The Hash House

We've Moved!

2010-07-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

You can visit our new family blog at-
http://hashfamilyblog.blogspot.com/

We're Back Baby!

2010-06-29T08:39:00.001-07:00

I had some techincal difficulties with the blog, but we should be getting back on track very soon:)

Two More Weeks!---

2010-05-07T11:49:00.000-07:00

And the Little Boy and I are together again!

Every morning Everett waits patiently in bed (I'm not kidding, he really does). He does a little talking to himself, wiggling and smiling. Grant goes in to get him and brings him in to me as I am getting ready to say good morning. After Grant feeds him his bottle, I get him dressed and we do a little playing by talking to eachother, giving kisses and rattling our toys around. Now comes the bad part. I tell my little boy goodbye and remind him how many days until I can stay with him all day and cry all the way to work.

The crying has subsided a bit. I just get a little teary sometimes instead of a bawling mess. I don't know if this is normal or not, but I tell you what. It is the pits. If anyone is looking to jobshare a 6th grade social studies position, let me know. Grant and I are trying to see if it will work for our family, but I am willing to give up A LOT to be able to stay home with the little guy. Like my neighbor Shiela says, "You only get to do this once". I would be willing to give up an outfit or two to be able to spend time with Evie.

Now, onto our summer plans! Here is what I have been dreaming about doing. Stay tuned to see if I actually have the time to follow through-

-Pool Honeys! Everett is going to be a true water baby! I didn't buy those three swimsuits, matching swim shirts, sunglasses and baby flip flops for nothing!

-Deana Rose. Lead the way to those groundhogs!

- Lunch with firends. I want to get this in before the little man is moving wanting out of his highchair.

- Play dates! My friend Stephanie has talked about getting together weekly with our kids for an afternoon at the park.

- Baby Food! I am really excited to make my own!

- Exercising! Since I pretty much get up at 5:30, get ready, go to work, go to softball practice or games, come home, do laundry, cook dinner, wash dishes, get everything ready for the next day, then go to bed, where the heck am I supposed to fit in going to the gym. That will be changing. Enough is enough.

-Painting the living room. Really nothing to do with Everett. Just a to-do.

As for baby stats, he is getting is 4 month checkup in a couple weeks. For now I can tell you he wears 6-12 or 9 month clothes and is in between a size 2-3 shoe. He eats 7 ounces per feeding which my friend Elizabeth says is a lot because her little Presley only eats 4 and she is three months older. Again, he's a manchild and will be in the NBA in about 20 years.

Here's a look at our growing boy-

Back to School...Back to School...

2010-04-05T07:50:00.000-07:00

Since the moment I found out my due date, I have been counting up how many days I would have to be at school until summer break. To be exact it is 6 weeks and 1 day, but who's counting? Did you know that summer break for teachers is about half a maternity leave. So don't get all jealous. That is probably what most people have in vacation days except you can take them whenever you want.
Unfortunately the countdown has begun to go back to work (not good). I go back in three days. I find myself going from thinking, "I'll be okay. I can do it for 6 weeks. It won't be that bad" to "Oh my god. How am I going to do this? I am going to miss so much. My poor baby is going to think he has done something wrong when he doesn't have his mommy with him all day!" It is bad. Really, really bad.

Other mommies out there have given me lots of support letting me know that the days will fly by and I'll be back with my sweet boy before I know it. I'm sure they're right, but to be honest, it doesn't help.

I think the problem is that my baby is seriously the best baby I have ever seen. How did I get so lucky? I don't know because I was definitely not a piece of cake kid. I am telling you. Everyone thinks their kid is the cat's meow, but I'm telling you this kid is great! People compliment how good he is every time we are out. The boy doesn't cry! He just fusses when he is hungry. Other than that, he just hangs with the adults and sits quietly while we hold conversations. I'm serious! He slept through the night at 8 weeks. Not just "slept through the night (12:00-5:00), we are talking 9:00-7:00...Putting himself to sleep! My point is, who would want to leave that? Sure it is a lot of work, but it is the BEST work I have ever done! People say teaching is rewarding, but I really think being a mom is where it's at. Plus, I am trying to cherish the time that he is good since I know once he starts walking and talking, I am pretty sure he will begin to take on some of his mother's traits and become hell on wheels.

Enough venting. Let's get to the pictures. Who would want to leave this stud muffin?

Baby Smiles!

2010-03-08T10:15:00.001-08:00

Baby (Not as in Little) Stats

2010-02-24T11:53:00.000-08:00

Baby Everett went to his one month appointment last week. Here are his facts and figures-

Weight- 11 pounds 10 ounces 95-97%

Height- 23 inches 75%

Head Circumference (See kids, you will need to know circumference!)- 15 inches 50%

Before my precious boy came along, I would have had no idea what any of this meant. However, now I am blown away by how fast my "little boy" is growing! Basically, if you lined up 100 babies, mine would be one of the heaviest and tallest, yet (THANK GOD) his head is normal size! No matter what my loving husband says, his head was abnormally large when he was a baby. Add in the horns he sported, he made for an oddly-shaped-headed-kid. Luckily, our baby was not this unfortunate.

Moving on. Today after our routine of a morning bottle and bath, I began to look through his clothes and realize that all the outfits he used to "swim" in are now too small! Last night when Daddy put on his PJ's, his poor little legs were scrunched up and the feet on his footies were too small. Yes, our son has the biggest feet in the world. He would be past 100% if they measured those. I am certain.

I digress. I spent the next 30 minutes cleaning out Baby Ev's closet and realizing that he didn't even get to wear some of the outfits I was putting in storage! After organizing (what I do best), I picked out the outfit for the day (my favorite thing!). I chose a 3-6 month romper my mom bought him for his one month birthday. As I buttoned it up I realized that it fit PERFECTLY! Our little 5 1/2 week old baby is wearing 3-6 month old clothes! He isn't even chubby! He is just really long! Don't get me wrong, the boy is working that chin. But he really isn't that big.

My conclusion- Mom and Dad are retiring early due to the fact that Everett will be playing forward for the Jayhawks as he earns his degree. No, he will not be graduating early to join the NBA because he knows how important it is to get an education. After graduation he will be drafted into the NBA and buy his parents a house in Colorado as well as wherever he decides to play basketball. We will be retiring shortly after he signs his contract. We must devote all of our time to watching him dominate. He will also buy his mom the pearl white Escalade she has been talking about since she was 21. (Thanks Son)

I leave you with a couple of my favorite pictures of the little (BIG) one.

Approaching One Month

2010-02-09T12:02:00.001-08:00

Baby Everett will be one month old this Sunday...Valentines Day! As a new mommy, I have learned the following things-

Even when your baby is a living angel and hardly ever cries and is hardly ever fussy, you will still miss your sleep. However, I don't mind getting up to feed him because I love looking at him!
The days go by SUPER FAST! I have a to-do list every morning and even though I usually get everything done, it is between feedings, diaper changes, cleaning up spit-up, throwing in a load of laundry, nap time, taking out the trash...you get the point. By the time everything is done it is literally time to go to sleep again.
It is very hard to put your spouse first after you have a baby. I think I can also speak for my husband on this one. However, we are starting to make an effort to eat dinner together (instead of in shifts) and have even gone out on one very short date!
Everyone tells you that you will never love anything like you love your kids. When I heard this in the past I thought, "I love shopping. I love movies. I love my husband and my family and my friends. I love sleeping and cooking." Really people, love reaches a whole new level when you see your baby. It is unbelievable how much I can love someone that I just met.
When your parents say, "When you have kids of your own, you will get your payback!" it may or may not come with a newborn. Mine has not come yet. Supposedly I was a really bad baby. My baby is honestly one of the easiest babies I have ever seen. Half the time I can put him down in his crib at night and he can fall asleep by himself. He is extremely easy to settle down when he is crying and he is pretty good about his eating schedule. Every time he cries for more than a minute, Grant is like, "What's wrong with him!" because he never cries for very long. I'm sure when he is a teenager he will give me the payback I so deserve, but for now, he is easy to love.
You never know how much poop, pee and spit up can come out of such a little thing and get ALL OVER EVERYTHING!
Eat quickly because you never know when they are going to wake up and need to eat themselves.
Under normal circumstances I really like going to work. However, April 14th will not be happy day in this house. I already cry.
Speaking of crying, after you have a baby, you will do A LOT of it. I'm not kidding. The tears will flow. I have cried because I have been happy (I love him!), scared (Don't touch him and get him sick!), sad (I don't want to ever leave you) or tired (I need sleep). There are tissue boxes in almost every room of his house.
Your stomach doesn't look the same. Everyone that comes over is too nice and tells me I look good (thank you though). However, once that baby comes out, your stomach resembles something of a balloon that was blown up and popped. It is weird. It looks all good when your standing, but hello muffin top when you sit down.
You can still clean your house! Don't let anyone tell you that you can't. You will just not get a nap that day.
Make sure to prepare a couple casseroles before the baby comes. They will come in handy.
You will miss caffeine and adult beverages. Obviously I haven't had an adult beverage in almost a year, but since Everett was born, I have also not drank any caffeine. I miss it so.
Baby toys will take over your house! Bouncy seats, Boppys, Pack and Plays, Oh My!
Keep the hand sanitizer handy. You'll need it.
You can also work on the baby book. Again, you will miss a nap or two for that one.
Take some time to go to the store or get out of the house. It helps a lot with your sanity! However, don't take the baby. It is flu season after all.
I wouldn't recommend having a baby in January. It is hard to get out for a walk with snow on the ground. We have only been out on a walk once. It was bliss. I wish it would warm up already!
You may not be able to make it to the gym. Hence, don't have a baby in January so you can go on walks.
Snuggle with your baby every day. My 3 1/2 week old is already wearing a size 2 shoe and 3 month clothes. He is huge! I try to hold him as much as I possibly can.
Enjoy the ride! My miracle has only been here 3 weeks and I already don't know what I did without him. I would tell myself this all the time while I was pregnant and scared to death about the responsibility, but it really is true. This world is a better place because Everett is here. He brings so much joy into our lives.

One Cute Baby Boy

2010-02-08T15:27:00.000-08:00

Get ready...Get set...You are about to see the most beautiful baby in the whole wide world!

Here He Is!!

2010-01-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

Ev's best friend Logan!

It's A Boy!

2010-01-15T07:21:00.000-08:00

A Baby Story-

When I got to work on Wednesday, I started feeling pretty junky. I was hot and then cold, I was naucious and couldn't remember any of my kid's names. I thought something was going on, so I called my mom. She said to go to the nurse's office. Maybe I just had a bug. After finding no temperature and eating lunch, I did feel better, but went home and got in bed right after school.

At 7:00 I started watching American Idol and thought I started to feel contractions. By 9:00 I was telling Grant that I thought something was going on.

I tried to sleep, but the contractions got stronger and stronger and by 12:00 I was up and telling Grant that I thought we would be going to the hospital by morning. I took a shower and started making sure everything was in my bag when my husband says to me, "Do you think I could go to the office? I have to go to court in the morning, but it doens't look like I am going to be able to make it". I reply with, "ARE YOU SERIOUS? NOW?!"

Long story short, he went to the office, I walked around downstairs and watched Oprah. By 3:00 I had been tracking my contractions and found that they were mostly 5 minutes apart. To be quite honest I thought I would go to the hospial and they would tell me to go home because I was imagining the pain to be a lot worse. Don't get me wrong. It was bad, but I wasn't screaming like in the movies.

When we got to the hospital, my nurse told me she thought I wasn't even in labor because I was so calm...go me! Then after she hooked me up to every machine in the hospital (I had no idea you get hooked up to so many things!), she told me I was dialated 5-6!! Grant immediately said, "I think I need to call your mom!" He told me she said, "I knew it!!"

The rest of the story goes as follows-

I had to drag my IV and monitors into the bathroom multiple times because I drank a TON of water before we left because I knew I wasn't going to get any more once I got to the hospital. That was no fun.
My parents and the in-laws showed up shortly after I we got there. I am not going to lie. It was strange having people in the room while I was in labor. I think they thought that because I wasn't screaming in pain that I wasn't in pain. I was.
Epidural guy came in and made a stupid joke about "reading the manual" before he started. What a funny guy. Then the jerk continued to jam a needle into my back and because of my scoliosis it hurt worse that anything I had ever felt before. I started bawling only to hear him say, "That isn't working, I am going to have to try again". After jamming the needle into my spine for another couple minutes, he says, "Well, that was harder than I thought it was going to be". Gee wiz, thanks jerk. We're only talking about my spine! I don't know if I will be getting an epidural if I ever have another one. It almost wasn't worth it. It really was the worst part. I am probably the only person on earth that has ever said that.
After the epidural, I thought, "Yay, I can take a nap now!" Nope. I went from an 8 to a 10 before I could even shut my eyes. Then they gave me the rest of my antibiotic (which burned so bad I thought I was going to barf) and it was game time.
Without going into too much detail, by the time Baby was ready to came out, I was exhaustsed. I had been awake for two days and the epidural made me sleepy. He came after a little over an hour of work by Mom. All-in-all, my labor was about 15 hours from start to finish.
Grant and I decided on Everett William Hash

Having my baby was the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I look at him and think Wow! Not only did I cook that, I was able to get him out of there!

Everett's first doctor's appointment was today. They say that babies are supposed to lose weight and then be back to their birth weight 2 weeks after birth. Not this guy! He has already gained his weight back + 5 ounces! Yikes! He is doing great and his parents could not be happier. I have boo-hooed almost every day. I just look at him and burst into tears. Don't even get me started on how emotional I was when they had to do their business with his little boy business. I am seriously thinking of quitting my job. I have no idea how I am going to leave him. He is amazing.

I promise pictures will be coming very soon! I am having computer issues.

4 Days to Go!

2010-01-13T09:08:00.000-08:00

I am not feeling so well today. Some people have told me that when you feel sick that may be a sign of labor. Let's hope because I am not a fan of Pitocin (even though I have never had it). However, I am a fan of my mom telling me we could go out for my favorite meal before I go in to be induced. In fact, it is all I have been thinking about today. Cheesecake Factory.....mmmmm.....

I have most definitely run out of things to do. Everything is done at home and I am pretty sure 2 months of plans are plenty for my long term sub, however, I don't really have anything else to do during my plan time so I just keep making more!

6 (But No More Than 8) Days to Go!

2010-01-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

I had what could have been my final appointment today! I made a minuscule amount of progress and my doctor says that if I don't go into labor by myself by Sunday, I will have an appointment on Monday to see how we are doing and then be induced Monday night!

Besides seeing an end in sight, what was the best part of my appointment? I LOST TWO OF THE FIVE POUNDS I GAINED LAST WEEK! I know it is not good to lose weight when you are pregnant, but I was still embarrassed about the huge amount in one week.

Baby Hash really is coming to town!

7 Days to Go!

2010-01-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

I can't even believe it! In exactly one week I am due to have a baby!
It's very strange to sit around and wait not knowing when the little bundle of joy will arrive. It isn't like a wedding or a party where you know when, where and how the even will take place. All there is to do is wait because all the to-do's I can think of are done-

Nursery is set up
Pack and Play is assembled (Yep, did that by myself!!!)
Car seats are installed by the Olathe Fire Department in both cars
6 Casseroles are prepared and frozen
Clothes, blankets, sheets and burp cloths are washed and put away
Diapers are stocked
Bottles and baby containers are washed
Any toys baby will be placing in his/her mouth are washed and put in their place
Bags are packed
Diaper bag is packed
Baby book is done
Everything that can be cleaned and sanitized is clean and sanitized

I am not stupid. I am well aware that all of this will be messed up, unorganized and pooped on in a short amount of time, but it makes me feel better to have all my ducks in a row.

We Have Some News!

2010-01-07T14:03:00.000-08:00

I had my 38 week appointment yesterday and it came with many surprises!

The first thing you always do (after you go to the bathroom) at each appointment is weigh in. I have stepped on that scale about 15 (or so) times. Every time the nurse says, "Gained one pound" or "Gained two this week". I have done pretty well with keeping my weight under control....until yesterday!
I step on the scale.........I look at the number.........I cannot believe my eyes!!!! Five pounds in one week!!!!! I spent the rest of the appointment apologizing to the nurse and my doctor. They reassured me that it was probably water weight, but I was so embarrassed and shocked I just kept thinking to myself, "Did I really eat that many sugar cookies in one week?!"
To top it off, I brought the staff in the office homemade cookies. They probably thought all I had been doing that week is sitting around eating cookies! I still can't get over the embarrassment.

Next surprise-
After I told my doctor, "I'm so sorry" for the fifth time, she told me that (without going into too much unneeded detail) we made some progress since last week! I think my doctor's exact words were, "Something's happening".

Final suprise-
Here is how the conversation went-
Dr.- How tall are you?
Me- About 5'8". Maybe a little taller.
Dr.- Sometimes when moms are that tall their baby could be bigger than we think. They could be hiding in there.
Me- Oh.
Dr.- If it is okay, I would like to scheudle a sonogram so we can see how big your baby is.
Me- Sure
I go out to the nurse's station to schedule my appointment
Nurse- Is tomorrow okay to go in?
Me- Sure! I have a snow day tomorrow!
Nurse- Okay (Then she calls over to the building to scheudle my appointment and starts talking in nurse jargon. I catch a "LGA" in there while she is talking about "diagnosis".)
Nurse hangs up the phone
Me- What is LGA?
Nurse- Large for Gestational Age. That means you could have a big baby!
Me- Uh....oh.....uh....

Today I went in to get the sonogram. The nice doctor lady told us the following-

The baby is measuring 7 pounds 14 ounces.
The baby's head is in the 54th percentile (Sweet!).
The head is super low (We're ready to go!).
I am measuring about a week ahead of scheudle (Which was something that they told me at the 20 week ultrasound).
The baby has big cheeks and hair!
The baby is a cutie (He/she had the hiccups!).

Vaccinations Shmaccinations

2010-01-05T08:18:00.000-08:00

There have been restrictions made to Olathe Med's visitor's policy and we are not allowed to have ANY visitors besides our parents.

The admissions lady at the hospital scared me so much about the H1N1 virus that I have also freaked my whole family out and everyone (including my husband who NEVER gets the flu shot, my parents, Amy, Jim and I am looking into a shot for Bleu) has been vaccinated for H1N1! They said they wanted to be able to "come see the baby". They obviously know what a germ-a-phobe I am.

I should have bought stock in hand sanitizer. I think we have 3 bottles at home and one in the diaper bag.

What Was That?- 13 Days To Go Update

2010-01-04T09:55:00.000-08:00

The last few nights I have been waking up with some sort of either cramping or actual pain in my stomach. Considering I haven't done this before, I have no idea if they are contractions, indigestion or none of the above.
Last night I decided it was my stomach telling me I needed Jell-O. I remembered the crazy lady in our birthing class telling us that if we think we are in labor to have a snack that we wouldn't mind seeing again (i.e. Jell-O, turkey sandwich, broth, etc.)...yuck. I know.
After a quick snack I went back to bed. My sleepy husband says, "Are you okay?" to which I respond, "Well, I don't know. My stomach is hurting". His response, "HUUUUHHHHH??!!" and then he quickly drifted back off to dreamland.
Thanks for 1) Keeping your composure. 2) Being so concerned dearest husband.

13 days to go...Holy smoky!
I actually feel really great some days and other days I have not been so lucky. It is more a mixture of- excited, uncomfortable (but not too painful yet), scared out of my mind, teary, achy, happy, so blessed, again- scared out of my mind.

Can't wait to see that smooshy face!

37 Weeks

2009-12-30T17:10:00.000-08:00

Getting bigger...and bigger...and bigger!!

I have been to the doctor. No progress whatsoever. No baby anytime soon. Stay posted.

For your viewing pleasure-

Nursery...Check.

2009-12-30T16:27:00.000-08:00

Baby Hash is Coming to Town!

2009-12-16T09:19:00.000-08:00

The title of this post is what my kids at school have been singing all week :0)

It is now December 17th. Baby Hash is due to arrive on January 17th! That is slightly overwhelming.

I have been working basically around the clock to get ready for baby. I have been washing clothes, setting up the nursery, organizing ingredients for the many casseroles I will be making and freezing, getting paperwork in order, washing toys, containers and bottles, packing my bag (It's big- I hope people don't laugh at me when we get to the hospital.) and trying not to lose my mind.

35 Week Update

2009-12-14T10:17:00.000-08:00

Baby-

I am the size of a honeydew melon!
I am pretty much developed. All I have to do is add some fat. I'll add about 1 pound of fat from now until I make my debut!

Baby Mama-

I will be helping my baby add fat by eating every Christmas cookie is sight :0)
My back is feeling a little stiff, but other than that we are still pretty good to go!
I am still going to the gym, however, when I check my heart rate, it rises a lot faster than it used to and I can only work on the elliptical for about 40 minutes...at no incline...at level 4...My point- This is nothing to be extremely proud of.

Comments Baby Mama is pretty tired of hearing-

"Get your sleep now! You won't get it after the baby comes!" Duh, and by the way, I am not getting my sleep now anyway. I am pacing around the kitchen making to-do lists at 3:00 in the morning.
Someone I don't know- "Are you ready yet?" Me- "I think I'm as ready as I'll ever be." Someone- "You'll never really be ready." Thanks. Why did you even ask me if you were just going to tell me about how I wasn't going to be ready?
"Don't do _______" "Make sure you _________" "I had a terrible time _________". These blanks are filled with a variety of fun filled comments.
Here's a question- Why do people insist on scaring the you-know-what out of pregnant people with horror stories about labor and delivery or about how their baby "didn't sleep for 16 months". The funny thing is that these are the same people with more than one child, so it must not have been that terrible.

Resting Up

2009-11-25T09:47:00.000-08:00

Yep- He has a pillow. He loves it. Spoiled baby.

32 Week Update

2009-11-25T09:36:00.001-08:00

Baby-

About 3 pounds.
All 5 senses are developed.
We are the size of a squash and weigh about 3 pounds.
Sleeping and wake patterns are being established.

Baby Mama-

Every day I wake up and say a little "thank you" that my back is just stiff, not in a lot of pain. I keep waiting for the bad stuff to come back. Hopefully it stays away for a little while longer.
The baby now moves and kicks a lot and is really starting to look like an alien invasion. It freaks Grant out.
Mama is getting a little scared that the baby is coming in 2 months! I am excited to meet the little person, but wow is it overwhelming!

26 Week (Old) Picture

2009-11-25T09:33:00.000-08:00

Maternity Pictures

2009-11-22T08:11:00.001-08:00

Baby's Second Pictures

2009-10-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

We had a hard time staying still and getting good pictures, but I think they turned out beautiful! I like Baby's little nose and mouth. Too sweet.

25 Week Update

2009-10-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

Baby Mama-

I have to admit I am having some issues with stress at work. My mom says I can't have wine, but I am not above asking my doctor so I don't have a mental breakdown. I challenge ANYONE to say to me, "Teachers get the whole summer off, so stop complaining." Trust me buddy, we earn every second of that month and a half we have off...Not 3 months. This isn't 1980.

Other than that- We're doing pretty well. I try to elevate my feet and sit as much as I can so that I don't swell up. My back is even doing okay for now. I'm not too big yet so I am trying to cherish the non-sore back and being able to get around easily. I know that will end soon.

Baby-

We are movin' and groovin'. My friend Emily says I have a little Beyonce in there:o) I can't quite pick up a pattern yet, but I know he/she gets wild around 9:00 before I read our bedtime story. Favorite- Grant bought us Oh the Places You'll Go; The Book to Read in Utero.

Size=Eggplant

New Developments= Eyes! I'm not quite sure what that means, I guess the little guy/gal only had something else going on in the eye socket before then. I think the eyes are starting to develop things that will help them to function..., Immune system development. I'll be sure to drink my orange juice, Capillaries- This gives baby a healthy pink glow...aww

Another New Love

2009-09-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

I recently found a fabulous recipe for Chex Mix in my crockpot cookbook. I changed a couple things, but I have found that making it in the crockpot makes for easy baking and clean-up! I actually ate Chex Mix for dinner last night. It's cereal (whole grain) and nuts (protein). That covers some food groups.

The other day Grant asked me if I could "sustain myself on applesauce and Chex Mix"?

Now that I think about it, I probably could.

Nursery- Step 2

2009-09-25T14:49:00.000-07:00

My mom and I have done some clothes shopping.

The baby bag I designed and my sister bought for me!

I have no pictures of step one which was painting green over the pink walls and repainting the bookshelf my dad made for me when I was little. Next I need to do some accessorizing!

We Just Keep Growing!

2009-09-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

23 weeks and rocking a Joel McHale t-shirt, ESU Baseball sweats and some sweet windblown hair! Dig it!

Ode to Candy Corn

2009-09-16T09:17:00.001-07:00

I always had a healthy hunger for the lovable fall time candy. However, the baby has taken my NEED for this candy to a whole new level! I find myself eating candy corn after every meal...Yes, even breakfast. Someone pry it from my swollen pregnant hands!
I have added up the facts that I always want fruit (ESPECIALLY APPLESAUCE) and candy corn (made with honey) and come to the conclusion that my baby likes sweet things because it is sweet. So now I know my baby will never cry, throw up, poop and is very sweet.

21 Week Update

2009-09-15T10:09:00.001-07:00

Baby Mama-

I am entering my 3rd week of physical therapy for my back. Although the lady has no clue what she's talking about when it comes to scoliosis, she does give me some good stretching exercises.

I still have not discovered that "energized" phase of being pregnant. Although I am not falling asleep at my desk, I am also pretty tired throughout the day. Again, over feeling like I am going to toss my cookies, I'll take it!

Grant made the comment, "Your stomach looks like it is going to explode!" That's not so good considering I am not even half as big as I'm going to get!

Baby-

Weeks 21-24 we are the size of a papaya.

Baby can hear outside noises. I am going to start getting him/her into some JT!

Our face is fully formed. I'm sure it is adorable and perfect :0)

Sleep cycles are starting and baby is sleeping 12-14 hours a day. I wish Mom was sleeping 12-14 hours a day.

He/she practices aerobics around 9:00 each night. Talk about high kicks!

Baby's First Photo Shoot

2009-09-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, before the crack of dawn, Grant and I ventured out to the Olathe Medical Center Emergency Room for our first sonogram. The doctor told me I needed to drink 32 ounces of water an hour before my appointment. Since the appointment was at 7:00, I got up at 5:45 (Did I mention it was Saturday) to begin the drinking marathon.
Of course my husband thinks he is a medical professional kept asking me, "Shouldn't you be drinking more?" "Should you be eating that?" Good thing he read all those pregnancy books huh? (Sense my sarcasm.)
Anyway, we stopped at a gas station on the way to the hospital because I wanted to drink some Mountain Dew. My friend Jonann told me that if you drink Mountain Dew the baby will move and considering I hardly drink any caffeine anymore, I figured I would give it a shot. Read on to see if this actually worked.
When we got to the hospital and we checked in and I noticed how I saw no McDreamys or McSteamys. I didn't even catch a glance of a George. After the nice tired ladies filled out our paper work they directed us to radiology. We quickly found that all the lights were off and there were no workers in sight. I told Grant that it reminded me of all the old Halloween movies where Michael Myers would chase a girl around the hospital. I always thought, "Why are there no nurses and where are all the patients?" Now I know. They are in bed, where I should have been.
After we found the nice workers our nice radiologist Jason brought us back to the room. It was just like in the movies. Squirt the jell on, wiggle the wand around, hey look there's the baby!

Highlights of the trip-

Jason telling Grant he likes to work with "normal people" like us. If he only knew.

Watching the baby suck his/her thumb at the end. Good when it comes to not having to get up in the middle of the night to put a binkie in its mouth. Not so good when they are 4 with a wet thumb and crooked teeth.

Jason asking me, "Are you okay? Your bladder is really full!" Duh Jason. I might just float off this table!

Watching that Mountain Dew go to work. The baby was turning and kicking and as Grant said, "He looks like a band director".

I have tried to stay pretty cool and collected through this whole thing. Maybe it was more the fact that I was trying not to get sick all day long or that I was so tired I could have fallen asleep mid-sentence, but this sure was pretty fun. It's weird to think that there is a teeny tiny human being (14 ounces) in there!

Old Wives Tales

2009-09-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

As I was waiting for 4:00 to arrive at school (yes, my lesson plans are finished for next week), I decided to take a few "Old Wives Tales About Your Baby's Gender" Quizes.
Well, I only got through 2 of them, but the first said I had a 70% of having a girl. The second said I had a 73% of having a girl! They must be right...right?
I am still thinking it is a boy. That is probably because I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE baby tutus and flower headbands!

Here is the reasoning for the 73% chance-

You are carrying the extra weight around the hips and bottom, so it's a girl. (Amen to that)
The hair on your legs is not growing any faster during your preganacy, so it's a girl.
Girls are carried high. You are going to have a girl.
Sleeping in a bed with your pillow to the south indicates that you will be having a girl.
Your feet are not colder than they were before pregnancy.
You are having a girl.You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread. You are having a girl.
Dad-to-be hasn't been gaining weight along with Mom-to-be, so it will be a girl.
The maternal grandmother has gray hair, so a boy will be born. (She doesn't have much- Sorry Mom)
You had morning sickness early in pregnancy, so you are expecting a girl.
You are not looking particularly good during pregnancy. Therefore, it must be a girl, because girls steal their mother's looks.
Your chest development has not been very dramatic during pregnancy. (The girls are bigger, but I don't think they are Pamela Anderson-like)You should expect a boy.
Since the sum of the mother's age at conception and the number of the month of conception is an odd number, it will be a girl.
A needle on a thread held over your belly moves in circles, so you will have a boy.
Your urine is a bright neon yellow color, so you will have a boy.(Nice. I actually guessed on this one because who stares at that?)
You have a craving for salty or sour foods, which means that it is a boy.
Your nose hasn't changed during pregnancy, which indicates a girl.
You have been craving fruits, so it is a girl.
Your baby's heart rate is 140 or more beats per minute, so it's a girl.
You must have orange juice every day, so it's a girl.
You are not having headaches, so it's a girl.
Your belly looks like a watermelon, so it's a girl.
You show them the palm of your hand, so it's a girl.You use the handle, so it's a boy.

18 Weeks

2009-08-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

18 Week Update

2009-08-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

Baby Mama-

Could my back hurt any worse?

Maternity Pants=One of mankind's greatest inventions!

Baby-

What can we do? Hiccup, roll, twist, kick, punch and swallow!

How big are we? The size of a sweet potato!!

First Movement!

2009-08-20T12:39:00.001-07:00

About a week ago I was taking a nap before my friend Ann's birthday party. As I opened my eyes, I felt what seemed like a tiny little finger move down my tummy. I just layed there very still waiting for it to happen again. Grant came in a couple minutes later because my alarm was going off, but I wasn't moving. He asked if I was getting up and I told him I was waiting for the baby to move again!
Since then, I have felt little bubble movements, but nothing too significant. It is pretty exciting to know that the little one is movin' and shakin' around in there :0)

16 Week Update

2009-08-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

Baby Mama-

Bigger by the minute!

Heading back to school has been a little tough. I get tired so easily! However, it is exciting to be back and see two of the girls I work with who are also pregnant. They are handling it with so much more grace and ease than I am! They seem so spunky and happy.

I will have to say that being tired is so much better than what was going on the first 3 months. I don't even really mind the back pain so much knowing what I've already been through.

Baby-

Still hasn't kicked hard enough for Mom to feel.
He/She is as big as an avocado...(yum, that sounds good right now)
Tiny bones in the baby's ears mean he/she can pick up my voice!
Eyebrows, hair, eyelashes and taste buds are also forming.
Favorite foods- Hamburgers and applesauce

First Baby Picture

2009-07-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

14 Weeks

Babymoon!

2009-07-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

Last week Grant and I visited downtown Chicago as well as our family in Wheaton. One last vacation without babysitters or strollers :0)

We had so much fun eating deep dish pizza and Garrett's Popcorn with my cousins, Aunt and Uncle. My uncle even took the time to give us a tour of some different places downtown. We were thrilled to see different places like the street where they filmed Batman Forever, the Bean, the Aquarium, amazing shopping spots, Union Station and some historic buildings.

Grant made the comment that it was, "The best vacation we've ever been on"! It really was a lot of fun.

14 Weeks- What's Going On

2009-07-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

Baby Mama-

A LOT LESS NAUSEA!!! I can start to go about my daily activities without crying! Yay!
Headaches. Better than feeling sick...I'll take it!
The belly is getting bigger. I compensated by buying some new maternity pants from the Gap! I was SO excited to find some that weren't ugly and actually fit!

Baby-

The little tot is growing fast and is now the size of a lemon. Who knew lemons were bigger than limes?
Thumb sucking and toe wiggling
Hair is growing to keep the little tyke warm

11 Week Update

2009-06-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

Exciting News This Week-

Grant and I heard the heartbeat today at the doctor's office! She said it sounded, "Good and strong"!

By the end of this week our baby will be the size of a lime.

It has a 1:1 ratio between body and head. It takes after Grant :0).

Fingers and toes are no longer webbed, hair, tooth buds and nail beds are forming!

They grow up so fast!

Things to Enjoy

2009-06-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

We are now approaching the end of the first trimester. During these (almost) 11 weeks, there are some things that I have figured out I may no longer enjoy. Here are some things people should enjoy before they get the big news---

Your Bikini- You'll soon be trading that in for a tankini. My tankini got me called "Ma'am" at the pool the other day, and no, working out 6 days a week will not help your thighs.
Beer- I don't even like beer. However, as I was trying to battle the 98 degree weather, I suddenly found myself wanting a Miller Light.
Sleeping through the night. I know what you're thinking. This will only get worse, but I was not expecting to navigate my way through the dark in the middle of the night.
Chicken- It grosses me out.
Staying up past 8:30- Those were the days.
Your Brain- You will forget everything. I have found that this can happen even when you are in the middle of a captivating story.

8 Week Update

2009-06-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

We have moving arms, legs and joints! The best news is that the baby is starting to look a little more human and a little less like a shrimp and is the size of a raspberry.

Take the Name Books Away From Grant!

2009-06-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

My husband has some issues in the baby naming department. What are his favorites? Burris and Buck...No I am not kidding!

What have I figured out about naming your baby? It is a very, very hard job. This isn't like buying a new sweater or shoes This is a big deal. How do you know if you are making the right choice and not naming your kid something they will eventually hate? You also have to think about naming them something that is good for a baby, teenager and eventually an adult. I don't think a future CEO should be named Buck. I'm just saying...

7 Week Baby Stats

2009-06-02T18:34:00.000-07:00

Baby H is the size of a blueberry.
We have a brain!- Two hemispheres and all!
Arms, legs and kindneys are also forming.

How exciting!

6 Week Sickness

2009-06-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

All the books said it would happen. I didn't want to believe it. All I can say is this- It is not "morning sickness". It is "all day sickness". In my case it is "10:00AM-8:00PM sickness".

All Systems Go!

2009-05-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

The first doctor's appointment was today. All in all it was pretty uneventful. No ultrasound, no heartbeat, no talking about how the baby looks like a mini shrimp. Nothing.

The doctor says the due date is January 17, 2010!

Start Spreading the News

2009-05-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

Hank and Gus help us surprise Grandma and Grandpa Hash!

Incase you can't read them-
Hank's Shirt says "I'm going to be a big cousin".

Gus' shirt says "Cousin" in the shape of the Superman symbol.

It didn't take them that as long as I thought it would to figure it out! Way to go Grandpa Mike!

It's Official!

2009-05-15T12:33:00.000-07:00

Highlights of my doctor visit-
- Hearing my mom say, "Oh, I wish I would have brought my camera".
- Seeing my dad walk through the door of the office after my mom said she had to "phone a friend".
- "The result of your pregnancy test was positive" -Dr. S.
- My mom crying to the scheduling lady when she asked if it was my mom's first grandchild.
- Shopping for baby clothes at Von Maur right after the appointment.
- Hearing my dad tell me that he told his best friend that they are going to have, "a new fishing buddy". (awww)

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-11T08:55:00.000-07:00

On Mother's Day I had a sneaky suspicion that I could be pregnant, however, the day went on as usual. I got up, went to church, had a Starbucks (Which if I would have known what was coming, I would have enjoyed it a little more and ordered a larger size!), and ran some errands. I bought an Early Response test at Target and rushed home to give it a whirl.

My heart was pounding as I set the kitchen timer for 3 minutes and paced around waiting for the "ding". When I went to look at the test, there was a VERY FAINT pink line. I thought it was some sort of mistake and I wasn't sure what the results actually were. I had to know, so I drove up to WalMart for a digital test as well as the supplies I would need to surprise Grant when the pink line did show up a little darker.

I raced back home and took the digital test. I started crying when I saw a little "+YES" sign in the result window! I proceeded to tell Bleu he was going to be a big brother and put my plan of blowing up 30 pink and blue balloons (with helium of course) as well as strapping Bleu's new collar around his neck into action. I had purchased a new collar about a month before online that says how Bleu is a big brother.

After I blew up all the balloons I, as well as my bladder, decided that it might be a good idea to take another test, you know, just incase. Bad news this time. The result window showed a "-NO". I chalked it up to drinking about a gallon of water and kept going with the plan.

When Grant showed up I sent Bleu out to the driveway to meet him. Finally after screaming, "Look at his collar!" three times, Grant stopped in his tracks and just stared at me for about 2 minutes. I coaxed him into coming inside and we shared a tearful hug. After, I began to tell the story about the failed test and the two positives.

Like clockwork, just as I finished the story, our doorbell rang! It was my parents! After a year and a half of marriage, me specifically telling my mom I would bring her Mother's Day present to their house and NEVER stopping by unannounced, it was like a sitcom to see them at the front door. I quickly put the tests under the bathroom sink and told Grant we would tell them the balloons were for a baby shower at school, but as Bleu ran out the door to see his beloved grandpa I looked back at Grant and said, "Oh no! His collar". With this statement my mom started crying and my dad, as usual, was oblivious to what was going on. My mom said, "Look at his collar" and his response was, "Cool". He had only wanted to come over to pick up his gas can. Now all he could do was quickly shake Grant's hand, give me a hug and blow past us in search for the can that we discovered was sold in the garage sale we had the day before.

After telling my mom, "Happy Mother's Day, but I told you not to come over! I just told Grant!" they quickly rushed out the door. I know my mom felt awful, but I think my dad was in shock.

What a spoiler for the world's biggest planner and organizer.