Three

Isaac turned three this past June...and I guess what they say is true...3 is more challenging than 2!! My little guy just has his own ideas on just about everything. I say black, he says white...I say up, he says down...it can be quite maddening some days, but I will say he really is a very smart and independent little boy. He tries to negotiate on everything and really likes to be in control of just about every situation (I honestly can't figure out where he gets this from...*sheepish grin*). He really is so much like his mommy.

In late March, Isaac officially became a big brother! His baby brother Asher was born on March 31st, 2010. He really has adjusted very well. He is generally very protective of and sweet to his baby brother...sometimes to a fault. He often doesn't like to let other people visit with him and is very concerned that anyone and everyone wants to take Asher home with them! He loves his brother, although not always wanting to share the spotlight with him...which is totally normal I'm sure...he likes having Asher around and is very helpful to me in caring for him.


Isaac has progressed in so many areas these past six months. He knows all his letters, numbers to 100, and has even started basic reading, writing, and spelling! He loves learning and any activities or programs that help him do so. He has also started drawing pretty well...maybe he will take after his daddy! This kids memory is amazing. He surprises us daily with the things his little brain can come up with. I really need to do better keeping record of some of the funny things he says...I just love how his mind is working these days. One of my favorites recently...when told to "put the telescope away" he shouted "go away scope!" (he heard tell the scope away).


Isaac has had a fun summer playing with friends, going to the spray park, going to the zoo, swimming, and going to the lake house! He is swimming much better this year with water wings...last year he just didn't really have the hang of it, even with the wings...but now he gets in and wants us to let go! Then he never wants to get out! Some of his favorite things include Mickey Mouse (still), legos and play doh. He likes to play tag and hide and go seek with his dad, and he loves going to target with mommy. :)

Even though we have our challenging times, Isaac is such a sweet and loving little boy. I'm so proud of him and so thankful for all the joy he brings to our family. We love him to pieces!

Two and a half

I'm so upset with myself for letting so much time go by without updating Isaac's blog. So much has been going on since the little bugger turned 2, and I have really struggled with wanting to go back and catch up on it all...but I am just so overwhelmed...I think I have to let well enough be and try to pick up on some highlights and go from there.

So, Isaac turned 2 in June 2009 and shortly after (late July) he found out he was going to be a big brother!! Obviously having NO clue at the time what that would mean for him, we have been working hard to build his excitement and hopefully acceptance of the idea. :) Now, almost 8 months later we still can't be sure he really knows what is going on, but he seems to be excited and okay with it all. He was a little hesitant at first to graduate into bigger and better things leaving his "baby" things for his baby brother. For example, when we moved him into his new bedroom with his new big boy bed, he seemed fine at first...until he realized his previous bedroom and crib were going to be used by baby brother. It's hard to know exactly how to help them process and accept these things...but with a little encouragement, he now refers to his former room as baby brother's room and seems perfectly fine with him sleeping in the crib. :) We encourage him to be helpful by letting baby brother use "his" things that are too little for him now, and telling him he will have to help baby brother learn lots and lots of things. He seems to like the idea. :)

I'm sure we are in for quite an adjustment. Isaac has developed into somewhat of a strong willed child. I find that when we go through a new "phase" with him, I can just get trapped into thinking it is just the worst! Then I get to the next phase and I think...that wasn't all that bad...THIS has to be the worst. I'm sure a lot of it is normal, but I often struggle with how to shape his behavior without expecting too much or crushing his spirit. I have to say though...now that he is almost 3...I think I need to step this up a notch.

I have to ask him to do things several times and often when I do say something (really anything at all) he just retorts with an argumentative statement. It doesn't matter what I say...he will say the opposite. I have to remind myself that he may not completely understand what he is doing...but at the same time...if I don't help him understand...he will come to think that this behavior is okay...and it is NOT okay. I am at my wits end with this child sometimes! If I "threaten" him, which I try not to do unless I'm perfectly willing to follow through on it...he just looks at me as if to say "go ahead" and on occasion he even says something to the effect. He will often get a spanking because I have said "do you need a spanking?" in hopes to get him to obey without the actual spanking and he has said "yes". Ugh! I have found this to be one of the most difficult stages of parenting. Being consistent but loving. Shaping behavior but not breaking his spirit. Being his parent but also having fun. It's a tricky balance.

So, of course this would be a good time to start potty training...right? Why on earth I thought this was a good idea, I will never know. Not only is he in the throws of the terrible and testing twos...but I am in the last trimester of pregnancy! What is difficult about it is that he started out really well, and then decided he didn't "want" to do it. So I have 2 things going on in my brain...I feel like I can't go back now...we started and he was doing so well...if I quit...what will that do? And also...I haven't really mentioned this yet...but he is his mother's child...did I say strong willed?? Don't even tell me you don't "want" to do this...cuz I will not quit!! You WILL do it. Of course I know that is not really the right approach to this...but I'm just torn. Again, with shaping his behavior and even his confidence...he CAN do it...he HAS done it...but also choosing my battles at this point. Sigh.

Okay, I can't leave things on a bad note...Isaac is incredible. He is happy and energetic and so much fun. One reason I am excited to be done with pregnancy (among many) is to just get back to having fun with him. I feel like such a let down to him right now cuz I just can't bring myself to do much of anything being so uncomfortable and tired all the time. I love when Mike gets home and starts to play with him. They have SO much fun together and it really is such a joy to watch. He is also just so smart. He knows and recognizes the entire alphabet, both upper and lower case. He counts to 20 forwards and backwards and has even started recognizing some words. The other day he took letters from his alphabet puzzle and spelled his name! The puzzle only has one of each letter so it came out ISAC. I was still very amazed none the less, but he took it one step further by asking me where the other A was?! He knew his name needed 2. :)

He doesn't really read (I don't think)...but this kid has some memory!! There are several books that he could probably recite back to us almost completely. He loves music and knows so many songs that he loves to sing. He knows jingles and tag lines for many things in mainstream media such as "save money, live better, walmart". He recites this any time he sees the yellow walmart logo. In the past six months he is putting thoughts together...actually having conversations...its so amazing to watch that develop in your child...from simple words to phrases to actual complete thoughts! He's just so interactive and verbal now...and in seemingly such a short period of time. He's funny too...the things that this kid says...I really need to start writing them down so I can recall them.

I'm excited for this next year and what lies ahead with him. Hopefully I can do better keeping it all updated on here as well!! Until next time...

TWO

Somewhere in the last few months I've completely lost track of time...I have a TWO year old! Isaac turned 2 on June 19th and he has been living up to the task ever since. I'm sure things could be much worse...I know I have heard many horror stories about the terrible two's. It is just a real challenge when you see your sweet little baby starting to become somewhat of a monster! The most maddening thing that he does (and has been doing for a while now) is he will ask for something (quite insistantly) and then when I give it to him, have a complete break down about it...like he never asked for it and how dare I give it to him! So I take it back...and he has another breakdown...like that was his and how dare I take it away from him!

For example...a conversation we have quite often...
Isaac: "milk mommy!! milk, milk, milk".
Me: "How do you ask mommy, Isaac?"
Isaac: "Milk please, mommy?"
Me: "Okay, would you like some milk?" (double checking because I am anticipating the breakdown that will happen when I actually give him the milk).
Isaac: "Okay, mommy..."
Me: "Here's your milk Isaac."
Isaac: "NO!!! NO MILK!!!" (While sometimes crying and often throwing himself to the floor)
Me: "Okay, I will put it away for later" (then taking the milk that he obviously didn't want)
Isaac: "MILK!!! MILK mommy!!! (again falling to the floor, even more dramatically...often accompanied by kicking and screaming).

This could go on for several minutes...I am sure it is really just a lack of being able to communicate exactly what he wants...but it is maddening none the less. Another difficult development is his newly found sense of selective hearing. He used to be pretty good about listening to what I would say, but now it is as if I am not even talking sometimes!! He has discovered that he does indeed have a choice in these matters...and he often chooses to exercise his own will. Current struggles also include hitting, not sharing, and just plain whining and crying for no reason.

So we have been trying the "time out" method for the past few months... I would say it is working okay...I probably still have some things to learn myself about using time outs to their maximum benefit, but at the very least it does redirect him during a tantrum and gives us a chance to "try again".

On to some good things...Isaac is such a smart little guy. He is talking so well and starting to speak in sentances and complete thoughts. He has the most amazing memory...this kid remembers so much of what he sees and hears. He is learning all kinds of songs and he loves to sing. He knows almost every song on the latest Tenth Avenue North album "Over and Underneath". There are a few of his books that he can "read" himself (not because he is actually reading the words...but he remembers what we have read to him). He is starting to be more creative, using his blocks to "build things" and showing some imagination in how he uses his toys. When he is sweet...he is SO sweet. He will often tell us how beautiful something is, or say that something is so sweet, and he is really good about saying "i love you". When we pray together at night, Mike or I will start and begin by thanking Jesus for all of our blessings...and he will immediately begin listing all the things he is thankful for...often things that he really experienced during that day...at this point we think it could be more of a stalling tactic so he doesn't have to go to bed (evident when he started thanking Jesus for the door, and the carpet etc...) None the less, it is still really sweet to hear him thank Jesus for just about EVERYTHING!

Despite the challenges, it is really exciting to see the beginnings of the person Isaac is going to become. I pray every day that above all, he will have a deep love for Jesus and for other people. I pray that we will be good examples of this, and raise him the way God has intended for him. We just love him to pieces!!

Some stats

I just realized that I forgot to post the details from Isaac's last appointment (18mo) on here! Which was now 3 months ago....oh well...here it is anyway.

Isaac weighed 27 pounds (50th percentile), was 34 inches (75th percentile), and his head was 19.5 inches (75th percentile). The doctor was pleased with his overall health and development.

She asked me how many words he knew...this seems impossible to put a number on. He is talking up a storm!! He repeats everything we say now, it just seems like over the last few months (19 - 22 months) he has expanded his vocabulary exponentially!

He says "excuse you daddy (or mommy or Isaac)" and "bless you mommy (or daddy or Isaac)". He says "please" and "thank you" (with a little prompting) and "you're welcome". He says "see you later", "love you", "here we go" and "okay" (which usually follows his asking for something he really wants...regardless if we have actually said okay or not). He says so much more, but these are just some of the ones I can remember right now.

The other day Mike went upstairs to get ready to go somewhere and Isaac ran to the bottom of the stairs and said..."come back daddy". I had no clue he knew how to say that or even what it meant. He surprises us with something new every day!

Blessings

Isaac just started saying his own name differently. He used to say "sa-sai" and now he's started saying "i - eh". Haha...it's so cute (although I kinda miss "sa -sai").

We found one of Mike's old phones that he lost a while ago. We charged it up and gave it to Isaac because he is obsessed with phones. He loves it!!

He knows all his letters now. He doesn't go through his ABC's in order yet...but he can identify all the letters. He will randomly sing part of the song in order...but has yet to do it from A to Z.

He now counts from 1 - 20! He can do 1 - 12 all on his own, and he will randomly do 15 - 20 but he usually needs a little prompting to get him all the way through. He can also count from 10 - 1 backwards. What a little smarty pants.

After my recent miscarriage I have been thinking a lot about what a blessing Isaac is. I always knew he was, but it is easy to take it for granted sometimes. I had all but forgotten the many struggles we went through trying to conceive a child. Before we had conceived him, I had come to terms with the fact that we may not ever have children of our own. I really was at peace with that...I had decided that God may not give us children of our own, but that He would take care of us and we would be okay if that were the case. But he did choose to give us a child, and I am just so thankful for him. But God would've been the same God...just as good...if He had chosen not to.

It is a little difficult being taken back to those thoughts and feelings again. I have to admit that after we were blessed with Isaac, I guess I thought that battle was over...I got this false sense that we would no longer have any problems having children. Getting pregnant so quickly kinda confirmed that in my mind...but now I'm remembering back...the difficult time we had...could be ahead of us again...and i am determined not to be consumed like I was before...to make sure that my faith in Him grows even stronger than it did the last time. I know He is in control and will do what is best for us...not because He chose to give us a child the first time around...but simply because He is God. I'm really trying not to let my worries and fears sneak up on me...I just keep giving them right back to Him and reminding myself of who He is and His promises. To give us life to the full. To do what is best for us. To fight our battles and be victorious. To give us joy, and peace that passes all understanding.

19 Months

Isaac is up to so many new things...it is hard to keep up with them all. He is repeating so many more words and actual phrases. We will say something to him that we've probably said a billion times before, but all of the sudden it comes back out of his mouth! It is so cute. Today I told him after lunch "you are such a mess"...and I hear "su a mes". haha.

He is identifying a lot more things as well. He asks for many of his books by name now...He actually knows enough about what is going on in the book to ask for it! He asks for moon (good night moon), gowiwa (good night gorilla) and Jesus Loves Me (I can't even write how he says that one...but it is SO cute!!). I'm not sure why this amazes me...I guess every little new thing is amazing. :)

I was a little late scheduling his 18 month appointment, so we have to wait until Feb 10th for any statistics (weight, height etc...). He is doing so well though. I just can't get enough of him. :)

18 months

My boy is 18 months now! So hard to believe. He is talking better everyday...he knows and says all the names of the characters on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and My Friends Tigger and Pooh. He knows his numbers and counts pretty well on his own. He's just started identifying and saying some of his letters. We will be driving down the road and he will see a letter on a sign or something and say "B". It's really cute.

He's started napping better again, still not as good as he was before, but I'll take it! He has started wanting to do things on his own...including (but not limited to) feeding himself. He pretty much refuses to eat any food that I am feeding him...doesn't matter if he loves it or not. He has to do it. I have been trying to give him foods that he is most successful with...ideally finger foods, but he is really wanting to us his fork and spoon (which he has definitely not mastered yet)...so I have to give in sometimes. Foods like applesauce, yogurt, cereal etc...he ends up wearing more than he's eaten...but oh well...he will get it soon enough.

He loves for us to read to him, and he just got a magnadoodle for Christmas that he draws at for hours! He loves to color and play with his alphabet toy. I would be lying if I said he didn't love to watch TV...what kid doesn't...we try to limit his TV time, but he loves Mickey & Tigger! He also likes Handy Manny, Veggie Tales and Little Einstiens. He really likes the praise baby videos too. He doesn't sing too much yet, but he absolutlely loves music.

I will be scheduling his 18 month check up soon...I think he weighs about 26 pounds...but I'll know for sure after his appointment. He has cut about 6 more teeth, so he has a total of 11. 3 top middle, 4 bottom middle, and all 4 molars. He's still really good natured...I mean he has his moments like they all do...but over all he's really a good boy and we just adore him!

Christmastime activities.

We had a great Christmas with our family and friends. Isaac seemed to enjoy the festivities for the most part. Late nights combined with poor naps made things a little "interesting" at times, but overall I would say he did quite well. He was still a little uninterested in the actual opening of the gifts...but he did enjoy all the new toys and books that he became the proud new owner of.


After the first big snow fall a week or so ago, we decided to go sledding with some friends. I thought it would be a fun new family thing to experience. As we arrived we bundled up appropriately and prepared for Isaac's first trip (with dad) down the hill. I watched them as they set off and waited to see them expecting to hear great tales of joy and laughter. As they approached, I realized that was not at all what I was about to hear. Aparently as they took off they started picking up more speed than Mike had expected. As he put his feet down in an attempt to slow them down, he showered both of them with cold, wet snow. Isaac burst into tears and immediately started screaming for "Mama"! When Mike brought him to me he reached toward the car and started saying "bye bye...bye bye!". Needless to say, he was finished. Mike and I took a few more trips down the hill and then we packed up and put Isaac out of his cold misery.







The very next day we bundled up again and headed out into the bitter cold to see the wonders of Christmas history at Greenfield village with Mike's family. It was the coldest day of the year, but we had already put our money into it...so we headed out regardless. We did get some yummy cider and hot chocolate...and Isaac got to see Santa up on the rooftop. When we ask Isaac what Santa says he replies "ho, ho, ho". It is so cute. There were several moments that I lost all feeling in my legs, and I was sure I had frostbite, but once we made it to the car all was well and we all survived.

Just before Christmas, we had our friends Jess and Justin over to take some Christmas pictures for us. It was really fun to sit back and watch the process as Justin followed Isaac around with the camera. If you have ever tried to photograph a toddler, you know how the scene is. I felt like the scene was total chaos...chasing Isaac around, rearranging his position, straightening his clothes, combing down his hair, trying to rescue innocent glass ornaments from impending doom, making silly faces and sounds, trying to find anything to occupy him in one location for more than 30 seconds...as I was taking it all in, I had to wonder how on earth we were ever going to get any decent pictures out of this. but when I saw what Justin was able to capture, I was in awe. I think one of the things I liked best about them was the chaos! Haha! These photos truly capture Isaac...this is him...messy hair, chubby cheeks, mischevious grin, tooth filled giggles...and all. I will cherish these memories for the rest of my life.

You can see the others at:

Isaac 18 mo

Numbers and Naps

At 17 months, Isaac has started identifying numbers. It started one day when I took a diaper out the box and he saw the number on it and said "five". I thought it was a fluke, so I waited a few minutes and after he was distracted for a bit, I took out his number book and asked him where the five was. He pointed right to it. It was such a surprise to me! It just seemed a little early to me for him to be identifying numbers...but we went with it and started reading through his number book every day. In a matter of days he was identifying several numbers, and now he can identify numbers 1 - 10, he can say numbers 1 - 13, and he is starting to count in order! What a little smarty pants. :) I thought I should get him started on letters, but he doesn't seem terribly interested yet. When I mix letters in with his numbers, he tosses them aside and continues with the numbers...lol.

He has also started to sing a little bit. Since I love to sing, I think this is especially precious! He just sings a few lines from the songs he hears on Playhouse Disney. He is so cute.

On the not so good side, for some reason Isaac has not been napping well lately. Until recently, he would go down around 1pm and sleep until at least 4pm...sometimes 5pm! Lately though, when I put him down he chatters away in his crib...sometimes for HOURS! He didn't fall asleep until after 4pm two days in a row, and the other days it was 2:30 or 3pm. I'm not really sure what to do...I feel like he is way to young to be completely giving up his naps...plus, I am not ready to give them up! Haha! I like the little break in the day to get some things done. Do I continue to lay him down at 1pm and let him work it out...or do I move his nap later? He's not crying or upset...he's just not sleeping. Argh...any advice would be welcomed and appreciated.

Thanks!

New Update Site

I have decided to create a new update site for Isaac. Mainly because I am paying a monthly fee for the babysite that I no longer wish to pay.

Here's the scoop. Our little guy is now 16 months old. He is always going, going, going...he stops to eat and sleep and that is about all.

He has recently started developing a vocabulary! He started repeating words we would say to him several months ago, and we knew he recognized words because he would respond accordingly...i.e. go get your ball - he would get his ball...go get a book - he'd get a book...and so on. But now he is actually saying words on his own and recalling things on his own. I could try to list all the "words" he knows, but he is seriously adding new ones daily. Some that come to mind now...He identifies and says most of his body parts...eye, nose, head, mouth, teeth, hand, knee, and foot. He says and identifies several objects...ball, shoe, butterfly, moon, sun, star, car, bone, tigger, and pooh. We just realized that he knows the word "five" and holds up five fingers when he says it (I think he actually learned that from giving a "high five" or from the subway commercial about 5 dollar footlongs...he likes that one). He says and identifies lots of people's names...dada, mama, maaa (uncle mike), mama (grandma), papa (grandpa), ada (uncle jon).

He says milk, lunch, nite nite, paa (up), dow (down)...when we ask him if he is stinky he says poo poo (which he also says for "open" when he is standing at a door). And he recently started saying his name "sa sa" (Isaac).

He is really so smart and such a good boy. He has his typical meltdowns from time to time, but all I do is wait it out (which really doesn't take long) and he's on to something else. It is funny the things he picks up simply from his human nature...like biting...we didn't teach him that...he just tried it one day (I put a stop to that one QUICK) and hiding. When he gets something he knows he shouldn't have...such as the television remote...you will find him in the corner behind the couch.

He is still very healthy. I think he may have inherited his mommy's seasonal allergies, but a bit of a runny nose and a few days of a congested cough were the worst things we've had to endure as of late. He's about 25 pounds and 32 inches now. He's finally catching up with his clothes...haha! For the first time since he was newborn he's actually wearing clothes sized consistent with his age range.

Today, we went to the park to enjoy the 70 degree day in November! He had a blast. Like I said earlier...he just didn't stop. I was trying to get some good fall pictures, but it wasn't easy with my moving target. I did manage to get a few. Hope you enjoy!

November in Michigan??? 11-5-2008

Isaac's First Year

The first week Date: 06/28/2007
Isaac saw the pediatrician Monday. He said Isaac is doing really well. After the appointment Isaac had his first lunch date out on the town with Mom and Dad at Panera. Then we stopped by my Mom's for a visit.Things are getting settled here at home. Isaac had a little trouble early on. He was very fussy, especially at night. We thought he might have colic, but it turns out it was mostly because he was just starving! My milk didn't fully come in until he was about 5 or 6 days old, so he just wasn't getting enough to keep his little tummy satisfied. Then he would get really really upset and make his little tummy really really upset.Once my milk came in and he could get a good feeding, he started doing much better! He's still a little fussy at night, but not so frustrated and inconsolable. Right now our biggest challenge is he just has his days and nights mixed up. I'm really not sure how to get him on the right schedule, so for now I just nap whenever I can during the day and prepare to be awake until at least 3 or 4 am when he settles down again and sleeps for about 4 hours.Another challenge we have had is with our dog Bailey. He is actually doing a little better with the whole transition than I expected, but it is still quite an ordeal. He is just very excited and in Isaac's face every minute. We just try to give him small doses of Isaac time and work hard to get him to calm down. Once he is calm we give him lots of praise and affirmation. Hopefully one day he will adjust and not be so crazy about him.Even with the struggles, there are times that are just so precious (as any mother knows). I just sit and stare at him. I know he won't be like this or look like this for long. He will start changing day by day and time will go so fast. He makes the funniest faces and I just can't help but laugh at him sometimes. We just enjoy every moment we can with him.

2 - 3 weeks.Date: 07/13/2007
Getting on the internet to update things is harder than I expected. Little Isaac requires my full attention when he is awake and when he sleeps...I try to sleep! He is doing really well. At his 2 week apointment he had gained all of his weight back and even more! He was 8lbs. 9oz. He is nursing really well and starting to develop somewhat of a schedule. He still gets up to eat every 2 -3 hours at night...but he is not nearly as fussy about it. We no longer think he has colic, he just has some fussy spells here and there and we are learning how to get through those a little better.He has started his social life. He loves car rides and being outdoors. We have been out and about to our family 4th of July party, a day at the lake, Friday afternoons at Mommy and me group, and fun with friends at the park. It will be fun when he can interact a little more, but obviously I don't want to rush to the next stage...we are enjoying him so much right now. :)Time to eat...gotta go!

4 weeks. I'm one month old today!Date: 07/19/2007
After one heck of a meltdown, Isaac is sleeping soundly and I have a few moments to catch up on some blogging. We seem to be getting past some of the setbacks we've had with nursing. Hopefully things will continue somewhat comfortably. Isaac is starting to make more sounds, cooing and ooing and ahing. He also smiles from time to time. I'm not sure it is a real smile yet…it is usually pretty random and not in response to anything…so it is most likely gas or something…but it is still stinkin' cute! He can follow us with his eyes for a few moments and he seems to be able to focus on things that are pretty close to him. He loves to go outside. If he is in the middle of a meltdown and I take him outside he almost always calms down instantly. He also loves car rides. He hates sneezing, spitting up and burping. He almost always cries every time he does any of those things. He doesn't cry for long...just long enough to let you know he's not at all happy about it.He had his first real bath today (7/19). His cord fell off a few weeks ago, but I just couldn't bring myself to try the real bath...I kept giving him sponge baths. He actually did very well. He didn't cry at all and he seemed to really enjoy it! Most people think he looks like Mike. I do see it, especially in his nose. Many people who knew my Dad also say that he looks like him. He does mostly in his mouth and chin. I have some of my dad's baby pics and it is really strong resemblance. He's just a little cutie!

5 weeks.Date: 07/27/2007
Well, unfortunately I was wrong about the nursing problems. Nursing has not been kind to me at all. It has become pretty painful. The lactation consultant thought that we might have thrush. I took Isaac to the dr. Tuesday and he does not have it, so that is good news. I went to the dr. Wednesday and found out that I have mastitis (infection) and possible yeast infection from nursing(thrush). I have to take meds for 7 days and hopefully that will help everything. I have been taking them for 2 days so far and things are better, but I still feel pain...so I'm a little worried, but maybe after 7 days it will really work.Isaac is 9 lb. 11 oz. now. He's really starting to gain some weight. I see it mostly in his cheeks and belly. :) He seems to have accepted the fact that he will sneeze and spit up from time to time and it is not so bad. He doesn't put up quite the fuss about it anymore. :) He is smiling more and I think he is responding to Mom and Dad's voice. He really follows Mike's voice and smiles at his face too. He does the same for me, but I think he gets tired of seeing my face all the time. I think seeing daddy is such a treat for him. :) He loves his daddy!

6 weeks.Date: 08/04/2007
Well, we made the decision to move Isaac into his nursery this week. He went to the nursery on Tuesday 7/31 when he turned exactly 6 weeks old. I didn't think it would be difficult at all for me, but it was a little emotional. Just for the first night really. Then he actually started sleeping MUCH better, so I knew it was a good decision for both of us.Wednesday was the first night he slept 6 hours! Essentially he is "sleeping through the night" but he still gets up a little earlier than mom would like to. :) It is okay though cuz he goes right back to sleep for a few more hours after eating, so I can catch a few extra ZZZ's.Isaac is smiling a lot and he recognizes Mom and Dad for sure now. He smiles responsively to us now...it's really cute. He likes to give other people smiles too...but he saves the big ones for Mom or Dad. I can't wait to hear his little laugh!!

7 weeks.Date: 08/11/2007
The only new thing I have noticed this week are a few tears. I went to get Isaac in the morning a few days ago and he had real tears streaming down his cheeks. I haven't noticed them yet again, but that's okay cuz it makes me sad to see them! :)Isaac stayed alone with Daddy for the first time this week. He was a little bit sad. Unfortunately for Daddy, I was gone during the heart of his "fussy" time, so they didn't get to have much fun. Soon they will be having lots of fun together!For the most part, Isaac is doing really well. He eats, plays, and sleeps all right on schedule...the last few days he has had a really fussy time between 7p - 9p. He still goes down for bed pretty easily, so we just have to get through it! Most nights he is sleeping for about 6 hours, but he's had a few where he only goes about 4 hours. I have adjusted pretty well, since he goes right back to sleep after eating it really hasn't been so bad.I have seen my dr. and eveything looks great. I seem to have made a full recovery from the C-section so I am clear to start activity again. I have been walking...Isaac seems to love walks! Since it has been so hot, some days I meet some other moms at the mall and we walk there. It is really nice to be officially out and about again. :)

8 weeks.Date: 08/20/2007
It is so hard to believe that 8 weeks have passed already. We are all doing great! Isaac has started sleeping longer through the night. I have to admit, it is very very nice! Several nights this week he slept from 10 or 11 pm until 7 or 8 am! One morning he slept until almost 9 am and I started to worry a little...when I went to check on him he was wide awake! Just content as could be staring at the teddy bear on his crib bumper.He has also started what appears to be very early communication with us. He makes several sounds now and if we repeat these sounds back to him, he will continue as if having a conversation. He smiles really big when we repeat things to him and then is so proud of himself when he does it again.He seems to be growing so much. His next appt is not until Sept 4th, so I am really anxious to see how much he has grown. He is eating all the time and getting really strong. He already holds his head pretty well when on his tummy or being held up on our shoulder. These stages all come and go so fast...I hope to keep better track of them so I can remember as much as possible! :)

9 - 10 weeksDate: 09/04/2007
These last few weeks have flown by! Isaac is doing really well. He's still sleeping really well and starting to interact more and more. He loves "talking" with people and even "talking" with the little toys on his play mat. He's started scooting around the floor when he is on his back. I have to keep an extra close eye on him now since he doesn't stay put! :) He's really started exercising those little legs of his. He just loves to kick them ALL the time.His favorite things are his swing, his playmat, car rides, walks in the stroller, and shopping (okay maybe that's mommy's favorite!). Also he has discovered his fingers and actually prefers them to his pacifier for the moment. Mike is trying desperately to break this habit already...but I think at this point we are fighting a losing battle. ;)He had his first trip to another state on 9/1 when we drove to Indiana for my cousin's bridal shower. He did really well! The car ride was about 3 hours and he barely made a peep! He had his 2 month appointment Tues 9/4 (which was actually the day he turned 11 weeks) and the doctor said he looks great! He's holding his head really well and interacting as they would expect at this stage. He was 11 lbs. 10 oz. (50th percentile), 24 inches long (90th percentile!), and his head was 16 inches (60th percentile). He's growing way too fast! He's such a little man now...no longer a tiny little newborn. I miss it already. :)

11 weeks.Date: 09/10/2007
Isaac had his first laugh this week. We were at my Mom's talking to him and he just started laughing! It was so sweet. I spent the rest of the week trying to get him to do it again, but no luck yet. Soon he will be laughing all the time (hopefully)!He also saw his first Michigan football game (on TV). A must for all Gregg men. Unfortunately, the game was a huge disappointment. Isaac didn't seem to care (at least not as much as his Grandad, dad, and uncle Jon). He just enjoyed the company. :)

12 weeks. 3 months!Date: 09/11/2007
I can hardly believe that my little guy is already 3 months old! He is really growin' and experiencing new things every day.He had his 3 month pictures taken this week. He did such a great job. He was so relaxed and calm. He only cried once and the photographer actually let me feed him to calm him down. I was so happy cuz the pictures we got afterward were some of the best!I haven't been able to get Isaac to laugh again, but he is SO smiley all the time. He is kicking and moving his little legs so much. He has started rolling from his back to his side, but not quite all the way over yet. He LOVES to talk. He talkes all the time to mommy, daddy, friends, and even his toys! We are still working on tummy time...he just doesn't like to be on his tummy at all. I bought a little play mat to encourage him...hopefully it will help.That's about all for this week. More to come!

13 weeks.Date: 09/22/2007
Well, I am so glad that I bought the tummy time mat. It does seem to be helping AND it encouraged Isaac to roll over. :) He is now rolling over from his belly to his back. Sometimes he protests and refuses to do it...but if you catch him in a good mood he will do it several times. I have pictures and I caught it on video. So cute!He also decided to laugh for us again. His Grandma (Karen) came to watch him and he just thought her stories were so funny. He laughed for her a few times, it was so cute. Haven't been able to get it on video yet...but I will!!I returned to the praise team this weekend for the first time since my 8th month of pregnancy. I really enjoyed it and Isaac did so well. Grandma watched him in the afternoon on Saturday and then brought him to meet me at the church. After the first service Isaac had his first visit in the nursery. It was a perfect introduction. He just went for part of the service and there was only one other child in there with him. He loved it. When I came to get him he was all smiles in a swing. Sunday morning was a little different. I didn't plan the feeding schedule quite as well, so when I came to get him he was MORE than ready to see me. But it was still a good day over all. :) He also went with me to choir practice. I was a little concerned the volume would be a little overwhelming for him, but when it started he fell asleep and slept nearly the entire time. So precious!

14 - 15 weeksDate: 10/01/2007
Isaac had his first plane ride! We went to Florida for my cousin Lisa's Wedding, and I must say Isaac did really well traveling for the first time. I got advice from some friends and packed a few bottles for him. This was the best decision I could've made. He started to fuss shortly after we boarded the plane, so I gave him the first bottle. He took that during the take off, fell asleep for the majority of the flight, woke up just as we started decending and took the second bottle during the landing! It was perfect!He was a little out of sorts during our stay in FL. Nothing major, but just not quite his happy self. I think he wasn't sleeping very well. He wasn't getting the good daytime naps that he usually gets. He did however still sleep through the night (for the most part). He woke up earlier than he (or I) am used to lately, but it wasn't too terrible.The flight home was about the same, with the exception of one mid-flight meltdown (it ended up being gas in his tummy). So over all...very good!During our time in FL Isaac found his feet! He has started grabbing for them, not quite sure if he really knows what he is doing yet...but he does actually get a hold of one of them every once in awhile. He also started rolling over from back to belly. I am in shock! I can't believe he is rolling over in both directions at 3 months old. What next!?!?After we got home I noticed many more sounds coming out of our little guy. (talking sounds) :) He is no longer satisfied with the quiet little ooohs and aaahs... now he just loves to make all kinds of sounds including high pitch squeals and raspberries.Finally, he really gave us a good 30 minutes of belly laughing the other day! We were actually able to get it on video. For some reason he thinks our two dogs are extremely hilarious. He was hysterical!

16 - 17 weeks.Date: 10/22/2007
Our little guy is officially 4 months old now. I can hardly believe it! He is making all new sounds and just loves talking and squealing all day long.He has started to sit up a little on his own, but he still needs assistance. He sits pretty well in his bebe pod chair and in his new exer-saucer. I do keep a close eye on him though because every once in awhile he likes to take a nose dive or arch his little back right out of the seat!He is so active and alert. The only time he is still is when he is sleeping. Even then, he must be fidgeting at night cuz when I come to get him in the morning he is never in the position I left him in. Most often he has turned at least 90 degrees and sometimes a full 180 degrees! He no longer sleeps in his swaddle blanket. He decided to escape out if it every night, so I quit wrapping him in it. I was a little worried at first because it seemed like he just couldn't calm down if he wasn't wrapped up, but sure enough he cried for a minute or two and then found his fingers and drifted right off to sleep. I was so relieved.We visited the pumpkin patch yesterday so he could pick out his first Halloween pumpkin. We had a great time and got some really good pictures. Hope you enjoy!

18 - 19 weeks.Date: 11/01/2007
Isaac survived his first Halloween! We had a party at our house and Mike was so excited to exercise his creativity for such an event. We found a little dragon costume for Isaac and Mike painted a t-shirt with windows so I could be a building. Isaac was Godzilla and I was a building. The idea was a hit. :)Isaac is doing really well. After the Halloween party he had a rough night...he woke up every two hours (and of course I had stayed up WAY too late enjoying the festivities)! That is the first time he has done that since he was 6 weeks old. He seems to get a little worked up in overly social situations and has a hard time winding down. But, the next night he was right back to normal. He is becoming very aware of himself lately. He studies his hands and his feet very intently, and he LOVES to stick out his tongue. He even grabs hold of it sometimes! I think he may actually be starting the teething process. I haven't seen anything yet, but he is a little more fussy than normal and he has a runny nose, drools and chews on things constantly, and grabs at his ears sometimes. These things could all be from the change of seasons too I guess. Only time will tell if he starts cutting teeth, then we will know. He is also sitting up a little better, but not completely on his own yet...he's getting so big...it makes me happy and sad all at the same time!

20 - 21 weeks.Date: 11/14/2007
Fall is mommy's absolute favorite time of year. I am desperately trying to enjoy the last few days of decent weather and gorgeous fall color before the dark days of winter are fully upon us. I took Isaac out in the back yard for a little fall photo shoot (see 4 month album). He didn't really seem as excited about the idea as I was, but I got a few good pics. :)It is getting hard to keep track of when Isaac does what now! A few new things I have noticed include: sucking his thumb (in addition to his fingers), complete roll overs (back to belly to back again!), reaching out for things, and moving in his exersaucer/walker. He doesn't move a lot, but there is some side to side movement going on...and he can turn around in the seat...its sort of hard to explain without visual access to the contraption I am speaking of, but I'm sure you get the point. :)Isaac has been doing so well. He seems very strong and healthy, and he still sleeps through the night. No update on the teeth yet...still don't see anything but lots of drool! He won't be at the doctor again for a few more weeks, but I had him on our scale yesterday and he was about 13.5 lbs. I think I will be starting him on cereal soon, he seems to be ready. He very often wants more after his feedings and he studies us while we eat all the time. It will be fun to start something new. I'm going to try and get it on video. Until next time...enjoy!

22 weeks - 5 months!Date: 11/19/2007
Our little guy is officially 5 months now. It is amazing how fast the time passes. I did decide to start him on some rice cereal. They said to start between 4 and 6 months so I chose to go with the middle. :) He does really well with the cereal and eating from a spoon. He really doesn't have any trouble at all with it. He seems to really like the cereal too. He has total recognition now of what is about to come. When he sees the cereal bowl he gets really excited. Same thing with his bottles. I am still nursing, but he gets a few ounces in a bottle after his cereal to help wash it down...when he sees the bottle...look out! He wants it sooner than NOW!He has become somewhat more mobile lately. He rolls all over the place. On more than one occasion we have left him on the floor for a moment only to come back and find him several feet from where he started. Once he got under our ottoman (everything but his head). So we now know not to leave for very long! He also rolls all around in his crib. When he rolls to his belly he often wakes up very angry about it. I guess he is too tired to roll back over, so sometimes we go in his room, roll him over, and run out without being noticed. He goes right back to sleep!I recently bought some Christmas outfits for his 6 month portraits. I'm so excited! He will have his 6 month dr. appt next month too. I always like to find out how much he's grown and confirm that he is healthy. I have stepped on the scale with him recently and he was 14 lbs. We also checked his length ourselves and he was about 26 inches. Coming right along!

6 monthsDate: 12/20/2007
Wow, we have had such a busy month! I really kept meaning to update sooner, but it just didn't happen. :)Isaac is learning more every day. It is really hard to pinpoint when he does something new now. Things I have noticed in the last month...he supports himself so much better now when sitting or standing in his exersaucer. He still can't quite sit up unattended, but he's getting there. :) He is still rolling and scooting to get where he wants to go. No actual crawling yet, but he looks like he's working on it. He keeps pulling his knees up under him, but he's not sure what to do with his arms yet. He just pulls up his knees and plants his face in the ground. He really reaches for things he wants now...it is so cute. You can tell he feels accomplished when he grabs them or frustrated if he can't get them. I just love to watch him and see the thoughts rolling through his brain.Another fun "first" was Isaac's first big snowfall! Dec 15th, 2007. It was really more fun for me since he had no clue what was going on, but I got him out in the snow to take a picture before I put him to bed. It turned out cute. :) I had to mark the moment!He had his 6 month doctor appointment and she said he is a healthy little guy. He really is a little guy though...only in the 5th percentile for his weight. He has been dropping in the percentile ever since he was born. She wants to check him again in 6 weeks. I guess if he drops again, they may have me supplement some formula and do some blood tests. (let me be clear...his weight is not dropping, he just isn't gaining enough so he is dropping in the percentile of babies his age). Other than that, she is pleased with his health and development. Oh, and no teeth yet!He also had his 6 month portraits taken. They didn't go nearly as smoothly as the 3 month, but they still captured some great moments. While we were taking them I thought for sure it was going to be a waste cuz he just wasn't cooperating. But then I saw them and there were so many good ones, I had trouble choosing!! I posted them here...and some new snapshots in his 5 month album...hope you enjoy!

6 months - babbling and forward motion!Date: 01/08/2008
Isaac had such a great Holiday season! He did so well visiting all of his family and friends. Each time I expected a rough night or an emotional meltdown, he just decided to prove me wrong. He was happy and social most of the time and when he was tired he had no problem at all sleeping. We had several family members here on Christmas day and he still took both of his naps up in his room with a house full of people.Several nights we had to keep him up later than we normally do and I thought for sure he would have trouble sleeping through the night...Not a bit! Each time he slept great...like he always does. I have been so BLESSED to have such a good sleeper thus far. :)On New Years Eve as we were getting ready to go to our friends New Years Party, we noticed Isaac making new sounds. He has moved past the ooohs and aaahs to dadada and lalala! No mama yet...but we are working on it. ;) Mike has been working a lot lately so we will both get on the phone to say hi to him. Isaac loves it and he knows exactly what to do. He smiles when he hears Mike and he usually responds with his dadada or lalala. I don't think he really knows the dada connection yet, but it is so cute!He certainly seems to be trying more to "communicate" with us. I have started some minimal sign language with him, knowing he won't really respond yet, but hoping he will start to understand what we are doing. Also, working with him screaming for things. Trying to teach a 6 month old that he doesn't have to scream for his food...challenging. Of course I don't spend too much time and energy on it not knowing what he really understands yet...I just encourage him to calm down and continue with what I'm doing. :)Just today I witnessed some forward motion while Isaac was playing on the floor! It is hard to say if this is really the first time...he's been working on it for awhile. He is definitely getting better at getting where he wants to go on the floor. He rolls, then rotates, then scoots...and he is very determined.He's eating all kinds of veggies...green beans, peas, carrots and squash...he seems to really like everything but the peas. He will eat them, but it takes a little more work (and usually some trickery with a little rice cereal). We are moving on to sweet potatoes soon and then the fruits!! I'm pretty confident he will like the fruit.I think I have caught up on everything for now...his appointment for his weight check is Feb 1st. I think he is gaining some, but I thought that last time too, so we'll just have to see I guess. Happy New Year!

7 months - Army CrawlDate: 01/24/2008
Well, Isaac just turned 7 months on Jan 19th. I can't believe how quickly this time has passed. He is less like a little baby every day! Sometimes it is a little sad, but mostly very exciting to see him growing and experiencing new things.He's pretty much done using his swing...he's way to "busy" to sit still in it for very long anymore. He's also started using his high chair. Until recently we had been feeding him in the swing or in his bebe pod chair...but I decided it was time...mostly because my back was hurting from sitting on the floor to feed him! :) He's eating pretty much everything we give him...oatmeal, rice, green beans, peas, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, pears, bananas, prunes and apple sauce. We've also introduced him to the "sippy" cup, although he hasn't really figured it out yet. It seemed like he was getting less intereted in nursing for a few weeks...I had started giving him 1 bottle a day...but now he seems to be more interested in nursing again! My goal is to nurse until he is a year...so we will see if he continues to do well (and if I continue to do well...especially when he gets teeth!). I may keep trying a few bottles here and there to make sure he will wean okay.Perhaps the most exciting new development is that he started crawling on Jan 22nd! We were all together in the family room enjoying some evening play time when all the sudden Isaac started moving toward the toy he wanted. He has been moving for awhile (scooting in circles and rolling), but now he actually has determined forward movement on his belly, and he is getting some significant yardage! He's not quite up on his hands and knees yet...he's doing more of the "army" crawl. Of course I got it on video...check it out in our video clips.His next dr. appt. is Feb 1st to check his weight. I really feel like he is doing well...he seems to be growing so much (of course I thought this last time too...so we'll just have to wait and see). Also, Isaac is being dedicated in our church child dedication service on Saturday. We are so excited. We know that Isaac was a huge blessing from the Lord and we want to make the public committment to do our best to teach him to love and serve the Lord. I believe that He has wonderful plans for Isaac's life and I can't wait to see the Lord's will for him.Until next time...

7 months - Copy Cat!Date: 02/01/2008
Isaac had his Baby Dedication service last Saturday. It was really nice. Thank you to all of our family and friends who came to support us. We love you!Isaac has started mimicking us when we make certain sounds. He "clicks" his tongue and if we do it, he recognizes the sound and can mimic it back to us. He's so proud when he does it too. :)He makes sounds when we pat our hand over his mouth (like the little Indian sound - I know that is not terribly pc, but I couldn't think of any other way to describe it - sorry!). He can actually make the sound himself! He uses the back of his hand...and again, sometimes when we do it...he recognizes it and mimics that too. Little cutie. He still hasn't mimicked any word sounds yet...but we'll be working on that (specifically mama). :)He gets really excited when we start counting to 3. We start with 1 and he gets really focused...then 2, he often starts laughing in anticipation of whatever joyous event is about to follow 3! It is so cute...he does it nearly every time...even when he's upset, sometimes he will calm down when we just start counting (it doesn't usually last long, unfortunately).Isaac had his dr. apt today to check his weight. He is 14 lb. 10 oz. and 27.75 inches. He is still dropping on the weight charts. His last check at 6 months he was in the 5th percentile and now he is less than 3rd percentile at 7 months. The dr. recommended that I try to get a few more calories in him each day, so I will start giving him a little formula each day along with nursing, until his 9 month check-up. She didn’t seem to think he needed any testing done now because he is very healthy otherwise and his height is still growing normally. So overall, pretty good news!After his appointment we enjoyed some time out in the snow that fell this morning. Well, we mostly enjoyed it... I think snow is a little too cold and wet for Isaac at this point...maybe he'll enjoy it more next year. I got some great pics though!

8 - 9 monthsDate: 03/18/2008
I already knew that I haven't been very good at updating lately...but I had no idea I basically missed an entire month!! Isaac will be 9 months old tomorrow.Isaac's 8th month was really good. :) He is such a good boy! He's so happy and expressive. He is talking up a storm (no real words yet...but lots of chatter!) He says da-da-da, ya-ya-ya, ba-ba-ba and now finally....ma-ma-ma!! Like I said, no connection yet to me, but at least he's getting the idea. ;) He reaches for what he wants and babbles to us like he is telling us exactly what he is looking for. So cute!After his 7 month appointment, I did start giving him some formula. He is still nursing some, but the extra formula does seem to be helping him gain a little weight (at least it looks like it is...I really don't know for sure). He is also eating all kinds of baby food now...including the meats (pureed meat...ew). He eats everything we have given him...he obviously likes some more than others...but the worst protest he has are a few funny faces...and the occasional raspberry with a mouth full of food. Even still, he will continue to eat whatever it is that we are giving him. He recently started feeding himself finger foods! We have just started with the little cereal puffs...he loves them. Last update in the culinary category...he has had his first "adult" or non pureed foods...banana slices and baked potato pieces.We took a drive to SC to visit our good friends the Asaros. Up to this point the longest car ride Isaac had taken was 4 hours to Indiana. I was a little worried, but overall he did a great job. We drove through the night hoping he would sleep for most of it. He didn't sleep as well as we had hoped...he just woke up more than I'm used to. He would cry for a few mintues (probably cuz he just wanted to roll over and curl up with his little blanket) but then he would just drift right back off to sleep. Our trip home was a little more difficult. We hit a snow storm in Ohio, which made our trip much longer! He wasn't too happy, but he slept off and on and eventually we made it. :) That is about all I can think of right now. He is still just army crawling, but he does love to push up on his hands and knees...he just doesn't go anywhere. He is also starting to climb on things and pull up...not really to his feet...more on his knees...but it is so cute! Oh, and no teeth yet! :) Next appt. March 31st.9 monthsDate: 04/08/2008 Isaac recently had his 9 month check up and everything is going really well. He has started to go back up on the weight charts (he is up to 5% from below 3%) so they do not seem as concerned anymore. He was 17 lb 4 oz, 29 in and his head was 18 in. He is a very happy and healthy baby boy!We have started giving him a few more "finger" foods. He likes to feed himself his cereal puffs, whole peas, and whole pinto beans. He has also had some cheese and yogurt. He is such a good eater...he just eats up everything we try.About a week ago, I woke up to hear Isaac chatting away in his crib. This is a daily occurrence so I just slowly let myself wake up and made my way in to get him. Much to my surprise, he was standing in his crib! He was quite proud of himself, but immediately burst into tears when I left to get the camera...poor little guy...I had to get a picture! He is pulling himself up on everything now. He stands really well (with assistance) and is starting to take a few steps while holding on to something. He has very little desire to sit still now...he wants to MOVE! He still resorts to his army crawl when he really wants to get somewhere…he has not actually crawled on his hands and knees yet. He can however crawl up the step we have between our family room and the kitchen. Imagine my surprise when I turned around from making my morning coffee to see Isaac under the kitchen table!He has started recognizing some words recently. He has a toy Monkey that makes a "monkey" sound when you press it. When he sees it he will mimic that sound. At first we thought it was a coincidence, but he quite intently points to this monkey and makes the sound...and he does it nearly every time he sees the monkey. SO cute!!! He also knows the word "jump"...when we say it he jumps! And the word "light"...he looks up at the light and points to it sometimes. I guess it won't be long before he is actually speaking these words. Wow, how fast the time has gone.

10 monthsDate: 04/23/2008
Isaac understands more words now. He knows the word "ball" and says "ba" when he has one or sees one. We sing him a song that starts "tick tock, tick tock" and when we are done singing he rocks side to side and says "ta-ta". I think he is starting to understand the word "kiss". I only get one sometimes when I ask...so I'm not sure if that is because he doesn't understand, or just doesn't want to. :)Perhaps the biggest language achievement is that Isaac started signing the word "more". I do some minor, very basic sign language with him and he just started doing it back! He definitely knows the sign for "more", although at this point I'm not sure he completely understands the meaning. To him it means I want something and when I do this I get something. :) I also think he is close to doing the sign for "eat". He has done it a few times, but not as regularly as "more".He is pulling himself up on everything and starting to take a few steps while holding on. It is really cute and he feels so accomplished when he does this. The only down side is he FALLS all the time now! I am trying not to be over protective about it, but it is hard! It is taking all I have in me not to run and scoop him up each time. Most of the time he doesn't even cry, but sometimes he does...even then, most of the time he isn't hurt...just frustrated (uh-oh...kind of like his mommy!). He has been hurt very few times, and at most just a little bump on the forehead. Growing up is hard (for mommy too). :)Finally, NO TEETH yet! I'm not really worried about it...just starting to wonder when they will peek their way out.He seems to be growing and developing so well. He is our little pride and joy!

11 monthsDate: 05/19/2008
Isaac turned 11 months old today! I simply can't believe that he is almost a year old.He is signing a little more now. He signs more, eat, all done, bye bye, hi and help. He recognizes and associates more words now as well...he knows ball, monkey, dog, daddy, blankie, and baby. He gives us kisses too! He doesn't actually say all of these words, but he definitely knows what they are. :)For the first time in his life, he has started being a little picky with his food. He just decides he doesn't really like something...and doing raspberries with a mouth full of food is his main form of protest. My only guess is that he may be done with baby food. I think I am going to start trying some more table foods and see how he does.He recently started crawling on his hands and knees and he is pulling himself up to standing and getting around quite well that way...as long as he has something to hold on to. He's very courageous and sometimes gets himself into trouble. Fortunately he hasn't really hurt himself yet, but I do have to keep a close eye on him!His favorite things right now are baby einstein videos, monkeys, yelling with his daddy and his blankie. We lost his little brown blankie for one evening...I didn't realize how attached he really was until it was gone. I tried to replace it with little blue blankie...but he was having nothing to do with that. I'm so glad we found the brown one!! All is well again.Isaac is such a joy! He is just so happy and full of wonder. I love to see him discover and learn new things every day. Still no teeth. I'm quite sure they are coming soon...evident by the constant drool and chewing on everything in site! I think by my next update he will likely have a few teeth poking through. :)

1 year!Date: 07/24/2008
It has been awhile since my last update. Partly because things have just been busy, but mostly because I think I've been in denial about having a one year old! My baby boy is now a year old (actually 13 months!). He is doing so much and changing more each day. He didn't get his first tooth until after his birthday. The first one came through on June 22, followed promptly by the second, and now he has two coming through on the top. Teething has been a mildly unpleasant experience for him, but overall he has really done quite well with it (compared to some of the horror stories I've heard about teething).He has been crawling for quite some time now...when he first started, he did the "army" crawl...flat on his belly for SO long. He did eventually get up on his hands and knees and then started pulling up and "cruising" around everything. (all this when he was about 9 or 10 months old). He has yet to walk completely on his own without holding on...but it sure looks like he's going to any minute now.He knows so many words now...he doesn't actually say many of them, but he is recognizing them and associating words with the appropriate objects or people. He's repeating words really well now...he will repeat many words that we say back to us (not always exactly right, but close enough). He also communicates quite well with very basic sign language. He knows eat, drink, milk, more, please, help, & all done. As far as he's concerned he can carry on an entire conversation. He is so vocal and just chatters and squeals and laughs all the time. It's quite comical to watch him tell an entire story that no one but him has any understanding of and then totally crack himself up. He also loves to read his books now. He will sit down with a book and start babbling nonsense, pointing to each page like we do when we read to him. It's so cute. He loves to give hugs and kisses now too. I LOVE it. He's just so very sweet!!According to the "charts" he's still on the small side for his weight although you would never guess it by looking at him. He's got such a round little face now and a pudgy belly. He is still such a great eater...He's really not too picky and doesn't give me too much trouble at mealtimes. He is totally on table foods (no more pureed baby foods!) and He's off the bottle and drinking milk out of his sippy cups.He's still a really great sleeper for me too! Although it does seem that he is trying to take it down to one nap during the day...he will go down for his first nap without any fuss and at bedtime he just goes right along with it. Even if he protests for a moment...he really doesn't give us trouble. It doesn't take him long at all to settle himself down and drift off to sleep. Occasionally he will talk with himself for awhile, that is really funny. I hardly ever have to re-enter the room to get him back down. Even in the middle of the night...if I go in there and make sure he has his blankie and tell him "nite nite", he gets back to sleep in no time. He consistently sleeps 11 to 12 hours every night! I am so thankful for all of this and pray every day it continues!!!I'm just so thankful for this past year and what a good boy Isaac has turned out to be. I have been so blessed and he has made mothering just so easy on me. He is social and loves people, loves other kids, loves playing in the nursery and at the park, is so good natured, and is just a happy healthy boy. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Toddler Date: 08/13/2008
Well it's official. I am the mother of a toddler! :)Isaac took his first steps on July 25th. As any 13 month old, he got off to a rough start. Unfortunately he decided crawling was a lot easier. He took steps for about 3 days and then quit. :(He did eventually decide to give it another try and on August 13th he started walking again. He adjusted to it much better this time and within days was walking like a pro!As you can imagine keeping up with a this website has become increasingly difficult with a toddler. Haha! At Isaac's 12 month check up he weighed 21 lbs. 1 oz. and was 31.5 inches long. He is as happy and healthy as ever! He has 4 teeth now. Middle bottom 2 and middle top 2. He is working on a molar now I think...fun stuff. Another milestone...on August 10th he had his first haircut! :) I'll have to download some pictures of it when I have more time.The dr. gave me some handouts about what to expect in this new phase. The first one was titled "temper tantrums". I thought...good thing I haven't had to deal with this yet. Well, Isaac must have read the paper on the way home, cuz it literally began that same day!! I'm exaggerating a little...but it wasn't long before his little independent nature was discovered and along with it the frustrations of not being able to do anything and everything he wants to.It really hasn't been bad at all...he does have his moments...but we are learning how to deal with them. ;)His next check up (15 mo) is 9/10/08 so I will have some new updates after that!



Growth Chart

06/19/2001
0 weeks
8 lbs. 2 oz.
22 inches

06/25/2001
1 weeks
7 lbs. 6 oz.
21.75 inches

07/05/2007
2 weeks
8 lbs. 9 oz.
22 inches

07/24/2007
5 weeks
9 lbs. 11 oz.
22 inches

09/04/2007
11 weeks
11 lbs. 10 oz.
24 inches

10/08/2007
16 weeks
13 lbs. 2 oz.
25.5 inches

12/17/2007
6 months
13 lbs. 15 oz.
27.25 inches

02/01/2008
7 months
14 lbs. 10 oz.
27.75 inches

03/31/2008
9 months
17 lbs. 4 oz.
29 inches

05/02/2008
10 months
18 lbs. 5 oz.
29 inches

06/23/2008
12 months
21 lbs. 1 oz.
31.5 inches

Pregnancy Blog

It's positive!Date: 10/17/2006
After 2 years of trying to conceive we have finally gotten our positive pregnancy test! It honestly doesn't seem possible to me...it is just so hard to believe. I wasn't sure this day would ever come.We decided to stop fertility treatment in August 2006. We really felt at peace with this decision. I honestly came to know in my heart that God was going to take care of us and give us His best for our lives no matter what. Even if that meant no children of our own.I had been seeing an acupuncturist since June 2006. I decided to continue and also take some of the herbs and supplements that I was not able to take during the fertility treatments. 2 months later...I was pregnant! I am not ready to say that acupuncture and herbs cured my infertility...but I was pleased with my experience and I actually enjoyed it! Not at all what I expected.I really think this all had so much more to do with what God wanted to do in our lives. I think it was simply a matter of waiting on Him and His perfect timing. Learning the lessons that He needed us to learn. God has truly blessed us. He has taught us so much during our journey through infertility. Now He has granted us the desire of our hearts. I just can't wait to see what He is going to do through our lives and this new life to come.

Spreading the newsDate: 10/18/2006
After I took the test last night, we called my mom, Mike's brother Jon, Jamie & Steve, Stacy & Stewart, April & Jeremy, and Lori & Parker. We decided to wait to tell Mike's parents in person because they are coming over Saturday for Mike's birthday. We have decided to tell a few of our close friends and family so they can keep us in thier prayers during the early phases when miscarriage is more of a risk. We will probably wait awhile to let the word out to everyone, just to make sure things are going okay.I sent a message to Stacey, I couldn't resist. As soon as I told her I started to worry about miscarriage. It is just so early, and since we had trouble conceiving it is hard not to expect something to go wrong. I do know that God is in control and He will do whatever He sees fit for this baby. He has a plan for this baby and it will be what is best. I trust that.I called my ob today and my fertility specialist to tell them about the positive test. The ob says they will schedule my first appointment when I am 8 weeks or more. I made the appt for Nov 21st. I'll be 9 weeks. It seems like an eternity away since I am only 4 weeks now, but I know this is standard.I wasn't expecting to see my fertility specialist again, but I just wanted to let them know. They decided to schedule an early ultrasound for me!! I am so excited. Getting to see the baby and the heartbeat and everything will be so reassuring. Most people don't get this opportunity so early, so I am very thankful. My ultrasound will be November 10th. I'll be 7 weeks. Can't wait!!!

Mike's BirthdayDate: 10/19/2006
Today was a pretty quiet normal day. We went out to eat for Mike's birthday. We talked a little bit about becoming parents. He is really excited. It makes me feel good. I wasn't sure how he would feel about it. I knew he'd be happy, but perhaps overwhelmed. Maybe he is or he will be...but that's okay. Overall he's excited and that is good.Later in the evening I had my first hormonal outburst. I felt bad because I really overreacted to something silly, but I did feel it was important for Mike to understand my point. I just didn't have to be quite so emotional about it. Anyway, it's going to be a long 9 months if I am a hormonal mess the whole time!I'm getting pretty tired these days, it really doesn't take much. By 3:00pm I could nap for the rest of the evening if I let myself. ;)

Blood workDate: 10/20/2006
Today I went and had a blood test. I think it is just to confirm the pregnancy and see if my hormone levels are where they should be. Confession...before I went, I took another home pregnancy test...just to make sure I wasn't crazy. It was positive. :)I saw my friend Shelly from Brown City Camp today. I don't get to see her very often so I decided to tell her. She was so happy for us and said she would pray for everything to go well.This evening I went to Mike's hockey game. It was late and I was SO tired. I was glad I went though.

Telling Mike's parentsDate: 10/21/2006
I spent most of the day cleaning the house. Mike's family is coming over to celebrate his birthday. I tried to take it easy and take lots of breaks. It wasn't too bad. Mike helped a lot.We told his parents just before dinner. Mike said "a year from now I will be turning 30, and you guys will have been grandparents for about 4 months!". It took them a minute, but once they caught on they were VERY excited. Lots of hugs and tears. I knew Karen would cry...it was sweet.

Can you keep a secret?Date: 10/23/2006
It is getting a little harder for me to keep this secret! I went to choir practice yesterday and I just wanted to tell so many. So many people have followed our struggle with infertility, so I'm afraid they might get suspicious when I don't have any infertility updates! :) Plus I just really want to tell them cuz I know they will be excited.I spent the day with Carrie and Jess today and again...wanted to tell really bad, but didn't. Mike and I have decided not to tell anyone else until we have the ultrasound. If we see that everything is okay and we see the heartbeat...then we will be more comfortable spreading the word. (I guess seeing the heartbeat drops your chances of having a miscarriage significantly).My only symptom so far is the fatigue. Otherwise...not too bad.

Has it started?Date: 10/27/2006
Well, I can't say that I have morning sickness yet...but I will say that food just hasn't been very appealing to me. When I think about eating or what I'm going to eat...I just feel a little yucky. Most of the time there is at least one thing that sounds okay and once I eat I feel fine. It is funny cuz sometimes the things that sound good to me now are not the things I am used to eating. (Hamburgers, Arby's, mac and cheese etc...)Mike had the day off today and we were running errands for our Halloween party tomorrow. I felt good most of the day and was even feeling pretty good about eating. We went to Chili's for dinner and I ordered Chicken Tacos. I ate about two bites and unfortunately ate a fatty piece of chicken. That was it for me. The texture made me want to hurl, I just felt so gross after that. I hope this doesn't last the whole 9 months!

Halloween party!Date: 10/29/2006
Last night we survived our Halloween party. It was really fun! Lots of people. Jamie and Steve even suprised us! We didn't know they were in town, so they crashed the party. It was so good to see them.I was feeling pretty good most of the day. I can manage orange juice (this usually makes me feel better first thing in the morning), cottage cheese, cheese and crackers, string cheese, mac and cheese, grilled cheese (do you see pattern here?), grapes, pretzels and sour candy. We had sloppy joes for the party and I did okay with those. I was afraid to be around so many people who don't know yet. Not feeling so great...I didn't know if I could continue to hide it, but I think all the action took my mind off it and I did fine.I was SO tired this morning after the party. I couldn't make myself to ANYTHING! I was afraid I would be a zombie for GOC choir practice, but I got a burst of energy and it was okay. After practice Mike and I went out. We were just going to get some carmel apple cider at Caribou, but when we got out of the car, we smelled the pizza from Mother's pizzaria. It smelled so good and I actually had an appetite for it...so we took advantage of the opportunity and had dinner there.

A little slipDate: 10/30/2006
Well, we told just a few more people...The girls in my accountability group from Praise Team came over today and I just couldn't resist. So now Kristi Kurtz and Jess know. They were so excited and of course will be praying for us. That makes me feel good. Mike also told Jason Haslam and Chris Wirth (at work) so they know too. If bible study comes before the ultrasound, we might tell the group...but we haven't decided yet.

7 weeks. 11/5 - 11/11Date: 11/11/2006
Morning (really "all day") sickness seems to be a little worse this week. It has certainly been tolerable, so I am trying not to complain. It could be a lot worse. If I keep snacking, I seem to feel a little better. I am still pretty wiped out most of the time, but I have noticed that I really have gotten bursts of energy and moments of feeling better when I have needed them (at work, for choir practices, special events etc...)I was on Praise Team this week and I was afraid I would feel too sick, but it went really well. It seems that when I need to be active, it actually helps take my mind off of it.I had lunch with my Aunt Pat and Heather on Monday. I couldn't resist telling them...the ultrasound is this week...SO close! They were both happy, Heather cried...I knew she would. :) They are both excited for my ultrasound this week.Mike took the day off Friday and we went for the ultrasound. We waited for quite a while, which seems even worse when you are already a little nervous. When the doc came in it was SO great! We saw the baby (an embryo at this point) and saw the heartbeat. We even got to hear the heartbeat! (Mike told me later he almost cried). The heart rate was nice and strong 150 bpm. The baby measured 7weeks 5days so I am right on target with my due date. 6/24/2007!!!We called Mike's parents, my mom, Jamie, and Stacy right away and told them everything looked great. Then we decided we would start to let the word out as we had the opportunity.Saturday we met with our bible study group and we told them (the Maliks and the Parkers...the Holmes already knew). They have all been praying right along with us for so long and were so happy to hear the good news.Sunday we told friends at our Sunday School class (Bohnwagners, Thompsons, Wasalewski's, Jenks, Gerwings, and I'm sure many more that I am missing...sorry!) Again, many of them have followed our infertility struggle and have been praying so all were happy to hear about the answer to prayer. We told lots of choir and drama members at GOC practice later Sunday (Blacks, Bettingers, Williamson sisters, Atwells, Tierneys, Ray Ott, Cindy Stanley, and so on...) I was so excited to tell Carrie Bettinger...she was SO happy...lots of hugs and tears. :) It was great.

8 weeks. 11/12 - 11/18Date: 11/18/2006
So, I guess it is a good thing that during my journey through infertility I learned that I have basically little if any control over most things. What I was not prepared for was this experience of having NO control over my body and how I feel. I don't know what I expected...I guess I didn't know what to expect. The first trimester of pregnancy has knocked me off my feet...I am drained! Don't get me wrong...it could be a lot worse...I have heard of women who suffer through much more agonizing sickness than I have yet to experience (and pray daily that I won't go there). I just didn't realize that I would have NO control over my energy, my hunger, my moods etc...So far this week I have come home every day after work and collapsed on my couch. Some days I sleep, some days I watch T.V. but I have yet to get anything close to productive done. There is more laundry than any 2 people should ever have piled up in the laundry room and a sink full of dishes. Mail from days ago is left unopened on the counter or the table. The refridgerator is virtually empty, which isn't a huge problem since I really can't eat anything anyway...but poor Mike! He doesn't have to eat crackers and ginger ale. Every time I think "pull yourself together! you should be able to get something done!" I roll over on the couch and forget about it.No control over what I can eat. That pretty much stinks. Nothing that I am used to eating sounds even remotely good anymore. Before the nausea started getting bad I was actually craving things that I rarely eat (hamburgers, dairy, fast food...weird). Now that I feel nauseous 90% of the time, my diet consists of crackers, grapes, apples, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, yogurt and water...none of which actually sound appetizing, but they have managed to stay down, so I stick with what I know. I always have a supply of peppermint gum and sour candies and I am TERRIFIED that I will toss my cookies in public (which probably makes me feel worse most of the time, so I'm trying to get over that).At 6 weeks I felt a little yucky and thought "this isn't so bad...I can handle this". Then 7 weeks was a little worse, but I got through. 8 weeks has left me wondering how much worse this is going to get before it gets better? I hope I don't have to miss out on GOC (Glory of Christmas concerts at Northridge), but I guess I'll just have to play it by ear. They say it gets much better by 12 or 13 weeks. I hope so!!

9 weeks. 11/19 - 11/25Date: 11/25/2006
Sickness is about the same this week. It may be getting a little better. I have been doing okay at all of the rehersals for GOC and this week was Thanksgiving! I actually felt pretty good and was able to enjoy all the food. I was pretty tired, but overall it was a great Holiday. I was on Praise Team again this weekend. It went well. My fears of vomiting or passing out on stage have not yet become a reality. :)I also had my first appointment with my ob this week! We talked about my appointment schedule, what to expect, what is "normal", she gave me TONS of reading material and some free samples. She also did an exam and another ultrasound (I got to see the heart beat again...very, very, cool). Before I went off to the vampires to give half of my blood away (okay it was only 3 tubes...but it was not the most exciting part of my visit)...she talked with me about certain genetic tests that are available to me.Mike and I decided early on that we probably wouldn't bother with the genetic testing because we don't have any intention of ending a pregnancy regardless of what we find out in any test. Problem is, my uncle was Down Syndrome and my brother is Autistic...huge RED flags in the medical community. My doctor said that she had to strongly recommend not only the genetic testing but an amniocentesis as well! Now, I love my doctor...don't think for a minute that she is the one I am feeling "pressure" from...not at all. She made it VERY clear that I can decline any and ALL of these tests and it would be perfectly fine. She just has to recommend them based on my family history.We feel confident about our decision though. We believe that God has a plan for this life from now in the womb until He is finished with it. I trust Him.

10 weeks. 11/26 - 12/2Date: 12/02/2006
Still pressing on. The sickness is about the same, but I have been blessed and it has been tollerable. I have made it through all the GOC rehersals and the first 3 performances! It is amazing that I can be feeling totally miserable before I have to get out there on stage and once I'm out there...I just feel fine! I am so thankful because I really love being involved in this and being so close to all these people.

11 weeks. 12/3 - 12/9Date: 12/09/2006
I was pretty busy this week. It was a good thing cuz it kept my mind of the nausea a little bit. It seems to be getting a little better and I was able to do the things I had planned this week. A church Christmas tea with my Mom and Grandma on Monday night, dinner with my friend Katie from college on Wed night, GOC concerts on Thur/Fri/Sat, and Alexis Bohnwagners first birthday party on Sat night.I was so excited to have dinner with Katie and share the good news with her. I didn't tell her over email or phone cuz I was really hoping I'd have the chance to tell her in person. She was SO happy and she called her mom right away. Katie and her mom have been praying faithfully for us (her mom barely knows me) and when she told her she just started crying. I felt really blessed and special. Katie and her whole family are just so sweet. Katie is due to have her baby the end of this month. We're so excited!

A little craziness in week 12.Date: 12/13/2006
Turns out I got a little too excited too soon about the decrease in my nausea. This morning is brutal. I woke up trying very hard not to gag at the slightest little thing...dishes in the sink, making coffee (decaf), making oatmeal (very bad choice when your already nauseous by the way...), trying to figure out what I'm gonna have for lunch, taking out the garbage, etc... Even sitting here now recalling the situation has started that familiar and uncomfortable feeling in the back of my throat. (open and insert one raspberry preggy pop!). Okay, I'm going to move on to another topic now.Seems that these pregnancy hormones have done quite a number on me. I really thought I was doing okay in the mood category...I've never been one to blame my actions on PMS or any other hormonal instability...but this is really just CRAZY. Sometimes I feel like a totally different person. For starters...I have never been terribly emotional. Sad movies and stories often make me tear up a little, but I'm generally really good at keeping my composure. Well, forget that now. Tears are rolling far more frequently than I am used to and it has kinda thrown me off a little. I'm not quite sure what to do with myself. One thing is for sure...I am going to have to quit watching Emergency Vets and Baby Story...sure waterworks, every time! Not only that...but I seem to be having trouble keeping my conversations rational. I mean, I can start out talking about a very good topic...something that needs to be discussed...something that could be resolved calmly and orderly...and by the end of the conversation I am a hopeless mess and I've managed to blow the situation completely out of proportion and made matters about 1000 times worse. I have always had an incredible knack for being over analytical and talking things to DEATH...combine that with these pregnancy hormones and...watch out. My intentions are good...I just want whatever to be resolved so we can move on and live in harmony...but once I get started there is NO resolution or harmony anywhere to be found. Who IS this person? And talk about over sensitive! I'm constantly making the wrong conclusions or assumptions about other peoples actions. Things that would normally just roll off my back can now become major issues in my mind. I'm a paranoid mess.

12 weeks. 12/10 - 12/16Date: 12/16/2006
Morning sickness (or all day sickness as my experience has been) is getting better for me. I managed to get through all 9 GOC concerts and I actually felt pretty good. I really felt like God was giving me the strength and the energy I needed at just the right time. I would wake up feeling absolutely seasick and by the time I stepped on the stage (and with a little help from preggy pops, tums smoothies and peppermint gum...not all at once...) I would be feeling good and ready to sing my heart out. I suffered through a few pretty annoying headaches, but discovered that tylenol actually can get rid of a headache when combined with just a little bit of caffeine (only 1/2 cup of coffee...did the trick).I'm reading a book by Max Lucado called "The Cure for the Common Life". I haven't gotten too far into it yet, but what I have read so far has been about how God has created a "sweet spot" in our lifes. He's given us just the right talents and abilities to do exactly what He wants us to do. Of course I have heard this concept before...but it was refreshing to read it from a new perspective. Expectant parent. The last couple of years have really felt like a search for me...like I wasn't quite in the right spot...like this wasn't really "IT" for me...like God was preparing me for something more. I really started thinking about my gifts, talents, desires, and dreams...and began to wonder if this could be my sweet spot? Parenthood? Motherhood? Is this what God has created me and gifted me for? It could be...It could be that and even more...but it gave me a new excitement for what is about to happen in our lives and reminded me that I can't even begin to do this without Him. He has blessed us and gifted us just for this purpose and I just can't wait to see what He is going to do in our child's life through us.

13 weeks. 12/17 - 12/23Date: 12/23/2006
The holidays are approaching and I have been feeling pretty good. The nausea really seems to have let up. I'll have a moment of it here or there...but it passes quickly and for that I am SO thankful.I was able to see lots of friends this week that I don't see very often. Jamie and Steve are in town and I've been able to spend some time with Jamie. I always love spending time with her, but I treasure it so much more now that she has moved to S.C. We really have a great time together. She made me the cutest "pregnancy survival" basket. I love it! I has lots of pampering stuff for me and few things for the baby (bibs and a teething ring). Can't wait to use this stuff.On Friday Joe and Tiffany had a Christmas party and we saw lots of people there too. April and Jeremy are also in town and we saw them at the party and then I got to have coffee with April on Saturday. She gave me two really cute little onsies. I'm getting quite a collection here and I haven't really even gotten started! It was sweet of her to get those...I'm thankful I have such good friends.On Wed I started coming down with a cold. It seems to be going around. I'm pretty congested and I've had a sore throat. I woke up Friday with a low fever so I called the ob. They said if my fever got above 100 or if I started getting nasty green junk from my nose to call my primary care doc cuz I might need an antibiotic. I get these things often in the winter so I'm sure it will pass, but I'll call the doctor if it gets any worse.

14 weeks. More gifts for baby!Date: 12/26/2006
On Christmas Eve we saw my family at my Mom's and my cousin Heather gave me a cute little baby book. Then we went to Mike's Aunt Janet's house and we got some bibs and a little butterfly toy from Aunt Janet and some onesies and booties from Courtney.Finally on Christmas Day, Karen and Rich (Grandma and Grandpa) gave baby a cute, cuddly little pooh bear outfit for next winter. I just love getting this baby stuff! Wait until the showers...I won't know what to do with myself! (and all the stuff).

14 weeks. 12/24 - 12/30Date: 12/30/2006
Now I am really sick...caught one of the worst colds I have ever had (not adding that for drama here...I'm serious...I don't remember ever having a cold this bad). It started getting really bad the day after Christmas. I have tons of junk that has built up in my sinuses, screaming to get out. My face hurts so bad...even my teeth! I have a horrible cough now and anytime I try to sleep the coughing gets worse and keeps me up all night. Seriously, I've checked the clock every hour.I went to the doc Tuesday, certian that I had sinusitis or bronchitis or pneumonia or something worse than a cold. But he said it was just a bad virus and all I could do is wait it out. None of the medications that the ob said would be safe to take (Tylenol, Sudafed, Robitussin) were very helpful. (Tylenol did help keep my fever down, but that was about it).Tues/Wed/Thur were horrible. By Friday I still had a fever and I was getting the "green" junk they warned me about so I called the doc again and they put me on an antibiotic. Hopefully, that will help!

15 weeks. 12/31 - 1/6Date: 01/06/2007
Well, I think I am finally on the mend from this horrible virus I caught. It seems like it really got a lot of people this time around. Maybe we'll find out what we all had was actually the plague of 2006.Just to make matters worse, I ended up pulling a muscle in between my ribs during one of my cough attacks. Nice. So now on top of congestion, screaming facial pain, a cough that wouldn't quit, and a fever...I had added excruciating pain whenever I would breathe, cough, sneeze or laugh (although I wasn't doing much laughing at the time).It turns out I did end up with a sinus infection, so I finally got some antibiotics that helped me kick this nastiness. My main problem now is this pulled muscle between my ribs. My congestion has broken up, but unfortunately that causes me to cough quite a bit (not nearly as much, thank heavens) and that is still quite painful for me.Mike was lucky enough to catch the plague from me, so he is recovering now as well. We both still felt pretty bad on New Years Eve, so we decided to stay home. It was actually kinda nice. We had a chance to just sit on the couch together and talk for hours. We don't do that often enough. I expected to be asleep by 9pm, but we talked so long we got to see the ball drop! Even though we didn't feel so hot, I'm really glad we got to spend this time together. Hopefully we'll make a point to do this more often.At least now I can see light at the end of this tunnel. I have felt a little better each day for the last few days. I am getting better sleep and I'm sure my sore, beaten up body will recover fairly soon. I have been a little worried about the baby through all of this. It was just such an ordeal for my body...I can't imagine what the little bean went through. I have an appointment next week...hopefully everything will be okay.

16 weeks. 1/7 - 1/13Date: 01/10/2007
Well my appointment yesterday went really well. I was relieved to hear a good strong heart beat again. 153 bpm. I was a little worried that being so sick could've been hard on the baby, but everything seems to be going okay so far.First milestone...we scheduled my ultrasound appointment. It will be Monday, Jan 29th at 11:00am. Hopefully, if all goes well and the little one cooperates...we will find out if we are having a boy or a girl!Second milestone...I've gained 8 pounds. Of course I know it is what I need to do, and I have a long way to go with many more pounds to put on, but I'm not going to pretend to be overly excited about it.Third milestone...I wore my first pair of maternity pants today! I still have a few pairs of my regular jeans/pants that I can fit into...but some of them I can't button anymore and that is just becoming a hassle. So, I guess I've hit that "in between" phase. My normal clothes are getting uncomfortable and maternity clothes are still a little too big...but comfortable...so I'm gonna go with it! There is a maternity and children's resale shop down the street from my work. I bought a few things yesterday and a few other things online. My friend Stacy has given me some things too! Thank heavens for that. I hate to spend a lot of money on maternity stuff, but hopefully I will get to wear it again...at least once.

17 weeks. 1/14 - 1/20Date: 01/18/2007
I have a belly! There's no hiding this anymore (not that I was trying to or anything). People are starting to notice and many are asking the risky question, "are you pregnant?". Only a few have actually asked me...most are asking other people and once they have it confirmed they admit that they could tell. :) It's kinda fun!I've been feeling pretty good this week. I am still pretty tired by the end of the day. Wish I could get a few more things done in a day, but I'm learning to let that go a little bit. I've had lots of encouragement to take advantage of this time to rest...so I am!There have been moments that I think I may have felt the baby move. It's so hard to tell! I know it won't be long before I feel it more consistently...that will be such an amazing thing. Only 11 more days till ultrasound day!

17 weeks. Not again!Date: 01/20/2007
I think I am getting another cold or sinus infection or something! My cough never completely went away, but over the last few days it has gotten a little worse. I ended up pulling a muscle AGAIN on my other side between my ribs, and I'm getting congested again. This is the pits. I don't feel as bad as last time, so lets hope it doesn't get that bad. Poor baby. He/she is probably getting tired of the sickies too.

18 weeks. 1/21 - 1/27Date: 01/24/2007
I am pretty sure (as sure as I can be for a first time pregnancy) that I am feeling the baby moving around. It feels kinda like when your muscle has an involuntary "twitch". I wish I could know for sure, but I am just going to pretend that is what it is and be excited about it! :)My back and hips are starting to ache from time to time. If I don't change positions frequently it gets worse. I have been trying to get up and move around. Thanks to Mike and Stewart, my treadmill is back in the house and I have been walking almost every day since (only missed one). I am a little hesitant because it seems impossible to keep my heart rate under 140bpm (which is what the standard is, I guess) but I don't feel like I am overdoing it at all. It feels good to be somewhat active again...so I'm just gonna stick with it and make sure I take it easy if I have any signs of discomfort.I have also been able to get a few more things done around the house. I have learned to do little bits at a time and take short rests in between. It seems to be working well and it makes me feel so much better physically and mentally. I have decided to spend some of my resting time reading and praying rather than just sitting in front of the T.V. which is also making me feel 10 times more productive and much less like a slug.Only 5 days (counting today) until my Ultrasound!!!

18 weeks. On the Move!Date: 01/27/2007
The baby seems pretty active first thing in the morning. I put my hand over the spot where I could feel the "twitch" and I can actually feel it from the outside too! When we were lying around watching T.V. I would feel the twitch from time to time so I'd call Mike over to see if he could feel it. Every time he would get there the twitch would stop. :) That night when we went to bed I felt it again so I told him to feel for it and this time it worked! Mike felt the baby too. So much fun...tomorrow is the ultrasound...I can't wait!!

19 weeks. We're having a boy!!Date: 01/30/2007
We went for our ultrasound yesterday and everything went really well. The tech said that everything was normal and we found out we're having a boy! We got some pictures of him and the tech even put a video tape in for us so we have a few minutes of him on video.I have to admit I was a little surprised. These last few weeks I had been getting the feeling it might be a girl. Surprised, but not at all disappointed. We are both very excited!We called our parents and my Grandma. I also called Jamie and my cousin Heather. Everyone was so excited! We sent Text messages and emails to everyone else and spent most of the day receiving congratulations and blessings from all our friends. It was a fun and exciting day.

20 weeks. 2/4 - 2/10Date: 02/10/2007
Things have been pretty status quo this week. I did have an appointment and my ob went over the ultrasound with me a little bit. She said everything looks great! Over all I have been feeling much better. I still have days when I get very tired in the afternoon/evening, and I've noticed that if I eat too much I'll be paying for it later. :)We have been talking about taking a little trip before the baby comes. We had thought about a cruise, but my ob didn't seem too comfortable with it so we decided against it. She did say however that I can fly or drive pretty much anywhere up to about 30 - 32 weeks. So, we are looking into some warm weather choices now, hopefully it will work out. I've heard these little trips referred to as "babymoons". Cute!

21 weeks. 2/11 - 2/17Date: 02/14/2007
So far this week has been pretty good. I did start having some mild discomfort that I am pretty sure is the "round ligament" pain. Anyway, it is a normal result of the uterus growing to support the baby. Monday was the worst day. I just had a moderate ache all day long. Then it got better so I'm not really worried about it.Well, we did it!! We decided to book our "Babymoon". We will be going to Jamaica!! We have never been there so we are very excited. I admit that I am a tad nervous to fly...I always am, but now even more so with an extra passenger "on board". My OB said flying would be okay and everything I have read is reassuring. I don't really like to fly regardless...but it will be worth it. Mike and I both really need a vacation and I'm so excited it will be just the two of us AND we'll be somewhere WARM! We may not get this chance again for quite some time. :P

22 weeks. 2/18 - 2/24Date: 02/22/2007
I am noticing a little more movement lately, and this little guy seems to be getting stronger. He can pack a good punch sometimes. :) I have actually been able to see movement now, but Mike hasn't seen it yet. I keep trying to catch him...but I think I can "see" it better because I can also feel it. I had jury duty yesterday and as I sat (for over 4 hours reading a book) I noticed my belly jumping and I just started giggling. I couldn't stop! I'm sure people thought I was a little nuts...So I just opened the book and acted like it was something funny from the book. :)It is becoming a little difficult to bend over and to get up from sitting or lying down...which has provided us with some laughter at times. Of course I know this is only going to get more and more difficult (and less amusing I'm sure). The "round ligament" pain I was having last week hasn't been bad at all. The kinda weird thing is I still pull muscles in my ribs from time to time, if I move a certain way or sometimes when I cough or sneeze...but it is more like a bad cramp now...it hurts for a minute or two and then it goes away. Not like before when the pain lasted for days and days.Lots of things coming up to look forward too! My best friend is coming in tomorrow from South Carolina. I can't wait to spend some time with her. We are having a pamper day next week...Pedicures!!! So excited for that. Some of my pregnant friends are having their baby showers and I will be attending those, and several of my friends who had babies last year are celebrating 1st birthdays! It will be fun to get together with friends and celebrate.Then there is our vacation! I am so excited I can hardly stand it. Sometimes it actually keeps me awake at night! I've just been thinking about it all the time. Hopefully I'll be able to look forward to it without losing any more sleep. :)

23 weeks. 2/25 - 3/3Date: 03/03/2007
This was a fun week catching up with friends and celebrating milestones. I went to 2 baby showers and 3 first birthday parties. More to come next week!Mike and I registered today at Babies R Us. It went really well and I think we picked some good stuff. We both felt a little uneducated about certain things, but the people were really helpful and we feel good about our decisions. We got all the "big" stuff taken care of. I'm just going to consult some of the other new moms I know to finish up some odds and ends.I also made my first purchase this week for the baby. When I was shopping with Jamie on Friday I picked out a few shirts that were on sale at Old Navy. :) It would be really easy to get carried away...I've been proud of myself for exercising self control that I don't normally have when it comes to shopping! :) Can't wait to see all the fun stuff our baby boy is going to get.

24 weeks. 3/4 - 3/10Date: 03/09/2007
This was a pretty good week. I had a dr. appt on Wedneday and the dr. seemed a little concerned at first about my blood pressure and weight gain. I guess my blood pressure was a little high when the nurse took it and the dr. said that I have gained just a little more than I should have at 24 weeks. We talked for a little while about the symptoms of pre-clamsia and I didn't have any of them...so she took my blood pressure again and it was totally normal (even a little low). So I just have to be careful about my weight and if any of those symptoms appear, I need to see someone right away. I asked about our trip, a little nervous she would be hesitant about it...but she said it was fine. Yahoo!It must have been an off day cuz when I weighed myself this morning it was 4 lbs less!?!? Weird. Anyway, I'm not stressing about it...I KNOW I am not overdoing it with my eating and I'm walking on the treadmill almost every day. So, whatever weight I need to gain...I guess I'll gain. Just praying that I don't develop any more symptoms of pre-clamsia. Sounds like I'm in the clear for now. :)Leaving for Jamaica on Sunday!

25 weeks. 3/11 - 3/17Date: 03/17/2007
We had a great time in Jamaica! The weather was AWESOME, the resort was fabulous, the food was very tasty and we were able to lay around all day with nothing to do but relax. Perfect! Exactly what we wanted. Baby boy is moving around...A LOT. I think he's learning to do aerobics or something in there. Mike did actually SEE the baby moving this week! My belly is starting to jump around...it's pretty funny.I did get a message from my ob while I was gone. I'm a little nervous because I just took my glucose test before we left. I hope I didn't fail the test...and I really hope I don't have gestational diabetes. Trying not to worry about it too much. I've been doing everything they asked. My weight hasn't gone up and I've been on the treadmill everyday...even in Jamaica! I can't get ahold of the office until Monday anyway. I'll update then.Overall...great week!

26 weeks. 3/18 - 3/24Date: 03/21/2007
Well, I did get in touch with my ob finally on Tuesday. It turns out that I did fail my glucose test, so I have to schedule another test to see if I have gestational diabetes. I have to fast for 12 hours, drink the "glucose" drink (the very sugary drink) 3 times over 3 hours and have my blood drawn every hour. For two days before the test I have to follow a special diet. Some people have told me that this test made them sick to their stomach, so I'm not looking forward to that. Hopefully it won't be too bad.I also found out that I am anemic, so my ob put me on an iron supplement. I have only taken it for one day and I already feel a little better (I had been feeling a little tired and disoriented from time to time). I've heard that iron supplements can also be hard on your stomach, so I'm a little concerned about that...but so far so good.I'm not sure why I was so disappointed by this news, but I was pretty bummed about it Tuesday. I guess I just didn't want to have to deal with any "issues"...who does really? I'm sure whatever ends up happening it will all be fine in the end.I see the ob tomorrow to check my weight and blood pressure. More updates to come!

27 weeks. 3/25 - 3/31Date: 03/27/2007
Things are going pretty well this week. After I started the iron pills last week I have been feeling better. I haven't had any of the common side effects from the iron (yet) so that is good news too!At the doctor last week my weight and blood pressure were normal, so she was very pleased. No more worries about pre-clamsia for the time being. That was a huge load off my mind!My second glucose test will be this Friday 3/30. So I should know within a few days after that test if I have gestational diabetes. My ob says IF i do have it that it is not difficult to manage so not to worry (easy for her to say to the worlds biggest hypochondriac!). I honestly do feel better about the whole thing. I know everything will be fine and I'll just continue to do what I need to do to stay healthy and take care of me and the baby.The baby is getting much stronger. I feel him move a lot and it has gotten to be a little uncomfortable sometimes. I still laugh a lot though...it's just funny to see my tummy jumping around all over the place. I think it is possible I have felt a few braxton hicks contractions...but I'm not really sure. Sometimes my stomach just gets tight and feels like a rock! No pain or anything...just a different feeling. I'll have to ask the doc about them. :)

28 weeks. 4/1 - 4/7Date: 04/05/2007
Borderline. That's the term they use when you fail your glucose tolerence test by 1 point. It means that I don't really have gestational diabetes, but my numbers were not normal either. So what do I have? Glucose Intolerence.C'mon...I mean...ONE point. Unfortunately, it is what it is...I "failed" the test and they treat glucose intolerence the same way as gestational diabetes (so why bother to distinquish them...I'm not sure). But anyhoo...I have to go and see a diabetic nutrition consultant and check my blood sugar every day with a glucometer. (Yep...the fingerstick...fabulous.)I was given the option of taking the 3 hour glucose test again, but I opted out of that seeing as I almost passed out several times during the first hour of the test and felt like a truck had run over me for pretty much the remainder of the day. Yea, I'd rather prick my finger everyday for the next 80 days or so. No problem. And, I will possibly have to make some adjustments to what I eat...but to be honest...I have always watched what I eat...so I'll be interested to see what I will be able to change! (I'm sure there is always room for change).So, this is a minor inconvenience at the least. I'm obviously ready and willing to do what I need to, to keep this little boy healthy and strong. I hope he appreciates all this!

29 weeks. 4/8 - 4/14Date: 04/12/2007
Things have been going fairly well. I am starting to not feel so great again sometimes. I am getting sore and having more trouble getting around (nothing major, just noticeable). Baby boy is kicking a lot harder too. Sometimes when he's moving around in there it can be quite uncomfortable. Totally worth it though!The fatigue is coming back as well. It is definitely not as bad as the 1st trimester, but it's more noticeable than the 2nd trimester. By about 2pm I've hit my wall. I don't totally crash everyday on the couch like before, but it takes a little more effort to keep me going. I haven’t heard from the nutrition consultant for the glucose intolerance yet, so I have done a little reading online and I’m trying to eat right and stay on the treadmill. Hopefully that will help us both stay healthy.Mike says I'm nesting. I have been quite the cleaning machine as of the last week or so. I guess he's probably right, but it feels so much better to be in a nice clean house!We picked up most of our nursery furniture last weekend. I LOVE it! We (really Mike) put the crib together last night. It is gorgeous. I will try to get some pictures and put them on here. Very exciting stuff. :) For those of you who check I have finally put up a new belly pic. (I missed a few weeks!) It's not a great pic but it was the best I could do with the self timer and a rapidly dying battery. :) Enjoy!

30 weeks. 4/15 - 4/21Date: 04/21/2007
This is a busy week! It started on Sunday with my baby shower. It was such a nice shower and I had a great time. I hope everyone else did too. Monday I had my normal errands and running around to do. I was in a mini choir Wednesday night so I had practice Tues. and service Wed. I was pretty tired afterward. I think I'm going to have to start winding down my time on stage. This will be kinda hard for me and I will really miss it, but it is for the best. Hopefully, I will be able to transition back in pretty easily after the baby. Once I feel ready, of course.I had a dr. appt Wednesday afternoon. Things seem to be going pretty well. My weight is in the normal range and so is my blood pressure. I don't have any swelling or other problems so I was happy with that. Still trying to work out the whole blood sugar issue. I finally have an appointment with a nurse/dietician for next Wed (4/25) so hopefully everything will be clear after that. It sounds like I will have to follow a special diet and check my blood sugar fairly regularly. As long as I can keep it in a normal range...no worries.Thursday, I met Rita for coffee. We got to talking and didn't even realize it was 10:30pm! Needless to say I was a little tired Friday, but did I learn my lesson...nope. I had a get together with the choir/praise team "girls group" on Friday night and I didn't even leave until about 11:30pm. They did a little surprise for me and gave me all kinds of "pampering" things so I could focus a little on myself during this time when so much focus goes to the baby. VERY sweet of them.Finally, Saturday night was Bunco! I just love to get together with the girls and play bunco. I have developed quite a reputation as the "loud and excitable" player of the bunch. The theme was Bunco from around the World, so people brought all kinds of ethnic food and goodies, it was SO fabulous (I didn't eat sweets or carbs all day to make sure I could sample as many things as possible without blowing my "special diet"). Wednesday, I started to feel a little sick again. It started with congestion/headache, and sure enough it turned into that nasty cough I had back in Dec. I'm hoping this won't be a repeat of that experience...so far it doesn't seem to b e quite as bad. I'm looking forward to a much less busy and more restful week next week!

31 weeks. 4/22 - 4/28Date: 04/28/2007
This was my birthday week! Overall it was a good week, and I did get more rest than I did last week. Good news, the cold that I caught didn't last nearly as long as my crisis in Dec. Bad news, I did pull muscles in my ribs again. That has got to be one of the most uncomfortable things I have yet to experience (I know, I know...wait till childbirth!). Fortunately that didn't last long either...just a few days.I had a birthday dinner with some friends on Tuesday. We went to Mexican Fiesta. YUM!!! I love Mexican Fiesta. :) Mike and I celebrated on Friday. We had a great evening together! My friend Stacy had her baby girl early on Thursday, so I went with some friends to visit her. The baby's name is Sadie Lee. Mom and baby are doing well, but it was quite an ordeal from what I was told. I have to admit as our date gets closer it is hard not to be a little anxious about how our experience is going to go. I have pretty much decided not to have any expectations...and to expect the unexpected. I finally met with the nutrition consultant. The appointment went well, and it was pretty informative. It turns out that I have been eating well (the right foods) but I just need to watch my amounts and eat them at very regular intervals. Also I need to be sure to eat carbs and proteins together at each meal (including snacks). I thought I was going to get a glucometer to measure my blood, but it turns out I have to make another appointment for that! UGH! I haven't done that yet, I guess I will next week.I have cut my hours down a little at work. It helps when I get off at 1pm instead of 3pm. I still have a little bit of energy left to get a few things done and get on the treadmill. Then, I'm pretty much done for the evening. I still feel pretty good, I definitely can't complain. Just a few aches and baby is packing a few good punches every once in awhile. Just trying to rest and enjoy these last few weeks.

32 weeks. 4/29 - 5/5Date: 05/05/2007
This was another great week. It started with another baby shower given by Mike's family. It is always nice to see everyone and I got a lot of nice things. It was an afternoon tea theme and it was very nice and relaxing. :)Socially, I had a bit of a rest this week. I am getting pretty tired these days, so I've spend most of my evenings resting on the couch. I had an appointment Thursday and everything seems to be going well. I'm measuring on schedule, my weight is on track, my blood pressure is normal, I don't have excessive swelling, and I have the info I need now to keep my blood sugar stable (still don't have the blood meter, but I get that next week).I don't want to complain, but I am getting increasingly more uncomfortable now. My whole body just aches sometimes and if I am in one position too long it seems like I can hardly walk for a minute. When he moves around in there it can be down right painful at times. Overall I have to say it is not that bad, just different from the woes of the first and second trimesters. I'm starting to understand why women are so ready to get these little ones OUT when the time comes.Well, about 8 weeks to go!

33 weeks. 5/6 - 5/12Date: 05/12/2007
I'm starting to realize that there is not much time left here. Some days it feels like this could go on forever, and other days I feel like it is right around the corner. Several of the girls I know who were due before me have all had their babies and now...we are NEXT! I guess that is what is bringing this all a little closer to home now.This week was fairly uneventful. I did finally get my blood glucose monitor. I have to stick my finger 4 times a day! Most of my numbers have been right on target. I've had a few outside of the range, but hopefully nothing to worry about. It has helped me learn what to eat and what not to. I will see my dr. next week and she'll check the numbers and let me know how I'm doing. You'd be suprised how little it takes to throw off your blood sugar (if you have glucose intolerance that is).Thursday, I got a pedicure! It was nice. I'm mostly concerned that I can't cut my toenails very easily anymore, so it was nice to get that taken care of. The cute pink nail polish is a nice bonus. :)Saturday, we saw my Mom's family at my cousin Jenni's shower. She is due the day before me. It is really fun because she was also born the day before me. The family gets a huge kick out of it cuz they knew our mom's when they were very pregnant together, and now we are very pregnant together! Later Saturday, Jamie stopped by. It was so nice to see her. She's so excited for us! She will be here again in July and we are both looking forward to spending some time together with the baby! Finally, Saturday night Mike and I went to Babies R Us to pick up a few things we didn't get off the registry. Next week I'm going to try and do a final sorting and decide what to keep and what to exchange. We are slowly but surely getting ready for all this!

34 weeks. 5/13 - 5/19Date: 05/19/2007
This was my first Mother's day! I have to admit, I think I will enjoy next year a little more...actually having the baby here to celebrate with...but it was nice none the less. I got many well wishes from friends and family. I was with my Mom Saturday (5/12) so, we spent the day with Mike's family. We had a really good lunch! Rich grilled for us and Karen made yummy food to go with it. Jon and Amber brought ice cream cake for dessert. I did have a really tiny piece and it was SO good. Didn't even mess up my blood sugar level. :) We spent the rest of the time talking and had fun spending the day together outside on the patio.I am noticing more and more discomfort over the weeks. All completely normal things...heartburn, sore back, sore hips, baby sucker punches and kicks, braxton hicks contractions and just plain ol' fatigue. I've slowed down quite a bit...but overall I still think I am doing well. I can't complain. I had a dr. appointment this week and all is well. Weight is on target, blood pressure is good and I'm measuring exactly as I should be. Baby's heart rate is 150 bpm and his head is down. The dr. said he is most likely to stay this way since he's running out of room. That is good news since it means less chance for a c-section (although that is just one of the many factors involved!). My next appt. will be at 36 weeks and then once a week until I deliver.My dr. was also pleased with all my blood sugar levels so now I can drop down to poking my finger 2 times a day instead of 4! That will be nice.Today (5/19) was our 6th Wedding Anniversary. We had a really nice day together. We spent some time doing yard work (really Mike did it all and probably didn't "enjoy" that part of it...but the weather was nice at least), then we went out to eat in Downtown Northville. We stopped at Starbucks afterward for an after dinner treat (sugar free for me!). Then we came home and had a fire outside in our patio fireplace with the dogs havin' fun outside. Tomorrow we will be going to Cafe Felix, a european style cafe in Ann Arbor that we have been going to every year since we got married on the Sunday of our Anniversary (it reminds us of our honeymoon). We really like it and it has become our own little tradition. I'm excited!

35 weeks. 5/20 - 5/26Date: 05/26/2007
Things are slowing down quite a bit for me. I just don't have the energy to do as much. It's probably a good thing...but it does tend to make me a little anxious. I'm just not used to "resting".We met the childbirth educator this week. She showed us around the hospital and the birthing center. As nervous as I have been off and on about the actual labor and delivery, I think we have decided to try going to the birthing center first. This is a much more natural approach and Mike and I both feel that we will be more comfortable there...at least to start with. They do offer some medications if I want them and should I decide I want an epidural, I can still get one...I just have to be moved out of the birthing center. I am much more comfortable with doing as little as possible in terms of medical interventions, and I feel that starting here will give us the best opportunity to begin that route. Believe me...if I end up needing the interventions...I WILL get them. :) Every labor and delivery is different, so we'll just have to wait and see.We learned a little bit about labor and delivery and were given some materials to go over. We will try to attend as many of the classes as we can (they start Monday June 4th and are 4 weeks long). I was set to have someone come to the house and do an all day class for us, but she had to cancel because of a family emergency...so now we're trying to fit in classes at the hospital. We feel good about it though, whatever info we can get will be helpful. Whatever we miss...I'm sure we'll figure it out. ;)We also saw Pirates of the Carribean - At World's End this week. I liked it a lot better than the second one...but the first one is still my favorite. This one did answer the questions I had after the second, which was good. It just took me awhile to figure everything out. By the end...I knew what was going on. ;) After the movie we went home and put together some more of the baby's things. Our pack and play, the swing, and the car seat/stroller. I also washed some of the baby bedding and the clothing that I will take to the hospital for the baby. Fun stuff!4 more weeks! I'll be working for one more week and then I'm done (May 31st is my last day). I'm hanging in there. I do get pretty uncomfortable from time to time. I have off and on swelling in my feet and ankles, I get heartburn everyday by about 3pm no matter what I eat, when I first get up from sitting or lying down it takes me a minute to get my legs to work right, and I feel like everything I do is as if I'm running a marathon. Mild annoyances that I can certainly tolerate for a little while longer.

36 weeks. 5/27 - 6/2Date: 06/02/2007
This was my last week at work. On Thursday I worked my last day, so I guess I am now officially a stay at home mom.Things have been about the same for most of this week. I have been slightly uncomfortable, a little swollen in my feet and ankles, and just pretty wiped out. At my appointment this week everything was great. My weight is on track, blood pressure is good, babies heart rate is good, and he's measuring right on target. This week I was tested for group B strep and will know next week what the results are. group B strep is harmless to me I guess, but If I am positive I just have to have antibiotics during delivery to prevent infection for the baby.The doctor did check my cervix this week, but I wasn't dialated much at all...not even 1 cm yet. I didn't really expect to be at 36 weeks, so no worries.Saturday, on two separate occasions I had a sharp shooting pain that then felt like it was burning in the front of my right thigh. It seemed to happen whenever I had been sitting and needed to stand up. I was a little worried at first, but it did go away so we've concluded (in our professional opinions) that I must have aggravated some nerve or something in my leg...maybe the baby was positioned in a funny way or something. Hopefully I won't have any more problems with that. Later we spent the evening with Mike's family. We went to dinner and then went miniature golfing. Aparently I haven't lost my touch even with swollen ankes and a big belly...I was the winner!!

37 weeks. 6/3 - 6/9Date: 06/09/2007
We had our first birth class this week. It was fairly informative. I think both of us were glad that we went.On Tuesday, I had my OB appt. My strep B test was negative, so that was good news. Everything is still going well (BP, Weight, baby's HR, measurements - all normal). She also checked my cervix again and I was dilated to 1cm and I'm 70% effaced. This still doesn't mean much...I'm pretty sure it could stay this way for weeks. She does want me to have an ultrasound next week to check the size of the baby. She said she doesn't really think he'll be big, but it is standard because of my having high blood sugar. So Thursday 6/14 we'll get to see the little guy (hopefully he's little anyway!).My first official week off work was nice, but I feel like I really just wasted a lot of time. Mostly because all I did was watch T.V. I know I need to rest, I have accepted that...even though my brain is still going a mile a minute with things I want to do and take care of...but I really don't want to just be a couch potato either. I have some goals for next week to do some other more meaningful but still restful activities. :)Friday, I had dinner with our small group. It was nice to get out of the house and have some social interaction. Mike had to work a lot this week so I didn't see him too much. We did get to go out on Saturday to Marianne's graduation party. We had a great time and the food was fabulous!Things have been about the same in terms of how I feel. Just the normal aches, pains and tiredness of the last few weeks. I didn't have that pain in my leg all week, but then Saturday it happened again! It wasn't as bad and it went away so I'm trying not to worry too much about it. Just playing the waiting game now!

38 weeks. 6/10 - 6/16Date: 06/16/2007
This week I felt much better about how I spent my time! I think I watched less than 1 hour of television per day and some days I didn't watch it at all! I did devotions, read a book, spent time in the gorgeous weather, caught up on my photography class and got a few naps in here and there. :) It was a good week. Mike unexpectedly got 2 days off this week (because he worked last weekend) so we got to spend extra time together. It was really nice.At my appointment Tuesday everything was looking good. She checked my cervix and I am now 1 - 2 cm dilated and still 70% effaced. Again, this is not terribly significant...it could stay this way for weeks...or progress very slowly. But, it is still fun to hear that I've made SOME progress. :)On Thursday we had a late ultrasound to check the size of the baby. It was really amazing to see him at this stage in the game. (I put a few pics up so you can check them out). Anyway, the tech said that everything looks great. He does appear to be a bit chubby (at least his face), but I think that is cute. They do estimate his size to be about 8 lbs 4 oz. Which is interesting because then she told us that ultrasounds can be 1 lb off either way. So basically he is between 7 - 9 lbs. The main thing is they can tell he is not excessively big, so that was good news.I guess I have some extra fluid, which is common for mom's with blood sugar issues. She said it was not excessive either and nothing to worry about. She just explained that is why I feel so "full". Like my stomach couldn't possibly stretch any more at all.Any day now!!!

39 weeks. Introducing Isaac Alan GreggDate: 06/19/2007
Okay, this is going to be LONG…believe me, I wish it was a much shorter story…but it is what it is…At 12 am on Father's Day I began to have mild contractions. Throughout the night they were just strong enough and consistent enough to keep me awake the entire night. Around 5 am I told Mike that I was pretty sure I had started labor so we called my Dr. and I was told to come to the hospital. We arrived around 7 am at the hospital birth center and after they checked me, they decided to keep me there since I had progressed slightly since my last OB appointment. I continued to progress very slowly (to 3 cm) until about 6 pm when my contractions became irregular and they decided to send me home. I was devastated, I guess I assumed once things got started there was no turning back. However, it did seem to be the best option at the time. As soon as I got home, the contractions became more regular again. The nurse told Mike to get me some Tylenol PM to help take the edge off and help me to sleep. I was skeptical, but it really did help. I managed to sleep Sunday night and woke up Monday still in "early" labor.We didn't want to make the same mistake twice, so I stayed home most of the day Monday as my contractions became more intense. By about 6 pm we decided they were close enough and intense enough to call the Dr. again. We were told to come in, so we made our way to the hospital and arrived around 8 pm. I was checked at this point and had progressed to 4 – 5 cm. We had made the decision to start the labor and delivery process naturally, with no medication. Not because I was dead set against it, but just because I wanted to minimize any side effects for me or the baby. I didn't want to be pumped with medication any sooner than was necessary. So we started "active" labor using all natural comfort measures. The birth ball, massage & breathing techniques, the shower…all of which seemed to get me through (somewhat to my surprise). After being in the shower for awhile it seemed that my contractions were getting more and more intense so they did another check around 11 pm and I had progressed to 7 – 8 cm. It seemed that things were really moving now and I would soon be in "transition" so, we decided to call our families and a few close friends to let them know it could be any time now.To manage this next stage of labor they recommended the Jacuzzi tub. It was actually quite helpful. I spent a while in the tub and when things seemed more intense they got me out to check me. Still 8 cm. Waited a little while longer…still 8 cm. Sometime the next morning…still 8 cm. This is where things start to get a little foggy for me…maybe Mike will write a blog and fill in some of the details. Sometime on Tuesday morning I decided to take some pain medication. They gave me staidol to help take the edge off the contractions and to give me some rest. It was supposed to work for about 2 – 3 hours, but after about 45 mintues, my pain was intense. Mike got the nurse and she said perhaps this was a good sign, maybe I had progressed so the staidol wasn't strong enough to work now. Another check…still 8 cm. This was when the nurse realized that my I.V. was not hooked up to saline drip, so I had not received the full dose of staidol. Apparently the saline drip helps to give a slow release of the medication so it works longer. Since I hadn't gotten the full dose she flushed the I.V. I got the rest of the dose all right…but not slow release! It instantly knocked me out. I felt horrible! I was dizzy and incoherent. Shortly afterward I began to vomit and once that was all over I was a zombie for the next few hours.By this point I had been in labor for over 48 hours. I was sick, tired, shaking uncontrollably and incoherent for the most part (Mike has some funny stories about this time period). Sometime around 4pm I was checked again and still no progress. My Dr. started to speculate that the baby was not in an ideal position. She said he wasn't posterior, and it seemed that he was not quite transverse, but he was not completely head on either. Her recommendation was to put me on an epidural and give me pitocin to relax me and strengthen my contractions. She thought this would help the baby drop into the proper position.I can't say why, but I was terrified of the epidural. You would think after all this time I would welcome it with open arms, but I was really, really upset. It was probably somewhat due to my tired over drugged state. Still unable to control my shaking, I was terrified that I would move too much and things would go horribly awry. But there was no way I was going to be able to continue in my current state, so it had to be done.Around 5 pm I was transferred out of the Birth Center to Labor and Delivery. The epidural went very smoothly and the anesthesiologist was SO nice me. He and all the nurses really helped to calm me down (although I was still shaking) and within minutes I was feeling no pain. Then they started the pitocin. I felt much better, and I was like a different person. Mike said he could actually have a conversation with me now. The plan was to stay on the epidural and pitocin until I progressed to where I could push. We all thought this would be very soon. I did feel a lot better, but for some reason I began to vomit again (we think maybe the pitocin). I was checked in about an hour and I started to progress to 9 cm, but only on one side. This was because of the baby's position. He was only dilating one side of my cervix. My Dr. wanted to wait a while longer to see if he would move, but she said if he didn't I would have to have a C-Section.So, after I received this news…more vomiting (they had also turned up the pitocin so that could've been it too). I was once again in a state of terror. I have never had surgery of any kind and I was just in disbelief that this birth experience was SO far from what I had expected. The nurse that was with me was SO sweet and really helped to relax me about the whole experience. As I waited, I knew that even if the baby moved and I had the option to push that my body just wouldn't be able to tolerate it. I was exhausted! And more than that…just ready to meet my baby.So, they started prep for surgery. I had to drink this stuff to neutralize my stomach and I'm sure you can guess what happened…more vomiting. When that subsided they took me to the OR still shaking uncontrollably. The idea of them cutting me open in this state was somewhat scary, but everything went really well and at 10:32 pm on Tuesday, June 19th, little Isaac was born. After he was out, I started to feel some pain. It was hard to describe, I mean the epidural was working fine…I didn't feel the cut or any pain during the delivery, but afterward…while they were working…it was just really sore. One of the nurses noticed my discomfort and was concerned. She started asking me what I was feeling, but all I could say was "I'm just sore". I guess she was worried that I was feeling too much pain cuz next thing I knew I had a shot of morphine in my arm! Again, I was instantly incoherent and when I got back to recovery…you guessed it…vomiting.Finally, in recovery things began to settle down. I got to meet my little guy and just like everyone said…all was forgotten, and all was well. I do want to say that I was SO happy with everyone at the hospital. I was so impressed with the care and attention that I was given by everyone. Also, I had my waiting crew…Mike's parents, my cousin Heather, Stacy Holmes and her mom Vicky Lang (Stewart was there for awhile too, but he had to leave to take care of Rayna). They all came to the hospital and stuck with us through the whole experience…I felt bad that they were just waiting and getting updates from Mike, but knowing they were there for me and so excited for me really meant SO much to me. Most of all, I was so amazed by my husband. He was absolutely perfect through the whole experience. I couldn't have asked for anything more, he did it all! Not only was he part of the "team"…he literally carried me through most parts of this experience. He instantly fell in love with Isaac and was his main caregiver for the first few hours (since I was stuck in recovery). They really had a chance to bond and I am SO thankful for that. I feel a lot closer to Mike now and hopefully he feels the same way.Well, there it is…our birth story. Thank you to all who shared this entire journey with us from infertility through pregnancy to birth. It truly is a miracle and we thank God for all of our blessings!