Baby's Nursery

Mark and I bought the baby's crib. I was struggling with spending anywhere between $500 to $1,000 on a nursery set for the baby. Everybody was telling me to buy a convertible bed, one that converts from a crib to a toddler bed, then a full bed. Just for the crib is was $700. I was like are you crazy!!!! I didn't understand what I would do, if another baby came along in 2 years. I converted the crib to a toddler bed and now I have to buy another crib. Then a course I would want the dresser to go with the new crib, so pretty I would buy a new nursery. I didn't like that idea. Also, the side doesn't go down on the convertible crib, I really disliked that part. Do not get me wrong they are beautiful beds, but not for me. Plus I know myself in 2 years I'm going to want to buy a new toddler bedroom set. I love my baby, but for real, this baby will not know if the crib came from the speciality shop or Wal*Mart. Not sure if you are aware, but I am not a Wal*Mart fan. Just remember I work for Kimberly-Clark and I see a lot of things happen that the everyday consumer just does not realizes happens. So, Mark finally convinced me to go to Wal*Mart. Guess what? they had a Nursery in a Box set. The set included a crib, a changing table, and dresser. It was only $199.99. I was very skeptical of the set, but we bought it. My rational is after 2 years the baby will most likely be moving to a toddler bed. All I need to hold up is the crib. It will be nice if all 3 pieces hold up, but its the crib that is most important. Well, to my surprise they turned out very nice. They are sturdy and I like them. I'm very impressed. Now the test will come when little guy gets here and becomes mobile. I have included a few pictures for everyone to see the nursery set.

Spoiled or just loved?

For awhile now I have been telling Mark that I would like to have a new digital camera. I told him with the baby coming that a new camera would be nice so we can send our family nice clear pictures. There is nothing wrong with the digital camera we have, but I wanted a 8.0 megapixal. Last Monday we were off and Target had a 8.0 Canon digital camera on sale, plus you got a $30.00 gift card. I told Mark about it and I looked it up on consumer report to see the ranking. The ranking was very good! Well, guess who got the digital camera -- ME!!! I'm not sure if I am spoiled or just loved, but either way I love my new camera very much! It can video tape and do panoramic pictures, and it has a settings on it for fireworks, snowing, and pets and kids. Don't worry I have figured out how to reduce the pixels and have nice clear pictures without sending 1MB emails. :)

Happy Thanksgiving

Wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Mark and I are headed to Indiana to see my family. I heard that it has snowed in Indiana and Mark can not wait to see it.

Love,

Beth

Daycare

Today Mark and I took off work to look at daycare facilities. Today was overwhelming and I'm not sure why I thought it wouldn't be. After seeing the different daycare facilities, this maybe one of the harder decisions to make as a new parent. We went to 4 different facilities. Three were referred to us the other one we found by driving around. I really liked 2 out of the 4, 1 was fine, and the other was a NO! Mark liked all 4 facilities. The two I liked the most are close to work so I can come by at lunch to breastfeed and that meant a lot to me. Plus one of the daycare facilities has 2 RN on staff at all time. This also meant a lot to me as RN's are trained medical professions that have knowledge about illness. All four daycare center cost about the same. One gave a Kimberly-Clark discount, which was nice to hear. Now we just need to make our pro and con list to make a decision. I personally have the one I want picked out. :)

Its a boy!!!!

We went yesterday for our 20 week ultrasound and the baby is a boy!!! We are so happy we cant wait for him to arrive in March. He loves his hands by his face as if he was thinking away.

The ultrasound is just an amazing thing. We got see his kidneys, heart, stomach (which was very full), his lips, fingers, toes and his spinal cord. It was so neat. I wished I could get an ultrasound everyday just so I can see him. :)

Here are some pitcures of the little guy!!!

Update

Last night when I got home from work the doctor's office called and told me that I needed to reschedule my ultrasound due to my doctor having a surgery on Monday 11/19. I was all bummed out and thought I would have to wait another week to find out the sex of the baby. This morning I called the doctor's office and they rescheduled for Friday 11/16 at 130pm. I'm so excited. Make sure you read our blog on Friday for the news.

Cool Blog...

My sister-in-law Susie sent Mark and I this blog about a month ago. I looked at and though it was pretty cool, then yesterday as I was cleaning out my email inbox I came across it again, so I though I would share it. If you have children, grandchildren, nephews, or nieces you need to look at this blog daily. It provides sales on children clothing, shoes, books, and many other things. It provides details such as.,when the sale will take place, the Internet sale code, and there is a shipping cost. I haven't participated in any of the sales yet, so I'm not sure how accurate it is, but in my eyes if you can save a buck its worth checking out.

http://babycheapskate.blogspot.com/

Wisconsin Fish Fry's! :)

Last night Mark and I went out for fish with our friends Mandy and Ronell. In Wisconsin everywhere you go on Fridays there is a fish Fry. Its not a healthy dinner at all. All the fish is deep fried, served with melted butter and sides are french fries and potato salad. I'm pretty sure last nights dinner was great for my heart and baby. Just Kidding!!! In honesty Friday Fish Fry's are really tastee! Mandy and Ronell took us to a hole in the wall which means the fish is even better. Inside the bar, and it was a bar, were deer heads and Elk heads hanging on the walls. I'm not against hunting, but I am a softy for animals. While I sat there and sipped my O'douls I finally got over the animals heads on the wall. I said to Mandy I hope I don't see a dead deer here. Of course she convinces me that won't happen and I believed her. Dinner was over and we were leaving, I looked to my right and saw about 8 guys hang around the tailgate of a pick up truck. I thought to myself how odd that these guys are drinking outside by the tailgate of a pick up truck, they should go in to the bar and drink. Then I saw it..... the poor little deer, ok it was a buck and according to Mandy and nice size buck! Then I saw a sign that said deer and turkey tagging. Again I thought to myself, tagging animals at a bar...very odd to me.

Here is the moral of the story, only in Wisconsin can you go to a bar, have great fried fish, laugh with your friends and see a dead deer in a pick up truck. :)

Doctor's Appointment Update

Today we went to the doctors. I have gained another 5 lbs, so far its a total of 10 lbs for 18 weeks. Doctor is happy about that. My blood pressure is still low, but she is not worried about it and the baby's heart beat was a 155. Our next appointment is November 19th. That's when we have the big Ultrasound. We can't wait!!!


FYI Aunt Bernie -
Doctor does not believe in inducing unless medically needed. She said that she believes in letting me go on my own as long as it is not pass 42 weeks :) That made me feel better.

Love ya!!!

Family Visit

This past weekend was a great. Mark's sister Sherri and brother-in-law Travis came up to visit us. We had a great time, I think my favorite part was watching Mark and Travis yelling at the T.V. because UT was screwing up. Mark enjoys watching UT and its better when he has someone else to watch with b/c I'm always saying its just a game. It hates when I say that. They were like 2 little boys. I guess guys never really grow up.

We went shopping :) I love to shop especially with another girl. Mark is normally my shopping buddy, which is great, but he always says everything looks great. Mark's sister is a lot of fun to shop with. I helped her pick out matching PJs for her children. I hope they like them. I bought a red purse from Christopher Banks and I LOVE it! I've never shopped at that store before; it has nice clothing.

We did the typical driving around, went to Green Bay to see where the Packers play, and went out to dinner. Overall, it was a nice time.

It's amazing I'm live, according to recalls

I just read in People's Magazine last night that infant cold medicines have been pulled off the shelves, because according to the findings it does nothing for the child and it is more harm than good. I sat back and said to Mark how in the world did we make it!!

Our parents gave us baby aspirin
Our parents had lead paint in the house
Our parents eat things during pregnancy that is an issue now
Our parents put us on our bellies to sleep
Our parents let us ride bikes without helmets

I do have a question "What is our government doing?" They have laws, rules, and agencies for these types items or meds. Are they not enforcing them the standards?

About me :)

Just wanted to let everyone know how I am doing. I'm 16 weeks along and still feeling great. I'm not as tired as I use to be. I'm glad about that b/c I can now get things done around the house. I did have some troubles with my crohn's disease, so I had to take few days off from work and rest. I'm doing better now, but the doctor is a little worried because I'm still very tender where the colon and small intestine met. Pretty much this means I'm still have a flare up. Now I'm on a soft foods diet only. The doctor says the baby is not under any stress, but I'm still little concern. Besides the drama with my crohn's I'm doing fine. I no longer can fit into my own pants :). I do have a little baby bump. Mark calls is baby Jackson, because he is so sure its a boy. My gut says its a boy, but you never know.

What a busy month....

My dad and Nancy came up the first weekend and Mark's Mom and Dad came up last weekend. We had such a great time with our parents. We went baby shopping, didn't buy anything b/c Mark wants to wait until we find out what we are having before we buy anything. We took Mark's parents to Green Bay to see the Packer stadium, no we are not packer fans. I still love the Indy Colts!!!! Mark sister and brother-in-law comw up next weekend. We can't wait to see them.

Doctor's Appointment Update

On Friday 9/28 Mark and I went to the doctor's office for our monthly visit and everything is going great. I have gained 4 pounds, we heard the baby's heart beat and my protein levels are just fine. Doctor was a lot nicer and friendlier. I'm thinking she was having a bad day the first visit. I'm not tired as much as I was at first and I really do not have any cravings. As of right now everything is just perfect.

My biggest pet peeve

Last night I was driving home from work and there was road construction. Wisconsin seems not to understand on how to communicate that there will be road construction head. Wisconsin gives you 1 mile warning that the lane ends and you shall merge.

Now everyone is trying to merge into the other lane and the other lane is driving 90 miles per hour you can't merge and people aren't paying attention and everyone starts slamming on their brakes. You know what I am talking about! Its frustrating!

I'm not sure why its a hard concept on how to communicate, but it seems to be every one's weakest characteristic. I believe the solution to this is 1. put up more notices before the road construction, 2. be nice to people and let them in, 3. PAY ATTENTION!

Here is my advice

Communicate what you mean, leave the fluff stuff out and the world we go around smoother!

I'll now get down from my soap box!! :)

Grass

Today I came home from work and to my surprise we now have a lawn!!!! I know its not that exciting, but when you have to deal with dirt, weeds, dust and ugliness for 6 months this excites you! Grass really makes a different on how your house looks. I never really noticed, maybe because I have never not had grass, but grass just makes the house!!! The landscapers even put in my edging so I have a nice area that is laid out to start planting flowers and shrubs. I'm happy that I can start to plant flowers! I couldn't or I should say didn't plant any flowers this summer, because I wanted the lawn in before I did that.

We have grass and I am so happpppyyyyy!

Update

Just wanted to let everyone know that I still feel great, except I'm hungry a lot and I get tired easier. We had to change our next doctor's appointment because I forgot I had a training class Friday September 14th. Our new appointment is now September 28th.

This week I went to church on Wednesday because Mark and I have joined a program called Dinner for Six. What this is, is 3 couples get together once a month for dinner and fellowship. You are with the other couples for 3 months then we rotate the groups so we meet other couples. We either go out to dinner or go to some one's house for dinner. Mark and I are really excited to meet other couples and make new friends.

Besides that its the usual around here.

Take care :)

Doctor's Appointment

Thursday Aug. 23rd we went to our first doctor appointment. We are 8 weeks along and the due date is 3/31. We got pictures from the ultrasound and heard the baby's heart beat. Doctor says everything looks good. Our next appointment is September 14th.

I'm a little more excited now that we have gone to the doctors. I still do not have any sickness and I feel great, except I get tired easily.

Sorry it took so long to post, but Thusrday when I got home from the doctor's I tried to post, but the computer was not working. Then we left for the Bristol Race Thursday afternoon. Mark and I just got home today.

Talk soon!

things come to you when you least except...

Today when I got home from work I checked my yahoo email and I received and email from an old friend. It was my friend Lizzie that I went to college with at Purdue North Central. I haven't talked to her in over 2 years. We lost contact after college. I thought about her and her family through out the years, but for some reason never looked for her. We had great times together. We were study buddies, lunch buddies, and great friends. She was the one friend that went through the whole Crohn's disease maddens with me.I sit here and wonder why I let a great friendship slip away. I can't change the past, but I surely can control the future of our friendship. I'm so happy that she contact me and can't wait to receive her next email.

Exciting News

Just wanted to let everyone know that Mark and I are expecting an addition to the family, yes we are pregnant. The emotions of knowing that we will be responsible of a child is a little overwhelming. When we first found out I was very upset and mad; mad that I would never be able to go to Cancun again, that life in this house is no longer about us and what if we can't take the stress or I'm like my own mother and just walk out. How am I suppose to know how to take care of a baby. They do not come with instructions. We have known for 4 weeks and the emotions are starting to calm down and I'm not as stressed, I'm still scared and mad at myself for not be really excited. I'm excited, but like some people get. You see them all smiles and glad and I'm not like that. I sure hope I get to that point. I think my dad is more excited than I am at this point.

We go to the doctor Aug. 23rd and I'll provide an update. It will be our first appointment, I'm hope going to the doctor's will make me even more excited.

Talk soon!