Nolan's Story

New Blog

2010-03-11T15:13:00.000-08:00

Since we are adding to our family, I've decided to start a new blog to cover all Reeves family happenings and not JUST Nolan! :)

Check it out: http://reevesfamilyramblings.blogspot.com/

Oh boy!

2009-12-17T22:24:00.000-08:00

The other day I had to go to the doctor because of my stupid mouth (still having difficulties from a clogged salivary gland) and they had to look in my mouth and Nolan was fascinated with this. When we got home he kept wanting to look in my mouth just like the doctor. Later in the day he comes running up to me from his bedroom, sticking out his finger and screaming "AAAAAHHHHHH". So I do as I'm told, and open wide. He sticks his finger in and immediately I sense something very wrong with this scenario. This is the MOMENT I learned my son knows how to pick his nose, and he JUST put it in my mouth. I quickly removed his digit and spit a couple times...which made Nolan squeal with glee. He then stuck his finger back in his nose, and offered me his finger once again. This time I knew better and offered him a kleenex instead. Boys are so much fun!

I look forward to reporting our Christmas adventures and stories...and hope for less stories that involve boogers!

Christmas Time

2009-12-07T09:49:00.000-08:00

Although I'm with Nolan day in and day out, there are some days where he seems to have grown up over night. Last night my little guy went to sleep, and this morning he woke up a talking, walking, imaginative ball of fun!

Nolan is now sitting in a booster that scoots up to the table instead of a highchair with a tray. He loves that he gets to sit like a big boy...but I secretly miss the highchair, especially since he was locked in and couldn't escape! :) But he is SO proud of himself. I marvelled as we ate breakfast together and he asked for more cereal. He has mastered the spoon and cereal is now fun instead of frustrating. He watched me intently as I sipped my leftover milk from my bowl, and within seconds was mimicking me and pulling the bowl away to say "ah" like it was the most refreshing milk he had ever consumed!

The Christmas tree was put up yesterday. It's barely 4' tall, but perfect for hanging the unbreakable ornaments from! We also figured if it falls over (because a monkey decided to climb it) it wouldn't be as big of a deal! Nolan loved putting up the lights and helping us hang the ornaments. Of course, since he put them up, he feels he can take them down! His favorite ornaments are the trains, which he takes off frequently to play with on the floor. He is very good about putting them back on the tree, but they all seem to make it back to the same branch! :) Our tree may not be the prettiest tree, but I have to say it's the best we've ever had!

Of course I could go ON AND ON about the amazing things Nolan does, but they aren't that thrilling and no different than any other toddler. However when you get to experience life (and the Holidays) through the eyes of a toddler, it's just magical.

If you didn't receive our Christmas Card this year, here is an electronic version! Hope you have a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!!

18 Month Milestone

2009-10-09T14:16:00.000-07:00

I am frequently in awe of Nolan...lately more often than not. He seems to go through developmental spurts. Awhile back it was his vocabulary. All of a sudden he was adding a word a day. Now, he is adding less each week...but using them FREQUENTLY. His current favorites include:

-Applejuice (I believe this is the first and last word EVERY day...and a million times during the day).

-Pizza (which actually means food, and not pizza in particular)

-Bumblebee

-Bubble

-More

-Thank you (sounds like Tank Too)

-Please (sounds like Peas)

-Up

-Down

-Nolan (sounds like No-knees)

Surprisingly, No is STILL not part of his vocab. Yay us!

Last night he even started experimenting with putting words together. He was trying to convince me that he NEEDED applejuice on the way home. I was driving and after his 421st time saying "Applejuice?" and me saying "Not right now"...we had this little exchange:

Nolan: "Mommy?"

Me: "Yes, Nolan"

Nolan: "No-Knees Applejuice?" said in the CUTEST voice ever.

It was soooo sweet...but he still didn't get applejuice.

Last night we went out to Sushi for dinner. Nolan surprised us yet again. He ate quite a bit of pickled ginger, california rolls, fruit and whipcream. He is such a great eater! He's growing like a weed and eating to fuel that growing. In fact right now he is gobbling up a tuna sandwich, a couple hand fulls of grapes and a string cheese. He is going to eat us out of house and home! :)

I know I have more, but he's asking to get down. I'll update with photos soon too!

I just had to laugh

2009-09-03T22:51:00.000-07:00

My son cracks me up. His giggles of course melt my heart. His big goofy grins bring a matching grin to my face.

This week we went to Ikea and he picked out a toy. His pick...a dust pan and hand broom! He LOVES it and has to take it everywhere which is pretty funny.

Today he was running around the house naked because he has another horrid diaper rash and all of a sudden he was CRYING hysterically. I walked over to him, assuming he peed because it upsets him when that happens....and there on the floor were two turds. He was SO upset over this...which just made me chuckle more.

These are the times you just have to laugh!

Summer Fun

2009-08-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

This summer has been so much fun...but it seems to be over far too quickly. We enjoyed our 4th of July visiting family. Unfortunately my camera wasn't always around when I really wanted it to be...so I don't have a million to share...but have a few! :)

Playing at Grandma & Grandpa Anderson's house

Summer Fun playing in the sprinkler at the neighbor's house

We went to the zoo with friends and saw some pretty cool animals

We went to Amberlee's 4th birthday celebration. Nolan and Portia enjoyed playing with the stroller best.

Nolan also enjoyed the lake...but mostly just stood on a rock.

We also had jammie mornings and bad hair days.

I knitted a snake for Nolan, it's taller than he is!!

Nolan enjoys my new Tupperware

We had many, many blueberries...on this morning it was blueberry pancakes with powdered sugar and a side of plastic plate.

Nolan is growing so fast! He now has many words, most of which start with B, like "Bumblebee", "Blueberry", "Bubble", "Belly Button" and...my favorite new word..."Costco". Thank you is a new word too..but sounds more like "Tank Too" which is also pretty cute. He's fine tuning his fit throwing, but all in all is a great kid.

His new favorite thing is to hold hands when we walk anywhere...especially if he can con two people into holding his hands and swing between them.

Nolan says "Hi!" and thanks for stopping by his blog...hopefully his mommy will update more often! :)

The Magic of a 15 Month Old

2009-06-25T23:51:00.001-07:00

The first year of Nolan's life was definitely measured in milestones (as you do with any baby). His development was obvious when he would finally flip from tummy to back...or took those first glorious steps. However I'm learning the magic of the second year! My darling child has the cutest little personality...he's like a person now!!! I do realize that this was bound to happen, as it happens with all children, but it is oh-so fun to experience.

Just a few weeks ago, his only words were "Mama", "Dada", and another word that sounded kinda like "Bubba" but didn't really have a definition. Now, the child is a chatter box, everyday adding a new word to his repertoire. The most recent additions are "Hi", "Bye" (which includes the cutest wave), "Bubble", "Up", "Uh-Oh", "Ouch", "Hot" and a few other words that are close...but not quite there yet. Today he said "Hat" when they said it on a show. He then walked around saying "At" "At". He repeats words when I say them, but not using them regularly or in context. I'm quite thrilled that "No" is not part of his vocabulary yet. I know it will come (it's inevitable, especially since it is in his name!) but I don't look forward to that day.

The best part of all these words is the increased communication. He walks to his highschair when he is hungry and says "Up, Up". Another aide to our communication is a little bit of sign language. He learned "All Done" awhile ago, which is nice when he is stuffed and can't eat another bite. He recently learned "More", although he sometimes waves his hand towards him as if to say "Bring on the food". Both are cute and get the point across! He picked up the sign for "Milk" all on his own, although his wave goodbye and the sign for milk are pretty much the same, so it's hard to know if he 100% understands how to use that sign! I would really like for him to learn "Thank You", but I'm horrid at remembering to use it...so that might take a bit more work!

It's fun to watch Nolan play. He is experiencing his toys in a whole new way. Instead of just pushing his toys around, he's understanding that they make noises if you press in a certain part. He also knows which button to press on my keychain to make the car go HONK. His favorite pasttime is to steal my keys and sit next to the windown and watch the lights flash on my car and hear the horn honk! He also enjoys running around the house and turning on all the fans, then running away when they blow on him. He is slightly obsessed with brooms and today I caught him getting a rag off the kitchen table and cleaning the fridge door. Someone in this house needs to be a clean freak...and we know that both Brian & I don't fit that description! Today Nolan was playing in our room and picked up a dirty shirt I left on the floor. He walked over and put it in the correct dirty clothes bin!! Brian doesn't even do that!!!! I was so proud I almost cried!

I could not be luckier. Nolan is such an amazing kid and I love watching the world through his eyes.

Father's Day Picnic with Friends

2009-06-20T23:38:00.001-07:00

Today was Zoe's babyshower and afterwards there was a Father's Day picnic. We had a ball and I had to share some photos of our fun day. Nolan was in the best mood ever and ran around a lot. He enjoyed playing with a plastic egg. He will pretend like he is going to throw it, but as he pulls his arm back the egg would fly behind him. It was super cute!

Nolan & Portia hug/collide

Nolan made a friend.

Brian and Nolan running & screaming like crazy men

Mommy redirecting Nolan

mommy

Canada Trip

2009-06-20T23:23:00.000-07:00

My friend Zoe has family up in Canada. She wanted to go visit before she has her second baby...and I just couldn't have her going alone...so I invited myself along for the ride. Her family was so welcoming, we had TONS of fun and the kids were SO amazing! The fact that they were in the car for 12 hours straight, TWICE...is just crazy! And they didn't even drive us insane!!! Here are some highlights from the trip (although I didn't take enough!!!)

Here are pics from the water park inside the West Edmonton Mall (the LARGEST mall in North America). We didn't see the whole mall, but the water park was so amazing we didn't really care!!! (I'll have more pics when I download from Zoe...she did MUCH better at taking pictures here!)

Arriving at the Waterpark

After (I look like a drown rat)

Putt putt golf place

We went to Old Spaghetti Factory (my FAV!!!)
Nolan being silly

Portia

Shelly, Xander & Xavier

The ice rink inside the mall

We went to a sushi restaurant the next day. If we had that here, I would eat it EVERY day! It was a TON of food for only $9 canadian. Nolan really enjoyed the chopsticks!

Nolan enjoyed "playing" video games with Xavier...are we surprised??

Portia being so cute!

Nolan learned how to go down the stairs...Portia showed him the ropes because she is a pro!

Close your eyes!!! Naked babies!!!

We visited Zoe's family at the campsite her aunt runs (we had the yummiest hotdogs EVER!). Nolan enjoyed the dustpan & broom...of course!

How cute is that little puppy?

I call this, the many faces of Nolan...he has so many expressions...these pics were taken back to back.

Portia was loving on Nolan

Nolan playing in the sand. He ate lots of sand!

Playing on the slide with Portia's Grandpa

I've never seen this in person, but they were EVERYWHERE! They suck up oil...I think they look like mosquitoes! :)

I just think these two pics are cute. We are eating dinner at Tim Horton's. There was a LOT of Tim's on this trip!

I'll have more on Wednesday...Zoe took a ton of pictures!!

More Randomness

2009-06-02T16:17:00.000-07:00

These pictures are from a really fun park in Lynden

I call this "running like t-rex"

Fun in a hammock

This morning he was playing very quietly in his room...I come in and find this:

New sand box (filled with pea gravel)

Tip toe through the tulips

2009-06-02T16:16:00.001-07:00

Zoe, Portia, Nolan and I went to the Tulip Festival this year. It was fun!

Happy (Belated) Easter

2009-06-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

Ya...It is sad how behind I am...but I'm getting there! :)

Random things

2009-06-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

Shopping at Ikea with Zoe & Portia

I think this shirt is just so cute! :)

Father & son together

Playing with the fun settings on our new camera

Stealing someone's trike

Playing at another park

Did you know these are see through??

Cleaning house

Playing at the children's museum

Nolan, looking like a toddler...where is my baby???

Naked play time

Nolan turns 1

2009-06-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm behind, what is new?

In March Nolan turned ONE! The time has just flown this year! He is such a fun kid and we are enjoying watching him learn new things every day. Here are some photos of his parties (yes, he had two parties!!)

These are from his party in Poulsbo:

It was a bug themed party...

Spider Cheese Ball

Ants on a log

Dirt cake with worms

Pin the spot on the ladybug

A tent full of boys

Messy boy

Here are some cute pics from that week at Grandma & Papa's house

We took the boys (nephews Brad & Nate) along with Nolan to get pictures taken at JCPenney...if I can track them down I'll post them here too!

We went to The Spaghetti Factory with Mandy, Madi & Jonah to celebrate the boys' birthdays since they are 1 day apart.

Bellingham Birthday Party

We did a joint birthday party with our friend, Alex. Here is Alex enjoying his cake

The tent was a hit at both parties

Austin

Portia

Alex on a present

He greatly enjoyed cake!

But cake frosting does funny things to your hair

Too many pictures?

2009-03-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

I feel like I've been using my blog for a photo album, but not so much as a blog...so I'm fixing that right now.

Right now I'm uploading photos to One True Media to make a slideshow of pictures from Nolan's first year. I cannot believe he is going to be a year old next week. Where did the year go? I look at newborn pics of him and I barely recognize him...he's changed so much since he was born.

I'm also reflecting on my first year as a mom. I've done things that I said I would never do (let him watch TV just so I can get a bit of a nap, let my house become covered in toys) but those things don't seem to matter all that much. My house will be a mess, this is a fact, I wouldn't trade my new life for anything.

I was told MANY times that Nolan would change my life, change ME. Yes, he has changed my focus. Things that seemed so important before, seem so pointless now. Before I would feel accomplished if I got a laundry list of things done in 24 hours. Now I'm just thrilled if I get a little laundry done and get to run through the shower. Nolan is such an amazing kid, and I can't seem to remember life without him. I guess when I really think about it, Nolan didn't change me or my life...he was just the missing piece. I love being a mother even more than I thought I would. Even when I'm up to my elbows in snot, pee, poop and something else that I can't quite figure out...I wouldn't trade my life for a million dollars! :)

He walks!

2009-03-14T23:18:00.000-07:00

Swimming Lessons and other madness

2009-03-14T23:03:00.000-07:00

Swimming lessons just ended...but boy did we have fun! Nolan is quite a little fish. Even though lessons are over, we will have to go swimming often so that he can splash around and wear himself out! Here are a couple pictures. We have very few because the heat would steam up the camera.

We go to the park a lot. Here is the fun I had with my camera one day.

He's getting to be such a big boy!

Playing at the mall

We went out to dinner one day a couple weeks ago and I had a fun time sticking puffs to his head! :)

Playdate with Portia

Can you hear him screaming?

Hanging out with daddy

Sitting on the laptop

He wants to go out and play

Nolan and his mommy

Lost Christmas Photos

2009-03-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

I just had to re-link all my photos on my blog (which was a HUGE PAIN!!!) and I found Christmas photos that I never posted on my blog. So I thought I would do it right now! :)

I tried to do handprint christmas ornaments with Nolan, but it just turned into a mess. A cute mess though!

Opening presents with Grandpa Ron

Sitting on Santa's Lap. Santa said he asked for a Porche for Christmas. I found this funny because his girlfriend's name is Portia! ;)

Driving already!

Peek-a-boo

Uncle Webster was one of the only people that could get a giggle out of Nolan

Eating Snow

Checking out the christmas tree

What is this?

I must eat it

Cute

Nate, Nolan & Brad

Santa Nolan

Opening presents with daddy

Not so merry christmas

My little Christmas ham

Being cute again

Fell asleep like this

Rounding the Corner to One Year Old

2009-02-11T11:55:00.000-08:00

Nolan has been a busy little boy lately. He's been to the zoo a couple times, played lots with friends, got his very first TOOTH and yesterday he took his first steps without assistance!!!!! It has been very exciting! We also started swim lessons this week. Evidentally we have a little swimmer on our hands. He can float on his back (with just a little support on his neck), kick his legs like a little frog, blow bubbles and go under water. He is amazing and so far hasn't cried or complained. I have sooo much fun too! I see lots more swim lessons in our future!! Ok...on with the pictures!

Bathtime with friends (Jonah & Madi)

Nolan & I at McDonalds

Woodland Park Zoo. We went to Pt. Defiance a couple weeks before...but he wasn't in the greatest of moods...so I didn't take tons of photos.

Nolan LOVES fishies

This isn't zoomed in. The peacock was super close to us!

Nolan cracking out of an egg

His fingers in a bronze gorilla nose

Smiling cuz it's lunchtime

Nolan wasn't growing much hair on top, but he was harvesting a mighty fine mullet! So we took him in for his first haircut. I almost cried!!!

Playing at the mall. I got a new camera that does some cool things!

What a boy does with a teething biscuit

At Malaki's 1st birthday party

New toy. I said I wouldn't let the living room get over run with toys. HAHAHA

I know, I'm a slacker!

2009-01-16T20:47:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!! Ya, I've been slacking about the updating of the blog. So here it is...a big update with lots of pics! :)

Nolan is growing like a weed. He will be 10 months old at the end of the month and I'm already thinking of what to do for Nolan's birthday! :)
Nolan's first Christmas was very fun. We got to see family, although the snow made it difficult to get there and back. He didn't quite understand unwrapping presents and didn't appreciate being kept up past his bedtime on Christmas Eve...but he appreciates his gifts very much.

We stay pretty busy. On Tuesday & Thursdays we go to the YMCA where Nolan plays with other kids and I exercise. It wears both of us out! :) Sometimes when he's napping I get some knitting done. I started selling knitted things online and it's going very well (http://www.funkybabyfinds.weebly.com/).

Nolan enjoys playing. Here he is playing with his girlfriend, Portia:

He pulled her over. He got a talkin' to about how to treat a lady. Oh, and no Portia's were harmed in this playdate! :)

We also went and visited Malaki and Stephanie the other day. The boys had a great time being boys. I thought Nolan was a ham for the camera, but Malaki loves the camera...and the camera loves him!

We've been to the mall a couple times to check out the play place...Nolan loves the tunnel through the baseball.

In February we are starting swim lessons. I'm sure there will be photos! :) Now the question is, will I post them? ;)

Getting Ready For Christmas

2008-12-10T22:05:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe it is Christmas time already AND Nolan is almost 9 months old! Time is really flying and I'm SO not ready for my little boy to turn 1!! Here are photos of what Nolan has been up to...

He surfs the net

And he talks (well, screams) on the phone

***can't find this photo***

Acts like a ham for the camera

Or tries to eat the camera

Thinks that the kitchen table is a toy too

And of course, dad is his favorite toy!

Nolan visits family. Here he is with his Grandpa, his Great Uncle and his Cousin, Cayden

Likes to wear spinach more than he likes eating it

LOVES to take off his socks

He goes for drives

And sometimes tries to drive himself

He eats Thanksgiving Dinner

But no turkey yet, even though Uncle Webster made a stellar bird!

Nolan helps mom out in the kitchen

And opens Christmas presents (this is his FIRST, from Rebecca, Amberlee and Austin)

So...no Christmas Tree for us this year. Three reasons (and no, one of the reasons isn't because we are Scrouges!!!)

#1 Nolan is pulling up on EVERYTHING, and I mean everything!
#2 Cats seem to climb EVERYTHING, and I mean everything!
#3 We won't be home for the week of Christmas anyway.
So our compromise was garlands and a couple really small trees! Here are some pics of the house! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!!!!

Cuteness

2008-11-19T22:44:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to update with one of Nolan's milestones! Today he laughed for the first time. He has made happy sounds, and laughs if you blow raspberries on his tummy...but this was the first honest laugh!!! Brian was laying on the floor and McKinnely climbed up on his stomach. Nolan found this very funny and started laughing. It was SO amazingly cute and I have to say, both Brian and I melted.

Brian has nicknamed Nolan "Doodlebug", that's pretty stinkin' cute too! Ok...so that's enough cuteness for one post!

WAIT...one more bit of cuteness...

It's November?

2008-11-07T10:27:00.000-08:00

I keep forgetting to update my blog. But never fear...I have a million photos to share!!!

We had a very fun Halloween. Nolan was going to be a pumpkin (we bought the costume last year on major clearance) however Nolan was too big for the costume! So I ran out and got him the sock monkey costume that I REALLY wanted him to wear. He was SOOO cute and got a million comments. He usually grabs everything, but wouldn't grab a piece of candy when I put his hand in a bowl of candy...silly baby!

Nolan, the Sock Monkey:

Trick or Treating in Fairhaven:

Trick or Treating at the Mall (we met Brian there after work, along with Portia and her mom & dad and Austin and Amber and their mom & dad). Here Nolan is lovin' on Portia:

And here we are trying to get a group photo...Nolan was NOT interested!

The other day Nolan was playing under the futon...we didn't realize he was playing with the cat!! McKinnley was not liking it and hit Nolan in the face. He came out bleeding and screaming. Luckily the scratch was VERY small (upper lip & nose). He had some blood on his hand, which he rubbed in his eyes...so for a short bit we thought his eye was cut. We keep him away from McKinnley now.

Nolan recently started eating Cherrios. I love to give him bananas first, to get all sticky...then give him the cherrios...they stick to his face!

Nolan is pulling up on EVERYTHING now! When he wakes up, he pops right up and stands up so he can suck on the rail of the crib. It's cute, but annoying!

Going to the store:

Nolan really loves the camera:

6 Months Old!

2008-09-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

Time sure flies when we are having fun! I know I need to update more, but the entire month of September kinda sucked...so I'm back up and running now!!!

Long story short: I sprained my ankle then something (they are still trying to figure it out) attacked my joints and there was a couple weeks that I couldn't use my hands or walk without CRAZY pain. I'm fixed now, even though they still don't know what it was! Here is a picture of my ankle, and this is when it was "better"!

Ok...on to MUCH cuter things! My Rollie Pollie Nolie!

Here are his 6 month photos, taken at Sears. He was a perfect angel and every photo came out great! It made it difficult to make a decision!!!

I didn't get Nolan's diaper on quite right, sat him up and got an eye full of crack! :)

I made some hats that I want to sell online, but I needed a model...so I made Nolan do it!

He was happy to have the hats off!

There are many uses for the Exersaucer

Nolan sticking out his tounge and looking cute

Crawling and getting into trouble

Eating his pirate rubber duckie

Being cute some more...

Bye!

5 Months Old????

2008-08-29T09:20:00.000-07:00

I forgot to take Nolan's 5 Month picture on Wednesday. He was a Crabby Patty all day, so I'm sure the photo would have been of him screaming!!!

I haven't updated in awhile...so I thought I would take a couple minutes and do that! :) We FINALLY have a daytime schedule and some structure to his naps (read: sleeping in his crib instead of ON me). Bedtime is going quite well (knock on wood) but he has added in a 4am feeding and sometimes throws in a 1am "booby call". I'm not such a fan of those!!!

He is rolling all over the place now and can scoot fairly well. He seems to find things he shouldn't be playing with...we are going to have our hands full! He "talks" a lot and recently found out he can stick out his tounge, which is soooooo funny!

This morning he woke up at his usual 7:00. He was "talking" in his bed, so I let him chat for a bit before going in to grab him. I went in and found him sideways in his crib. This is nothing new, but he looked so cute I had to grab the camera. It took me awhile to find the camera, and with how wiggly he is, I assumed he would be in a different location. So I was very surprised to see him in exactly the same orientation that I left him. So, I snap the photo...

And go to pick him up...and guess where his right arm is???

Yup, you guessed it!

On another note...I have always been told that I was a VERY clean baby. My grandpa would tell anyone who would listen how I would eat without getting a spot anywhere. I think Nolan is not my son...

Messed up

2008-08-23T23:39:00.000-07:00

I screwed up my blog when I was trying to make it pretty today...but I give up...I'll mess with it later! I have new pics...but I'm tired!

Adventures in Cloth Diapering

2008-08-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

So, we dipped our toe into the Cloth Diapering pool today! Yesterday we purchased 3 bumgenius 3.0 diapers. They are on the pricy side, but they are one size fits 7lbs to 35lbs...so I figure it's a good investment for this kid and possible kid(s) down the line. I have never been so excited to do laundry last night, I wanted to get them washed up so we could use them today! He seems very happy and content in them. Of course he did a huge poop in the first one that I put on him...but it contained it and there was NOOOO blow out! WHOO HOO!

So we are going to keep these in rotation along with disposables until we can purchase a few more cloth diapers. I feel so green...and frugal! :)

4 Month Checkup

2008-08-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

Nolan's 4 month check up went very well! He is now 14 lbs 13 ounces and 26" long. He "talked" the whole time the doctor checked him and wanted to show how he can roll over and even scoot a little. It was pretty cute! Brian's mom came with me...carrying a baby and all his stuff is SOOOOO much easier when there are 4 arms!!

Nolan's had a rough couple days after the shots, but I think he's almost back to normal now! :)

4 months old!

2008-07-28T22:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Nolan turned 4 months old! I cannot believe he is growing up so fast! Nolan's 4 month doctor's visit is on Wednesday, so I'll come post his latest stats! Of course I've been taking photos like crazy, here are a few! :)

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=55364868&albumID=2261511&imageID=33347469

Ok...it's just not working!!!!! I'll come back later I guess...I hate computers sometimes!

I should get to bed. I'm enjoying the fact that the boys are sleeping and I get the computer and I can watch whatever I want on TV! :)

It is WAY too hot!

2008-06-29T22:36:00.000-07:00

So, it's too hot today! We bought a pool and put it in the driveway (didn't want to kill the grass). I don't think we could get any more ghetto...but then again...we do live in a trailer park!! :) Here are some pics from our day!!!

Nolan getting ready for the pool:

Daddy & Nolan in the pool. He just put a toe in and it was just too cold. So we got him out of the sun and into the shade with momma:

A very very sleepy baby!

Three Months Old!

2008-06-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it, Nolan is 3 months old today! He's growing so fast right now, I swear he does something new everyday! Here are some more pics!!!

Nolan on his 3 month old birthday. He didn't get cake, but did get breastmilk!

He looks like he is thinking about something...

This picture makes me smile every time I see it. It was near the end of the photoshoot and he was DONE!

2008-06-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

Nolan is taking a MUCH needed nap. So I figured I could either clean my house since my mom is coming tomorrow, or play on the internet. Sorry mom, the house is going to be a mess! :)

Here are some pictures I've been meaning to post!

Me, Nolan, Chris, Jessica & Brian at Chris & Jessica's wedding (May 10th)

Me, Nolan & Brian. I think Nolan has his hand down my shirt! :)

This is Nolan's favorite thing next to drooling. He loves to chew on his hand, then cries when he bites too hard!

My little man, looking so grown up already.

Nolan, blowing bubbles

My little pirate!

Entertainment for one

2008-06-21T06:37:00.000-07:00

It's 6:37 in the morning on a Saturday...and I'm up! :( But, the good news, Nolan slept from 8pm to 6 am, can't be upset with that! I have to work today and was going to get up around 6:45 anyway...so there is no sense in going back to sleep!

I feed Nolan when he woke up and he fell asleep shortly after filling his belly. I put him down in his crib and he was snoring a few seconds later. Then all of a sudden he woke up. He is in there cooing, giggling and hiccuping all at the same time. At least he is entertaining himself. He sounds so cute that I want to go play...but I have to appreciate the fact that an almost 3 month old can be by himself for a little bit. I think I'll just let him have his fun, whatever he is doing in there. Can't be all that exciting...the only thing in his crib is him and a paci and it's pretty dark in there!

Well...I think it might be over...the sounds are turning from happy to a little pissed...at least he had fun for a little bit! :)

What's new?

2008-06-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

It's been a little while since I blogged, life has been fairly crazy!!

On June 7th I was in my friend Fawnda's wedding. Nolan got to attend his second wedding in his short 2 1/2 months of life. He was pretty good...of course he was a lady charmer as usual!

The next week Nolan & I went to visit family down in Kitsap County...it was a very fun trip! Nolan even had a first when we were down there! He rolled from his tummy to his back for the first time (well, first time where it was a roll...he went from tummy to side then got stuck and kinda flopped the rest of the way...but this was an honest tuck & roll this time!) when we were at Grandpa's house (my dad). That was pretty exciting.

He was also given an exersaucer from Katie too, which he loves...

Last week I also started my new weekend job! I'm working 6 hours a week (Saturdays from 8am to 2pm) at a Chiropractic office. I love the job soooo much...I'm so glad that I can make a bit more (at least to cover our health insurance) and then I get out of the house a little bit and Brian gets some father/son time...it's good all around! I miss my boys though...the first full day was a bit difficult just because I missed them, but they visited me at lunch with was great!

This week I've been working at a company called Puget Safety. It has been SO much fun, I get to bring Nolan with me. We've been having a great time, but I have to say I miss my afternoon naps! :) This little job is just a temp thing for the week...so next week it's back to the regular routine...well...except for the fact that I'm picking up 5 Thursdays in a row at the Chiropractic office...I guess I just like being busy! :)

Well...time for me to close this up and go to bed. Just a cute pic of Nolan to end it with! :) He is growing up so fast!

2 Month Checkup

2008-06-06T22:21:00.000-07:00

Well...I almost forgot to blog about his 2 month checkup.

The Vitals: 12 pounds 2 ounces (50th%), 24.25" (90th%) and I don't remember head measurement, but I think it was very average.

The Shots: he did VERY well. He cried a little bit, but settled down pretty fast. I've seen/heard MUCH worse fits when driving down the road! He slept a lot the rest of the day, which was nice!

The last 3 nights Nolan has slept from 10pm to 6 or 7am...this ROCKS soooooooo much! I was putting him to bed earlier (around 8pm) but this later bedtime is working much better for me...I like getting so much sleep!

Well...I'm in a wedding tomorrow...so I'm off to bed! :)

The Shower

2008-05-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

Before Baby:

Remove clothes
Jump in shower
Hang out in the steaming hot water
Contemplate shaving
Soap up
Decide to shave legs & underarms
Wash hair
Hang out in the hot water some more, before it gets cold
Condition hair before the water turns freezing (because I've been in there FAR too long)
Get out of shower at my own speed, take time drying off.

After Baby:

Get bouncy chair into the bathroom
Get screaming baby and put said baby in bouncy chair
Remove clothes and ponder how many days I have worn this shirt...and if I could wear it again. Disgust myself and throw everything in the wash.
Turn the bouncer music on last minute, to buy extra time (the music only lasts so long).
Get in shower and get down to business...quick!
Turn on water
Shampoo hair, this is high priority...if I must leave after this step...at least I have clean hair
Put head out shower curtain to check on baby (baby stopped crying)
Decide baby is ok, go onto next step
Put conditioner in hair, let it stay in hair a minute while soaping up (hello, multitasking)
This is a dangerous step, if baby starts screaming I have conditioner in my hair & soap all over body.
Put head out shower curtain to check on baby, he is grinning from ear to ear. This is great, but I've witnessed him melt down right after a smile like this.
Decide I have a bit more time.
Rinse body & hair, half way through music on bouncy chair turns off...baby screams. Reach out to turn it back on, dripping water on floor & baby.
Finish rinsing off, contemplate shaving...laugh out loud!
Jump out, dry off and pick up baby in what seems like one fluid motion.

Colic?

2008-05-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

I thought Nolan was just being a cranky baby...but now I'm thinking it might be colic. It seems like he turns into a different baby around 5pm. He screams at the top of his lungs for no reason, his tummy is very tight and I think his tummy hurts. Its been taking up to two hours to get him to sleep, then he sleeps for 4-5 hours and is back up...he's easy to get to sleep this time though. Next week is his two month check-up...not that the doctor can really do anything...it will just be nice to hear he is "normal" :)

SLEEP!!!

2008-05-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

Nolan slept 7 hours in a row last night!!! I didn't go to bed until 1.5 hours into it though...but I still got a good amount of sleep. Then I put him down and he slept for another 2 hours! What a good baby!!

Rollin' Nolan

2008-05-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

Ok...so he isn't ROLLING quite yet. But yesterday I put him on his tummy and he started getting fussy after awhile. I guess he thought I wouldn't turn him back over, so he took matters into his own hands. It was a slow flip...but he went to his side...then his back...then looked at me like "How did I get here?"

Another new Nolan trick is saying "oooooh". I will say "ooooooh" and after awhile he'll give it a shot too. The first time I squeeled with glee when he did it...which scared him and he started crying...I won't do that again!

Cuz I had a bad day

2008-05-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

This morning Nolan (7 weeks today) was fussy all morning. I was looking forward to two things later in the day:
#1 a shower
#2 our playgroup
I found a break in the crying and we went to the bathroom so that I could shower (he in his bouncy chair, me in some VERY hot water). I felt sooo good, the morning stress melted away. I changed him, fed him and got him ready to go to our playgroup. I set him in his carseat (didn't buckle him in) and put him by the bathroom for me to blowdry my hair (and hopefully stop the crying, he likes the noise!). As I placed him in the carseat and said "Self, I think you should buckle him in before you forget" to this I replied "Self, I wouldn't forget to buckle him in, that has only happened once so far and I promised myself I wouldn't do it again"

The crying won't stop...so I grab the baby and the diaper bag and run to the car (you can see where this is going huh?) I realize as I run to the car that I'm a little shakey...and then take an inventory of the contents of my stomach...crud...I haven't eaten! So I decide to swing by KFC on my way to the playgroup, although this WILL make me late...but I'm sure not too late. As I'm in the drive through I look back at my adorable sleeping baby (thank GOD no longer screaming) as he slumps over...further than usual because...I FORGOT TO STRAP HIM IN!!! I say some very naughty words...pull out of the drivethru and into a parking spot ASAP so I can buckle in my angel and appologize over and over for being the worlds worst mom!

I get to the playgroup a little late. The plan was to meet up at one gals house then walk to a park. I don't see anyone at the house, but decide to grab the baby and bound up the stairs to the house just to make sure they aren't still hanging out waiting for me. I hit the first step, start to stumble, I thought I corrected, so I go up the next step...keep falling...end up dropping the baby (thank GOD he is strapped into his carseat and the carseat just lands on it's side and my sleeping baby looks at me like "what the hell" and starts screaming...but from what I can tell he isn't hurt (I fell UP the stairs...so he really didn't fall...just VERY ungracefully set on the ground). After checking the baby...I realize that I'm bleeding and scuffed up on both my elbows (although it is VERY hard to see your elbows...go ahead...TRY...see...it's hard!)

Anyway...my son is now taking a MUCH needed nap...I'm sore as can be and feeling sorry for myself. I've attempted to injure my child a couple different ways today...thank goodness he is safe in his crib right now!

Well...tomorrow has to be better...right?

Things Nolan Has Learned

2008-05-15T11:01:00.001-07:00

In the last couple days Nolan has been learning quite a few things...some just crack me up! I wanted to document them...so I don't forget! :)

#1. Yesterday in the car he let out his first cooing sound. It was SOOOOO cute! Today (5/15/08) when I was changing his diaper (which he has learned to love, thank GOODNESS) he let out a coo that actually scared him...it was so funny!

#2. He's learning to "talk" more. He tests out his mouth a lot and tries to figure out what he can make it do. He started clicking his tounge yesterday, which is also amazingly cute!

#3. He's learning that his legs are good for propelling himself forward when I place him tummy down on his boppy. I don't think he realizes he is the one doing this...because when he lurches forward he looks around like "hey, who did that!"

#4. His vision is really improving and he LOVES looking at himself in the mirror. There is one in the car that I have so that I can see him, and he can see himself now...it makes car rides more fun! I came to the SAD realization that right now his eyesight is probably better than both Brian & I...we are SOOOO blind!

Nolan is calling for me...so I will run!

I've been tagged...and I just couldn't resist!

2008-05-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

What I was doing ten years ago: In May of 1998...I think I was working at a chiropractic office and going to Olympic College.

Five snacks I enjoy:
1. Anything that resembles a pastry
2. Fruit
3. M&M's, Peanut butter ones
4. Peanut butter filled pretzels (see a peanut butter theme here?)
5. Cheese

Five jobs I have held:
1. Office Assistant for a Grounds Maintenance Company
2. Teaching Aide at a Daycare
3. Client Services at a Promotional Marketing Company
4. Office Manager for a Marina
5. A mom...my FAVORITE job of all!

Five habits:
1. Obsessively checking my e-mail when I'm near my computer
2. Drinking too much caffiene
3. I'm messy
4. I watch WAY too much TV
5. I love to buy lotions and stuff...and have FAR too many of them in the linen closet already!

Places I have lived:
1. Milwaukee, WI
2. Poulsbo, WA
3. Bremerton, WA
4. Bellingham, WA
5. SHOOT...that's all folks!

I tag Amber & Ian!

More Learning

2008-05-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

More things that I have learned...

#1. NEVER say "he's sleeping in his own room already"...because he will prove you WRONG that very night! :)

#2. NEVER say never. I was pretty anti-pacifier before becoming a mom...however...I see the power of the paci now! I read that it has a calming effect...and boy does it! Sometimes he just wants to use me as a pacifier...and I just can't always do that. I figure, as long as he doesn't have his senior pictures taken with a paci in his mouth...I've done an ok job as a mom

#3. NEVER underestimate the power of a baby. I have never received so much attention in my LIFE as I have now that I have Nolan. He is a magnet for women, children...even men! Everyone marvels at how small he is, but I keep thinking...he's getting so big!

#4. My child is a wiggle worm. If I put him to bed in the "normal" orientation, he ends up sideways. I think this is just one of the hints that he will be a stubborn boy (like his mom) and not always play by the "rules". Or it just means he likes to get himself in tough situations.

#5. It never fails...if I have food or a laptop in front of me...the child wakes up! OH...and when I set him down in his crib he is just fine...until I crawl back into bed. The SECOND the sheets hit my body...he's back up! How can this little guy who has so much to learn in life...be SO smart?

It's time for me to make dinner...which means he will continue being a sleeping angel...until the fork hits my lips! :)

Cute Pictures

2008-04-21T17:56:00.000-07:00

It's picture time! Of course you can view allll the photos at the shutterfly site...but I just had to put a few of my favs here...cuz I love to show the little guy off! :)

Having a father/son talk

Nolan's shirt says it all, his favorite things are: Mommy, Hugs & Kisses...in that order! :)

Tummy time...Nolan really didn't love it!

He fell asleep with his arms like this, it cracked me up!

2 week doctors appointment

2008-04-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

Today was Nolan's 2 week doctor appointment (although it was more like 3 weeks because the doctor was out of town). Nolan now weighs 8 lbs 12 ounces (a full pound bigger than his birth weight!) and grew 1/2". He is very average...his head, length & weight are all about the 50 percentile...so he's just my little average boy! The doctor is very happy with his progress and we will see him again for Nolan's 2 month checkup. I just can't believe he's almost 3 weeks old...it's not fair that he is growing up already! :)

Nolan is sooooo tuckered out from the morning...so I think I might take a nap with him! :)

Our VERY busy day!

2008-04-12T22:32:00.001-07:00

This morning we completed our Second MS Walk (Nolan's first MS Walk!). It was SOOOOOO cold and I almost left because I was so worried that Nolan was too cold. But we did it!!!! I thought I wouldn't make it...but thank goodness I did! It's amazing the difference a year makes! Last year I was training for the Vancouver 1/2 marathon which was less than a month after the MS walk...so 3 miles was NOTHING...but this year...I was ready to quit after 10 feet! :) I'm so out of shape...and I have to give myself credit for doing it just two weeks after giving birth!

There is a picture of Nolan & I, but I can't get it to post here...so you can view the photo here: http://brianjennolan.shutterfly.com/

We also went to the tulip festival with some friends today. It was such a great day!!! There are pictures from the tulip festival on the shutterfly site too! :)

This is what Nolan looked like at the end of the day (honestly, his daddy looked about the same!) :)

Scrapbook worthy?

2008-04-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

Early this morning during a diaper change, Nolan's circumcision ring fell off! I was glad to see it gone and tossed it in the garbage. Right after I closed the lid on the garbage can, I thought to myself "Should I scrapbook that?" hehehe...needless to say I did NOT reach in to the black hole of dirty diapers to search for the ring, which inevitably would be at the BOTTOM of the diaper pail.

Anyway...I saw nothing wrong with scrapbooking the pregnancy test that I peed on, but drew the line at his circumcision ring...I DO have standards you know! :)

Nolan had to go to the doctor today because his belly button won't stop bleeding. It looks like they fixed him up and he should be as good as new! I cannot believe he will be 2 weeks old tomorrow...time is flying!! He's not allowed to grow up! :)

Photos

2008-04-08T09:59:00.001-07:00

I only have a second...I can hear Nolan starting to wake up...but I wanted to let everyone know they can view photos of Nolan here:

http://brianjennolan.shutterfly.com/action/

Sleep

2008-04-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

Last night was a very good night for Nolan & I. I put him down just after 10pm (although he had just woken up from a 3 hour nap...so maybe I really put him down at 6:30pm...so hard to figure out when he kinda sleeps around the clock!)

Anyway...he slept from 10-3am (so momma got a whole 5 hours of sleep! But wouldn't you know, my bladder woke me up at 2am...DARN IT!) He fed for awhile, but was pretty sleepy the whole time...so it wasn't a great feeding. Went back to bed until 6am. This was a longer feeding, he was wide awake and kept on going and going. He got back to bed at 7:30am and is STILL sleeping now, and it's 10:15! Not bad...I'm quite impressed! I know it's not like he is sleeping through the night...but it's also not every hour on the hour like the first night! :)

Nolan's Birth Story

2008-03-30T20:19:00.000-07:00

As you guys know, I had been having fairly strong contractions every 10 minutes for 3 days (on and off during the day...and all through the night)...which was wearing me out, but I was trying to sleep as much as possible.

My contractions picked up to 4 minutes apart and much stronger at 2pm on the 26th (my due date!!) We went to the hospital and I was 4cm and they admitted me (I was SOOOOOOOOO happy to be admitted and not have ANOTHER false alarm!). I was praised quite a bit on how calm and relaxed I was. I listened to the CD and Brian read a script or two...everything was going really well and very tolerable. They broke my water (the bag was bulging, just wouldn't break on its own) and I think I was 6cm around 6pm...but then the dilation stalled...and I was still 6cm at 11pm (or somewhere around there...this is where things get really blurry for me).

They wanted to give pitocin...and I was getting impatient (although I still was managing quite well with my breathing...I just wanted the baby already!). They said this would speed things up...so I said "Ok, let's do it!" I think that was around midnight. I swear, as soon as the stuff hit my bloodstream, my contractions were so strong that they had to peel me off the ceiling. They came without warning and I couldn't get on top of them...I felt like I was constantly out of breath and just behind the ball...there was NO relaxing at this point...which made me panic a bit. It exhausted me so much (I had been in labor for 10 hours at this point) and I just could not go on.

They gave me my options...and I decided on the one thing that scared me the most...an epidural. The Anesthesiologist was amazing with me...he explained that he wasn't going to make things pain free...just tolerable so that I could get through it but still be able to push and everything...this made me feel SO much better. After the epidural I could breath. I was sad that I gave up on my drug free birth...but I couldn't beat myself up over it. I was able to sleep a little bit and not feel so exhausted. I woke up at 6am with so much pressure in my bottom, I just felt like I had to push! They checked on the baby and he was soo low and I was 9cm...so it was close. They let me push a little if I felt the need, which just released more water, but made the urge to push go away.

If I remember correctly, they said we would start pushing around 8am, but first I had to get the baby to be face down...so we worked on that! :) I could feel my legs a little bit, but not full control...so getting a big girl like me on her hands and knees to get the baby to flip, was comedic to say the least! They backed my epidural off, so that I could feel the contractions and knew when to push. We started pushing at 9am...and he FINALLY came out at 10:26am. It wasn't at all what I expected...a lot longer pushing than I thought...he just felt like he was going to fall out...so I thought it would be 3 pushes and out...I guess I was wrong! :)

The BEST thing in the world was when I felt his head come through all the way...the rest of the baby just came out! It was soooo amazing and by far worth the 20 hours of labor! :) He is my pride and joy and love him more than I ever thought I could! I know everyone said this would be the case...but you just can't express or understand it until it happens. Things may not have gone exactly as I planned, but given the circumstances...I wouldn't change a thing...it is what it is, and I'm just so thrilled he is happy and healthy and HERE!!!

The staff at the hospital was so helpful and I'm so very glad I picked the hospital for the birth...I was so taken care of...especially after the baby came. We were there almost 48 hours. But could have left after about 24 hours...I was just so sore (I did tear in three places) that I wanted a little more pamper time. Breastfeeding came so naturally to Nolan, which I'm thankful for...I love our bonding time and look forward to our time together.

First Night

2008-03-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

I learned a few things during our first night home with Nolan...

#1. Our house is a little cold at night. I thought I dressed him about the same as I did in the hospital, but he woke up at one point very fussy, and I think it was because he was so cold. I felt bad about that one...but we'll dress him warmer tonight!

#2. He has amazing arm strength! I think I tried everything short of duct taping his arms to his sides to keep them still.

#3. He seems to want to suck his hands or pretty much anything, but not really hungry. So I decided to give him a paci. He LOVED it, except those pesky hands kept knocking it out of his mouth...so I was frequently woken up to find it...we'll work on this tonight too! :)

#4. Those hiccups that he had in my belly (sometimes 3 times a day) seem to be sticking around. He had a bout of hiccups during the night that really pissed him off! He's having another bout of them as I type!

Today he has been AMAZING. My milk came in (one word: ouch!) and he is a very happy boy (he's a boob man). He's very alert and looking around the room now. I have him laying on the couch proped up on his boppy...and he was just chillin out, taking in the scenery...his eyes are SO cute!

Anyway...as he was chillin out, Hunter came over to get a closer look. Since we brought him home she has always been curious...but not up close. McKinnley doesn't really care, she is just pissed that "her" rocking chair is now occupied by me and this squealing little guy.

Brian and I could stare at him for hours. I LOVE being a mom, even more so than I thought I would...he is just incredible. I know that everyone feels this way about their children...but he IS perfect! :)

NOLAN IS HERE!!!

2008-03-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

Nolan Scott Reeves arrived on Thursday, March 27th at 10:26 am. He was 7 lbs 12 ounces and 21" long.

I have SOOOOO much to say...but I'll post more later! Here are some pics RIGHT after he was born...he was a screamer! I will take some cute pics today...where he isn't yelling! He is actually very mellow and only screams when he needs something! We are so amazingly in love with him...it's crazy! The peditician says he is perfect!! Ok...I'll post more later!!

It's DUE DATE DAY!!!

2008-03-26T09:39:00.001-07:00

Where's the baby?

Off to the doctors...

2008-03-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

Ok...I'm off to my (HOPEFULLY) LAST doctors appointment. I am prepared to get on my hands and knees and BEG to let today be his birthday!!! We'll see what happens! :)

UPDATE: I'm 2cm dilated, 80% effaced and the baby is zero station (ya, I know what all this means now...it's been an educational process!)

SOOOOOOO...I wait (STILL). The doctor said to hang in there, it will be "anyday" (yes, he's been saying this for over a month now). I've been having sporadic contractions today, but they aren't as painful...so I'm pretty happy and content. My doctor leaves for vacation tomorrow...so I've become ok with the fact that my doctor won't deliver the baby...which was hard to understand. He's been my doctor for a year now...through the last pregnancy and through this one...and he's just the best. But, it's out of my hands, and honestly I just want a happy, healthy baby...I don't care who catches him as long as they don't drop him! :)

So...I'm waiting and waiting for the contractions to pick up OR my water to break...I think I'll go for a walk!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-24T00:30:00.000-07:00

I was really hoping for an Easter baby (well...that's only after I didn't get my wish for a St. Patrick's Day baby, a first day of Spring baby and all those other days I wished for the baby to come) but I didn't get my Easter egg...I hope everyone out there had a great Easter though!!!

I can't sleep...but the contractions keep getting stronger and stronger...they just aren't close together...but let me tell ya...they can bring me to my knees...so I think they are getting more "real".

TOO MUCH INFORMATION ALERT!!! I think I just experienced what they call the "Bloody Show" so I'm hopeful that means SOMETHING!!!!!! I've been told "Any day now" for so long...it's hard to believe it!

A perfect day for a baby...

2008-03-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

It's spring, we woke up to snow this morning and tonight is a full moon...seems like a perfect day to have a baby! :)

Doctor's Appointment

2008-03-19T16:53:00.000-07:00

Well...my appointment was typically boring! :)

He measured me (I forgot to ask what I measured, but I'm assuming I am staying on track...and it doesn't seem to matter...he doesn't want to come out!) we listened to the heartbeat and he said, come back in a week.

He is leaving on vacation next Wednesday, so the appointment is actually for Tuesday. I'm REALLY hoping that I won't make it to that appointment! :) I'm wishing for a first day of Spring baby now (I think that's Friday). We'll see how the wishing goes!

So...no news again...just waiting...still.

Waiting...

2008-03-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

It seems if people don't hear from me, they assume I'm in labor...but that is SOOOOOO not true. We are in a waiting pattern...and so far...nothing...

So I'm just sitting here...typing...waiting for my little man...

I need an instruction manual for this labor stuff!

2008-03-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

I had a false alarm last night (Saturday). I have been having mild contractions for about 3 weeks...but nothing that I could time. Yesterday around 6pm they became very timeable...but not SUPER uncomfortable...just there. They were between 3-5 minutes apart...and I was told to come in if they were 5 minutes. So we went.

They put me on a monitor and they were 2-9 minutes apart (a bit more fluxuation) but only mild (45 seconds each I think) and I was 70% effaced and a little over 1 cm dilated. Right before the nurse called the doctor, I had contractions that were more like 80 seconds. SO the doctor on call said I could walk around for an hour and see my progress...or just go home. At this point it is like 9pm and the nurse highly suggested that I just go home and sleep...especially since I mentioned we had walked a lot that day. It wasn't worth tuckering myself out for nothing. The cool thing is that she could feel his little head...so he is really low!!!

I haven't slept super well overnight (it didn't help that about 1/2 an hour ago the cat knocked the laptop on the floor and woke us up...I thought she might have scared the kid right out!) I've had 3 or 4 contractions through the night that woke me up...and now I'm having some more...but not super close and not to the point where I'm crying.

I'm just so confused because they always instructed me to count them and if the frequency was right, come in...and now they have all these other rules...labor needs an instruction manual! :)

Thought I would share all that fun information...hopefully we'll have a baby soon!!!! :)

Coughing is Dangerous

2008-03-14T00:12:00.001-07:00

Ok...pregnancy is full of little events that you just HAVE to laugh at.

I can't sleep...it's is 12:12 am on the 14th (the day I'm allowed to have Nolan if you ask Faye...HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAYE!!!!)

Anyway...I'm sitting here...minding my own business watching something silly on MTV and finding something interesting to read on the net (why can I never find anything when I'm trying to waste time?) All of a sudden I cough (not a big cough, just a cough) and I pee myself.

Now, it could be that my water just broke...but I don't think I'm that lucky...I think I just pissed myself.

Now, I could keep this to myself...but that wouldn't be so much fun. I have to share this tid bit of embarassing pregnancy side effect with my friends and family who will love me, despite my weak bladder.

Don't worry...I'm dry now...I changed my drawers before posting this! :)

Now...y'all really wanted to know all of that huh? ;)

Still Waiting!

2008-03-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

Went to the doctor's office today. He says I'm measuring 40-41 weeks...the baby has dropped and all signs point towards having a baby sometime...just don't know when! He also informed me he is going out of town ON my due date...so having him sooner than later would be best! Ya...my thoughts exactly doc!!!

I'm on my way to dinner with a friend. We are having Thai food...I'll make sure it is nice and spicy...in hopes of inducing labor! I would love for him to come this weekend...Saturday just happens to be the day Brian proposed to me (5 years ago)...so that might be a fun date! Honestly...I won't be picky...just want him to be on the outside of my body! :)

We'll post pictures here as SOOOOOOOOON as he pops out. Brian is excited that there is internet access at the hospital...so I'm sure he'll be posting a bit...if I tell him my password! ;)

Unfortunately, Nolan probably won't come this weekend...which means you'll get a post from me next Wednesday...telling you about my doctor's appointment...ug...I don't even want to contemplate that!

First trip to the hospital...

2008-03-10T18:21:00.001-07:00

Well...I have been feeling somewhat ill lately...and just not "normal" (I know what you are thinking, "Jen, you aren't normal!")

Anyway...Friday my gut told me to go get checked out after a bout of pretty bad nausea and sporatic contractions. They checked me from head to toe...and they are a little concerned about preeclampsia...the baby is doing super duper well and I got to listen to his heartbeat on the monitor for a couple hours (and experienced what his hiccups sound like on the monitor!) They aren't concerned about him, but they are concerned about my bloodpressure. I think I might be dehydrated again...so I'm working on that...and I'm not super worried about the bloodpressure because I tried to explain to them that my bloodpressure can be high when in stressful situations...and the hospital yesterday was so insane and crowded...I got a little overwhelmed and slightly scared.

All in all...things are good. I did have tons of little contractions while there...but the nurse pointed out that they don't count because they aren't doing anything to my cervix...I'm not even 1 cm dialated. I still have a couple weeks to wait...which I need to start enjoying and not being so damn impatient...we'll see how I do! :)

Patience is a virtue, right?

2008-03-01T20:20:00.000-08:00

Ok...I'm feeling a LITTLE impatient now! We have everything washed and put away...and I'm just ready! :)

We are trying to focus on and enjoy the little things about life right now...like being able to jump in the car a a moments notice...or going to sleep whenever we feel like it (like my 3pm nap today)...the fact that there is no screaming/pooping child in the house, etc. But at the same time...I just want him to be here...even screaming and pooping! (I say that now...I know I'll be eating my words eventually!) :)

Yesterday I had some good contractions right in a row...but they stopped! :( I think it will still be awhile...we'll see at my next appointment (Wednesday) I cannot WAIT to hear what the doctor says!

Well...I'm having a contraction again...maybe this is it...HA...YA RIGHT!!!

2008-02-25T21:03:00.000-08:00

Here are pics from my Olalla shower on Saturday, February 23rd. My SUPER AWESOME sister in law (Brenda) and best friend (Mandy) did such a great job...I'm so very lucky they love me so much!

I don't know what is up with the face...I just thought it was funny!!!

The cake was cupcakes with YUMMY frosting...I think it says "Welcome baby Nolan" the vanilla ones were AMAZING!!! And you just pull them apart...no needing to cut the cake! :)

This is me & Mandy. I'm due 2 days before her. We always wanted to be preggo together...little did we know we would be in a race to see who delivers first! :)

I had such a great day. Thank you so much to those who came...I felt like such a princess!!! Oh and Nolan was SOOOOOO spoiled...he will be the best dressed baby EVER!

Oh...one more thing. Mandy gave me a special stork pen to use for the day...I brought it home and didn't put it out of kitty reach...so the stork pen has now gone to stork heaven. And Hunter stuck around...doesn't she look guilty?

Doc says we are a go!

2008-02-20T23:52:00.000-08:00

Today I'm 35 weeks along, but I've been measuring 2 weeks ahead every week...so doc says the baby can be born now. I know it will still be awhile...but maybe he'll be on time and not super late. I would love for him to come in March...that would be very good for me! ;)

However, I know that he will come when he is ready...so I'll just try to be patient!

This weekend is my shower hosted by my sis in law, Brenda and best friend, Mandy. I cannot WAIT to see everyone!!!!

It's late and I cannot sleep...but I don't really have all that much to ramble about either...so I'll be going now!

Bellingham Baby Shower - February 12, 2008

2008-02-17T20:28:00.001-08:00

Today was my Bellingham Baby Shower, hosted by my amazing friend Fawnda!

It was such a great afternoon, we made cards for Nolan's birthday...one for every year 1 -18! I think they turned out so well! My mom came up from Bremerton, my cousin and her daugther came, and don't forget the GREAT friends that I have made over the last 4 years living up here. I'm so very lucky to have such great women in my life!

Here are some pics from the day...

Everyone Making Cards:

The FINAL product, all 18 cards!!!!

The MONSTER cupcakes from Costco...they were SOOOOO good!

Opening Gifts...We were very spoiled!!!

32 weeks...I've lost my head!

2008-01-31T18:41:00.000-08:00

I have no head in this picture. I wanted to show my progress...but my hair sucks, I have no make-up on, and I have bags under my eyes that are SOOOOO big I couldn't carry them on an airplane! So I chopped my head off and posted the picture anyway.

I feel larger...I keep bumping my baby bump into things...and I can feel him up higher and under my ribs now...but I don't know if I look all that much larger. I still can't tell if he is head down or feet down...honestly it feels like he has a million arms and legs. Right now I swear he has a grip on my bladder, a few arms under my ribs, a foot or maybe FIVE in my side. None of it really hurts...just confuses me. Oh...and he has daily hiccups too. I'm really enjoying every moment...and I know I will miss all of this so much when he isn't in there anymore...but there are times I wish I could take him out, explain that what he is doing tickles/hurts/feels weird, then put him back in! :)

I'm feeling really awesome today though. My energy is really through the roof...which is very nice. My back isn't really bothering me any more and I STILL have ankles and I can wear my wedding ring...two things that I thought for sure would be gone by now. If I can go the whole time with ankles and a wedding ring, that will be something to celebrate! :)

Next doctor appointment is next Wednesday, then we start baby classes on February 7th...this should be FUN!!! I'm excited to be there with Brian...I'm sure we will have lots of giggles!

My favorite day with my son...so far!

2008-01-21T19:38:00.000-08:00

On Friday I came home sick (I keep getting this cold that I cannot get rid of!) anyway...I spent the whole afternoon laying down and feeling generally crappy about myself and the world in general. Nolan really loves to poke at my side...so I put my hand there then started poking back. We played like this for a few seconds, I would push on him, then he would push back. Usually it only happens once and he gets bored and goes somewhere else (well, maybe he gets upset and goes somewhere else) but this time he stayed to play! I could not wipe the smile off my face! I know I can't see him yet...but I actually played with him for the first time...it was amazing!!!!

Over the weekend he got two LONG bouts of hiccups...those are fun too...but no where near playing together! As I type he is kicking my bladder...or using it as a stressball...so I should get going to the bathroom...remember those urgent pees? This is one!

30 Weeks!

2008-01-16T17:18:00.000-08:00

The first trimester went SOOOOOO slow...but the second flew by and now we only have 10 weeks left! I am so excited to meet my little guy...but loving pregnancy so much that I'm ok waiting. I am the most IMPATIENT person I know, so I can't believe I typed that! :)

Don't have much to report...just thought I would post a pic to document the 30 weeks Nolan's been in there!

Gotta pee NOW

2008-01-14T18:36:00.000-08:00

I've always known that pregnant women need to pee frequently, and this totally makes sense especially late in the pregnancy. However I never knew the URGENCY involved in this frequent peeing. There are times that I'm totally fine, no need to go number 1...but then I stand up and INSTANTLY have to pee...like this is not a drill...GET OUT OF MY WAY!!! This has made life interesting...to the point that I'm thinking I'll need a large mouthed jar in my car in case of emergency!

So if you see me hanging out in my van...please don't knock! ;)

The Baby's Room!

2008-01-13T13:29:00.000-08:00

Ok...I know he isn't here yet...but I'm in nesting mode and his room is done (well...nearly done). All I have left is to make some drapes (which will be SUPER easy) and buy some Navy Blue knobs for the changing table (there is one that doesn't work...so I'm just going to change them out for something with color...which should be cute!)

Of course I think it looks better in person than in pictures, but this will have to do for people who aren't nearby!

You can only see three of the walls, one has pretty much nothing but a window on it (and the little white bookcase that you can see in the rocking chair picture). I haven't finished that wall yet...so no pictures yet!

The polka dots I kinda centered on the wall...but then I can't center the crib on the wall because the door is in the way. I can't undo the dots now...so that is the way they will be! :) The dots are darker than they look in the photo!

Registries

2007-12-16T17:41:00.000-08:00

I've come across a few people who were interested in knowing where we are registered. Because we are computer geeks, we registered online at Target.com (I think some things can be found in store, but a lot will be online only) and Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/baby/2OO26QM0PW20C). Of course we appreciate anything and everything...giftcards are great too! :)

The theme for Nolan's room is Teddy Bears with Navy Blue & Shades of Brown (light & dark brown).

Ok...I think I'm done messing around on the websites! :)

25 weeks

2007-12-12T17:18:00.000-08:00

I was reading an article in "Pregnancy" magazine today while waiting for my oil to be changed. It was all about blogging and having the ability to share information with family and friends who are both near and far. I have done a small amount of blogging on myspace, but only a few choice friends who also have myspace have the ability to see. This blog is either a very smart way to communicate with everyone, or a very lazy way to do it...you decide! :)

I don't have much to blog about right now, I went to the doctor today and my doctor visits are fairly uneventful which my doctor tells me is a VERY good thing. The baby seems content (he loves to wiggle), I don't have any major complaints (acid reflux here and there...but I had that problem from time to time before being pregnant) and things are just right on track. I am sooooo enjoying pregnancy and right now I'm so content that I don't count the days until he is out...he is very easy to care for now! ;)

Of course there is the impatient part of me that comes out from time to time and cannot wait to meet our little man...but he will be here before we know it!

I hope to blog at least once a week, and YES, I will be counting my pregnancy in weeks. I know that this irritates some people (they force me to figure out how many months) but I can keep track of the weeks pretty well (I cheat, I have a site that emails me each week!)

Alright...that's all for right now...hopefully I'll have something interesting to say very soon!