Look What I can Do!

And how excited is Nolan to report that he can now pull himself up to standing.  Mom and Dad.. not so excited.  BUT, it is really fun to watch his excitement as he realizes he can do it.  He's also crawling like a champ now instead of his wounded soldier army crawl. He's growing and changing before our very eyes.  But most of all comes the excitement of learning what's behind closed doors....

Oh boy.  There doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to put up all those gates, lock down the cupboards, and baby proof the house we aren't even all that familiar with ourselves.

He's also decided that Mom and Dad are scary drivers, so whenever he's locked in his carseat he needs to hold on for dear life. Even while fast asleep.  It is, after all, a very bumpy ride in that thing...

 

Woofie Love

When Nolan gets excited, he can hardly contain himself.  This time, he takes Woofie for a ride along with him!!!!  (Jan 2011)

A Gentleman and a Scholar

Nolan has taken a love to books, and at just a couple of days shy of 8 months old, we think it's fantastic!  Here he is showing off his reading skills.  (Jan. 2011)

Big Changes!

Wow.  Well after a few months of complete and utter chaos, we have a completely new house, a baby who is very much mobile, vocal, and of course, adorable.....so many things to chatter about... but zero time to do it.

So instead, we can share a few videos and photos of our pride and joy doing what he does best.. making us smile.  Happy End of January!   XOXO :)

Baxter's Got Your Tongue?

Nolan LOVES his swing -- THANKFULLY. We discover him often just staring up at what we thought was the mobile attached and just talking & laughing. Come to find out, he's talking to the baby in the mirror that is under the mobile. So cute. :) See for yourself!

Baby Bug's Birthday... and Kitty Too!

Happy Two Month Birthday, Nolan!  At his checkup yesterday, he passed all of his tests and weighed in at a whopping 12lbs, 8oz, and 24 1/4 inches long.  He is in the 70th percentile for weight, and 90th for height.  How two "Vertically challenged" people could have a baby in the 90th percentile for height is beyond me... but we will take it in a heartbeat.  He's a strong, healthy, BEAUTIFUL baby boy and we are so Blessed to have him here. 

Today also marks the day I brought home Baby Baxter.. three years ago.  Thanks to Auntie Jackie for suckering me into that one... How can you say no to an adorable kitten under your desk!?!  "Mew.. Mew..."  So cute.  Hard to believe that someone who is allergic to cats and "not a cat person" in the least could become so attached, but having a pet has been something so rewarding.  Although he's a terror and thinks he's a dog on most days, we love him just the same.  Happy Adoption Day, BooBoo!

 Nolan's excitement for the last couple of weeks include meeting tons of new people... Aunt Mary Ellen & Cousin Debbie were on the list and were able to accompany Nolan on his first pontoon boat ride at Grandma & Grandpa Grimes! He loved it!!!

Meeting Baby Jackson was also an exciting day for Nolan -- the son of our wonderful friends, Casey & Tracy, Jackson is five months old and just as cute as a button.  The boys had fun together -- we can't wait to spend time with them up north this Fall.  Together, these two could get into quite a bit of trouble.  Oh boy..!

Nolan also made his first trip to a Sports Bar (thank you Grandma & Grandpa)... he loved that too.  He went from watching Golf.. to Football.. to Baseball.  :)  He let us all eat our dinner in peace, it was beautiful.  This week he made his first trip to the Ann Arbor Art Fair where he slept the whole time despite the ridiculous heat.  He met Amy and saw her amazing artwork... she is so talented!!  Check it out for yourself!  http://bit.ly/amyart

Mommy's time at home is winding down, so more fun & people coming soon.  :)

XOXO!

Telling the World!

Nolan has quite a bit to say about his Tummy Time...!

New Places, New Faces!

What a fun and busy couple of weeks!  Nolan is officially six weeks old and what a jam-packed six weeks he has had.  Some of our favorite highlights from the last few weeks include his first smile and his ability to "talk".  There is nothing more amazing than waking up to his goos and coos on the baby monitor and going into his room to see a tiny little boy with a huge smiling face hanging out in his crib.  He seems to have made a huge adjustment to life on the outside as he is definitely more happy.  I know ONE person who is extremely grateful for this transition.... it makes Mommyhood more fun, for sure.

Nolan is now drinking from bottles and is doing great with it.  Daddy is able to feed him his 'nightcap' for some bonding time every day and give Mommy a tiny break. 

We've also met some really great people these past few weeks.  Nolan took trips to both Mommy's and Daddy's office...  Everyone enjoyed meeting him!  For so long he was just that bump in Mommy's belly!   We all made a trip up north to visit Great Grandma and Grandpa Duhaime -- Nolan slept the entire way there AND back.  (Made for a fun night....)    He loved the fresh air from Lake Huron!   He got to meet cousin Bailey and Great Uncle Tim, too! 

Thanks to our next door neighbor, Bev, Mommy & Daddy got a fun date night out while Nolan and Bev hung out for a few hours.  His first real babysitter!  (Sorry Grandmas & Aunt Rachael.. family doesn't count :)   Of course we both had no idea what to do with ourselves when given the opportunity to get out, but we had a wonderful dinner, a glass of wine (a cocktail for Daddy) and did some shopping & errands.  It was very nice to get away and we are so appreciative of our wonderful neighbors.

Mommy took Nolan on a Breakfast date -- he slept half way through it and needed to be held the other half.  Made for an interesting 'eating' experience, but it was still fun!  We love the BBC!!!! 

Afterwards we ran to Twelve Oaks Mall.  The jury is still out on that one as Nolan screamed bloody murder in the middle of Banana Republic.  Oh, My...  Perhaps he just prefers Somerset.  :))))

Over the 4th, we took a trip to Jackson and Nolan experienced his first night away from home.  He did an awesome job, sleeping in the pack & play and waking up every 3 hours like clockwork. He didn't like to take his naps so well, though.. Too much to see at the lake! While we were there we met Aunt Jen and Soon-To-Be Uncle Tim... he loved them both and is excited to see them again.

More fun coming soon....

Baby Steps

Two weeks down and already Nolan has challenged us to a duel.  I'll stay awake all night and fight sleep while you try to get me down.  I'll fuss non-stop while you try to calm me... and if you take away my paci, I'll sound an alarm!!!!!!!!!  Oh, but I'll nap like a champ during the day just to frustrate you.

We're exhausted, as most new parents are!  Enter... the sound machine.. the swing.. hot towels/blankets... gas drops... non-dairy diet... swaddling... shh'ing... rocking... and on and on and on. Mr. Stubborn has a mind of his own -- none of those work.  Listen, Mr. Grumpy Pants -- just close your eyes and sleep for about 8 hours, you'll feel so much better!  (ha ha ha -- Ok, I can dream!)  Despite this challenge, he is doing great.  At his 2 week checkup, he had gained a whole pound since his last visit (5 days old) and grown 1/2 inch already.

Introducing Nolan to our life has been fun.   He took his first walk to breakfast at BBC (we're regulars there!)... even made his first of many trips to Nordies. 

He learned of our family tradition of weekend afternoon "Family Naps" and loved every minute of it.  Too bad he doesn't like the idea of sleeping that well at night... Grr..

He's becoming more bright and wide-eyed -- interested in everything around him.  He loves to hold up his head and check out everything that's going on around him. 

And he LOVES his froggie jammies -- Thanks Josh!!!

More fun coming soon!  Until then...  ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz....

Week 39 - Hiccups on the Outside

It was 3:30 in the morning on Monday, May 24th and I was peacefully sleeping away.  Yes, it's true, 9 month pregnant women can have peaceful sleep.  Only 2 more hours until the alarm would go off for work.

Instead, I was awakened by a different alarm. 

My water broke....

... and my world was about to change.

"Honey.  My water broke. The doctor said to head to the hospital."  

"Now?"

YES NOW. In case you aren't familiar with what now means, Now = after showers for the two of us, coffee for him, food for the kitties, a once-over of the hospital bag and a paw-count (Refer to previous post about Baxter's great escape as we left for our wedding in St. John!)

We never got around to a 39 week picture.. so.. TA DAHHH! Pretty, huh?

I'll sum up my experience in Check-in, Triage, and the Labor & Delivery Room by saying the following:   One of us thought it would be fun to take a photo of my "water broken" capris...  there may have been fishing shows on TV at some point... Someone drank a huge Starbucks while the other of us was offered ice chips, and there was a conference call/business negotiation for work going on while one of us was having contractions in the background...  Yes... these things really happened and my experience wouldn't have been the same without them. 

The rest of the story goes like this:  Induction begins... (Holy PAIN Batman!)  Epidural... (Relief).... PushPushPushPushPushPushPush (WHAT!?!?!) and then finally -- the moment we were both waiting for... C-Section.    I hadn't thought much about labor in general other than 1) give me an epidural and 2) give me an epidural, however the words c-section did kind of freak me out.

The baby turned out to be transverse (head turned sideways) and so he wasn't coming down for delivery.  In addition his heart rate was dropping every time I pushed, so the C-section turned out to be the only option for his safe entry into the world.  If you've never had an unplanned c-section, they move FAST... so fast you could get wrapped up into just plain FEAR.  I'll save the details.  But, after what seemed like only a few warm and fuzzy minutes (no, seriously, a spinal does that to a person), I heard the doctors ask "Dad" to stand up and watch, and all I remember is Chris, "Ohhh... Woowwww.. He has a ton of hair!" followed by that adorable newborn baby cry.

1:56pm, Monday May 24th.. Our little miracle Nolan Michael LeMessurier arrived weighing 8lbs, 5z, and 21 inches long.

The past week has been pure sleepless bliss... we couldn't be more thrilled to be parents and are so glad Nolan is here with us.  We love to hear his hiccups in person instead of through Mommy's belly.  We love you, Little Bug!  Welcome to this amazing, crazy world!!

Mommy's Day!

As I walked into Whole Foods on Friday, I was stopped by a woman walking towards me.  "Happy Mother's Day to You," she said, nodding down at my belly.

I was stunned.. my first thought, "But I'm not a Mom..."

And then it hit me...  I AM a Mommy.  I'm a Mommy to a 7lb Princess named Sammy -- an orange tabby who loves nothing more than to snuggle next to my belly and bounce while the baby kicks her.   I'm Mommy to Baxter, an 18lb MOOSE (I mean kitty) who thinks he's part dog.  And, most importantly, I'm Mommy to a 6lb Bug, rolling and kicking in my belly every day.

I make sure they are all fed and well-rested.. have regular visits to the doctor, and that they have plenty of play time.  I keep them safe from harms way and protect them with my love and affection.

Yes, I am a Mommy... And it's only going to get better from here.

37 weeks!  Can't wait to meet you, Baby Bug....!

Dad's Advice

Well if you knew my Dad well in the least you'd know a couple of his favorite sayings.  First, "Life isn't Fair" -- those were always his words when we complained how it wasn't fair that so-and-so got to do ABC and we didn't.   But second was this, which my Mom reminded me of just yesterday:  "Nice guys always finish last."

OK it's not like my Dad was Negative Nelly all the time, but those were two of his favorite comments which were always sparked by some sort of life incident that had happened to him.  His life wasn't easy, and it turns out he wasn't far off on his wisdom.  He was the man who did everything for everyone else and got no thanks in return... and... he left this earth at 51, which certainly wasn't fair.  He definitely reminded us that life had it's curves, and we were going to have to face them.

33 years and some host of unfair situations later, I realize that it's not me that has come in last...It's their loss, and the gain of those people who are patient, loving, and supportive during the twists and turns life has to offer.

So this week, a GIANT Thank you to my incredible friends who showered me with a most generous baby shower -- full of wisdom, advice, gifts, and love.  These are some of the most strong and dedicated  Mothers, Wives, and Professionals I know... all of whom have supported me without ever judging... accepting me for who I am... and loving me for the faults that make me unique.    Thank you ALSO to my coworkers who surprised me with an impromptu meeting all about Baby Bug... complete with tons of thoughtful and generous, GENEROUS gifts, and of course a yummy delicious cake to feed our fetish.  (It wouldn't be a department get together without cake...)   I am so fortunate to have these wonderful and kind folks surrounding me in my daily life.

So Dad, I hear ya.  Life isn't fair.  But sometimes, the good guy DOES finish first... it just takes awhile to realize it all.

Down to the Wire

And here we are with 5 weeks left to go before D day.  So much to do, it feels like, but really... what is there?  We have everything we need AND MORE thanks to such generous friends and family.  The energy level is deteriorating and the 22 pounds have definately left their mark.  Ohhhh to be able to do my beloved pilates again! 

We have successfully kept Baxter out of the crib thanks to my friends at Reynolds -- Aluminum Foil lining the mattress has scared him to death.  One try in left him IMMEDIATELY out, and never tried again.  Let's hope to keep that up, Boo!  He has, however, taken a liking to wrist rattles.  Hmm..

Now if we could just agree on a name.........

Ocho! Huit! Acht! Osiem! EIGHT!

Yeah you heard me.. EIGHT weeks left.  Unbelievable, really.  While Chris thinks this whole thing is "dragging on" (his words, not mine!)... I have to disagree.  I can't believe how fast it's gone.  Such a whirlwind, really.  I will never forget that day at the doctor's office when I was informed of what was about to happen in this belly of mine... and for so long, I had no symptoms so I just "couldn't drink" and was bummed about it. But then.. slowly... things started to change....

...and then there were cheese-it's and cheese-it's alone.  (It was all I could eat for a number of days.)   I think I packed an entire box on a business trip.  And then came the repulsions.  Get anything BBQ or Honey Dijon OUT of my way.. Barf!!!!!!!!  That gave way to the worst allergy/sinus/nonsense ever.  A box of kleenex a week, are you kidding me?  Clearly not.  I slept all day and sneezed all night -- Chris even said "I hope this isn't a sign of what the rest is going to be like.."  I remember waking up in the middle of the night sneezing.  In hotel rooms.. In our own house.. anywhere.  It was the most ridiculous thing ever. 

Second Trimester yielded nothing but a nagging pain in my ribcage when I attempted to lie on my left side which unfortunately has NOT gone away.    My sinuses gave me a break.. my energy level peaked.. and I was feeling alive.  Most days, barely pregnant!  Until of course I tried to sleep........ and that belly got in the way.. or that pain made me remember quite vividly what was happening.

And now, with 8 weeks left, I still hate BBQ and Honey Mustard...   AND cheese-it's, for that matter...  I STILL have a nagging pain in my left side... but I have a whole NEW set of things to think about.  Like, Swelling... contractions... getting up 5 times a night to pee...and feet sticking out of my abdomen. 

Dragging on!?!?!?!  I don't think so.  This is the miracle of life.... Feet sticking out of my abdomen!   He's just jealous.

 

Moving Right Along

Time Flies when life is happening around us.

On Tuesday, March 16th, 2010, our newest nephew, Joshua Thomas entered the world.  We finally met him last weekend when he was just four days old.  We absolutely loved snuggling with him -- such a Blessing to finally meet his sweet little face.   Big Brother Alex will surely be a big help in showing Josh the ropes.  We can't wait to watch them grow together... along with their new cousins -- Baby Trent arriving any day now, and Baby Bug.  :)

The same weekend also marked our big 3-0... 30 weeks!  Already!?!?!?!  CHOPCHOP... time to get MOVING into high gear.  We don't mess around -- we now have a fully painted and patched nursery, ready for furniture delivery next weekend. Yeah!  The decor may take awhile, but we have ideas for at least ONE wall.  Ha!!!

Today we were fortunate enough to experience a shower hosted by Chris's family.  What amazingly generous family we have.  We are truly lucky to be surrounded by such fabulous people.  Daddy was so excited he put together the swing as soon as we got home!!!!!!  (And without cursing!)  Shockingly, Baxter & Sammy haven't really cared much about it -- we'll see how that goes.  (Baby Alive is currently occupying the swing along with some pillows to keep nosey kitties out.  I'm fully expecting to find one of them snuggling next to her in no time.  Grr...)

So, here we are at 31 weeks along... amazed at how quickly this journey is moving right before our eyes.

Baby Bug Visits the O-Chun!

We all needed a break from the gloomy Michigan winter, so we hopped a plane to West Palm to relax, relax, RELAX and hopefully soak up some SUN instead of gloomy clouds!  We spent some time with Grandma & Grandpa which was fun since we hadn't seen them since Christmas, then headed over to the family condo on Jensen Beach.  What an absolute joy it was to see the sun, blue skies, and beautiful, beautiful ocean.  We never grow tired of the view while sitting in a chair on the balcony!!!  (which, mind you, is also the same balcony where we got engaged...)

Mommy read a book & took naps every day while Daddy got to do some fishing -- Yeah apparently someone was feeling kind enough to let that happen. 

Little Bug enjoyed his trip.. at least we think.. He kicked with excitement every time we went near the water.  He ALSO kept his foot out of Mommy's rib the entire time and afforded her the best sleep she's had in 6 months.  This may be a sign we need to move to Florida...

We miss you already, Florida.  See you soon.. next time, with a babe in tow.  :-)

Free Chocolate? Sign Me Up!

I'm a sucker sometimes for freebies.  I'll admit I have a couple of credit cards that I have solely for the reward coupons I get while using them.  And this past week I fell into the trap again... but this time, an easier reward.

While passing through the mall on my lunch hour, a friend twisted my arm to stop into the Godiva store where she was asked if she wanted to join their rewards program.  And then I heard, "...free chocolate, once a month... no purchase necessary, and all you need to do is give us your email address."

You had me at free chocolate.  No lie, they will give you one free piece of chocolate in their case once a month, your choice, along with some other discounts (to which I found less exciting than the one free piece of chocolate.)  How can you pass that one up???!!?!  No minimum to spend.. no accumulating purchases... just free Godiva!!  I chose a white chocolate truffle with raspberry puree... but got a free key lime truffle just for because I asked if 'lil bug qualified for the offer too.  (Just kidding -- we had an extra generous salesperson. :)

What a fun trip to the mall that was... and tasty, too!

Idiot Proof Parenting

Re-designing the Hot Dog?  Right.  Might as well re-design the apple, grape, cherry, and banana while you're at it, because not chewed properly those could also be a choking hazard.  And don't forget bread and cheese chunks.  What village idiot thinks it's ok to toss one of these things at a toddler and call it good?  Come on people, open your eyes and become an educated and responsible parent.  Accidents do and will happen, but we all know the majority rule here applies to the irresponsible.

Boggles my mind.

If you can't drink it...

... craft with it!

It's been forever in the making, but my wine cork board is finally complete. It's not perfect by any means, but it's cute and for my first one, didn't turn out too badly. Can't wait to do some more!!  (In my spare time, of course.)

The problem, now I want a glass of wine -- the sips here and there AREN'T CUTTING IT!!
 And they definitely aren't helping me earn more corks, either... ha ha!

CHEERS!!!

Coming Soon to a Vet Office Near You...

.... My first 'tears at the vet' experience. Yeah, sappy.

Many of you will recall almost two years ago how we rescued "Bethany". Affectionately named by my Goddaughter, Sophia, Bethany was a small little orange and white tabby living outside under a trailer on the property. Declawed.. scrawny.. AND SO SWEET! We fell in love, and although had no intentions of getting a second kitty, she made out hearts melt. Just six pounds we thought for sure she was a baby.. and all we kept thinking was how this sweet little baby kitty was living outside alone..... and it was getting colder...

.. and so then there were two. Baxter wasn't keen on having a baby sister. (OK she's actually about four years or so older but she's still a baby compared to the 16 lb beast known as her brother.)

I couldn't handle the constant chasing.. pestering.. crying.. yowling.... it was a mess.. nonstop running, pouncing, tormenting. We would wake up at 3am to this ridiculous cry, and find her cowering under the recliner where Baxter couldn't reach her. In my mind it was best to find her a home and avoid the constant torture from the beast of a brother. I gave up when Chris put the guilt on me... and slowly.. slowly... I grew more and more deeply attached.

Sammy, as she is now named, is probably the sweetest cat I have ever met. At night, she comes up near our faces in bed before we turn off the lights, says her goodnights with nuzzles to our faces and the loudest purrs you could imagine, and then moves to the foot of the bed where she stays until the alarm goes off. She gives amazing hugs.. both paws on opposite sides of the neck and she clenches you, nuzzling her face in close. What's not to fall in love with?

Yesterday she went to visit Dr. Rachel for an oral exam and cleaning due to some funny eating patterns. After a 6 minute car ride in which she hugged me the entire way, She wouldn't let go of me as I went to give her to the vet tech. And as she curled in close to the tech, shuddering, I cried. The thought of putting her out and making her stay at the day away from the family just made me lose it! Ok and maybe it was pregnancy horomones talking a little bit. I'm quite sure the tech thought I was a lunatic...

Ten hours later we brought her home. Baxter of course thought she was a new kitty since she smelled so differently. Instantly the tormenting began again and has lasted a good 24 hours. But somehow.. it's music to my ears this time.

Welcome home Sammy Sue. Your family missed You :)
XOXO