We made it to Grandpa Mike’s in 3 days! The weather is gorgeous and we might even get to see some northern lights!
First BIG Trip August 1, 2010
We’re getting ready to head out on our first big road trip. You, our friend Harmony, and I are getting the last of our stuff packed and Daddy is loading up the car for us. He’s also making us waffles! He is the best daddy! He is staying for a few extra days and then flying and meeting us in Billings.
Today, we’re driving to Nevada, Missouri to stay with your Great Aunt Linda and Great Uncle Wayne. We slept in and are getting a late start, but that’s ok. It’s also going to be a very hot day so we’ll go slow.
One month old July 7, 2010
You’re already one month old! We celebrated the day before since it was a cooler morning by going to the zoo! So it may have been more for your dad and I than you, since you just slept in the stroller. But it was still fun! It was also one of you grandma Bev’s last days here. We got a good walk and got to see a lot of our favorite animals before it got too hot.
On your real one month birthday, we went to the pediatrician (you are doing awesome!) and got groceries (I resisted getting you a cake. And by you I mean me). You made it through not one, but two meals our!
You’re changing so fast and learning so much. Every new thing is so exciting for us. You usually just look at us funny, although there have been a couple of smiles this week that weren’t gas related. You are strong willed and know how to let us know what you want, although we don’t always catch on right away.
I can’t wait to see what this week holds.
Oh how time flies – 21 days old June 26, 2010
My laptop sits lonely underneath the coffee table. Anything that takes up space and requires more than one hand has gone by the wayside. If I can’t do it on my iPhone in my chair while I feed you, it doesn’t get done. Thank goodness for Facebook and WordPress apps along with several games!
You are here and you are absolutely beautiful. Your parents are both total amatuers (I managed not to change a diaper for almost a week!). But thanks to your grandmas we’ve had lots of help and are learning quick. We have lots of questions about what you want, but we’re starting to understand each other.
Grandma Jill got her wish and was here a few days before you were born. We spent those days walking, talking, and visiting the farmers market downtown. She got to be there when you were born and stayed until the 22nd of June. It was really hard to send her home but we get to see her again really soon when we go to Montana in August. And meet Grandpa Mike and Uncle Matt and the rest of the family!
Grandma Bev got here a week ago and is staying till July 7th which is good since we’re sending Dad to a wedding in Boston! She’s been a big help keeping you occupied so I can catch a nap or get something cleaned up around the house. She made her delicious souper burgers for dinner tonight too!! Love grandma cooking (especially since that means I don’t have to!)
I’ll post the entire birth story when I finish writing it out. In the mean time, we’ve got some fun things going on. I got a baby book I’m filling in when I can. My mom did one and I always liked reading it when I got older and looking at the pictures. And Daddy got a nice journal so we can keep track of what you do. We’re both still working on little projects like your mobile and blankets, but we’re starting to all get in our groove. We’re so happy you’re here. It already feels like you’ve always been here.
Tomorrow is D-Day! June 2, 2010
So you still haven’t shown, despite a couple of false alarms. Not major enough for us to head to the hospital, but enough for me to have a couple of sleepless nights (you and your dad as well!). He has pointed out that this is a battle of his patience versus yours… and you are winning! Mostly, the thought that you could be here at any time has us both really excited! Unfortunately, since you’re not here, we have to go back to the dr this afternoon. This wouldn’t be so bad, except that it requires us to sit in a waiting room for an hour usually, followed by another 45 minutes in a room waiting for a 15 minute slot with the OB. BUT she is very nice and so far has given us good news. We will see what she says today!
Your Grandma Jill (which still sounds kind of funny) gets here late tonight so don’t wait too long to come out and play! She’s only here for a couple weeks and as much as she likes to hang out with us, I’m pretty sure she’s coming to see you. In person. Not in my belly. And your Grandpa Mike (also sounds funny still) thinks you’re definitely coming today. Here is hoping he’s right! We’re ready to see your cute little face, not just your fuzzy black and white shapes on the ultra sound. The last time we saw you was 2 weeks ago – you were sucking your thumb, which was kind of adorable, and it looked like all systems were go. You weighed around 7 pounds already, so by today, you are closer to 8! Come out soon!!
Look how much fun you could be having with us! You have goofy parents!
Patiently Waiting....
Already trying to outsmart your dad. May 21, 2010
He said you would be out today. Partly because it was a bad day for him to miss at work. At least for his co-workers who get to fill in for him while he’s out for a little bit to get used to life with you on the outside. But I think there was also some wishful thinking on his part. He’s ridiculously excited to meet you, and so am I! Plus you are running out of room in my belly and seem to be as annoyed by it as I am. The estimate from the ultra sound puts you at about 7 and a half pounds, so its getting to be time to show your little face! If you get too big, you will have an unhappy mommy! There is a lot of bad stuff in the this world, but there are so many reasons to come out and see it! Your grandmas would both like you to wait a little longer so you’re not too big when they get here. We have lots of fun things to do while they’re here, like go to the zoo, and the botanical gardens. You might not enjoy them as much as we will, but it will be a fun day out in your fancy stroller! You are going to be born at a great time – summer in Memphis is hot, but also nice. Lots of music and food and places to walk. I can’t wait to get to show you your new city. I never expected to live in a real city when I had a baby, but now that I do, I’m excited to include you in all my daily activities! So come out and play with me!! 
My first Mother’s Day May 9, 2010
I’m finding it very refreshing – Matt’s gift to me is cleaning out enough of the garage so I can park in it. For those of you who have seen our steep driveway, this is a REALLY big deal. I can no longer get out of the car at that severe of an angle without some difficulty and I assume it will also be awkward towing a car seat. SO I’m very VERY appreciative.
This has also made me think about how we celebrate with food. Don’t get me wrong, I can find any reason to celebrate something to go out to eat somewhere fun! Especially here in Memphis. There is so much good food here! We went to Spindini with our little group of former Bendites last night and had a blast. The food was amazing, even if not perfect, and we finished off with CHEESECAKE! Mmmm. HOWEVER, now that the baby is almost here and with Matt getting ready to train again for more running later this year, me hopefully starting again, we’re talking about our eating habits. My mom was amazing with two picky eaters at still making us nutritious meals. I didn’t appreciate this NEARLY as much as I should have until I went to college and was on my own. My hope is we can set a good example for you and you will avoid what I see here so often in Memphis – lots of very overweight out of shape kids.
Anyway, back from my tangent – Matt is also making me his infamous GUMBO! It is amazing, and it takes him all day, so we don’t have it very often. I am playing Sous Chef and helping when he needs me. He is also preparing to bottle the baby beer – NoNa IPA. Guess I should finish up the label to go with it. Although it requires a picture of you, so you have to show your pretty little face too! I feel like you aren’t going to wait for June to come out, but then again that could just be wishful thinking on my part.
Speaking of Mother’s, both of your grandma’s have booked their plane tickets and are each spending a little over 2 weeks here to help us adjust to parenthood. They’re both pretty excited to come down and see you, and we’re pretty excited for the extra help. They’ll be here at the same time for a couple of days in the middle of June, so you lucky girl get a lot of extra attention. Its going to be a rude awakening about July 7th when you’re on your own with just your dad and me!
For the most part, but first Mother’s Day is pretty exciting, although still doesn’t completely seem real since you are still inside, poking me alternately in my left rib and my bladder. Father’s Day will be another story – you’ll actually be here and I’m working on a semi epic (though not TOO epic) plan for your dad… I’ll fill you in when you get here.
31 days / 88.9% done May 3, 2010
31 days until your due date (give or take a few provided you cooperate…. PLEASE cooperate). I go back and forth constantly between being so incredibly excited to see your little face, sheer panic since I’ve never changed a diaper and am one of those people who thinks I’m going to break a fragile little newborn, and denial that its actually as close as it is. Its amazing how fast 9 months go by. Seems like I was just seeing you for the first time on the little ultrasound – the one where you looked like a blob with arms and a heartbeat. All I could think of was those little see through fish.
I think your dad and I are about as ready as we’re going to be. We have 4 types of diapers, some clothes, a couple of places for you to sleep, and a car seat so we can take you home. We did classes to learn how to best get you out (again, please cooperate and don’t cause too much panic, in case I haven’t told you, your mom is a panicker), how to feed and take care of you. Well that one is still in progress, but we’re trying. Your dad is working on a really REALLY cool mobile for your room and I’m trying to think of other fun ways to decorate.
In the mean time, if you could quit trying to dig your way out my left side, it would be greatly appreciated. I am ok with pokes and jabs, but you are tickling me from the inside. As another mom friend pointed out, payback is coming little girl! Just as soon as I can get to you!
We are excited for you to come out and play, the sooner the better (but not too soon, finish cooking as long as you need).
Baby Brew 2010 April 25, 2010
With just over five weeks left until D-Day, we have begun the baby brew. Our house smells hoppy and delicious!! Its a variation on the Un-Real IPA. Its been about 2 years since we’ve brewed our own beer – life was a little crazy for awhile there and who knew having a baby would be what slowed us back down! Isn’t it supposed to work the other way around? Here are the highlights!
Getting up to temp…
Now THAT is what I call a tea bag! Boiling the grains…
Mmmm, hoppy goodness!
The brewmaster, hard at work.
Matt would like you to note the 2 colors of foam. This would be where the hops started making the entire house smell like beer.
Getting ready to put the hops in – we now know that hops pellets don’t act the same way the real hops do. They leak out of this particular type of sock when they boil down and you end up with green goo in your beer that has to be strained out!
Wafting the hoppy goodness – I may not be able to drink the beer right now, but I can SMELL it!!
So this is what happens when your hops turn to mush and leak out the bag. I’ve been told this is what my first few diapers will look like too so really, this is appropriate for the baby brew!
Last step, the Yeast… then we wait…
Should be able to bottle in a couple weeks – I am open to suggestions for naming this IPA (NoNa has been tossed around a few times, any other ideas?) We’re going to make a label and everything! Should be pretty epic. How many babies have beer named after them when they’re born!? Ok so maybe its for her parents, but it beats the traditional cigars and chocolates.
30 weeks, only 10 to go. Holy crap! March 26, 2010
If you had asked me at the beginning how I thought it would be at this point, I’d have been right. You know, way back, before the all day sickness set in, and the extreme exhaustion. Those were a fun 18 weeks. NOW besides not being able to breathe, or reach my toes, or get a full nights sleep, I feel pretty amazing! And excited. And nervous. But mostly excited. The thing that still scares me the most is the poopy diapers. I got over the gagging picking up dog poop at the apartment for a year, I figure I can handle this. It just may take a while with the garbage can posted next to the changing table 
Now that spring is here, I have a serious case of wanting the baby to come out and play! We’ve been spending an hour in the sun in the backyard with Dash while he lays upside and naps, just enjoying the beautiful weather while it lasts. Spring in Tennessee truly is beautiful, and it almost makes up for the eternal hot of summer. And really, isn’t that what the inflatable swimming pool is for (YES! Matt found it in the garage, we are SO ready!) Don’t get me wrong, I really want her to stay in there until she’s done cooking, but I really want to play! The first few months are gonna be rough – the ones where there isn’t so much playing as there is feeding, burping, pooing, sleeping, repeat. But what a great way to spend the summer!! Plus once fall rolls around, which here appears to be November/December, she’ll be big enough to play more.
The next door neighbor, Melissa, has a tree with white blossoms. It is absolutely beautiful right now, and so far, the allergies haven’t reared their ugly heads too badly yet! Oh little baby NoName, I REALLY hope you are like your dad and don’t have the allergies – I have being that miserable, especially when they’re caused by so many pretty plants. We’ve got the hepa out, since I have no idea how bad they’ll be this year, and I’m attempting to be the good mom and not taking Zyrtec until I absolutely need to. I’m cheering on your dad, uncle Matt, and Grandmas’ genes here!
Oh well, until she makes her appearance, I guess the dog and I will continue to lay in the grass in the backyard, sunning our selves. Don’t worry, I promise to stay away from baby cooker territory – it isn’t that warm and I haven’t found my bathing suit yet. (If I haven’t told you the baby cooker story, I will!)
