Getting Closer...

37 Weeks...I look huge! Good thing I'm only up 8 pounds for the entire pregnancy. I'm hoping for a chunker of a baby...

Well, here we are 37 weeks pregnant. According to the doctor, 37 weeks is considered full-term. That means I could go into labor at any time. I know that might be wishful thinking, but I kind of have a feeling it will be sooner than November 29th...

Eric and I have enjoyed a couple of relaxing weekends lately. Actually, boredom set in BIG TIME on Sunday. I'm very ready to have a little squirmer to entertain us. On Friday and Saturday, we went on several walks around town together. Saturday night, we went on a true 'midnight stroll'. It was a freezing 40 degrees. We bundled up (me in Eric's gigantic winter coat; Eric in his new wool dress coat for work) and walked and talked. On Sunday, we sat. We watched t.v. We pondered for hours about what to do, what to make for dinner, and what to name our baby. I finally drug myself out of the house and went walking! I went to Kohl's, Walmart, and the mall. I picked up a few last essentials I decided baby had to have while in the hospital, and mostly did a lot of looking. Sunday made me very excited for real clothes. That's right...pants with buttons and zippers, shirts that aren't gigantically tent-like and stretchy, and high-heels.

After my boring Sunday, I decided it was time to scrub the outside of my fridge (as if it needed it), run around the house picking up and cleaning, and I even sterilized all of the bottles! Even though I plan to breastfeed, I'll have the bottles ready and waiting. After two trash runs outside, Eric finally stopped...stared...and asked "Are you alright?" You would think he'd be used to my crazy cleaning antics, but I think he's watching over my every move making sure I'm not soon-to-deliver his little baby boy.

I still feel pretty much like myself - minus the contractions I get several times an hour. Today I paced the gigantic halls of our school for any reason at all...just to keep moving. I even jumped up and down during a plate tectonics cheer. All in hopes of popping a baby out right then and there. What better science experiment than their teacher going into labor right in front of them?!

I'm feeling ready to pop. I feel like a Thanksgiving turkey that's overdone. I am anxious and ready to have this baby. I want to enjoy my maternity leave and spend time with family for the holidays. Come on, baby Krieger! Come on little man!

Dear Baby Krieger,

Well, we've reached the home stretch. It's November. Your due date is only a few short weeks away. Your dad and I are ready for your arrival any time now. I can't wait to whisper "Happy Birthday, Little Man".

It all started on March 23, 2010. I was on my way to go running and something just didn't feel right. Instead of heading to my gym, my car drove straight to the Walgreen's just across the street. I picked up a pack of three pregnancy tests...assuming I'd need more for the following months. I felt guilty for even thinking I'd already be pregnant; we just started trying. I thought, I'll take one without even telling Eric, and I'm sure it will be negative, and then I'll go run! Well, as soon as the little stick sat on the counter a plus sign appeared. It was right then and there that my life changed.

From that day forward I have dreamed about you. I tried to envision what your little toes would look like. I pondered what being pregnant was going to be like. Your dad calculated a family budget -- the next day after finding out we were pregnant. I worried about everything from juggling working full-time to breastfeeding. Here we are, nine months later, days from your arrival to our world. Absolutely surreal.

Maybe that's why I'm still up at 1 a.m., despite having a week filled with meetings, dinner dates, and parent-teacher conferences.

I have prepared every tiny detail just waiting for you to join us in our life. I've had wonderful showers, amazing baby store shopping sprees, and laundry-filled weekends. I packed my hospital bag months ago...with out any clue to what I would truly need in order to have a successful delivery at the hospital. And, your daddy and I have scoured the baby names book for hints, ideas, and off-the-wall names for months now. Even tonight. We've finally decided on your name.

I can't wait to see your screaming, crying face as you enter our crazy world. I can't wait to read the numbers on the scale they set your naked little body in. I can't wait to change your first diaper --- regardless of what it is I find. I can't wait to sign your birth certificate -- where my name will go under 'mother'. I can't wait to hold you against my chest for the first time and call you mine.

I'm proud to be your mommy already Baby K. You've helped me through a complication-free pregnancy; one of the biggest learning experiences of my life. You have wriggled, squirmed, and kicked me through some really long days. You've helped me to stop and appreciate the little things in life.

I'm ready, little man. We're ready.

Love you,
Mom

36 Weeks!

That means there's a really big bun in the oven :)

How far along: 9 MONTHS PREGNANT! AHH!!!!

Food cravings/aversions this week: FOOD. FOOD. FOOD. Not really, actually. My stomach is so squished by this monster of a baby that I can't really eat much right now. It seems strange that hugely pregnant, I eat less?! I would have NEVER guessed that from me. I'm a huge eater normally, and I'm really not much into eating lately. Cravings, however...hmmm. I've drank an entire jug of chocolate milk. I even sent Eric to the gas station at 11 p.m. on a chocolate milk hunt. The other day I stopped by Mickey D's for breakfast, and left with a chocolate milk jug and a Hi-C Orange. No food, just two random drinks. I guess I'd say I'm thirsty?

Changes/feelings: I feel huge. I feel pregnant. I feel ready to have a baby. Last weekend, Eric and I were on our Sunday House Hunt, and I started to have real contractions. The kind that take your breath away, do not go away when you move or walk, and I even started to cry! I was SO not ready for an October baby. It was a great wake-up call for both of us...this baby may be here sooner than we think. Eric's response was sheer panic: "Are you okay? Do we need to go to the hospital? What's happening?! What can I do to help? Do we need to stop home first? What's going on?!" Eventually I screamed - "STOP TALKING!" Then, suddenly the contractions disappeared. Oh, Eric, how I feel for you the day the baby is born.

Memorable moment this week: I went to my 36 week appointment, and found out that I am dilated to 1 cm, and am 80% effaced! At first I thought...hmmmm....wonder what those two numbers mean?! Those silly OB docs use the strangest language. So, I rushed home, did my usual Google search, and found out I'm closer to labor than I thought! The doctor said "That doesn't mean you'll have your baby tomorrow, but that doesn't mean you won't, either!" and she also said "You're progressing nicely!" She seemed surprised. I, however, was secretly hoping that the contractions I've been having have done their job...and turns out they have! (For those of you who are lost when you read the words 'dilated' and 'effaced', dilated is far open your cervix is, and effaced is how thin it is -- the thinner the closer you are to delivery). So, baby Krieger will be here soon! I go back next week...if I make it that long! Come on, baby!

Least favorite moment this week: Riding on a party bus 9 months pregnant - big mistake! I was a bridesmaid in one of my best friend's wedding this weekend. The dress was comfy, the bride was fabulously calm, and the wedding was amazing! The only downfall...a bumpy, awful ride on a party bus bar hoping. I should have thought that one out and I would have driven along behind! I assigned anyone sitting across from me "baby catching duty" just in case...maybe it was the bus ride that helped dilate my cervix? My only comparison: you're floating in a pool, and a little kid does 100 cannon balls right next to you. That's what each bump, turn, wiggle, and hiccup felt like on the bus. AWFUL!

What I am looking forward to: BABY KRIEGER'S ARRIVAL! I can't believe it's almost here. I can't believe I'm 9 months pregnant. I can't believe I'm dilated. I can't believe it's NOVEMBER. I'm ready, little man.

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!
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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...

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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!" :)

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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.

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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!

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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! :)



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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.

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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...