or ignore. On my way home from work I started craving a cheeseburger on the grill. By the time I got home Nate called to tell me he would be later than he thought. This frustrated me because I really wanted that cheeseburger. I wasn't going to cook 3 burgers to only eat one. So, I only had one option. (The one drawback about living in Mayer is you have to drive at least 15 minutes to any fast food restaurant.) When your pregnant your cravings don't have patience. So, I got back in my car and drove to Dairy Queen for a cheeseburger, fries, and a chocolate dipped strawberry blizzard. All I can say is that it was exactly what I wanted and needed.

Happy Birthday

Of course my birthday was a few days ago, but I thought I would post a few pictures from our dinner. Nate and I met several of our friends at Benihana's (my new favorite restaurant) for dinner Tuesday night. We had a great time. Don't forget that the big party is next Saturday, May 5th at our house. The festivities start around 7pm. (I am hoping that I don't have to take any trips to Waconia before the party. - Last year Nate needed a few stitches.) My sister and her boyfriend Randy, Kristin and her husband Nathan, and Jessa came to celebrate with me.
I am hoping that I can get some sun this weekend. Good thing my camera has this skin darkening feature that doesn't make me look so washed out.

Doctor's Appointment

Monday Nate came with me to our 4 month appointment. Only 6 more months to go. That seems like so far away. This doctor's visit wasn't as eventful as my last one, but Nate did get to hear the heartbeat for the first time. Nate thinks we are having a boy and I think we are having a girl. We will find out on April 30th who is right.

Now it is your time to put in your guess. Here are a few facts to help you make your decision. 1. The last heart beat measurement was 150 beats/minute. 2. I have not had morning sickness. I hope those help you make an informed decision. So, all you have to do is post a comment and make sure to write your name, so I can keep tally. Good Luck!!

A Quick Trip

Most of you know that last Friday I flew down to Dallas to meet Nate. He picked me up at the airport and we spent the day site seeing. It was so nice to actually be next to him instead of talking to him on the phone. Friday it rained, but when we woke up on Saturday it was sunny and 70 degrees out.

Saturday we went to the Supercross race at the Texas Stadium. We met up with our friend Jason. After the race we started driving home. It took us 14 and a half hours to drive from Dallas to Minneapolis. Of course I slept for most of the drive. I did let Nate sleep for a few hours, so I drove from Kansas City to Des Moines.

All I can say is that it is so nice to have Nate home. FYI: He loves how the house looks with the walls painted.