Dear Little Man,

Comfy in there? Well, your movements have changed from little rumblings to entire belly shifts. When you scootch around I can feel it in many areas of my body. I'm thinking you're making your way to where you'll soon make your exit into this crazy world we live in. And, I'm ready.

Your due date is just days away. I'm thinking you already know that and have planned to stay in one more day after? That's my guess. My first guess was November 19th, 2010. Your dad's guess was November 21st (merely for selfish Iowa Football Game reasons). You should have come on that day! Well, we were both wrong. What we've realized is that you're not even here and you definitely call the shots already. We're wrapped around your tiny little fingers and we haven't even seen them yet.

I'm so proud of you little man. You have stayed warm in my belly just as long as you should. I have been blessed with a problem-free pregnancy (minus little complaints from an uncomfortable mommy). You are in perfect position for hopefully a normal, natural delivery. Every time we hear your fast little heartbeat it sounds loud and strong. You have un-discovered my ribs; maybe you're so low you can't even reach them? Thanks anyway!

I promise...

1. ...to always read to you. Daddy or I will read you a goodnight story every night. When you get old enough, I will never shoot you down on reading a good book.

2. ...to always give you a bath, rub you all over with Johnson's baby lotion, and cuddle you in one of your many animal bath towels until you're warm.

3. ...to NEVER, EVER put you in "Baby's First Christmas" or "My First Birthday" or any other holiday attire. I'm way more creative than that.

4. ...to talk to you like a mini-adult. I won't say things like "pee-pee" or "potty". We'll always talk to you like you'll have to say it someday.

5. ...that you will always have an abundance of toys for your playing enjoyment.

6. ...to not come up with too many nicknames. I'm sure you'll have a handful, but hopefully they aren't too embarrassing.

7. ...to always love you, cuddle you, parade you around, and care for you in the best ways that we can.

I can't wait to meet you. I can't wait to share the name we've picked with the world. I can't wait to spend the next several weeks just you, dad, and me. I'm excited for feeding you, changing your tiny little diapers, belly time, and attempting to put you in your swing. I'm excited for your newborn pictures and sending out Christmas cards with not just Eric and Me (like it's been for the past million years), but Eric, Me and Baby!

We'll see you soon baby Krieger. And, believe me...there are lots of people waiting to meet you!

Love you more than ever,
Mommy

And we're still counting down...

I promised myself that I would save my Christmas shopping for after baby. That, however, was when I was wishful thinking that he'd come a little early. As the days winded down, I realized it might be stressful to be Christmas shopping mid December --- when I usually have it all done before Thanksgiving! So, I went shopping :) I've only picked up a few gifts so far. My plan was: Christmas shopping will be my excuse to get baby and me out of the house! I don't want to be stuck at home in sweatpants my entire maternity leave. I want to show off our little man while walking, shopping, and getting myself back to me!

Bending over, cutting, taping, putting on ribbon, and all of the other tasks of wrapping presents was much more interesting this year for sure! My big ol' belly got in the way of most of it, but I am not at all concerned with squishing the baby at this point; he's sure to come out if I squish enough, right?! I managed to still wrap in my famous style for this year! Can't wait to finish up and fill below the Christmas tree.

I also bought to reams of yarn just for fun...and I'm actually halfway finished with a baby blanket! Who knows if we'll actually use it; it's kept me busy at least. Eric and I have been renting movie after movie. Crocheting while watching has actually kept me interested in staying put to watch an entire movie or two.


Things that make me comfortable in these miserable last few days:

Eric - he helps me up, waits on me hand and foot, and is amazing...
Bubble Baths - I take a few a day...
Hot cocoa - with two chocolate packets and a handful of marshmallows...
Baby lotion - for my itchy skin; it also reminds me of what's coming soon...
Crocheting - keeps my mind off waiting...
Car rides - each bump I feel a little bit closer to having a baby...
Tylenol - I've got a wonderful cold and Tylenol helps...

As of today, we have three days until baby Krieger's due date. I think that 5% of babies are actually born on their 'due date', so I'm guessing it won't be the day. I'm hoping, however, that he doesn't wait too much long after. As each day passes I realize how different life is going to be. I can't wait to spend my days cuddling with my little man. I am so looking forward to putting together his adorable little outfits. I'm actually looking forward to making messes so I can clean them up...crazy I know! I'm excited for comments about baby, rather than belly. I'm excited to be able to travel more than 10 minutes away from Des Moines and see friends and families for the holidays. I'm hoping the next blog post will be filled with pictures from the hospital of our baby boy!

The Waiting Game...

I am 39 weeks and one day pregnant...just 6 days to go!

The waiting game is here. We've been preparing, folding, decorating, rearranging, practicing and getting ready for our little man. Eric and I have spent the past few weekends getting in some "us" time before that time is long gone. We've been on little shopping sprees for final touches and last little items. We have also visited many of the restaurants we always love...since my love for cooking has since been replaced by tired feet and an achy back.

I'm officially on maternity leave as of yesterday. I decided to take my two personal days for this week (since the kiddos only go to school Monday and Tuesday in my district) and allow my long-term sub to plan for the day he'd start. It's been relaxing, and I'm finding I can get a lot more cleaning and organizing done! I just hope this little man comes soon...or I'll run out of things to do. I do miss working though...I'm sure that will change when the little baby is entertaining me!

Every night I go to bed thinking maybe I'll wake up to my water broken or to strong contractions that will send us packing for the hospital. Every morning I wake up to my reality - no. Eric says each day, "Well, we're one day closer to having a baby at least!" He's such a trooper. He's also been supportive by going to all of my doctors appointments; lovely times we get to spend together as they check my cervix for dilation and effacement. At my last appointment I was dilated to 3 cm and 80% effaced. The doc said she was sure I'd deliver within the week. Well, here we are scheduled for yet another doctors appointment this afternoon. She was wrong.

Yesterday, we made a trip to Hobby Lobby. I decided I needed a hobby to entertain me during these last few days, and possibly during the long hours we'll spend soon at the hospital. I picked out two rolls of yarn and a crochet hook. $8.00 total. What an awesome hobby! I started crocheting a baby blanket...and at the pace I'm going, it will be finished before this baby arrives.

Things I've learned in these last few weeks of being pregnant...

...buy lots to drink while grocery shopping. I can't get enough to drink! Some days apple juice, others water, and more often than not chocolate milk.

...take the expert mommy advice of don't buy too much 0-3 months clothes lightly; Eric and I pulled out all we had from newborn-3 months and realized we had three random onesies and 3 non-matching pairs of sweatpants. Total. Baby K shopping spree ensued!

...three hours of sleep at one time is a success.

...every ache, pain, or cramp feels like "this is it". And...it's not.

...thoughts of baby, diapers, breastfeeding and pumping, and swaddling in blankies are forever in my brain.

...thoughts of only having one baby, or possibly adopting are not out of the picture.

...I smile when I think of tanning beds, treadmills, and a frosty bottle of wine. So close!

...deciding on what name we really want to name this baby has been one of the most difficult decisions ever! I've known what I want to name him forever...and we keep changing our minds. Then, we usually come back to what we've planned from the beginning. Who knows!

...Baby Krieger is comfortable. I'm not thankful to be pregnant still, but I am happy that he is probably chubby and healthy. I've carried full-term, so the chance of a little tiny baby in the NICU is probably not our reality - thank goodness!

...be patient.

We're waiting, baby Krieger. Come out, come out, wherever you are! Pretty please...

Love you,
Mom

38 Weeks!

How far along: 38 weeks...I'm hoping it's the last time I blog about pregnancy?! :) At least until the next time around...****crossing fingers****

Food cravings/aversions this week: I don't know where the idea came from, but I always thought that pregnant people ate and ate and ate. I could have sworn it's all they do! They are growing another human in their body for goodness sakes. Well, that has been far from the truth with me. I've stayed the exact same weight for the last four (if not longer) weeks. And, I've gained a total of 8 pounds the entire pregnancy. My appetite has vanished for the most part -- probably thanks to this gigantic baby that squishes my tummy all the way up to my brain it feels like. These last few weeks have been filled with quick and easy snacks. Rarely do we actually cook a dinner and eat it together. I snack when I get home, Eric makes something when he gets home, and we go on with our night. Weird. Very weird. That being said, no real cravings or aversions...just eating small portions of anything.

Changes/feelings: I am feeling miserable. I have been refusing to buy more awful maternity clothes for the last couple of months, and now I'm regretting it. I am very limited in what I can wear, and even if it fits around my wideness, its not comfortable at all. Not even one bit. I'm ready to be me again!

I'm also feeling ready to be a mom. My build-in 'worry wart' attitude has kicked in; for the first time ever I worried about not feeling the baby move. Hours later it was a fireworks show for all to see! I have rearranged drawers of clothing, read up on my breastfeeding books, and packed all of the bags for the hospital. The car seat and base are installed and level. My long-term sub is set to start on Monday of next week -- plans are all in place for me to be gone. I'm excited to be able to think about this baby, and not about how 110+ middle schoolers are doing with someone else teaching them.

Memorable moment this week: I had this wonderful idea: try on your old jeans and see if they will fit when the baby is here! Depressing thought, I know. However, it was a success! I pulled my favorite jeans down from the top shelf and took a deep breath. I was sure they'd be like denim leggings and I'd have a ways to go before I could wear my cute clothes again. But, I was so anxious to look at and touch jeans with buttons and zippers that I had to try. First pair...FIT! Minus the v-shape the zipper makes, only thanks to the baby bump. Second pair...slid right on! Heck yes :) I've been wearing the same two pairs of maternity jeans in spite of buying more maternity clothes for such a short period of time. It's very refreshing to see a nice stack of real clothes that will fit soon!

Least favorite moment this week: Huge. Huge. Huge. That is all.

What I am looking forward to: BABY KRIEGER! His due date is days away...and according to the doctor he should grace us with his presence very soon. I'm not holding my breath, but it will have to be soon!

'Tis the Season!

I know. It's only November 14th and I'm already excited for Christmas. My rule of thumb each year: if Von Maur has their Christmas decor out, so can I! I also decided I have an even better excuse for my crazy-early-decorating antics - a little baby boy due any day might hinder my gusto for digging out bins, separating each little branch just perfectly on the tree, and vacuuming up the mess (babies take naps, right?!). So, this weekend I decorated for the holidays!

This year looked a little different from previous years. For one, I always waited for the weekend that Eric worked so I could blast Christmas music and make all of the messes and piles I needed. Then, he'd show up from a long day's work to a happy little decorated home. Well, Eric's new job means he doesn't work weekends - YAY! And, it's a good thing, too! He had to help drag out the bins. He also had to pick things up as I dropped them. (This statement sounds simple enough, but lately I drop merely everything I pick up). He also had to bend over to plug in the lights, Once again, poor Eric. I also took lots of breaks. After I decided the tree was just perfect, I poured myself a gigantic glass of chocolate milk and plopped on my favorite spot on the couch. Messy decorations, tree trimmings, and strings of lights were strewn all over my floor...yet I could still plop on the couch and smile. That's never happened before.

Now that Eric spends more nights and weekends home with me, he's learning to enjoy Christmas music as well --- big bonus points for the dad-to-be! I was changing laundry out in the midst of all of the decorating and I heard him singing "Merry Christmas to SUE"...our dog. That's right --- he sang the song to our little Maggie Sue. How adorable! I feel sorry for you, baby Krieger, as your daddy can't carry a tune in a bucket. But, I have a feeling he'll be singing to you!

It also seemed strange that this little apartment that we have called home for almost two years now...will no longer be ours. Next Christmas, we'll be hanging lights on the outside of our new house, decorating the tree in front of a gorgeous window, and will be chasing around an almost one-year-old! Crazy.

After a few hours of Eric screaming through the awful Iowa vs. Northwestern game, blaring Christmas music, and decorating...our little place is ready for the holidays...





...and there are three stockings hanging above the fireplace this year!

Home Sweet Home....we'll sort of!

So...the house we're building is literally steps away from my school - bonus points! Each day after I leave, I take a short detour to see the progress. Thursday, I noticed little stakes out detailing our house structure for them to dig. I figured out which direction our oversized garage will face, and I even noticed our address spray painted on the electrical unit that was just put in! HOW EXCITING! The plan is to get the foundation poured before the first big snow, so they can just keep working through the winter. Glad it's not me doing the building part -- or Eric for that matter.

We've finally finished the seemingly never-ending 'vendor list'. A 9-month-pregnant lady's worst nightmare. Decision after decision. Who ever looks at door handles? Or grout color? What about all of the choices and options for a washer and a dryer? It's been an interesting few weeks of choosing, changing our minds, and then finally making decisions. For one, I'm not good at choosing anything; I once scoured every store's shower curtain selection before choosing the one -- and I mean every store. So, to have to chose from trim color to which ceiling fan we'd like has been very difficult, but fun!

We're really excited to see the work-in-progress. We're hoping that our decorating sense will turn out to make a really nice looking house. If not, it's our dream anyway! I can't wait for those relaxing nights in our corner whirlpool tub...

It still feels like a dream...

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 =)