Home Sweet Home

Well it's been awhile since I've updated our blog.  As most of you moms out there know, once bringing a baby into this world there seems to just not be enough time in the day.  I've barely had time to go to the bathroom let along get through all my pictures and update the blog while watching Trystan each day. 

It all started on Friday, February 15th.  The best day of my life...besides getting married as that was a pretty amazing day too.  The doctor ordered an ultrasound on my appointment the day before as I was measuring low.  It was my 39 week checkup and I was measuring about 35 weeks.  That is pretty common at this point as the baby can drop causing the number to go lower; however, the doctor wanted to take precautions and make sure everything was ok.  We went to the ultrasound on Friday morning and the doctor called at 11 saying she called the ER and said I was coming in at 1pm.  My fluids were low and so she felt there was no time to waste as there could be potential complications if I waited another week.  I think I was pretty much in a daze as I couldn't believe this day finally arrived where we would meet our little boy.  We arrived at the hospital at 1 and got checked in.  We waited for the doctor to come visit with us and then they started me on the pitocin around 3:30.  I wasn't really feeling any contractions.  My parents ended up coming to visit and that distracted me for awhile.  Around 6, I was able to start feeling the contractions but they weren't that bad.  The doctor came in at 7:30 to break my water and for the next hour, my contractions really started full force.  This part was pretty much a daze for me as I just laid there and would squeeze Curt's hand when a contraction came on.  Around 8:30 I couldn't hold it anymore and was dying for the doctor to get in to the room so I could start pushing.  I pushed for 15 minutes and our bundle of joy arrived into the world!  Trystan Kale was born at 8:54pm, weighing 7lbs 14oz and 20 inches long.  He was the most beautiful baby, even though his face seemed a little smooshed and was purple :) 

We left the hospital Sunday afternoon and got settled in at home.  Mom came up for a few days which was so nice and a great help! 

I hope now I can just keep up on the blog so you can watch Trystan grow! 

38 Weeks

 

38 Weeks and still no Baby E!  Here I thought maybe I'd go into labor early but as of now, it's not looking like that is going to happen.  Although they say, things can change very quickly.  He must be content inside my belly for now that is....which is ok with me as I'm dreading the big Delivery Day!  I had my weekly checkup with the doctor last Thursday and no change in the dilation.  Still at 1cm but now I'm 70% effaced.  So that is a plus :)  I'm measuring right on for 38 weeks and she said my weight gain was perfectly on track.  I'm starting to feel HUGE and definitely out of breath very quickly.  Baby E is the size of a pumpkin this week and man it sure feels like a pumpkin is inside me! haha.  The whole "Lightening" hasn't happened yet hence the shortness of breath.  Baby hasn't dropped.  Not that I want him too as that means more pressure on my pelvic area and bladder = more peeing!  I must say, that for being 38 weeks pregnant, I slept great this past weekend.  Lately my hips have been bothering me but besides the getting up 3x's a night to pee, I slept like a rock!  It was a great feeling. 

 

I was slightly concerned that Friday night I was going into labor, although I have no idea what it is supposed to feel like.  I had a showing in Lake Preston which is about 40-45 minutes away from Aurora.  When we left, I had the urge to pee but figured I could hold it.  Well, on my drive home I started have a hot flash and cranked the AC.  It couldn't get cold enough, fast enough in my car.  My back was in so much pain and the baby was moving like crazy.  I was VERY uncomfortable and wasn't sure what the heck was going on with my body.  I made it to Volga, ran into the gas station and went to the bathroom and all my pain was relieved!  Guess it was just the baby putting pressure on my bladder.  Jeesh, what a scare though!  After that I was totally fine and was able to proceed home in a much more relaxed atmosphere. 

 

Saturday we had the big HOME SHOW at the Swiftel Center.  It was a busy day as I think most people came out on Sat to avoid the bad weather we were to get on Sun.  I worked for about 5 1/2 hours and got to see a lot of friendly faces!  Our booth rocked and we even made the KSFY news!  How cool is that?  After my shift ended, I headed over to Darcy's and she painted my toenails.  I want to have some pretty toes for when I go into labor!  Now I just need to hope the polish will last until Junior arrives!  Curt went down to SF to meet up with Dad at the gun show.  It must have been a good one as he didn't get home until 9 that night.  Crazy to think that men can look at guns ALL day long!  They are two peas in a pod as Dad is the same way. 

 

Sunday, I did some organizing and caught up with the laundry.  I was trying to motivate myself to clean but I just couldn't do it.  I was too exhausted!  I'm working on a project for Junior's room that involves some painting.  Yikes!  I'm no painter so just hoping my plan will turn out how I envision it.  Curt did his husband duties and finally got some things done for me in the baby's room.  He switched out our light switch so we now have a dimmer and I think it will work out great so now I'm thinking we can get by without a lamp.  He got the blinds hung a week ago or so and worked on hanging the valance!  Yay!  I feel the room is starting to be complete :)  Curt spent a lot of time outside plowing the snow.  Not exactly sure how much we got but I think it was around 6 inches maybe even more.  And it is snowing again today! 

 

 

Isn't this the cutest changing table cover ever???  Thanks to Lolly, I picked this out with some money she sent for Baby E.  Love it! 

 

This week we don't have too much going on.  I am trying to convince Curt to install the car seat bases now as he thinks he'll have time "later".  Oh, that famous word later.  I guess it doesn't matter to me, as when the baby comes that is not my concern but that duty falls onto his lap :) 

 

I have another doctor's appt on Thursday to see if I've made any progress.....time will soon tell! 

 

Getting Closer

37 Weeks oh BOY!  Our little man will soon be here before we know it.  Of course, being the planner I am, I feel I have lots of things on my "To Do" list before he comes.  Curt helped with one of the checklist items and finally hung the new blinds in the nursery.  Yay!  They look so nice and way better than the old crappy ones that were in the room.  Turns out Lowe's ordered part of it wrong so now I have to call and get that fixed.  We still have to find a lamp for the room, hang the valance and install car seat bases (which Curt of course says will take no time at all).  We'll see how much time will allow us to get these items done!  I would like to get our taxes done and Curt has his annual review to work on as well.  Let's just hope this baby doesn't plan on coming early as I'm trying to get all the paperwork in line and everything ready! 

I do feel somewhat relieved as I went to SF on Saturday to get some last minute items I needed for the baby.  They have all shipped and heading to our house!  One of these items was the baby book so that is slightly crucial to be here before Baby E arrives as we will need to have the nurses put his hand and feet prints in the book.  I went to Hobby Lobby and rounded up some supplies for another project I want to work on that includes his little hands and feet.  I just need to work on part of it ahead of time so that I can be ready to do the prints when he makes his grand debut! 

Sunday wasn't too exciting.  We went to church and then relaxed and watched the Super Bowl.  It was a nice day and I was exhausted all weekend long!  I didn't sleep good on Friday.  My back was killing me.  The baby was moving in a weird way that seemed to be putting pressure on my back.  So needless to say Saturday I was tired and didn't want to deal with all the stupid people at the stores.  I can't remember the last time I had so many idiots to talk to and help me buy the things I needed.  I knew it was bad as Mom was even annoyed and I had to calm her down.  Hopefully, when my stuff arrives, it is actually the products I ordered and I wont' have to go back to the dreaded Toys R Us store.  That place is a nightmare and I think I'm cursed at that store.  It seems that something always goes wrong when I purchase something from them.  Needless to say, an hour later and 5 items purchased, we left the store VERY unhappy and they gave us a survey to take to enter for a chance to win $500.  Well, Mom and I both did the survey as we wanted to complain about our horrible experience only to find out at the end of the survey, that the $500 chance to win is no longer available.  Are you kidding me?  They entice you with a reward that is no longer available.  I'd like to take another survey to complain about their false advertising.  Ok, enough enough.  I'll get off my soap box for now.  Guess it is times like these, you don't want to piss off a prego mama!  haha. 

This week I have another doctor's appt on Thursday.  Last week's update was: 1cm dilated and 50% effaced.  The doctor said she could feel the baby's head.  EEK!  That just freaks me out.  We'll see if the baby has made progress this week.  We are also taking a baptism class on Thursday night to get that out of the way so we don't have to take it when baby is here.  They are offered once a month so I figure one more thing to check off the "to do" list :) 

It is getting a little harder to breathe.  I should say I'm more easily winded after doing things like walking up the stairs or if I do a daily task I normally do, it makes me tired!  The whole "lightening" stage hasn't happened yet to this mama.  That can come at any time though so maybe all the sudden I will wake up and my belly will have dropped.  I'm not too excited for this to happen anyways as it just puts more pressure on your pelvis and makes you have to pee even more!  How can that be when I feel I'm going to the bathroom every hour! 

And what's with this nesting thing?  All my books say at this phase you are in nesting mode and wanting to clean, organize, etc.  Not me!  Heck no!  I'm too tired by the time I get home and all I want to do is sit in the rocker with my feet up, relax and watch tv.  Maybe in my situation it is backwards since I was so full of energy the whole time that now I'm experiencing my tired phase.  I have zero motivation and hardly even feel like cooking supper when I go home, let along stopping at Walmart or the grocery store!  Ugh, that just sounds like torture! 

This weekend is our BIG annual HOME SHOW in Brookings!  So Friday we will be busy setting up our booth (I will probably be doing more supervising haha) and then Sat and Sun we will be taking turns in the booth visiting with people.  It is a great way to promote ReMax and see past and future clients and remind people what we do!  I'm looking forward to the event plus I have a group of great girls to work with! 

Hope everyone enjoys their week!  Happy Monday!   

36 Weeks

 

Wow....how time seems to fly by.  It seems like yesterday I told my husband I was pregnant.  I can't hardly believe this miracle sometimes that I am growing a tiny person inside of me.  It is just so surreal and hard to explain.  The whole concept and idea of this baby inside my tummy is just mind blowing.  Pretty soon, I will get to meet our little baby boy!  I'm getting so excited!  So far, things are still good.  I have my doctor's appointment this Thursday and she will do the Group B strep test and check to see if I'm dilated and effaced.  I can hardly believe we are at the countdown.  Baby E could decide to arrive any day now.  Hopefully not yet :) 

 

 I finally remembered to ask Mom if she had us kids early.  Now, let's see if I can remember right.  Doug and I were 2 weeks early and Darcy was only a few days early.  Concept = All 3 of us were early and apparently Grandma had mom early.  So wonder if I will follow this pattern.  They typically say with your first, you don't normally go early.  Maybe it will run in the family though and I will go into labor early.  I just pray that I can go naturally (not being induced) and don't have to have a C-Section.  Any ideas of when this baby will arrive?  Emma, my godchild, says Valentine's Day! 

 

 Mom also said us girls were 4.5 hours of labor and Doug was only 45 minutes!  Let's hope I get that gene as well....that sure would be nice.  It is also comforting to know that she didn't get an epidural with any of us.  That makes me feel a little better.  It seems if she could get through three kids with no drugs, I can surely get through one kid, right?  I'm trying to keep an open mind but really don't want the drugs.  Point 1 - because I HATE needles and can't even stand the though of having to bend forward and stay still as they poke this huge needle in my back that at any given time something could go wrong or they hit the wrong spot.  Yes, that is a little dramatic I know as many people get the epidural and they have no problems.  Point 2- I want to be able to walk around during the contractions and practice some of the "moves" we learned in birthing class to help get the baby ready.  When you have an epidural you are basically confined to bed.  Sucky!  I have enough problems as it is staying in one position for an extended period of time.  How the heck will I manage just switching side to side until the baby is ready to come.  Point 3 - I just think it is healthier on the baby.  Yes, of course there are points made that the drugs have no effect.  Point 4 - It is a quicker recovery time.  So we'll see how things go but I'm still hoping and praying that I can go all Natural :) 

 

Then we get to the naming.  I'm pretty sure our child will be nameless as we seem to not be able to come up with any names!  We do have 2 that we are considering but Curt doesn't seem to really want to discuss it and in the meantime, I'm freaking out (the planner that I am) and want to know what we are going to call our baby.  I don't want him to not have a name the entire time at the hospital.  Plus that is the first question everyone asks, "What's his name?"  I guess we will see if we can agree on something before he plans his big debut.

 

As for the little guy, well he is the size of a HONEYDEW this week.  He is probably somewhere around 5 pounds.  It seems every book I read says something different for the weight at this point in time.  I suppose that just varies depending on the person.  Curt's mom had all BIG babies....Curt was over 10 lbs so I surely hope that doesn't happen in this case.  Hard to believe there is a 10 pound baby inside of me.  I'm guessing around 7 lbs but we'll see....

His liver and kidney are working.  Even his circulation and immune system are in good order.  Now, if only he will start the "lightening" phase.  Part of me hopes he will drop to relieve some of the shortness of breath, but then again, I don't want all the pressure on my pelvis either!  Tough call.  I'm definitely short of breath.  At my last Norwex party, I thought I was talking at my normal speed but apparently my lungs couldn't keep up with my mouth.  I felt like I couldn't catch my breath. 

 

Oh yeah, and Heartburn....I'm not exactly sure of what heartburn even feels like but I think I now am starting to have some mild symptoms of it.  I just take a couple of tums and it seems to be fine after that.  At least it isn't as bad/painful as some seem to have it. 

 

 

 

Curt turned 32 on Sunday!  He left Friday night to go ice fishing and came home Saturday afternoon.  He did come home with some fresh walleye so that was worth the trip!  I was busy making these cupcakes to surprise him!  I also cleaned the house and got a great start on washing all the baby clothes.  I must say, I didn't think there was that much stuff to wash but apparently I was in for a treat!  I think I did 7 or 8 loads of laundry on Saturday.  Of course, since it was a weekend, I couldn't sleep in :(  I was up at 6:30 on Sat and wide awake at 3am on Sunday.  I guess it is true that you start to have insomnia before the baby is born.  It's as though my brain will not shut off and it just keeps thinking! 

 

I bought Curt a new HD bike cover and was so excited to give it to him.  They have changed the design some and so I thought it would be perfect.  Well, apparently, the new design sucks.  It doesn't fit the bike and it has all these extra straps that are worthless and just looks ugly.  Guess we will be returning it.....

 

Well, I'm off to Pierre today as I have to take a Realtor class all day tomorrow.  Leaving soon as wanting to drive in the daylight and hoping for good weather.  Then doctor's appt on Thursday and really nothing else that exciting.  I am pretty much down to a routine these days.  Come home, make supper, sit on the couch.  Saturday I will be heading to SF as I have to do a launch party for a new gal that is going to sell Norwex!  Then I'll have to pick up some last baby items I'm in need of as I'm guessing this will be my last trip to SF before the baby comes. 

35 Weeks

This past weekend, I had a baby shower on the Engels side.  It was such a blast!  The cake was delicious :)  My family went above and beyond and made the day SUPER special.  We had all kinds of decorations, games and lots of presents for the new baby Engels!  He is sure going to be spoiled. 

Sunday, Curt and I were up early (well I was up early) to get on the road as I had to get to a Norwex show in SF.  Then we watched the football game later that night and relaxed. 

The weekends seem to just fly by and before I know it, Baby E will be here in 5 weeks (plus or minus).  I'm getting anxious and excited to meet him and see his face for the first time but also getting a little nervous about going into labor. 

The little man is now the size of a coconut this week!  Yes, we are still both busy growing.  Apparently, my uterus has grown 1,000 times its original size!  Yowsers!  His length is about 17.2 to 18.7 inches long by now.  I wonder if our baby will be even longer than that?  I guess from this point on, he won't get much longer but he will continue to put on weight.  Average weight is around 4.2 to 5.8 lbs.  His hearing is fully developed and he responds best to high-pitches noises.  Weird huh?  And yes, he is definitely putting a lot of pressure on my bladder as I have the urge to pee all the time!  Sometimes just when I move from side to side or have to get up from the chair, it is just instant! 

Next appt = Jan 31st

Happenings this weekend= Curt turns 32 on Sunday! 

Baby room to do list = Still need to get Curt to hang the blinds and valance.  That will at least make me feel as the room is somewhat complete even though I have some other things to get hung up on the wall yet. 

I'm looking forward to a fun Girls' Night Out coming up on Thursday!  Can't wait to see some friends and catch up with everyone's busy lives. 

34 Weeks

 Here We Go - 34 Weeks!

 

Best Weekend Ever!  A huge THANKS to everyone who attended my shower on Saturday.  It was such an amazing day and I am so thankful to have such wonderful friends and family that support me!  Darcy, Mom, Delores and Kelly did a wonderful job of putting the party together and helping with all the cleanup!  I couldn't believe how many great gifts I received.  I'll post some pics later on FB. 

Baby Shower Photos

 

Sunday, I worked on the Baby's room and got the Monkey Tree hung up on the wall.  Here are some updated photos of the room....follow link below.  Such a huge accomplishment to get that done.  Now Curty just needs to work on the window and hang the new blinds and valance.  Baby steps....

Baby E's Room Decor

 

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow for my 34 week checkup.  Thursday night, I will be taking a breastfeeding class to get the run down and tips/tricks on how to make that work!  I'm just praying it works out for me to be able to breastfeed as I really want to make it work. 

 

Baby E update:

Right now, he is the size of a Butternut Squash! 

Weight: 4.2-5.8 lbs

Length: 17.2-18.7 inches long

He is urinating a pint a day!  Handsome little guy is making progress.  He can hear and listen to conversations.  He enjoys hearing lullabies.  Guess I better get busy singing to him!  He is supposedly going to start dropping which will relieve pressure on my lungs but put more pressure on my bladder.  That is not exciting as I feel I'm constantly going to the bathroom.  I am already feeling the pressure and then when I get there, hardly anything comes out!  Guess that is the joys of motherhood. :) 

 

I find myself drawn to his room.  I usually look in there twice a night.  Sunday, I went through all the new baby clothes and now I'll need to get busy and wash them all before he arrives.  He will be here soon enough and I need to get things ready!

 

Sleeping:  Well, let's just say I'm starting to keep Curt awake.  I can't really get comfortable and as I've mentioned, I'm up at least 2x's a night to pee.  So I toss from side to side and my hips start to get a pain in them and once I'm up it seems to take me an hour to fall back to sleep.  Tailbone is still very sore too so I'm constantly sitting then standing, then sitting again.

 

Last week I felt hungry all the time.  This week not so much.  I must go in spurts or something.  It seemed as though I could eat everything in site and was hungry literally every hour on the hour. 

 

Belly is sure growing big.  Here is a pic from the shower with my Re/Max Gals and Avery....

 

 

Looking forward to a fun weekend as I have a baby shower on Saturday for Curt's side of the family.  Then Sunday I'm off to a Norwex party!  It's going to be another busy weekend......

 

33 Weeks

33 Weeks :)

 

This past weekend was great!  Curt and I went to Dell Rapids to take maternity pictures.  Curt did not want to tag along for this exciting event...well I perceived it to be exciting and I guess my ideas and his didn't quite match up :)  After it was all said and done, he said it really wasn't that bad.  I guess it must just be a guy thing and they just don't like to get their photos taken!  He was a good sport and the session was only an hour so needless to say it was over in a blink of an eye.  It will be funny to see his response when we go back for newborn pictures!  The gal said those can take over 3 hours....

 

Here are two pics that I just loved immediately!  The rest of the proofs should be available by Friday so I'm dying in anticipation to see the rest! 

 

 

Then we headed to SF to get a few things done and made it home in time for the Vikings to play.  That was a disastrous, disappointing game. 

 

We didn't do too much on Sunday.  Basically relaxed and I had to go in and work for a few hours so the day flew by.  I guess working on the weekend paid off as I ended up selling a house this week!  Yay! 

 

We are getting our recliner and new glider for the baby's room delivered on Friday!  I'm so excited to see the baby's room all come together.  Curt still needs to hand the new blinds and valance and then I will probably be working on another project this weekend in the room.  I have a few ideas still in mind. 

 

Saturday is my baby shower in Brookings and I'm so looking forward to seeing everyone!  I hope the weather will cooperate and everyone is able to make it. 

 

Oh, the little man....yes, he has been a busy one.  He has been moving or shall I say jabbing all the time!  He's been on the same sleep cycle as myself.  I get up to go to the bathroom at 1:30 and 4:30 and he is wide awake during those times always jabbing as if he is ready to come out of the belly!  My hips have been killing me!  By morning I'm so sore I just need to get out of bed so I don't have to lay down anymore.  They are very achy and it is definitely getting more un-comfortable.  If they wouldn't be hurting, I'd still be in good shape!  Guess everything can't be easy :)  

32 Weeks!

52 days remaining plus or minus depending on when the little guy decides to make his grand appearance!  Getting super excited :) 

Baby Engels is the size of SQUASH this week!  Apparently, he is starting to move to the "head down" position.  I'm not too sure of this as he has been busy moving around lately.....or shall I say jabbing!  Eventually, the movements get a little slower I believe as he will start to be cramped up in that belly of mine. 

Over the break, Curt put together the crib and we got the dresser up and I was able to get one wall hanging up that I had ordered.  Here are a few pics of the room so far! 

Yay, the right colors this time :)

This is above the closet door

I have ordered another item to put up on the wall and we have a few wall hangings to add yet as well.  We also ordered a new wood blind to replace the other one you see in the picture so I'm hoping it will turn out amazing!  Plus, my parents bought us a glider so once that comes we will be adding that to the corner of the room.  It is finally starting to feel like a baby's room!

This past weekend we spent with Curt's side of the family and celebrated Christmas.  It was a nice weekend and my little nephews are so adorable!  They had fun sledding outside but it sure was cold that day!  Here are some pics of the weekend.

 

Well although I'm excited it's a new year, it was sad taking down all the fun Christmas decorations yesterday.  Today is the first day back to work and it was hard to come back!  I know once I get into the routine again things will be fine but it's always hard coming back from a vacation.  At least one good thing is I won't probably over-eat like I have been.  We still have some Xmas goodies to eat up and I'm hoping those will go quickly so I don't have to think about them which then leads to eating them.  haha. 

 

Curt and I rang in the New Year just hanging out at the house.  I actually haven't been feeling the best and think I'm catching a cold so I was laying on the couch coughing all night.  I hope I can fight it off and it doesn't linger too long.  I do not want to be sick right now! 

 

I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday and then I'm getting maternity photos taken on Saturday!  I need to get to SF and get registered for some more baby items as I have 2 showers coming up in the next few weeks.  It is going to be a fast month and pretty soon baby will be here. Getting excited and nervous all at the same time. 

 

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and wishing you all the best in 2013!