My Growing Girl

Here are a few more recent pictures of our family :)

Around Halloween 2010

2 Months Old :)

She loves her exersaucer!!!

Cheeseburgers!!!!

Long Time Coming

Well it has been quite some time since my last post! Emma is now almost 3 1/2 months old and is doing immensly better!!!! She is now on the formula Neocate, which is around $40 per can, and she goes through a can about every 4-5 days :( Insurance won't cover it, which sucks majorly, but the money is worth it to see her feeling better! She's also on Prevacid which helps with her reflux. Just the past month she has begun to sleep through the night! She started by sleeping 5 or 6 hours straight, and now (knock on wood!) is up to 8-9 hours!!! Thank God for that!!! Just getting several hours of sleep straight through has helped so much! She seems much happier now and like she feels a lot better! This was just a quick update for now, and I will post some pictures soon!

Newest Pictures

Here are a few new pictures of Emma :) Wednesday she will be 2 months old, so I will post a 2 month picture then! For now, enjoy!!!!!!!

After her bath

Getting ready to be dressed for the day :)

Me and my little lady! At her last appointment she weight 8 lb 10 oz!

I love that grin! Makes all the hard times worth it :)

Trying on Daddy's camo hat for size! Just a little big still!

Almost 2 Months!

Today Emma is 8 weeks old and she goes for her 2 month check-up and shots on this coming Wednesday. I'm not looking forward to it because I know a lot of babies are irritable afterwards, and Emma is already a fussy baby :( She is getting big, weighing in at 8 lb 10 oz a week ago! She has also begun to coo and make noises, other than grunting and crying :)

Right now I think she's going through a rough period (just hoping it's a rough patch anyways!). It seems like she is grumpy most of the time she's awake, and she hasn't been napping as well lately. On the upside, she's been sleeping for about 4-4 1/2 hours straight at night which has been a nice change! Looks like she's starting to wake up from her nap, so I'd better get a bottle ready for our little piggy :) More pictures to come next week!

More Baby Emma Pictures

I finally got to upload a few more recent pictures of Emma. Enjoy!!!

My two favorite people ;)

Gazing out the glass door upstairs :)

Such a big girl! Her 1 month old photo

First grin I was able to get a picture of! It just melted my heart :)

Looking around while doing tummy time with the Boppy.

The Last 5 1/2 Weeks....

So I thought I would start off this post with a few pictures to sate your curiosity before I begin rattling off my labor and delivery story and so on :) I tried to upload some more current ones as well, but blogger is being a pain today, so this is all you get for now :)

Daddy loves his little gal

Emma's coming-home outfit that Nick picked out

First picture of our new family :)

Emma Rae Spotanski born 8/6/10 at 12:05 a.m.

First look at my baby girl :)

As you have been able to see, we have been blessed with a beautiful baby girl who arrived on 8/6/10 at 12:05 a.m. after about 9 hours of labor! I guess I will try to go in chronological order for this post, so I have decided to break it up into parts so it at least looks less like rambling :)

The Beginning

Around 9:30 a.m. on the 5th of August I was looking online for way to naturally get labor going if my body and the baby was ready when I came across a post on Whattoexpect.com where a poster mentioned jumping rope 10 times. Well, after some quick thinking (because we don't have any jumpropes just laying around the house) I found one of our old Xbox controllers with a long cord and proceeded to clumsily jumprope with its cord. Since there are so many silly wivestales out there I didn't think anything about this one being accurate and went on about my day.

Around 1 p.m. when the DirecTV guys were her installing our new service I stood up from sitting on the couch only to feel a small rush of warm liquid "down-there". I hurried to the bathroom to make sure I wasn't bleeding, which I wasn't as the liquid was clear. I just figured that maybe I had involuntarily wet myself a bit and so I went on about my business for a bit longer when it happened again. After doing a bit of research I began to think that I may have been leaking amniotic fluid. I wasn't having any contractions but was eager for the DirecTV people to leave so I could call Nick to take me to the hospital to see if I was leaking fluid.

At the Hospital

Well, around 2:45 they finally left and I called Nick who came home and took me to the hospital where we arrived around 3:10. They admitted us to a labor and delivery room where a nurse checked me and confirmed that my water had broken! So after getting all hooked up to monitors they decided to give me some pitocin to get my contractions to become more regular. We called Mom and Dad who arrived a while later. I was doing good with pain management until around 9 p.m. when my main bag of waters broke (doctors thought i may have had 2 and it was the smaller one that broke earlier in the day) and not more than 10 minutes later my contractions became extremely intense, and within a matter of a few hours I dialed from a 4 to a 9! I got my epidural just in time because it wasn't too long after that that I dialated from a 6 to a 9 in 30 minutes!

Here She Comes!!!

Around 10:35 p.m. I began to task of pushing which proved to be harder and felt more unsuccessful than I had imagined. The nurse positioned a mirror so I could see the progress I was making as I pushed (sorry if this is TMI). It seemed like I wasn't making any progress for the longest time as we would see her head a bit, then it would slip out of sight again. Finally around 11:30 I began to make real progress and as I would push, her head wouldn't slip away but would stay down low! Then during one push I didn't know we were getting so close and before I knew it she was born that time at 12:05 a.m. at 6lb 0oz and 19 1/2 inches long!!!!! I had to have a few stitches, but the labor and delivery went incredibly smoothly and was right about what I was expecting, if not a little less painful.

Our Hospital Stay

The stay in the hospital was nice and I was thankful we were able to stay as long as we could (all day/night Friday and Saturday, then home on Sunday). The doctors and nurses were great as was the lactation consultant who determined that Emma wasn't "latching on" correctly to breastfeed. Therefore she gave me a nipple shield to use which helped greatly. Nick's parent's were able to come and visit us on Saturday which was great so all of Emma's grandparents could be there to see her during her first few days of life :)

At Home Day 1 and On

Well now at this point Emma is 5 1/2 weeks old! It's strange how these last weeks seem to have gone slowly, but then thinking back on everything they have really flown by! Emma sure is a vocal baby who isn't afraid to let us know when something is making her unhappy. However, when she looks at us and gives us a little grin, it makes all the difficult days, long nights, and confining weekends at home worth it :) Some changes we have noticed in her so far are that she's getting a little more head control and she's beginning to really focus on objects now :) I am looking forward to her smiling and cooing for us!

Right now she's spending a few days with Gma Kendra and Gpa Harold so that Nick and I can have a little time together which is much needed. However, it feels so weird not having her here and i miss cuddling with and talking to her! In fact I think I'm going to wrap this up so I can call and check up on her :) Will post updates when I get a chance!

Long Time Coming

So I know I've been absent from the blogging world for almost a month and a half, but with good reason....baby Emma was born August 6th, 2010! Since it is late I am going to wait till tomorrow to do my main blog about the labor and delivery and what it's been like the last 5 weeks, as we are tired and getting ready to go to bed :)

Getting Close!!!!

Well yesterday was my 37 week (actually, 37.5 week) appointment with the doctor, and Nick and I were hoping that they would do an ultrasound so we could see Emma again. I figured they would becasue I don't think I have really changed in size or anything in the last week. However, we got in there and I was measuring at 38 weeks, a little ahead of where I am, so they didn't go ahead and do an ultrasound. Doctor said that the baby must have had a growth spurt :) We were both kind of dissappointed that they didn't do an ultrasound, but are also glad that she's growing and measuring where she should :)

However, not getting to see Emma on ultrasound was made up by the fact of what the doctor said about the progress I and the baby are making. The doctor did her usual exam and said that I am almost 2 cm dilated, 90% effaced, and that she could feel the baby's head!!!!! I couldn't believe it and she said that she didn't know if we would make it to our next appointment next Wednesday :) Yesterday I had a lot of BH contractions but nothing "real". Nick is saying that I'll go into labor this weekend and I'm betting on the middle of next week :) So today I went to the mall and walked around for an hour or so, hoping to get some contractions started, but all I got were BH. I know that she'll come when she's ready, but we're so excited to meet her! Been having some back pain lately and so we'll see if anything happens today, although I doubt it! Will blog when there's any news to tell :) Keep your fingers crossed that things get going soon for us and that Nick is home with me when they do!

Little Baby???

Well today we had out 36 week (actually, 36.5 week) doctor's appointment. Last week I was measuring a week small (measuring 34 cm and should have been 35) which is no big deal because those things can fluctuate a bit. However, today I was still measuring at 34 and the doctor didn't seem too concerned, but said that if I'm still measuring small next week she may have me go for an ultrasounds to make sure everything's okay. She and i both seem to think that Emma has "dropped" and is hiding behind the pelvis which is preventing Dr. Sullivan from getting an accurate measurement. I would love to have another ultrasound so we could see her again, however, I would hate for it to reveal that she's not growing as much as she should!

On the upside, I am now 75% effaced and still 1 cm dilated, so there is still some progress being made :) I just hope that Emma's growing like she should and that they don't have to induce me or anything! Will let you know when I know anymore or have any other news!!!

Out of the Loop

I have a feeling that Nick is feeling left out of this whole pregnancy thing. Yesterday he commented how he was ready for things to be back to normal and for us not to have anything big going on in our lives...just regular living :) So today I asked him if he was feeling left out, and just by his response of "Why do you ask?" I could tell that he is, even though he insisted otherwise. I hope I haven't contributed to any of this and have been trying to talk less about the pregnancy and stuff, and am trying to find ways to make him feel more included. For instance, today I asked him if he would want to pick out Emma's coming-home outfit and he seemed excited to do so, so that's good :)

So, if anyone has any suggestions as to how to make him feel more included please don't hesistate to tell me!!!

On Our Way :)

Well today I had my 35 week appointment at the doctor's office and when she did the cervical check she said that I am 1 centimeter dilated and 50% effaced (meaning my cervix is halfway to being completely thinned out which it needs to be for delivery). Not sure how long I have been at this stage, but it's kind of exciting to think that my body is really preparing for Emma now :)

I noticed this weekend I was having more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions and I think I remember reading something about how BH contractions can help get the process moving, so maybe that's what did it :) Anyhow, I have another appointment (I'm on weekly appointments now) next Monday, so we'll see if I have made any further progress then!

Preparing for Emma!!!

Belly Love :)

We are closing in on the 35 week mark of our pregnancy and I can't believe how quickly everything has gone! I remember when we first went to the doctor back in January we asked when we could find out the sex of the baby and they replied "April." We never thought that it would get here, but April has come and gone and now it's nearing the middle of July! Nick and I have really been enjoying our Prepared Childbirth classes at the hospital and I feel like we're getting nearer to being prepared :)

This past week at our class we got to take a tour of the new birthing center at the hospital and were given the chance to see the Labor and Delivery rooms, and then the Recovery rooms. I found out that after I have Emma they will keep us for 2 days (for a normal delivery) or 3 days (for a cesarian). I was under the impression that we would only stay one day after her birth, but was relieved to find out that this isn't the case. I'm sure we'll be antsy to get home after those few days are over, but am glad we will have anyone we may need at our beck and call for a few days to help us gain a little confidence and to ask any of our questions to!

Tonight after Nick gets off work we're going back to Grand Island so we can go to Grover Cleveland Days in Saint Paul (car show, crafts, food, etc) on Saturday. This time last week Nick wasn't wanting to go back because he was upset about not getting the job and didn't want to be asked about it, however, he changed his mind because his Dad asked if we were coming back and he hated to say no :) Plus we figured that this will probably be out last time back there before Emma comes because on the weekend of the 31st we are going back to MO for Kati's baby shower, which will be cutting it close, so we decided we might as well go. Plus, we figure that after having her we probably won't go anywhere for a month or so, or until my bday get-together at Gma's in mid-September. Hopefully the weather cooperates this weekend and we don't roast at this thing tomorrow :) Well, I had better get some lunch so I will update you Monday after our doctor's appointment where they are going to begin checking me for dilation! Yikes! Later :)

No Go

Today the company Nick has been interviewing with finally contacted him and let him know that they have selected someone else for the position. Needless to say he's super depressed and just really needs some good strong prayers and guidance, and so I would appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. Thanks

Depression

I am coming to any of you who ever read my blog in a state of desperation tonight. Still no word on the job-front for Nick and I can see that he's really losing hope and faith in his situation and life in general. It kills me to hear him say that other than me and Emma, life is a total disappointment to him and he doesn't see why he should try at anything anymore. I am so worried that he's going to do something impulsive that would hurt himself, and plus, his worrying and anxiety is really taking a toll on me as well.

You don't know how much I want to see him happy, but I think I have yet to see him totally happy ever since we first met. He talks about how he doesn't care about his job and doesn't care if he gets fired (which I can understand to a point because they treat him like crap there), however, and I'm not saying this to try and make it about me, but when he says that it makes me feel like he doesn't care about me or Emma because if he were to get fired we would be screwed with no income, healthcare, etc. I have asked God soooo many times why Nick? Why can't he get a break? He's a good, honest hard worker who never is given a good break and I just don't understand God's reasoning behind this. I know that he has his reasons for why he does everything, and that we're not always meant to know this reasoning, but damn it I get mad when I see my husband just feeling more and more depressed and he can't seem to find happiness at all.

I can only continue to pray for God to help us out and to give Nick a chance in a new job role with a new company, because I think until he can get a job somewhere where his work is valued and he's compensated more for what he does, then he will continue to be depressed about life and I don't want that, especially since this should be one of the happiest times in our lives (married a year and getting ready to have our first baby). Please just pray for him and for God to hear our prayers. Feeling like we need a miracle right now.

Feelings of Doubt

Nick had his final interview with the company on Friday and was optimistic at first. However, the more he thought about it and talked about it, the more pessimistic he became and has finally concluded that the company did not seem interested in him and that he will not get a job offer. They said that they will let him know probably Monday, Tuesday at the latest. I have tried to encourage him to think positively (easier said than done, I know!) but he remains woefully doubtful. Guess we will see tomorrow or Tuesday. I just can't tell you guys how much I hope he gets this position and how long and hard I have been praying about it. I'm afraid that if he doesn't then he will be more depressed than ever about his work situation and life in general, and maybe this sounds selfish, but I can only try so hard/long to build him back up because I sure don't need the stress right now of worrying about him while I'm 8 months pregnant. I would appreciate it if you would continue to say prayers that he's offered the position and that things turn out good for us for once :) Will let you know when he hears anything....

Last Interview???

Well today Nick has his (hopefully) final interview with the company he's been working with for the past few weeks! We doubt we'll know anything until early next week and so I'll update everyone as soon as I can, but won't be back on the computer until Sunday as we're celebrating our anniversary this weekend. Please keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer that this works into a new job and opportunity for us! Thank you!!!

Is This It?

Well we have a busy weekend coming up! First and foremost it is our one year anniversary on Sunday so on Friday we're going back to Grand Island to spend the night with Nick's folks and then Saturday we're going to the Stuhr museum, staying in a hotel, and going out for dinner :) We really didn't want to go far this year since I'm going to be about 6 weeks from my due date and just in case something happens! However, we are both looking forward to it and think it'll be fun!

Then the second big thing happening this week is another interview for Nick with the same company he's been interviewing with for a few weeks! The HR guy called Nick yesterday and was wondering if he would be available later this week for an interview with their board of directors if they wanted to interview him. Of course he said yes and so now he has an interview at 3:00 p.m!!!!! This will be his fourth interview including 2 phone interviews and so we're thinking that if he's the one they are going to pick for the job, he may find out Friday! We are trying not to get excited or think about it too much, but I have been praying every night that this would work out for us and that Nick could finally be given a break as it seems like nothing ever works out for him. So please keep your fingers crossed for us and I will let you know when we hear anything!

Phone Interview #2

Still no job offer from anyone, however, yesterday while Nick was in the doctor's office the company he is wanting to get on with (and has interviewed with twice) called him asking him if he would be available for another phone interview this week! So of course I could tell that he was excited (but trying not to show it). The HR woman said that next week they would be doing callbacks, or something of that sort, so we are just keeping our fingers crossed that this second phone interview goes good and that he's really in the running for the position!!!!!!

So today at noon is when he has his phone interview, and I will let you know if anything significant comes of it :)

No News Is.....???

Well Nick had his interview this past Thursday and he seemed really down afterwards because he didn't think it went as well as he was hoping. Mind you, he is always really hard on himself so I had to kind of take what he said about it with a grain of salt because I think he really does underestimate himself and his abilities sometimes. So after the interview was over the company said that they would be contacting people within the next week or 2 one way or another (if he did or didn't make the cut), and if he did, then the next step is an interview with the Board of Directors of the company, which he thinks would suck because this is a family owned company and thus it would probably be the family he would be interviewing with.

So as of right now there is no news to report, and I'm wondering if the old addage "No news is good news" could hold true here because he's just waiting on that rejection letter in the mail, but as of right now there's not been one! We are just going to keep our figers crossed and keep praying that this works out!!!

On His Way!

Nick is on the way to his interview right now so this is just a quickie post! Again, please just pray that this is THE opportunity and that he's offered a position! I know how badly he wants this and how much it would mean to him and I think I want it to work out just as badly as he does! I will post an update again when I get the chance to let the blogger world know how everything went for him! Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!!!!

The Results Are In....

This morning when I got up I had a voicemail from the hospital with the results of my glucose tolerance test yesterday. The results: all was normal and I don't have gestational diabetes :)

Thanks for the prayers for my health! Now if only the job situation would work out for Nick I would be the happiest girl ever :)

Prayers Please!!!!!!!!!!!

Tonight isn't quite my usual post. Instead of filling you in on the latest ongoings in my life I am instead coming to you to ask for prayers for a few things.

A) First and foremost I am asking for prayers for Nick and his job situation. He has an interview on Thursday and I can tell that he REALLLLLYYYYY wants this job more than any other he's ever interviewed for. He has been doing so much to prepare for it and working so hard to get ready that I just know he will be crushed if he isn't offered the position. His current job is going nowhere and his boss has no plans for his future. I have been praying for the last week or so for this interview to work out into a job offer and would seriously give anything for it to work out. He is happy in the other areas of our life, excepting his current job and it would mean sooooooo much to me for him to be happy there :)

B) Second, tomorrow I have to go for a 3-hour glucose test for gestation diabetes at the hospital. Last Monday I did the 1-hour test but sadly "failed" it with my blood sugar being 191 whereas the cutoff is 130. Therefore, tomorrow I have to go in and have my blood drawn right when I get there, then I have to drink some Glucola stuff, and after that I have to have my blood drawn every hour for three hours after drinking it to see if my body is breaking down the sugars properly. Now I know if I do have gestational diabetes that it really ins't a big deal. It would likely just mean a diet change and more exercise and that the baby's growth would have to be monitored more closely as the fetus of a woman with GD can get bigger than normal and could cause the woman to have to have a cesarian. I am just asking for your prayers for God to watch over mine and Emma's health thoughout the rest of the pregnancy whether or not I have GD.

So there you have it :) Hopefully next time I blog I have good news on at least one of these fronts!!!! Thanks for your prayers and thoughts!!!!

Something Better this Way Comes?????

Well this past week has been interesting in the job hunting world for Nick. He hadn't applied anywhere for a while because he hadn't found any opportunities that really appealed to him, however, a week or so ago he applied for a few positions, and has had 2 phone interviews so far and has another one tonight!!! I think of the three positions he would prefer the one tonight, so hopefully God will help guide us and give Nick an opportunity for a new and better job!!! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we could REALLY do with a job/employer change for him!

In other news I went for my 28 week doctor's appointment today wwhere they did a glucose tolerance test to see if I have gestational diabetes. They said they would call later this week if the results weren't good, but otherwise I wouldn't hear from them, and if I don't have it then today was the last time I have to have my blood drawn which would be great! I now have to start going to the doctor every other week until I hit 36 weeks (I am 28 weeks right now) and then after that it goes to once a week. I can't believe I am getting so close :) Won't be long before we're holding our baby girl!!!

Emma Rae's Nursery

So I haven't made good on my promise to upload pictures of our Washington D.C. trip for a number of reasons, mainly because of the amount of time it takes to put pictures on blogger, and also because I've been busy working and getting Emma's nursery ready :) So instead of DC pics, I have decided to put a few on here of the baby room!

It turned out really nice and now we just need a baby to put in there to complete it :) We have gotten really lucky and have found some great baby stuff we were needing at garage sales for almost nothing! Also, Mom and Mollie have sure helped out a lot with finding stuff for us such as clothes, a high chair, bassinett, and a pack and play playpen!

Other than working on her room and garage saling, there hasn't been much going on here besides work. I am planning (if everythings works out okay) stopping working around the first of July so I have six weeks at home to relax and just do some last minute stuff before Emma makes her arrival :) In a few weeks I'm going to talk to the HR woman at my job and see what my leave options are since I'm part-time. We're hoping that I can leave at the beginning of July, and then about a month and a half after having the baby, can get back on the schedule for one or 2 nights a week at work so that in case we find that we need the money the option is there. Not sure if that will be possible, but it doesn't hurt to talk to her about all of my options.

Think Nick and I are going to go on a date night tonight to see Robin Hood which looks really good! We're trying to do more stuff together lately because we know that this summer will go fast, and seeing as how it's the last one as just the two of us, we're planning on taking advantage of some couple's time :) Speaking of which, he will be home soon, so I think I had better get off the computer now! Will update the blogging world of anything new!

Family Vacation

Yesterday was our first full day back in the grand ole state of Nebraska, home to much better drivers than anywhere on the East coast :) Nick and I had a great vacation out in Washington DC this past week, which I will use this post to fill you in on (pictures will come at a later date).

The first day we arrived out there, after getting our rental car we took a short jaunt up to Fort McHenry in Hanover, MD, which is the fort where the Star Spangled Banner was flown. After that we made the trek to our hotel, which should have only taken an hour, but because of traffic, took about two.

We then proceeded to spend three full days in DC, during which time we saw almost all of the monuments/memorials, visited numerous museums, toured the Capitol, visited Ford's Theatre, and several other things that I can't even remember :) In between each day spent in DC we planned two day trips: one to Gettysburg and one to George Washington's home, Mount Vernon. Nick and I both said that Mount Vernon was probably the favorite thing we did as we got to tour the 8,000 acre farm/plantation, and we also took a cruise on the Potomac River where we saw Mount Vernon from the water as well as Fort Washington.

We were lucky enough to have great weather for the majority of the time we were on vacation. The only day that was a little dismal was the day we went to Gettysburg. It was pretty chilly and cloudy that day, but we still made the best of it and had a nice time :) The day we arrived out East it was around 85 degrees, as was the following day! I think our very last full day there was the best weather-wise because it was in the upper 60's, sunny, and the museums weren't full at all so we could see what we wanted, when we wanted :)

I can tell that Nick is excited to plan for another vacation because he was saying that as soon as we got home, we needed to begin planning for our next vacation, which will include another family member :) Although I had a great time on this vacation, it was a little bittersweet knowing that it really is the last one for just the two of us. This is not to say that I'm not totally excited about having a baby and beginning the family, but I just feel kinda sad knowing that mine and Nick's time alone is coming to an end so quickly. Anyhow, I know that having a family will be great and so that's what I keep reminding myself about on the days I get a little blue :)

As I said, I will post some pictures of our trip probably next week some day that I don't have to work, as I am going to have some lunch and then get ready to head to a (hopefully good) day of work!

And the Verdict Is In....

Nick and I found out on April 2nd (consequently, Good Friday!) that we are going to have a baby GIRL!!!!!!!!!!! Nick had been guessing "girl" since we found out we were pregnant, and I was guessing "boy" for the sake of argument :) However, as we began to get closer to finding out, I just had a feeling that it was a girl. Although you can't count on the old wives' tales to have any truth to them, nearly all that I had been reading indicated that I was going to have a girl, and low and behold, it's true!!!! I think both Nick and I are super excited, and although I'm sure he would've felt more confident if we had a boy first, I think he's really looking forward to having a daughter as he's never been around little girls before (which should prove interesting for him!). Of course I would have been ecstatic either way, I was really excited to find out it's a girl because I think that will help MY confidence a bit because, being a girl, I know a bit more about them.

Nick and I were talking and he wants to take her fishing, hunting, to play ball, etc. when she gets older :) I have made sure to reassure him that kids are interested in the things they are brought up doing and so that just because we're having a girl doesn't mean she's going to be prissy and not like the outdoors, because with both of us being outdoorsmen, how could she not be! :)

We have tossed around name ideas, and since I'm sure no one ever reads this blog I feel comfortable sharing the ones were debating between. Right now it's between Audrey and Emma. I think we're both leaning towards Emma because it has a distinguished and classic ring to it. For the middle name we are going with Rae because Nick's middle name is Ray (his mom's is Rae), and because I don't think Dawn really sounds good with Audrey or Emma. We still haven't really begun on getting the nursery together yet because we need to take my full bed back to mom and dad's, along with our big corner desk. After that we're going to paint the room a soft yellow and put a border a little above half-way up the wall. For the theme we have decided on a baby animal theme :) I thought it was cute, and plus, it can work with either boys or girls.

Dad and Grandpa Kenny have been working on, and recently finished, making some animal cut-outs to hang on the nursery walls, and they look awesome! Dad cut them out and Grandpa painted them, so of course they turned out amazing :) Nick was talking the other day about being concerned because as he put it "Your dad and grandpa are doing something special for the baby. I'm the Dad and so I want to do something special for her too!" So he's decided we're going to the Build-A-Bear Workshop this weekend and he's going to make a special teddy bear for our baby as her first stuffed animal :) I thought it was a super cute idea and think it will be fun!

I still have more to blog about (DC trip), but am kinda tired, so think I will call this good for tonight and will type again soon!

I'm Alive

So it has been nearly two months since my last blog and I am feeling rather guilty for not taking 30 minutes out each week to give an (usually uneventful) update, especially since so much is changing each week with the pregnancy :)

I have been feeling pretty good over the past few months. Am noticing my pants getting a little tighter and have to unbutton and unzip my work pants a bit :) I have also discovered the joy of maternity jeans which are amazingly comfortable! I think finding maternity tops that look right on me might be a challenge because I am smaller framed and shorter than most women and so it's going to be a challenge to find shirts that don't look sloppy. Mom has found some cute shirts for me lately and there's one I plan on wearing to my next doctor's appointment on April 2nd when we find out what we're having, because it says Boy ? Girl on the front :) Mom and Dad are coming up to this next appointment because they're both excited to find out what we're having, as are Nick and I :) Nick is still saying girl and I am arguing boy, just for the sake of it!

Lately I have been feeling a lot of pressure in my lower abdomen, and think I may have felt the baby move, but really don't know since this is my first pregnancy! Work has been going fine, except the long days cause my feet and back to hurt; however, I am making some money that will help us out when the baby's born. This week is the first one that I work every day, and so hopefully it goes good!

Last night Nick and I spent the evening re-doing our Washington DC trip itinerary. I can't believe the tripis coming up in about 2 1/2 weeks! We are so excited and are ready to get away and just spend some time with eachother :) It is going to be a busy trip, but I think we have a great plan of attack and can't wait to see all of the monuments, museums, etc. We're also taking a day to visit Gettysburg which should be really neat! This will be the first trip we have gone on together where we get to fly, which should be a lot of fun! Hopefully the weather is good for us :)

I have to head to work in about 30 minutes, so I should probably get ready. I will try to be more diligent in my blogging frequency for anyone who may ever happen across my blog :)

Employed Once More :)

After two and a half months of applying at, seriously, probably 35+ locations and having a few unsuccessful interviews, I got a call back last night from a Kmart that is super close to our house, offering me a job! Although it is only part time and I will be making minimum, I figure that's better than nothing considering all I have done to get a job lately! Anyhow, I am pretty happy about that, but last night Nick and I were discussing bills and how much we make, and we began to seriously worry about how we're going to pull it off after we have the baby. I have seriously only lost sleep a few times over something, and last night was one of them. However, this morning Nick reassured me that with some serious planning he think's we'll be ok.

I'm not sure if anyone enjoys worrying about money stuff, but last night was the first time I was truely scared. However, I'm just going to work as hard as i can and in the meantime we can think of a plan (maybe using some of our income tax return) and maybe Nick can find another job. This is the first time i have ever really been worried about something and just hope that we can sort it out. Anyhow, the oven just finished preheating so I think I am going to make some fishsticks for lunch :)

A few weeks ago Mom came down and we all went to my first "baby" appointment! Overall I thought it went pretty good. We got back to do the ultrasound after only 5 minutes or so of waiting, and the best part of it was that we got to hear the baby's heartbeat!!!! It was just so amazing, but I tried not to be too emotional about it because I knew Mom would get all weepy, which she did anyways :) They said the baby is right on track as far as growth and everything which made me feel good!

Then we got back to see the doctor who talked sooooo fast!!!!! However, she did answer all of our questions and I was really glad that Nick was back there with me because he remembered some stuff that I missed cause I was so focused on getting the questions I had answered. So our next appointment is February 1st at 2 p.m. and I have to do a urinalysis that day which I am dreading more than anything because they have always been hard for me.

Other than the baby stuff that's going on, I have been applying like crazy to nearly everywhere to try and get a job. I have been contacted by two people, but one position was way downtown and the other was only part-time, so it was a no go on both :( I am hoping that I get an interview soon because it is driving me crazy feeling like I'm not contributing to us and not making any money. I am trying my hardest and just don't understand why no one seems interested in me. I'm a hard worker who doesn't complain, gossip, ect, but still...nothing. Sigh. Well, I had better get back to doing the housework. Will write again if/when anything happens.