he's here!

18 days ago, the love of my life, henry albert yentsch was born. looking forward to sharing our million stories of experience. but will i ever have time to blog again...

Happy, Healthy, and High Spirited!

We had our doctors appointment on Monday morning which I thought would have been a lot more productive than it was. He's not as ready as the doctor had initially thought. I really wish they would not say anything at all if they're not sure what they're talking about. So frustrating. She had initially told me she was going to try to get things going. I was so looking forward to it! But it was a huge disappointment when she said, we'll see you next week on our regular scheduled appointment. However, he's healthy, we're healthy, and therefore, we're happy! I'm very uncomfortable. He's still growing! I thought for sure he would be done! My skin has been stretched beyond its capacity. It's itchy and looks like it's been through a shredder. The stretch marks were something I was concerned about as soon as I found out I was pregnant. ( I LOVE a great 2-piece) So I started applying lotion twice daily immediately after I found out I was pregnant. It didn't do a thing! I haven't gained too much, the doctor says I'm right on track with weight gain. So I really just think some people get them, and some people don't. BUMMER on my end! But I look down at my belly and think how in the world could there NOT be marks from this monster! Its sooo big! Shouldn't have married such a tall man!

This week, my mom flew in on Tuesday. Its been so amazing having her here! Such great help. I kinda feel like a lazy bum with her vacuuming, cleaning, cooking, and running to the store. We've been going on long walks every morning before it gets too hot. That has actually made me feel pretty great during the day. Stiff and sore by the evening, but its worth it. We actually had a little fun and took some maternity pictures a couple nights ago. I'll share a few.

I love this one! Putting a heart on Neil's belly! He definitely did not get the sympothy weight memo!

They were all for fun, turned out kinda cute! A much better way of remembering this time rather than the pictures I take of myself in front of the bathroom mirror. He has definitely dropped. There is now space between my chest and belly, which hasn't been the case in many months.

Well, any day now! And more waiting....

Great Little Update!

My blood pressure went down since last week so nothing to worry about there! My doctor did some measurements on our little boy and he's exceeded the average birth height already! We've got a tall one like his daddy! The doctor was very surprised however I did explain he has a 6'1'' or 6'2" dad with a line of family well over the 6' mark. He's head down ready for the trip out! Because of his height, he's measuring around 6lbs 10oz already with a little over 3 weeks to go yet. She said we'll measure him again around week 38 and if he's still big they will reevaluate the due date. There would be a possible induction a little early, which I can totally appreciate! Both of Neil's parents thinks he's coming early, my mom at one point (however no longer) thought he would come early, but even if he's not my original due date is only 24 days away!
I had my first false labor contraction yesterday which was so exciting! Or at least the first one I noticed.
We're in super great spirits today! Take care all!!

Becoming Stressed...

OK, I don't like to read negative posts by others, so I know most will not enjoy reading this post, however, I kinda feel like I'm using this tool as a journal for myself. I think it will help to write about it.

I talked to my boss awhile back about my maternity leave. This is not something I was looking forward to, as I love my job and always want to seem motivated and willing to work. I felt as though telling her that I would need a minimum of 6 weeks off to have this baby, she would think less of me as an employee and an asset to the company. She has kids herself so of course she understands and I know I'm over thinking it, but the thoughts definitely cross my mind. But I do somewhat play an important role at our office (I'm kind of a big deal :) haha...totally kidding!), and they need to have a replacement for me while I'm gone. So they interviewed some candidates within the company that were interested in moving up and ended up giving the temporary position to a girl from our headquarters in Dallas. She flies in next week so I can train her in her new responsibilities as "Acting Reservations Manager". This COMPLETELY freaks me out! You can understand why, right? What if she's better than me? What if she's faster than me? What if people like her better? UGH! I HATE it! I'm gonna come back in August and everyone will be super bummed to see her go! Or will they?! What if they ask her to stay? I don't have the question of them possibly demoting me, but if they offer her another management position in our office, will they constantly compare us? I'm worried when I do come back, I will be exhausted from dealing with a newborn all night and just wont have my priorities in the same place anymore. UGH! All the worries.

I had my doctor's appointment this morning. My blood pressure has elavated in the past few weeks. I'm sure a lot of this has to do with work. I'm sure some of it has to do with just being uncomfortable ALL THE TIME, and the anxieties I'm having about labor. But she wants me to come in every week from now on and have it checked out. If it gets any higher, she'll put me on medicine to control it, and hopefully I will still be able to have a regular child birth. The more I think about it as I near the "D-Day," I don't want a c-section! I just think I'll miss out on the AMAZING feeling of holding him for the first time. Getting ready with the childbirth classes and watching the videos, I cry EVERY time I see a mother hold her baby for the first time on her chest after she's worked so hard for so long. I'm sickly scared for the pain of labor! Dont get me wrong, when I first found out I was pregnant I kinda hoped for a c-section. I've never understood why anyone would want to put themselves in that pain if they didnt have to. But now, I've completely made a 180. It's supposed be painful. I know God would never give me something I couldn't handle (my mom always says that, and I LOVE it). And the reward will be undescribable! I can already imagine my emotions...

Week 35 Starts Tomorrow!

It's all just flying by! I'm trying to take in every second and enjoy it. I had no idea how fast it was going to go, though! And once he's here, I know it will only go faster! The past week, we put in the base for the car seat (still need to get it checked), we hung his name above the crib (I cannot wait to share it with everyone), and we compromised on wall decorations (pictures below).

As we head into the final month of pregnancy, the discomfort is definitely becoming present. I seem to always be in a little bit of pain, no matter the time of day. As he's getting bigger and smashing my insides, he seems to be using my bladder as drums, and not gonna lie, it kinda hurts! My legs are always cramping up and my feet hurt from all the extra weight. But mother nature thought it would be funny to play games with me and make it near 3 digits for my final stretch. This weather is unbelievable! It usually doesn't get this hot til mid to late July and August, but here its been May and 98 degrees steadily for the past couple weeks! Over all, though, I still feel good. I'm in good spirits and very optimistic about everything.

We started our videos and readings for our childbirth class which is on the 18th. Very glad to be doing that. It makes me feel much more prepared (even though, I'm sure it will all mean next to nothing when the time comes). Neil's doing great too! He's learned a lot and sometimes knows the answers before I can come up with them. We preregistered at the hospital and have the tour set up for the 11th. Its such a nice place!

That's about it, we're just playing the waiting game. Really can't do too much in the heat these days. Some how I'm keeping super busy with work, redecorating the baby's room every other day, and just keeping up on cleaning.

A picture of Target Field

A picture of Camp Randall

I'm enormous! The side view always makes me smile!

5 YEARS!

5 years ago, Neil and I were playing volleyball at a bar league in La Crosse and I asked him to play on our team. CRAZY! In those 5 years, he finished his degrees, I got my insurance license, he was offered a job in Chapel Hill, NC, I decided to move with him, he asked me to marry him, I said yes, my mom and I planned a wedding, we got married, and we're now about to have a child! We've lived in 3 different cities in NC, I've had two different jobs in NC, and Neil's had...well... more than that.


We've made some great friends, seen some amazing things, traveled...A LOT, and really made a life for ourselves out here. Going home a couple weeks ago, I really realized what we are taking away from our family. We both feel really sad for our families to have their children, and more so their grandchild so far away from them. And both of our parents are young with a lot of years of full time employment in front of them. We're always asked if we think we'll move back to Wisconsin/Minnesota. We ask each other this same question very frequently. We have yet to say "yes". I hate to disappoint our family, but it's really amazing here. It seems selfish because it kinda is. I'll be the first to admit. If we were to move back, the sole purpose would be to make our family happy, and that can't be the only reason. I'm looking forward to raising our children here. The southern hospitality lives up to its reputation. People are so kind here and would really do about anything for a complete stranger. Our church has been in the process for some years now of getting a school started. I would LOVE it if they could get one going by the time our little one is ready for school, as Neil and I both went to parochial schools and really feel the education is exceptional!

Obviously we would LOVE to be closer to family! This last trip home really made my heart break when my mom gave us books on tape read by her for our baby. I have such a close relationship with my grandparents due to our closeness in proximity for the first years of my life. I LIVED with my grandparents until age 7 or 8. I can't imagine my child not having that same relationship with my parents or Neil's parents. We can just hope that my flight benefits can make it easier for them to get down here for a weekend here and there. Especially for birthdays and baptisms and the such. It will be tough, but I really hope he can know them well and love them as much as we do!

Dare I say... "READY!"

Oh my goodness, what an absolutely AMAZING past week! I flew into La Crosse, WI last Tuesday. Tuesday through Thursday was completely relaxing. I was able to spend every day with my mom. We went shopping, tanning (spray tanning), got a manicure and pedicure, and plain and simple; we just had a blast.

The weekend was filled with Amanda's wedding shower, and our baby shower. We were able to get Amanda to her shower 7 minutes before it started! It was a close one! And then we were able to spend some time with Scott and Sue in Owatonna.

We were so blessed to have such a great shower for our little guy. It was amazing! So many people were able to make it.

My mom and I had a conversation about what was a necessity as far as the baby goes and it made me a lot more confident as far as being "ready". The shower helped immensely! We received some great gifts and gift cards! I could hardly wait to get back and put it all together, which I did on Tuesday ASAP. And then immediately sat down and made a list of things we still needed. I picked those things up this morning, and put everything together. I mean, we'll never have enough diapers and wipes...but I think we're set, otherwise!

The changing table cover with some cute wall art.

Some cute baseball and football pillows along with a feeding pillow.


I saw this lamp and HAD to have it! Its base is a baseball bat, and the string you pull to turn it on is a whistle. How adorable! Along with the book ends that match perfectly! Thanks Amanda! His cute little piggy bank already has some money in it!

The bedding came! I love it more than I thought. Along with the little bouncer all courtesy Nana R.

With the gift cards, I picked up the pack n play and diaper bag. We got a blanket at the shower that matches everything so perfectly. We'll use the pack n play in our bedroom for the first few weeks until he's ready for his own room.


I washed all of his clothes last night and put them away while Neil was in the room with me, and I thought he was going to lose it. He's pretty nervous. It's obviously a good nervous, but still pretty funny.

The Reality is Setting In

9 weeks to go! I can't even believe it! 62 days until my due date. I've been feeling so many different emotions the past week or so, I can't keep up with myself. And poor Neil, doesn't know what he's going to be coming home to on a day to day basis... "Is she sad today? Excited? Giggly? Scared? Crabby?" It often changes minute to minute.

I feel sad at some moments because I really am going to miss being pregnant. I'm going to miss feeling him move around constantly. He's been getting the hiccups lately, which puts the biggest smile on my face. I really can't imagine not being pregnant. I'm sure the excitement of the newborn will fill that void, but I know I will miss it. This is just such a great period of my life. By far the greatest so far!

I feel excited for obvious reason. I cannot wait to meet him! I'm excited to see his face and see who he looks like. I tear up when I say this, but the moment that I am most excited for, is for Neil to hold his son. We were talking about this last night; I feel like he's my child, and not so much "ours" yet. And I am sure Neil feels the same way. He says he understands we're having a baby, but doesn't feel like he really has anything to do with it. And I can totally understand that. So to see Neil's face when he holds his son for the first time will be a moment like no other. I'll try not to sound cheesy; but this little guy inside of me right now is and will be the best of both of us. For us to be able to give this gift to each other, with God's hand of course, is like no other. I feel like Neil has already given me this gift, the gift of carrying his child, the moments where I feel him move are the greatest gifts in the world. But I want Neil to receive this gift too. A gift only I can give him. The greatest gift of his life.

Scared. Scared has been a large part of my emotions lately. I'm HUGE! I never thought I would be this big. Neil always says, "Really? Haven't you seen a pregnant woman before?" And the answer is, "Of course." However, you never imagine your very own body transforming so greatly in such a short period of time. I've said with every pound I've gained, "I can't imagine getting any bigger!" And the scared part? I look down at my belly, and think, "How in the world is he supposed to come out of me?" The anxiety of the day I go into labor hits me every day. Oh, how I'm dreading the pain. I'm nervous because I don't know how I'm going to handle it. I hope I can handle it. Women do this all time, I'm aware, but I don't. I'm hoping and I'm pretty sure every woman feels scared...right?

Crabby and giggly are just a couple of the crazy emotions I have due to the extreme hormones of pregnancy. Due to my comfort level by sundown, unfortunately, I often get crabby in the evenings. While even getting up to get a glass of water is not an easy task, Neil has been amazing lately getting up and doing a ton of little things for me. One of them is helping me up off the couch. I tell him I wish I could bring him with me everywhere for his awesome assistance. And giggly is an emotion Neil loves! I don't think I've met someone who likes to make people laugh more than he does. And when I'm giggly, you would think I was in an audience listening to a comedian. Everything he does is funny!

So you could say the word stable describes me the least. More like crazy.

Well, that's an update on the preggers status. Everything else seems to be going business as usual. I am officially on vacation starting Sunday! YAYAY! So Sunday will be a relaxing day as always. Monday I have a doctor's appointment to check me to make sure I'm safe to fly. And then Tuesday, I'm off to Wisconsin! I cannot wait! A week filled with Momma Susan, a bridal shower for Amanda in Owatonna, and a baby shower held in honor of our little guy. Neil will be flying into the metropolis of Rochester, MN the following Saturday and we're scheduled to head back to warm weather that Monday.

Sibling Rivalry

I realize most of you will roll your eyes, and possibly comment on what a fool I am for this story, but I don't care.

My fist baby is and always will be Baylen, our amazing 3 yr old maltiranian (pomeranian/maltise mix). He is such a cuddler and a part of our family. He has ran this house and received 100% of our attention since he came into our home at 6 weeks old. I had off today, so took the opportunity to spend some one on one time with him. We went on a long hike at the lake. He LOVES the lake. He'll go in as deep as he can without having to swim and just stand there. When he's cooled off enough he'll run as fast as he can to dry off. He loves going in and getting wet, but he hates being wet.

When we got home, he was exhausted! It's hot out today. I gave him a bath and we did our usual after bath time routine; I wrap him up in a towel (again, he hates being wet) and cuddle with him either on our bed or on the couch under a blanket to warm up. My mom will laugh at this because this is what she did with me after bath time when I was really little. I loved it! We usually lay there for 15 minutes or so before he gets bored. Today was different. His usual cuddle spot is in front of my stomach. Well, the space for Baylen to get comfortable is getting smaller and smaller. I really wish I had had our video camera ready for this because it was HILARIOUS! Baylen started by nudging his head in my belly, as if he was trying to get his brother out of the way so he could get closer to me. He did this several times before he gave up and just laid in front of my belly. This is when our little man yet to be named started kicking Baylen. No joke, probably 10-15 solid hard kicks right to Baylen's back. Baylen was startled at first, and looked at my belly like, "What the heck?!" And then they played. Baylen would nudge his head, and the baby would kick...over and over and over. Baylen was in full play mood, with his weird playful groans and growls. This went on for a good 20 minutes. I was crying from laughter!

It makes me so excited for them to meet! I know Baylen will be amazing with him!

11 weeks to GO!

Last Tuesday we had our very last ultrasound! Next time we see him, he'll be out here with us! CRAZY! Its a good thing, though, as ultrasounds are the most expensive part of our appointments and the doc said everything was great! Everything has moved the way it should and the path is clear for him to make his way out! He's measuring about 2.5 lbs and 15 inches long! Long and skinny like his dad! The doc said he's not big at all! He's measuring exactly where he should be, if anything possibly a little small, but nothing to be concerned about! So that lady at work can shut her face! The reassurance feels so good! Last Friday I had the glucose test to check for gestational diabetes. So we should here back about that later this week. This pregnancy has been so great (knocking on wood as I type). I was telling Neil I am really going to miss it. That's when we actually did the math and realized we only have 11 more weeks til he's here! We're so excited all over again. Some friends of ours down here recently had a baby boy, about 4 or 5 weeks ago. We went to visit and got all giddy all over again! Their baby boy is ADORABLE and sooo little! We absolutely CANNOT WAIT for our little guy to get here!

This weekend was one of the best we've had yet this year! Friday night after work we headed to Durham for the home opener Bulls weekend! If anyone is thinking about visiting when the little guy gets here, try to do it a weekend the Durham Bulls are home. what a blast! We were thinking about getting season tickets this year or at least a package but with the baby coming, it didn't make much sense. But next year FOR SURE! A little one year old would LOVE this!

We had amazing seats, front row behind third base line, next to the visitor's bull pen.

Saw a couple home runs for the home team. The bull smokes and lights up his angry eyes. The Bulls won and played really well!

And they shoot fireworks after every Friday night game...possibly Saturday night games too, but I'm not positive. The fireworks always blow mind. They are amazing! Bigger than the Bangor's 4th of July works for sure!

Saturday, I'm sure y'all heard on the world news, we had some terrible weather. There were numerous tornadoes that hit our area and quite a few people died. One of the really bad ones was just 5-10 minutes south of us in Holly Springs and Sanford. We had home insulation all over our neighborhood and lots of other debris, but we didn't really get much of anything besides wind, a little hail, lots of rain, and thunder. I actually was taking a nap during the worst of it. North Raleigh was hit pretty hard as well with a big tornado. My cousin in Fort Bragg (near Fayetteville, NC) said it got pretty scary there too.

All of this hit at around 3p. But as soon as it was over, it was over. At around 330p the three of us went for a nice long walk and enjoyed the smells of a storm and the fabulous sunny 75 degree weather. We really didn't even know how bad it was until both of our moms called us to ask if we were OK.

Saturday night we hung out and watched some movies and just relaxed. Sunday we went hiking through some trails in Cary. Another gorgeous day in the weather books. I'm getting tired a lot more quickly. A mile and a half is getting a lot harder the bigger I get. Neil laughs at me when I ask him to slow down. He laughs at me when he watches me get up too. I gotta kind of rock back and forth and use the momentum to pull myself up. I'm glad he's getting entertainment out of all of this. After the walk we sat out on the patio for hours and read our books and talked about what its going to be like with a little one. Such a great day! A great weekend!

Done with training at work and back to my old schedule which means days off to myself again! Things are going back to normal before they go to chaotic.

Have a great week everyone!

Pictures during Week 27!

Well...yup! I'm an ox! :) Loving it, though...most of the time. The 85 degree weather yesterday was just a preview of what June and July will be like with the 35 lb beach ball attached to me. It was rough. I would suggest...get pregnant in the summer and have the baby in the winter. If you can plan it that way... When I came home, I couldn't get my clothes off fast enough! I almost felt claustrophobic with this belly. I wanted to take it off just for a little bit...

Not an option I'm realizing. My belly button hasn't popped out yet, but I definitely have the "dark line". So weird.

A good tan always helps...

So, I talked to my doctor about this depression thing involving my lack of color and low self esteem. She immediately said, "Do spray tan!" So I was happy to go in last week and get that fake orange glow! Oh my goodness, did that help! It wasn't anything that anyone at work or Neil even noticed, but I noticed tremendously! It helped so much! Its absolutely crazy what a little pampering can do for a girl! Now to just talk Neil into getting me a massage!

So, I am starting to realize how crazy people are. Its very obvious I'm pregnant, and people now feel the need to comment away as they feel necessary. Who are these people? I do know that before I was pregnant and I would see a pregnant women, if I knew her, I would always say, "You look great!", immediately followed by, "How do you feel?". I feel that's appropriate. If I didn't know her, I wouldn't say a thing. What business is it of mine? I will tell you a couple stories that I've run into the past couple weeks. I was walking down the isle of the grocery store when a perfect stranger asked me how far long I was, and then commented on the food that's in my cart. I had meat substitute because, news to all, I am a vegetarian! She thought that was insane! She insisted I wasn't giving my baby enough protein. I tried to leave it alone (all who know me...this was very hard), walked away and continued my grocery shopping. When we got to the check out, low and behold, there she was again... making her voice heard AGAIN by asking me if I eat dairy. I said, "I'm from Wisconsin, I couldn't survive without it." Trying to make light of what could have been a blow up on my part. She followed that by, "well, that's good, I still wish you would eat meat, even if its just for your pregnancy." Thinking to myself, Alright lady, that's it! Lets take this outside! I calmly said, "I appreciate your concern... (paused and waited for her to say her name, which was Beth) Beth, but I take my pregnancy questions and concerns to doctors only, you know what I mean?" She shut up very quickly. I didn't want to have to be that pregnant bitch, but she forced me! The lady behind the check out laughed out loud and said, "That's awesome! You know how many times I wanted to pound on the people that would comment like that to me? Good work!" Which makes me realize that I'm not the only one, and what's worse, is that woman isn't the only one! Other people do this to other pregnant women!

It happened at work as well just this last week. A women I barely know came up to me to comment on my size. I'll quote her because I have broken this statement down so many times in my head; "I don't remember what you looked like before, but for only six months along, you look big!" First of all, you don't remember what I looked like before? Meaning you're not sure if I was fat or not?! Second of all, ONLY six months along? I only have 3 full months to go! What made me the most uncomfortable about the whole situation is that I found myself going into detail how my doctors appointments are going. Letting her know that the baby is measuring right on schedule, and my weight is right on target. Why am I discussing this with a coworker I NEVER talk to?! I posted this on facebook of course and got a lot of responses saying that they've been through this too. Again, this happens all the time! WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?

My point to all of this: Tell your friends! Tell them to shut up when they see a pregnant woman! Just let her be, or tell her she looks great! Just because you've had a child, makes you no expert! The only thing a pregnant woman can do to mother this child, is take care of herself. If you question that she's not doing that, you're questioning that she's not a good mother, she's not taking good enough care of her child! I really hope this stops at least when the baby is born. Because again, I couldn't imagine going up to a mom with a couple of kids and telling her that she's doing something wrong! So please spread the word, for all pregnant woman alike!

And I shouldn't say this about everyone. A lot, or more like most people have been so great and sweet to me. Picking things up for me when I drop them, and saying, "You look great". That goes a long ways for sure.

But I did have my doctor's appointment on Thursday. Everything is looking great says the doctor. Blood pressure, weight, and height of baby. 9 inches! I have a 9 inch baby inside of me! He's sooo big! We have another ultrasound on the 12th and I cannot wait! Love getting to see him! He's definitely getting stronger with the rolls, punches, and kicks he's giving me. Neil and I no longer try to feel him, but rather see him! You can see my stomach move as he does. So crazy! Its an immediate reaction from myself whenever I feel him to think or say, "Oh my goodness I love you." I cannot wait to meet him! I can say, I will miss being pregnant, though. Its just him and I, every day. I love that! I'm a selfish only child, can you tell?

I'll get some picks up later this weekend to see that belly!

God Bless!

Change is a Good Thing

Its been a couple weeks and I apologize, I haven't been the super happy, thrilled, excited mom-to-be lately. So many things are changing, and I'm having a hard time planning for all this change. (I'm a planner) My life has taken so many changes in the past 25 weeks, and what's frustrating, is Neil's hasn't...hardly at all.

For instance, all who read this I'm sure know that I can definitely enjoy a happy hour every now and again. Well, 25 weeks down and I haven't had more than a sip of anything of the nature. I know this will be worth it and wouldn't even dream of putting our baby at risk for such a silly pleasure, but I cannot explain my frustration when my husband comes home with a 12 pack of Sam Adams variety beers and consumes them on a hot 84 degree day in front of me while we watch March Madness. I could say I am jealous, but that would be an understatement.

On a brighter note, earlier last week I received a promotion at work. No congratulations are necessary. Its more of a lateral move but being it requires about a month of more training and a few minor added responsibilities, they go ahead and put a small raise behind it. I'm excited to start this new path at the office, I have to say I really LOVE my job. With the baby on the way, I was a little hesitant to jump up and down in excitement (both literally and figuratively). Right now my hours so flexible. I'm almost always given the option to go home early if I need or want to unless there are extenuating circumstances due to weather or what not. So with these added responsibilities will I still have the flexibility? I was really banking on this little perk after the baby is born. So yeah, I'm nervous about what type of effect this is going to have on our "after baby plan." But still, I'm thrilled and am looking forward to it immensely. I start training on Monday.

I also started a new work out routine. I now make sure I walk at least 3 mi a day. At least a mile and a half with B, and then the rest on the treadmill. I'm loving it and love myself so much more after I do it. I'm really starting to become unhappy with my legs most of all. So hopefully this will help. I just don't understand why they have to get bigger too. The baby is in my belly, and that's huge! What more does he need? I talked to my doctor and am doing everything the right way, so please don't worry about me or the baby...mom. :) She obviously didn't want me to go on P90X again which I wanted to so badly. She also didn't want me to run being I kinda gave that up when I found out I was pregnant. She said I could do toning exercises like a light Pilate's or Yoga specifically designed for pregnant women. I'm counting calories and with the extra activity, am making sure I get plenty. Still maintaining my 1lb/wk goal. Its really warm here and I would do about anything to go tanning and go on one of my crazy diets to lose 20 lbs in a week. But I wont...I promise.

We started our patio garden last weekend (Neil calls it a pot garden of course). Its adorable. We have green peppers, lettuce, jalapenos, green beans, basil, and onions. I'm not sure if anything will come up, but it looks cute out there. You can see in the picture Neil's Sam Adams... :(

Seriously though, not a whole lot new, sorry for the boring read! :p Looking forward to next weekend in DC for Amanda's shower. Oh, and just a save the date out there for my friends in Wisconsin, my grandma will be hosting a baby shower for us May 15th. If you're close enough to me to read this, you will more than likely receive an invite. Would love to see as many people as I can while we're there. Take care all!

On to week 23!

We got a new car! Its been great to know we were doing what was great for the environment, however, I'm so thrilled to have another car. My first brand new car! We put the first 50 miles on it this weekend. It gets great gas mileage, so I was happy we could do what we can to be better to the environment. Its no prius, Mom, but it will do. Super cute, huh?


On to baby news! I realized I will more than likely never get a great night's sleep from here on out. Only being able sleep on my side is a stinker. One arm will go numb so I'll have to flop (yes, flop) to the other side. Lying on my back is no longer an option with the weight of the baby, and everything surrounding the baby, putting pressure on the major vein returning blood to my heart. I start to feel my heart beat in my head. Its awful. And obviously, lying on my stomach is no longer an option. Sleeping while sitting up straight may be in my near future.
And once the pregnancy is over, I'll be dealing with a newborn. So I've pretty much settled on the idea this weekend that sleep will just no longer be for me. Kind of depressing.

On top of all that, my gorgeous, amazing son was up all night last night kicking and dancing up a storm. It's not that it keeps me awake, I could easily sleep through it at this stage, but I don't want to miss a beat! I absolutely LOVE to feel him move around in there. I try to put my hand on where he last kicked, so I can feel him from the outside, just before he's on the complete opposite side kicking over there. Such a little mover.

I say this every day, "I can't wait to meet you, (insert his name here)."

Looking pregnant for sure these days. I had a lady at work this weekend come up to me and ask me when I was due. I told her I wasn't. I've always wanted to do that just to see the reaction I would get... it wasn't worth it. I thought she was going to cry. So I immediately said, "July 7th! Sorry, I shouldn't do that!" She said, "No, you really shouldn't." and walked away. Oops! I still laugh about it though!

Too much?

Am I trying to read these book all at the same time? YUP! What was I thinking. First off, can I say how much I love the website www.whattoexpect.com. Its so similar to the book; What to Expect When You're Expecting. I prefer the website because it just automatically emails Neil and I with our weekly update. It will tell me what week I'm on (which I forget on an hourly basis) and prepare me for what I might experience that particular week. I prefer the book in some cases because its a real book, with pages and smells good. Some days there's nothing better than curling up to a book. The book is definitely more detailed as well.

Because I like the book so much, I went ahead and bought What to Expect the First Year. And from there...well... I needed a book on every topic about having a child. So Kristin and Amanda, (I'm sure one of you will be the next to have a child; wink, wink) have no fear. I have books for you!

I would also like to give a shout out to my sister-in-law Jessica. The Lineage of Grace is a great book. I flew through the first two stories these past couple days. Such a good read.

Veganist; well, that book is for my enjoyment and entertainment only. I would love to become Vegan, it just would never go over in this house.

And if you noticed, Neil has a couple in there too. Yes, they're here in NC while he's in Vegas. He doesn't really read them that often. But I read them for him. :)

So....too much?

Body Images

So, I know I'm one in a million when I say that I have always had body image issues. I have always felt like I could be just a little bit thinner, my abs could be just a little bit more toned, or my arms could be just a little bit more buff. I just find it funny, now that my waist line is growing an inch an hour, I'm LOVING my body! This is probably the first time that I can ever remember feeling this way! I'm a whirlwind of emotions when I wake up in the morning and look in the mirror to see my gigantic belly! I seriously cannot wait to step on the scale and see if I've gained the pound I was supposed to this week. I was cleaning and bumming around in my robe last week when I realized my thighs have met. They were formally introduced by a forced make out session. Yes, my thighs touch! I LAUGHED...OUTLOUD...and immediately told Neil, barely able to speak because I was laughing so hard.

I know that I always said before I was pregnant, "I want to be one of those super cute pregnant women." But honestly, have you ever seen a pregnant woman who is NOT cute! I'm adorable! Not to sound conceited. I only feel this way because of this beautiful baby growing inside of me. I LOVE his profile. I could stare at the ultrasound picture all day. And knowing that he's a part of me right now, makes me feel beautiful! I can't explain it, I guess. I never expected to feel this way. I was dreading getting fat! I know I am going to get a lot bigger and will be very uncomfortable at some point, but right now...I'm loving it!

And I'm gonna be honest here and say something surprised me about getting bigger. Neil is still just as, if not MORE, attracted to me! (Sorry mom, if you're reading this and this makes you uncomfortable.) I just expected him to shy away from the enormous belly and the thighs that now touch each other. He says he likes all the curves and the occasional jiggle. So if you're thinking about getting pregnant, get excited! That was SUCH a great surprise!

In other news I can now feel the baby kick. I think I felt him last week but I wasn't sure what it was, as it just kinda feels like an air bubble. I passed it off for a long time, being my appetite has doubled lately. But then I thought to myself, isn't that where the baby is? And sure enough, its the baby, and now I'm positive. I had no idea what that was going to feel like. I can lay on my side in bed, and Neil can already feel him from the outside. He was pretty excited. So strange and at the same time miraculous to have a little person growing inside of you.

Its been so nice here lately. In the 70s. So we've taken advantage by going to Jordon Lake just 5 minutes from our place. Baylen is exhausted from all the walks we've taken. And you can imagine...me too. But I love it.

I know I told this story on facebook, but I have to share it again. I will try to write this out without crying, I'm a complete wreck today. Neil has to be in Las Vegas this week for work. Poor Neil, right? Not only that, but he's staying at the Venetian! The one hotel that I haven't stayed in and would ABSOLUTELY LOVE TO! He left this morning. Baylen and I took him to the airport. I always get out of the car to help him with his luggage out of the trunk. He gave me a big kiss and a hug and we said our "I love you"s. He then knelt (he says he only leaned, but in my head he knelt) down to rub my belly and said, "I'm gonna miss you too, little man." It made my heart melt. Seriously, how cute is that? I cannot wait to see him hold his son. And yup, I'm crying again.

He used to leave for work every week, and I hardly thought twice about it. But this time, its so hard, and I have no idea why. I guess this is the first time we've been apart since we heard the news about our little one coming. I'm just at a loss here at home. What do I do? Tomorrow I'm going to start my sewing projects...we'll see how that goes. But the evenings are gonna be so hard. And an empty king size bed? Ugh, I'm dreading it and have been a complete head case all day.

Let's Hear it for the Boy

Well, there you have it! Above you can see our little man...in all his glory!

On the top it's pretty clear that our baby has a gorgeous profile! A little nose and big lips. Neil's child for sure!

On the bottom, it's a little more hard to make out, so let me help you by saying on the top and bottom are femurs. As if the baby is sitting on the toilet and you get the glorious view of looking up. Yup! It's a boy!

The doctor's exact words were, "It's still a boy!" He thought he saw a little something-something on our last ultrasound at just 13 weeks. We were both kinda hoping for a boy, so we didn't want to jinx anything by telling everyone. But today....its official! I have to make a mad dash to work soon, but obviously couldn't wait to spread the news! I really would rather spend my day doing some online shopping for sports decor. I'm thinking Twins and Packers apparel! We'll make an agreement somewhere down the line!

Have a great day everyone!

Spring is Almost Here!

Its February and I cannot believe it! 5 months from yesterday our little one is due to arrive! So much to do before he/she gets here, starting with hopefully next Wednesday finding out if he/she will be a "he" or "she"! Neil and I have a disagreements about this on a day to day basis, being he thinks we're having a boy, and I kinda think we're having a girl. So we'll see I guess..STAY TUNED!



Besides that, trying to plan for our baby's arrival is becoming a little overwhelming. I just put this into perspective this morning; I planned our wedding (one day, an 8 hour event) over the course of 15 months and we have only 9 months to prepare ourselves for an arrival of another human being into our home! Crazy, right? So what have we done? Can I be honest and say, "nothing"? If it weren't for my parents coming down a couple weeks ago, we would be in the exact same place we were before I was pregnant. My parents can take all the credit for the baby's room including crib, dresser, changing table, paint, and many many items of clothes.

I'm gonna go ahead and blame my job for my procrastination. It has been so crazy at work lately! I seriously hardly have time to get the laundry done. We've been holding around 550 calls since Monday...straight! What that means is 550 or so people have been waiting to get a hold of us since Monday. It let up a little bit yesterday, just to start again today with the weather in DFW. This entire winter has been miserable for the airline. But again, spring is almost here!

So what's next?

• Researching and signing up for childbirth classes
• Research birth plans. (I have no idea what's out there)
• Must buy maternity clothes. Sweat pants and stretchy dresses are getting old. Craving some denim!
• Catch up on my baby books! I'm still on week 4 in What to Expect When You're Expecting.
• Talk to HR and discuss maternity leave and family leave. (I've already decided I wont be ready to go back after just six weeks)
• Start planning the nursery (once we find out the sex of the baby)
• Start interviewing pediatricians
• Research photographers. I cannot wait for a pro to get this belly in the spotlight!

Just a few at the top of my list. Most importantly, figure out how we're gonna pay for all this. We just paid a big chunk of our clinic, lab, and doctor bills. It felt great to get that behind us, but knowing that's only a little less than half of what's ahead is a bit discouraging. Hence, the extra hours I've been putting in at work. It'll all work out though, I'm positive. I always tell Neil, "It has to work out. There aren't any other options!"

I love Calvin and Hobbes and always laugh out when I read them. This is today's on my homepage. Enjoy! And hope you're happy and have a great day!

http://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/2011/02/04/

Waiting.

I'm only 17 weeks and some days into this pregnancy and my patience is already running thin. Since the moment I found out I was pregnant, I have been waiting. Waiting for Neil to come home so I could tell him, waiting to go home for Thanksgiving so we could tell the family, waiting for my monthly doctor's appointment so I can hear the heart beating normally, and as soon as I leave the doctor's office I'm waiting again for a month to go by so I can go again.

Brian Adams said, "Learn the art of patience. Apply discipline to you thoughts when they become anxious over the outcome of a goal. Impatience breeds anxiety, fear, discouragement and failure. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success". I need to learn from this.

Life Learning Today .com had some great advice and I would like to share it:

Waiting – Long Term (to reach a long term goal, future vacation, party, return of a loved one, purchase you want to make, etc.)

Break It Into Smaller Chunks. If possible, try to segment your goal into smaller compartments. Focus on today’s portion. Establish mini check points on your way to reaching that goal and celebrate the smaller accomplishments along the way.
Distraction. Some things simply require passive waiting such as waiting for a loved one to return from being away. In this case, keep busy. Work on productive things you need to get done anyway. (this will be getting the baby room together)
Occasional Daydream. You won’t be able to help it, so when it happens go ahead and indulge in happy thoughts about the thing you are waiting for, assuming it is a good thing. (Daydreaming I can do, I do it well and often.)
Be Present. Find ways to simply be present today so that your complete focus on today crowds out thoughts of what you are waiting for. Look for the good and the joy in the moment. This is good to do whether what you are waiting for is good or bad.

A Great Weekend with the Regets

It seems whenever my mom comes to visit, we put her to work. So glad we did! We painted the guest bedroom and started transforming it into a baby's room. We went with blue. If its a girl, I'll go heavy on the pink accents, but the color looks so good with the rest of our place. And while we were on a roll getting the baby's room together, we went and got started on the furniture as well. Crib, check. Changing table, check. Dresser, check. My parents are amazing! I don't know what I would do without them!

We'll put a rocker there in front of the window.

Super funny to see Neil's reaction to all of this. I could tell it just got real for him. His face would turn red, and he would ask tons of questions. His heart and stomach were fluttering a bit he said. He was also slamming the beers a little heavier. I cannot wait for this little one to arrive and see what a great dad he is going to be.

My family flew in on Thursday afternoon. We went to lunch and just hung out. I made lasagna for dinner. It was so great to have my parents and my brother sitting at our dinner table...in 55 degree weather ,I might add to all you Wisconsinites. :)

Friday morning, my mom was able to come with me on my 3rd doctor's appointment! What a blessing that was to have her with me. She was able to hear the heartbeat, and ask tons of questions, as a grandma would. We went to Lowe's after that and picked out paint, stopped at Walgreen's to get my flu shot, and headed back. Since I couldn't be a part of the painting project, Mark, Nick, and I went to the store to pick out a crib and dresser set. We went to lunch at the best BBQ restaurant in Apex (where I used to work), and waited 45 minutes for a car wash. We did all this to kill time so my mom could do the hard labor of painting the baby's room. Friday night, the boys put it all together and we relaxed to watch a movie.

Saturday, we went to Anna's for pizza (AMAZING!) We played Apples to Apples, and Sequence to bring an absolutely fabulous family weekend to an end. Took them to the airport at the crack of dawn this morning.

It it not getting easier at ALL to say good-bye! Why can't everyone just live here by us?! Trust me, I made my case a few times this weekend.

I swear my stomach doubled in size in the past two weeks. Can't feel the baby yet, but I'm definitely looking preggers!

Am I fat, or pregnant?

Im definitely showing...in my mind, I can't fit into my jeans anymore. But I feel like people at work just kind of stare. Do they ask if I'm pregnant or do they keep their mouths shut to avoid a back hand?

17 weeks today. We did have an ultrasound a few weeks ago and have another one planned for a couple weeks away. I'll share our baby's first few pictures, along with my reaction to it all, which was an email I sent out to our mothers and close friends.

Here's the email:

The baby was so good! Jumping around, rolling over, and was sticking its toungue out at us. I couldn't begin to explain how happy, excited, and well....just frickin HAPPY I am. And I'm pretty sure I can go ahead and speak for Neil and say that he feels the same way!

This morning, we had our routine ultrasound appointment to check for down syndrome along with many other chromosome abnormalities. I, obviously, was nervous. Wondering why the doctor would make this 'routine'. What good is it going to do? How do you prepare for something like that? I would just rather not know, take what we're given, and count our blessings. What ever happens is God's Will, and know He would get us through it.

At the very beginning, I was STUNNED! He just held the jelly probe to the outside of my belly, and there was a BABY on the screen! A real BABY! It had a head, arms, torso, AND legs! I am very aware of how everything works, I mean I dont need a refresher on Health Class or anything, but to actually see it, right there in front of us, was...I cant even explain. He measured the fluid behind the neck...he said right away, "Its thin." (If the fluid space behind the neck is thick, they say there's a 80% of down syndrom). RELEIF #1. He took a profile pic of the head, and said, "You can see the nose." (In down syndrom babies, you cannot see the profile of a nose) RELEIF #2.

(I deleted some info from this area, you'll just have to stay tuned)

Either way, I promise you, sick or healthy; boy or girl; we will love this baby unconditionally, and whole heartedly. Just seeing the ultrasound, created a love I didnt know was possible. But having these assurances and clues to good news, is so great! Couldnt wait to get home and share with y'all!

Love you all sooo much! Hope you have a great holiday week and look forward to talking to each and everyone of you on Christmas!

MUAH!

not telling...telling!

When you start to read all these articles and books about pregnancy, they tell you not to tell for like the first three months! There is a high risk of miscarriage or other complications that may persuade the parents to terminate the pregnancy. I knew I was pregnant before I was even late. So to hold it in that long was almost out of the question! And for as excited as we were, if something terrible were to happen, I would want my close friends and family to be there to support me.

When we found out we were pregnant, it was just few weeks before we were planning on going home for Thanksgiving. So I thought it would be much more special to tell everyone in person. It was a long few weeks! Our phone conversations with our parents were brought to a null. They went something like;

parents: "So, what's new?"

us: "Oh, not much."

It was miserable not telling them, but knew it would be worth it to see their faces. And of course, I was thinking to myself every day how we could tell them in a way they would never forget! I had tons of ideas, and will not give them away, as we might still use them for our next bundle(s) of joy.

I had a weekend planned in DC again with my girl, Amanda, the week before we left. Amanda would know if I came. I knew it. But we were planning on going bridesmaid dress shopping for her wedding coming up this September. I couldn't miss this, and oh, how I love some Manda time. I was gonna try to just not tell her, but how is that possible when two of our deepest loves are red wine and flavored vodka. She would know, I know she would know. But I went anyways. And needless to say, she found out.

The next weekend we took off for Wisconsin again. The 6th trip back for myself in the year 2010. (what's funny, is that doesnt compare to the amount of trips I took back home in 2009). I was more excited for this trip than ever though not only because we were going to tell everyone we were having a baby, but also because we were going to spend a holiday with family! We haven't been able to do that since we've moved to NC. I cannot begin to explain how much I miss those huge gatherings with all the aunts and uncles, cousins, and grandparents. I'm hoping to replicate our own huge gathering this Chistmas in a beach house on the Outerbanks, but that's for another time.

I left on Wednesday morning so I could spend a little more time with my mom. She picked me up from the airport, and despite all the time I'd spent planning and researching the best way to tell her, I basically spilled all the words out to her in the first three minutes of seeing her. I couldnt hold it any longer. My plan was great, like I said, I was going to tell her in a super cute way, that would have been so special, but I couldn't hold it in any longer. All I wanted to hear was about how she felt when she was pregnant, and compare notes. We had so much to talk about, and I couldnt hold it back! So as soon as I put my bags in the trunk, got my seatbelt on, I said, "mom, I'm pregnant!" Kind of strange, but I had never imagined saying those words to my mom. And by the reaction, I dont think my mom had ever imagined me saying them. I'm her little baby girl! Im kind of a brat and a bit (to put it lightly) selfish. She was so taken off guard. Probably because we never really discussed the fact that we wanted to start a family. But once it settled, and she realized what I actually said, the tears poured and the hugs began. It was a face I'll never forget. We called Mark while he was working in Chicago on our way home. I still dont know what to think of his reaction. I think he thought it was an oops, and was almost trying to make me feel better instead of being happy for himself becoming a grandpa. It was strange...

Neil flew in on Saturday morning, so my mom and I picked him up at the airport and were off to the craft fair with my Grandma Whitey, Aunt Patti, and Cousin Erin. And I again, got to spread the word with two other women in my life that are like mothers to me. I couldnt hold it in again, and just blurted it out!

I was thinking I need to get better at this before we tell the Yentsch's. And I did. We had family portraits scheduled for that Monday afternoon in Holmen with Scott and Sue, along with Dave and Jess and their little one Reagan. I had known the photographer for a long time, so felt completely comfortable letting her share this moment with us. She made it even more perfect. We were all posed for a family portrait when Sarah (the photographer) said, "Now everyone look at Mandy and Neil, and wish them congratulations because they're having a baby!"

I think we may have gotten the best family picture in history!

We were also able to squeeze in some time for dinner with our closest friends and share the news with them as well.

But, I have to say the best part of the whole trip was just being with family. We had a great Thanksgiving!

We're having a baby!

The funny thing about blogs is...facebook. If you're a 'friend' of mine on facebook, all these blogs are redundant. And for that I am sorry, but maybe these will tell a little bit more of our story.

We decided before we got married, before we were engaged, that we wanted to have a family. And to be honest, we named our first little girl probably only a few months into our relationship. Don't judge us! When you know, you just know. And to make this a little more clear, Neil asked me to marry him just a few months into our relationship as well. Well, not exactly, he said, " If I asked you to marry me right now, what would you say?" I basically said, "You're crazy, I'm not answering that."

So when we decided we wanted to start trying, we didn't get our hopes up. We've heard all of these crazy horrific stories of couples trying for years. Good people who deserve nothing less than great, not able to have children. So we were hoping for a pregnancy spring time. Boy, were we surprised when just a month later went by, we were, in fact, pregnant! I was at home alone with B when I took the test. All I wanted to do was call Neil, call my mom, call his mom, climb a mountain and scream it to the Smokies! I picked B up and squeezed him harder than I've ever squeezed him! Tears in my eyes thinking, "Is this really happening? We're doing this! We're having a baby!" If you don't know me that well, I like to be unique, and cutsie when I do anything out of the ordinary. So immediately, I was thinking I have to tell Neil in a really cute way! And what better way than to mimic his proposal. (He put the ring on B's collar). So I took a picture of the test, and printed it off from our printer. On the back of the pic, I wrote, "You are going to be an amazing father and I am so lucky to be carrying your baby." I put it in an envelope, on the envelope I wrote, "Dad, I'm going to be a big brother!" And I attached the envelope to Baylen's collar. And another thing about us...WE LOVE OUR DOG! He will always be our first baby!He was obviously very excited!

New Years Resolution

So, it's been since last March that I have blogged! It was my New Year's Resolution to do this more often. So 18 days after the New Year, here it begins I guess...

It's been tough to blog, I have to say. We live a simple life...a great life...but a simple one. It seems we have so many friends and family that are doing so much, I kind of think to myself, who wants to read about us? But, what the heck, here it goes anyways... :)

A little update since last March: The Reget and Yentsch clan made it to Key West. AMAZING

Mark really treated us with the Key West experience; we went para sailing, jet skiing, we visited Ernest Hemingway's home, took a stroll or two down Duval Street, and just had a blast in the warm sun and enjoyed some family time.

In April, I enrolled in a class at our church here in Cary. It's called Digging Deeper. Its basically a bible study on crack. I loved it! I could ask all those questions I have been scared to ask for so many years. Our pastor really impresses me. He's our age, so that probably has a little bit to do with it, but he's so educated (which they all are, I'm sure), but he really brings it all into reality for me. The other pastors that I have had in WI are much more 'old school' if you will. This class was so great for me and I think Neil got a lot out of it as well for it brought up so many conversations between the two of us. I feel so much better about my relationship with God, and Neil's relationship with Him as well.

At the end of April, Baylen and I took a trip back home to good 'ole Wisco! We celebrated a great friend, Heather's birthday by surprising her (well, supposedly surprising her). I don't think she was the least bit taken off guard. We also celebrated my best friend's last night out as a single woman! I helped plan Kristin's bachelorette party, which I have to say, was a huge success!

May was the month Kristin took the plunge! This involved another trip up to Wisco, but this time with both my boys. (Neil and Baylen). It was a great weekend, besides Mark's incident to the emergency room. (one of many to come). Mark was on his drive home from Chicago on Thursday night when he started having major stomach pains which the doctor's will later diagnose as diverticulitis. But a gorgeous and fun wedding it was!

Neil's friends Will and Josh made the trip down to Carolina in May as well. It was a boys weekend for sure which involved a lot of beer, a baseball game, ESPN nonstop on the television, and more beer. I should have went some where that weekend, but then who would've drove?

June was a little more low key, we spent many hours at the pool, hiking on the trails near our place, and taking it easy. My bestie, Amanda, and I kicked off the summer in DC at her fiance's mother's pool with many glasses of wine and who knows what else. Girls weekends are just the best.

July we moved! Thank goodness! Out of the teeny tiny camp ground site we were in. And into a brand new building with two bedrooms. We fit so much better here. It seems all of our friends are moving back to where they're from, so Neil and I were left to move on our own. I think it was 97 degrees and so humid. It was miserable, but so worth it.

August had its ups and downs. We were settling into our new place. My mom was gracious enough to make the trip down and help us paint. It was a great weekend, and our place looks amazing! So much more like a home. Our great friends Amanda and Jeff made the trip down here as well for a wedding they attended in Cary. Neil unfortunately and fortunately lost his job. It was obviously a shock, and left us wondering..."How in the world are we going to do this?" So we both got out there and searched and searched. I picked up a bar tending/serving job at a BBQ place just down the street from us. Neil was able to get a full time job at Nordstrom, and was able to ref volleyball games for the town of Cary a few nights a week. It was really an eye opener for us. I don't know why, and I am even a little embarrassed to say it, but for the longest time we were just getting by, waiting for our big break. And when Neil lost his job, it was like a slap in the face. We have to go out and get our Big Break ourselves. So there we were with at one point 5 jobs between the two of us...getting ahead! We were paying bills ahead of time, paying off our credit card debt, and able to go to a movie every now and then! That's when Neil got this job opportunity from a company called Netsertive. He actually applied for this position while he was employed with the other company.

September, I made another trip to Wisco to help my mom as much as I can and be there for Mark when he had his second surgery for his diverticulitis which went well...at first. We also celebrated our 1st anniversary, and with Neil's new opportunity at this great company we decided we were going to try to start a family. We decided we were never going to be completely ready, and wanted to wait no longer.

So that pretty much brings this up to date. I know that was probably awful to read, but I promise the rest of them wont be catching up, but rather updating.