Merry Christmas!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!!

We had a great holiday with Uncle Brendan and the Nafziger clan...
Thanks for all the great gifts!!!







Ramey especially loves her new snowsuit!!

Chunky Monkey No More

My little chunkers is now a 2 foot skinny minnie :-P

We went for a 3 month weight check... 10.15... only a small gain and a drop in percentile again. She will now be getting a little milk in a bottle so hopefully at her 4 month appt she'll be a chunky monkey again!!

I think a growth spurt is just around the corner... she had a 2 hour nap today and yesterday, big change from the typical 45 mins and has been eating like a champ

Check out the little chatterbox (sorry can't figure out how to get it from youtube.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mKqV6atvc4

Uncle Brendan is coming over tonight to stay with Ramey so mom & dad can go out for sushi!!

My First Christmas... Photo Shoot

Auntie Angela came over this week and we had a mini photo shoot... Ramey was such a great subject:










Lefty had to get into the action too!






All I want for Christmas...

I'll get back to you on that







Still thinking...






Oh Christmas tree,
Oh Christmas tree...






But I was such a good girl...







MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!











Nite, nite...

Ramey rolled over!!!

Today during tummy time Ramey rolled over from her tummy to her back!!! She's done it a few times on the bed or couch...but today she did it on the floor!!! My little girl is getting so big!!!

So far she is sleeping great at night (from 9-5!!!) We are enjoying it while we can as I've heard this may change. However, she isn't much of a napper, I'm lucky if I get 45 minutes...most times I can get her back down, but not always and when I do it's only for another 20-30 minutes... I've decided not to fight it and just make sure she rest (preferably sleeps) again in 2 hours.

Ramey's First Thanksgiving

Ramey and Great Aunt Donna

Thanksgiving was spent out at Great Aunt Mary and Uncle Tim's with 60+ other people and consumed 6 deep fried turkeys (yeah healthy!!) We played a game of pass the baby. I gave Ramey to Suzi, who passed her to Cindi, who passed her to Mike... and so it continued!! (that is till ms fussy pants came out!) Luckily no cold so far!!!

Ramey spent a little time with cousin Cora (1 week younger than Ramey)

Grandma and Papa were great and took over baby duty so mom and dad could go to a movie!! Ron and I had a nice date night and took in 007!! (we even got popcorn)

On Friday, Great Aunt Donna, Uncle Bruce and Kris came up from St. Louis and Uncle Brendan brought Grandma from Chicago and we all went out to lunch and had a nice time visiting...

Oh I almost forgot... Ramey gave Brendan an early Christmas gift before we left Chicago... She had an explosive diaper as he was holding her (down her leg, on her sock, onto Uncle B's work clothes then to the floor, which Lefty proceeded to walk thru!!) She hasn't even done that to either one of us!

Great Grandma Betty!!

We had a great week with Great Grandma Betty!! She came up to Chicago from St. Louis for a quick visit!!

Grandma, Ramey and the boys...

She was so very helpful!!! She spent a lot of time walking and rocking Ramey. We took a field trip to the Museum of Science & Industry and saw Christmas Trees from around the world. While we were there we checked out the new U-boat exhibit... pretty cool!! In a few months, Ramey will really enjoy the Idea Factory!!!

Grandma said Cheryl was a finger sucker...so when Ramey finally finds her fingers, we'll know Grandma Cheryl gave her a helping hand (or finger!!)

Looking forward to Grandma's next visit!

2 Month Stats...

Can someone please pause time... my little girl is getting so big!

Ramey is a growing girl:
10 lbs 3 oz (25-50 percentile)
23 1/2 inches (90 percentile)

She dropped in weight percentile so we'll go back for a 3 month weight check just to make sure she continues to gain...

She handled her first round of shots better than her mother did... good thing dad came along too! She only had a slight fever (felt warm) that night.

Ramey loves to talk to her friends on her activity mat and enjoys telling us stories during diaper changes... she is one chatty cathy! She has discovered her hands and can spend hours just staring at them or trying to figure out how to fit them in her mouth (at the same time...)

She also loves to stand tall and show us how big she is!!! She is going to be all over the place before we know it!

Meet Frank and Wish...

Ron was at a conference so I spent the week with Mom and Dad... Brian and Kristin brought the boys over for dinner (and to see ms. Ramey) and Kristin brought over the leftover treats from her last day party (cupcakes with Frankenstein and Witch rings)... Gavin introduced us to a few friends:


(Sorry it took awhile)

Happy Birthday Ramey Ann!!!

I was bound and determined to keep Ramey in place till after all the services… my due date was Thursday and since many first babies are late I thought all was good. After Cheryl’s passing I put myself on couch-rest, thinking it would help… well I spent most of Sunday night wide awake timing contractions, they weren’t super strong or regular but they were happening. This continued thru the night, morning and afternoon. Monday late afternoon I decided I needed to get checked out to see what was going on since the visitation was in 24hrs.
When I first got to the hospital I was only dilated 3 but almost fully effaced. The monitor showed that I was in fact contracting on a regular basis but still weren’t super strong. This continued thru the evening with no progress, normally we would have been sent home but they knew the situation and let us stay awhile longer. We (mom and I) decided to walk around for another hour or so and if nothing progressed then we would go home… with a little help from Cheryl, I finally made just enough progress and continued too for awhile longer. Once I made it to 6, I got my epidural (HEAVEN!!!) then shortly thereafter we started the pitocin. Tuesday morning rounds the dr ruptured my water in hopes of getting things moving along again but by noon I had stalled again and the dr suggested a c-section if I still hadn’t progressed by 1… Well no change and we ended up having the c-section… Ramey was born at 1:30 Sept 23, 2008!!! My chunky monkey... 8lbs 15oz!!! and 21 inches long!!
She had difficulty maintaining her blood sugar and was put on an iv (they also had concern about possible infection due to maconium in fluid, all test came back negative!!) Poor thing was stuck over and over... I was discharge on Friday but Ramey had to stay, luckily the hospital let me stay on as a border till she was discharge which happened on Saturday.

Remembering Grandma Cheryl

On September 20, 2008, Grandma Cheryl past away after a long fought battle with breast cancer. She tried so very hard to hold out to meet Baby Ramey…

Cheryl was the best mother-in-law I could ask for. She treated me as a daughter and not as an in-law. I could go to her with any problem, including those involving her son and she would look at the situation with an open heart and mind…set me straight or would agree with me!

I remember times of laughter, like when she came to Chicago for my bachelorette party and danced the night away with my aunts. I remember times of support, like when Ron and I were debating wedding locations. I remember times of mothering, like when she took me to the emergency room while at the Lake of Ozarks. I remember numerous times of celebrating: graduations, weddings, new jobs, new homes and the prospect of a new baby… the memories will never be forgotten.

Grandma Cheryl may not be here in person but I have already felt her presence. In the midst of her passing I felt Baby Ramey move like I had never felt and I know that she made a stop and spent some time with Baby Ramey before the rest of us! Ramey has so much of her Grandma in her that Cheryl will be an ever present part of our lives…

For Cheryl’s birthday Ron spent countless hours preparing a montage for her:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILGwgdVmYNw

We miss you….

THANK YOU ASCP!!!

So I get a call from Ron asking to meet him for lunch yesterday. Upon my arrival he takes me back to a conference room and to my surprise it was a mini-baby shower lunch!!! They gave us a VERY generous gift card to Babies-R-Us and a hand/foot print memento. I can't wait to take the little girl down to meet them all.

Thank you again!!

Crazy weekend.... I hate the car!!!

We had a very busy weekend...ok so it was mostly saturday, but that is a lot for me!!!

Friday was a low key night with Phillip and Dita, carry-out Indian while listening to the airplanes fly by (too lazy to go outside and see if we could see anything) Wasn't a late night as I was ready for my comfy spot on the couch and comfy clothes...

I knew Saturday was going to be busy, so I tried to take it as easy as I could in the morning. Ron took me out for breakfast before a quick Home Depot trip. The afternoon was spend in Michigan City, IN for a work bbq/house warming for Ron's work, this drive was a little over an hour!!! We had a great time visiting and people even sat inside with me (close to the food of course) Upon our return to the city I had to rest for a bit, literally only a bit as we had to go to Highland Park for Ally's engagement shower (another 40 mins on the road!!!) Beautiful party at a beautiful house. It was great to see everyone!! The wedding will be amazing! Ron was well behaved and able to drive home, which was great as many times the pregant wife is the DD and I was in no shape to be driving

Luckily we were able to take it easy on Sunday... I had the best nap I think I have ever taken while Ron went to a movie.

Next weekend looks just as crazy... Ouest Anniversary Party friday, Cheryl B-day saturday and my shower sunday (plus Mike's B-day sunday) Guess we better get it all in while we can!!! Will try to post some pics next week...

Week 33

Busy weekend!!! Mom and dad came for a visit. Friday morning mom went to the dr with me and got a good idea where she will need to go when she makes her mad dash to the city when the time comes! I told her that when I pack my hospital bag that she may want to bag her over night bag so she is ready at a moment notice. I scheduled all of my remaining appointments, only 6 more to go!!!

We then meet up with the boys for the Cub/Cardinal game (thanks for the tickets Papa!!) I drank my water while the rest enjoyed their Bub Lights! In the middle of the 8th inning all the sudden we here a young woman hyperventilating and all eyes turned her way only to discover her boyfriend down on one knee... a wedding proposal in the 8th inning on 08-08-8!!

Later that night we got word the Baby Mecum made her appearance at 10:18 pm on 08-08-08 (great birthday!!) Mom and baby Olivia are now home and we are going for a visit tonight! Can't wait to meet Baby Swan newest playmate!!

Sunday afternoon we drove to Bloomington so Cheryl could paint her pictures for the baby's room. We had a nice visit and also got to visit a few siblings as well... Baby Garrett is getting big, my they grow so fast!

Welcome Baby Olivia!!

Baby Swan has another playmate!!! Baby Olivia arrived on 08-08-08!!! What a great birthday! (and easy to remember!)

Ron and I went to visit the new family and got a chance to hold the baby (not an easy task with a big o belly!!) Ryan and Natalie look great. I can not wait for all the playdates to start!!

We also found out the so far we are 5 for 5.... all girls!!! Christy and Kristie are both expecting girls!!! Should make for some great drama in the future...GIRLS!!!

Week 32

Had my Chicago shower over the weekend. It was great to everyone and catch up. Thanks for all the great gifts girls!!! (and the cake was yummy too!!) Can't wait to start using them all

Was thinking about the things I miss since being pregnant... A few of them are:
-Bending over... you don't realize how much bending you do till you can't do it anymore
-Sushi, this WILL be my first restaurant visit post baby!!!! Bob Sans here I come!!
-Ice cold Corona!!! 'nough said!!
-Sleeping with my husband... due to all the excess pillows, constant flipping and numerous bathroom trips, Ron refuses to sleep in the same room as me
-Walking a normal pace... senior citizens pass me when walking, poor Ron, Mr. Speed Walker has been really great not leaving me in his dust
-Going up/down the stairs without getting out of breath
-Making a fist... got to love pregnancy induced carpal tunnel!

There are a few great things about being pregnant too.... people will give you there seat in various locations, eating ice cream regularly because you need A LOT of calcium, making your husband bring you any and everything because getting up from the couch takes 5 minutes!, and holding our little girl in a few short weeks!!!

Cubs Game

Made it to my first Cubs game this year (Ron's 18th and counting!) with the Feit cousins. All had a good time:
http://picasaweb.google.com/ron.swan/FeitCubsOuting

I did well in the heat and didn't complain too much (My only request was for more ice, which apparently you have to buy a bottle of water to get, which I had already purchased...ugh!!)

Baby Laila arrived over the weekend as well. I stopped by the hospital to get Ulla and walking in the Maternity ward was a little surreal...makes me want Sept to get here in a hurry, yet Oct is sounding better and better... Mecum's, your up next!!!

We drove down and spent the afternoon with Cheryl on Wed... still waiting for my painting!!! We had a nice dinner then went out for icecream!!!

On tap for this weekend: Shower in Chicago with the girls and may see Dark Knight with Ron.

Week 30

The movements are picking up, as expected...however so far I've been lucky and haven't had many rib or bladder shots...I'm sure they are only a few days away!

I decide to compile a list of my favorite pregnancy foods (will try to start from the beginning:
-Lemon drops and Jolly Ranchers
-Mashed potatoes (even made Ron try to find a restaurant that served mashed potatoes, decided on German and the place was closed... It was Good Friday, go figure!)
-Potbelly's shake, chocolate or strawberry
-Grapes (went thru a bag of grapes in 2 days and Ron didn't help!)
-Strawberries
-Dole peaches in a jar... had to be the refrigerated ones in a jar
-Mashed potatoes still holding strong!
-Yogurt (only Yoplait peach, cherry, raspberry & strawberry)
-Egg Salad (would drive to East Bank just to get some from the deli on days when I didn't take a class)
-California Pizza Kitchen (I could always count on Dita to meet me for salad and the occasional shared pizza! I've even done carry out by myself)
-Sweet Mandy B's cupcakes (oh so yummy...fine, pregnancy is just my excuse, can eat them ANYTIME!)
-PBJ on toast for breakfast (or anytime!)
-Lemonade
-Orange Soda (Fanta or Sunkist)


I'm sure there are more but now I'm hungry...

Week 29

I made it to the third trimester!!! (ok, so it was a few weeks ago...I've been busy, give me a break!!!)

The joys of pregnancy are starting to really show there face... the swelling, the constant peeing, uncontrollable heartburn, the not sleeping and the need for constant resting... I think Ron asks me at least 10 times a day either: are you ok or what's wrong... My usual response: Just pregnant!!!

Yesterday we had a nice day and met up with the Ciaccio's at the farmer's market (Dita knows all the good stands to hit) Ulla really wanted us to bring Lefty, but it had rained all morning and I did not want to deal with a muddy dog! (maybe next time!) We got a lot of great fresh fruit and shared a fresh peach crepe (oh so yummy, will be back for that)

After the farmer's market, we walked over the zoo and had a nice time walking around... with only one minor incident... we found a spot on a bench to sit and watch the monkeys play and swing when I felt a drop, didn't think much of it as it rained a lot that morning... at least until I went to wipe it away, yeah that's right, I got pooped on!!!! Luckily the washroom was right there and I was able to rinse it all out...

Went to my last 4 week appt last week, I'm now going for check ups every 2 weeks!!! Hope this helps the last few weeks fly by...(Less than 75 days and counting!)

Things to do: register for a class/infant cpr and pre-register at the hospital

Showers are set... Aug 2 in Chicago and Aug 24 in Bloomington

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

We made the long trek down to the lake of the ozarks for the forth and had a great time!

The drive there was easy... We left Tues after work and stayed at mom and dad's. They were wonderful and volunteered to bring Lefty down so we could pick up Grandma, after we took a short tour of St. Louis. I was surprised how easy the drive was, only had to stop a few times and usually we were able to coordinate them with gas stops.

The Hermes' were gracious enough to allow us to stay at there house...Thanks!!! And Mike was wonderful and came to pick us up so we had a chance to hang out at some lake side bar with Cindi and the girls before they headed pack to Bloomington.

Cheryl was down at the lake as well, so Grandma stayed with her. We were able to meet up with them for breakfast a few times and watched the fireworks on the lake.

As usual, Ron had fun with the camera...
http://picasaweb.google.com/ron.swan/July4th2008?authkey=NO0308jNN7s

We also had fun testing out the video camera again... if he puts together another video, I'll add that as well.

The ride to St. Louis was easy and we stayed the night with Grandma... Love her new apartment. The rest of the drive to Chicago, wasn't as fun... Ron was great and stopped VERY frequently for me... Thanks honey!!!!

On the baby front, Suzie, Ron and Mom were lucky enough to catch the little girl in full movement mode... She wouldn't cooperate for anyone else though!

Relay for Life

Another trip to Bloomington and time spent with family...

Rhianna's Banana's and Friend's Fighting Cancer did a great job raising money for a very good cause.

Cheryl, Donna, Grandma and Brendan all made if for the surviors dinner (which they shared with me!!!) and for the survior lap. Ron put together a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zr0RbP0lzLg&feature=email

Another Feit Wedding

We attended the beautiful wedding of Andrea and Josh over the weekend. The ceremony was beautiful, the food was delicious and Ron enjoyed his beverages!!

We had some fun with the camera:
http://picasaweb.google.com/ron.swan/AndreaSWedding

Carrie and I had fun comparing belly sizes... The race is on to see who will go first and if either of us will end up going on Grandma Great's birthday!

Week 26

I'm pathetic!!!

This week Ron met up with some of the old IBMer's for a Sox game... Yay house to myself!!! Lefty and I had a nice time making dinner and just hanging out watching T.V. I was tired so decided it was time to head to bed... turned off the lights, made sure the doors were locked... looked up and noticed: The sun was still up!!! It was just after 8:30 and I was ready for bed!!! Sad, very sad!!! Yes, I am pathetic as I proceeded to go to bed!

This weekend we are heading to Bloomington for Andrea's Wedding... another infamous Feit Family gathering, should be a good time...

Oh yeah.... Look who caught the bouquet at our wedding... I believe that would be Ms. Andrea!!

Next weekend: Relay for Life!!! Time to donate (you know who you are!!!)

http://relay.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeIllinoisDivision?fr_id=7566&pg=entry&JServSessionIdr009=wqmfdv04m3.app315a

For Cheryl's Team: Friends Fighting Cancer

For Rhianna's Team: Rhianna's Bananas

Happy Father's Day!!!

Cheryl made it to Chicago!!! It was great to see her!

She gave her approval of the nursery and my paintings (plus may make her own for us to hang in the room... go Grandma!!!)

Baby Swan also received her first baby gift:

Thanks Cheryl, Donna & G-ma Betty!

We then spent the afternoon up at doggie beach. Lefty had a great time:

Julie the Artist!!!

Cheryl is coming to visit to see the nursery, so Ron wanted to put the finishing touches on the room... It was then that I informed him of my plan:

To make some abstract art... to which he suggested calling Jim (he painted the wine bottle/glasses pic above wine fridge) for studio time (ha ha funny boy!!)

So I got busy painting.... Check out my work:

Watch Me Grow

Getting ready for water aerobics (no make up, so cut head off!!):

Took the glucose test... not too bad, luckily it was served very cold! Taste like flat orange soda, just like everyone said it would... Results take a few days and no news is good news.

Everything is measure right on target..

Dad In Training...

The Hogenson's were up from St. Louis for a wedding this weekend and they were able to squeeze time in to meet up for brunch and in the midst of their exodus to the burbs, the Mecum's came too!!!

We had a great time catching up and Ron got in a little baby practice time with Alex:

After breakfast we went to Printers Row Book Fest with Andrew and Alex then met up with the Zajac's... Luckily we made it back to the car before the rain hit...

Baby girl will either be a gymnast or tap dancer or soccer player by the amount of moving around she is doing!!!

Glucose test coming soon!!

Week 23... May Fest

Ron and I made our way up to May Fest this weekend for some German beer and brats with German potato salad (yum!!), unfortunately no beer for me, but think Ron had enough for both of us {j/k :-)} It was great to spend some time with the Zajaks and Jim.

Overall it was a great time, till I wanted to sit down... The boys were wonderful and made there way back to the tent. I asked one table if an empty chair was taken, thought I heard him say "take it" but he said "it's taken..." Fine don't give a chair that is only holding air to a pregnant lady (by the way NO ONE ever sat in the chair during the time I needed to rest...) However there was a wonderful woman waiting for her husband who gave me her chair!!! After a few beers (for the boys) I decided it was time to head home and get dinner, so as the boys were finishing up and elderly couple approaches looking for a seat, especial for the husband who looks like he could fall over any minute... Again, NO ONE would give up there chair!! Ron attempted to take what looked like a vacant chair and was reprimanded by the father of 2 (who yelled out "THAT'S MY CHAIR" Unbelievable... so the pregnant lady (me) gave him a chair... I just could not believe how un-respectful these people were, granted I'm not huge and completely obviously pregnant,but wow major eye opener

One Lucky Girl!!!

After doing lots of research and test driving, I found a stroller that I like. Ron never gave me much of a budget, so I had a few that I liked. So one Saturday morning (after a late night with the Ciaccio boys, thanks guys!) me and one very hung over husband went to breakfast. While we were eating he asked about the stroller I had picked out. I told him that the store is just down the street if he wants to look at it...

So we made our way over to the store and showed him the one that I wanted, but since he was paying for it, the decision was his... Well they had a number of other strollers and he saw the bugaboo, which he felt was better quality and much lighter, PLUS the Ciaccio's and Zajak's have said only good things about it. Well... WE GOT IT!!!

I never in a million years would have expected it or considered it much of a possibility but Ron made a few good points... most importantly it's light weight and I'll be able to carry it up the stairs much easier than most other strollers...

So thank you to my wonderful and generous husband for my fancy stroller!!! YOU ROCK!!!

Week 22

The room:

We are getting closer... paint and most the of furniture is in!! Just need to finish the closet now!

Registering is near complete... went a little crazy at Babies-R-Us, check it out! (also at Pottery Barn Kids and Target)

We had a nice Memorial Day weekend... Spent some time at the beach in Indiana (like an idiot, didn't put on any sunscreen and got a tad bit burned) then had a nice time at the BBQ Monday.... All the kids played so well... can't wait till next year when the newest additions will be joining in the festivities!!

Week 21... The crib

Our big accomplishment this week was the assembly of the crib and changing table WITHOUT any fighting or raised voices!!!

Lefty seems to like it!!!



I picked the paint color and Ron says he will be painting the room this weekend...

Next on the list of to do... Registering!!

Watch Me Grow 2

Finally took another picture:

Week 20 IT'S A......

GIRL!!!!!!!

So we had our big u/s!!!! Check out the pics...
View of face with hand over nose:

Profile with arm reaching for leg!?! :

View of her spin as she was curled up into a ball:

The Girly shot: Another profile... Some say she has Ron's nose?!?!?

Baby Swan was on the shy side and kept her hand over the face for most of the time. Currently in a breech position (but babies move a lot so most likely won't last long) She was curled up in a ball for most of the time and made it a challenge for the tech and me (had to lay on my side to get some measurements).

At one point she took a hand and held it out up near the *wand* almost like saying enough already!!! Wish I would have asked for a copy of that pic (oh well!) Overall everything looks great and right on target!!

Next appt is the glucose test (not looking forward to that!) Two more monthly appts before the every other week appt start (where does the time go!!)

Will be heading home for Mother's Day on Sunday (not looking forward to the drive, uh but will be great to see everyone)

Week 19

Busy weekend... Christening party and a baby shower (co-ed) Think Ron enjoyed himself plus got an idea of all the stuff we need!!!

Ron went into a mini nesting mode and started to clear out the office (will be nursery) We have a pile of stuff to give away sitting in the living room (hope to have it all gone soon)

The crib and changing table have arrived!!! Still in the boxes but at least they are in our possession!! Time to start thinking about decor... But first must find out the sex!! (only a few more days now!!)

And the big news of the week.... Starting to notice more and more movement!!! It is still very suttle. I notice it mostly in the morning and right before bed but will occasionally notice a little flutter during the day. Very exciting!!!

Week 18

One more week down, almost half way there!!

Overall a good week!! Made it to my pre-natal strenght & strech class as well as a water aerobics class!!! Can't wait till the weather is nice and it's outside!!

We got the crib and changing table ordered (thanks T!!!) Now just need to find the bedding. I'm leaning towards a frog theme but not easy to find, so may end up with frog accessories and pick out a green and blue (or pink!?!?)set. {one more week!!! What will it be... A he or a she?!?!?!?!?}

Spent some time looking at strollers... found a few that I like but want Ron to test them out as well and his opinion too!

Spent last night with Kathryn and the kids (boy do the grow up fast!!!) We had a great time and the little ones where VERY well behaved!! Mr. Christopher is getting so big (no surprise with who his father is!!) and Caroline is such a cutie!!!

Cheryl is home are recovering from surgery nicely, thank you for all your thoughts and prayers!!

Patty and her sisters are on there way to the derby (have fun girls!!! Enjoy a mint julip for me!!!)

And can't forget a Birthday shout out!!! Happy Birthday DADDY!!! (Angela too!) Hope you enjoy your gift!!!

Welcome Baby Garrett

Baby Garrett has arrived!!! Gavin was not too happy to have him join the family at first but seems to be adjusting well... If you haven't seen it, check out his first reaction: http://hepziger.blogspot.com

Upon meeting and holding him I realized I will be having something that size exiting my body... I was holding him up to my stomach thinking, how in the world does something like you fit inside this little belly?!?!

Little flutters and bubbles are starting to occur in my belly... I think I am beginning to feel some movement... It is very soft and infrequent, not looking forward to the rib jabs that are soon to occur...

Only 2 more weeks till he or she!!!

Week 16

Well into the second trimester now and feeling better! More energy and eating better!!

I would prefer not to share this story but it is one of Ron's favorites!

We met with the OB for a quick check-up and for the first time they used the doppler to listen to the heartbeat... She immediately found the heartbeat and I go to Ron "did you hear it?!?!" in a very excited voice (like he was in another room) And i was so excited she found it without even moving it around... So every now and then Ron reminds me of my excitement with the occasional "did you hear?!?!"

Our next appt will be the BIG u/s... will s/he cooperate and let us know what they are?!?! Tune in to find out...

Watch me grow...

Very bad picture... but the beginning of a baby bump:

NT testing

Went in for the NT scan and blood test... The u/s was very clear. You could see the little legs kicking away... glad s/he has a lot of space... going to get tight real soon!! One of the pics from the u/s, look closely and you can see the legs:


All the test results came back within the normal range!!

Week 12

Feeling much better...sinus are finally clearing up!! YAY!!!!
I've learned a few things.... most importantly eat healthy and eat often. Skipping meals is not an option and have plenty of snacks on hand
(note to self: hide all food from boys in the office)

Had another great u/s.... Looks like a baby bear!!!



Baby is about the size of a small lime (measured just under 5cm)

My parents are coming up to celebrate St. Patty's Day and to make corned beef and cabbage...yummy!!! (Thanks Papa!!) No green beer for me, maybe I'll have some Green River!

Week 10 & 11

Feeling a only a little better but the sinus issue is making the morning sickness worse (and it's not in the morning, blah...)

We spent a week in Aspen. Beautiful, but not much to do if you can't ski...
The girls had relaxing mornings in the lobby reading by the fire and spent a little time at the spa; the boys spent most days on the slopes, Ron made drastic improvements, the ski lessons were worth it. Unfortunately didn't make it out for many dinners (2 pregnant chicks and a little one) but the boys were able to go our for beers a few times. Overall VERY relaxing get away, next time I want to ski though!

Ron was the camera man as usual:
http://picasaweb.google.com/ron.swan/Aspen

Next week... OB appt and maybe another u/s!!!

Week 9

Started to feel really good then got hit with a sinus cold... not fun. Pre-pregnancy I would know exactly what to do. Only things I can take are Sudafed, Tylenol, Hall & plain Robitussin... and wait....

Week 7 & 8

Two great weeks and two great u/s, heartrates at 143 and 172...
7 weeks


8 weeks


I did learn that when tired and nauseous, the grocery story is not the greatest place to be. Came home with frozen pizza, ice cream, gatorade, ginger ale and ginger snaps. Did manage to get stuff to make spaghetti for dinner but nothing for the rest of the week.

Still pretty tired and want to nap all the time but overall feeling pretty good...

Week 6

Baby's first photo... Oh how sweet.

Saw and heard the heartbeat... 102 bpm!! Not much bigger than a lima bean!!



I'm feeling fairly good... always wanting a nap. No major morning sickness and no major cravings, yet! Only time will tell.

Lefty's Big Announcement

It is official... We are expecting!!!

And Lefty is ready to be a big sister (not really but she'll have time to get used to the it)

After many months of trying and trying again, we finally did it!!! The baby is due late September 2008.