Two Months

Brice had his two month check up on August 24^th. This was the first time he did not cry throughout the checkup (well until the dreaded shots, four in the leg and one oral, poor guy). I was so proud of him. Two month stats: 15lbs 11 oz; 25.75 inches and 16.25 inch head. 97.5%

Our Week

I ended up taking Brice in when he was 6-weeks old, he had been fussy for a few weeks with gas, and now he wasn’t getting any sleep because of it and I wanted to make sure it was nothing more serious. He weighed in at 13lbs 4 oz, like I said he is my big handsome boy! The doctor checked him out and said it was mostly likely still gas and to watch what I was eating.

Grandma Ruth

I really appreciated having Grandma Ruth in AZ even more after the first week by my self. She visited us from July 4th -August 2^nd. She was very helpful, cooking great dinners , cleaning, holding Brice, lett ing me nap and shower. It was great just hanging out. We even experimented with getting out of the house. We went to Ross Department Store (she liked this store in CA and they don’t have it in MA), we also went on Target trips and by the end even went to the Village Inn after his one month doctors appt. for free pie Wednesday! One Friday we really braved it, Darren, Grandma and myself packed up the car and went to the Phoenix Art Museum. We figured it is air conditioned and wouldn’t have too many people. It was nice getting out o f the house. We of course never skipped Thursday night dinner at Grandma and Papa Englert’s, they need their Brice fill! We also got to skype with Grandpa McCollem one weekend so he could see his grandson live. Rumor has it Brice has Grandpa’s long arms!

The trip went by very fast. The Friday before she left Darren and I took Ruth out to The Roaring Fork for a nice meal while Grandma and Papa Englert watched Brice. It was a very nice night out. The Sunday before she left we had a Bacon Cheesburger cookout. In attendance were Grandma and Papa, Bryan and Owen, Jenny, Steve and Peyton and Janie and Steve. We said goodbye to her Monday morning and Brice and I prepared for the week ahead.

Brice’s one month stats (5 weeks): 12lbs 15oz; 24 inches long; he received his second hepatitis B shot.

Fun Facts

Visitors at the Hospital
Grandma and Papa Englert
Uncle John and Aunt Katrina
Sally (Darren's co-worker)



Nicknames
Fussasauraus/Fussalump
B-Dubs (Darren's Favorite)
Lovebug

Things He Likes
Being held (his absolute favorite)
Eating (also a big favorite)
Kisses (wait thats what mama likes)
To talk
His Swing
His bouncer

Things he doesn't like
His pacifier (He will take it after about a minute)
Being changed, although he hates having a dirty diaper as well.

Cute Facts
Brice plays with his hair while eating. Darren does this when he is tired, note the picture a day after Brice was born.


He is very strong, the first night in the hospital he was holding his head up. We still practice everyday and he keeps it lifted for quite a while until he is bored. He is also constantly moving his arms and legs!

He started smiling! Before I couldn't tell if it was gas or a smile, now he looks at you and smiles, I even heard a giggle. He started smiling at 6-weeks.



We moved him from the co-sleeper to the crib at 3-weeks. He was very chatty in the co-sleeper and we couldn't sleep. After about a week in the crib he is finally getting used to it.

We started our bedtime routine at 6-weeks, we get a bath, put on our PJ's eat and go down around 8:30. After just a few days of the routine he is starting to figure it out. We have our good and bad nights still, but now at 8-weeks he is going to sleep around 8:30-9:00 and stays asleep anywhere from 3 hours and one lucky night of 5 and a half hours!

The 4th of July

The second weekend home Brice got to meet more of his family. Aunt Kyla, Uncle Jake and Cousin Riley drove in from CA and we got to spend the weekend hanging out and taking lots of pictures.
Katie and Ryan also came in from IL for Owen's baptism. The day they left (Brice was only 4 days old) we went to the Hulihee's for a delicious breakfast. Grandma Ruth also arrived on the 4th to start the month long journey with us!

Are Growing Family

The next week Darren went back to work and I was pretty much in a tired haze, just adjusting to the new baby, snuggling a lot (my favorite next to kisses), feeding him every hour and a half to two hours and trying to take care of myself. Buddy is still extremely good with the baby, he has accepted him into the family no problem. At first he would follow me back and forth to the baby's room when I fed him, now he shoves his head under the bed waiting to get more sleep :)



Brice had his 5-day doctors appointment where he weighed 9lbs 4 oz so he hadn't lost or gained anymore weight since the hospital. He had to get a few tests including jaundice, the results showed he was perfectly healthy.

Happy Birthday Brice

Wednesday June 23rd my mom came to the hospital at 5:00am because the estimated time of arrival was 9:00am. That time came and went and the stronger my contractions got, the more the epidural stopped working. I received some more medicine which made my legs lead weights and helped with the pain. By the time it was time to push I could feel everything, except my legs :) I had a great support team with me for pushing. Darren my wonderful husband, my mom the great coach, Nurse Irene who practically delivered my baby and Dr. Linnerson who stayed calm when I was screaming at him to get the baby out! After 45 minutes of pushing, our big, handsome boy Brice William McCollem was born!

STATS - Arrived 2:36pm; weighed 9lbs 13oz; 22 inches long; 15 inch head; 14 inch chest; 10 fingers and 10 toes!



We stayed at the hospital for two days making sure everyone was healthy. He got poked and prodded and passed all his tests. We left the hospital on Friday June 25th after giving a hug to nurse Michelle who was so wonderful and helpful for my two day stay at the hospital. Darren pulled the car around in the 108 degree weather and we took Brice for his first car ride...home!

Induction Day

I went to Banner Desert medical Center to be induced at 10:00am on Tuesday June 22nd. Darren and I enjoyed Monday together cleaning and relaxing. On Tuesday morning we had our bags packed and headed to the hospital. When I went in I was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. After three rounds of gel and walking around the hospital they decided to break my water to see if it would help me progress and start contractions. Contractions started mild and by around 10:00pm I started really feeling the contractions, at around 11:00pm I asked for the epidural. I am glad I did because it helped me sleep as much as I could during the night and kept my energy up for pushing the next day. Unfortunately they had to keep flipping me from side to side and put an oxygen mask on me. The nurse did this because the baby's heart rate would drop after some contractions.
The picture is of Darren the morning of induction day, he had the history channel on and was cold in the room!

I'm Back!

For those avid readers out there that thought I would never return, have no fears, I'm back :)
I have had a very busy eight weeks as you know and I am ready to blog again. So follow along as I play some catch up and enjoy the cute photos of Brice William McCollem!

Congratulations Scott and Liz

A big congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Scott and Liz McCollem. They tied the knot on May 29^th. Darren and I wish we could have been there to celebrate with you. We miss and love you guys. Liz even though you have been with Scott for almost 10 years, we would like to officially welcome you to the family!

External Cephalic Version – May 27th, 2010

Who would have thought you could go from “boring” visits to the doctor, to a whirlwind of a week.

We went for an ultrasound last Tuesday May 25^th, because the Dr. wasn’t sure if the baby’s head was still down. We went in and the baby was breech, butt down. Then Darren asked if she could tell how big he was. She said she would do a rough estimate and the head was measuring at 39 weeks (I was at 36 weeks). So she called and got an order to do more measurements and he was running at 38 and ½ weeks, 8lbs has a big head and lots of hair! A reminder that a baby in the last month can grow a ½ pound to a pound a week!

So Doctor Alperin called me after the ultrasound and since the baby was breech they wanted to do an External Cephalic Version (flip the baby around manually) ASAP because the bigger the baby got the less likely chance the baby would flip around. That Thursday we went to triage at Banner Desert Medical Center for the “Flip” they prep you for a C-section because that is worst case scenario. So after an ultrasound confirming again he was still butt down, the Dr. came in and manually on the outside of your stomach tries and flip the baby so he is head down. Yes it is painful, but it was worth it because it worked (and I know no one nor does Darren that is has worked on)! The Dr. said he could still flip back, but because he is big the chance is less likely. Darren was telling me after that the Dr. was doing kungfo moves on me, because he hand was like 3 inches into my stomach trying to get the baby’s butt to move up.

Skip forward a week to my weekly doctors visit on June 2^nd and the Dr. said he was still head down, yeah! The new plan is at 39 weeks we will decide if I should be induced since the baby is big. The doctor already told me he will not let me go a week past my due date like they normally would. So the baby will definitely be here in a least a week and a half.

We are both looking forward to the baby arriving and are definitely ready for him (well as ready as we will ever be)! We at least know we are going to have a big healthy baby boy with lots of hair. Don’t worry Darren went out and bought a brush already :)

What a Busy Week

Ok here is an older post I wrote, but never posted, a lot has changed since this, more to come!

First Darren and I had our two week check-up on May 12th, another boring check-up and when I say boring I mean fantastic, because boring is good!

Then on Saturday May 15^th Darren’s work threw us a baby shower at the hospital. We got their and everyone had pitched in and made a dish, so I was well feed. Then we got spoiled with more gifts, clothes, bottles, diapers, bibs, books, too much to list. Everyone was again so generous and it was great meeting all the nurses Darren works with. That night we invited mom and dad over. Mom and I went shopping for organizational stuff for the baby’s room. The week before I got a ton of clothes washed and put away, but after a second shower I had round two to go and needed more shelves! Darren cooked up some burgers and steaks and had a nice Saturday evening with the folks.

Sunday was a full day, baby class day from 9-5. Although a very long day, it was very informative and the instructor was great. We learned a lot of what to expect, how to prepare, what to do to try and relax and of course got to watch the birthing video. Let’s see if I will remember it all once I go into labor!

Doctor's Appointment

We went to my Doctors appointment on April 28^th for my two week checkup, yup you read that right I am going every two weeks! Doctor said my blood pressure is good, weight gain is normal (eeek), I am measuring on track and the heartbeat sounds good. He also felt to see if the head was down, and it was. I am feeling the baby so much now, rolling and kicking, it is pretty cool.

As of Tuesday May 4^th I am 33 weeks, 8 months, that’s only 6-weeks to go! I am starting to feel the pressure of making sure everything ready for baby. Below are a few tips about how big the baby is!

• The baby is anywhere between 17 to 19 inches in length
• Weigh more than four and a half pounds and could grow a full inch more this week alone
• His eyes are closing during sleep and opening while awake
• He has developed his own immune system that will be able to provide protection from mild infections
• He is a Honeydew this month :)
  

Busy and Great Weekend – April 23rd – 25th

Wow what a busy and exciting weekend Darren and I had. On Friday after work we went to the Ford dealership to look at the Ford Escape. We went and looked the week before, but they didn’t have one for us to test drive. Of course we thought we were just going to test drive, but guess who walked out of the dealership with a new 2010 Ford XLT…yup the McCollems. We felt very good after some great wheeling and dealing and are very happy with the car.

On Saturday my family threw a surprise baby shower for me, it was so nice! The shower was at Belaros at the Seville Country club. They had a nice breakfast and all our friends and family were there. My sisters, Jake and Riley all drove in from California to be there, it was very special. Darren and I got so much stuff, from diapers to the highchair and everything in-between. We got so many cute clothes too, which I still need to wash and put away :) My favorite things were the handmade blankets. Grandma Englert made us a beautiful blue knit blanket with ribbons running through it and Darren’s Co-worker made us a very nice quilt with a construction design, both are very talented! My sisters had everyone play a few games one included a raffle, if you brought diapers! Darren and I kept talking about how generous and thoughtful everyone was, we appreciated everything!

After the shower Darren and I unloaded all our baby stuff at the house, then went over to my parents to BBQ with the family. I was great hanging out with everyone and the weather was beautiful. Riley definitely kept me entertained, she is just so cute!

On Sunday morning before everyone left Darren made breakfast for everyone. Including his delicious waffles, eggs and fried ham.

Like I said it was a very busy and exciting weekend!!!

Bridal Shower

I went back to MA a couple of weekends ago (April 9-12) for Scott and Liz’s surprise bridal shower. I took a red eye, thinking I could sleep on the plane, turns out when you’re pregnant, you don’t sleep on a plane. It was nice that I got their Friday morning and Russ and Ruth picked me up from the airport. I stayed with Russ and Lauren and got to get my baby Aiden fill. He is very cute and long. He was a good baby! I got to hang with the family all day Friday and got some sleep in (don’t worry Lauren had a snoogle pillow from her pregnancy, so I didn’t have to go without for the weekend)!

On Saturday Lauren and I went and picked up cupcakes (so delicious) and went early to decorate the country club for the bridal shower. Liz was surprised and we had a nice brunch and dove right into presents. Scott and Liz got a lot of great stuff including a patio set which was used later in the day. After the shower everyone went to Scott and Liz’s house and had a BBQ and hung out. The weather was really nice out, a little on the cold side, which was perfect for me since I am hot all the time!

Sunday the girls (Ruth, Lauren, Liz and Melissa) took me out for a pedicure, which was much needed and appreciated! We then went to delicious deserts and Liz ordered her wedding cake, a layer of chocolate cake and a layer of white cake and raspberry filling, we all got to sample the cake (yummy)! Even though I can’t go to the wedding, I can at least say I had some of the cake! Then the whole family went to Jimmy’s and had lunch, Aiden slept the whole lunch, I thought that was pretty good. After lunch Ruth and Russ went and picked up Grandpa McCollem so he could see me and the baby. It was very nice to talk with him. After we settled into Russ and Lauren’s house, the family had a baby shower for me complete with chocolate cake and milk. I got all sorts of clothes, books, bibs, pacifiers etc. It was very thoughtful of them, I definitely lucked out having great in-laws.

Even though the trip was short, I am glad I got to see everyone, the next time I see them the baby will be here!

Easter Weekend

Another beautiful Arizona weekend! Saturday, while Darren and my dad went for a hike at Pass Mountain, I stayed and did some spring cleaning since we were having Easter at our house again this year. Later that night Megan, Noah, Owen and myself got a bite to eat and went to Swirl It Frozen Yogurt, which just so happens to be right down the street from my house. As you can tell by an earlier blog, I am all about Frozen Yogurt and I am sure it will only get worse as the summer creeps in on us! We then went to Jenny and Steve’s house to see Peyton. He is so little and snuggly.

Sunday morning, Megan, Noah and Owen and I went to church. It was a nice service outside. The church is currently being built, so for Easter everyone brings a lawn chair and we sit outside on the land where the church is being built.

Later Darren and I prepared for everyone to come over for Easter. John, Katrina and Bear came over first and made some of Katrina’s famous potato salad. I would have really enjoyed it, but I don’t like Bacon (I know what’s wrong with me, I get asked that question all the time.. about bacon only). Next my Mom, Dad and Coop-de-jour (i.e Cooper) came by. My mom made a very cute Easter decorated carrot cake and cupcakes. Janie and Steve showed up with a cheese ball made to look like a rabbit accented with veggies (very creative), everyone ate around the bunny face, no one dare dig into the middle. Then Rob, Nikki, Reece and Alexa came (with very cute Easter dresses) and brought some yummy pastries drizzled in chocolate and wine. Following behind them was Bryan, Megan, Noah and Owen with beer and deviled eggs (always a favorite).

For dinner Darren made a great ham, and I made mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, caesar salad, and two loaves of bread (Buddy didn’t get a loaf this year, like he snuck one off the counter last year). It was so much fun having everyone over. Easter is one of my favorite holidays because the weather is beautiful and it is not all about gifts and rushing around.

Hope everyone had a Hoppy Easter!

“The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.”

~Robert Flatt

Third Trimester – Tuesday, April 1, 2010

Wow, everything felt so slow until Tuesday when I realized I have hit my third trimester, my 7^th month mark, less than 85 days to go mark. After tonights doctor’s appointment, I start going every two weeks. We are very excited; it is definitely going to change everything we know!

Things are starting to pick up around the house as well. With all the homework Darren has on the weekends he has been fitting in a lot of time for the baby. He has sanded and painted the dresser, put in the ceiling fan in the baby’s room, patched up any holes in the room, Hung the new cordless blinds up, brought the bed down to the fitness room, which is now Ruth’s Suite (because she is coming for a month in July and will probably be the first guest to use it), he spray painted the headboard to the bed and help me move furniture around the room. He also put together the glider which just came in a few days ago, I love it, it is definitely going to get its use! So even though the room is empty with a glider, it is still a step forward to the room being complete! I am starting to feel organized around the house!

Darren has been great throughout my whole pregnancy. With everything on his plate he hasn’t forgotten how important family is. He is going to be a great dad!

New Baby

Congratulations to Jenny and Steve, they had their baby boy. Peyton Olson was born March 14th, and weighted 7lbs, 2oz. Congratulations Jenny and Steve welcome to parenthood!

Beautiful Weekend

This weekend was gorgeous, 75 and sunny! We had the Kitchell Company Picnic at Riverview Park on Saturday; it was nice spending the day outside. Darren and I got our picture taken on the big chair, (photo included) and had Famous Dave’s BBQ, delicious.

Sunday we hung out and had lunch in the yard, can’t beat Arizona in March! We also watched Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, started off good, then got a little strange, but overall funny. I also got a lot of cleaning/organizing done and made a big trip to goodwill. Darren got his annual Irish Soda bread for St. Patrick’s Day. I will be making at least two more loafs, another one for him and one for Thursday night Dinner.

Wish I was outside right now, it is too nice to be inside working on a beautiful day!

I also just realized that according to the baby countdown, we have 99 days to go. Less than 100 days. Crazy!

Doctors Appointment – March 4, 2010

Darren and I went to my monthly appointment and everything is looking good. The doctor asked if I was having any swelling and I said no, but then he pressed on my shines and it left a divot, makes me a little concerned on how my ankles will look at 9 months, scary! The heartbeat sounded good and he is still kicking me every day! The doctor also said I will have one more monthly visit and then we go to every two weeks. Crazy! I also have to go for the gestational diabetes test in a few weeks, lets hope I pass with flying colors!

Shout Out

It is time for another shout out. A big thank you to Kyla and Jake for all the loot they had my parents bring back from California for the baby! They gave us a bouncy chair, infant positioner, wipes warmer, two boppy’s, some baby books, bath tub and a co-sleeper.

“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”
Robert Kennedy

My friend Kristin was also in town from D.C. and she visited the East side for a few hours, always good to see her!

I would also like to introduce the new photo tab I have added on the top left hand side of the page, although not many pictures are in it now, I am hoping to get better with uploading photos!

24 weeks, 6 months, 112 days to go

Crazy, I am at my six month mark today! Some days it feels like it is going by fast like when I say to myself, “I am six months along.” But as I think about it day by day it is going slow. Darren thinks it is going slow as well, but he is just excited to see the little guy, or big guy according to Darren (he is convinced we are having a 10 pounder, thanks honey!) Below are a few facts about how big the baby is.

He weighs more than a pound and a half right now and sports a crown-to-rump length of about eight and a half inches. The face is almost fully formed. He is still missing the fat that will be piled on his skin. Until those fat deposits are made, that very tender skin is still very transparent, which means a close look would let you see clear through to all the organs, bones, and blood vessels. Babies at this stage of fetal development are gaining about six ounces each week.

For you fruit lovers out there this week he is the size of an Eggplant (yes eggplant is a fruit, learn something new every day!)

On other topics a few things to write about, Jenny had her baby shower a few weeks ago and I think she is set to have the baby, only a few more weeks. Also, Megan has introduced me to Yougartland. Thanks Megan now that’s all I want, so many yogurts and topping choices. Twilight chocolate are you kidding me, delicious!

Two more exciting things, Darren found out he will be done with grad school a little earlier then planned now that they changes to a 4 credit class structure. He will now graduate with a duel degree (MBA and MSN) at the end of August 2010! Woohoo. So exciting especially since I am sure he will be distracted with the baby here!

Second, my mother-in-law bought tickets to fly out for the month of July to help with the baby and visit. It will be nice to have her here, even if it is 110 degrees out!

Another side note for The Bachelor fans, I can’t get the horrible song “On the Wings of Love” out of my head and I only know the one line, it is terrible.

“There is always something for which to be thankful.”

Charles Dickens

Kyla and Riley Visit - February 19th-22nd

Kyla, Riley and Molly came to town for the long weekend. It was so nice to see them, Ry is too cute! Saturday, mom, Kyla and I went glider shopping and mom and dad bought me a very nice glider (picture provided.) I love it and can’t wait for it to come in. We all almost fell asleep trying out the rocking chairs. Then we headed to Baby’s R Us for a little shopping. Of course Ry got a few new clothes, as did the baby. I also purchased a snoogle and I am so happy I did, it is a large C shaped pillow so I can sleep a little more comfortably. Kyla and Riley spent the rest of the day with Darren and I, we went to the park and wore Ry out pretty good. For dinner Megan, Noah and Owen joined us. Darren made a delicious dinner.

For Valentine’s day Darren bought me some chocolates (which didn’t last too long) and then we went to sonic for a sweetheart shake and took Buddy to the dog park to find a valentine (I think he found more than one). Later we brought pizza over to my parents house and hung out with the family. We watched some of the Olympics since Jake is filming different events in Whistler Canada.

On Monday Kyla and I got our haircut, went out to lunch at Liberty Market, and did a little shopping. For dinner everyone went to my parents house including John and Katrina and had a yummy dinner. Molly even joined in on the fun, actually playing with the other dogs!

It was great having the ladies in town, hope to see them soon!

Also, I have been feeling the baby move more and more (now that I know what it feels like) and on Saturday Darren actually felt the baby kick! :)

Ultrasound Appointment

We got another ultrasound on February 11th since the tech couldn’t see everything in the baby’s heart that she wanted to since he was too small. I can’t believe how much he has grown! Everything is looking great and on track.

Chocolate Festival

Went to the chocolate festival with mom and dad on the 6^th. Nothing like sampling chocolate, touring a chocolate factory and viewing romance novels! It was a beautiful day outside, as is the weather in AZ this time of year!

20 Weeks

I am half way through my pregnancy! Went to the doctors yesterday and he said everything is on track and looking good! Here are some facts about the baby.

The baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — The length of a banana.

It’s a Boy!!!

We went for our 20 week (19 weeks and 2 day) ultrasound and found out we are having a baby boy! It was so great to see the first real ultrasound photos and see the baby moving around. The tech said everything was looking good, so now to pick a name! Any suggestions? We will be busy, busy, busy now that we know. I am officially surrounded by boys, Darren, the baby and Buddy. Life is good!

Another New Baby!

More baby news. Our good friends Megan and Bryan had their second baby boy! Noah now has little brother Owen Leo Hulihee. He was born on January 21! Another playmate for our baby. We are very excited for them!

Shout Out

A shout out to my friend Marci for dropping off a huge box of maternity clothes. She rocks and has good style!

Aunt Siobhan and Uncle Darren

Yay, we have become and Aunt and Uncle on the McCollem side of the family! Darren’s oldest brother Russ and our sister-in-law Lauren had their first baby on January 9^th 2010. Russell Aiden McCollem. We are so excited for them and know they are great parents already. We can’t wait to meet the little one. Another cousin for our soon-to-be.

Congratulations Russ and Lauren, he is cute!

Doctors Appointment

I had another appointment on January 7^th and I got to hear the heartbeat again which never gets old. I can no longer button any pants except for one pair of pants that stretch. Time to do a little shopping.

The Surprise

Darren had no clue what was in store for him after Christmas! He knew he was dreading his 30^th Birthday on January 4^th, but he didn’t know I had a surprise trip to San Diego planned. I rented a house right on Mission beach from New Years until January 5^th. His good friend Dave and his girlfriend Jes from MA came out to celebrate with us. If he wasn’t surprised already that we were in San Diego, he was even more surprised and excited that Dave came out for his Birthday.

It was a great and relaxing time. For the rest of the week more

people came including my parents, John and Katrina, Lauren, and on Sunday Kyla, Jake and

Riley drove down from LA, it was great to see them since we hadn’t seen them since the fourth of July.

Riley is so adorable and is going to be a great cousin! Everyone left

Sunday night and Darren and I had the house to ourselves for a

few days. For darren’s actual birthday we walked around and hung

out all day and went to a nice restaurant to celebrate. A very special birthday to remember, and probably the last relaxing trip for a while!

Christmas

As everyone probably knows, I am a huge Christmas fan, I love the music, lights, treats and having everyone together. Darren and I decided to have our First Annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party. It was a lot of fun, we had a prize for ugliest sweater which John took the crown for in a slightly small sweater with a bear on it that said “I have been beary beary good this year”!

For Christmas Lauren came back out for CA to celebrate, we had appetizers at my parents house and got to see Janey and Steve and open a few gifts. Riley my one year old niece gave Darren and I little onsies that said “My mom adores me” and “My dads #1”. Our first official baby clothes…thanks Ry!

Hearing the Heartbeat

November 23^rd I had my second doctor’s appointment, just to chat and see how I was feeling.

December 10^th Darren came with me to my 10 week appt. and we got to hear the heartbeat, very exciting! Darren of course started thinking of every wives tale to try and predict if it was a boy or girl. I still think it is a boy and Darren still believes it is a girl. We will see!

Thanksgiving

Darren’s brother Brett came out for 10 days for thanksgiving and had boys trip to the Hoover Dam and Las Vegas. Although I cannot comment too much on the boys trip, I believe it was quite interesting including a long trip in the truck, the Excalibur Knights Show, three wolves shirts and Brett coming back with a rainbow snow globe of the Hoover Dam.

Thanksgiving was very nice at Mom and Dad’s house, it included my sister Lauren, Brett, my brother John, his fiancé Katrina and her friend. We of course played the quarter game after dinner and like always the newbie one, congrats to Katrina’s friend.

Lauren and I did our Black Friday shopping, Lauren wanted more of a mad rush, but it was a pretty calm day at the mall.

It was great to have Brett out for the week, Buddy missed him when he left, sleeping in front of the guest room!