Wow, she was 7 months old the last time I wrote..which means that was almost 2 months ago..SAD!
Since May, we have had a few changes at the Eystad residence. Here is a breakdown:
1. Emma is almost 9 months old!
2. She is saying words like "momma" and "dada"
3. She is eating more and more solids, loves puffs, yogurt bites and anything else she can get in her mouth. The other day I was sitting next to her eating a pop-tart and she just grabbed the entire thing and put it in her mouth. I let her until it started crumbling more than I liked. Based on her snack consumption, one would think she is starving but she isn't, she just likes snacks!
4. Although she is getting better at chewing, still no teeth have popped through
With the arrival of summer, we are at the race track again. With the rain, we haven't went as much as we would have liked but considering it is just a hobby I think we are right on schedule. So far the season is going very well and we can't complain whatsoever.
Last Saturday we were in Brainerd for the USMTS show and so Emma went to her favorite 2nd mom & dad's house (Godparents) and she had some fun of her own. Bryn, her Godmother, took her to her first play! Oh she had a good time. Bryn said that she began talking quite loudly during the play so they had to walk out but then she fell asleep right on the floor. Cutie pie! She also had the joy of going to her first baseball game on Saturday and first soccer game on Sunday.
We have begun more construction on the yard. A lot of the landscaping (around the house, walls, etc) is done and now we are working on our patio and bonfire pit. It's a lot of work but it will be well worth it in the end! Do you know anyone that does concrete work? We are willing to pay for some help in this department!
Lastly, for those of you that do not know, I am no longer with Rasmussen College. It was a bittersweet ending and although I really enjoyed the work I did, I didn't always enjoy all the other parts. I am now working for First Financial Merchant Services out of Medina. I am a Recruiting Manager and started with a team of 3 and we are up to 6 and hope to be up to 8 by the end of the summer. I have been there about 3 weeks and have been extremely busy. So far I have enjoyed it-every job has its ups and downs as well as a learning curve for new things- but it is going as well as I could hope for.
Til next time -- (which will not be in 2 months!)---
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
7 months!
Wow, my last post was almost a month ago..where does the time go to? My appologies!
7 months ago from right now I was receiving petocin in an attempt to keep the contractions constant. I was nieve in thinking that too much petocin may mean that she would be born before midnight, thereby just missing the cool birthday of 10/10/10--yep I was a nieve first mom..especially since she wasn't born for another 7 hours(!!!) at 5:01am. That is ok- I wouldn't have it any other way.
My first Mother's day was a great one. We woke up and hung around the house and then headed for Hutchinson to spend time with our moms. Corey gave me a heart necklace with Emma's birthstone in the middle and a really sweet card, what can I say--I enjoy cards that come from the heart!
Emma is at the age where she is SO fun! We love to just watch her, play with her, and get her giggling or just making any noise. Her eating patters are odd and seem to constantly be changing--some days she loves veggies and other days she doesn't want to eat any solids.
Last Saturday was our first race and it started rough and ended really well! If you are not an avid race fan, you may not know of the new rule changes this year where Corey had to adjust the set-up of his car (ask him for details). With this major change, we weren't sure how the car was going to respond. In the heat race- it wasn't well! Corey literally could not turn the car....at all! So, he did a total makeover and changed a variety of things ..which had great results. He started 11th in the feature and ended 4th (he was running 3rd but was passed right at the end). Considering first went to Dan Ebert and second went to Shane Sabraski..being 3rd would have been like winning the race for us..but 4th was WONDERFUL. He reflected and realized that he wasn't in the tech shed at all last year--so to be there the first race of the season felt great and we hope to be there more this year.
Here are some pictues of our trophy girl :)
Also- I completely forgot to make a May resolution--in fact it didn't cross my mind until a couple days ago. Therefore, I think I failed for May..although I could use Penny Pincher Jennifer since I have been doing that since the beginning of the month and am not sure how much longer I will do it for.
Have a great week!
7 months ago from right now I was receiving petocin in an attempt to keep the contractions constant. I was nieve in thinking that too much petocin may mean that she would be born before midnight, thereby just missing the cool birthday of 10/10/10--yep I was a nieve first mom..especially since she wasn't born for another 7 hours(!!!) at 5:01am. That is ok- I wouldn't have it any other way.
My first Mother's day was a great one. We woke up and hung around the house and then headed for Hutchinson to spend time with our moms. Corey gave me a heart necklace with Emma's birthstone in the middle and a really sweet card, what can I say--I enjoy cards that come from the heart!
Emma is at the age where she is SO fun! We love to just watch her, play with her, and get her giggling or just making any noise. Her eating patters are odd and seem to constantly be changing--some days she loves veggies and other days she doesn't want to eat any solids.
Last Saturday was our first race and it started rough and ended really well! If you are not an avid race fan, you may not know of the new rule changes this year where Corey had to adjust the set-up of his car (ask him for details). With this major change, we weren't sure how the car was going to respond. In the heat race- it wasn't well! Corey literally could not turn the car....at all! So, he did a total makeover and changed a variety of things ..which had great results. He started 11th in the feature and ended 4th (he was running 3rd but was passed right at the end). Considering first went to Dan Ebert and second went to Shane Sabraski..being 3rd would have been like winning the race for us..but 4th was WONDERFUL. He reflected and realized that he wasn't in the tech shed at all last year--so to be there the first race of the season felt great and we hope to be there more this year.
Here are some pictues of our trophy girl :)
Bath in the sink! Emma had a #2 accident in the bathtub and so we relocated her to the sink to finish bath time! There isn't much room to kick and play here..but lots of bubbles to make up for it!
Happy Easter!
New bathtub- this is our 3rd bathtub purchased and so far--my favorite!! She was having fun but on the edge of bedtime so she took a time out from splashing to suck on her fingers a bit. For those of you that knew me as a kid...it looks familiar..only she uses her pointer and middle finger whereas I used my middle and ring finger.
Also- I completely forgot to make a May resolution--in fact it didn't cross my mind until a couple days ago. Therefore, I think I failed for May..although I could use Penny Pincher Jennifer since I have been doing that since the beginning of the month and am not sure how much longer I will do it for.
Have a great week!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
April {Snow} showers?
The Eystads are ready for Spring, as I am sure you are as well! It seems that we always get a late snow shower after everything melts..and we received that, on schedule, in March. Now more icky weather in April? Ew. We need sun!
Recently, Corey and I purchased a storm door to accompany our front door. We have installed it (thanks Denis for the help...or for doing most of it :) and we just love it. I look forward to summer when the sun shines through. It allows the area to be brighter and for us to actually see out the front of our house.
Emma had her 6 month appt today and I always get so excited for her measurements..but they can't be right. The nurse rushed through them. She said her weight was 18 lbs...but Corey and I weighed her about 2 weeks ago and she was 20, then her height was less than what she was last time we were at the doctor..and I can guarentee you she didnt' shrink. Even the doctor mentioned that it seemed off so it's a bummer we don't have the correct ones in the record book. Other than that, she got 2 shots and screamed but did well otherwise. The rest of the day she was calm and very tired. I can feel myself getting sick as my sinuses have become inflamed as the day wore on, so I didn't mind. Selfishly, I hope that tomorrow is another calm day.
I found another vegetable she likes- grean beans! I told the dr that she loves veggies and isn't a fan of fruits, for now we will soak that in since most kids are the opposite. She doesn't have any teeth so I haven't ventured to give her anything other than puree food..I think this also has to deal with my nervousness of being a first time mom.. I can tell she really wants to try everything, she gets so excited when I put her in the highchair as Corey and I eat. Poor thing.
Nothing else is new with us--
Recently, Corey and I purchased a storm door to accompany our front door. We have installed it (thanks Denis for the help...or for doing most of it :) and we just love it. I look forward to summer when the sun shines through. It allows the area to be brighter and for us to actually see out the front of our house.
Emma had her 6 month appt today and I always get so excited for her measurements..but they can't be right. The nurse rushed through them. She said her weight was 18 lbs...but Corey and I weighed her about 2 weeks ago and she was 20, then her height was less than what she was last time we were at the doctor..and I can guarentee you she didnt' shrink. Even the doctor mentioned that it seemed off so it's a bummer we don't have the correct ones in the record book. Other than that, she got 2 shots and screamed but did well otherwise. The rest of the day she was calm and very tired. I can feel myself getting sick as my sinuses have become inflamed as the day wore on, so I didn't mind. Selfishly, I hope that tomorrow is another calm day.
I found another vegetable she likes- grean beans! I told the dr that she loves veggies and isn't a fan of fruits, for now we will soak that in since most kids are the opposite. She doesn't have any teeth so I haven't ventured to give her anything other than puree food..I think this also has to deal with my nervousness of being a first time mom.. I can tell she really wants to try everything, she gets so excited when I put her in the highchair as Corey and I eat. Poor thing.
Nothing else is new with us--
Sunday, April 10, 2011
New Year's Resolution Update
My New Year's Resolution was to have a new resolution every month..here is how I would grade my progress so far:
January- Refrain from buying ANYTHING without a coupon or in-store savings= A+. As many of you know, I am still actively doing this and am sharing it with you at www.pennypincherjennifer.com
February- Get organized= I give myself a 'C' here. I made progress but not as much as I wanted to do.
March- Complete my weekly homework by Friday of each week I give myself a 'B' here. I missed it one week but there were only 2 weeks (I didn't think of this before the quarter started). Although, I started my April resolution during the last week of March..so actually I only went 1 week without being connected to a resolution.
April- Make meals 5 nights/week. These can not include frozen pizza, so if we decide to have that it has to be on one of the other nights. So far this has went very well, I have been doing it for the last 2 weeks.
I have some ideas for what I would like to do in the coming months, but I have not made any decisions yet.
Have you stuck to your New Year's Resolution?
January- Refrain from buying ANYTHING without a coupon or in-store savings= A+. As many of you know, I am still actively doing this and am sharing it with you at www.pennypincherjennifer.com
February- Get organized= I give myself a 'C' here. I made progress but not as much as I wanted to do.
March- Complete my weekly homework by Friday of each week I give myself a 'B' here. I missed it one week but there were only 2 weeks (I didn't think of this before the quarter started). Although, I started my April resolution during the last week of March..so actually I only went 1 week without being connected to a resolution.
April- Make meals 5 nights/week. These can not include frozen pizza, so if we decide to have that it has to be on one of the other nights. So far this has went very well, I have been doing it for the last 2 weeks.
I have some ideas for what I would like to do in the coming months, but I have not made any decisions yet.
Have you stuck to your New Year's Resolution?
Friday, April 8, 2011
Where have I been?
Wow it has been a long time since I posted on here. I knew it had been a while but I didn't realize it has been THAT long. So what have the Eystad's been up to?!? Good question...let's just summarize it all
Emma:
As of this Sunday she is 6 months old. Wow. It is true that time flys by when life happens. In the past week she has began sitting by herself (glad this has finally happened), actually jumping in her jumper. She just LOVES it. I also put her in her booster chair while we are eating where she plays with her toys, she seems to enjoy that as well. A couple weeks ago we went to Iowa to visit our good friends (5 hour drive - she was absolutely fantastic!) and she all of a sudden began grabbing at things. My pop-tarts wrapper, my subway sandwhich wrapper (yes while my sub was on it), my nose, ears, lips, anything. Today she reached for Odie and has began petting him...or at least trying. He is so god with her. He just started licking her hand-which she also loves.
She is smiling all the time now and is just becoming so much fun. Both Corey and I just laugh with her. She loves eating sweet potatoes and squash. Those are her favorites! We have also tried carrots, prunes, and peas which she does well with but doesn't seem to love them as much because she allows herself to become distracted. She is wearing 9-12 month clothes and seems to be lengthening out and just overall, so big! She seems uninterested in her bouncy chair so we may begin growing out of toys now as well. She still loves her mobile over her crib though, I don't see that going away any time soon. She is also a huge fan of her blanky. Honestly, we don't go anywhere without it. The only time she isn't gripping it in her little fingers is when she is eating or in her jumper. Otherwise, she loves it. My sister told me that with her "new" love (it's been going on for 3-4 wks) for her blanky she may stop sucking on her fingers. I said, "No way" She is a huge fan of sucking her pointer finger and middle finger on her left hand..although I think she might be right. Emma used to suck her fingers all the time, and it is slowly going away..even when we lay her down in the crib. We love this!
She is still sleeping through the night, daylight savings seem to have a big affect on her but now she is back to her schedule: goes to bed around: 6:30 and up between 4:30-6am. She eats and then goes right back to bed. Then wakes up, eats, stays up for maybe 30-45 minutes and takes another nap. She is such a good baby- we understand this! She is so good in fact, that when she shows signs of being tired we just put her in the crib and she puts herself to sleep. Love that girl!
Corey & I:
Nothing is really new with us. Just lookin' forward to summer! We have spring/summer fever.
Racing:
Race car is ready. Corey spends his time tinkering. I know he needs to buy tires, fuel, and also scale it but just small (but important) things like that. I know he is getting excited to get on the track but we are hesitant with the year we had last year.
That is about it! Hope all is well with everyone else!
Emma:
As of this Sunday she is 6 months old. Wow. It is true that time flys by when life happens. In the past week she has began sitting by herself (glad this has finally happened), actually jumping in her jumper. She just LOVES it. I also put her in her booster chair while we are eating where she plays with her toys, she seems to enjoy that as well. A couple weeks ago we went to Iowa to visit our good friends (5 hour drive - she was absolutely fantastic!) and she all of a sudden began grabbing at things. My pop-tarts wrapper, my subway sandwhich wrapper (yes while my sub was on it), my nose, ears, lips, anything. Today she reached for Odie and has began petting him...or at least trying. He is so god with her. He just started licking her hand-which she also loves.
She is smiling all the time now and is just becoming so much fun. Both Corey and I just laugh with her. She loves eating sweet potatoes and squash. Those are her favorites! We have also tried carrots, prunes, and peas which she does well with but doesn't seem to love them as much because she allows herself to become distracted. She is wearing 9-12 month clothes and seems to be lengthening out and just overall, so big! She seems uninterested in her bouncy chair so we may begin growing out of toys now as well. She still loves her mobile over her crib though, I don't see that going away any time soon. She is also a huge fan of her blanky. Honestly, we don't go anywhere without it. The only time she isn't gripping it in her little fingers is when she is eating or in her jumper. Otherwise, she loves it. My sister told me that with her "new" love (it's been going on for 3-4 wks) for her blanky she may stop sucking on her fingers. I said, "No way" She is a huge fan of sucking her pointer finger and middle finger on her left hand..although I think she might be right. Emma used to suck her fingers all the time, and it is slowly going away..even when we lay her down in the crib. We love this!
She is still sleeping through the night, daylight savings seem to have a big affect on her but now she is back to her schedule: goes to bed around: 6:30 and up between 4:30-6am. She eats and then goes right back to bed. Then wakes up, eats, stays up for maybe 30-45 minutes and takes another nap. She is such a good baby- we understand this! She is so good in fact, that when she shows signs of being tired we just put her in the crib and she puts herself to sleep. Love that girl!
Corey & I:
Nothing is really new with us. Just lookin' forward to summer! We have spring/summer fever.
Racing:
Race car is ready. Corey spends his time tinkering. I know he needs to buy tires, fuel, and also scale it but just small (but important) things like that. I know he is getting excited to get on the track but we are hesitant with the year we had last year.
That is about it! Hope all is well with everyone else!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Online shoppers-save more!
Do you shop online? Then you need to save more!! Sign up for Ebates by clicking on the logo. By signing up through this logo you and I will both earn a credit!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
"Emma...meet the race car"
Emma got to meet the race car yesterday. Corey was working on it and he just couldn't wait to show her. Here are some pictures of their experience:
Daddy let's chat...
Getting an "inside" view...
"Emma......here is the race car....."
Daddy let's chat...
Big girl on the race car---Corey is so happy!
Getting an "inside" view...
Productive Saturday!
What a great Saturday! Emma slept on and off throughout the day which was good but still time consuming. By the time I would get her to sleep she would sleep for 20 minutes and then be back up again. Then late in the afternoon she snoozed for 3 hours. I was able to get 4 lbs of hamburger browned. I packaged them in air tight containers and threw them in to the freezer. I love doing this for meals throughout the week. I also took out a huge sirloin steak for 2 to defrost it. We will be grilling today in the wonderful weather and then making some potatoes to compliment the steak. In addition, I made racers tacos for us to eat during the Bud Shoot out! Yummy!
I also took out Emma's baby book. We purchased a book that labels all her firsts as well as thoughts we had before she was born and after and just other details on her life. The majority of it focuses on before birth and just weeks after her birthday. Then the other half focuses on things that can come up throughout the first 3 years of life. My sister and I (probably more effort from my sister..she is the creative one) will be making a scrapbook as well but this is just a nice book that holds a bunch of dates and things. I also went through on read my blog days leading up to her birth and a couple weeks after. It was so sweet to read and I am SO happy that I did it!
Hope everyone had a great week-end!
I also took out Emma's baby book. We purchased a book that labels all her firsts as well as thoughts we had before she was born and after and just other details on her life. The majority of it focuses on before birth and just weeks after her birthday. Then the other half focuses on things that can come up throughout the first 3 years of life. My sister and I (probably more effort from my sister..she is the creative one) will be making a scrapbook as well but this is just a nice book that holds a bunch of dates and things. I also went through on read my blog days leading up to her birth and a couple weeks after. It was so sweet to read and I am SO happy that I did it!
Hope everyone had a great week-end!
Friday, February 11, 2011
New Resolution?
Yes, its true. I am changing my February resolution to - Get more organized!. You may say, "Um nice work...11 days in to the month." The truth is, I have been working on this since day 1. In addition, I need to get organized before I can just start having these domesticated meals 3x per week. For all you moms and wives out there who work full-time outside the home and make homemade meals every evening- I bow down to you. Now that I have realized it, I don't know how my husband and I have made it through suppertime for the last 4 months. When I was working from home (during the end of my maternity leave) I made meals all the time because it was easy since I was already home-now time is my biggest roadblock. I am organizing all the roles I play in my life: student, wife, and mom. I know I will feel better at the end of the month too. I also need to organize everything for our taxes and clean out a couple closets. I already look forward to it!
Yes, I am loving these challenges so far. It may only be 11 days in to February but I like it!
Yes, I am loving these challenges so far. It may only be 11 days in to February but I like it!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Superbowl Sunday
My title itself tells you I am days late. Either way..here is our life for the past week...
Last Friday my mom and her main man came up to Cloud. We were going to meet my oldest sister Kari but she had some car troubles, so instead us 5 went out to eat. It was good to see them again. Emma loves seeing her grandma. Saturday we went back to Hutchinson and she got to see her other grandma. Then Sunday we hung around the house. I did homework and then we headed to the Studanski household for the big-game. I didn't really watch much of it and really didn't pay much attention to the commercials either. You could ask me what my favorite commercial was and I wouldn't know one to choose because I don't remember any of them, now ask me what my favorite food was and you will get a whole different answer. I guess you can see where my focus was.
Emma is doing great. I can't wait for her to be able to sit up on her own to be able to play with the other kids. Brooke, my daycare lady, has an 8 mo. old and he just wants to play with her so bad so she has been working with Emma on that as well.
I realized today that it is already the 2nd week of February, so you can imagine how my February resolution is going...........umm...not so well. Last week was wicked bad since I didn't come up with it until mid-week so I already knew I would be carrying this in to March (even though I already have several ideas for March). Monday night I made spaghetti, meatballs, and garlic toast. Now, I was thinking fruits and vegatables were together on the food guide pyramid, obviously I was wrong and should have done research to prepare for this. I have since looked it up and realized there are a whole lot of food guide pyramids out there-I went with an old school one and have now put it on my fridge so I know. Therefore, Monday night we missed the mark. I have added a small "exception" since we don't eat fruit with our meals I have allowed a snack to be included where I will make smoothies or some other fruit gig. So this one isn't going so well..I may have challenged myself a bit too much.
Pictures:
Last Friday my mom and her main man came up to Cloud. We were going to meet my oldest sister Kari but she had some car troubles, so instead us 5 went out to eat. It was good to see them again. Emma loves seeing her grandma. Saturday we went back to Hutchinson and she got to see her other grandma. Then Sunday we hung around the house. I did homework and then we headed to the Studanski household for the big-game. I didn't really watch much of it and really didn't pay much attention to the commercials either. You could ask me what my favorite commercial was and I wouldn't know one to choose because I don't remember any of them, now ask me what my favorite food was and you will get a whole different answer. I guess you can see where my focus was.
Emma is doing great. I can't wait for her to be able to sit up on her own to be able to play with the other kids. Brooke, my daycare lady, has an 8 mo. old and he just wants to play with her so bad so she has been working with Emma on that as well.
I realized today that it is already the 2nd week of February, so you can imagine how my February resolution is going...........umm...not so well. Last week was wicked bad since I didn't come up with it until mid-week so I already knew I would be carrying this in to March (even though I already have several ideas for March). Monday night I made spaghetti, meatballs, and garlic toast. Now, I was thinking fruits and vegatables were together on the food guide pyramid, obviously I was wrong and should have done research to prepare for this. I have since looked it up and realized there are a whole lot of food guide pyramids out there-I went with an old school one and have now put it on my fridge so I know. Therefore, Monday night we missed the mark. I have added a small "exception" since we don't eat fruit with our meals I have allowed a snack to be included where I will make smoothies or some other fruit gig. So this one isn't going so well..I may have challenged myself a bit too much.
Pictures:
Emma looks sad because she can't play with the fun toys with Jessica Studanski (Jessica is almost 7 months)
Jessica & Emma
Emma looking very tired.
Avery Unger & Emma. Avery is also almost 7 months old. They didn't take pictures too well together.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
All about E!
I know 2 posts within minutes yet you haven't heard a peep from me since Jan 17th. My appologies! I am sleepless tonight so I figured I might as well be productive and get some things done!
Emma is sleeping through the night regularly. She seems to wake up when its Corey's night (Thursday-Saturday). She must know that if she cries she can have quality E + Daddy time. He doesn't see the humor since she gets to be with him all day on Fridays while I work (he works 4-10's)
For those of you wondering- we have tried cloth diapers and I like them a lot but am also still playing around with them a bit. If you have tried them before you know what I mean- I am trying to find how many inserts to use and a pattern. I only have a handful. I plan on using them whenever we have her and then continuing to buy disposable for daycare.
Here are a couple pictures:
Play mat time!
Checkin' out the jumper!
The Jan. Res..
Hello again-
Sorry for the absence there is no reason for it! This is a post to let you know I made it to February! It is officially February 3rd and it is my last day of my January resolution. Since I cheated 3x in Jan I carried it over to February.
I loved my resolution and things turned out fantastic!! I will be carrying part of it throughout the year. I have mastered couponing (not to the limits of getting $3,000 of groceries for $100 but close enough).
Last week-end we ran to the grocery store after church. I spent a total of $86 and saved $41. The best part is I only buy things I need/will use. With this couponing stuff I buy more at a time but I actually feel the need to shop less-its a double bonus! I was at Target and used the Cub ad to price match Campbells Chunky Soup and Wheat Thin crackers. I got 10 cans of soup and 2 boxes of crackers for a total of $6! Stellar deal! I spent $6 and saved $16 just on those items. Corey was with this time and was shocked...he is even getting in to this a bit. We decided to put the money towards debt payments (car, house) instead of a vacation. I know vacation is more fun but once we are debt free THAT will be MORE fun!
With your requests, I will be starting a savings blog. There are a ton of them out there, all you have to do is google "ways to save" or "coupons" or anything around those lines. My blog will be better because it will be local. Meaning: you can go to other blogs and they will say things like "Save with Kellogs this week" and it will tell you where to find a manufacture coupon and a store coupon..but the store will be like Hy-Vee foods, which we don't have. My only promise to you is that I will keep it up as long as I am getting hits every day/week. If I don't then I will stop just because it will take a lot of time to update and I don't mind doing it (in the least) but just want to make sure its helpful for others as well. I can't wait to get started but it probably won't happen for another week to two weeks then should be in full swing for my March resolution.
How are your resolutions going? Did you use any savings tips I have given you so far? Have you thought differently about your spending? Comment on this page!
Sorry for the absence there is no reason for it! This is a post to let you know I made it to February! It is officially February 3rd and it is my last day of my January resolution. Since I cheated 3x in Jan I carried it over to February.
I loved my resolution and things turned out fantastic!! I will be carrying part of it throughout the year. I have mastered couponing (not to the limits of getting $3,000 of groceries for $100 but close enough).
Last week-end we ran to the grocery store after church. I spent a total of $86 and saved $41. The best part is I only buy things I need/will use. With this couponing stuff I buy more at a time but I actually feel the need to shop less-its a double bonus! I was at Target and used the Cub ad to price match Campbells Chunky Soup and Wheat Thin crackers. I got 10 cans of soup and 2 boxes of crackers for a total of $6! Stellar deal! I spent $6 and saved $16 just on those items. Corey was with this time and was shocked...he is even getting in to this a bit. We decided to put the money towards debt payments (car, house) instead of a vacation. I know vacation is more fun but once we are debt free THAT will be MORE fun!
With your requests, I will be starting a savings blog. There are a ton of them out there, all you have to do is google "ways to save" or "coupons" or anything around those lines. My blog will be better because it will be local. Meaning: you can go to other blogs and they will say things like "Save with Kellogs this week" and it will tell you where to find a manufacture coupon and a store coupon..but the store will be like Hy-Vee foods, which we don't have. My only promise to you is that I will keep it up as long as I am getting hits every day/week. If I don't then I will stop just because it will take a lot of time to update and I don't mind doing it (in the least) but just want to make sure its helpful for others as well. I can't wait to get started but it probably won't happen for another week to two weeks then should be in full swing for my March resolution.
How are your resolutions going? Did you use any savings tips I have given you so far? Have you thought differently about your spending? Comment on this page!
Monday, January 17, 2011
I cheated...
So I cheated on my New Year's Resolution.....
We went to Litchfield on Saturday and spent some time with my best friend Sarah (Fischer) Anderson and her husband Tyler. We went to the liquor store and I bought myself a bottle of wine. No coupon, no discount. On Friday, we got Emma's 3 month pictures done. I had a coupon for the pictures but then we went and got her ear's pierced which I did not have a coupon for. Two items with no savings, means I have to do this resolution for 2 days longer.
We went to Litchfield on Saturday and spent some time with my best friend Sarah (Fischer) Anderson and her husband Tyler. We went to the liquor store and I bought myself a bottle of wine. No coupon, no discount. On Friday, we got Emma's 3 month pictures done. I had a coupon for the pictures but then we went and got her ear's pierced which I did not have a coupon for. Two items with no savings, means I have to do this resolution for 2 days longer.
Emma did excellent with her ears. She screamed but then once it was over she was smiling again. I am glad I did it at this age because she hasn't found her ears yet so she isn't pulling on them.
Last week Corey and I decided to try the "cry it out" method. This means that we decided we would let her cry when she wakes up at night in an attempt to train her to sleep through the night. For those of you who are new parents..you understand this. For those of you that are not...I am not a bad parent. Babies get in the habit of waking up at night, just like if you set your alarm at 7am every morning and go to bed the same time every night, eventually your body will just start waking up at 7 am automatically. This is what happens with babies. You can do it as of 2 months old but I decided to wait. Then she began to really settle in to a routine in the last couple weeks so we decided now would be good. She needs to be in bed by 7:30, about 6:30 she begins to get really tired and its almost impossible to keep her awake so we start our routine at that time (bath, reading, bottle, etc). She would wake up between 2-2:30 every night and when I would feed her she would eat 2 ounces and then fall asleep as I was burping her, so this told me that she wasn't truly hungry.
So last Thursday night, we put her down and about 2:30am she woke up. We didn't get up but watched her on the monitor (we have a video one...LOVE it). She was so tired half of the time she had her eyes shut and just did this half attempt at a cry. She has two very distinct cries: hungry and sleepy. After about 40 min of her crying on and off I decided to go in and put her pacifier in her mouth. When I got back to bed I looked at the monitor and she was already sleeping. She really likes the pacifier to go to sleep but doesn't keep it in her mouth through the night. Now 40 minutes seems like a long time but she would cry and then stop for a long time and then start again, I promise it isn't as bad as it sounds. Friday night around 3:30 I could hear her getting restless so I ran and put her nuk in her mouth before she woke up and she kept sleeping. I don't want her to rely on the nuk but at the same time I wanted to train her body to keep sleeping. Saturday night we were in Litchfield but we put her down, moved her a total of 4 times and she never woke up. She probably fell asleep around 8 or so and didn't wake up until 7:30. Then Sunday, she didn't fall asleep until around 9 because she became over tired but then didn't wake up until 5:30. I can get used to all of these situations. As her body was trained to wake up at 2-230 my body was starting to get in that habit as well and I wasn't able to get back to sleep..but now I think we will be good for a while.
I know there are some of you who are going to play Devil's Advocate and tell me that her sleeping patterns will change, don't get used to this, and blah blah but guess what- I will deal with that when it comes, for now I will enjoy.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Cha-Ching!
My January resolution is in full swing! I am addicted to this saving money gig! I have about 10 hours of research in but it doesn't feel like work. I am enjoying it. These 10 hours include surfing the internet in finding "saving" blogs, coupon sites, and other deals. Based on this I have been pretty successful. I even found a blog that compares stores ads with available coupons. For example: last week Target had a deal on Lean Cuisine frozen meals and there was also a manufacturer's coupon for $1 off when you buy 2. It is nice because they do the work for you..yet they are not local so sometimes the deals are not the same.
I choose to go to Target for grocery shopping for a few reasons:
1. I love Target. It is bright, clean, and reliable.
2. They are about the same distance as a true grocery store but I like the idea of being able to pick up other items at the same time.
3. Target Rewards: When I use my DEBIT card I receive 5% off my total purchase. (They used to only offer this for their credit card but now also offer it if you connect it to you existing Debit card...I wonder if they are having a problem with collecting on those credit cards!).
4. Their prices are very similar, and usually cheaper, than other places.
Saturday I went to Target and it was the first grocery experience of the new year, and first time under my resolution. Now, originally I said that I would buy groceries without a coupon but I think I may go back on that because I think I can do it with coupons. There are only certain items that I need to buy without a coupon. We have a freezer full of beef and pork so I don't need meat coupons so I just need to find things to go with it..and that isn't hard. So back to my trip...it was also the first time that I had to ask them to price match. I had called earlier to find their guidelines. If you want to price match at Target you go through the main line for everything NOT getting matched and then you go to the Service Desk for everything that is. WHAT IS PRICE MATCHING? Price Matching is when you bring a competitor's ad in to a store and they honor the competitor price. For example, Coborns had a deal on Special K cereal at $1.99 plus I had a buy one get one free manufacturer's coupon..so I got 2 boxes for 1.99..lucky for me I had 2 coupons so I ended up getting 4 boxes for 3.98!!!! That is insane since each box is usually $4.39. Anywho, the point of price matching is so you don't have to go to every store to get the merchandise you want..plus you can still use manufacturer's coupons PLUS any in-store coupons (for the place you are at..Target will match ads but not take competitor's coupons!). So I went through the normal line and unloaded half my cart. Then, I went to the Service Desk and unloaded the other half. My savings: Of the 73 items I purchased...I only paid full price for 9 of them..and since I got 3 milks and 2 cans of tuna..I only paid full price for 6 different items. I was pretty proud of myself. My final savings including coupons, Target rewards, and matching ads: $36.11.
I have learned a ton from reading blogs though...and have even considered starting my own!
Here are a couple things on coupon etiquette:
-Don't assume every store price matches- it isn't true. Call your favorite store and ask!
-Keep manufacturer's coupons until there is a store coupon and/or in-store special. If I would have used my BOGO free Special K coupons without the in-store special I would have paid $8.78 for 2 boxes instead of $3.98.
-Don't be afraid to stock up on non-perishables as long as you have the space.
-Don't buy things you won't eat/use just because you have a coupon. This isn't truly saving anything.
You may think I am crazy for buying 4 boxes of the same kind of cereal and that is ok-I have been called worse :) The thing is, Corey and I both love it and we eat cereal every day. Plus I bought 4 boxes of Chewy Granola bars because I got them cheap as well. Corey and I go through a box of 10 a week (we each eat 1-2 per day). Therefore, I know we will go through it.
Another deal I had this week: Office Depot had copy paper on sale for $1 (after mail-in rebate). I also found a $1 off coupon, which I saved instantly. So I paid $13.56 in store but am sending in the rebate and once I receive the money- I will have received both reams of paper- FREE!
I could go on and on ..(I am also changing to rechargeable batteries since Emma's toys eat them up like crazy..might as well change now instead of buying "disposable" ones that are bad for the environment and are equivelent to throwing my money in the trash..especially since you can buy Sanyo Eneloop rechargeable batteries on Amazon for almost the same price of "disposable" ones...).....but I will stop :)
All in all- I am quite satisfied with this month's resolution...........
I choose to go to Target for grocery shopping for a few reasons:
1. I love Target. It is bright, clean, and reliable.
2. They are about the same distance as a true grocery store but I like the idea of being able to pick up other items at the same time.
3. Target Rewards: When I use my DEBIT card I receive 5% off my total purchase. (They used to only offer this for their credit card but now also offer it if you connect it to you existing Debit card...I wonder if they are having a problem with collecting on those credit cards!).
4. Their prices are very similar, and usually cheaper, than other places.
Saturday I went to Target and it was the first grocery experience of the new year, and first time under my resolution. Now, originally I said that I would buy groceries without a coupon but I think I may go back on that because I think I can do it with coupons. There are only certain items that I need to buy without a coupon. We have a freezer full of beef and pork so I don't need meat coupons so I just need to find things to go with it..and that isn't hard. So back to my trip...it was also the first time that I had to ask them to price match. I had called earlier to find their guidelines. If you want to price match at Target you go through the main line for everything NOT getting matched and then you go to the Service Desk for everything that is. WHAT IS PRICE MATCHING? Price Matching is when you bring a competitor's ad in to a store and they honor the competitor price. For example, Coborns had a deal on Special K cereal at $1.99 plus I had a buy one get one free manufacturer's coupon..so I got 2 boxes for 1.99..lucky for me I had 2 coupons so I ended up getting 4 boxes for 3.98!!!! That is insane since each box is usually $4.39. Anywho, the point of price matching is so you don't have to go to every store to get the merchandise you want..plus you can still use manufacturer's coupons PLUS any in-store coupons (for the place you are at..Target will match ads but not take competitor's coupons!). So I went through the normal line and unloaded half my cart. Then, I went to the Service Desk and unloaded the other half. My savings: Of the 73 items I purchased...I only paid full price for 9 of them..and since I got 3 milks and 2 cans of tuna..I only paid full price for 6 different items. I was pretty proud of myself. My final savings including coupons, Target rewards, and matching ads: $36.11.
I have learned a ton from reading blogs though...and have even considered starting my own!
Here are a couple things on coupon etiquette:
-Don't assume every store price matches- it isn't true. Call your favorite store and ask!
-Keep manufacturer's coupons until there is a store coupon and/or in-store special. If I would have used my BOGO free Special K coupons without the in-store special I would have paid $8.78 for 2 boxes instead of $3.98.
-Don't be afraid to stock up on non-perishables as long as you have the space.
-Don't buy things you won't eat/use just because you have a coupon. This isn't truly saving anything.
You may think I am crazy for buying 4 boxes of the same kind of cereal and that is ok-I have been called worse :) The thing is, Corey and I both love it and we eat cereal every day. Plus I bought 4 boxes of Chewy Granola bars because I got them cheap as well. Corey and I go through a box of 10 a week (we each eat 1-2 per day). Therefore, I know we will go through it.
Another deal I had this week: Office Depot had copy paper on sale for $1 (after mail-in rebate). I also found a $1 off coupon, which I saved instantly. So I paid $13.56 in store but am sending in the rebate and once I receive the money- I will have received both reams of paper- FREE!
I could go on and on ..(I am also changing to rechargeable batteries since Emma's toys eat them up like crazy..might as well change now instead of buying "disposable" ones that are bad for the environment and are equivelent to throwing my money in the trash..especially since you can buy Sanyo Eneloop rechargeable batteries on Amazon for almost the same price of "disposable" ones...).....but I will stop :)
All in all- I am quite satisfied with this month's resolution...........
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year everyone!!
2010 was a great year for us and we look forward to an even more wonderful 2011. Looking back, I feel like I was pregnant for the entire year..and for 40 of the 52 weeks: I was! I traveled for my job for the first couple months until my body told me that it didn't like the mini pea-pod growing inside. In February I stopped traveling and hung out in the metro area for work. Corey raced his 3rd season and "3rd time's a charm" was not true in this case. It was a tough season! Then shortly after the conclusion of racing came our lovely baby Emma Louise Eystad. We have officially survived the first couple months as new parents.
On New Year's Eve Emma visited her Godparents and Godsiblings in Rice (Thank you Muehlbauer family!) while mommy and daddy went to the Tatge residence. We had a blast (like usual) with Kari and Carter. We played games and drank a little. Then around 10pm we headed to DB Searle's where we met up with some of our friends. It has been a long time since I have been downtime St. Cloud (May 22, 2009 in fact...my wedding day) the music was good but it was just a little too loud for my liking so once the ball dropped we jetted. New Years day we picked up Emma and spent some time with her Godfamily. Then we stopped by the Sabraski house on the way home and hung out with them. Then off to our house for a relaxing evening and an exhausting day following.
Emma was almost over her cold and then got it back-double as bad. She has a runny nose and a cough that doesn't stop. Poor thing! She just wants to cuddle with mom, literally. She hasn't been good at daycare and she wouldn't eat for Corey either...I get home and wa-la she wants to eat and sleep with mom :) Love that girl!
Here are some pics from NYE -
Kari Tatge and I
2010 was a great year for us and we look forward to an even more wonderful 2011. Looking back, I feel like I was pregnant for the entire year..and for 40 of the 52 weeks: I was! I traveled for my job for the first couple months until my body told me that it didn't like the mini pea-pod growing inside. In February I stopped traveling and hung out in the metro area for work. Corey raced his 3rd season and "3rd time's a charm" was not true in this case. It was a tough season! Then shortly after the conclusion of racing came our lovely baby Emma Louise Eystad. We have officially survived the first couple months as new parents.
On New Year's Eve Emma visited her Godparents and Godsiblings in Rice (Thank you Muehlbauer family!) while mommy and daddy went to the Tatge residence. We had a blast (like usual) with Kari and Carter. We played games and drank a little. Then around 10pm we headed to DB Searle's where we met up with some of our friends. It has been a long time since I have been downtime St. Cloud (May 22, 2009 in fact...my wedding day) the music was good but it was just a little too loud for my liking so once the ball dropped we jetted. New Years day we picked up Emma and spent some time with her Godfamily. Then we stopped by the Sabraski house on the way home and hung out with them. Then off to our house for a relaxing evening and an exhausting day following.
Emma was almost over her cold and then got it back-double as bad. She has a runny nose and a cough that doesn't stop. Poor thing! She just wants to cuddle with mom, literally. She hasn't been good at daycare and she wouldn't eat for Corey either...I get home and wa-la she wants to eat and sleep with mom :) Love that girl!
Here are some pics from NYE -
Kari Tatge and I
Me and Corey. I was so worried he was going to make a face and look dumb that I am the one that ended up looking away...
I am SO blessed with wonderful friends and family as well as a healthy family. I can't say it enough -- I am so lucky!
January Resolution-Save Money!
Hello hello-
I am not one to keep New Years resolutions, in fact I don't even remember any I had last year. This year I decided to be a bit more realistic. I am going to attempt to have a new resolution every month, for a total of 12 for the year. For January: Don't buy anything unless it is on sale or I have a coupon. The only exceptions I could think of would be gas and groceries (which I still look for coupons for but it's impossible to find a coupon for some things, like milk...believe me I have already tried). I can sometimes get coupons for gas off my grocery receipt, but I won't require it every time I fill up. I am already a coupon clipper. It takes a little bit of time but once you get in the habit of checking-it is so easy! To benefit the most you also need to research and plan. Every week-end I go through the newspaper and internet sites to cut coupons. Then I gather them and decide where it is best to shop. Some stores will match competitors but it may not be beneficial. Target matches all competitors yet they have their own brand (Market Pantry) and therefore don't sell some other brands. I try to make my grocery/necessity list before I go out, that way I can look up specific things online. If you want to try this resolution with me, visit these websites to get started:
http://www.coupongreat.com/- for groceries and beyond, online or in store!
http://www.target.com/ then go to the bottom and choose "Coupons" these are only good at Target. Also, if you are a consistent Target shopper get their Red DEBIT Card and save 5% every visit...this is not a credit card. It links to your existing checking account but still saves you $.
http://www.redplum.com/- get the Sunday paper for the coupons? Cancel it! Get the same coupons here!
http://www.coupons.com/
Here are some more websites that offer you low prices on every day things or extra bonuses:
http://www.thevalueconnection.com/
http://www.amazon.com/ - in love with this site. Even with shipping costs (which are usually waived) it is cheaper than stores.
http://www.ebates.com/ - Shop online? Earn rewards for your normal spending!
http://www.upromise.com/ - shop at their vendors and they will put money aside for your child's college fund.
So many options and so much money to save! It is rare for us to go grocery shopping at Target and save less than $15/visit. Join me for my Jan. Resolution!
I am not one to keep New Years resolutions, in fact I don't even remember any I had last year. This year I decided to be a bit more realistic. I am going to attempt to have a new resolution every month, for a total of 12 for the year. For January: Don't buy anything unless it is on sale or I have a coupon. The only exceptions I could think of would be gas and groceries (which I still look for coupons for but it's impossible to find a coupon for some things, like milk...believe me I have already tried). I can sometimes get coupons for gas off my grocery receipt, but I won't require it every time I fill up. I am already a coupon clipper. It takes a little bit of time but once you get in the habit of checking-it is so easy! To benefit the most you also need to research and plan. Every week-end I go through the newspaper and internet sites to cut coupons. Then I gather them and decide where it is best to shop. Some stores will match competitors but it may not be beneficial. Target matches all competitors yet they have their own brand (Market Pantry) and therefore don't sell some other brands. I try to make my grocery/necessity list before I go out, that way I can look up specific things online. If you want to try this resolution with me, visit these websites to get started:
http://www.coupongreat.com/- for groceries and beyond, online or in store!
http://www.target.com/ then go to the bottom and choose "Coupons" these are only good at Target. Also, if you are a consistent Target shopper get their Red DEBIT Card and save 5% every visit...this is not a credit card. It links to your existing checking account but still saves you $.
http://www.redplum.com/- get the Sunday paper for the coupons? Cancel it! Get the same coupons here!
http://www.coupons.com/
Here are some more websites that offer you low prices on every day things or extra bonuses:
http://www.thevalueconnection.com/
http://www.amazon.com/ - in love with this site. Even with shipping costs (which are usually waived) it is cheaper than stores.
http://www.ebates.com/ - Shop online? Earn rewards for your normal spending!
http://www.upromise.com/ - shop at their vendors and they will put money aside for your child's college fund.
So many options and so much money to save! It is rare for us to go grocery shopping at Target and save less than $15/visit. Join me for my Jan. Resolution!
Monday, December 27, 2010
First Christmas
Christmas went great! The festivities started last Sunday at my dad's house. It was so good to see that side of the family..it has been several years since we were all together. Then, Christmas Eve we had my immediate family Christmas at our house. My sister Jessica and her two boys were there along with my mom and Jim. We opened gifts and had lunch. Then we headed to Kimball for Christmas with my mom's side of the family. She has 7 siblings so it is always a ton of fun seeing our aunts, uncles, cousins, and the cousin's families. Emma is the youngest but she is one of several great grand-children. We stayed there late in to the evening. Then we got up on Christmas day and attended church and headed straight to Hutchinson for Christmas with Corey's family and his mom's side of the family. Emma was so tired from Christmas Eve that she slept most of the day. Sunday was nice because we got to hang low at home. Emma seemed to sleep everytime it was time to open gifts. We opened hers but then also took pictures of her with them, it was kind of like "Week-end at Bernies" if you know what I mean.
Emma is getting bigger. Her 2 month dr appt was on 12/14. She weighed in at 14 lbs 2 ounces which placed her in to the 99th percentile. The doctor made comment, "Well, she isn't starving!" She also said that Emma is really strong, and was doing things she would look for in a 4 month old. Emma is now wearing some 3-6 month clothes but mostly 6 month. What a" little" tyke!
Here is her Christmas day outfit. Of course she fell asleep right as we were about to open gifts.
Here is Christmas Eve. She was asleep but we had to try on her new shades.
Emma is getting bigger. Her 2 month dr appt was on 12/14. She weighed in at 14 lbs 2 ounces which placed her in to the 99th percentile. The doctor made comment, "Well, she isn't starving!" She also said that Emma is really strong, and was doing things she would look for in a 4 month old. Emma is now wearing some 3-6 month clothes but mostly 6 month. What a" little" tyke!
Here is her Christmas day outfit. Of course she fell asleep right as we were about to open gifts.
Here is Christmas Eve. She was asleep but we had to try on her new shades.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Attention new & expecting moms!
I got this as a gift and it is awesome! I think it has been a big puzzle piece to Emma's crib sleeping. Not only does it offer soothing sounds like thunderstorm, rain, and birds but it also has white noise and heartbeat!!!! Emma LOVES the heartbeat one. It also has a timer where you can set it for 30, 45, or 60 minutes which is awesome for us. Emma loves her mobile but it doesn't stay on for nearly as long as she needs. There is also a built in night light and the volume control has a big range...I have to say..its a favorite!
18 days to Christmas..
We are counting down to Christmas in the Eystad home-we can't wait! The tree has been up for months but now there are presents under it which makes the season even more real.
Emma is doing well, still has the spit up issue, but otherwise good. It's amazing how fast she is growing and changing. I feel like one day I talk about something and the next day (and day after and day after) all of a sudden it changes. Example: her sleeping. We were sleeping through the nights together on the recliner. Then, I got some advice from a friend saying that I should put her in her crib and then rub her back to put her back to sleep. Well, needless to say that night I put her in her crib and she didn't even wake up like she normally does when we move her. She ended up sleeping for 7.5 hours straight in her crib. The next day, she napped in her crib and we had to wake her up on 2 different occasions so she wouldn't completely sleep the day away (and we had errands to run). So now, just like that, she is a crib sleeper. We put her on her stomach because we know that is her preference and we are all right with that. She has been sleeping on her tummy since Day 1.
Reflux/vomitting--this seems to get better and then go back to bad again. It is so hard and frustrating. Even though I did not want to medicate her I have been giving her the medicine on schedule for 3 days, and trying to give it a real chance. It hasn't worked completely but there are times it seems to.
I return to work next Monday, Dec 13. In many ways I look forward to it and am anxious for it!! the downside is I am still multiple pounds away from fitting comfortably in to my closet so clothing selection may take up a lot of time in the morning.
Here are some updated pictures of Emma--she is getting so big! :) She wears 0-3 months in some clothes and 3-6 in others...ya she is almost 2 months old ..we love our chunky monkey. Some of these pics make her look really chunky and that is ok :)
Is that an Iraqi changing her diaper...NOPE..It's her DAD! Her new formula has done a number on her diapers. Apparently Corey is at his breaking point!
Emma is doing well, still has the spit up issue, but otherwise good. It's amazing how fast she is growing and changing. I feel like one day I talk about something and the next day (and day after and day after) all of a sudden it changes. Example: her sleeping. We were sleeping through the nights together on the recliner. Then, I got some advice from a friend saying that I should put her in her crib and then rub her back to put her back to sleep. Well, needless to say that night I put her in her crib and she didn't even wake up like she normally does when we move her. She ended up sleeping for 7.5 hours straight in her crib. The next day, she napped in her crib and we had to wake her up on 2 different occasions so she wouldn't completely sleep the day away (and we had errands to run). So now, just like that, she is a crib sleeper. We put her on her stomach because we know that is her preference and we are all right with that. She has been sleeping on her tummy since Day 1.
Reflux/vomitting--this seems to get better and then go back to bad again. It is so hard and frustrating. Even though I did not want to medicate her I have been giving her the medicine on schedule for 3 days, and trying to give it a real chance. It hasn't worked completely but there are times it seems to.
I return to work next Monday, Dec 13. In many ways I look forward to it and am anxious for it!! the downside is I am still multiple pounds away from fitting comfortably in to my closet so clothing selection may take up a lot of time in the morning.
Here are some updated pictures of Emma--she is getting so big! :) She wears 0-3 months in some clothes and 3-6 in others...ya she is almost 2 months old ..we love our chunky monkey. Some of these pics make her look really chunky and that is ok :)
Exhibit A on Chunki-ness :) She just got done taking a bath with me..yes she pee'd on my leg but I didn't care.
Is that an Iraqi changing her diaper...NOPE..It's her DAD! Her new formula has done a number on her diapers. Apparently Corey is at his breaking point!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Smile!
So I write on the blog that she isn't smiling "on cue" and yet the next day she smiled for me 3x. We are noticing her doing it more and more!
Emma went 3 days (Mon, Tues, Wed) without taking a real nap. When I say "real" I mean anything longer than 20 consecutive minutes. We even took a road trip on Monday and Tuesday and she cried more than anything on those trips. It was a bummer. Then Wednesday night, she slept for 10 straight hours. For the past week, I have allowed myself to sleep with her and this has truly helped how long she sleeps for. I said I would never do it and one night it sort of happened by accident when we fell asleep on the recliner and she slept for 5.5 hours. The next day it happened again. Then during the day it was for 3 hours. I became hooked to the sleep I was getting. I hadn't gotten this much since sometime before August. Wednesday night came and she slept for 10 straight hours...it was amazing! Then Thanksgiving she ended up sleeping most of the day away..and same with today (Friday). Apparently her little body is trying to catch up now. Thursday night she slept for 7 hours straight. Even when she does get up she doesn't seem to be interested in eating. I give her a pacifier and/or change her diaper and she goes back to sleep...now again..this is when we cuddle. So this tells me that (a) she can sleep through the night (b) doesn't need to eat during the night so now we are going to try and get her to sleep in her crib again. The downside: with her spitting up I need to have her sleep at an incline. The only time she likes this is on her tummy on my chest. She isn't even a fan of her bouncy a whole lot due to her reflux/spitting up..so this is our latest challenge.
Here is a picture of her on Thanksgiving morning. I had to get up and go to the bathroom so I propped her on some blankets. This is the recliner we slept the entire night on. When I looked at the clock and it said 6am I was confused..thinking it had to be a mistake...Emma slept for 2 hours beyond that :)
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Baptism & the next challenge
Hello
Sorry for the lack of updates!
November 14, Emma was baptised in to her new Christian life. We chose Corey's aunt and uncle, Todd & Bryn. They are some of the best people we know! Not only are they his aunt and uncle that we feel the closest to, but they are always so willing to help us with anything we need; they would do anything for anyone and we know they are the perfect choice for Baby Emma. After service, we had the family to our house for lunch and unfortunately the Vikings disappointed us again :(
She has become a fussier baby and I have noticed that she sounds like she has air in her belly and she seems to be spitting up a lot more frequently. Sometimes she spits up right after she eats and sometimes its hours later. We are burping her enough and so I know that isn't the issue. I have talked to some people and they mentioned acid reflux, which all the symptoms line up with. The last two days she hasn't been able to sleep for longer than 20/30 minutes during the day and then about 2 hours at night. I have been sleeping next to her on the couch because the way she has been gurgling and gagging worries me and I prefer to sleep next to her than wake up constantly and want to check on her. We went to the doctor today because she just seems so uncomfortable and cries a lot-she thought it could be reflux as well. She said there isn't any test its just trial and error-that is easier said than done! My nephews and one of my nieces had a milk (formula) allergy and also had the same symptoms as Emma..so that is another possibility. We are testing her for allergies this week..so I will keep you posted on that. She may also have too slow of a nipple, inadequate bottles, oh and the list goes on. Being a mom is hard work at times!
At the doctor we found out that she is 12 lbs and 13 ounces, our healthy girl has really grown! Here are some updated pictures!
This bib was a present from Grandma Lisa and so we thought we would show it off. Of the four pictures I took this is the only one where she isn't cross-eyed!
This picture was taken today--with the shirt my sister gave her. Once she grows out of this one we have the same one size 6 mo, 9 mo, and 12 mo. Yes, she thinks she is funny!
..and a happy smile! She doesn't smile "on-cue" but every now and then we get a few big ones :)
Sorry for the lack of updates!
November 14, Emma was baptised in to her new Christian life. We chose Corey's aunt and uncle, Todd & Bryn. They are some of the best people we know! Not only are they his aunt and uncle that we feel the closest to, but they are always so willing to help us with anything we need; they would do anything for anyone and we know they are the perfect choice for Baby Emma. After service, we had the family to our house for lunch and unfortunately the Vikings disappointed us again :(
She has become a fussier baby and I have noticed that she sounds like she has air in her belly and she seems to be spitting up a lot more frequently. Sometimes she spits up right after she eats and sometimes its hours later. We are burping her enough and so I know that isn't the issue. I have talked to some people and they mentioned acid reflux, which all the symptoms line up with. The last two days she hasn't been able to sleep for longer than 20/30 minutes during the day and then about 2 hours at night. I have been sleeping next to her on the couch because the way she has been gurgling and gagging worries me and I prefer to sleep next to her than wake up constantly and want to check on her. We went to the doctor today because she just seems so uncomfortable and cries a lot-she thought it could be reflux as well. She said there isn't any test its just trial and error-that is easier said than done! My nephews and one of my nieces had a milk (formula) allergy and also had the same symptoms as Emma..so that is another possibility. We are testing her for allergies this week..so I will keep you posted on that. She may also have too slow of a nipple, inadequate bottles, oh and the list goes on. Being a mom is hard work at times!
At the doctor we found out that she is 12 lbs and 13 ounces, our healthy girl has really grown! Here are some updated pictures!
This bib was a present from Grandma Lisa and so we thought we would show it off. Of the four pictures I took this is the only one where she isn't cross-eyed!This picture was taken today--with the shirt my sister gave her. Once she grows out of this one we have the same one size 6 mo, 9 mo, and 12 mo. Yes, she thinks she is funny!
..and a happy smile! She doesn't smile "on-cue" but every now and then we get a few big ones :)
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Week 3 Challenge- Thrush
We all have our challenges and Emma is making sure that we experience some together.
Week 1 Challenge- being a new mom
Week 2 " "- inconsistent sleeping begins
Week 3 " "- Thrush
Thrush is an infection of the mouth. There are white spots that form on the tongue (not just flat white from the formula) as well as cheeks, lips, throat, roof..all that good stuff. It can be sore and can prevent a baby from eating because the sucking motion hurts. It can also be the cause of a fever. Luckily, Emma has been a real trooper. She is more fussy at times than normal but otherwise she has been eating normal, which is a huge relief! We got some medicine that we give her 4x a day and she takes it well. Even after just a couple doses the spots on her tongue have really cleared up..although we are far from being done (and I have been instructed by a very smart pharmacist that I need to continue giving it to her for 2 days after it is gone :)
In my last post I mentioned Colic- I have been doing some research and reading because I want to get Emma more on a schedule, which can help colicy babies. I am not looking to become a hyper-scheduler or only feeding her at certain times (to go around my schedule) but I want to become consistent and get her on a pattern. Now, some of you may be saying, "DUH, you need a schedule." Some things have been scheduled like her night time routine, but throughout the day it was a bit more relaxed then it is going to be. I have read a couple books but my favorite so far is "On Becoming Babywise" by Gary Ezzo. This book has been criticized because some think that you should ONLY feed your baby at certain times (ex; every 3 hours). This is not the case, he recommends a specific schedule but always says- if your baby is hungry feed her! I have learned some great things and, to be honest, I am not sure that she has colic but instead showing symptoms of other things related to inconsistency. We are trying out a new schedule so we will see how it goes!
Cereal- I found "cereal" nipples and, of course, this has solved my issue of a nipple either getting clogged or drowning her. Love them!
Other than Emma- our lives are pretty boring. She keeps us busy and on our toes! I can't believe that she will be a month old next Wednesday- time really does go by fast!
Week 1 Challenge- being a new mom
Week 2 " "- inconsistent sleeping begins
Week 3 " "- Thrush
Thrush is an infection of the mouth. There are white spots that form on the tongue (not just flat white from the formula) as well as cheeks, lips, throat, roof..all that good stuff. It can be sore and can prevent a baby from eating because the sucking motion hurts. It can also be the cause of a fever. Luckily, Emma has been a real trooper. She is more fussy at times than normal but otherwise she has been eating normal, which is a huge relief! We got some medicine that we give her 4x a day and she takes it well. Even after just a couple doses the spots on her tongue have really cleared up..although we are far from being done (and I have been instructed by a very smart pharmacist that I need to continue giving it to her for 2 days after it is gone :)
In my last post I mentioned Colic- I have been doing some research and reading because I want to get Emma more on a schedule, which can help colicy babies. I am not looking to become a hyper-scheduler or only feeding her at certain times (to go around my schedule) but I want to become consistent and get her on a pattern. Now, some of you may be saying, "DUH, you need a schedule." Some things have been scheduled like her night time routine, but throughout the day it was a bit more relaxed then it is going to be. I have read a couple books but my favorite so far is "On Becoming Babywise" by Gary Ezzo. This book has been criticized because some think that you should ONLY feed your baby at certain times (ex; every 3 hours). This is not the case, he recommends a specific schedule but always says- if your baby is hungry feed her! I have learned some great things and, to be honest, I am not sure that she has colic but instead showing symptoms of other things related to inconsistency. We are trying out a new schedule so we will see how it goes!
Cereal- I found "cereal" nipples and, of course, this has solved my issue of a nipple either getting clogged or drowning her. Love them!
Other than Emma- our lives are pretty boring. She keeps us busy and on our toes! I can't believe that she will be a month old next Wednesday- time really does go by fast!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Week 2 Check-in
As of today, Emma is 2 weeks and 4 days old. We had her 2 week doctor's appointment yesterday. She is 9 lbs 11 ounces (1 lb and 1 ounce larger than her birth weight). This puts her in the 86th percentile. She is also 22.5" long which puts her in the 96th percentile.
We were on a great sleeping streak and then it came to a crashing hault the night of her 2 week birthday. My precious, quiet, content baby has turned slightly colicky. Through my research I have found that it starts around 2 weeks and lasts up to 3 months. No one is really sure why or how baby's become colicky, it just happens. For us, it starts somewhere from 730-9pm at night and lasts until about midnight or until she falls asleep. She doesn't want a bottle, doesn't want her nuk, and just plain unhappy where she exercises her intense lung capacity. Throughout the night she wakes up screaming as well and I feed her but she just seems like she is constantly hungry. I don't want to feed her over 4 ounces because she ends up throwing a bunch of it up. Call me a bad mom, but I have been giving her cereal as well. Each night, I make up cereal and spoon feed it to her (if I put it in her bottle it clogs the nipple, if I give her a fast nipple she drowns in it). She has been doing excellent with a spoon!! At first, this was the ticket..now it isn't doing much of anything. I have read several things and continue to do the 5 S's (Swaddle, Shh noises, Swinging motion, Side/Stomach, Sucking) but that doesn't usually help. So, needless to say this is a learning experience for us.
I'd like to end by saying: Happy (early) Birthday to the love of my life!!! Corey's birthday is tomorrow and if you know him, you know he loves presents. He has been counting down to his birthday for almost a month now so it has been a much anticipated day. He is also trying to talk me in to buying him a present on Veteran's Day because he is a Vet and deserves it and apparently can't wait until Christmas to receive more gifts...needless to say the jury is still out on this idea..and it isn't looking good :)
We were on a great sleeping streak and then it came to a crashing hault the night of her 2 week birthday. My precious, quiet, content baby has turned slightly colicky. Through my research I have found that it starts around 2 weeks and lasts up to 3 months. No one is really sure why or how baby's become colicky, it just happens. For us, it starts somewhere from 730-9pm at night and lasts until about midnight or until she falls asleep. She doesn't want a bottle, doesn't want her nuk, and just plain unhappy where she exercises her intense lung capacity. Throughout the night she wakes up screaming as well and I feed her but she just seems like she is constantly hungry. I don't want to feed her over 4 ounces because she ends up throwing a bunch of it up. Call me a bad mom, but I have been giving her cereal as well. Each night, I make up cereal and spoon feed it to her (if I put it in her bottle it clogs the nipple, if I give her a fast nipple she drowns in it). She has been doing excellent with a spoon!! At first, this was the ticket..now it isn't doing much of anything. I have read several things and continue to do the 5 S's (Swaddle, Shh noises, Swinging motion, Side/Stomach, Sucking) but that doesn't usually help. So, needless to say this is a learning experience for us.
I'd like to end by saying: Happy (early) Birthday to the love of my life!!! Corey's birthday is tomorrow and if you know him, you know he loves presents. He has been counting down to his birthday for almost a month now so it has been a much anticipated day. He is also trying to talk me in to buying him a present on Veteran's Day because he is a Vet and deserves it and apparently can't wait until Christmas to receive more gifts...needless to say the jury is still out on this idea..and it isn't looking good :)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Sweet Child of Mine (..well...ours)
Emma is doing great. She is still only getting up 1-2x per night and eating well. She only seems to cry when she is getting changed or when she is hungry. Our little girl is well on her way to being a chunky monkey baby (being born with roles could have told me that). She eats plenty well!!
We got new internet yesterday so I have finally been able to upload pictures! I have them all on my facebook and you can access them by following this link (as long as it works): http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=241752&l=9d42a82186&id=596341159
We have her 2 week appointment next week and we don't really have any concerns. We are watching her tongue a bit since it is showing signs of Thrush. It is basically an infection of her mouth so far she only has 1 symptom (white tongue) and that could be from her formula.
Last post I mentioned that my stretch marks are itching like hell..well I went to the doctor and found out I have Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy (Pupps). It is a rash that starts in your stretch marks and then spreads from there. I have it on my inner legs and inner arms (which is very common). It itches extremely bad, in fact once I start scratching I have a hard time stopping, even after I put on cream. I got a oral prescription and a cream to put on it, I pray it goes away soon. While at the doctor, I found out that I have lost 20 lbs in a week! I am THRILLED but then again, look at me - I was huge...I SHOULD be losing that much weight. I think that was the "easy" 20 lbs and the next 20 will be my next challenge.
Last week-end we visited the grandparents and Emma's great grandma Mary Ann. This week-end is Corey's sister (Whitney) birthday and so the family will be coming here to celebrate her birthday as well as Corey's (which is Oct 29). Then of course Sunday is the day of the NFL. For those of you that do not know--last year we started Sunday Funday. This basically consists of us having a football party for every Vikings game; although I don't believe we are going to have Sunday Funday this week due to the late game. I am sure Corey will disagree with me since it is the GB Packers--so stay tuned--if on Sunday my Facebook status has anything that says "Sunday Funday" in it..then the "party" is on. It is usually the same 4-6 people but is always a good time. Last Sunday there happened to be more than the usual suspects :) If you decide to come, always RSVP the day before because I want to make sure there is enough food available. Here is a picture from last Sunday Funday:
The age of the babies range from 1 week (Emma) to 3 months in age and they are sitting with their proud daddies. In the top left we have Corey and Emma, then next to him is James and Avery Unger. The bottom left is Kyle and Kaden Schantzen (the only boy baby) and then Ryan and Jessica Studanski. We also had 2 pregnant women at the party. One is due in 2 weeks and the other January so this picture has the potential to grow! Emma is going to have some great friends to play with!
That is all that is new in our lives--keep posted!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
6 Days Old
Hello again!
This week has been a busy one!
Monday- We left the hospital and came home for MNF. The first overnight went pretty well. She woke up 2x and then again at 6:30..which I can't count as "through the night." Tuesday she was up a bit more often, Wednesday was about 2x again and so forth. We are trying to find a rythm with her. When I was pregnant I would be up from 12-3 (and sometimes until 5) and she is on that schedule. She is wide awake around 12-1am and it doesnt' really matter what time we put her down. I am proud to say that she has slept in her crib since day 1. We have a video baby monitor and it is awesome! I really didn't like sleeping 'so far' away from her the first night but I knew the time had to come sometime and it was better to start right away. Corey and I sat and watched her on the baby monitor for a while before we fell asleep. It is just so neat, I can't imagine not having one now.
Wednesday was her first doctor's appointment. She is in the 75th percentile for height and weight. She was just 1 ounce from her birth weight. The doctor says they hope the baby is back to birth weight at their 2 week appt, it doesn't look like our little piggy will have to worry about that. She is a good eater!! After that, we went to Wal-mart - she did very well!
Thursday was a big day- we attempted newborn/family pictures. She got fussy but I hope that we got some good ones, if not we will try again for her 3 month pics.
Friday- we took our first out-of-town trip to see the grandparents. Her umbilical cord also fell off. I was really worried about it since everything I read says it takes 10-14 days to fall off, so I called the doctor and we are cleaning the area and watching it. So far she is doing great and I really like not having to worry about it!
All in all- Emma is doing great...mom and dad aren't doing so bad either. Corey has really taken to his 'daddy' role and is doing better than I had expected him to. We take turns feeding and getting up in the night..even though Corey doesn't like getting up he always makes a fuss if I don't wake him up when I get up with her. He says 'It's a family thing' and that if I am up he should be up. I thought that would only last a couple days..but it has almost been a week..pretty proud of him.
My complaint: my stretch marks itch like hell!!!!! I hate it!!!
Here is a pic that would actually download for me--it was taking too long so I stopped. I will have more up once we get our DSL internet on Wednesday. Right now we have wireless through Sprint and we have horrible reception here.
Emma's first picture (that is appropriate enough to share)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
FAQ's
I thought I would compile some FAQ's and answers (based off what I get asked) for you all:
Q. What did you do leading up to her birth?
A. As you may (or may not) know I was seeking a variety of ways to induce my labor naturally and/or get myself to dilate. On Thursday, I got a massage. The Massage Therapist hit up my pressure points in my hands and feet. Friday, I got a pedicure and also had my doctor's appointment. She scraped my membranes, I began having cramps and contractions instantly and they lasted until I gave birth. I believe the massage and pedicure were great for a way to "treat myself" but don't think they had anything to do with my labor. I also purchased Castor Oil before we went to Famous Dave's on Saturday, but my water broke just hours later and therefore I never used it.
Q. How did you come up with "Emma Louise?"
A. Emma was my great grandma's name and Louise was Corey's grandma's name. About a year in to our relationship we found out that Emma and Louise grew up together in a very small town. They remained good friends throughout their lives, in fact when Emma went in to the nursing home she requested to be in Morris, close to Louise. They both have passed away now, but also passed away just a few months from one another. Not only is it a great story but it just seemed to fit.
Q. Did you get an epidural?
A. Yes, wouldn't do it any other way.
Q. How long were you in labor?
A. From the time my water broke to the time she was born was 14.5 hours. I had strong contractions the entire time so some could say I was in active labor for that long, I pushed for 3 full hours.
Q. How was your first night at home?
A. It was great, better than I expected. Emma woke up at 12:30 and was up until 2 am. Then I fed her and put her down about 2:30 and she slept until 6:45, which is "sleeping in" for Corey since he usually gets up at 4:45.
Q. What did you do leading up to her birth?
A. As you may (or may not) know I was seeking a variety of ways to induce my labor naturally and/or get myself to dilate. On Thursday, I got a massage. The Massage Therapist hit up my pressure points in my hands and feet. Friday, I got a pedicure and also had my doctor's appointment. She scraped my membranes, I began having cramps and contractions instantly and they lasted until I gave birth. I believe the massage and pedicure were great for a way to "treat myself" but don't think they had anything to do with my labor. I also purchased Castor Oil before we went to Famous Dave's on Saturday, but my water broke just hours later and therefore I never used it.
Q. How did you come up with "Emma Louise?"
A. Emma was my great grandma's name and Louise was Corey's grandma's name. About a year in to our relationship we found out that Emma and Louise grew up together in a very small town. They remained good friends throughout their lives, in fact when Emma went in to the nursing home she requested to be in Morris, close to Louise. They both have passed away now, but also passed away just a few months from one another. Not only is it a great story but it just seemed to fit.
Q. Did you get an epidural?
A. Yes, wouldn't do it any other way.
Q. How long were you in labor?
A. From the time my water broke to the time she was born was 14.5 hours. I had strong contractions the entire time so some could say I was in active labor for that long, I pushed for 3 full hours.
Q. How was your first night at home?
A. It was great, better than I expected. Emma woke up at 12:30 and was up until 2 am. Then I fed her and put her down about 2:30 and she slept until 6:45, which is "sleeping in" for Corey since he usually gets up at 4:45.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Emma Louise Eystad- 10/10/2010
Do you believe it--Emma Louise Eystad has graced us with her presence! It was a great week-end..here are the highlights and details :)
Friday-
Dr's appt went better than it has been in the past. I went in and she offered to schedule an induction for the following week. I offered Thursday (10/14) but she wanted Tuesday or Wed at the latest. I loved the idea. Then, she asked if I minded if she scraped my membranes. It was perfect since I was going to ask her to do it. Yes, it hurt but it was all very worth it.
I began having cramping and contractions instantly and they lasted through the night. Corey really wanted to go to the first night of the Fall Classic in Alexandria and I agreed that we should do something outside the house, even though I didn't feel too well. We left the race track and I was having contractions about every 5-6 minutes apart but I would have a couple and then they would go away and they were sparatic. Once we got home, I fell asleep for the night.
Saturday-
I woke up with some cramping but nothing major. Now that there was an induction date in mind I felt like I had a bunch of things to do, they are all minor and were not "needed." The only required thing was to go to the grocery store. Corey and I hung out at the house for a while and then decided to hit the road and run errands. I was having minor contractions and a lot of cramping.
We got to town and decided to drive through our old neighborhood, as we did that we saw our friend Siri had just gotten home so we decided to stop and say "hi" after our convo we decided to all go out to lunch to Famous Dave's. First, we stopped at Shopko to look for something and ended up picking up some munchy food. I also picked up Caster Oil, even though I didn't really want to do it I figured I would drink some that afternoon and hope to push things for her due date.
At Famous Dave's we had lunch and as I jumped off the tall bar stool I felt a gush of liquid..which I wrote off as urine. I ran to the bathroom and came back out announcing it was a good time to leave. We dropped Siri off and I begged Corey to go to Crafts Direct. I really wanted him to paint this thing for her room. I figured, we were right next door so we would stop there and then just spend the extra $$ and have our groceries delivered since I was no longer up for it and contractions had started again. As we left Crafts Direct, I had more liquid escape my body. I got in the car and called the first person I could think of that delivered recently and didn't get induced-Jennifer Unger. She told me she was thinking my water broke and it wasn't just 'random' which is what I kind of wrote it off as. My contractions began to get more regular between 4 and 6 minutes. Even though we were in town we decided to run home and get our packed bags...even though we had just discussed it that morning that we should leave it in the car. My contractions continued to stay regular and my pants...wetter. By the time we got to our house..which didn't take much time since I told Corey to "step on it" since my contractions were getting stronger..and the entire front of my pants were wet. We ran in the house, grabbed our things (and the puppie's overnight bag) and I changed. We headed back in to town and I called the hospital to let them know to expect us. We also called Siri back since she had planned to watch Odie. She met us at the hospital and got him.
Here are the highlights for the rest of the day:
3:37pm: Checked in to the hospital and got settled in to the Triage area. Water was still leaking. I changed in to a gown and was checked. Dilated to 3. Contractions were 4-5 min. apart and getting stronger.
5:30- received Epidural- yes it was early but I was dilated to 3.5 and they were getting stronger and longer. My nurse recommended that whenever I wanted it to get it.
8:00- received Petocin to continue my contractions.
9:00- we are used to be sleeping by this time..so with the epidural I was comfortable and we were resting. We watched the Twins and The Office episodes. Contractions were 3-5 min apart.
9:30- dilated to 5 with lots of pressure, also got a headache.
10:15- Emma's heartbeat went up and I had a fever & headache so they started me on oxygen.
Sunday
12am- dilated to 5.5
12:40am- dilated to 9--Corey took a walk and found 10 babies in the Nursery--Busy Saturday!
1:40 am- dilated to 10
2:00 am- started pushing
5:01am- delivery--Yes I pushed for 3 full hours during every contraction. Even with the epidural the pressure and "ring of fire" (not to mention my extreme exhaustion) was enough to make me scream, cry, and even swear.
Emma was 8 lbs 10 ounces and 21" long. I wonder how she fit in my belly! Once delivered they cleaned both of us up and about 6am we moved to a new room. We requested they take Emma to the nursery so we could try and get sleep before hosting visitors. We slept from 7-9 before we woke up and got ready for the day.
Sunday was a day full of visitors and the NFL (it just wouldn't be the same without it!).
We are debating about being discharged today (Monday) we will see how Emma and I are doing around 12pm and we will make the decision.
Even though delivery was way different (and parts worse) than I had imagined, everything happened just as I had prayed it would. My water broke on my own, we went in on our own, and she was born 10/10/2010. We couldn't be happier.
For all those of you worried about Corey- he was fantastic!!! He even watched the birth and cut the umbilical cord- he was a champ and is a very proud daddy :)
Friday-
Dr's appt went better than it has been in the past. I went in and she offered to schedule an induction for the following week. I offered Thursday (10/14) but she wanted Tuesday or Wed at the latest. I loved the idea. Then, she asked if I minded if she scraped my membranes. It was perfect since I was going to ask her to do it. Yes, it hurt but it was all very worth it.
I began having cramping and contractions instantly and they lasted through the night. Corey really wanted to go to the first night of the Fall Classic in Alexandria and I agreed that we should do something outside the house, even though I didn't feel too well. We left the race track and I was having contractions about every 5-6 minutes apart but I would have a couple and then they would go away and they were sparatic. Once we got home, I fell asleep for the night.
Saturday-
I woke up with some cramping but nothing major. Now that there was an induction date in mind I felt like I had a bunch of things to do, they are all minor and were not "needed." The only required thing was to go to the grocery store. Corey and I hung out at the house for a while and then decided to hit the road and run errands. I was having minor contractions and a lot of cramping.
We got to town and decided to drive through our old neighborhood, as we did that we saw our friend Siri had just gotten home so we decided to stop and say "hi" after our convo we decided to all go out to lunch to Famous Dave's. First, we stopped at Shopko to look for something and ended up picking up some munchy food. I also picked up Caster Oil, even though I didn't really want to do it I figured I would drink some that afternoon and hope to push things for her due date.
At Famous Dave's we had lunch and as I jumped off the tall bar stool I felt a gush of liquid..which I wrote off as urine. I ran to the bathroom and came back out announcing it was a good time to leave. We dropped Siri off and I begged Corey to go to Crafts Direct. I really wanted him to paint this thing for her room. I figured, we were right next door so we would stop there and then just spend the extra $$ and have our groceries delivered since I was no longer up for it and contractions had started again. As we left Crafts Direct, I had more liquid escape my body. I got in the car and called the first person I could think of that delivered recently and didn't get induced-Jennifer Unger. She told me she was thinking my water broke and it wasn't just 'random' which is what I kind of wrote it off as. My contractions began to get more regular between 4 and 6 minutes. Even though we were in town we decided to run home and get our packed bags...even though we had just discussed it that morning that we should leave it in the car. My contractions continued to stay regular and my pants...wetter. By the time we got to our house..which didn't take much time since I told Corey to "step on it" since my contractions were getting stronger..and the entire front of my pants were wet. We ran in the house, grabbed our things (and the puppie's overnight bag) and I changed. We headed back in to town and I called the hospital to let them know to expect us. We also called Siri back since she had planned to watch Odie. She met us at the hospital and got him.
Here are the highlights for the rest of the day:
3:37pm: Checked in to the hospital and got settled in to the Triage area. Water was still leaking. I changed in to a gown and was checked. Dilated to 3. Contractions were 4-5 min. apart and getting stronger.
5:30- received Epidural- yes it was early but I was dilated to 3.5 and they were getting stronger and longer. My nurse recommended that whenever I wanted it to get it.
8:00- received Petocin to continue my contractions.
9:00- we are used to be sleeping by this time..so with the epidural I was comfortable and we were resting. We watched the Twins and The Office episodes. Contractions were 3-5 min apart.
9:30- dilated to 5 with lots of pressure, also got a headache.
10:15- Emma's heartbeat went up and I had a fever & headache so they started me on oxygen.
Sunday
12am- dilated to 5.5
12:40am- dilated to 9--Corey took a walk and found 10 babies in the Nursery--Busy Saturday!
1:40 am- dilated to 10
2:00 am- started pushing
5:01am- delivery--Yes I pushed for 3 full hours during every contraction. Even with the epidural the pressure and "ring of fire" (not to mention my extreme exhaustion) was enough to make me scream, cry, and even swear.
Emma was 8 lbs 10 ounces and 21" long. I wonder how she fit in my belly! Once delivered they cleaned both of us up and about 6am we moved to a new room. We requested they take Emma to the nursery so we could try and get sleep before hosting visitors. We slept from 7-9 before we woke up and got ready for the day.
Sunday was a day full of visitors and the NFL (it just wouldn't be the same without it!).
We are debating about being discharged today (Monday) we will see how Emma and I are doing around 12pm and we will make the decision.
Even though delivery was way different (and parts worse) than I had imagined, everything happened just as I had prayed it would. My water broke on my own, we went in on our own, and she was born 10/10/2010. We couldn't be happier.
For all those of you worried about Corey- he was fantastic!!! He even watched the birth and cut the umbilical cord- he was a champ and is a very proud daddy :)
Monday, October 4, 2010
Antsy at 39 weeks!
Yes...still pregnant, still feel good, and still thinking baby girl is comfortable right where she is at!
I guess if I am still pregnant at 39 weeks I should be thankful that I am not in a lot of pain or discomfort, and I am very thankful for that! I am just antsy now...Antsy to:
- lay in a recliner and not have to "prop" by belly
- sleep in a flat bed
- sleep in the same bed as my husband
- see our baby
- share in the next stage of our lives
- begin shedding some pounds and working towards getting in my old clothes again
- actually use the baby room after preparing it for the past 5 months
- go to the bathroom like a normal person instead of 15x a day
- lose the "front bumper" and stop running in to things
You know, all of those simple things :)
I had my 39 week appointment last Friday. My doctor is definitely not gaining brownie points.
The good: I am almost dilated to 1. When she said that I told her "just stretch it to make it a 1" and she goes "I kind of am." Great!
The bad: I asked her when she would schedule an induction. She said that we were going to wait for this week's appointment (on Friday afternoon) and see where I am at. If I am still not dilating then she wants to wait another week.. (yes that means..wait until my 41 week appointment to schedule it). I told her I wasn't sure that I liked that but I also understand that by forcing my body to do something it isn't ready isn't going to be a walk in the park and may not be the best environment for the baby. So I guess I just have to "wait and see."
She also asked me if I had questions about labor, birth, or pain meds. I told her "no" because I don't. I am excited for birth and know it will hurt but there isn't much I can do at this point. Yet, I told her I did want to have pain meds. Her response was, "Well we will let you be in pain for a while, to make sure that you are in labor." I just said that was fine but what I wanted to say was, "Um, and you won't even be there until I am ready to deliver, so you probably won't have much say in the situation."
In conclusion, she has to come out in the next couple weeks whether she wants to or not. I should just try and focus on that :)
Other than that- Corey and I have not been up to much of anything. For the past couple Fridays we have went to Hutch and visited with his parents (for something to do). This past Saturday, we went to Ogilvie to watch racing. It was fun to be a spectator and not have to worry about getting the car ready, checking the line-up, or having to do all the running back and forth. We didn't make plans for next week-end either..since we hope(d) to have a baby..but who knows what will end up happening!
I guess if I am still pregnant at 39 weeks I should be thankful that I am not in a lot of pain or discomfort, and I am very thankful for that! I am just antsy now...Antsy to:
- lay in a recliner and not have to "prop" by belly
- sleep in a flat bed
- sleep in the same bed as my husband
- see our baby
- share in the next stage of our lives
- begin shedding some pounds and working towards getting in my old clothes again
- actually use the baby room after preparing it for the past 5 months
- go to the bathroom like a normal person instead of 15x a day
- lose the "front bumper" and stop running in to things
You know, all of those simple things :)
I had my 39 week appointment last Friday. My doctor is definitely not gaining brownie points.
The good: I am almost dilated to 1. When she said that I told her "just stretch it to make it a 1" and she goes "I kind of am." Great!
The bad: I asked her when she would schedule an induction. She said that we were going to wait for this week's appointment (on Friday afternoon) and see where I am at. If I am still not dilating then she wants to wait another week.. (yes that means..wait until my 41 week appointment to schedule it). I told her I wasn't sure that I liked that but I also understand that by forcing my body to do something it isn't ready isn't going to be a walk in the park and may not be the best environment for the baby. So I guess I just have to "wait and see."
She also asked me if I had questions about labor, birth, or pain meds. I told her "no" because I don't. I am excited for birth and know it will hurt but there isn't much I can do at this point. Yet, I told her I did want to have pain meds. Her response was, "Well we will let you be in pain for a while, to make sure that you are in labor." I just said that was fine but what I wanted to say was, "Um, and you won't even be there until I am ready to deliver, so you probably won't have much say in the situation."
In conclusion, she has to come out in the next couple weeks whether she wants to or not. I should just try and focus on that :)
Other than that- Corey and I have not been up to much of anything. For the past couple Fridays we have went to Hutch and visited with his parents (for something to do). This past Saturday, we went to Ogilvie to watch racing. It was fun to be a spectator and not have to worry about getting the car ready, checking the line-up, or having to do all the running back and forth. We didn't make plans for next week-end either..since we hope(d) to have a baby..but who knows what will end up happening!
Friday, September 24, 2010
38 weeks--Contractions?!?
Hello everyone!
I am 38 weeks this week-end. I just had my doctor's appointment and we are still not fully dialated to 1 yet. Which, truly that doesn't mean anything because I could still get heavy contractions and go in to labor without being dialated. Everything else looks good- she said I am measuring a little behind (closer to 37 weeks) but that everything is just fine.
A couple weeks ago Corey and I guessed which day we would have her and let our families guess as well. Corey's guess was yesterday, September 23. I share in his excitement but it just didn't happen. Although, I am thinking I had contractions last night for about 4 hours on and off. They were nothing regular but were definitely something.
We don't have any plans for the week-end, so not sure what will be going on. Probably laundry, dishes and cleaning...seems like that stuff never goes away.
I will update you when something new happens otherwise.....my next doctor's appointment is Thursday!
Jennifer
I am 38 weeks this week-end. I just had my doctor's appointment and we are still not fully dialated to 1 yet. Which, truly that doesn't mean anything because I could still get heavy contractions and go in to labor without being dialated. Everything else looks good- she said I am measuring a little behind (closer to 37 weeks) but that everything is just fine.
A couple weeks ago Corey and I guessed which day we would have her and let our families guess as well. Corey's guess was yesterday, September 23. I share in his excitement but it just didn't happen. Although, I am thinking I had contractions last night for about 4 hours on and off. They were nothing regular but were definitely something.
We don't have any plans for the week-end, so not sure what will be going on. Probably laundry, dishes and cleaning...seems like that stuff never goes away.
I will update you when something new happens otherwise.....my next doctor's appointment is Thursday!
Jennifer
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
37 weeks-Full Term
I am truly full-term now and sitting at 37 weeks pregnant! It is crazy to think that she could come any day, if she chose to do so.
My doctor's appointment on Friday went all right. My cervix is closed but she said that it is soft and can tell Baby Girl is right in position. Of course my pelvic bone/muscles could have told you that for the past 2 months. I asked her how long she will let me go over and she said 10 days at the most...so that would be Oct 20. I let her know that didn't work for me so we needed to find a different solution. She laughed and said that we can discuss things at 39 weeks. If I am dialated and things are good she will break my water. If I am not she will not. I am fine with this, I don't really want to be induced at 39 weeks with a closed cervix. That would tell me that my body (and baby girl) are definitely not ready for delivery.
Yet, I am ready for her to be here and to be done being pregnant. I am having a horrible time getting comfortable at night and just laying around in general. I look forward to moving around without pain.
Last week-end we did nothing, literally. Corey played NHL on Playstation for most of the day on Friday and part of the day Saturday. Then of course Sunday is the day the NFL has made..so we were captured by the pig skin. We bopped around town on Saturday to get out of the house but other than that I haven't felt up to doing anything. It's not only exhaustion it is just feeling comfortable enough to want to see others as well.
Classes are over for now but will resume Oct 4. For all those critical thinkers out there..yes that means I am starting classes before my due date and during my maternity leave. They are "easier" classes and therefore I am not too worried about it. I am sure I will be upset come Thanksgiving but if I didn't push my time management/procrastination skills then it just wouldn't be me.
Next update: sometime after Friday's appointment
Jen
My doctor's appointment on Friday went all right. My cervix is closed but she said that it is soft and can tell Baby Girl is right in position. Of course my pelvic bone/muscles could have told you that for the past 2 months. I asked her how long she will let me go over and she said 10 days at the most...so that would be Oct 20. I let her know that didn't work for me so we needed to find a different solution. She laughed and said that we can discuss things at 39 weeks. If I am dialated and things are good she will break my water. If I am not she will not. I am fine with this, I don't really want to be induced at 39 weeks with a closed cervix. That would tell me that my body (and baby girl) are definitely not ready for delivery.
Yet, I am ready for her to be here and to be done being pregnant. I am having a horrible time getting comfortable at night and just laying around in general. I look forward to moving around without pain.
Last week-end we did nothing, literally. Corey played NHL on Playstation for most of the day on Friday and part of the day Saturday. Then of course Sunday is the day the NFL has made..so we were captured by the pig skin. We bopped around town on Saturday to get out of the house but other than that I haven't felt up to doing anything. It's not only exhaustion it is just feeling comfortable enough to want to see others as well.
Classes are over for now but will resume Oct 4. For all those critical thinkers out there..yes that means I am starting classes before my due date and during my maternity leave. They are "easier" classes and therefore I am not too worried about it. I am sure I will be upset come Thanksgiving but if I didn't push my time management/procrastination skills then it just wouldn't be me.
Next update: sometime after Friday's appointment
Jen
Friday, September 10, 2010
36 weeks
Hello everyone-
I am rounding the corner to 36 weeks..(actually 35 weeks and 5 days today).
Let's start with last week-end (Labor Day week-end). We didn't race on Friday, in fact we hung out at home. CONGRATS again to Ryan Studanski for winning track champion at Princeton Speedway--what an accomplishment!!! Saturday we went to Arlington, which is a track Corey has really grown fond of. He got 3 in his heat and started outside row 1 in the feature..he led it with 7 laps left and then got caught up and spun..he was in the clear until another car came and hit him head on. He is fine (thank God) a little sore the next day but manageable. His car on the other hand: done for the year. If I was a big time race wife who listened every time her husband spoke I would know everything that is wrong with it...but I don't. I just know we are spectators for the rest of the year. It is bittersweet..I was ready for the season to be over but definitely not like this. It is such a hard thing to sit on for the winter. So then on Sunday we went to Hutchinson and hung out with his family and I also got to sit with my sister for a while which I haven't been able to do. It was a wonderful Sunday and I couldn't ask for it any other way. Then Monday, we came home and did misc stuff around the house.
This week hasn't been too eventful actually--which isn't too weird for us at all. Thursday we had some people over for the Vikings football game, we are excited the season is back! This year will be different than last...we will still have our football parties..but just more babies in attendance. Ryan & Rachel Studanski brought over baby Jessica so she got to "break in" Baby Girl's swing and play mat. She is so darn cute and was such a content little girl. She even fell asleep in the swing..Corey and I agreed we can't wait for our little one...we are just as nervous as we are excited but that is only to be expected..
Oh, another thing! I am officially working from home Mon-Friday. With my doctor's suggestion of being within an hour from the hospital the closest campus would be St. Cloud but my boss gave me the approval to just be comfortable and be at home. I am SO blessed!!
I also pulled thorugh my procrastination and indecisiveness and finally purchased our stroller/car seat. After months of analyzing, reading reviews, and trying to find the "perfect" one I ended up picking one completely different than anything I had looked at, which is odd, but its purchased and on its way to my house (I love online shopping). Baby Girl's room is cleaned up and ready and her clothes are all washed. I have also started to pack for the hospital. I have girl's stuff ready and half of mine. Now, I just need to get it in the same area so we can grab it quick if needed.
That's about it--check back for updates!
I am rounding the corner to 36 weeks..(actually 35 weeks and 5 days today).
Let's start with last week-end (Labor Day week-end). We didn't race on Friday, in fact we hung out at home. CONGRATS again to Ryan Studanski for winning track champion at Princeton Speedway--what an accomplishment!!! Saturday we went to Arlington, which is a track Corey has really grown fond of. He got 3 in his heat and started outside row 1 in the feature..he led it with 7 laps left and then got caught up and spun..he was in the clear until another car came and hit him head on. He is fine (thank God) a little sore the next day but manageable. His car on the other hand: done for the year. If I was a big time race wife who listened every time her husband spoke I would know everything that is wrong with it...but I don't. I just know we are spectators for the rest of the year. It is bittersweet..I was ready for the season to be over but definitely not like this. It is such a hard thing to sit on for the winter. So then on Sunday we went to Hutchinson and hung out with his family and I also got to sit with my sister for a while which I haven't been able to do. It was a wonderful Sunday and I couldn't ask for it any other way. Then Monday, we came home and did misc stuff around the house.
This week hasn't been too eventful actually--which isn't too weird for us at all. Thursday we had some people over for the Vikings football game, we are excited the season is back! This year will be different than last...we will still have our football parties..but just more babies in attendance. Ryan & Rachel Studanski brought over baby Jessica so she got to "break in" Baby Girl's swing and play mat. She is so darn cute and was such a content little girl. She even fell asleep in the swing..Corey and I agreed we can't wait for our little one...we are just as nervous as we are excited but that is only to be expected..
Oh, another thing! I am officially working from home Mon-Friday. With my doctor's suggestion of being within an hour from the hospital the closest campus would be St. Cloud but my boss gave me the approval to just be comfortable and be at home. I am SO blessed!!
I also pulled thorugh my procrastination and indecisiveness and finally purchased our stroller/car seat. After months of analyzing, reading reviews, and trying to find the "perfect" one I ended up picking one completely different than anything I had looked at, which is odd, but its purchased and on its way to my house (I love online shopping). Baby Girl's room is cleaned up and ready and her clothes are all washed. I have also started to pack for the hospital. I have girl's stuff ready and half of mine. Now, I just need to get it in the same area so we can grab it quick if needed.
That's about it--check back for updates!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
THANK YOU!
It has been a crazy week at work, so I am finally able to get on and say, "Thank you!!!!" to everyone who attended my baby shower on Sunday and for the friends that threw me a Baby Shower-Happy Hour on Monday! Both were perfect and I received so many great things that will really get me ready for Baby Girl to be born. I didn't receive duplicates of anything I wouldn't want duplicates on (diapers, burp rags, etc) so I don't even have to worry about lugging things to the store to return!
Other than that, last week-end wasn't too eventful. Corey's motor is getting fixed so we didn't race although Corey attended on the fan-side on Sunday in Ogilvie.
This week, I had my doctor's appointment on Tuesday. I told her about the lower pain I have been having so she checked me, but I have not started to dialate- which is a GREAT thing! Little girl needs to hang out for a couple more weeks. She did mention that I should start working closer to home (if possible) since I am coming up on 35 weeks and considering my mom and sister both had fast deliveries. She said, and I agree, that it would stink if my water broke at work and then would have a 2 hour drive to the St. Cloud Hospital. I can always go to one closer to my work but it's not my first choice. I already work from home on Tuesdays and Fridays but she recommends a 5-day/wk stretch if possible.
Labor Day week-end: our plans are still in the air. Corey wants to race in Brainerd for the Mighty Axe, but there are some financial strings we need to work out first before that can happen. At the least, he will race Monday for the RaceMN series in Brainerd. I will not be attending the race track anymore this year. The walking has gotten to be too much. Heck, taking a shower in the morning and try to get ready for work makes me completely exhausted. Then if its hot that just makes things worse. It's bittersweet for me. So when he is racing, I plan to get little girl's room ready. Right now I have all of the gifts from the baby shower sitting on the floor-its a disaster! I am also going to wash all her clothes and pack the bag for the hospital. I know I may be a little early on that one but having it done will make me feel better about life :)
That's all that is in our world..next doctor's appointment is next Friday, Sept. 10-36 wk check-up!
Other than that, last week-end wasn't too eventful. Corey's motor is getting fixed so we didn't race although Corey attended on the fan-side on Sunday in Ogilvie.
This week, I had my doctor's appointment on Tuesday. I told her about the lower pain I have been having so she checked me, but I have not started to dialate- which is a GREAT thing! Little girl needs to hang out for a couple more weeks. She did mention that I should start working closer to home (if possible) since I am coming up on 35 weeks and considering my mom and sister both had fast deliveries. She said, and I agree, that it would stink if my water broke at work and then would have a 2 hour drive to the St. Cloud Hospital. I can always go to one closer to my work but it's not my first choice. I already work from home on Tuesdays and Fridays but she recommends a 5-day/wk stretch if possible.
Labor Day week-end: our plans are still in the air. Corey wants to race in Brainerd for the Mighty Axe, but there are some financial strings we need to work out first before that can happen. At the least, he will race Monday for the RaceMN series in Brainerd. I will not be attending the race track anymore this year. The walking has gotten to be too much. Heck, taking a shower in the morning and try to get ready for work makes me completely exhausted. Then if its hot that just makes things worse. It's bittersweet for me. So when he is racing, I plan to get little girl's room ready. Right now I have all of the gifts from the baby shower sitting on the floor-its a disaster! I am also going to wash all her clothes and pack the bag for the hospital. I know I may be a little early on that one but having it done will make me feel better about life :)
That's all that is in our world..next doctor's appointment is next Friday, Sept. 10-36 wk check-up!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
It's the final countdown...
Hello everyone!
I'd like to start with a CONGRATS to Danielle & Allen Gessell for welcoming their baby boy in to the world last night. She is the last one of of my racing friends to deliver before me..so now I feel like I am in the "final countdown!" Danielle delivered about 3 weeks early and considering I am 3 weeks behind her.....ummm that means I could have a baby in my arms in 3 weeks..or if I am anything like my sister, it could be sooner. CRRRAZY :)
Adventure of the week: Corey and I decided that instead of going to a birthing class we were going to pay for the take-home kit. You go to the hospital and pick up a video that walks you through everything for birth. On Monday, I said that we really needed to sit down and watch it so I could return it on Tuesday. Corey looks and sees that it is like 2 hours long and he said, "2 hours, are you joking?" I told him to relax and about that time he opened the case and found 2 DVD's - the normal one and an "express" version--which he didn't think twice about and threw in; the video was over in about 45 min to an hour so I asked him- "what did we miss?" because he was looking at the chapters on the back of the DVD case. He responded with, "umm not much, I mean it looks like the pregnancy section was 35 min in the long version but in ours it was 18 and then we skipped 'Christina's Birth', relaxing and massaging techniques, and the rest we watched but just not as much in detail..so we didn't miss much." I said, "Oh really? Becauase I think I want to know some relaxing techniques..." Come on buddy- think a little!! So he put in the other DVD and we watched it. It wasn't a ton of new information but still good to watch.
Last week-end was a blast on the race track. We went to Fergus Falls, MN on Friday. Corey started 3 in his heat and was maintaining it well but then had a minor driver error that put him in 4th which led him to start pole in the 2nd B-feature which he won (YAY!). This placed him 17th in the main feature which he finished 9th. The car was doing great in both the features but when he came in the last time he said he could feel it giving out on him .....and after looking at it last night another push rod went through. How does this happen, you ask? We'd like to know as well. It is a blessing in disguise the racing season is coming to an end. Either way- we had a BLAST in Fergus. Saturday, we went to a wedding reception for Stacy & Dale Roufs (CONGRATS!). Corey was deployed with Dale in Iraq during his second tour. Dale also did a ton of work on our basement at our last house when we were finishing it. Dale & Stacy got married in the Spring in Mexico and had a reception here. It was great to see them again! Sunday was a very lazy day around our house...lots of laying around!
This week-end we planned on going to the State Fair but with the new motor issue we may be bringing that to get fixed. Saturday and Sunday are races in Ogilvie-but it is next to impossible for us to be able to make it. Sunday is also my baby shower in Sartell, MN at Love of Christ Church. It starts at 1:00 pm and I am super excited to see everyone and continue getting ready for Baby Girl. She has a lot (!!!!) of clothes and so my goal this week-end is also to wash them all and put them back in her drawers/hang them up. I also want to organize her toys and all of that fun stuff :)
On the baby note-
I still can't complain too much about my pregnancy. My feet still swell at night and I still get short of breath easy, but nothing I can't deal with other than the strong leg cramps. They come randomly in the middle of the night. Last night I woke up to some intense pain-if it would have been in my abdomen I would have thought I was in labor for sure. I instantly go to flex it but can barely move it, especially since my stomach begins hurting as I roll around in pain. Corey wakes up- probably thinking I am dying from me moaning like a cow thats been shot- and just keeps telling me to flex it. I couldn't move it. So he grabbed my leg and began massaging it-what a sweetheart- even though it hurt like hell. He told me I should get up and walk around, which is easier said than done ("get up" is a 60 second process). I got up and went to the bathroom and then came back--nice walk huh? I look forward to those being gone!
I am also really sick of the humidity and heat-I love Fall weather and look forward to it even more this year!
I'd like to start with a CONGRATS to Danielle & Allen Gessell for welcoming their baby boy in to the world last night. She is the last one of of my racing friends to deliver before me..so now I feel like I am in the "final countdown!" Danielle delivered about 3 weeks early and considering I am 3 weeks behind her.....ummm that means I could have a baby in my arms in 3 weeks..or if I am anything like my sister, it could be sooner. CRRRAZY :)
Adventure of the week: Corey and I decided that instead of going to a birthing class we were going to pay for the take-home kit. You go to the hospital and pick up a video that walks you through everything for birth. On Monday, I said that we really needed to sit down and watch it so I could return it on Tuesday. Corey looks and sees that it is like 2 hours long and he said, "2 hours, are you joking?" I told him to relax and about that time he opened the case and found 2 DVD's - the normal one and an "express" version--which he didn't think twice about and threw in; the video was over in about 45 min to an hour so I asked him- "what did we miss?" because he was looking at the chapters on the back of the DVD case. He responded with, "umm not much, I mean it looks like the pregnancy section was 35 min in the long version but in ours it was 18 and then we skipped 'Christina's Birth', relaxing and massaging techniques, and the rest we watched but just not as much in detail..so we didn't miss much." I said, "Oh really? Becauase I think I want to know some relaxing techniques..." Come on buddy- think a little!! So he put in the other DVD and we watched it. It wasn't a ton of new information but still good to watch.
Last week-end was a blast on the race track. We went to Fergus Falls, MN on Friday. Corey started 3 in his heat and was maintaining it well but then had a minor driver error that put him in 4th which led him to start pole in the 2nd B-feature which he won (YAY!). This placed him 17th in the main feature which he finished 9th. The car was doing great in both the features but when he came in the last time he said he could feel it giving out on him .....and after looking at it last night another push rod went through. How does this happen, you ask? We'd like to know as well. It is a blessing in disguise the racing season is coming to an end. Either way- we had a BLAST in Fergus. Saturday, we went to a wedding reception for Stacy & Dale Roufs (CONGRATS!). Corey was deployed with Dale in Iraq during his second tour. Dale also did a ton of work on our basement at our last house when we were finishing it. Dale & Stacy got married in the Spring in Mexico and had a reception here. It was great to see them again! Sunday was a very lazy day around our house...lots of laying around!
This week-end we planned on going to the State Fair but with the new motor issue we may be bringing that to get fixed. Saturday and Sunday are races in Ogilvie-but it is next to impossible for us to be able to make it. Sunday is also my baby shower in Sartell, MN at Love of Christ Church. It starts at 1:00 pm and I am super excited to see everyone and continue getting ready for Baby Girl. She has a lot (!!!!) of clothes and so my goal this week-end is also to wash them all and put them back in her drawers/hang them up. I also want to organize her toys and all of that fun stuff :)
On the baby note-
I still can't complain too much about my pregnancy. My feet still swell at night and I still get short of breath easy, but nothing I can't deal with other than the strong leg cramps. They come randomly in the middle of the night. Last night I woke up to some intense pain-if it would have been in my abdomen I would have thought I was in labor for sure. I instantly go to flex it but can barely move it, especially since my stomach begins hurting as I roll around in pain. Corey wakes up- probably thinking I am dying from me moaning like a cow thats been shot- and just keeps telling me to flex it. I couldn't move it. So he grabbed my leg and began massaging it-what a sweetheart- even though it hurt like hell. He told me I should get up and walk around, which is easier said than done ("get up" is a 60 second process). I got up and went to the bathroom and then came back--nice walk huh? I look forward to those being gone!
I am also really sick of the humidity and heat-I love Fall weather and look forward to it even more this year!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Don't scratch that itch!
I have heard that scratching your itches can create stretch marks on your belly...and I think it may be true. I have been very careful not to scratch but recently I have forgotten and have caught myself several times...this morning, like every morning..I was checking out my belly as I put on lotion and found stretch marks on my under-belly. Ew! There are not many and they are very slight (right now)---is this the cause of scratching or just my body? Not sure..but I am done with that!
I am now 32 weeks--which one would think I am 8 months and therefore only have 1 month left...nope there are 8 weeks left of this pregnancy (as explained in a prior post about actually being pregnant for longer than 9 months :) ). We had an ultrasound on Friday and Baby Girl was on the move--she was all over the place and therefore we were (unfortuntaely) not able to get a good picture. Yet, we did get to see that she has hair which was a suprise to me. First, I haven't had any heartburn (an old wives tale once linked the two), Second- I was born bald and Lastly- Corey was born bald. I guess our little one is breaking the cycle. It was fun to see her..we could see that she had a "sucking" motion with her hand right up by her face but it looked like she was sucking her fist rather than a thumb--either way we think she is a keeper :) The Dr. says that everything looks good and all my symptoms are normal at this point so we are doing good. Baby Girl is 4.4 lbs which puts her in the 60th percentile--so she is growing right on pace!
Thursday night, our friends Kyle & Lindsey Schantzen welcomed their baby BOY in to the world- Kaden Kyle- he was 8lbs 5 oz and 20" long. CONGRATULATIONS!! This means we have one more couple that we know that is due before us...so in baseball terms I guess we are "on deck." We were going to visit them on Saturday evening but they ended up getting released so we ended up having a dinner date in Maple Grove at Maple Tavern (ever been? If not, it is a GREAT choice!). We didn't do a whole lot of anything this week-end - a lot of laying around mostly.
That is about where we are at--no more news!
I am now 32 weeks--which one would think I am 8 months and therefore only have 1 month left...nope there are 8 weeks left of this pregnancy (as explained in a prior post about actually being pregnant for longer than 9 months :) ). We had an ultrasound on Friday and Baby Girl was on the move--she was all over the place and therefore we were (unfortuntaely) not able to get a good picture. Yet, we did get to see that she has hair which was a suprise to me. First, I haven't had any heartburn (an old wives tale once linked the two), Second- I was born bald and Lastly- Corey was born bald. I guess our little one is breaking the cycle. It was fun to see her..we could see that she had a "sucking" motion with her hand right up by her face but it looked like she was sucking her fist rather than a thumb--either way we think she is a keeper :) The Dr. says that everything looks good and all my symptoms are normal at this point so we are doing good. Baby Girl is 4.4 lbs which puts her in the 60th percentile--so she is growing right on pace!
Thursday night, our friends Kyle & Lindsey Schantzen welcomed their baby BOY in to the world- Kaden Kyle- he was 8lbs 5 oz and 20" long. CONGRATULATIONS!! This means we have one more couple that we know that is due before us...so in baseball terms I guess we are "on deck." We were going to visit them on Saturday evening but they ended up getting released so we ended up having a dinner date in Maple Grove at Maple Tavern (ever been? If not, it is a GREAT choice!). We didn't do a whole lot of anything this week-end - a lot of laying around mostly.
That is about where we are at--no more news!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
31 weeks and counting
It has been a little while since I last wrote but nothing has truly changed so I don't feel there is much to report.
My current symptoms:
- tired/achy calves and feet
- swollen feet in the evenings (after the races otherwise not frequent)
- short of breath after talking for a long time or walking
- exhausted- this happens randomly throughout the day, the hotter it is the faster it happens, or if I try and clean the house exhaustion sets in fast.
- harder time sleeping/getting comfortable in bed..I am finding the couch is a bit more comfortable
Baby girl is also moving around a lot more, which I am still enjoying!
Last Thursday night/Friday I had my 2 nephews and my neice over and they spent the night while my sister attended a wedding (Congrats Jess & Jay!). When I met my sister she made the comment, "Wow, that little girl is sure getting the best of you" which should be another comment that you DO NOT make to a pregnant person..so I guess my hopes that I wasn't gaining a ton of weight is out the window. It was fun to see the kids and spend time with them but Corey and I agree that we are happy we are not going from 0 to 3 kids ages 3-7. Saturday we attempted to race in Ogilvie. Corey started and ended 3rd in his heat but when he returned to the pits we found that we have.....................another motor issue! We hope to get it fixed up tonight to race tomorrow in Madison, MN but we're not sure what will happen. Sunday, we went to Willmar for Corey's grandparents 50th Wedding Anniversary (Congrats Pat & Ron!) It was a very warm day so I spent the majority of it in the house. This week-end we plan on going to my dad's cabin in Park Rapids to spend time together and relax but it is supposed to rain so we may have to reschedule.
Have you received your baby shower invite? If not, save the date--Sunday, Aug 29 from 1:00-4:00 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN. It is the same church where I married the love of my life :)
Other news: we have an ultrasound on Friday where we can see little girl's growth as well as how everything is going. Let's hope that I can avoid the "full bed rest" bullet a bit longer. Currently, I am working 2 days a week from home and this has definitely helped the exhaustion!
My current symptoms:
- tired/achy calves and feet
- swollen feet in the evenings (after the races otherwise not frequent)
- short of breath after talking for a long time or walking
- exhausted- this happens randomly throughout the day, the hotter it is the faster it happens, or if I try and clean the house exhaustion sets in fast.
- harder time sleeping/getting comfortable in bed..I am finding the couch is a bit more comfortable
Baby girl is also moving around a lot more, which I am still enjoying!
Last Thursday night/Friday I had my 2 nephews and my neice over and they spent the night while my sister attended a wedding (Congrats Jess & Jay!). When I met my sister she made the comment, "Wow, that little girl is sure getting the best of you" which should be another comment that you DO NOT make to a pregnant person..so I guess my hopes that I wasn't gaining a ton of weight is out the window. It was fun to see the kids and spend time with them but Corey and I agree that we are happy we are not going from 0 to 3 kids ages 3-7. Saturday we attempted to race in Ogilvie. Corey started and ended 3rd in his heat but when he returned to the pits we found that we have.....................another motor issue! We hope to get it fixed up tonight to race tomorrow in Madison, MN but we're not sure what will happen. Sunday, we went to Willmar for Corey's grandparents 50th Wedding Anniversary (Congrats Pat & Ron!) It was a very warm day so I spent the majority of it in the house. This week-end we plan on going to my dad's cabin in Park Rapids to spend time together and relax but it is supposed to rain so we may have to reschedule.
Have you received your baby shower invite? If not, save the date--Sunday, Aug 29 from 1:00-4:00 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN. It is the same church where I married the love of my life :)
Other news: we have an ultrasound on Friday where we can see little girl's growth as well as how everything is going. Let's hope that I can avoid the "full bed rest" bullet a bit longer. Currently, I am working 2 days a week from home and this has definitely helped the exhaustion!
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