The Vacay

I have been home for a little over a week and just found time to run to the local, super cute coffee shop and use the wifi. I need to get some work done, but decided to do a little blogging first. Life has been full of adventure this Christmas.

To start our vacation out with a bang, we didn't have our luggage for 2 whole days. That means that we did not have our winter coats, Jack's car seat base, any baby supplies, winter clothes or our Christmas presents. We were able to buy a sleeper and an outfit for Jack, some basic supplies for us, and borrow the winter apparel. I have never been so excited to see my own stuff as i was when those suitcases arrived!

Jack has been the star of the show and has charmed every single person within eye reach. He has been absolutely WONDERFUL this whole trip. Everyone has commented on how great he is how and happy he is. The little guy even cut another tooth and had his first one emerge even farther. For not being on his schedule, he has been a saint. He is also rolling everywhere. We can no longer leave him playing on the floor for even a second. He is growing and developing in leaps and bonds and getting way to big! Sometime i just miss cuddling my little baby. Jack cuddles when he sleeps and that is it. Otherwise, he has way to many things to explore than to take time to cuddle mom.

Christmas was especially good to me this year. Correction. My husband was especially wonderful to me this year. I got my dream present that i never thought i would get. A Canon digital EOS Rebel XS and a 75-300mm lense as well!!!!!!! I was BEYOND excited. It was probably the greatest gift ever. If i had not had a sleeping baby on my lap when i opened it, i am sure i would have screamed and done a little dance when that was opened. I can not wait to start playing and learning how to use it. I am not slightly intimidated with it, but looking forward to learning everything.

We just got back from a little trip to Chicago. It was so so wonderful to be back in a city again. My sister, brother -in- law joined us and we spent a night in the windy city and shopped the Magnificent Mile. It was lots of fun, even if it was rainy and cold.

I have lots of pictures to post, especially ones from the new camera, but i have not had a chance to even download a single one.
I hope that everyone had a blessed christmas and that God will continue to work in your life in this new year.

Santa Baby

is going home to Michigan in 3 days! Can't dress like this anymore...will have to bundle up for the snow!

Happy Hour

Jack has his own version of Happy Hour. It is between 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. That is the magic hour for my little man. Every single thing that happens during this time frame is funny to him. Everything. He laughs at his toes, at anything i say to him, at anything i say to Ryan. He laughs when Oscar walks by him. I am not talking about cute baby coos, little giggles, or sweet smiles. He does those as well, but i am talking about rumbling deep belly laughs. He laughs so hard he gets hiccups and his face turns red.

Last night Ryan was holding him and i patted Jack on the butt and told him it was time for bed. He started laughing. I patted Ryan on the butt and told him that he too needed to go to bed. Jack laughed so hard that he started to get tears in his eyes! Really, it was not funny. It was normal talking. But to Jack, it was the funniest thing ever. That is happy hour for you.

He is so smiley and funny during this hour that it erases any thing negative that could have happened that day. I love his happy hour. His little laugh is so darn funny and cute, that we end up laughing as well. It is my favorite time of the whole day. But be warned, 10:34 he will start instantly fussing, ready to eat and go to sleep. If you don't move quickly, it will be a full on scream.
But even so, you will still be so charmed from the last hour, that it won't even faze you.

What is your happy hour?

25 things...

25 Christmas Things About Me

I too borrowed this from Worley House. I haven't done survey type thing in a long time, and Christmas time is always lots of fun. It doesn't really feel like Christmas when it is 64 degrees out and i have barely started shopping...so this will help!

Welcome to the Holiday edition of 25 Things About Me.Okay, here's what you're supposed to do. Just copy this entire post and paste into a new post. Then change all the answers so that they apply to you.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both. I like to wrap, but i also like the really cute bags.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real. I grew up with a real one, but have a 3ft fake one in my house. Once Jack is older and we spend more time at home than in Michigan for Christmas, we will get a real one. They smell so much better!
3. When do you put up the tree? After Thanksgiving, give or take a few days.
4. When do you take the tree down? The first couple weeks of January.
5. Do you like eggnog? I hate it.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Nothing specific comes to mind. I always liked clothes.
7. Hardest person to buy for? My father in law, grandfather and uncle.
8. Easiest person to buy for? My mom
9. Do you have a nativity scene? i have the Willow Tree one. We got it for a wedding present.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Umm... i haven't sent any... but if i did, i would mail them. I should send cards... maybe next year...
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A block of cheese
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I usually buy a few items in October and go from there, when i find something great. This year...black friday.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Nope.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Sugar cookies, ham and cheesy potatoes, lady finger rolls, chex mix... the list can go on and on
16. Lights on the tree? Yes. We have white on ours, but my favorite it blue. I hate multi-colored lights.
17. Favorite Christmas Song? O Holy Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We travel to Michigan. We both have family there...
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Not a chance
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? I have a gold star
21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? One present before bed on Christmas eve, and than the rest on Christmas morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The crazy shoppers and the warm va weather. The extra baggage fee for flights.

23. Favorite Ornament theme or color? I like blue lights and ornaments with a real tree. When the lights are off, it is beautiful.
24. Favorite thing for Christmas dinner? Ham and cheesy potatoes with rolls...
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? My sweet baby boy to stay little... and maybe a Canon digital Rebel to capture it :)

5 Months!

Jack is 5 months old today!

He has grown so much! He loves to eat his toes. He loves to laugh at the silliest things. He loves to be startled, he laughs like crazy when that happens. He likes to watch our cat Oscar play. When placed on his back, he rolls to his belly in 2.5 seconds. He now sleeps on his belly. He responds to his name. He likes his exersaucer. He likes to grab anything and everything. He studies everything around him very seriously. Everything goes in his mouth. His hair is getting longer, thus making his flouffy hair lay down. Right now, he is trying to grab the lighted Apple on the front of this computer. He likes to stand. He can sit for 15 seconds all by himself. He likes other babies and animals and charms most women that he comes in contact with. He loves when his dad comes home. He loves to hangout on his changing table, sans pants with his feet in his mouth. He doesnt like to nap. When he is tired, he wants to have his face on your face. He will move around till that happens. He likes to take naps on his momma, and no where else. He talks to keep himself awake. He doesnt go to bed till 11pm, but he will sleep till 10:30am. I have tried to get him to bed earlier for the last 4 and 1/2 months. His cheeks are getting chubbier and are super fun to kiss. He makes cute baby noises. He smiles when he see his mom or dad. He will try to mimmick different noises that we make.

He is 5 months old and i love him more each day!

lonesome

Jack and i are home alone. Ryan is off to a leadership retreat in D.C for work. He will be gone till Thursday, so it is just the cat, the little man and me for a few days. I used to have all sorts of plans for when Ryan was gone. Things that he didnt really like to do, shopping, movies, girl nights, all that fun stuff. This time, i have a 5 month old baby, so that puts a hamper on things. I just can't run out for a bit of shopping without proper planning, feeding, changing and dressing of the babe. But i have plans. I am going to try to do some christmas decorating, and some cleaning. Maybe just maybe we will get out to do some Christmas shopping for Ryan. We are hopefully going to have a playdate with our friends Tiffany and Gracie. I am going to try to stay busy and not notice how much i miss Ryan...

An International Thanksgiving

This year we had thanksgiving with some friends of mine from work. We went over to Richard and Roza's house. Richard is from South Africa and Roza is from Russia. Her papa was staying with them, and he only speaks Russian. They wanted to try a traditional Thanksgiving, so we got together to cook it. We were joined by Dave, another co-worker, and Sorin who was from Romania. Dave, Ryan and i were the only Americans there! Rose and i cooked all the food and it all turned out great. She cooked the turkey, a veggie stuffing, pumpkin pie from a real pumkin along with some sauteed veggies. I made the mashed potatoes, gravy, cornmeal rolls, tossed salad and a pumkin pecan cake. The cake was a new recipe and it was sooo good.

The dinner conversation was filled with questions about american consumersism, i.e. crazy black friday shopping, and stories of being raised in a communist society and now living in a democratic society and the pros and cons of both. Not the typical conversation, but very very interesting.

It was nice to be able to share a day of thanks with friends from all over the world. I enjoyed cooking with Roza even if it took us all day! No matter where you are from or how you were raised, there is always something to be thankful for. I am thankful that i still have some left over cake!

Cute Thanksgiving Baby!!!

The yummy Pumpkin Pecan cake

My Favorite Things

Rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens are nice and all, but these are a few of my favorite things. In the season of thanks, i am thanks for these.

~Peppermint White Mocha from Starbucks. This could be because i have been caribou-less for 2 years now, but it taste amazing.



But when i can't afford the money or the calories, there is this wonderful substitute.


~ My boots.


I love them. I love the color. I love how soft they are and how comfortable they are to wear. I love that they actually fit my large calves WITH jeans on.I love them.

~Pedicures. The last time i had one was in August for my sister's wedding, but i love them. Even if they are a few times a year splurge, they are still one of my favorite things.

~ Edy's Vanilla Sandwich Ice Cream.
If you have never had it, you should. If you like vanilla ice cream sandwiches and you like the best tasting vanilla ice cream, than this will change your view on ice cream.

~ Going anywhere alone. It doesn't happen very often, but when it does, i enjoy every quiet carseat free moment of it.

~ My church. New Life Providence is a transethnic church. On a regular Sunday you can hear Don Moen, Chris Tomlin and a hymn for worship.They shake it up like that. I like the fact that our pastor teaches from the Word. No gimmicks, no fancy schmancy illustrations, no tip toeing, just what the Bible teaches, plain and simple. He does that with a nice side of humor.

~ My cat, Oscar.
Never have i met a cat like this. He is funny,naughty and domineering. He get into everything, as seen above, thinks he is human, and makes me laugh almost everyday. He is probably the weirdest cat you will ever meet, but definately one of the most unique. I like him.

~ Jack's laugh. By far one of the greatest thing i have ever heard in my life. When Jack laughs, everyone laughs. It is contagious and quirky. It makes even the hardest day a million times better and worth every little frustration. More on that laugh to come.

~ My husband and baby boy. They are the greatest, most important things in my entire life. I love them beyond words. They really are my favorite things...

My Loves, My Favorites.

I wanna...

go on a date in this outfit...



A walk in the park by afedell


and take Jack on a walk in that outfit...



Mrs. B from She's Star-Crossed found this wonderful site and has the most BEAUTIFUL creations. I would kill to get some of those clothes. Anyway, have lots of fun and create to your hearts content. Right here.

Happy editing!

Script time

It is time for another round of scripts to be written for work. We write 13 episodes 4 times a year. Those 13 scripts are than sent all over the world and translated into whatever language that is needed. Some of the locations just use a part of the scripts, some translate word for word. So, the five scripts that i wrote this week will be translated word for word (well, as close as possible) into French, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, German and Khmer(cambodian). It will also be used in part in Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese. It is pretty cool when you sit down to think about it. People all over the world will be able to learn a little more about God's love and attributes of the christian life from the scripts that i am writing this week. It makes it much easier to sit up alone at 1am writing scripts, when i could be getting some sleep. I am REALLY thankful that i can work from home and still be with Jack and still produce. Sometimes i get a bit stressed, but it really is a huge blessing.
Check out our website,1cubed.com. If you are from good ol' NCU, you might recognize a few faces. I shot and produced 3 My World's in Minneapolis a year ago. Aaron Smith, Justin Vagle and Dave Skahen had their stories done.

On a cute baby alert side note... Little man can now roll! He can go from belly to back and back to belly. He has done them both consecutively, which, in my book, equals a roll! Luckily for me, he does it on his playmate, and can't seem to get past the four foam posts, so he bounces around between them and doesnt get too far away.

2ft 2in

We had Jack's 4 month doctor's appointment on Tuesday. He is now 26 inches long and weighs in at a whoopin' 12 lbs 10 oz. He is in the 9oth percentile for his height and has moved up to the 25th percentile for his weight. Ryan likes to say that is he 2 ft 2in tall instead. It has a better ring. The doctor said that our boy is perfect and everything is working perfectly.

Jack has been waking up every 3 hours for the last week after sleeping 6-7 hours straight. The dr recommended that we just let him cry, that he is not hungry, he is just waking up. If i feed him, than it will get him in a habit of night "snacking". So, two nights ago we let him cry. It broke my heart, poor baby. He was just fussy for 5 minutes, than he screamed bloody murder for a full 5 mins and than just passed right out. Last night he woke up, fussed for a few minutes and than went back to sleep. It was so hard the first night to let him cry, but last night it was wonderful to sleep straight till 5am!

Now, for something more fun than crying at night...a cow outfit! My mom picked it up for him at a garage sale and we had to put him in it. With a face like that, you can see how hard it was for me to let him cry!

Yum

Jack's idea of yummy



My idea of yummy




We have lots of left over trick or treater candy, so that means lots of tootsie rolls left for me. We have the little one, the long skinny ones and the big fat ones left. It doesn't matter to me, cause i love them all. I don't know what it is about those little chewy chocolates of goodness, but i could literally eat them all day long and make myself quite sick. But it would all be worth it. I need this candy to go away quickly.

Fall Days

It is finally fall here in VA and i am loving the beautiful cool weather. My parents have been in town for the week. We have been able to get out and about and Ryan and i even got a date night!

Here are a few pictures from our recent activities.


Baby finds his toes!

Ready for shopping!

Grandpa changed Jack's diaper... this was the end result!

Baby Turtle!

Hiking with Daddy

My beach babes

My family on the beach

Old

This past Saturday i turned 27 years old. I spent the day with my hubby and baby shopping in Williamsburg. They have a great outlet mall and a new addition with really good "regular" stores. It was a beautiful crisp fall day and we bundled up the baby and did some damage. I was not thinking about how old 27 sounded or how close it is to 30... i didn't think about how i am 2 1/2 years older than my husband or how fast another year went by. I was happy to be shopping, outside and with my cute little family and i had a huge wonderful chocolate cake for me at home.

However... as we were walking we saw an old beater car that had Seniors 09! written in red all over the back windshield. 09? Man, high school kids seem to look younger and younger. I was reminiscing about the days of senior year when my hubby decided to figure out just how young these senior kids were. When i was a senior in high school, they were in 3rd grade. That is right, THIRD GRADE! For the love. I feel old. Little baby third graders? It can not be THAT long ago since i was a senior. I felt so old. I kept walking past the enblazen senior car, pushing my stroller and was thankful for the chocolate cake that was waiting for me at home.

Two Years!

Today is my two year anniversary. It will be a low key day, since Ryan has class tonight. Ryan took me out to lunch today, so that was nice. We are planning on going out on a date Friday BY OURSELVES. That will be the first time we have been out alone, not with other people and not with Jack since we had the baby. I am looking forward to that.
In two years a lot has changed. We had just moved to VA two years ago and both were getting settled in our new jobs. Since our wedding Ryan has been promoted to Sales, and risen from the bottom of the sales people in the VA area for Aerotek to the 5th highest sales commission in his area. He now is in charge of two recruiters and has the highest growth for his division in the office. Ryan also started his MBA program at Regent University and has 3 1/2 semesters under his belt with a A average. You wouldn't want my husband to be in your class for he is the guy that sets the curve at an A. He has started a mentoring-leadership program at Aerotek and will probably make a senior project out of it and present it before investors before the end of next year.
I was promoted twice, once to an Associate Producer 2 and than to a Producer. I spent 6 weeks in Nashville, TN last year producing shows and music segments for One Cubed. I interviewed over 30 different Christian music artists. I produced My World stories in Minneapolis, MN, Budapest, Hungary and Kiev, Ukraine last year.
We bought a condo July 07 and also got a crazy kitten that has turned into an even crazier cat.
The biggest change in our life was getting pregnant pretty much exactly one year ago and having our son, Jack David on July 4th.
We have had some major life changes in those two years, but wonderful two years those have been. I would not trade a single second of it!

Here we are, October 14th, 2006.

Lady Friends

Jack is a lucky man. He gets to spend his days surrounded by pretty ladies. Unfortunately for us, one of our pretty ladies and her pretty momma have moved to NYC and we are sad about that. We will just have to take some trips up north to visit our dear friends. What can i say? The ladies love him...

My Hubby

In almost a week, i will have been married 2 years. I was thinking back about those fall wedding planning days and how much life has changed since than. The one thing that has not changed is my love for my hubby. In fact, it just keeps growing and growing. I married a wonderful man. He is kind and caring. He would rather sit down and really get to know you, than just say "hi". He is an advocate of truth and God's word and he does not back down from it, even when that is not the popular thing to do. He is a wonderful provider for Jack and I and he works very very hard. He has a brilliant business mind and will someday change the world with it. He manages a very hectic work schedule, getting his MBA and having a new baby with a lot of grace and love. He is passionate about people and seeing them reach their fullest potential. He is really funny. He will say the most ridicules things and than immediately look to see my reaction. He is an amazing father. He is the best friend i have ever had. He is the spiritual head of the house and i greatly greatly respect that. He is passionate about his family, even through the most painful situations. He is athletic and keeps himself in great shape. He is disciplined. He is loving. He is my perfect match and i am so thankful that i get to be his wife. Life is truly and adventure and i would not want to experience it with anyone else. I thank the Lord for my godly, wonderful, amazing husband!

3:47am

That is the time that Jack decided to get up this morning. The night before that, 7:34am...BIG difference. He has not gotten up that early in 6 weeks! I am not sure if it was a fluke, he is in the middle of a growth spurt... or he is was celebrating being 12 weeks old by sleeping only 4 hrs. Yeah.
Let's hope that we go back to the wonderful 7 1/2 hour a night of straight wonderful sleep.
On the bright side, Jack found his toes this week! He likes to hold his right foot with his right hand and wave his left fist in the air. He especially likes to hold his toes WHILE i change his diaper. Fun.Let's hope those cute fingers and toes stay asleep tonight.

Beach Baby

We took Jack to the oceanfront for the first time. It was finally cool enough to take him down to the beach.  It was a beautiful, sunny mid 70s day. We walked the boardwalk, got some frozen custard,  and watched the blue angels do some tricks at the local air show. We did not however go into the jelly fish infested waters. Jack seemed to like it. I can't wait till next year and for him to be able play in the sand. Here are some pictures of our exciting day!

Fall?

It is the middle of September and we are in the middle of a "cold" front, or so they say. This cold front dipped the temperature t0

a low 70 degrees. That is right, a cool 70 degrees. To me, it felt heavenly and a much needed break from the 90+ earlier. The locals here? Freezing. While having the ability to actually take a walk with Jack outside last night, it made me really really miss fall and fall weather.

Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love the beautiful muted oranges, browns and olive greens. I like the crispness in the air.I like sweaters and boots. I like football and bonfires. I like drinking coffee and taking walks. I like celebrating being thankful and the beginning anticipation of Christmas. I really miss Minneapolis in the fall and i miss my rural Michigan home town during the fall. I miss apple orchards and carmel apples. They don't have apple orchards here in VA.  I have always loved fall. My birthday is in the fall and my wedding anniversary is in the fall.

Fall is very different in Virginia beach. September is still just as hot as the summer months, except for the slight possibility that you have a "cold" front come through for a few days or it might cool down a few degrees at night. You can't really enjoy the extra month of summer at the beach though. Jellyfish mate off the shore of the beach and than die after they finish mating the end of August and September. Nice, right? So, that means in the 90+ weather you don't go to the beach unless you want to walk all over dead jellyfish or venture into the water and get stung by the dying or mating jellyfish. The leaves don't really turn colors here, they just kinda fall off and that is not usually till late November. It doesn't really cool down till November either. That means that all the brand new fall clothes in Banana and H&M can never really be worn, it is too hot. I do enjoy the mild winter months, but i really miss those crisp fall days! I am just going to have to live vicariously through the beautiful fall post of my blogging friends...

Cutest Face Ever

Seriously, i know i am the mom and biased and all, but look at that face. Pretty stinkin cute.

Workin Woman

Well, kinda of. I am now back to work, but the main change is the location. I am working full time from home and going into the office on a need be basis. We shall see how it goes. I have all day and all night plus weekends to get my hours in...BUT i also have a nine week old baby, so my time is really not my own.  I am really excited that i have the chance to even work from home, make my full salary and to get to be with Jack. I am just hoping i can keep up with everything.

Kids say the darnest things...

When we first had Jack people told us to write down the funny things he would say and do, because you think you will alway remember it, but you don't. I think that is a great idea. While Jack's only form of talking is cute baby coos and big gummy smiles, this is a story that i want to always remember.
This is my niece Emily. She is 6 and gorgeous. She is also FULL of personality. She always has been, since she was a little baby.
When Ryan and i were in Michigan we were at his parent's house for a big family picnic. I needed to nurse Jack, so i went inside. Emily and my 12yr old niece Paxton were playing around the house. Jack was nursing and i was properly covered, but most of Jack's head was exposed. It was hot and there was no A/C in the house. Emily and Paxton had been running through the house and now were playing in the living room. Emily came over, patted Jack's head and asked if he was sleeping. I told her that Jack was not sleeping, he was eating right now. She stopped dead in her tracks and went back over to look at Jack. She than looked up at me, with the most horrified look on her face, and with a disgusted voice she proclaimed, " Jack drinks boob?!?!" I nodded yes and told her that it was how babies ate. She than told me that that was absolutely disgusting and she was SO glad that she was not Jack. Paxton tried to explain that babies always nurse from their moms and that she did it too. I don't really remember if Emily was formula or breast fed, but she would not believe that babies would want to drink boob. After she ran out of the room, Ryan and i laughed so hard... Poor little girl, she was probably scarred for life.

I want to be here

My sister is on her honeymoon in the Rivera Maya part of Mexico. Ryan and i also had our honeymoon at an all- inclusive resort in the same area. It was pure heaven. We did not have to worry about food, gratuity, or activities. Our biggest decisions were if we should get room service for breakfast and if we should go to the pool first or the ocean... ahhh, those were the days. When things are really hectic and busy, Ryan and i still talk about just leaving and going to Mexico. Wouldn't it be nice to just hop on a plane and head to sunny Mexico, hit the beach in a fabulous bikini (that makes your post baby yucky belly disappear) and enjoy a nice miami vice? A girl can dream....

Wedding Time...

The main reason that we ventured to Michigan with a newborn was my sister's wedding. I was the Matron of Honor and Ryan was an usher. Jack was the adorable baby that my great grandmother would not put down, even when her arms went numb from holding him. Abbey planned a 40's ish style wedding and it was beautiful. She had some ladies from her church help with the decorations and they turned out great! They had a dessert reception with a full ice cream bar, chocolate fountain and chocolate cupcakes.
The bride and groom were giddy happy. There were not a lot of tears at this wedding, as opposed to mine where my husbands SOBBED the entire time, thus leaving not a dry eye in the whole place. But that was o.k... cause everyone was just, happy. For those of you who do not know my sister, she is an amazing songwriter and singer. She is about to release her second cd and you should buy it. Seriously. Go to abbeyandrew.com and have a listen. Well, she decided not to sing at her wedding. She sang at my wedding. She took a poem that Ryan had written to me and turned it into a beautiful song. That was another reason why there were tears at my wedding. Kurt(the new hubby) and Abbey wrote a song together and just played it instrumental. While Abbey played the piano and Kurt played the guitar there were slides of scripture verses about marriage. It was really beautiful.
Here are a few pics of the event...

Kissy Kissy

Proud Grandpa


Cute wedding outfit #1
Mommy and baby with cute wedding outfit #3
(Jack was 3 for 3 with soaking through his outfits for the wedding)

We made it!

We are back and all in one piece! Jack was absolutely amazing on this trip. He was perfect on the plane, never cried or made a fuss. He got a bit upset once we were in the airport, but the poor thing needed to eat! For being a six week old baby who had only met a few people in his short life and was thrown into a whole new world, Jack did amazing. He was quite the star and was rarely put down. The poor kid was so happy when we would just let him lay on his back and kick around. He was held ALL the time.
It was also the first time that i was away from him for any amount of time. I had been pumping and freezing milk, so that Ryan would be able to feed him while i was away. It seem to work out pretty well, except that i missed my baby! It was nice to get a bit of a break and spend time with my mom and sister though. Abbey lives an hour and half away from my parents where we were staying, so i did lots of driving. We had to get my dress fitted, get pedicures of course and than the bachelorette party, rehearsals and so forth. Needless to say, Jack was with his dad quite a bit!
Ryan was amazing and took great care of Jack. He really enjoyed spending so much time with him. He was at his mom's house though, so if there were any major questions, she was there to help out. Ryan's oldest brother Micheal was also in town with his two kids, which was great to see them. Jack ended up meeting 1 grandma, 1 grandpa, 2 great grandpas, 3 great grandmas, 3 uncles, 1 aunt, 6 cousins and a whole slew of other relatives.
All in all, it was a great trip. I will have to blog about the wedding and the more of the trip later. Little Man is calling me.

Leaving on a jet plane...

with a six week old baby. Should be interesting. I have done a lot of traveling in the past 2 years, but never with a baby. Ryan, Jack and i are heading to MI for my sister's wedding. We will be gone 10 full days and i will be pretty busy with matron of honor duties most of the time. Poor Jack is going to have lots of time traveling in the car and sleeping in different places. I really hope that he can handle all this change. He is much more alert and has been wonderful during the day. He is pretty content till about 7pm, than he gets a bit fussy.
I am excited for Abbey's wedding and to see family and friends. Jack is going to be the star of the show! Jack will get to meet his dad's side of the family and my mom is literally counting down the minutes till she can see Jack again. He is one popular little man.
Wish us luck with all the traveling... i need to go pack now!

Momma's boy

Today Jack wants to be held... all the time. If he gets put down for longer than 10 minutes he cries. He is feed and has a dry diaper, he just wants to be held. I cant put him in his chair or his swing. I cant lay him on his back to kick and move around which he usually loves to do. He wants mom. It could be because he was pretty much left to his dad and his chair for the last two days. When you have a fever of 102 you don't get much done and rest is a must. I am feeling much better today and Jack is not going to be happy unless i hold him, which is o.k by me. The laundry can wait a bit. This cute boy needs some lovin. With a face like this... who can resist?

One Month Old!

Baby boy is one month old now! It seems crazy to think he is that old. I still feel like it has just been one incredible long day! Jack is sleeping 5 hours at night now, so i get to sleep from 1-6 most nights. He is making more baby noises and loves to make noises while he eats. He throughly enjoys just eating and hanging out... for a good hour! My goal is to get him to suck with out so many breaks and speed this whole process up! Jack is definitely getting chubbier. His little stick legs are starting to fill out more and he has a few more chins!
I am feeling much better from my c-section, but am battling an infection right now. It seems like i am at the doctors every other week! I have a mild case of mastitis, but i still have a fever,which makes it hard to take care of Jack. Motherhood does not have sick days.

I got

4 and a half hours of sleep IN A ROW!!!!!!! My baby boy is starting to have one nice long sleep between 2 and 6am. Praise the Lord.

Never again will i not appreciate the beauty of sleep.

ohh baby,,,

Jack is now almost 3 weeks old. We have been having some sucking problems with him and have been to a lactation specialist twice. I really want to breastfeed him exclusively, but he is making it a very trying experience. Mr. Jack does not use his tongue properly, so i have to wear a nipple shield to feed him, if he decides to feed. Otherwise, we have to supplement him with my pumped breast milk and feed him with our finger in his mouth and a special syringe. Keeping our finger in his mouth forces him to use his tongue properly. So, my life the last 2 and half weeks has been filled with breastfeeding, pumping and supplementing. It is completely exhausting. Jack now sleeps around 3-4 hours at night, so that is nice... but gone are they days of 8-10 hours of sleep IN A ROW. I realized how sleep deprived i am when i was watching television and i saw someone get into bed and i was really jealous. That is a sad thing.
Motherhood has been much harder than i expected. I was not expecting a longer recovery and i was not expecting the feeding problems, but i am learning and growing. Jack is becoming more alert now and certainly has his own personality. He is either really happy or really mad. There is not much in between. He loves to make noises when he eats and is starting to coo more. It is a good thing that he is just so dang cute!

The birth story

O.k. So, a few people have been asking about how Jack came into the world and how i ended up with a c-section. If you have been around me at all during my pregnancy, you would have known that i was planning/trying to go completely natural for my childbirth. I took a natural child birthing class. I hired a doula (like a birth coach) who taught my class and is a certified midwife herself having delivery over 2000 babies. I went to a practice that has both midwives and doctors. I wasn't trying to be superwomen, i just wanted the birth to be as natural for the baby as possible and to allow my body to work as it was designed to do. However, thank God for medicine and for the advances we have made, because i honestly do not know if i would have had my little boy if i had to go natural. So, i am going to be a bit graphic, so if you don't want to know, don't read it...
I woke up on Thursday, July 3rd with steady contractions. They were not very close together, maybe 15-20 mins apart and not very strong. I went into work for a few hours and they kept getting stronger. Sitting or standing, they did not change. By 4 pm they were 10 mins apart and getting stronger and a bit painful. Ryan came home and called our doula. She said to wait till they are 3-4 mins apart for an hour and than call her. I got in the bath, and it did not change a thing. My contractions increased in time and intensity and by 7pm, i had been having them every 3 and half mins for an hour. We called our doula and went to the hospital. I was check out and i was already dilated to a 4. They put me in my labor/delivery room, called my midwife and we called our doula. I was barely hooked up to a hep-lock iv(meaning i could take it out and move around the room) when i promptly threw up all over myself and the bed. I had went my entire pregnancy without throwing up and sure enough, i puke. My water broke pretty much right after that there was meconium in the water. (meaning he had pooped in the water) My midwife was not concerned, but i would not be able to hold Jack right away. They would have to suck out his throat to make sure he did not swallow any of the meconium when he came through the birth canal.
My labor increased very quickly and i was soon at a 8 and going into transition. My midwife and doula were amazed that i was moving so quickly with this being my first child and they got the room ready for the baby to come. It was getting very painful at this point, but i was ready to start pushing and have the baby. I stayed stuck in transition for 4 hours. By the end of it, i was so exhausted and in so much pain that i was ready for some help. I than was checked and i was at a 9, but i was fully effaced. The baby was at a station -1, which means he was almost in the birth canal, but he needed to be much further down. I did a few squat pushes to try to drop the baby further down. After a few hours of being at a 9, i was having a sever pain in my lower stomach that would not go away after my contractions ended. My midwife and doula freaked out about this and insisted that i get an epidural. They needed to make sure that the pain went away with the epidural and if it didnt, than i could have ripped my uterus, which my midwife said would be "catastrophic". After i was given the first epidural, i found some relief and was told i had to rest. My cervix had swollen from the pushing and i needed to wait for it to go down and to sleep and let me body try to bring the baby down. I was able to get some rest, but when i woke up i was in a full force fully dilated contraction with no pain medicine at all. My epidural had worn off in my sleep. They gave me more medicine, but it did not work. That hour and half was the absolute worst of my labor. Nothing compares to waking up in the middle of a full force contraction. I was given a second epidural and was able to rest again. That epidural was a huge relief. I was fully dilated, but the baby was posterior. He was facing my stomach instead of my back, so it would take a lot longer and harder pushes to get him down the birth canal. He was engaged at this point, but still needed to drop. I pushed in 7 different position for 2 hours. At this point, it was 11am on the fourth of July. My midwife and doula were very concerned. They called in my head doctor. They were going to try to use a vacuum to help bring him down the birth canal. Dr. Valentine said he would try, but if it didn't happen right away, than i would have to have a c-section. We tried the vacuum and the baby was not moving. I had to have a c-section right away.
The c-section went well and when they took him out, he had had his cord wrapped around his neck twice. He was posterior and a little sideways. He most likely would never have dropped down without causing major damage. I was really bruised and swollen on the inside as well. In fact, i am still dealing with the swelling of my uterus now. My doula said that if i lived in the 1800's, the baby or i probably would not have made it through. I did not realize the seriousness of the labor till afterwards. We had people praying all over the country during my labor, and we believe that it was by God's grace that Jack did not go into fetal distress at all.
It was one long, crazy labor that i am thankful is over and done with. I am still trying to recover from it. I have to recover from both a vaginal and cesarean due to the use of the vacuum. Jack has had some feeding issues, but it is all starting to come around now. My midwife joked with me a few days later, that i was the most experienced new mom on the block. I could tell them how pretty much any type of labor was like. It is something that i wish i didnt know, but i am thankful that i have a healthy beautiful baby boy to show for it. I thank God that everything worked out and that we were both in His hands.

Jack David Fedell

arrived on July 4th at 12:23 pm after 20+ hours of labor. He finally came via c-section and weighed in at 8lbs, 3 oz and was 21 inches long. He is beautiful and had a head of reddish blonde hair. He has mom's long fingers and dad's long toes, so when he came out Ryan said he looked like all fingers and toes! I will post more about the birth later... but here are a few pictures. I have been in recovery, so i do not have as many photos as i would i liked. We are all home now from the hospital and eager to get settled in. Enjoy the pictures of our little peanut.

And we wait,,,

So, nothing is happening. The only thing that is really changing is my pupps... it is getting dramatically worse and has spread to my arms, palms, feet and all over my legs. Awesome. SO, we are praying for this little boy to come soon so that his momma can not be covered in the worst rash/itch ever. My life now consists of taking oatmeal skin relief baths, showering with Grandpa's pine tar soap (which smells like musty campfire in a box) and putting on my steriod cream. I have a dr. appt tomorrow and i pray that can get something that helps me!

I have had light contractions on and off, but nothing that is sending me into a real labor. I am so ready for those real contractions though... anything to get this baby moving!

Here is a picture of my shin. Just thought you might want to see what this pupps stuff really looks like. It is pretty hot. This is a more concentrated area, like what is on my belly and thighs, but there are the little bumps covering my whole leg and feet that are not as visible. Also notice how awesomely swollen my feet are!

PUPPP

pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP). The most horrific, horrible rash you can ever experience. Apparently it happens for first time pregnancies, but only 1% of women will get it. I am that horribly unlucky 1%. The rash i had a few weeks ago is like a walk in the park compared to this thing. It has completely covered my lower belly,turning into a solid red rash with deep purple undertones. It has spread all the way down my lower back, butt, thighs, legs and even in between my toes. The toes part is the worst. If you scratch it, it itches more, becomes more painful and even starts to bleed. My midwife told me that she has never seen a case so bad. Perfect. I am taking a topical steroid and a baby-safe oral steroid to try to control this thing. The best option to get rid of it? Have this baby!!!!! Praise the Lord i don't have too much longer to go. I mean, i can have him at any time now. If i had a few weeks more to go, i would probably go completely insane. The medicine causes sleeplessness... so in the last two days i have slept a total of 9 hours. Not such a good thing when you are trying to rest up and get ready for labor. It hurts to have something touch the rash, so when i am home, i pretty much have my whole stomach and legs exposed. Poor Ryan. He has to watch my swollen, full term torpedo belly body that is now covered with a nasty fire red rash waddle around the house. I saw an add for a tv show called the baby swappers or something. It is about teenagers that want to have babies taking care of newborns and toddlers. The tag line is that is not reality t.v, it is birth control. I am telling you, all these people need to see is my red pregnant body that would be enough birth control for awhile!

My mom comes into town tomorrow, so i am praying this baby decided to come, oh say, tomorrow NIGHT! So, say a prayer that this rash from the devil goes away and that this wonderful baby decides to come SOON!

Torpedo Jack

That is what my good friend Jackie labeled him... Torpedo Jack. Why? Because my belly is huge and it sticks out like a torpedo. Ryan commented that i look like i am faking my pregnancy. It looks like i put a beach ball under my shirt and that is not really a baby. Baby Jack only wants to hang out in a tight ball at the very front of my belly. My midwife keeps commenting on how he loves the center of my stomach. The only problem now is that it is starting to really hurt. Ryan and i were going to bed a few nights ago and we saw his knee/heel/elbow. Whatever it was, it was small, pointy and it was pushing it's way around my belly. It looked (and felt) like it was going to push it's way out of my stomach at that very moment. It was one the of craziest things i have ever seen. Ryan keeps staring at my belly because he wants to see some sort of body part sticking out again.
We are a day shy of 2 weeks from our due date. I doubt i will make it that long. I have been having cramps/contractions for the past few days. i also lost a pound this week, instead of gaining weight and am starting to feel a bit sick. All of these are signs of pre-labor. My goal is to make it till at least next Friday. My mom is coming into town on Thursday and i want her to be there for the birth. I also want one last weekend with just my hubby. He was gone at a wedding last weekend and i miss him. I want to spend some alone time with him before our lives dramatically change. I also have lots of things that i need to get still and things to do. So, torpedo Jack better stay put for a week more.
It is crazy to think about our lives changing so much in such a short time now. We both are excited. The baby is in a posterior position right now, so we are hoping he turns around soon. No more lounging on the couch or propping myself up in bed with pillows. I need to be either be leaning forward, on my hands and knees or completely flat in hopes that he turns to face my back. So now we wait...

Oh Belly

I have had a great pregnancy. I have literally traveled all over the world while i was pregnant. I have not thrown up once. I have just started to swell, but it is an ungodly 90+ degrees here as well. Each time i go to the Dr. the baby has a super healthy heart rate. In fact, i have been called sturdy and healthy as a horse...BUT now i have a complaint.
My belly itches. A LOT!!! I mean, all the time. really badly. Keeps you up at night itchy. At first i thought that it was from the stretching. My belly looks like a beach ball and my baby likes to hang out right in front by my belly button, thus there is bruising around my belly button. I put lotion on it all the time, and it did not help. I put calamine lotion on it. Didn't work. Now, there is a lovely attractive rash. The doctor has looked at it and said that it was not PUPPP, but i am on benadryl and hydrocortizone. The problem? Doesn't work. I still itch like crazy. The only thing that helps is to expose my bruised, red rashed belly to air and place a cool wet washcloth on it. Cant exactly get away with that at work though...
So, with four weeks left to go... i itch. If anyone knows something that will help, it would be greatly appreciated.

Craziness...

The last week or so has been pretty crazy for the Fedells. We have our friend Crystal Roehl in town for 10 days. She is leaving to go live in Spain for 2 years as a missionary associate with International Media Ministries soon, and this is the last chance we will see her. She fly in on Tuesday night, in between our OB appointment, pediatrician interview and birthing class. Poor girl. She has been left alone for 5 days!
On Tuesday the 20th, i got a phone call at 5:11am from my little brother. He had found my Aunt Susan unresponsive in our living room. Some of you know about my Aunt Susan. She bravely fought a horrendous throat cancer that eventually took her life. Before she died, she had overcome tongue cancer, lost all her hair, most of the skin on her neck, the ability to talk and eat (She had a feeding tube) and yet she was still strong. She handled it better than anyone i know. I don't know if i could go what she went through with her positive attitude. She lived with my parents the last 6 months or so and they were her constant care givers. Ryan and i got special permission from my OB to fly and we went home to be with my family and to help with the funeral. Thankfully, Crystal has a friend who lives in Lynchburg, VA and she was able to drive there and spend those 5 days with her friend.
Yesterday we went to the Virginia Aquarium and watched a 3-d movie WHILE we drank ICEEs... how long has it been since i have had an icee? I have no idea, but man, that thing tasted good.
We were able to get to the beach for a bit and took a few pictures. Here they are!


The fishing pier near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge

Sunset by the Bay Bridge.

My hot Hubby.

Washington D.C

Last weekend Ryan and I went to Washington D.C. We went with my boss Rhonda and Donna and we hosted 3 young people from CBN Cambodia. They had never been out of Cambodia before, so we decided to show them as much of the U.S as possible. Ryan had never been to D.C before, and since all our expenses were paid, we jumped at the opportunity. It was SOO nice to be in a real city again. That was one of the best parts, to be in a nice clean city and not a beachy strip mall town. The not fun part was the pain in my hips and feet after waddling around for 15 hours. It is a great idea to visit D.C, maybe not such a good idea to walk D.C 32 weeks pregnant. I really am done traveling now....i think. Here are a few of the classic D.C pictures.

On the National Mall looking the the Lincoln Memorial.

The Lincoln Memorial.

Overlooking the Potomac with the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial.

Ryan was hanging out with George Mason. They are buddies.

The capital building at night.

The White House. No one was home that day. Jenna was getting married in TX.