Off to Austin!

I'm very excited to come to Austin this weekend! We have not been to town since early March and this may be my last trip until our little guy is a couple of months old. I'm very excited to celebrate with my shower this weekend since I was not in Minnesota when I was pregnant with Zane.

Zane has been asking to visit his grandma's and grandpa's, so he's very excited too! He can also show off his new hair cut (finally)! Zane also said he will share mommy with his baby brother. We'll be visiting the hospital next week to take a tour and show Zane around and help him understand what to expect.

For reference, in case you do want to visit after I have the little guy, I will be delivering at Fairview-Southdale in Edina. The address is: Fairview Southdale Hospital, 6401 France Ave. S.Edina, MN 55435

I am officially 8 months today-what does this mean? My back hurts, I having a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions,  I don't sleep well and I'm tired, but this little guy is worth it! As for baby, he is close to the 4 pounds and around 17 inches. According to my baby websites, he has also developed sensitivity to temperature and has little toe nails and finger nails now! he still moves quite a bit, but I can certainly tell that he's cramped.  I have a doctor appointment today, so I'll be leaving work soon to get weighed, measured and hear his little heart beat!  I cannot wait to meet him!

Looking forward to seeing family and friends this weekend! Thanks Kellie for putting together my baby shower! Love you!

Enjoying the Outdoors!

Not a whole lot has happened in the past few weeks. I'm almost 32 weeks, yes 8 months! Time is really flying by. According to the "average baby" He's about 15.2 to 16.7 inches long and weighs about 3 to 3.8 pounds this month. He's going through major brain, eye and nerve development, and his irises now react to light! They say all five of his senses are in working order too. Such an amazing miracle to watch a baby develop and become a little human!  I'm feeling good, baby is busy moving and digging his toes right in to my right side of my ribs. I am really feeling big lately! Two more months to go!! As for Mr. Zane, he still refuses to cut his hair; first because of hockey players but now he sees the baseball players with their hair sticking out of their hat! No hope for a hair cut!

We've been trying to enjoy the beautiful weather! I've been getting the details of Zane's big birthday together and he is excited people are coming to his house!! He's also been very helpful with getting baby stuff ready. The picture below was last week at 30 weeks and the other pictures are at Como Zoo.

We had a very nice Easter weekend. Paul and Carole came up for the weekend and Zane, Carole and I went to Como Zoo. On Saturday Dad and Marci came up after their show and I made an Easter dinner for everyone! I forget how much I love cooking big meals. I always cooked for us and our neighbors in Colorado. Zane thought it was pretty cool to have them up to his house! He really appreciates visitors!

I'm looking forward to seeing some of you next weekend at my baby shower! You'll see, this picture doesn't do justice to how big I really am!

28 week appointment-3rd trimester!

　

We visited the doctor yesterday for an ultrasound and blood draw. The visit went great, little guy weighs 2 lbs and 13 oz and his doing really well. He was very active in the ultrasound because I drank the sugar drink for my glucose test a bit before. The ultrasound tech was laughing because he would not cooperate. She got a few good shots, which you can see below. The purpose of the ultrasound was to check my placenta and cervix since I had Zane early, my doctor wanted to check the position. Good news, my placenta has moved so no limitations for me! Yay!

　

I'll find out about the glucose test early next week. I'm hopeful it comes back negative so I don't have to do the 3 hour test. I didn't have it with Zane, and I have not had a lot of weight gain during this pregnancy (12 lbs.) so she feels pretty good. I guess we'll see. She just asked we continue to keep our fingers crossed for little guy not to come until after 37 weeks. I did schedule my c-section for June 7th, so if he's not here by then that will be his birthday! 7 is my lucky number too so it works out pretty neat

What a wonderful life...

I'm not sure if I am in Minnesota or Colorado...the past few weeks of weather sure have been confusing but so appreciated! To my MN Friends, this is what Colorado winters are like-snow, but warm days and a beautiful sunshine!

This weekend we took advantage of the weather and spent most of our days outside. I took Friday off of work (I really needed it) and went to the MN Zoo. We are now zoo members (Thank you Mom!) so we will be spending a lot of time this summer there! Zane loved the dolphin show, the leopard (who was pacing-Zane said he wanted his mommy) and the camels. He really wanted to see the eagle but he was moved because they are making a new exhibit for the bears so maybe next time and he enjoyed the owl. Right as we were leaving a man was holding a beau constrictor, which Zane wanted to see, but didn't want to get too close and as soon as we walked away we had to return for a second look. Silly boy!

On Saturday we had a Zane and Mom day. Brian had a boys day and enjoyed shooting clay pigeons, golfing and catching up with some friends. Zane and I went and did a little shopping for summer clothes, yes, in March since he's grown out of most of his t-shirts and needed shorts, and then we went and played 'baseball'. We ran the bases (he made me run them-7 months pregnant, I'm sure that was a pretty sight), played in the dirt and and the umpire (Zane) kept calling everything a strike; even when I'd hit it. Zane was also 'Joe Mauer' as he calls himself. Needless to saw we had a great day. We also colored a leprechaun, made muffin paper flowers and snuggled. He's such an fun boy and getting so big!!

Sunday was also very eventful (we had to enjoy this beautiful weather). We went out and played baseball, soccer and golf all on the baseball diamond. We also flew our kite and checked out a new park. We have so many plans for the summer, I can't wait! We also found a great authentic Mexican restaurant in Chanhassen that we never knew was right down the road from us. We went there for some dinner and on Sunday nights they have Mariachi singers. Zane was in heaven. He watched the men play their guitars and violin as well as sing, and then it was his turn. The came over and sang several songs for Zane. This was the best "eating out" experience we've had in a long time. We have never been regulars anywhere and don't have many regular things we do, but Sunday nights we will be visiting this restaurant often. Before we were even home Zane asked when we can go back. He even ate most of his meal (which is unusual too!). Lots of fun! Now back to the grind at work.

I'm very anxious as we have a big event on Wednesday and Thursday I'm hosting a lunch and meeting for about 35 people and then off for an ultrasound, glucose test and doctor appointment. I'm 28 weeks this week and feeling every bit pregnant! Zane was very honest and told me my tummy is big.

Wow, 30 years have passed!

As you probably know it was my 30th birthday on Sunday! I don't feel any older though, just pregnant! Zane helped make a cake. He told me to sit down and he was going to do it all by himself. That would have been an interesting site. Brian and I also realized that we've been together half my life! That's a long time!! This weekend we enjoyed two nice days outside with such beautiful weather. We went up to the Mississippi River hoping to fish, but the water levels were so low we just played at the park. At the park they have a cabin built out of logs with picnic tables below and Zane say it and his eyes got huge and said "Lincoln Logs"! He thought that was pretty neat!

The past few weeks have treated us well. I finished the pictures for the baby's "room". I wish I had more time to paint and draw! I plan to do pen and ink for Zane's room-he wants hockey, football and golf. I want him to have a special place too so that he doesn't feel like everything revloves around the baby. He's been such a big boy! Zane has been going to sleep like a normal child the past week now, instead of 2 hour bedtime routine and falling asleept at 10pm or later and me getting very crabby. Bedtime was such a challenge for about a month but now we are on a good streak, unfortunately for Brian he is no longer napping.

Baby is doing great! I need to take a picture-baby has grown a lot and so have I! He's very active! Bending over is not easy anymore and getting up off the ground when Zane wants to play Legos is quite interesting to say the least! Next week I have my glucose test and also another ultrasound. It's going to be a very crazy week! My boss is coming; we have an event and a Grand Opening for our new site along with hosting an event at Stritch. It will certainly fly by! Im looking forward to more nice days so we can spend time outside.

Leap Day!

This week has been a trying week! Two wonderful guys in Austin, both of whom Brian was friends with lost their lives much too young! Prayers to Luke and Jake's family!! Brian and Zane have been in Austin all week to be with friends and I've been up in the cities by myself as I had to work and couldn't take any time off. I've got a lot done; mostly organizing and even some rest while they are in Austin, but it sure is quite and lonely! I'm looking forward to a fun weekend!

Zane has been a silly little boy! He's getting so tall and does not fit in any of his pants from Christmas! I can't believe how much he has grown in such a short period of time. He's already planning for his 3rd birthday-ready for his cake and everyone to sing to him. He says some funny things too....lately his new thing is "It happens" when some sort of accident occurs. He has also been very much into the Gophers! I just can't believe what a little fanatic Zane is-doesn't matter the sport; hockey, baseball, football, fishing, golf, wrestling...you name it; he has an outfit for it. If you don't know already, he has to change his outfits according to the sport he's playing. I haven't quite decided if this is something I need to worry about or not, but for now Brian and I have accepted that he goes through 10 outfits at day.


As for baby, he's growing so fast! I'm 25 weeks today (6 months and 1 week). He is very active and has one strong kick! He is now the size of an eggplant and anywhere from 1.5-2.5 lbs. I'll find out more details in a few weeks. I have another ultrasounds to make sure everything is ok as my doctor is worried about pre-term labor since Zane came early and I have placenta previa. Everything should be fine though! I'm excited to see him again since he'll have grown quite a bit by 28 weeks vs. when we last saw him at 20 weeks. I also have my dreaded glucose test then too!

Time is flying by...

We had a long weekend in Austin. Brian's uncle Bill passed away and Brian was one of the paul bearer so we headed down Wednesday is some pretty bad fog, and stayed until Sunday morning. While we were in Austin we had a lot of fun.

Zane played with all of his grandparents! Grandpa and Grandma Marci watched Zane while Brian and I went on a well needed date. We don't many of those being in the cities. We went to dinner at George's Pizza and went to a really good movie! We also saw John wrestle in a tournament on Saturday morning. Since the wrestling meet, Zane insists on wrestling Brian and I. He even wrestled his Grandma Carole.

Thanks to our good friends we scored some tickets to the Bruins Paint the Rink Pink game, which was a thriller. Bruins are so much fun to watch and Zane is such a good little fan. He was cheering and whistling (he even caused the man below us to plug his ears and give us a dirty look0. He's all about watching the goalie (if he plays hockey he WILL NOT be a goalie!) He also loved the Bruiser the Bear!

We also visited my mom and Dave's house they are building. It's a beautiful house. Zane was excited to dance around in the rooms. I'm sure it felt like a castle to him; big and open! He talked about the mud on the walls (from the drywall) for a few days. He thought that was pretty funny.

As for the baby, he's getting bigger and bigger! I am now 22 weeks, which means the baby is about a pound and about 11 inches (about the size of a spaghetti squash). He's really growing and so is my belly! Each day I feel a little bigger and it's getting harder to bend over! Can't wait to meet this little guy. He's very active, especially around 4am when I usually get up to go to the bathroom. I felt him kick from the outside this morning for the first time. I hope Brian and Zane will get to feel him soon. When I put Zane's hand on my tummy he refused to perform, as least we have some time! I know Zane will really get a "kick" out of feeling his baby brother. Zane has also been very opinionated in naming the little guy. As of now, Zane is still convinced his name will be Cookie Monster, however when we discuss 'real' names there are some he says No way to, and others he continues to repeat.

The countdown begins...20 weeks down, 20 weeks (or less) to go!

Time is going by so fast, I just realized that I need to share some updates....

 Zane has been a funny boy! His new phrases lately are "of course, mom" and "Really!?!"  He and I went to the Children's Museum on MLK. It was a big day, he wore his big boy pants (not pull ups) all day with no accidents! He had so much fun. We took him last year, but he was still pretty little to enjoy it, this time he made some paper, he drove the bus, organized their grocery store, helped Peter Rabbit cook his vegetable stew and much more! We'll be going back there again!! He's all about hockey and now he even has a hockey helmet (he already  has a net and sticks so it's the whole package). Brian took him to a pond near our home to play hockey last week, and he thought that was pretty neat! Zane is such a big boy! He's doing so well potty training ( I think we can safely say he's out of the potty training phase, we just need to get the poop thing down). He'll go poop every so often, but not regularly in the toilet. For those of you who have potty trained, you understand! We're extremely patient and so proud of him! He knows he's not a baby anymore!

Zane is very excited for the baby to come. I had my 20 week ultrasound last week. Baby is doing great, 11 ounces, very active and has all organs and limbs! I have partial placenta previa like I did with Zane, but I will not have to worry about 36 hrs of labor since we've already determined I'm having C-section the fist week of June, if baby will wait that long. The good thing is we'll get to see the baby again at 28 weeks, and if necessary more often. We also confirmed that baby is a boy! We are all very happy and now it's trying to figure out a name for this little guy! We have his middle name figured out, but just like with Zane, we're having trouble agreeing on his first name. Zane is ready to play football and basketball with baby, so hopefully he's not too disappointed when the baby can't play when we bring him home. I'm grateful because I saved all of Zane's baby clothes. I just bought a double stroller last week and Zane is ready to ride in it (it's still in the box) but he took it upon himself to start opening the box! He's so determined.

This weekend we visited Kellie and Sterling in Winona, which was fun. The boys ice fished and were able to bring enough fish home Sunday for dinner! It was delicious! Kellie, Zane and I went to a wedding show. I tasted her cake, met her photographer and saw her DJ. She is really organized and ready for this wedding. Now she just needs to figure out small details (and I need to figure out my speech) and for time to pass so we can get the show on the road!

Enjoy our pictures and I'll keep you posted!

Zane's a big boy!!

This week was pretty easy going, no traveling or plans. We took Zane to an indoor play area that has the coolest climbing tower and gym. He loves going there and each time we go he is a little more brave. There are big slides, towers and kids everywhere. He also gets to play basketball and jump in a bouncy house! Kids these days are so lucky! This weekend we stayed home and did a lot of playing, a little exploring at Cabellas and Zane practiced going potty. Brian went ice fishing really early on Sunday but didn't have much luck! I was a little nervous for him since it's been so warm. I love our weekends at home. The are typically pretty uneventful, but this weekend we had a lot to celebrate Zane- is officially potty trained! Whew, such a relief! I was hoping he's be potty trained before the baby came.

　

So, if you're really interested in the details, here they are...During the week Zane and I took back a box of his diapers to Target because I could tell he was serious about this potty business. He picked out his own big Buzz Light year big boy pants (they are so cute on his little butt). He did really well with only a few accidents as long as we reminded him. Then he started to go on his own and we even made up a potty song that he thinks is so cool! He makes us sing it each time he goes potty and doesn't let us forget!! He continues to tell us that he's not a baby because he doesn't wear diapers. Oh, we're really proud of him!! He hasn't had an accident in several days, woke up from bedtime dry two days in a row and today he even went poopy on the toilet!

　

As for the baby, quite uneventful! I'm in the 2nd trimester and feeling great. I have my 20 week ultrasound on January 25th and I'm really anxious and excited to see how much the little one has grown! I'm sure baby is getting big compared to the last one at 14 week. Zane is really anxious. He keeps asking me to take the baby out of my tummy. He'll be a great big brother! I can't wait to take Zane to pick out the baby's coming home outfit and a few other things for baby!

　

Here we start another week! I'm heading to Milwaukee Wednesday for work and will be back on Friday! I'm not a huge fan of traveling to Milwaukee, but at least I can fly rather than drive! We have meetings with the College, sounds like there are some big changes taking place.

　

Happy Monday! Have a great week!

It's been awhile!!

Facebook has taken over my blogging but I have decided to resume our family blog! Looking back over this blog during my growth and then Zane's growth brought be back to times that seem so long ago (yes, I know 2-3 years ago is not a long time) but when your talking all of the changes a little one goes through, time has gone by so fast!

I plan to update this weekly so you can all be entertained by the "Zaneisms" that Brian and I are fortunate to hear daily as well as keep up with the little one that is due June 14th (one day before Zane was due). I'm 17th weeks today (I'll save you from the math) I'm excited to share with you our stories.

I recently started feeling our little one moving around and we've seen a few pictures of baby. I'm a little nervous because the two ultrasounds I've had the baby is moving all over the place-we're going to be busy with two of them! Zane is so excited and now talks to my tummy! He's going to be a great big brother!

As for Zane, he gets funnier and funnier each day! To set the stage: The other day Brian and I were playing with him, and he's potty training right now (almost there!!! Yay!). We give him dum dum suckers when he goes potty, but the rule is that he cannot jump or run with a sucker in his mouth. He was about to jump from our ottoman and we said, "Zane, don't jump with the sucker in you mouth." and he says, "Oh, yeah. Sorry, I forgot!" Coming from a 2 year old, I wonder where he came up with that. Again, back to the suckers, he went potty right before bed so we gave him a sucker (yes, you might judge us, but we gave him a sucker before bed for going potty), and he said, "Daddy, not a sucker before bed!" and laughed!

Oh, how we love this little boy! Can't wait to meet baby!!