Decisions, decisions....

This is our view from the front of our house -- right across the street from a city park =) Perfect for doggie and baby walks!

So, now comes the fun part --- deciding on what to put in our new house. We've signed all of the paperwork and are ready for the building process! The builder will break ground on our lot sometime this week. Our 'Sunday House Hunts' have quickly changed into 'Sunday Detail Hunts' as we scavenge the town for similar houses. We now have to choose: siding, shutters, carpet, and paint colors. We also have to decide on fixtures and appliances. Oh, and don't forget shingles, tile, washer/dryer, and granite color. Whoa, choices! All of which I'm not good at picking or choosing.

I'm thankful for Eric. Some how he becomes easily convinced that whatever I prefer is what's best for 'us'. He's such a good sport. He even told the builder "If I say something, ignore it...if my wife tells you something, that's what goes!" He's a smart man.

Here is my priority list I made when we first starting looking for houses:
1. It must be in Waukee -- at the very minimum in the Waukee School District.
2. It must have 3 bedrooms and 2 baths.
3. I really, really, really, really wanted a jacuzzi tub...
4. It had to have a flat, decent sized yard - per Eric - for playing catch with kiddos.
5. Both cars must fit in the garage.
6. We prefer a living room with fireplace for our t.v.
7. Laundry room NOT in the basement.
8. We want it to have "curb appeal".
9. Charlie Brown trees are a must (which means it's in a new development of cookie-cutter houses).
10. Trails or parks nearby...perfect for walking doggie and baby!

We actually found all of that, and more! I'm so ready to watch them dig and build our house. We are scheduled to move in around March or April...so let the building begin!

This will be our street sign! SO exciting =)

You know I'm 36 weeks pregnant when...

...a freak-out session occurs when I flip my planner to next week and realize we're in November, folks!

...a chocolate milk craving at 11 p.m. sends Eric flying to the nearest gas station. He came home with the chocolate milk, plus gummy worms and kettle chips...and they're all gone.

...a stroller sits patiently in my trunk. We're working on installing the car seat this week.

...every twinge, pull, or tug feels like it might be a contraction.

...shopping sounds like work. Wait, I mean shopping IS work. Getting out of the car, stopping at the restroom. I can only make it for an hour or so...if.

...my house smells like baby dreft and is covered in re-washed baby clothes and blankets. It's a little scary to see how much I've bought =)

...the decision between stairs or the elevator has become quite easy.

...random strangers now ask "When are you due? Not too much longer I'm sure..."

...I have a permanent pass to the front of the bathroom line.

...I google everything from aches to false labor signs...at least once a day.

...the music is the car is too loud, my stomach will tell you. Baby Krieger will kick, wiggle, and squirm! Get it, buddy!

...my wardrobe is down to just a few essentials that still fit. I refuse to buy more maternity clothes.

...choosing the right toilet paper is a big decision. I opened five packages to find the softest kind...sorry wal-mart.

...there is a countdown to maternity leave. Three weeks!

...I spend a little time each night hanging out in the nursery. For so long it was just a dream; the perfect little space. Soon it will be used quite often!

...I hold long conversations with pro-mommies about baby lotion, breast feeding tips, and coupons - regularly.

...Eric helps me out of my couch, out of the tub -- he even drains the water -- and out of the car.

We're getting there! The due date is quickly approaching. I can't wait for our doctor's appointment on Tuesday. I'm hoping they say "Not much longer now!" If not, I'm content to wait as well. Just as long as the little guy doesn't stay in there too long...

Our little piece of land...

It's official...WE'RE BUILDING A HOUSE!

Eric and I have been on the house hunt for months now. We both look forward to our Sunday open house stroll through the Des Moines metro. We searched through houses for sale, drove through towns searching for the perfect place to call home, and chit-chatted about how our lives are rapidly changing. We noticed, almost instantly, that we weren't satisfied with buying an already existing home. For one, Eric is probably the most non-handy man I've ever met ---- which I love about him. He can't even paint a room, let alone demo a bathroom or install the counter tops I would like to have. For two, I'd spend weeks cleaning someone's mess? I think NOT!

So, we shifted our focus from walking through already existing homes, to checking out lots, prices, towns, builders, and floor plans. It's a whole new world. When you build, you have the choice of where, what, how much, what color, all the way down to grout in between the tile you choose. FABULOUS!

So, we're building our dream home in Waukee. We found the perfect lot, at the perfect time, with the perfect price. I can see my school from our back windows! And, there is a city park across the street.

I'm sure I'll keep you updated on the building progress from time-to-time, but for now, you can see what our little piece of land looks like. It will be finished sometime in March. I can't wait to bring our little man to his new home.

Here's to another chapter in our lives...

Flashback!

Pictures tell an amazing story. Below you will find a "flashback" through Eric and my relationship through the past ten years. We've been blessed with love, laughter, friends and family. Oh, how things have changed!
______________________________________________________________________
Prom!
This picture was taken before Eric's senior prom, so my junior prom. I found the dress for $15.00 at Dillards, and was so proud! I'm rocking the braces still, and Eric whipped out the white tux? We'd been together for two years now. You can't see it, but I bought a pretend engagement ring and told all of my friends that Eric proposed. Funny story - the next year he did, right before my senior prom! By now I was living with Eric as well! So crazy...

______________________________________________________________________
Our Engagement Photo!
We went with the pink theme, and it looks like I was on a dark hair kick. By the time we were married, my hair was back to blonde. Eric still has this picture - crumpled, blurry, and all in his wallet in front of his ID. Too cute. As I think back to this day five years ago, I remember actually being on his back...you can read that all over his face. He's screaming "GET OFF OF ME QUICK!" :)

______________________________________________________________________
Our Wedding Day!
I absolutely adore this picture. It was taken after the ceremony. Eric and I both felt a sense of relief. We made it through the stressful part of the day, and it was now time to just enjoy each other's company, along with all of the friends and family that were present. We took our "exceptional persons" bus to Cedar Falls and snapped five minutes worth of after-ceremony pictures on the beautiful UNI campus. This picture was taken right after I burped in Eric's face...we both laughed...and I squealed "HA! You're stuck with me now! We're married!" Oh, to be 20 again.

______________________________________________________________________
UNI Homecoming!
This was Eric's first UNI shirt, and he was already a junior. I dragged him to the homecoming game, and we had a blast together...minus TC the mascot trying to attack me :). By now we were settled into our first home, enjoying married life, and were considering buying a puppy to add to our family!

______________________________________________________________________
Graduation!
Eric's graduation, first! I was so proud of him. He graduated with a double major in Finance and Real Estate...and that's exactly what his line of work is. It was so surreal to watch the ceremony. College graduation was much different than high school. It felt like a major accomplishment. Then, my graduation! Now it was time for life to start. We'd been together for six years by now, and were both ready for the next steps. We both searched for our dream careers, and found them! Success is sweet! :)



______________________________________________________________________
Move to West Des Moines!
At the end of 2008, we fortunately sold our starter home in a few short weeks, packed our lives, and moved to West Des Moines. Eric transfered with his job, and I started subbing around the area. By May, I landed my dream middle school teaching job in Des Moines, and a few months later Eric transferred to a different bank as well. This is our Christmas picture in WDM! Oh, and there's our addition to our family...Maggie. We got her right around my birthday the year before we moved.

______________________________________________________________________
EXPECTING!
This is our first picture of my baby bump. After nearly ten years together, Eric and I are expecting our first. We've gone from prom, to college, moved to a new town, and are now starting our family. Everything has always worked out just perfect! In a few short weeks we can add another page to our repertoire of pictures and memories. I can't wait!


It's fun to look back at our pictures; how we've changed, what our lives are like now compared to then. I love you, Eric, and can't wait for many, many more years of happiness!

34 Weeks!

A nice view from the top...that's right. I can't see my toes.


How far along: 34 Weeks!

Food cravings/aversions this week: Dairy products are starting to sound good. Today's afternoon snack was cottage cheese. MMmmmm. My lunch consisted of a frozen $0.99 Fettuccine Alfredo and a mini package of cheese and crackers. I've driven through McDonald's drive through multiple times in the last week to score a plain vanilla shake, when normally I only like ice cream if it's filled with brownies or cookies of some sort.

Changes/feelings: On Friday, I had my first contraction. I stopped, curled my toes, and held on to the wall! It was so strange. Now, I get them several times throughout the day. The doctor, however, says they are normal. Unless they start coming several times an hour, I just get to smile and deal! It's starting to make the whole idea of bringing home an actual living, breathing, crying, pooping baby into this world. I'm now thinking about re-washing all of the bedding and clothes. I'm thinking of what I want my little man to wear for his first day of life. And, I'm getting excited for pants that button.

Memorable moment this week: Spending time with some of the greatest friends in the world. This weekend was a friend's baby shower, so I drove the trek back home alone, as Eric enjoyed a boys' weekend. It was perfect timing. I saw some of my favorite people in the world...for probably the last time until our little man is here. I had long talks until 2 a.m. with out a crying, wiggling little fart to interrupt our drawn-out details and discussions. I ate some of my favorite wings at one of the only places I miss in Waterloo, and I got more mommy advice from the experts. It was a perfect weekend to catch up and remember all of the great people I have in my life.

Least favorite moment this week: Deciding between walking a set of stairs or taking the elevator? Do I really need to check my mailbox this morning or can it wait? What a decision. My independence is gone. My gusto for walking and moving fast --- long gone. I'm not at all enjoying my slow, wobbly pace. I can't wait to speed walk, run for fun, and be back to my normal self!

What I am looking forward to: Using the blankets, clothes, crib, stroller, pack 'n' play, and everything else we've bought or received for baby. I can't wait to give our little man his first bath at home...where he'll become a true Johnson's baby. I can't wait to snuggle his little pottery barn frog next to him as he sleeps. I can't wait to be his mom...his world.

I love school! =)

I love school. I love teaching. I love kids. I love working in Waukee.

Everyday I wake up excited to go to work...8 1/2 months pregnant and all! I couldn't ask for a better place to spend 40+ hours a week. I work with some amazing ladies, and not to forget the one guy teacher, who are genuine, caring, and awesome at what they do! I feel so accomplished as I leave yet another meeting and as I step out of another successful, yet sometimes chaotic, period.

My kiddos are just as amazing as the people I work with. They are caring, thoughtful, and very respectful. Each day somehow turns into a good day. Just recently I've convinced 110+ 8th graders that it's 'cool' to sing a song about the rocks and the Earth. Who knew?! I always wanted to be a teacher...to share my passion and love for learning. That's what I get to do each day.

During homecoming week a group of my favorite girls made a "Pink Club" for twins day. They made a shirt just for me...including an arrow pointing to baby Krieger. How thoughtful! My nickname is "Pinkalicious" and the baby's is "Pinkerpie". Love it! They are so adorable to include the little man.

I'm thankful that even after moving away from what we've always called "home", Eric and I have found our place here in West Des Moines. I love my job, Eric keeps finding great opportunities, and we're blessed with great friends we've met. I hope this journey continues to prove positive, welcoming, and successful.




Yes, most of the boys are taller than I am. Darn.

Thank you girls for the gossip and laughter. Thank you 8th graders for putting up with your pregnant Science teacher. Thank you collegues and administration for being on top of your game. Thank you Waukee for the opportunity to make a difference in students' lives.

Prenatal Classes...one down, four to go!

Eric and I attended our very first prenatal class last night from 7-9 pm. We stopped by Subway on our way there, chatted about new jobs and house hunting, rode an elevator up ONE floor (sad, yet true) and dashed down the winding halls of Mercy Medical Center downtown Des Moines.

It was a very interesting day for the two (and three-quarters) of us. First, we checked in and I found the nearest bathroom; I went at Subway five minutes prior, and already needed to go! Then, we took a seat in the back row of a room filled with soft, soothing music and dimmed lights. As couples piled in, I felt so welcomed and normal. In the real world I stand out. I have a gigantic belly, a slight waddle, and I'm as white as white can get (can't wait for those tanning beds again)! Here, however, I was surrounded by pregnant ladies, comforting husbands, and stretchy maternity clothing. I noticed several of the ladies had swelling feet and they seemed uncomfortable. For the first time, I felt proud and excited about my growing belly. It didn't seem that huge anymore.

Class begins. The instructor starts showing graphic medical images of what's going on inside the womb, what events are coming soon, and filled our already forgetful brains with terms, ideas, and advice. I'm thinking...why are we coming here for TWO HOURS for the next five weeks?

I learned a lot. Breastfeeding a newborn can possibly burn up to 800 calories a day - SCORE! The burst of energy you get that makes you want to clean and organize is nature's way of getting you ready for birth - so don't go too crazy! Labor laying down in a hospital bed is actually not-so-good for mom and baby...it doesn't let gravity do it's job. I also learned that I have a brave hubby who's willing to wear the sympathy belly the entire next session. Love him.

It seems surreal to think that at the end of this prenatal class journey, we'll have only a few short weeks before we welcome our little. I hope we learn, grow, and become more confident in labor, delivery, and taking care of our little man.

Bonus points: I scored yet another pregnancy book to fill my not-so-often bored moments...

Dear Little Man,

Hi in there. It's me, your Mommy. I know you're squished and squirmy and getting a little anxious to join us in our world. In fact you just moved from one side of my tummy to the other as I am typing. You never like it when I sit for too long! We are so ready for you.

I want to meet you. I want to see your little wrinkled fingers and toes; cuddle your tiny baby body. I can't wait to see who you look like. In the weeks after you are born - my days plans are just to cuddle, nap, feed, play, coo, and spend quality time with you. That's right, you're spoiled and you're not even here yet!

Just wanted to let you know that I think about you every minute of every day. I love your wiggles, feel sorry for your hiccups, and am taking in every minute of carrying you everywhere I go.

I hope you dream big and shoot for the stars. I bet you'll get dirty, possibly even break a few bones, but I hope you have fun. I can't wait to see you learn, grow, walk, talk, and play!

I can't wait until I can say...Happy Birthday Little Man.

We love you already...

Love, Mom

"A mother's joy begins when new life is stirring inside... when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone."
-- Author Unknown

Nesting?

Anyone who knows me well knows that I am an extreme clean freak. Everything has a spot -- a perfect spot. And, if you come to our house you will find everything just as it should be. Well, add pregnancy in the 3rd trimester and you'll soon realize that my 'problem' has only gotten worse! Not to mention, a new washer and dryer has just been installed.

I have been shopping, arranging, cleaning, and rearranging as if it's my goal in life to have the most organized house for baby? As if baby K will mind. The other day I went on one of my baby store shopping sprees, dumped all of the bags out on the floor, and pieced together all of the outfits my finds could build. Then, I decided it was necessary to get out ALL of baby Krieger's clothing collection and figure out all of the outfits I could create. I have this strange feeling he has so many that he won't be able to wear them all? So, if that's the case, he'll rock two or three baby gap ensembles a day? =)

The aftermath of this feat you wonder? Excitement for another chance to organize and assemble baby K's wardrobe in the baby room. Crazy?! I call it nesting.

Then, I've been on this baby blanket addiction. Every store carries the cutest little baby blankets. And, I feel I need each one of them? Our cupboard has quickly moved from stacks upon stacks of hotel-like white, comfy, and spotless towels for all of our many guests...to baby blanket piles by texture. I mean, he's going to spit up and get them messy, so I need a hundred of them...right?

I love that as I am typing this it all sounds so normal and relevant. As I reread it years (or possibly months) from now, I'll realize, too, how crazy I've become in these last few weeks of having a bun in the oven.

All of these 'crazy nesting tactics' have gone without mentioning the cleaning frenzies I've been on. I can hardly bend over without tipping over, yet I deep cleaned every inch of my carpets with our carpet cleaner. The one where after the water runs out you have to bend over, refill, and do it all over again. 8 times total. Yep. We have clean carpet my friends.

Well, I hope this post gives you a glimpse into my crazy preparing-for-baby world. You can only imagine all that goes on in this ocd, perfectionist, and clean-freak brain of mine.







"Everything grows rounder and wider and weirder, and I sit here in the middle of it all and wonder who in the world you will turn out to be."
-- Carrie Fisher

20 Things to Remember about 32 Weeks...

1. Only 8 weeks to go(more or less).

2. Apples. Apple Juice. Apple sauce. Did I say apples?

3. Did that dryer sheet just fall on the floor?! Should I scoot it under where no one will ever find it, call Eric in to get it, or just spend five minutes trying to bend over and get it myself?

4. Baby Gap, Gap Kids maternity section, Old Navy, Babies 'R' Us, Target baby section, Pottery Barn Kids and Von Maur...new favorite shopping spree.

5. Packing the 'hospital bag' has become quite a feat. I've found myself in the nursing bra section (who knew?!)and I even stocked up on chap-stick for the hospital experience. What am I forgetting all you pro moms out there??

6. I still take at least one bubble bath each night. Now, however, my belly mountains over the bubbles...and water...and it moves, wiggles, and jiggles. Eric and my talks during these baths have switched from dreaming, hoping, and wondering...to visualizing and laughing about how easy we have it for now!

7. Teaching school is the easiest part of my day. I completely forget my wiggling belly, my aches and pains, and just have fun with kids all day! Then I come home...

8. Sleep. Lots of sleep. Naptime mid-afternoons, all-day Sunday...

9. Will this tank top still fit over my belly...nope.

10. Clean. Organize. Re-clean. Re-organize. I swear, I'm worse than before.

11. My dreams have shifted from adorable baby clothes and an amazing nursery to fears of leaving my students with a sub...and the labor process.

12. I've quickly found EVERY bathroom known to the Des Moines metro area. If I go there, chances are I also pee there.

13. Weekends before pregnancy: running around with friends, crazy nights out, visitors almost every weekend. Weekends after pregnancy: cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, afternoon naps, house-hunt Sundays.

14. Two words describe what I want for dinner every night: tacos and chili. Poor Eric.

15. By 9:00 a.m., I've visited the restroom 10 times, no lie! I don't think getting up with a baby will be too much of a change, I'm on a 2-3 hour schedule already...

16. Strechy waist pants, gigantic sized shirts, and comfy flat shoes have taken over my normally trendy wardrobe.

17. Can you say pedicure? I can't even see my toes, let alone cut or paint them...

18. Random stranger comments on my belly, opening doors, moving out of their seats, making way for me...

19. I haven't gone into one store without hearing a crying baby. Where did all of these babies come from? I never heard them cry before...now they steal my attention and I want to run and help!

20. Aches and pains are two new words to my vocabulary. Today, I was uncomfortable standing, sitting, and laying. It takes at least my two hands to get out of couch...usually Eric comes in for the rescue. I envision myself with a little walker with tennis balls on the feet as I'm walking through the mall.

The apple saga continues...


This is how baby Krieger's clothes are organized for now...shirts hanging; pants, jammies, and onesies in drawers. For today anyway...


Hospital bag so far...


Doesn't this look like paradise to you?


I can't wait to look back on this years later...

8. More. Weeks. I think I can, I think I can...

32 Weeks!

How far along: 32 Weeks...8 more (or less hopefully) to go!

Food cravings/aversions this week: I'm still really into apple juice. I think this little man likes apples. I woke up this morning wishing I had an apple to eat...which I never eat, so off to the grocery store we go!

I can officially eat chicken again! I've been craving it the entire time, but it usually makes me sick. Just recently I've downed chicken nuggets, chicken strips, among others...and I can keep it down just fine. Yay!

Changes/feelings: I feel like a blimp. I feel like my wardrobe is running out of options. But, I feel like I'm wasting money if I buy more maternity clothes, since it won't be much longer. So...I searched the clearance racks and scored 7 shirts for $22! A new record :) They are cute t-shirts that will fit through the end of my pregnancy...we can only hope. I'm feeling very ready. My dreams have changed from baby clothes and accessories to labor visions and fears. I wake up each day and think, we're one day closer to having a baby. I'm actually starting to picture it in my mind.

Memorable moment this week: We've started to pack our "hospital bag". I've been wondering about how to start this process for a while. We finally searched what to include. My visions: the gigantic suitcase that I took with me to London - filled with everything I could possibly need for weeks. Eric's plan: a small suitcase for all of our belongings -- since both him and his family will be here to run home or to the store for forgotten items. Well, Eric wins for once. We looked it up and it said how stupid you would look if you came in with a full suitcase ready to go! So, we're condensing, checking off the list, and getting the last little things I would never think of....like chap stick?! Hopefully we've remembered everything...

Least favorite moment this week: I've had more than a few dreams worrying about my long-term substitute teacher that I'm going to leave my kiddos with. I keep wondering what if I go earlier than planned and I'm standing in my classroom? What if the sub doesn't like what I have planned and doesn't continue to teach? All kinds of fears! Well, on Monday I have a meeting with my potential long-term sub...and I'm so excited! That way I'll know him, can start getting final plans ready, and I'll feel more secure if I happen to deliver this baby early...I'm probably just wishful thinking :)

What I am looking forward to: My 32 week appointment...one more closer to delivery! We are down to an appointment every week this time and next, then we'll be at the doc. every week! We'll see how I like all of those!