Happy New Year!

We are spending the day at my parents. We are going to have a big New Years dinner of Prime Rib and Crab Legs in a bit…and then Ryan and I and my sister are going to head out to the bar! This will be the first time that I have had a cocktail in over 9 months…kinda makes me nervous!

We had Blake’s 2 week appointment yesterday. The dr. said that she couldn’t be happier! He is a perfectly healthy little boy. He weighed 7 lbs. 1 and ¾ oz. So he is gaining weight at a very quick rate…which is good news. He is a very good eater, and is still eating about 3 oz. every 3 hours. We took a couple of pictures of him at the dr. that I will post later.

Last night he was up more than normal…he was awake from about 2 to 4...but his dad stayed up with him so I could get some sleep. :o) …hopefully he is a little better tonight since my parents will be watching him!…somehow I doubt that though, since he has been sleeping all day! OH WELL…

Such a good boy…

We had a pretty busy day today, and Blake was such a good little boy! He had a bath, went out to lunch, and went over to Bay City to see Heather…he is such a good little traveler.

He sat in his car seat all though lunch and never made a peep! Then my sister, mother, and I (and Blake) drove to Heather’s and he slept the whole way (about a 1 hour trip). He woke up for a bit while we were visiting…and then went back to sleep for the ride home. Heather is looking super cute wither her little belly, but she is still on bed rest :o(

He is loving his swing...but he has to lay in it sideways, because he is too little to sit in it like he should be sitting…it is so cute.

My how time flies...

Had to believe that little Blake is over two weeks old already! Christmas has come and gone…time is just going so fast.

The holidays were busy. We spent time at Ryan’s parents and mine as well. Mary has been here for over a week. Erica left to head back to Nashville today…I feel like we have had so much company and been gone so much that I haven’t had enough time with anyone!

Blake is still eating every three hours and pretty much sleeping the whole time in between. He is awake a little more each day.

Last night he was pretty cranky…today he has cried more than normal…but overall he is still the perfect little baby. We are SO lucky.

Tomorrow we are heading to Bay City to visit Heather. That will be our longest trip from home thus far. Tuesday Blake has another doctor appointment. I am anxious to see how much weight he has gained! I feel like he is really filling out in the face and arms and legs.

Grandma, Blake, and I in front of the tree...


Me and my baby...


Blake with Aunt Mary...

Sunday night at home...

We have had a busy weekend! Friday night Mary got home...Saturday we went to my parents house for the day. Erica and Thomas came over as well as Tony. Saturday night my parents had their Christmas party. Everyone thinks Blake is the cutest! He was so good and barely made a peep at the party.

We spent the night at my parents, so it was nice to get home today. The roads were TERRIBLE coming home...we are supposed to get ANOTHER 12 inches of snow by Tuesday.

Kellianne and Shoey came over to see Blake today, as well as Mary Lu. Tomorrow we are heading out to a Christmas Party at my dad's shop! Hopefully the roads are clear by then.

Getting bundled up to head out in the snow!!


All cozy and warm inside...

6 days old...

Last night was our first night just the three of us. My mom has been staying since we got home, but Blake is so easy to get along with that we figured that we could do it on our own. He only woke up twice and barely made a peep. He is just perfect!

Mary is on her way from Detroit right now...I was worried that she wouldnt be able to fly in because of the snow. We have got about 12 inches today! I just cant wait for her to see him. She is going to melt.

Erica will be here to see him for the first time tomorrow...

I feel like he changes so much every day and I just want him to stay the way he is now. I think that he is so perfect...but I am sure that I will think that at any size...

My smiling boys...


Looking good in green...

He's Here!!

He's finally here and we couldn’t be happier! He is just perfect and we love him SO much already. It’s amazing how much you can love someone that you JUST met.

Blake William
6 lbs. 3 oz.
18 3/4 inches long
born 12/13/08 at 6:39 p.m.

We got home from the hospital on Monday and have been here for three nights now. Blake is just a job to be with. Such a good baby. He is sleeping and eating great and barely makes a peep.

He is very loveable, and lets anyone hold him. We have had lots of visitors and everyone agrees that he is just perfect!

I could just stare at him all day long. Daddy has had exams this week, so it has been hard for him to leave him! Today is his last one...thank goodness. Tomorrow he goes back to work full time, so that will be tough as well.

Aunt Mary is coming home tomorrow. She is going to melt when he meets him! We can’t wait to see her!

JUST after birth...SO happy!


Mother doesnt look so great...but baby is just precious


Baby Blake..just after birth...moments old.

Last night of just the two of us….

It is so crazy to think that we will go to the hospital tomorrow just the two of us…and that when we come home we will have a baby! We are SO happy and excited to be starting our own family.

I worked all day today, and have felt fine. Ryan has called about every hour on the hour to make sure that I am ok. He is starting to get nervous! I am more excited than nervous, so that’s a good thing!

Both of our families will be at the hospital all day tomorrow. It will be a FULL waiting room, that’s for sure.

I am trying to think about any loose ends that I need to tie up both at home and work, but I think that everything is all set!

Soon I will have some exciting pictures to post :o). Keep your fingers crossed for a fast and easy delivery tomorrow!

One last look at me….

This is the last that you will see of me pregnant. Looks like I am about ready to pop…luckily I am! This is me last night at 38 weeks and 2 days preggers. I cant wait to get into some of my old clothes!



I feel good today. I was really hoping that I would go into labor last night, but nothing…except for a lot of cramps!

Maybe tonight is the night! If not, oh well…but I would prefer to go naturally rather than be induced on Saturday morning.

Now we're getting somewhere!!

Had another appointment today. The Dr. 'stripped my membranes'...sounds sick, but that should get the ball rolling! It sure did hurt, so hopefully it was worth it...haha.

IF I haven’t gone into labor by Saturday morning, she is going to induce me! YAY. That news was music to my ears!!

So we will be having a little baby boy by Saturday evening at the latest. I am SO happy and relieved. I just cat wait for him to get here. I am also happy that his birthday will be a little before Christmas...I was worried about that!

Here is a picture from Anne's birthday dinner on Monday night. She is on her way to Vegas right now…lucky duck!


Also...I took some pictures of our snow storm...obviously these are from the comfort from my warm house...looking out at it! It is so beautiful...

We’ve got NOTHING!!

I was hoping that we would have some excitement this past weekend, but we’ve got nothing! I guess baby is just fine hanging out in there for a bit longer. His mother on the other hand is ready for him to come out!! Oh well…

I am actually feeling fine, and sleeping better than I did for awhile last week, so I guess that’s good news…but I feel like it is bad news :o)

We had a pretty relaxing weekend. Ryan and I went out to dinner with Tony on Friday night. Saturday we went over to the Sanders to hang out and have dinner. On Sunday we went to brunch with my mom and dad at the Soaring Eagle Inn and Conf Center, it was exciting to check out the room that we will have our reception in next September. It made everything feel real! I can’t wait. I really haven’t done ANY wedding planning. I figure that I will wait until after the first of the year when the holidays are over and I am home on maternity leave.

Speaking of maternity leave, only 9 more work days before my break! Whoa, that is crazy.

I am heading to dinner tonight for Carson’s birthday. Should be fun!

Doctors Update

Just came from an appointment this afternoon. The Doctor checked me out and I am almost dilated to 2 and 80% effaced! I don’t really think that that means much, but better than nothing. She said that it could be any day now…or it could still be two weeks. That didn’t narrow it down too much. I am hoping to go next weekend! Cross your fingers for me :o)

I talked to a couple of girls in my office and one said that I am farther along than she EVER got before she went into labor and gave birth. Another said that the farther I progress now, the easier the labor will be, so that is good news!

I go back again for another check-up next Wednesday. Hopefully I progress more before then.

Taking care of my little sick one…

Ryan is SICK...it has to be bad, because he actually went to the Dr. today. He is usually pretty stubborn about going to the Dr., so I know that he must have been feeling pretty bad. He got a prescription for an antibiotic, so hopefully he is feeling better soon!...I am just crossing my fingers that I don’t catch what he has, but so far, I feel fine (knock on wood).

I am excited about MY Dr. appointment tomorrow afternoon. I am hoping that something is happening inside there and the baby is making his way out :o)…maybe that is just wishful thinking though. Hopefully I will have some BIG news to post tomorrow!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

Most of the Christmas Decorations are up! The house looks cute. We even decorated the front porch with garland and lights. I will have to get a picture of that at night!

The tree looks great. Now I just need to do some shopping and get some gifts underneath it!



I had a rough day yesterday. My blood pressure was sky high again. Nothing I can do about that though, other than relax. I have a VERY hard time relaxing. Laying around just makes me more anxious about all of the things that I SHOULD be doing. I feel much better today…so I guess we are just taking it one day at a time now!

Think about it....

Who was the last male you talked to?
Ryan

Who is someone that can always make you laugh?
Mary, Ryan

What were you doing at 10am this morning?
working

What were you doing an hour ago?
working

Do you plan on moving within the next year?
nope

Are you wearing anything on your feet?
black flats

What are you looking forward to in the next 3 months?
the baby getting here!

Do you remember your dreams?
lately, yes. Before I was pregnant, no.

Where did your last hug take place?
my house

Have you been to a baby shower?
YES! Lots lately…

What cell phone company do you use?
Alltel

What color is your hair brush?
Black

Do you watch the Super Bowl?
Yes

What about World Cup?
Never

Do you sleep with a teddy bear?
No

What is the last movie you watched?
Saving Sarah Marshall

What movie do you think everyone should watch?
hmmm….I don’t know! Ryan and I just watched Remember the Titans, and that is a GREAT movie…with good lessons!

What is your middle name?
Elizabeth

Do you have your future children's names picked out?
NO!!! I need to though!

What color is your mailbox?
Black

Do you have to drive over a bridge to get home?
Not to my house…but I do on the way to my parents house.

What brand is your computer printer?
I don’t even know!

How many cars can fit in your driveway?
Probably 8 if we crammed them right in

Who was your Kindergarden teacher?
Mrs. Maddocks

Are you taller than your mom?
Yes

Do you have any bruises right now?
not that I know of

Are you cold right now?
Not at all

Do any of your close friends have kids?
Yes, a few!

Do you know anyone who is pregnant right now?
Um…Yes.

How many years older and younger than you are you willing to date?
Depends..Ry is quite a bit younger than me! After you reach a certain age, it’s all the same (within reason)!

What brand are your favorite jeans you own?
Silvers, when I can fit into them…for now, Mimi Maternities :o)

What is the closest red object to you?
a December calendar

What is your favorite video game?
not much of a gamer…but I do enjoy old school Mario and Tetris

Do you play games on your cell phone?
no

Do you look more like your mom or dad?
depends who you ask…

Have you ever broken an pinata?
I’m sure…but I can’t remember when!

Do you have an iPod or Mp3 player?
iPod

If someone doesn’t like you it’s probably because:
they are a hater…j/k, IDK…

Who was the last person in your bedroom?
Ryan was in ‘our’ bedroom…other than that, my mom.

What are your plans for this weekend?
maybe have a baby..if not, wait for one.

Have you ever crawled through a window?
yes

Do you lose your keys often?
not any more…

How many keys are on your keychain?
3

Do you sing in the shower?
sometimes :o)

Do you always wear your seatbelt in the car?
YES, always.

Less than a month….

WELL…we are in the “due date month”….part of me feels like this has taken forever, and the other part feels like we just found out. Hard to believe that it is just a matter of days now. Ryan and I are so excited for the big day…that I am sure the days leading up to it will be long!

We have been preparing everything for his arrival. Laundry is much more fun when it is miniature :o)…I am sure that I will eat my words about that in a few months!




This is the cute little bouncy chair that Katie and Kelly got him! So cute…I am sure that he will LOVE it.

Winter Storm Warning

DECEMBER is here...and look what happens!!

Isabella County (Michigan)
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GRAND RAPIDS MI
413 AM EST MON DEC 1 2008
...WINTER WEATHER CONTINUES...
.HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS ARE ANTICIPATED ACROSS SOUTHWEST LOWER MICHIGAN TODAY. LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW WILL CONTINUE WITH ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATIONS UP TO 3 INCHES IN THE WARNING AREA AND ACCUMULATIONS OF AN INCH OR TWO IN THE ADVISORY AREA TODAY. TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 5 TO 9 INCHES ARE EXPECTED BY THIS AFTERNOON ACROSS THE WARNING AREA.

MASON-LAKE-OSCEOLA-CLARE-OCEANA-NEWAYGO-MECOSTA-ISABELLA-MUSKEGON-MONTCALM-GRATIOT-OTTAWA-KENT-IONIA-CLINTON-

INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...LUDINGTON...BALDWIN...REED CITY...CLARE...HART...FREMONT...BIG RAPIDS...MOUNT PLEASANT...MUSKEGON...GREENVILLE...ALMA...JENISON...GRAND RAPIDS...IONIA...ST. JOHNS

413 AM EST MON DEC 1 2008
...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON...A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW WILL CONTINUE INTO THE AFTERNOON TODAY. ADDITIONAL SNOWFALL UP TO 3 INCHES IS EXPECTED NORTH OF I-96 TODAY. THE SNOW WILL DIMINISH THIS AFTERNOON. A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

Ryan still left and drove over to BR this morning. His phone is dead, so that makes me nervous! Hopefully he goes nice and slow! I made it in to work, but almost got stuck in my driveway :)