Thursday is the day!

Our little guy will be her in just two days, I cannot even believe it. We thought all along he was coming early but he's hung out until my scheduled c-section on Thursday. I'm doing good, just uncomfortable. We've tried to take advantage of the nice weather by going to Como Zoo, the beach and playing at the beach as much as possible.  I don't last as long as I have in the past, but soon we'll have a new little guy joining us and I know I will be just fine and ready to have fun! We thought we had a name; Logan, but have decided against it. Though we have not decided or agreed on a name either, so we will just wait and see when he is here. I have my favorite name, which is not Logan and I think Brian has a name he really likes, so we'll see what fits him best! Zane has been very openly excited lately, it's so adorable. He picked out a present for his baby brother and has been helping with the finishing touches.

He's been such a silly boy, as usual. Some of his favorite things lately are baseball, soccer, hockey, fishing and pretending to be an Avenger. He has a hulk mask and gloves and Captain America mask and shield. Brian has also taken Zane fishing a few times and he really loves it. He hasn't caught any on his pole yet, however he's reeled quite a few in and loves throwing them back in the water.

Zane had his 3 year check up a few weeks ago and the doctor was pleased with him. He is still a little peanut- 5 percentile for most everything except height, I think she said 20th. She was happy with his cognitive development and of course he had to be silly. She asked him his shapes and she drew a rectangle and he said hockey puck and started laughing. He often asks me to draw hockey goalies with their stick and puck.

I'll post pictures as soon as I can of our new little guy!

Zane is 3!

This weekend was a wonderful weekend with family and friends! We celebrated Zane's 3rd birthday. He's such a character and really enjoyed having everyone over! He loves being around all of his grandparents, aunts and uncles and friends. He's been talking about his party since Saturday! Thank you to everyone who made is such a special day for Zane, and for all of your help too!

It's so neat to see him coming out of his shell. He was such a shy little guy and he's begun to open up so much around other and really have fun. We took him to Chucky Cheese and the Indoor Park for his actual birthday and to see him just go off and play with other kids is so neat. He does ask us every day now to go to Chucky Cheese! I guess he had fun!

Zane is so cute when talking about the baby. He still calls him Cookie Monster, but he said he will share is beloved monkey pillow with him and he also told me he loves baby brother. He also said he wants him to come today, he doesn't want to wait. I don't know that he'll feel that way once we get home, but let's hope so!
I also had my 37 week doctor appointment today. Everything sounds good and my doctor says he can come anytime. She said he's already larger than Zane was when he was born, which was 6 lbs. 4 oz. She said if he makes it to June 7th (the day of my C-section, he'll be well over 8 lbs.) I have not dilated or effaced anymore than 3 weeks ago when I had some pre-term labor symptoms. I guess the "bed rest" has helped. Brian did tell the doctor that I have not complied with her bed rest, but I can certainly say I've toned it down a lot! I can't believe he tried to get me in trouble! I am now free to do anything without limitations, however it's getting pretty tough. I told my doctor he must be really low as he feels like he is about to fall out, and she said that's pretty normal. Not a great feeling! I'm sure all of you mom's know what I'm talking about.

According to my baby site, baby is the size of a watermelon-yep! He likely measures around 18.9 to 20.9 inches and is gaining about 1/2 lb. a week. I have not been sleeping at all as I am very uncomfortable, but I know the end is near. It just makes for a rough day when my 3 year old won't let me nap. This will be interesting when baby comes!

Again, if anyone is interested in visiting when baby comes, we will be in Edina at Fairview-Southdale Hospital. Address: 6401 France Avenue South Edina, MN 55435 and you can call my cell if you'd like: 952-820-5299.

Here are a few pictures to share from our week!

home resting....this will be interesting

Well, this week brought on some big changes for us. I am now home on bed rest until our little guy arrives. Everything should be fine, my doctor is just trying to prevent him from coming sooner. We hope to make it to 37 weeks. I had some bleeding along with contractions and my cervix is dialated to 1cm. It's tough just sitting around, and it's hard for Zane to understand not to mention poor Brian. He has everything on his back now. I just need to continue to rest and hopefully not go too crazy! We're looking forward to celebrating Zane's birthday in a few weeks! If anyone has ideas to keep us sane or wants to come up to give Brian a break we would be very grateful!

What a beautiful baby shower!

Thank you so much to my sister, Kellie who threw me the most wonderful baby shower on Saturday, April 21st! This was her first "event" that she's planned so I am very proud of her. She did not embarrass me with the games and did a nice job getting everything organized! I LOVED her diaper cake! I've posted a picture below!! I was so lucky to have most of my family there and some very good friends too! Thank you all for coming and joining in our celebration of the upcoming arrival of Logan Stephen! I am very grateful for all the wonderful gifts we received. He is certainly loved already! I do have to say one of the highlights was of course, Zane and his Twins underwear. He is such a silly boy, and after wearing his Twins underwear over his jeans and diving into the bag, to top it he says, "I'm adorable!" We were also very lucky to be in Austin to celebrate my Uncle Scott and his twin brother Steve's 50th birthday party. It was a great time, but such a busy day. This day marked a big day for us too, Zane actually asked if he can go out and play with the big kids without Mom or Dad. He's growing up on us so fast!

We've now been spending days getting all of the baby stuff organized and ready. All of his clothes, blankets, sheets, socks and all the other stuff that comes with a baby is clean and ready for his arrival! Please continue to pray that he waits until June 7th or close to that date. I am 33 weeks, but have 6 to go since my c-section is one week before his actual due date. His arrival is very coming soon! I'm am really becoming more and more uncomfortable, but I know that this is only temporary for the little blessing we will soon have! He is about 4-5 lbs and 17-18 inches-as my baby website says he's about the size of a pineapple.

Me at my party!                                      

 yes, this is Zane's butt diving in the bag!

 Diaper Cake                                               

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!