Hi Baby Eli,
I have two quickies for you. On Thanksgiving, your Aunt Laura told your cousin Andrew that he doesn't get any Christmas presents from us because his present is you. He thought about that and a few minutes later we had this conversation:
Andrew: Aunt Stacy, how long do moms and babies have to stay in the hospital when they are born?
Me: About 3 days usually.
Andrew: OK, so you can have the baby on December 22nd so he is home in time for Christmas?
Too funny! Shortly after, he asked if he could see your nursery so we went in there together. He said "I bet you are really happy to be a mom, huh?" Sometimes, the kid zings you with funny things, sometimes wise things and sometimes things that are way beyond his years.
The mass globalization marketing campaign of Elijah Lang Brigham has expanded. Not only can you be found on this Blogger/Blogspot and on both your mom's & dad's facebook pages, now you have expanded your reach to My Space. Your Uncle Zach added your photo to his My Space page. :) Not that your Uncle Zach would completely express it but I think is he about as excited for you as we are! I am trying to con him into recording some lullabies just for you.
Told ya - just two quickies. Later gator :)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
33 weeks
Hi Elijah!
Hey old man! You are 33 weeks now. This week isn't really a big milestone in my mind - not 24 weeks, not 28 weeks, etc. However, it seems to be marking some milestone in your mom's brain that is triggering anxiety. For all medical purposes, we have 7 more weeks until we meet you. However, my mental minimum of when I *could* meet you was 35 weeks. 35 weeks has minimal nicu time and you could even possibly come home immediately with us. Here is where the anxiety comes in - do you realize that 35 weeks is only 14 days away? 14 days... 14 days is the blink of an eye. 14 days is nothing. Even if you come at the optimal 37 weeks, that is still only 28 days away. It has seemed like time has been dragging by but here we are so close to seeing you.
I tried to explain this all to your dad. I tried to tell him that in 14 days you could be here. You could be screaming at us. You could be peeing, poohing and puking all over us. You could be keeping us up all night. We could be trying to feed you, change you and you could still be screaming at us. In 14 days, you could (one way or the other) be painfully making an exit out of my body. His response? He just shrugged his shoulders and said "Yep." Remember how I told you that your dad balances me out? I was all in a panic and he was all calm. He said that he will flip out when labor starts. Hopefully, I can balance him out then. I don't expect to be flipped out. I expect to be SCARED :) I expect to be so excited to hold you but so SCARED at how much it is going to hurt.
I was reading "What to expect when you are expecting" and I am starting to prepare myself for the strong possibility of a C-Section. Diabetes increases the odd of us needing a C-section. A kiddo with a big head (um, that would be you) increases the chance of a C-Section. Your mom being overweight (translate: big-fat-pig) increases the chance of a C-section. While it would not be my preferred method of delivering you, we are going to do whatever Bonehead tells us to do. I don't look forward to the extended recovery time or you being away from me so long after you are born but I just want you to be healthy and safe.
To wrap it up for today, here is the scoop from your pregnancy program. You have a 98% chance of survival and only a 12% chance of medical complications. The average weight is 4lb 7 oz - haha. You have been there done that. You are approximately 17.2 inches. You can tell the difference between night and day now. If we shined a light on my belly, you would be able to see it. Maybe when you are being ornery next time, I will shine a light on you to get you to shape up :)
Well kiddo, that is it for today. You keep in there cooking for 14 more days then we can renegotiate :)
Hey old man! You are 33 weeks now. This week isn't really a big milestone in my mind - not 24 weeks, not 28 weeks, etc. However, it seems to be marking some milestone in your mom's brain that is triggering anxiety. For all medical purposes, we have 7 more weeks until we meet you. However, my mental minimum of when I *could* meet you was 35 weeks. 35 weeks has minimal nicu time and you could even possibly come home immediately with us. Here is where the anxiety comes in - do you realize that 35 weeks is only 14 days away? 14 days... 14 days is the blink of an eye. 14 days is nothing. Even if you come at the optimal 37 weeks, that is still only 28 days away. It has seemed like time has been dragging by but here we are so close to seeing you.
I tried to explain this all to your dad. I tried to tell him that in 14 days you could be here. You could be screaming at us. You could be peeing, poohing and puking all over us. You could be keeping us up all night. We could be trying to feed you, change you and you could still be screaming at us. In 14 days, you could (one way or the other) be painfully making an exit out of my body. His response? He just shrugged his shoulders and said "Yep." Remember how I told you that your dad balances me out? I was all in a panic and he was all calm. He said that he will flip out when labor starts. Hopefully, I can balance him out then. I don't expect to be flipped out. I expect to be SCARED :) I expect to be so excited to hold you but so SCARED at how much it is going to hurt.
I was reading "What to expect when you are expecting" and I am starting to prepare myself for the strong possibility of a C-Section. Diabetes increases the odd of us needing a C-section. A kiddo with a big head (um, that would be you) increases the chance of a C-Section. Your mom being overweight (translate: big-fat-pig) increases the chance of a C-section. While it would not be my preferred method of delivering you, we are going to do whatever Bonehead tells us to do. I don't look forward to the extended recovery time or you being away from me so long after you are born but I just want you to be healthy and safe.
To wrap it up for today, here is the scoop from your pregnancy program. You have a 98% chance of survival and only a 12% chance of medical complications. The average weight is 4lb 7 oz - haha. You have been there done that. You are approximately 17.2 inches. You can tell the difference between night and day now. If we shined a light on my belly, you would be able to see it. Maybe when you are being ornery next time, I will shine a light on you to get you to shape up :)
Well kiddo, that is it for today. You keep in there cooking for 14 more days then we can renegotiate :)
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Baby E!
It is Thanksgiving night and your mom and dad are resting. Your dad because it is hard work to feed so many people and clean up afterwards. Your mom because it is hard work supervising your dad and, more importantly, growing you. We had lots of your family over here today to celebrate Thanksgiving. Lots of people rubbing your belly and telling you "Happy Thanksgiving!" It was a nice holiday but, I have to be honest kid, we are just passing time until you are here! Next year, you will be here for Thanksgiving. Next year, our lives will be centered around you. Yep, we are just going about our daily lives to pass the time until little Elijah is here.
Every year, your Gramma Debbie would ask me what I am thankful for. While I have things I am thankful for, I am really not good at expressing those emotions verbally. But, I am totally comfortable in typing them all out for you. :)
1) I am bumping your dad this year as who I am most thankful for today. You are going to be top dog today in the things I am thankful for. Thankful for your conception, thankful for your surgery, thankful for your continued growth and health, thankful for the beautiful pictures of you, thankful for feeling you move and thankful for the fact that we are only a few weeks of away from meeting you.
2) I am thankful for your dad. He has worked so hard lately in getting your room ready, getting the house ready for company and cooking us a delicious meal. On top of all that, he puts up with my whining, moaning, weird sleep habits and endless rambling about hypothetical situations about when you are here.
3) I am thankful for having a job in this economy and for having that job provide excellent medical coverage for you & me.
4) I am thankful for insulin so I can still have an *occasional* treat without hurting you.
5) I am thankful for being able to share my pregnancy with those close to me - my friend Emily is only 3 or so days ahead of me with her twin girls, your cousin Lauren carrying baby Jake and Candi carrying baby Henry. It is comforting to be able to ask Emily questions if she is going through the same things as me and it is bonding to have Lauren & Candi experiencing those same things just a few weeks behind me. I am especially thankful for baby Jacob because not only will he be a friend to you, he truly has introduced me to a new friend in your cousin Lauren. Sure, we have been family for awhile but you & baby Jacob have bonded us as friends.
6) I am thankful for silly things like my eReaders, my laptop and internet connection, black Friday sales online, Ambien, having my Christmas shopping done, Altoids, crockpots, stretchy pants/shirts and undies that fit :)
7) Finally, I really am thankful for all of your family & friends who are so supportive of us. I know I tell you all of the time but seriously, I don't think you can understand how excited people are for you. I know that they are excited for your dad and I because we have waited so long for you but they are excited to meet you and be a part of your life. Everyone gets so excited to see your ultrasound photos, everyone enjoys rubbing up your belly, and everyone has been so excited to spend their hard earned money to buy you presents. Your Aunt Laura has told all of Walmart about you and showed them your picture. Your Gramma Debbie continues to buy you presents. Your Gramma Debi D passed a family heirloom down to you - and you are not even blood related. Last night, your Grampa Keith's face lit up when he saw us. He has been pretty reserved about you - I haven't heard much from him. When I stopped over his house, he got a big smile on his face and rubbed your belly. He said we were catching up with him! I think he finally "got it" that we are pregnant and you are almost full term! Your Auntie Val, Auntie Kim and Uncle Jeff are planning a trip *just* to meet you. But, you know what made me really, really thankful today? Your ultrasound photos made your Great Gramma Lang smile, giggle and call you a little stinker. To see her face light up at the sight of you made my heart warm. It is a rough day for the Lang side of your family - our first Thanksgiving without Grampa. She gave me a grin when I arrived with dinner but you brought out a deep, heart felt, reached her eyes smile!
I told your dad when I started typing that he could add his things when I was done. He has been thinking hard... Here you go:
1) I am thankful for you.
2) I am thankful for the opportunity to experience the joy of being a parent in a few short weeks
3) I am thankful for all of the joy you have brought to our family - even though you aren't even here yet.
4) I am thankful for your mom. (*Note how your mom is #4 on your dad's list and he is #2 on her list. hmmmm*)
5) I am thankful that we have jobs.
6) I am thankful for the support we have received from our family and friends.
7) I am thankful for our animals - even though they are a pain in the butt sometimes.
Happy Thanksgiving little one and we can't wait to be thankful for you being an ornery little guy during next years Thanksgiving.
It is Thanksgiving night and your mom and dad are resting. Your dad because it is hard work to feed so many people and clean up afterwards. Your mom because it is hard work supervising your dad and, more importantly, growing you. We had lots of your family over here today to celebrate Thanksgiving. Lots of people rubbing your belly and telling you "Happy Thanksgiving!" It was a nice holiday but, I have to be honest kid, we are just passing time until you are here! Next year, you will be here for Thanksgiving. Next year, our lives will be centered around you. Yep, we are just going about our daily lives to pass the time until little Elijah is here.
Every year, your Gramma Debbie would ask me what I am thankful for. While I have things I am thankful for, I am really not good at expressing those emotions verbally. But, I am totally comfortable in typing them all out for you. :)
1) I am bumping your dad this year as who I am most thankful for today. You are going to be top dog today in the things I am thankful for. Thankful for your conception, thankful for your surgery, thankful for your continued growth and health, thankful for the beautiful pictures of you, thankful for feeling you move and thankful for the fact that we are only a few weeks of away from meeting you.
2) I am thankful for your dad. He has worked so hard lately in getting your room ready, getting the house ready for company and cooking us a delicious meal. On top of all that, he puts up with my whining, moaning, weird sleep habits and endless rambling about hypothetical situations about when you are here.
3) I am thankful for having a job in this economy and for having that job provide excellent medical coverage for you & me.
4) I am thankful for insulin so I can still have an *occasional* treat without hurting you.
5) I am thankful for being able to share my pregnancy with those close to me - my friend Emily is only 3 or so days ahead of me with her twin girls, your cousin Lauren carrying baby Jake and Candi carrying baby Henry. It is comforting to be able to ask Emily questions if she is going through the same things as me and it is bonding to have Lauren & Candi experiencing those same things just a few weeks behind me. I am especially thankful for baby Jacob because not only will he be a friend to you, he truly has introduced me to a new friend in your cousin Lauren. Sure, we have been family for awhile but you & baby Jacob have bonded us as friends.
6) I am thankful for silly things like my eReaders, my laptop and internet connection, black Friday sales online, Ambien, having my Christmas shopping done, Altoids, crockpots, stretchy pants/shirts and undies that fit :)
7) Finally, I really am thankful for all of your family & friends who are so supportive of us. I know I tell you all of the time but seriously, I don't think you can understand how excited people are for you. I know that they are excited for your dad and I because we have waited so long for you but they are excited to meet you and be a part of your life. Everyone gets so excited to see your ultrasound photos, everyone enjoys rubbing up your belly, and everyone has been so excited to spend their hard earned money to buy you presents. Your Aunt Laura has told all of Walmart about you and showed them your picture. Your Gramma Debbie continues to buy you presents. Your Gramma Debi D passed a family heirloom down to you - and you are not even blood related. Last night, your Grampa Keith's face lit up when he saw us. He has been pretty reserved about you - I haven't heard much from him. When I stopped over his house, he got a big smile on his face and rubbed your belly. He said we were catching up with him! I think he finally "got it" that we are pregnant and you are almost full term! Your Auntie Val, Auntie Kim and Uncle Jeff are planning a trip *just* to meet you. But, you know what made me really, really thankful today? Your ultrasound photos made your Great Gramma Lang smile, giggle and call you a little stinker. To see her face light up at the sight of you made my heart warm. It is a rough day for the Lang side of your family - our first Thanksgiving without Grampa. She gave me a grin when I arrived with dinner but you brought out a deep, heart felt, reached her eyes smile!
I told your dad when I started typing that he could add his things when I was done. He has been thinking hard... Here you go:
1) I am thankful for you.
2) I am thankful for the opportunity to experience the joy of being a parent in a few short weeks
3) I am thankful for all of the joy you have brought to our family - even though you aren't even here yet.
4) I am thankful for your mom. (*Note how your mom is #4 on your dad's list and he is #2 on her list. hmmmm*)
5) I am thankful that we have jobs.
6) I am thankful for the support we have received from our family and friends.
7) I am thankful for our animals - even though they are a pain in the butt sometimes.
Happy Thanksgiving little one and we can't wait to be thankful for you being an ornery little guy during next years Thanksgiving.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Dr. Appointment
Hi Elijah!
Well, you held up your end of the deal today in the pictures and receiving a clean bill of health so I won't call you turd anymore. I also won't pick on you anymore to take good photos until you pop out. And, finally, you are not banned from hanging out with Baby Jake - you did not flip us off. :)
The dr. said all looks good & you are still sewn in there nice and tight. You are measuring a bit big on all of your measurements. Your big old knocker head is about 2-3 weeks bigger than you should be. That is a bit of a cause for alarm for your dear old mom given that we have to think about that knocker head passing through during labor. :) You are 1 oz shy of 5 lbs. I think it is also a bit big for your ripe old age of 32 weeks. We will have to keep an eye on that.
Your ultrasound tech said you have a nice head of thick hair. Thank goodness for your dad's genes to give you that head of hair. If you got it from your mom's sides of the family, you would have 3 strands when you pop out. You gave us some really good photos today and I think you look really similar to your cousin Tyler. That is a good thing - your cousin Tyler is a cutie. Remember me telling you how he can wrap me around his fingers with just smiling at me? Yep, I think that is going to be you.
Your mom put on her best oscar winning performance and wore the doctor down into giving us 2 hours off work a day. Then, the rug was ripped out from under me and I found out that I would not be paid for it. So, we are back to 8 hours a day. Let me tell you kiddo - it is no fun having the rug ripped out from under you when you are so filled with glee that you will get nap time. Speaking of nap time, you are on a definite bender. It is now 5:15 and you have been constantly moving since about 9 last night. CONSTANTLY. We have had a rough night :)
Well, little one, I will leave you with your latest photos and a plea for us to get a good night's sleep. Good job at the doctor today buddy and we will see you in 2 weeks.
Is it too soon for your mom to be hopeful that there are signs of a Lang butt chin in these photos?
I found this photo after I emailed all of your family. I happened to look at it a second time and saw that you were sticking out your tongue at me. I went and watched the video and I can see you open and close your mouth then stick out your tongue. :) While that is really cute right now, don't expect me to think it is cute when you are here live and lipping off. haha.
Well, you held up your end of the deal today in the pictures and receiving a clean bill of health so I won't call you turd anymore. I also won't pick on you anymore to take good photos until you pop out. And, finally, you are not banned from hanging out with Baby Jake - you did not flip us off. :)
The dr. said all looks good & you are still sewn in there nice and tight. You are measuring a bit big on all of your measurements. Your big old knocker head is about 2-3 weeks bigger than you should be. That is a bit of a cause for alarm for your dear old mom given that we have to think about that knocker head passing through during labor. :) You are 1 oz shy of 5 lbs. I think it is also a bit big for your ripe old age of 32 weeks. We will have to keep an eye on that.
Your ultrasound tech said you have a nice head of thick hair. Thank goodness for your dad's genes to give you that head of hair. If you got it from your mom's sides of the family, you would have 3 strands when you pop out. You gave us some really good photos today and I think you look really similar to your cousin Tyler. That is a good thing - your cousin Tyler is a cutie. Remember me telling you how he can wrap me around his fingers with just smiling at me? Yep, I think that is going to be you.
Your mom put on her best oscar winning performance and wore the doctor down into giving us 2 hours off work a day. Then, the rug was ripped out from under me and I found out that I would not be paid for it. So, we are back to 8 hours a day. Let me tell you kiddo - it is no fun having the rug ripped out from under you when you are so filled with glee that you will get nap time. Speaking of nap time, you are on a definite bender. It is now 5:15 and you have been constantly moving since about 9 last night. CONSTANTLY. We have had a rough night :)
Well, little one, I will leave you with your latest photos and a plea for us to get a good night's sleep. Good job at the doctor today buddy and we will see you in 2 weeks.
Is it too soon for your mom to be hopeful that there are signs of a Lang butt chin in these photos?
I found this photo after I emailed all of your family. I happened to look at it a second time and saw that you were sticking out your tongue at me. I went and watched the video and I can see you open and close your mouth then stick out your tongue. :) While that is really cute right now, don't expect me to think it is cute when you are here live and lipping off. haha.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
32 weeks
Hi little man!
Another night and I am wide awake and your dad is snoring logs. Even Luke is all stretched out and snoring. So, I figured I would take the opportunity to write to you. 32 weeks old now - you just reached that a few minutes ago. 32 weeks!! We are definitely in single digit countdown now. I say we are 4-8 weeks away from seeing you. In some ways, that is the blink of an eye and in other ways, that is FOREVER. But, it sure is a lot closer than that first day where I sat looking at a pregnancy test going "You are kidding me, right?" Those days seem so far away now. The memories of being nauseous and hurling seem distant. The memories of having a brief 2nd trimester glow and burst of energy are faded. Now, all I think about is how I will get to see you soon. I think about being terrified of labor and your dad passing out. I think about seeing your face and smooching you. I think about looking at your tiny fingers and toes. Ok, I think about how tired I am or how my uterus hurts too but mostly, I day dream about you when you are here. I do tend to gloss over practical matters like feeding, sleeping, you screaming or having colic. I mostly focus on how cute you will be, how your family and friends are going to light up at seeing you and how your dad will fall asleep watching fox news with you laying on his chest. I really, seriously would pay for a pill that would put me asleep right now and have me wake up as they are handing you to me. Patience is not a virtue I have nor one that I have learned since you were conceived.
So, after all of that rambling, I should give you some scoop off our pregnancy program. As you may have learned in the last 27 weeks, we pay more attention to that program than we do our doctor :) 56 days remain until your due date! The program tells me that your activity level is going to peak now. Since you are gaining weight, you are running out of room and all of your octopus limbs are going to be smushed together as you are becoming a little chunker! You are supposedly sleeping 90% of the time. I can kind of see that. Your active times seem to be getting a bit less frequent. They have also changed. I don't seem to be getting big, violent bursts of movement - it seems to be a bit gentler and a bit more rolling. I don't know how to explain it but it is different. The big news is your ever important percentages. You now have a 97% chance of survival and only a 15% chance of medical complications.
I don't think that one year ago your dad and I would have ever thought in a million years that we would have a 97% chance of being parents in a few weeks. Amazing how much life can change in 12 months. In the last 12 months, we have lost Grampa Lang, we lost Grampa Bill, we married off Cory & gained Lauren, we got pregnant (and have kept you cooking!), we married off Jeremy & gained Kylie, we are anticipating Baby Jake's arrival and Baby Henry Harrington's arrival, we met little Baby Levi, and we have tried to put aside our grief over your 4 brothers to focus on you.
Tomorrow, your dad will be in KC crying over the Chiefs losing (just a prediction on my part) and we will be hanging out with the girls for our early Christmas celebration. Just think how lucky you are that next year during our friend Christmas celebration, you will have 3 girls (oh wait - and their moms) fawning over you and spoiling you rotten!
We will see you again on Tuesday morning and we can't wait. I will make you a deal. You give us one good session of pictures and I won't bug you about it again. I won't call you a turd for hiding from the camera. I won't ban you from hanging out with Baby Jake if you flip us off. Maybe, I won't even call you a big fat pig anymore. Just one good ultrasound session and I will close the door on my nagging. I think this will be one of our last comprehensive and long ultrasounds so I want to make it count. As our time is running out and your space to move around is running out, I don't expect many opportunities for good photos after Tuesday - until they are LIVE PHOTOS!! Also, I need one good shot for 3 Christmas presents :)
Well, little one, I will close by thanking you for bringing us so much hope and joy and really turning things around for us. However, as your Auntie Val and I were discussing tonight, your job is not over yet. None of us can bear to think of that 3% chance that something will go wrong. You have to do your part to stay in there cooking, breathing and growing. Then, when you are born, we will expect you to be healthy and ornery for many, many years. Then, your job is done.
One final thing, I am leaving you with some snapshots from the shower. I am missing one photo that your Gramma Debbie is going to have to send me of her, me and Gramma Debi D. But, other than that, your shower scrapbook pages are COMPLETE :)
Friday, November 20, 2009
Fun few days!
Hi there little Eli!
Yes, it is almost 2 am and we are still wide awake, aren't we? Meanwhile, your dad is snoring away next to us. Well, it seems like I have a lot to tell you tonight.
Yesterday afternoon, we finally got to see baby Jake!! He had some great 3d pictures but he is a turd like you - hands up in front of his face. I swear to you Eli, in one picture, he was flipping us off. Totally funny - when it is not my kid. So, you keep your fingers in check little man. I expect some good photos on Tuesday and if you flip us off, I think your cousin Lauren and I will have to agree to keep you & Jake separated. It would mean you are already bad influences on each other.
Last night, we finished all of your shopping. We got your swing, my pump, and the little things we were missing for your room. I am sure there will be things that come up but, for the most part, we think we have everything we need now. When we got home, your dad put your car seat/stroller together and I made our little goodie bags for the people who come visit you at the hospital. Looking across the basement and seeing that stroller sit there was a surreal experience!
All day today, you were a WILD man. I don't know what it was but you were moving like CRAZY. My sugars were in good alignment today so I don't think you were hopped up :) I think you know that you are about to run out of room in there and you were thinking "These are my last few days to PARTY..."
Tonight, we went to breast feeding class. I didn't know what to expect but it was really interesting. I learned a few things and I am glad we went. You see, your mom is a little worried about the breast feeding thing. It seems like it should be pretty simple - women have been doing it for how many thousands of years? But, I have this fear that I will have a c-section and I will not see you for hours and I will not get you to latch on right. I know we will get it worked out between us but it is a bit of a stress to me right now. We did watch some babies on videos and man, it made us want you here even more!! Like I tell you every post, not for a few more weeks. But, seeing those little newborns made my hormones go crazy.
Finally, it was quite an exciting night when we got home tonight. I was playing on my laptop and your dad was coming to go to sleep. I told him to watch my arm - you were moving up a storm again and my arm was bouncing up and down as it was resting on my belly. Of course, you stopped moving! I lifted up my shirt so he could see my belly and you started rippling across it. He had that look of amazement on his face like he did when he felt you for the first time. He said "Was that him?" in this astonished tone. His eyes were glued to my belly from then on. Yes, little one, you were so captivating that he didn't even have Fox News on the TV. It was so cool to see that look on his face again. He is so busy trying to keep his guard up in case something happens to you that I don't get to see that raw excitement that I feel everyday. It was a way cool moment. You know what else was cool? Your dad experienced something before I did. I have never "seen" you move before. I always feel it. Every time I try to see you move, you stop moving. I get a lot of perks with you growing inside of me and it was nice for your dad to get a perk too! You did continue putting on a little show for us and I got to see a big ninja kick but it is still not the same as your dad seeing it first :)
We have a lot going on this weekend kiddo. Tomorrow, we are hanging out with the family at a pampered chef party. Saturday, we are going to try to get the piggy vaccination. Sunday, we are hanging out with Deb & Kim and their girls for our Christmas celebration - we are painting Christmas ornaments at the pottery place. Somewhere in there, I am hoping to get your clothes all together. Apparently, you have found a way to harness magical powers that I could only dream of. You found a way to get people to do your laundry! Leisa came over and she said she loves to clip tags and fold clothes and use baby soap. I thought she was kidding until your Uncle Zach texted me a picture of them buying the baby soap. Man, you are going to have to teach me those secrets :) We have to finish your diapers up. We have all of the whites "broken in" and now we have to "break in" all the colored shells. So, lots to do and get accomplished and you just hang in tight for the ride.
I am going to leave you with a scrapbook page of your nursery. I have another page to do - your mural isn't on here, your changing table, your valance - this is just a little sneak peek :)
Yes, it is almost 2 am and we are still wide awake, aren't we? Meanwhile, your dad is snoring away next to us. Well, it seems like I have a lot to tell you tonight.
Yesterday afternoon, we finally got to see baby Jake!! He had some great 3d pictures but he is a turd like you - hands up in front of his face. I swear to you Eli, in one picture, he was flipping us off. Totally funny - when it is not my kid. So, you keep your fingers in check little man. I expect some good photos on Tuesday and if you flip us off, I think your cousin Lauren and I will have to agree to keep you & Jake separated. It would mean you are already bad influences on each other.
Last night, we finished all of your shopping. We got your swing, my pump, and the little things we were missing for your room. I am sure there will be things that come up but, for the most part, we think we have everything we need now. When we got home, your dad put your car seat/stroller together and I made our little goodie bags for the people who come visit you at the hospital. Looking across the basement and seeing that stroller sit there was a surreal experience!
All day today, you were a WILD man. I don't know what it was but you were moving like CRAZY. My sugars were in good alignment today so I don't think you were hopped up :) I think you know that you are about to run out of room in there and you were thinking "These are my last few days to PARTY..."
Tonight, we went to breast feeding class. I didn't know what to expect but it was really interesting. I learned a few things and I am glad we went. You see, your mom is a little worried about the breast feeding thing. It seems like it should be pretty simple - women have been doing it for how many thousands of years? But, I have this fear that I will have a c-section and I will not see you for hours and I will not get you to latch on right. I know we will get it worked out between us but it is a bit of a stress to me right now. We did watch some babies on videos and man, it made us want you here even more!! Like I tell you every post, not for a few more weeks. But, seeing those little newborns made my hormones go crazy.
Finally, it was quite an exciting night when we got home tonight. I was playing on my laptop and your dad was coming to go to sleep. I told him to watch my arm - you were moving up a storm again and my arm was bouncing up and down as it was resting on my belly. Of course, you stopped moving! I lifted up my shirt so he could see my belly and you started rippling across it. He had that look of amazement on his face like he did when he felt you for the first time. He said "Was that him?" in this astonished tone. His eyes were glued to my belly from then on. Yes, little one, you were so captivating that he didn't even have Fox News on the TV. It was so cool to see that look on his face again. He is so busy trying to keep his guard up in case something happens to you that I don't get to see that raw excitement that I feel everyday. It was a way cool moment. You know what else was cool? Your dad experienced something before I did. I have never "seen" you move before. I always feel it. Every time I try to see you move, you stop moving. I get a lot of perks with you growing inside of me and it was nice for your dad to get a perk too! You did continue putting on a little show for us and I got to see a big ninja kick but it is still not the same as your dad seeing it first :)
We have a lot going on this weekend kiddo. Tomorrow, we are hanging out with the family at a pampered chef party. Saturday, we are going to try to get the piggy vaccination. Sunday, we are hanging out with Deb & Kim and their girls for our Christmas celebration - we are painting Christmas ornaments at the pottery place. Somewhere in there, I am hoping to get your clothes all together. Apparently, you have found a way to harness magical powers that I could only dream of. You found a way to get people to do your laundry! Leisa came over and she said she loves to clip tags and fold clothes and use baby soap. I thought she was kidding until your Uncle Zach texted me a picture of them buying the baby soap. Man, you are going to have to teach me those secrets :) We have to finish your diapers up. We have all of the whites "broken in" and now we have to "break in" all the colored shells. So, lots to do and get accomplished and you just hang in tight for the ride.
I am going to leave you with a scrapbook page of your nursery. I have another page to do - your mural isn't on here, your changing table, your valance - this is just a little sneak peek :)
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Such a whiner...
Hi kiddo!
You know what? Your mom is a big whiner. Yeah, you may have guessed that but it seems like all of my energy and optimistic juice was sucked out of me after the shower. I have now moved into the phase of pregnancy where I am kind of miserable. I am thankful that it started after the shower! Here is the deal. I will tell you what I am whining about. Then, when you are old enough, you can read your blog and throw it up in my face. For example, when I yell at you "Elijah Lang Brigham, stop your whining and buck up." You can say "But, mom, all you did was whine from 31 weeks on when you were pregnant with me." That will be a one time pass as a reward for reading your blog.
Before I give you all of the whiney details, I have to tell you big news. It was posted on facebook so I figured I am safe to tell you. Your cousins Cory & Lauren went to the doctor today and found out the gender of baby Lang. Your baby cousin is going to be a little Jacob Russell. A new BFF for you. I knew you would be close to a baby girl but I think you will be even closer to Jake. I was thinking about your cousins Brian and Cory and how close they are. Even though they live far apart, they are so close in age (only 1 month apart) that they have always been each other's favorite. That will be you and little Jake. woohoo!!
OK, in no particular order, here are some things I have found myself whining about this week.
1) Still exhausted and can't get the sleep pattern thing figured out.
2) Having a hard time breathing as of yesterday. I swear that you have put on like 3 lbs in one day and shifted my entire biological structure.
3) I can't get comfortable when I am resting or trying to sleep. I am a side sleeper and it has worked out well for us. But, the last few nights have been just plain uncomfortable.
4) Although time is really flying by, in some ways it is like tick-tock. Both me and your dad want you here so bad that time seems to drag each day.
5) It seems to take a fork lift to roll over. This really is new within the last 3 days.
6) If I sit upright too long, I am in pain. It puts a huge amount of pressure on my uterus and cervix and I feel ready to collapse. This is also relatively new. See, I think you really did double over night and shift my biology because I was fine during your whole shower and sitting on those hard chairs. Now, I would be ready to fall over.
7) I think that instead of a baby, I am growing a little octopus in there. I seriously can't believe all of the different places I can feel you move and all at once. There seems to be no physical way for you to be clear down low, way up high, way to the left and way to the right all at the same time with only 2 arms and legs. This would also explain why you ALWAYS have a hand/arm/foot in front of your face during ultrasounds - because you have extras. :)
I think that is about it for tonight. Maybe I will try sleeping a bit. But, before I do, I have to tell you a secret. For the first time tonight, I saw how freaked out your dad truly is. I think that when labor comes, I will have to roll him out to the car and drive us to the hospital. I was having a lot of tummy pains tonight. I had a hard time deciding if they were cramps because of you or just because I had an upset tummy. I made the mistake of telling your dad and his face turned white. When I saw the panic on his face, I realized we are going to need a steady supply of epidural juice for your mom and steady supply of valium for your dad. One could argue that it would be panic because you would be here so early. However, I don't think that is true. I think it is because he is scared to death of us going through labor. He doesn't want anything to happen to me and he wants you to come out safe. Unfortunately, a coworker of his recently lost a baby because of issues with the cord wrapping around its neck. So, now he worries about that too. But, as for tonight and the sheer panic on his face, it was kind of funny - I may have to start teasing him more so we can get him hardened up for when the actual event comes.
Night babe!
You know what? Your mom is a big whiner. Yeah, you may have guessed that but it seems like all of my energy and optimistic juice was sucked out of me after the shower. I have now moved into the phase of pregnancy where I am kind of miserable. I am thankful that it started after the shower! Here is the deal. I will tell you what I am whining about. Then, when you are old enough, you can read your blog and throw it up in my face. For example, when I yell at you "Elijah Lang Brigham, stop your whining and buck up." You can say "But, mom, all you did was whine from 31 weeks on when you were pregnant with me." That will be a one time pass as a reward for reading your blog.
Before I give you all of the whiney details, I have to tell you big news. It was posted on facebook so I figured I am safe to tell you. Your cousins Cory & Lauren went to the doctor today and found out the gender of baby Lang. Your baby cousin is going to be a little Jacob Russell. A new BFF for you. I knew you would be close to a baby girl but I think you will be even closer to Jake. I was thinking about your cousins Brian and Cory and how close they are. Even though they live far apart, they are so close in age (only 1 month apart) that they have always been each other's favorite. That will be you and little Jake. woohoo!!
OK, in no particular order, here are some things I have found myself whining about this week.
1) Still exhausted and can't get the sleep pattern thing figured out.
2) Having a hard time breathing as of yesterday. I swear that you have put on like 3 lbs in one day and shifted my entire biological structure.
3) I can't get comfortable when I am resting or trying to sleep. I am a side sleeper and it has worked out well for us. But, the last few nights have been just plain uncomfortable.
4) Although time is really flying by, in some ways it is like tick-tock. Both me and your dad want you here so bad that time seems to drag each day.
5) It seems to take a fork lift to roll over. This really is new within the last 3 days.
6) If I sit upright too long, I am in pain. It puts a huge amount of pressure on my uterus and cervix and I feel ready to collapse. This is also relatively new. See, I think you really did double over night and shift my biology because I was fine during your whole shower and sitting on those hard chairs. Now, I would be ready to fall over.
7) I think that instead of a baby, I am growing a little octopus in there. I seriously can't believe all of the different places I can feel you move and all at once. There seems to be no physical way for you to be clear down low, way up high, way to the left and way to the right all at the same time with only 2 arms and legs. This would also explain why you ALWAYS have a hand/arm/foot in front of your face during ultrasounds - because you have extras. :)
I think that is about it for tonight. Maybe I will try sleeping a bit. But, before I do, I have to tell you a secret. For the first time tonight, I saw how freaked out your dad truly is. I think that when labor comes, I will have to roll him out to the car and drive us to the hospital. I was having a lot of tummy pains tonight. I had a hard time deciding if they were cramps because of you or just because I had an upset tummy. I made the mistake of telling your dad and his face turned white. When I saw the panic on his face, I realized we are going to need a steady supply of epidural juice for your mom and steady supply of valium for your dad. One could argue that it would be panic because you would be here so early. However, I don't think that is true. I think it is because he is scared to death of us going through labor. He doesn't want anything to happen to me and he wants you to come out safe. Unfortunately, a coworker of his recently lost a baby because of issues with the cord wrapping around its neck. So, now he worries about that too. But, as for tonight and the sheer panic on his face, it was kind of funny - I may have to start teasing him more so we can get him hardened up for when the actual event comes.
Night babe!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
31 weeks
Hi little man!
You are 31 weeks today. WOOHOO. 96% survival rate with only 20% chance of medical complications. I don't think our odds are going to get much better because there is always a small chance of medical complications. Our program says you are 16 inches and up to 5 lbs. I think you are around 4 lbs but that is just a guess based on your last appointment. Only a few more short weeks and you will be here. I can hardly believe it.
Did you have fun with everyone loving up your belly at the shower yesterday? I think you slept most of the time then you were up all night. Too much activity for you, huh? But, that shower punch was tasty, wasn't it? :) Your mom really doesn't like showers - I have no problem giving people gifts or socializing but not really a huge fan of showers - even my own wedding showers. However, yesterday was a really nice shower - good food, good ambiance, people socializing. It was kind of overwhelming to me because all of these friends and family came out in full force to celebrate YOU! You are already so loved. When I stood up to thank everyone for coming, it was a little emotional for me to think just how long we have waited for you. To think that your mom and dad have wanted you for 11 years and you are finally almost here is astounding. To know that 40 people were sitting in that room with the same anticipation and joy is humbling. I was so shocked at how much "loot" you got. I really didn't expect you to ever receive so many gifts. I had hoped for your car seat (we can't bring you home without that), a few outfits and some fun things. You received 1.5 truck fulls of stuff. Seriously, 1.5 trucks and your dad has really good spatial skills. It was amazing! Guess what though, kiddo? It wasn't 100% about you! I got some gifts for me :) Your Great Gramma Lang knows what a whiner I am so she got me some movie gift certificates. Your Gramma Debbie also got me a willow tree ornament of a mom holding a son. I have wanted to buy those for 11 years and now, I own one because you are on your way!!! I also got a fleece blanket from your Auntie Val that I have been wanting for ages - it kept us warm and toasty last night, huh?
I can't list everything you received or this post would be a bajillion pages long. However, I will tell you about 3 little funky gifts that were unexpected - you got your first Sigg canteen from the Cvilikas'. I love Sigg canteens and how green they are. You got a giraffe from your cousin Jeff. You got lots of jungle stuff for your room but this one was kind of funny because he has some irrational fear of giraffes. He figured if he bought you that, you wouldn't have that fear. Too cute! Finally, you got a little sippy cup with your name on it from the Volenec family. I had never seen such a thing. It was so cute to see your name on a sippy cup in fun kiddo colors.
Well kiddo, there was so much more to tell you about your shower but you probably felt everything I felt so you are up to speed. I had really, really bad dreams about you last night so I would encourage you to be super active today to reassure me that you are fine :) We are worn out today, huh? We woke up with a headache and hurting, swollen hands. It is a true day of Sabbath for us. No cooking for the week or anything - too much effort for today. I did make a breakfast quiche for us for the week and a couple other little crockpot things for today but none of that bulk cooking stuff for today. We need our rest.
You are 31 weeks today. WOOHOO. 96% survival rate with only 20% chance of medical complications. I don't think our odds are going to get much better because there is always a small chance of medical complications. Our program says you are 16 inches and up to 5 lbs. I think you are around 4 lbs but that is just a guess based on your last appointment. Only a few more short weeks and you will be here. I can hardly believe it.
Did you have fun with everyone loving up your belly at the shower yesterday? I think you slept most of the time then you were up all night. Too much activity for you, huh? But, that shower punch was tasty, wasn't it? :) Your mom really doesn't like showers - I have no problem giving people gifts or socializing but not really a huge fan of showers - even my own wedding showers. However, yesterday was a really nice shower - good food, good ambiance, people socializing. It was kind of overwhelming to me because all of these friends and family came out in full force to celebrate YOU! You are already so loved. When I stood up to thank everyone for coming, it was a little emotional for me to think just how long we have waited for you. To think that your mom and dad have wanted you for 11 years and you are finally almost here is astounding. To know that 40 people were sitting in that room with the same anticipation and joy is humbling. I was so shocked at how much "loot" you got. I really didn't expect you to ever receive so many gifts. I had hoped for your car seat (we can't bring you home without that), a few outfits and some fun things. You received 1.5 truck fulls of stuff. Seriously, 1.5 trucks and your dad has really good spatial skills. It was amazing! Guess what though, kiddo? It wasn't 100% about you! I got some gifts for me :) Your Great Gramma Lang knows what a whiner I am so she got me some movie gift certificates. Your Gramma Debbie also got me a willow tree ornament of a mom holding a son. I have wanted to buy those for 11 years and now, I own one because you are on your way!!! I also got a fleece blanket from your Auntie Val that I have been wanting for ages - it kept us warm and toasty last night, huh?
I can't list everything you received or this post would be a bajillion pages long. However, I will tell you about 3 little funky gifts that were unexpected - you got your first Sigg canteen from the Cvilikas'. I love Sigg canteens and how green they are. You got a giraffe from your cousin Jeff. You got lots of jungle stuff for your room but this one was kind of funny because he has some irrational fear of giraffes. He figured if he bought you that, you wouldn't have that fear. Too cute! Finally, you got a little sippy cup with your name on it from the Volenec family. I had never seen such a thing. It was so cute to see your name on a sippy cup in fun kiddo colors.
Well kiddo, there was so much more to tell you about your shower but you probably felt everything I felt so you are up to speed. I had really, really bad dreams about you last night so I would encourage you to be super active today to reassure me that you are fine :) We are worn out today, huh? We woke up with a headache and hurting, swollen hands. It is a true day of Sabbath for us. No cooking for the week or anything - too much effort for today. I did make a breakfast quiche for us for the week and a couple other little crockpot things for today but none of that bulk cooking stuff for today. We need our rest.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Dr Appt
Hi Little Elijah,
For the most part, our appointment today was pretty darn boring. In and out. No photos. No 3d. No measurements. We did get to see you up there but even the ultrasound was quick. One really exciting part - she pointed out you breathing to us. That was pretty cool. Must have been your diaphragm that she saw moving. I think we threw off your schedule by moving up your appointment a week. You were moving a lot but your hand was right up by your face again :)
I was nice to the doctor today - I was exhausted so I didn't have it in me to be feisty. He wasn't concerned about my blood pressure or swelling but it did inch higher up again. I didn't even ask him to take me out of work - I was that mellow.
Yesterday, you about killed me. I thought you were super, super low and I was getting shots to the ovaries and bending over in pain. I thought your head and arms were down there because there was just a ton of pressure. But, today, your head was up above my belly button so it must have just been your legs beating me up. You have been pretty active today too. I stopped over to see Miss Viviann Lindberg (she is one week old and beautiful and a good sleeper) and it is like you can smell a newborn because you spent the whole time saying "Hey lady - I am in here. I am more important - don't you be cheating on me with other babies." Once I got in the car, you were quiet.
Tomorrow is our big day - it is our shower. Friends and family will be coming together to celebrate you and spoil you. Expect lots of people rubbing up your (well, technically my) belly. Oh, and besides the food, company and (hopefully) gifts, did I mention shower punch? Cream cheese mints? Cake? We will be dosing up big time to enjoy all of our favorite sweets. Between the shower and some shopping afterwards, you should be all taken care of. I figure that if we get your car seat and my breast pump, we should have enough to get you home. Last night, we got you a little outfit on clearance - our first outfit we bought you. It was a little jean overall and shirt. We also got you a little winter zip up with an overall sack. It is kind of hard to explain but your dad loved it. Want to know why? There was a carrying handle at the bottom. He wants to carry you upside down. He was giggling in the store just thinking about it. Your aunt Laura rolled her eyes and said it wasn't a carrying handle, it was the opening for the seat belt. I don't think he cared what the intended purpose was because he wants to use the darn thing as a carrying handle :)
OK little one, let's shoot for a good nights sleep tonight so we are in good spirits at the shower tomorrow.
For the most part, our appointment today was pretty darn boring. In and out. No photos. No 3d. No measurements. We did get to see you up there but even the ultrasound was quick. One really exciting part - she pointed out you breathing to us. That was pretty cool. Must have been your diaphragm that she saw moving. I think we threw off your schedule by moving up your appointment a week. You were moving a lot but your hand was right up by your face again :)
I was nice to the doctor today - I was exhausted so I didn't have it in me to be feisty. He wasn't concerned about my blood pressure or swelling but it did inch higher up again. I didn't even ask him to take me out of work - I was that mellow.
Yesterday, you about killed me. I thought you were super, super low and I was getting shots to the ovaries and bending over in pain. I thought your head and arms were down there because there was just a ton of pressure. But, today, your head was up above my belly button so it must have just been your legs beating me up. You have been pretty active today too. I stopped over to see Miss Viviann Lindberg (she is one week old and beautiful and a good sleeper) and it is like you can smell a newborn because you spent the whole time saying "Hey lady - I am in here. I am more important - don't you be cheating on me with other babies." Once I got in the car, you were quiet.
Tomorrow is our big day - it is our shower. Friends and family will be coming together to celebrate you and spoil you. Expect lots of people rubbing up your (well, technically my) belly. Oh, and besides the food, company and (hopefully) gifts, did I mention shower punch? Cream cheese mints? Cake? We will be dosing up big time to enjoy all of our favorite sweets. Between the shower and some shopping afterwards, you should be all taken care of. I figure that if we get your car seat and my breast pump, we should have enough to get you home. Last night, we got you a little outfit on clearance - our first outfit we bought you. It was a little jean overall and shirt. We also got you a little winter zip up with an overall sack. It is kind of hard to explain but your dad loved it. Want to know why? There was a carrying handle at the bottom. He wants to carry you upside down. He was giggling in the store just thinking about it. Your aunt Laura rolled her eyes and said it wasn't a carrying handle, it was the opening for the seat belt. I don't think he cared what the intended purpose was because he wants to use the darn thing as a carrying handle :)
OK little one, let's shoot for a good nights sleep tonight so we are in good spirits at the shower tomorrow.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Your mom was wrong...
Hey Baby E,
I admit, it doesn't happen very often but I was wrong. That I would admit that I was wrong probably happens even less frequently but I will keep it real with you.
I told you last week that your mom would be a mess when your room was done and I saw your crib and my rocker in it. Um, nope, that didn't happen. Your dad busted his butt and your room is all done except minor little things. He started putting your crib together - I was fine. No biggie. I hung your "E-L-I-J-A-H" pictures on the wall - no biggie, I was fine. I started putting your clothes in your closet and um....I was done for. Seeing those little bitty clothes that your friends and family have purchased for you was what pushed me over the edge. The painting and flooring - those were cosmetic. The crib - that was furniture. The clothes that are so tiny that I couldn't fit a hand in them? Yeah, that makes you real. That makes you on your way.
It sounds silly because even as I am typing this, you are rolling around in there saying "Hi Mommy!" I don't know how it could get any more real than that. Feeling you makes me happy, makes me say "Hey little Eli, what is going on in there?" Seeing your clothes? Well, that makes me cry in happiness because it means you are really on your way and we will need to put clothes on you!!
I will give you some pictures tomorrow. Your dad still has to get your doors up - one chalkboard door & your murals. He still has to move your 2 dressers in there. Just a warning kiddo - your parents were too cheap to spring for a matching furniture ensemble. Your crib and changing table and floor is light wood. Your rocker, picture frames and dressers are darker wood. Live with it :)
I admit, it doesn't happen very often but I was wrong. That I would admit that I was wrong probably happens even less frequently but I will keep it real with you.
I told you last week that your mom would be a mess when your room was done and I saw your crib and my rocker in it. Um, nope, that didn't happen. Your dad busted his butt and your room is all done except minor little things. He started putting your crib together - I was fine. No biggie. I hung your "E-L-I-J-A-H" pictures on the wall - no biggie, I was fine. I started putting your clothes in your closet and um....I was done for. Seeing those little bitty clothes that your friends and family have purchased for you was what pushed me over the edge. The painting and flooring - those were cosmetic. The crib - that was furniture. The clothes that are so tiny that I couldn't fit a hand in them? Yeah, that makes you real. That makes you on your way.
It sounds silly because even as I am typing this, you are rolling around in there saying "Hi Mommy!" I don't know how it could get any more real than that. Feeling you makes me happy, makes me say "Hey little Eli, what is going on in there?" Seeing your clothes? Well, that makes me cry in happiness because it means you are really on your way and we will need to put clothes on you!!
I will give you some pictures tomorrow. Your dad still has to get your doors up - one chalkboard door & your murals. He still has to move your 2 dressers in there. Just a warning kiddo - your parents were too cheap to spring for a matching furniture ensemble. Your crib and changing table and floor is light wood. Your rocker, picture frames and dressers are darker wood. Live with it :)
Monday, November 9, 2009
Quickie...
Hey Elijah!
Today is your cousin Lauren's birthday so you have to send her out some good birthday pregnancy juice. Afterall, she is carrying your soon-to-be BFF. :)
Today is your cousin Lauren's birthday so you have to send her out some good birthday pregnancy juice. Afterall, she is carrying your soon-to-be BFF. :)
Sunday, November 8, 2009
30 weeks
Hi Elijah!
Your mom has been quiet these last few days. Your scrapbook can only have 100 pages and I am already at 76 so I have had to cut back a bit to make sure we get it all in. But, I have a TON to tell you today.
Biggest news for today - you are 30 weeks my little man. 3/4 of the way done cooking. WOOHOO. This seems like a huge milestone to me. Not as big as 28 or 37 but 30 just sounds so cooked :) Our pregnancy program says you have a 95% survival rate and only a 25% chance of medical complications. Numbers look good, little one.
I made a big decision for you last night. Your dad had the Nebraska game on and my mind started wandering to you going to college. Here is the rule - you can go wherever you want but it has to be within driving distance. So, you have about an 8 hour radius from us. Yes, that is my final answer.
I gave up the sleep drugs for several nights. I just plain didn't like how they knocked you out. You were so subdued and weren't moving much because you were sleeping so much. However, last night, I didn't fall asleep until 3:30 and was up at 6:30 so we might have to do one tonight. Just don't want to do one every night. I will try again at the doctor to get some time off work for naps :) We were supposed to go on 11/20 but I moved our appointment to 11/13 because both your dad and I are off work. We will get to see you a week earlier. woohoo!!
I saw your Great Gramma Lang today and I think I am giving her a complex by telling you how I am scared of her all of the time. She said that I make it sound like she beat me all the time. Nothing could be further from the truth - she never really beat me. As an adult, she will playfully swat at me but she tells me that I deserve that :) I was never physically scared of her but just scared of disappointing her and the guilt I would put on myself if I did. She doesn't really acknowledge how she gives us "the looks." I told her that I am the only grandkid scared of her because I am the one that loves her the most and doesn't want to disappoint her. She laughed at me and rolled her eyes like normal. Your cousins and uncles would laugh at that too :)
Your Gramma Debbie came over today and brought us lots of goodies. For once, your mom & dad got some presents instead of them all being for you. About time :) After all, without us, none of these peeps would get you!
OK, the big news.... Guess who we saw today? Your Godfather. Yep, that is right, you have a Godfather officially now. We asked your cousin Brian to be baby GodDaddy and he agreed. Brian was baptized Catholic although I am not sure if he officially a practicing Catholic. But, we chose him for several reasons. 1) He is family. 2) He is super excited for you to be here and be your "uncle." 3) He will be a good role model for you 4) He agreed to have the birds and the bees talk with you (haha) 5) I think that you will be very comfortable in talking to him about things maybe you don't think you can talk to us about. He will be a great resource for you to share things with and know that you can trust him. 6) He believes in God and he will encourage you to do the same. Finally, if we can get some nuptials between him & Erica, you will end up with 4 awesome Godparents.
So, you are set with your Godmother Becky and Godfather Brian. Now, we just have to get it set up with the church and take the classes. I was hoping to have the baptism the weekend of 1/29 but I am not sure if that is going to work. We are going to have to start coordinating. After we got the official word that Brian accepted, I realized how at peace I am about the decision for both Brian and Becky - we made a good call. Both of them are so excited to be a part of your life and honored by the choice that I know they are going to be great Godparents to you. Although, we did realize something silly today - neither one of them live in Omaha. I don't know how we did that but just think of it as an opportunity for you to visit fun places like I did when I was little. Becky emailed me several times with excitement over the prospect of being your Godmother and Brian texted me telling me he will be the best Godfather ever. I know both of them are going to do their best to make sure you grow up to be a good person.
Your dad almost finished your floor today - all the painting is finished. He is working really hard to make sure your room is ready and cute as can be. I am doing my part by supervising and helping make design decisions. (haha) I spent the day prepping food for the week. We are trying 9 new recipes this week. The first one we had tonight was a winner. Hopefully, a few more are because they are mostly quick & easy crockpot meals. Quite a few are way outside of my comfort zone but maybe you will like the variety because you have taste buds now!
Well kiddo, time to try to get some sleep. You have been sleeping for lots of hours so you are probably ready to party & your mom is ready to sleep. Just a preview of life to come.
Your mom has been quiet these last few days. Your scrapbook can only have 100 pages and I am already at 76 so I have had to cut back a bit to make sure we get it all in. But, I have a TON to tell you today.
Biggest news for today - you are 30 weeks my little man. 3/4 of the way done cooking. WOOHOO. This seems like a huge milestone to me. Not as big as 28 or 37 but 30 just sounds so cooked :) Our pregnancy program says you have a 95% survival rate and only a 25% chance of medical complications. Numbers look good, little one.
I made a big decision for you last night. Your dad had the Nebraska game on and my mind started wandering to you going to college. Here is the rule - you can go wherever you want but it has to be within driving distance. So, you have about an 8 hour radius from us. Yes, that is my final answer.
I gave up the sleep drugs for several nights. I just plain didn't like how they knocked you out. You were so subdued and weren't moving much because you were sleeping so much. However, last night, I didn't fall asleep until 3:30 and was up at 6:30 so we might have to do one tonight. Just don't want to do one every night. I will try again at the doctor to get some time off work for naps :) We were supposed to go on 11/20 but I moved our appointment to 11/13 because both your dad and I are off work. We will get to see you a week earlier. woohoo!!
I saw your Great Gramma Lang today and I think I am giving her a complex by telling you how I am scared of her all of the time. She said that I make it sound like she beat me all the time. Nothing could be further from the truth - she never really beat me. As an adult, she will playfully swat at me but she tells me that I deserve that :) I was never physically scared of her but just scared of disappointing her and the guilt I would put on myself if I did. She doesn't really acknowledge how she gives us "the looks." I told her that I am the only grandkid scared of her because I am the one that loves her the most and doesn't want to disappoint her. She laughed at me and rolled her eyes like normal. Your cousins and uncles would laugh at that too :)
Your Gramma Debbie came over today and brought us lots of goodies. For once, your mom & dad got some presents instead of them all being for you. About time :) After all, without us, none of these peeps would get you!
OK, the big news.... Guess who we saw today? Your Godfather. Yep, that is right, you have a Godfather officially now. We asked your cousin Brian to be baby GodDaddy and he agreed. Brian was baptized Catholic although I am not sure if he officially a practicing Catholic. But, we chose him for several reasons. 1) He is family. 2) He is super excited for you to be here and be your "uncle." 3) He will be a good role model for you 4) He agreed to have the birds and the bees talk with you (haha) 5) I think that you will be very comfortable in talking to him about things maybe you don't think you can talk to us about. He will be a great resource for you to share things with and know that you can trust him. 6) He believes in God and he will encourage you to do the same. Finally, if we can get some nuptials between him & Erica, you will end up with 4 awesome Godparents.
So, you are set with your Godmother Becky and Godfather Brian. Now, we just have to get it set up with the church and take the classes. I was hoping to have the baptism the weekend of 1/29 but I am not sure if that is going to work. We are going to have to start coordinating. After we got the official word that Brian accepted, I realized how at peace I am about the decision for both Brian and Becky - we made a good call. Both of them are so excited to be a part of your life and honored by the choice that I know they are going to be great Godparents to you. Although, we did realize something silly today - neither one of them live in Omaha. I don't know how we did that but just think of it as an opportunity for you to visit fun places like I did when I was little. Becky emailed me several times with excitement over the prospect of being your Godmother and Brian texted me telling me he will be the best Godfather ever. I know both of them are going to do their best to make sure you grow up to be a good person.
Your dad almost finished your floor today - all the painting is finished. He is working really hard to make sure your room is ready and cute as can be. I am doing my part by supervising and helping make design decisions. (haha) I spent the day prepping food for the week. We are trying 9 new recipes this week. The first one we had tonight was a winner. Hopefully, a few more are because they are mostly quick & easy crockpot meals. Quite a few are way outside of my comfort zone but maybe you will like the variety because you have taste buds now!
Well kiddo, time to try to get some sleep. You have been sleeping for lots of hours so you are probably ready to party & your mom is ready to sleep. Just a preview of life to come.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Random musings...
Hi there little Elijah!
Not a ton to report but man, you are getting heavy to carry around. I feel just a huge amount of pressure and when I bend over, it is like you flip over and press even further. I told your dad that my uterus was just not cut out to carry around a baby. His response was "it must be." A lot of support there, huh? Actually, what I meant was that my uterus is not meant to carry around a 40 week baby. I think it can only hold out til 37 weeks :)
We have been sleeping a bit better since the doctor told us to drug up. We went to bed at a decent hour on Sunday & Monday and slept all the way through the night. I know it is necessary for us to get some sleep but I really do hate drugging you up. I hope to maybe drug us up for a week then maybe we will be on a routine where I don't need to drug up. I could probably sell these drugs on the street and have enough to pay for your stroller or something :)
I wondered today if you would have any birthmarks. I have two and your dad has one. I have a LARGE one on my elbow. When I was little, it was completely noticeable and I probably had a complex about it. However, now, I don't even notice it. I also have a small one (about the size of a quarter) on my right thigh. When I said that to your dad, he said "You do not." Thankfully, my right leg also has a tattoo so if he ever needs to identify my body by my right leg, the tattoo will do it. Apparently, he would not recognize me by that birthmark. (Side note: Have you noticed your parents have a warped sense of humor? Get used to it) Your dad's is small too. Now, I am feeling like a dork because I can't remember where it is - I am so focused on the one on my leg. I yelled down at him (yes, he lives downstairs and I live upstairs). His is on his hip. I wonder if you will have one too.
I have a new photo for you. This is us at 29+ weeks. Yes, your mom is a dork and I should have taken the momentous 28 week shot but I didn't get around to it. Tonight, I had to actually comb my hair and put on semi-decent clothes as we had to go to a funeral service. So, I figured I would let you see my gut. Yep, you are in there wiggling around. Most of the time, you are right about where my hands are. I have no idea why the pregnancy belly is above it but you like to hang out low. Your dad (the genius that he is) patiently informed me tonight that this is because of gravity. While I agree with his brain surgeon theory, you hang out low when we are laying down too. I wore this shirt (technically a dress but not for tall chics like your mom) a couple of weeks ago when we went on our hot date with Gramma Lang, remember? Um, it wasn't nearly this tight. You are definitely a growing boy. Our pregnancy program said you will gain 1/2 lb a week from now on and triple in size before you pop out. Your dad got quite a hearty giggle at your mom squeezing out a 9 pounder.
Oh, hey - that is your room too. That is your wall. That is your paint color. Your dad is about half done painting. He is going to finish up this week. I am not sure what is going to go on that wall when your room is done. It is either going to be a big dresser with a hutch or your changing table. It is still up in the air.
One final note. I have been making adjustments to my medications. Long boring story that you don't care about. Lord have mercy, I can definitely tell a difference. My mood swings are out of control. My irritability is at an all time high. The demon pregnant wife your dad has been fearing (after hearing about it from friends or seeing it on tv) is now coming out. When I mentioned to him last night how surprised I was that the medication has been keeping me so in check and this must be how a pregnant chic normally feels, he said (very quietly and very shyly and not looking me directly in the eye) "Well, maybe it would be better for you to stay on your medicine." I think he means that it would be better for HIM :)
Well, good night little one. It is time to drug up and hit the sack.
Not a ton to report but man, you are getting heavy to carry around. I feel just a huge amount of pressure and when I bend over, it is like you flip over and press even further. I told your dad that my uterus was just not cut out to carry around a baby. His response was "it must be." A lot of support there, huh? Actually, what I meant was that my uterus is not meant to carry around a 40 week baby. I think it can only hold out til 37 weeks :)
We have been sleeping a bit better since the doctor told us to drug up. We went to bed at a decent hour on Sunday & Monday and slept all the way through the night. I know it is necessary for us to get some sleep but I really do hate drugging you up. I hope to maybe drug us up for a week then maybe we will be on a routine where I don't need to drug up. I could probably sell these drugs on the street and have enough to pay for your stroller or something :)
I wondered today if you would have any birthmarks. I have two and your dad has one. I have a LARGE one on my elbow. When I was little, it was completely noticeable and I probably had a complex about it. However, now, I don't even notice it. I also have a small one (about the size of a quarter) on my right thigh. When I said that to your dad, he said "You do not." Thankfully, my right leg also has a tattoo so if he ever needs to identify my body by my right leg, the tattoo will do it. Apparently, he would not recognize me by that birthmark. (Side note: Have you noticed your parents have a warped sense of humor? Get used to it) Your dad's is small too. Now, I am feeling like a dork because I can't remember where it is - I am so focused on the one on my leg. I yelled down at him (yes, he lives downstairs and I live upstairs). His is on his hip. I wonder if you will have one too.
I have a new photo for you. This is us at 29+ weeks. Yes, your mom is a dork and I should have taken the momentous 28 week shot but I didn't get around to it. Tonight, I had to actually comb my hair and put on semi-decent clothes as we had to go to a funeral service. So, I figured I would let you see my gut. Yep, you are in there wiggling around. Most of the time, you are right about where my hands are. I have no idea why the pregnancy belly is above it but you like to hang out low. Your dad (the genius that he is) patiently informed me tonight that this is because of gravity. While I agree with his brain surgeon theory, you hang out low when we are laying down too. I wore this shirt (technically a dress but not for tall chics like your mom) a couple of weeks ago when we went on our hot date with Gramma Lang, remember? Um, it wasn't nearly this tight. You are definitely a growing boy. Our pregnancy program said you will gain 1/2 lb a week from now on and triple in size before you pop out. Your dad got quite a hearty giggle at your mom squeezing out a 9 pounder.
Oh, hey - that is your room too. That is your wall. That is your paint color. Your dad is about half done painting. He is going to finish up this week. I am not sure what is going to go on that wall when your room is done. It is either going to be a big dresser with a hutch or your changing table. It is still up in the air.
One final note. I have been making adjustments to my medications. Long boring story that you don't care about. Lord have mercy, I can definitely tell a difference. My mood swings are out of control. My irritability is at an all time high. The demon pregnant wife your dad has been fearing (after hearing about it from friends or seeing it on tv) is now coming out. When I mentioned to him last night how surprised I was that the medication has been keeping me so in check and this must be how a pregnant chic normally feels, he said (very quietly and very shyly and not looking me directly in the eye) "Well, maybe it would be better for you to stay on your medicine." I think he means that it would be better for HIM :)
Well, good night little one. It is time to drug up and hit the sack.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
November 1
Hi Baby Move-A-Lot!
Big weekend here in the Brigham household. We were still flying high off of your doctors visit and gazing at your pictures. Yesterday, I cooked all day. Tons more food in the refrigerator and in the freezer. Your dad worked on your room and got all of the woodwork painted. We went shopping and got the fan/light for your room. It is starting to come together. I took the doctors advice and took an ambien. We slept from 1 am until 11 am. But, because it is the greatest day in the world, it was only 10 am due to daylight savings time. woohoo.
Today, your dad made us yummy pancakes, I cleaned a bit and unfortunately, that is about it. We are 14 days out of not eating as a restaurant. Yeah for us! You wiped me out today. Your dad got two walls painted with double coats of paint. i was a little worried because when he showed me a sample, I hated it... a lot. But, with it all on the wall, it looks like I hoped it would. It is just a plain brown. I am handling the room all in stride but when the crib, changing table and the rocker get set up, I think I am going to be crying like a baby :)
In other big news, 2 topics for you. 1) It is November 1. Yeah, I know, duh. Happens once a year. But, the big news is that you, me and your dad made it through October. No coma required, no early deliveries, no drama. We are so thankful. I gave your dad a big high 5 while he was cooking up our scrumptious pancakes. 2) You are officially 29 weeks. One more week bites the dust. You have a 90% chance of survival and only a 30% chance of complications. We are getting closer. For some reason, 30 seems like a big number to me. Not that I want to see you until a minimum of 35 but 30 seems so.... pregnant :)
That is about it from here. We have a busy week ahead - something going on every night. That is hard to deal with when your mom is such a hermit :) I think you are beating me up in the middle of the night as I am dreaming about it. I am thinking I am incorporating your ninja moves (phrase from your Uncle Zach) into my dreams and they are unsettling. So, after last night's dream, you are Baby Moves-A-Lot.
Well baby, our ambien already wore off for tonight - I feel asleep at 7 and up at 10:30. I am not sure if I should try another or suck it up but figured it gave me a few minutes to write to you. Sweet Dreams you little turd.
Big weekend here in the Brigham household. We were still flying high off of your doctors visit and gazing at your pictures. Yesterday, I cooked all day. Tons more food in the refrigerator and in the freezer. Your dad worked on your room and got all of the woodwork painted. We went shopping and got the fan/light for your room. It is starting to come together. I took the doctors advice and took an ambien. We slept from 1 am until 11 am. But, because it is the greatest day in the world, it was only 10 am due to daylight savings time. woohoo.
Today, your dad made us yummy pancakes, I cleaned a bit and unfortunately, that is about it. We are 14 days out of not eating as a restaurant. Yeah for us! You wiped me out today. Your dad got two walls painted with double coats of paint. i was a little worried because when he showed me a sample, I hated it... a lot. But, with it all on the wall, it looks like I hoped it would. It is just a plain brown. I am handling the room all in stride but when the crib, changing table and the rocker get set up, I think I am going to be crying like a baby :)
In other big news, 2 topics for you. 1) It is November 1. Yeah, I know, duh. Happens once a year. But, the big news is that you, me and your dad made it through October. No coma required, no early deliveries, no drama. We are so thankful. I gave your dad a big high 5 while he was cooking up our scrumptious pancakes. 2) You are officially 29 weeks. One more week bites the dust. You have a 90% chance of survival and only a 30% chance of complications. We are getting closer. For some reason, 30 seems like a big number to me. Not that I want to see you until a minimum of 35 but 30 seems so.... pregnant :)
That is about it from here. We have a busy week ahead - something going on every night. That is hard to deal with when your mom is such a hermit :) I think you are beating me up in the middle of the night as I am dreaming about it. I am thinking I am incorporating your ninja moves (phrase from your Uncle Zach) into my dreams and they are unsettling. So, after last night's dream, you are Baby Moves-A-Lot.
Well baby, our ambien already wore off for tonight - I feel asleep at 7 and up at 10:30. I am not sure if I should try another or suck it up but figured it gave me a few minutes to write to you. Sweet Dreams you little turd.
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