How Tolerant Will Dolly Be??

This video makes me laugh, i some how don't think Dolly is going to be nearly as tolerant of "BABY" as this cat is!

Click this Video link to watch!

I guess she is a tolerant little cat for some things, well she really doesn't have a choice here...we take her to the groomers every 5 weeks for a bath and hair cut (she gets "pampered" more often than I do!). Each time they wash her she cries as if she's being tortured. I snapped this photo of her looking like a drowned rat...doesn't she look thrilled!

I laugh at all my cat postings...while baby Ward is still in the oven, Dolly is our #1 baby!

A Different Kind of Christmas

This year we decided not to travel for Christmas, with me being 33 weeks along i just didn't want to worry about something happening while we drove 10 hours across Iowa/Nebraska or were tried to fly to Maryland and deal with the weather delays, ect so we opted for our first Christmas in MN.

Many of our friends commented that it would be good to stay in MN to avoid the family drama...but the thing is Jason and i both really lucked out in that neither one of us have family drama and there is no stress during the holidays with our families, so its an enjoyable time for us. So we were both really bummed to stay in MN for the holidays.

We made the most of Christmas in Plymouth. On Christmas Eve our friends Mike, Tara, Jen and Scott came over for dinner. We had what is considered to be a tradition in my family...soup and sandwiches with tons of appetizers. We all ate way too much, so we followed up with several games of Wii...nothing says Christmas like a competitive game of bowling! On Christmas Day we headed over to Stacy and Jen's house for a delicious dinner of ham, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and all the other stuff that goes with it!! Ohhhh was i in heaven...i ate enough for myself and tripletes that day!! After dinner the group played Rock Band...I was a spectator as i just have NO musical rythem. Now Jason on the other hand, on the guitar had so much fun that he went to do the splits with his guitar and ripped the entire crotch out of his jeans!

Clearly next Christmas will be different for us as we add one more to our family. It brings a smile to my face to think how next year will be so different as we see Christmas for the first time through the eyes of our very own child!

Blessings...

32 Week Update

The practice i go to has some 12 OB/GYN's and since you have no choice of who delivers your baby they recommend if you've had a low risk pregnancy to see everyone. Which i pretty much had done, at week 30 I met Dr BJ Harris and i just loved her...she seemed to care more about me, she asked a lot of questions and actually had a personality outside of just baby talk, she was really a "breath of fresh air" vs the other docs who just didn't give me that same "caring vibe" that i get from Dr. Harris. So i decided that now through the end of my pregnancy and post pregnancy she's my new OB/GYN. Anyway, the 32 week appt went great...and everything seems to be progressing nicely. Weight is up...eekks...but on target...stomach measured right at 32 cm and the heart beat was just right! So appears that Baby Ward is doing well all cozy inside!!

Baby Books Galore...

OK i know i've been a slack at updating the blog recently and many of you have been requesting updates!! Let me explain further just why you haven't seen any updates...i've been reading, reading, reading...pretty much every book i can get my hands on with regards to prenatal and post natal. It's such an overwhelming topic that i thought perhaps the more educated I made myself the better i would feel about the whole life changing process. As if the classes we took at the hospital just weren't enough (CPR, Breast Feeding, Birthing and All About Baby's)...i have managed to read the following books...
1. "Heading Home With Your Newborn"
2. "Planning for birth and beyond"
3. Of course the old stand by "What to Expect when Expecting"
4. "Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy"
5. "Baby Bargains"
and today i started on "Happiest Baby on the Block"...ohh wait there are more just waiting for me..."Baby Wise" and "Healthy Sleep Habits" are in line next. I'm sure many of my mom friends are reading this thinking i'm crazy but it makes me feel better...i'm sure i'll still be clueless but at least i've tried! A lot of great information out there...and of course a lot to sift through and decide what will work for us.

Week 29 Update

Umm i think it looks like I'm smuggling a watermelon and perhaps a couple of cantaloupe for that matter! Eesssh, if it weren't bad enough that my clothes are tight on the belly they are tight on the chest as well. Which has me frequently questioning what it is about large breasts that is alluring to many?! Honestly, I find them to be large, cumbersome and in the way...but that's a whole other conversation!

Ok back to the real point, my belly is growing...and that means Baby Ward is growing. Over the last two weeks I've felt the most bizarre sensations as he does high kicks and somersaults inside my stomach. No doubt he is an active one.

Starting week 30 (this coming week) I'll be seeing the doctor every two weeks to ensure that things are progressing along nicely with BW. In addition to increased doctor visits Jason and i attended Infant CRP last Monday then Wednesday we'll be going to a Breastfeeding class, Saturday we spend 8 hours at the birthing/parenting class and the following Saturday is another 8 hours of "All About Baby". Then we'll be certified parents...errr uhh something like that...armed with information but still clueless!

Week 28 3D Ultrasound

As many of you know for a baby shower gift from Shannon i received the 3D ultrasound, which was SOO amazing...technology at it's finest. The tech struggled getting a clear image of Baby Ward's face as he still prefers to lay with his feet over his head, so each time he went to take the picture, BW would move his feet causing waves across his face!! If you look at photo #3, the image to the right of his face, yea that's his left leg!! OMG, talk about an uncomfortable position. I'm still banking on an all American kicker verse a ballerina!! LOL!
Anyway, due to BW's position, the tech invited us to come back at 30 weeks (which is this coming week!!) for another sonogram. He felt that with just two additional weeks of growth BW wouldn't be comfortable with his feet over his head therefore we'd be able to get some clearer images! Can't wait for that trip...check back as those photos will be posted!!

Thanks again Shannon!

Dolly and Jason

Whenever i get the chance to work from home i'm always amazed that Jason actually gets any work done as every time i go to his office, this is what i see. Tell me who's going to have the hardest time adjusting when the baby arrives!?! She seriously follows him around where ever he goes...I think Jason just might be the "cat-whisperer". I guess she should enjoy it now cause it's going to change come February.

And to think he "didn't like" cats before he met me...

A Relaxing Saturday Night w/Tiff & Shannon

Saturday night we were wiped out from Friday nights outing and Saturday's baby shower so we decided to stay in. We put on our PJ's and ordered pizza and ate like little piggies. Of course with full bellies and a chilly night it was perfect for the fireplace to be turned on. Of course Dolly was pumped as that's her favorite thing on a chilly winter (close enough to winter in MN) night. Ahh aren't those photos cute...and Tiff and Dolly are really sleeping in that photo! Dolly loves her Auntie Tiffy and Auntie Shannon!!

Baby Ward's Baby Shower

All i have to say is that Baby Ward is one loved little guy and he hasn't even arrived! Saturday's shower was a wonderful event and i couldn't have imagined it any better! Jen, Gina, Emily and JRo (photo attached) did a stellar job and not one detail was missed, THANKS LADIES!! The shower was a great mix of old and new friends who were incredibly generous with all the fun gifts...from cute outfits to soothing swings/swaddles and plush cuddly toys...the list goes on and on. Now we just need to figure out what to do with all of them once B.W. arrives!! We also played celebrity baby names in which Tiff won the grand prize...no surprise there since she's always had her head in Hollywood. We also played baby bingo and Rachel was the winner! It was a great party...thanks to all who could make it!

Two separate photo albums to view...they aren't the best but they'll do!
Click HERE to view JRo's photos of the baby shower.
Click HERE to view my photos of the baby shower.

Chino Latino

Friday night Shannon and Tiff flew in from Chicago and Kara drove from LaCross for Baby Ward's shower...so i thought it would be fun to get together. So Kara along with Allie, Jenny, Shannon, Tiff and I went all went to Chino Latino for dinner. When we arrived the place was hoppin', we had a reservation so we didn't have wait. Unfortunately though, the place was SO loud we couldn't even have a conversation amongst the group, boy how things change as i remember loving that place back in the day...loud and crazy...you know the old me...who's now saying "it's too loud and crowded in here"!! Regardless it's always fun to see old friends.

Kara and i for years have had this running joke about White Zin, you see Kara drinks White Zin and i've always referred to her as my "white trash wine drinking friend"...as you know White Zin is not the fanciest of wines but Kara just loves it and i've learned to embrace her lack of taste in wine and now it's become a running joke between us. She was kind enough to buy this shirt of some guys back, LITERALLY, washed it up and gave it to me as a gift. It made me laugh out loud...the times when Karen and Ginger (Kara and I's bar-alter egos) would go out to the bars and Kara would order White Zin and i'd get embrassed (those days have long past). Anyway, Thanks Kara i'll wear that shirt with pride!!

Trip to the Os House

Saturday we went to see the Osendorf's. We took pizza over and hung out for a couple of hours. Was great to see Baby Landon, I had seen him at just 12 hours and then on Sat he was 2 weeks so it was fun to see the changes in him. We were also able to harass Logan and get the low down on all his trick'r treating activities as well as see him in his costume, which was too funny, he was a werewolf. Then of course for dessert JRo brought out two big bowls of candy...holy chocolate bowl...Eeessh no wonder dentists are so busy!! We brought Logan some play dough and i'm not sure who had more fun making stuff...Jason or Logan!! It was a good trip to St Paul to see them...wish they lived closer!

24 Weeks and Growing

There is no question now...I'm not toting a big ol' beer belly but rather...a baby! The belly is growing like crazy...and its funny to think back when i was about 10 weeks thinking you could really tell i was pregnant...when in fact you really couldn't! I remember Shannon telling me early on, enjoy it now as you'll have plenty of time to feel pregnant and that is the truth!!! Baby Ward is much more active now and he enjoys most of his movement in the evenings around 8:30pm...he does move on occasion during the day but i'm so busy with work that i don't really notice so much!

This past Wednesday i had my 24 week check up and doctor said everything's on track. I have been having major issues with leg cramps, which is no fun. I was told to increase my calcium intake...i'm not a big fan of plain white milk...i either need chocolate syrup added to it or a chocolate chip cookie...chocolate cake...brownie...umm you get the idea. Can you see now where the "back fat" might be coming from! =)

Abel's Annual Pumpkin Carving Party

Our friends Jen and Stacy are both designers and every year they have a pumpkin carving contest...and everyone crosses their fingers that Jen or Stac will be on their team as they do the most unbelievable pumpkin carvings! This year my partner was Emily...and while neither of us have any sort of design back ground we were pretty proud of our simple carving of a spider...we called her "Charlotte"...while we didn't get first place we were still very proud of our work! Jen and Joe too first place on this unbelievable carving...now the photo doesn't do it justice as it was one kick ass pumpkin...!

Pumpkin Patch/Apple Orchard

Saturday i went to the pumpkin patch/apple orchard with Jen and Gina...we had to get some pumpkins for the Abel's big pumpkin carving party that was held Saturday night. The weather was beautiful, it was about 55 with sun, we picked some pumpkins and then after all that hard work we treated ourselves to a yummy apple donut! Mmm...just what a pregnant gal desires!! I also brought home a homemade apple pie...we have had an yet but since it's cold and snow flurries today it will be the perfect comfort food!

Nurse Dolly Cares For Sick Patient

OK, so for those of you who have pets...you can see this story play out...for those of you who don't you think those of us with pets are crazy! Anyway, after lunch Jason was going to lay down and I told Nurse Dolly that while I was working that she was in charge of looking after Jason and making sure if he needed anything to help him out. She meowed as she lay on the couch in her normal spot sunbathing, as in "I don't have time right now". About 30 minutes later i came out of the office and Nurse Dolly had taken it upon herself to make sure that Jason was looked after. I thought this photo was too cute of the two of them sleeping. Umm who's going to have a rude awakening come February?!?!

A Fall Game of Disc Golf

Sunday was a beautiful day here in Minneapolis and Jason was dying to get out of the house prior to shoulder surgery. So we ended up playing disc golf (like regular golf but with a frisbie), I had never played and to be honest, I really wasn't that excited about it...until i got out on the course. First off the weather was beautiful and the course is set among a bunch of trees, so we had the pretty fall colors surrounding us...but more importantly...I really loved the game! So I was terrible on the first 5 rounds or so but once i got the hang of it really started to enjoy my time outside with Jason, he of course kicked my arss. It's too bad it took some 4 years for me to get out and play...right before our MN winter, but i'll for sure play again!

Jason's Shoulder Surgery-"Weight Lifters Shoulder"

Jason had shoulder surgery on his left side today and all went well. I spoke with the orthopedic surgeon post surgery and he shared some photos of inside Jason's shoulder and some of the things he did...of course like most orthopedic surgeons he talked over my head using big words (heck i would too if i was Harvard educated!!)...i'm sure he was getting sick of me saying "what does that mean?" but i didn't care, I wanted to understand what went on...umm i'm still not sure i do but i have a general idea of the process! Sounds like he will be able to shower in 48 hours and will get his stitches out next week! Doc says he needs to take it real easy on getting back to lifting but somehow knowing my husband he'll be back in the gym with Krein and he'll live happily ever after with a weight in his hand!! A before and an after shot...

Ultrasound/Sonogram Week 23...ALL AMERICAN KICKER IN THE NFL??

Today i went back to the doc for an ultrasound...we had one at week 19 but Baby Ward wouldn't show his face...no matter what kind of poking and prodding the tech did he was not moving. He was enjoying this position where he was curled up in a ball looking like he was about to do a somersault...so at that appt we got all the measurements except the face. So today i went back and he had switched positions laying on his back...with is left leg over his head...yes you heard me correct, his LEG WAS OVER HIS HEAD. Check out that second picture, does that look comfortable to you!?!?!

So like most mothers i've started dreaming about all these wonderful things that my child could do...and i came up with the fact that he could be an ALL AMERICAN KICKER IN THE NFL!! With that type of flexibility i'm almost certain he destined to a kicker!! Certainly not with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, since they don't win anymore...but he'd need to be on a winning team!!! Ok enough about my dream for Jason and I retire and watch our son play in the NFL!

Ok, so the tech finally got the measurements she needed and everything is looking good! Then next week i have my 24 week update...so stay tuned...

Boys and Animals

Someone sent me this picture via email many months ago, in fact i wasn't even pregnant at the time...but i thought it was so cute i saved it. In looking back at this photo i ask myself, is this my future...having all my family in rural Nebraska and all...is there a possibility that something like this would play out in my future with Baby BOY Ward?!?!

Little boys just do the craziest things and I think i'm in for a real adventure to say the least!!!

Maternity Gear

Ok so i've finally had to come to terms with the fact that i needed to store my "normal clothes" and breakdown and buy some maternity gear. The pony tail holder holding my pants together with the bella band just wasn't cutting it anymore. I have quickly realized that i'm in the wrong end of business for this whole baby making process. I have learned that you can take some crap ass material sew a belly panel in it, slap a label on it with the word "maternity" and that alone can increase your retail by 50%.

I went to the maternity store today at lunch and fixed myself up with two pair of maternity pants, black and boring...total $180 (and we don't pay sales tax here in MN). While $180 doesn't sound horrible given i have a zillion pair of $180+ designer jeans...when it comes to maternity you pay $100 for a pair of thin cotton pants...that i'm almost certain you and see my cellulite through! NO LIE! So i've determinded post baby i need to investigate this maternity clothing industry as that is one well oiled machine that's got to be making serious cash.

Thank god my wonderful mother in law Judy is super sewer because she whipped me up 10+ cotton, ohh so comfy maternity tops. THANK YOU JUDY!!!

Our Current and most Spoiled Baby...Dolly.

Ok, in my next life i want to come back as a cat owned by the Ward family. Seriously, she's got the life...20 hours of sleep a day and Jason so kindly tilted the blinds so she could get some warm sunshine, a couple hours spent playing and getting attention and a couple spent eating. In my best baby talk "ohh look at the baby her's sooo tired and worn out from...sleeping"!!!!

LAZY BUM!

Carnahan's Visit Minnesota!

My old college roommate Denise and her husband Dan make the trek from Lincoln to Minneapolis this past weekend! It was so great to see the newly weds and spend some time with them! Saturday was a beautiful day so we went to the sculpture gardens downtown Minneapolis...we all determined that we don't really have an "eye" for that type of "art". Regardless the day was beautiful! The weekend went way too fast but when you're with good company that's what happens!

Ward's and Wright's Visit MN

The Ward's and the Wright's came to visit last weekend. We made a trip to Stillwater for the day, the weather was beautiful! Jason also took full advantage of having Wayne and John here for some home maintenance projects. They got the garage painted and Wayne advised Jason on what he needed to do for the lawn...in addition the guys discussed a plan for finishing the basement...woohooo perhaps in the spring we'll get started on that project! We ladies spent time in the kitchen...ok so i lied, Mom and Judy spent time in the kitchen preparing the meals and i was a taste-tester! Fun to have all four of them here at the same time!

Week 20 Photo Update

Well here we are...the belly IS growing! However sometimes i wonder if people just think i'm fat. Last night i went to get a facial and the guy offered me a glass of wine...and i said "it might look like a beer belly but i am pregnant"!! He claims, like a lot of men, until you know 100% a woman is pregnant you never say a word...i think that's wise! Perhaps the time will come when i feel like a real whale and would die to have a small bump like i do now! The worst thing for me are these growing love handles, i can't take it!! ICK! Do you think these have ANYTHING to do with my extreme passion for cheeseburgers for the last 20 weeks!?!?

Caden Lane Bedding

We finally made our decision on the Caden Lane bedding for Baby Boy Ward, wait let me rephrase this I made the decision on the bedding as Jason really didn't have a preference one way or another. Jason agreed that this one has a lot more color than the other options and we could do some fun painting in the room! It's hard to tell from this picture but its red, bright turquoise blue, lime green, chocolate brown, white and light yellow. Can't wait to get it so we can match up the paint and get moving on the nursery.

Baby Ward...It's a BOY!!!

BRING ON THE TOY TRUCKS, DIRT BIKES AND BASEBALL BATS....ITS A BOY! For those of you who selected boy in the pole...only 36% of you...were correct! We had our 19 week ultrasound today and there was NO denying that this baby is a BOY!! Appears that so far, all is healthy and well with Baby Boy Ward! He is however, somewhat stubborn (hmm, is that a trait from his mom or dad????) as he wouldn't move to a different position so we could see his actual face...so i'll be heading back in 4 weeks for another ultrasound as they need facial measurements as well! Otherwise, all is well and on track!

Jason Returns From China

While I was in Vegas shopping at the ABC show Jason was on a work trip to China. He returned last night and was so happy to be on American soil. He requested that we head to Red Robin for a big American style cheeseburger and fries. So Stacy, Jen, Mike, Gina and I went to RR and waited for Jason to arrive, right around 9pm. He's got some great stories about the food he ate...I'm sure i'd have starved if i would have joined him! Anyway...I'm not sure who missed Jason more, me or Dolly. Today she followed him around and anytime he sat she was right beside him! I thought this was a cute photo of the two of them on the couch!

Caden Lane Bedding

So I've always loved Caden Lane...If you aren't familiar with it, think of it as the Chanel of baby bedding; soft, luxurious fabrics. Always admiring...i stopped by their booth at the ABC show in Vegas and I met the owner of the company was well as two other lovely ladies that worked there, we had a great conversation, she's my age and owns this unbelievable company, talk about a serious entrepreneur with a vision! It was really cool chatting with her about how she got the company up and running! Anyway, once we know the sex of baby Ward, i will plan to order...imagine each style on a dark cherry wood crib, BEAUTIFUL!

ABC Show...Las Vegas

This past week I was in Vegas at the ABC show which is the juvenile industry's biggest trade show. This year they had over 1,000 vendors and buyers come in to see new items and brands. I was there for a couple of meetings with Target as Avent had a big booth there. I took full advantage of being there and worked a lot of booths for great deals, well actually i had my "wing woman" Amanda in tow and between the two of us...wow, we're a good team! THANKS MANDERS! Most vendors offered up show discounts or you could actually buy the samples. First off...i got a Valco stroller, which is an Austrilian brand and new in the US. I was able to get a $600 stroller and travel bag for $300. It has all the features we were looking for in a stroller at a hot price! Second, the brand Petunia Pickle Bottom was at the show...they make super cute diaper bags, very modern with beautiful fabric. I was able to get 2 diaper bags and a plush blanket at a great discount!

Baby Ward To Sleep In Luxury!

Last Saturday we went baby furniture shopping...my sister in law Deidree's advice was, don't spend too much as they chew and poop on everything! Anyway, with that piece of advice and our baby bargains book (this book is wonderful other than they are clueless when it comes to Avent) in hand we head to USA Baby. Boy do they have quiet the selection of furniture and it's all set up to look like the baby's room...presentation really is everything! We ended up going with a set from Munire, color selection was Cabernet (a tribute to an old friend :)). We went with the crib and dresser with hutch and of course why don't you throw in the toddler rails and twin conversions as well. Sheesh, say baby, add $1,000 to your total! Nice thing is that the crib converts to a toddler bed and then a twin bed, so essentially 3 in one!

It will take some ridiculous 12 weeks so by mid November we'll have the furniture. I laugh as I've always been the "I want it now" kind of shopper but Jason reminded me that, there is no hurry unless i'm planning to sleep in the crib! Which with these hormones some days i can cry like a baby!

Week 16-Update

We had our week 16 update and baby Ward is progressing! We heard the heartbeat which is always reassuring. Here is a photo of my growing stomach...not sure if its growing for baby to have room or growing because i can't keep my hand out of the cookie jar!! I've also grown these new "love handles"...eeks, i was almost tempted not to post the photo but decided to since i have an excuse to be "fat" now i might as well! LOL!

So on Friday Sept 19 we get to find out the sex of our little peanut! I'm SOOO excited i can hardly stand it! Will it be Pink or Blue?!!? Come back for the verdict!

Minnesota State Fair - Week 16

Nothing makes a pregnant woman happier than eating and i did a great job of that at the MN state fair on Sunday! I ate cheese curds, followed by a corn dog, mini donuts, chocolate chip cookies and unlimited chocolate milk! I was in heaven! I also tried to new feature at the fair...chocolate covered bacon...and well it was as nasty as you'd imagine it would be!!

Let me explain a little further about the MN state fair. Here in MN it's considered to be the "great MN get together" and everyone, i mean everyone goes, not only does everyone go but every news station, both tv and radio, are live at the fair. It's the craziest thing so Jason and i felt compelled to attend with Emily Serrano (native Minnesotan) and crew as our tour guide. It was quiet the experience...Jason and i determined we wouldn't go back until Baby Ward could say "PIG & COW".

Baby Ward's Future Bed

Baby Ward will have a nice little cradle to sleep in the first months of his/her life! I'm going to attempt to breastfeed so we wanted something to put in our room while the baby is little. I thought this cradle seemed modern and pretty cool. Wasn't a huge fan of the caster wheels but i think i might like that when i want to move the cradle closer to our bed. I got a great deal on it so i decided to buy now rather than wait!

Week 15

Been a weird week for me...i haven't felt pregnant. I'm certain Jason is tired of hearing me ask, "you think everything is still ok?" Perhaps rather than worry about it i should just consider myself lucky that i don't have the typical morning sickness and that my crabby mood and tired feelings have passed now that I'm into Trimester 2. Shannon tells me that i have plenty of time to feel pregnant and that i should just enjoy the time where i feel "normal" as in the future my thoughts will change dramatically. The one thing i still have is an appetite for destruction! I could eat anything and everything, however my biggest cravings are those that are fattening...perhaps the trip to the Minnesota state fair tomorrow will help those cravings!!!

Tuesday Aug 26, which is my 33rd birthday we have our week 16 appointment...am excited to confirm that everything IS ok and that i am, perhaps, a partial head case!!

Week 7-You ARE pregnant!

Sorry i should have posted these photos first, but just now got them scanned! This was Baby at week 7...had an ultrasound to confirm my pregnancy and due date of February 11, 2009!

Week 12 Development

The most dramatic development this week: Reflexes. Baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder.

Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously. His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over two inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.