I had my week 27 appointment today. Everything is looking great. Her heartbeat was 140-150 beats per minute, and I am measuring right at 27 weeks. As of today I have three months left until Sam is due! I did get some sad news though. I asked the doctor what I should avoid when we go to Mexico, and the one thing she mentioned was the pico de gallo. Pico de gallo is my favorite thing to eat in Mexico, I am so sad I'll have to skip it this time. Other than staying away from fresh fruits and veggies that may have been washed in their water, the doctor suggested I stay well hydrated, and said I should have a great time. I am glad she didn't seem to concerned about our upcoming trip.
This weekend BJ's mom, brother, sister in law, niece, and nephew came to visit us. Tonight we brought them to Cannery Grill, which is the restaurant we visit often because it's right across the street from our apartment. Tomorrow we are heading to the Wisconsin Dells area to spend the night in one of the waterpark hotels. It will be fun catching up with them, and showing them around a little.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Long Overdue Update
When we first told people that we were expecting, the most common thing we were told was to enjoy the pregnancy because it goes so fast. My thought every time was “it’s 9 months from now, how can it go fast?” I feels like it was yesterday we were having these conversations, and now we are 3 months and 3 days away from my due date. I know 3 months is a while yet, but I cannot believe how quickly we have gotten to this point. The planner in me is freaking out, because there is so much we have left to do before she comes, and we are kind of limited in a lot of the things we have to do because of the apartment lease that we are in, which doesn’t expire until August 1st. We can’t really plan out the nursery, because we don’t know if we’ll have a small or big space for her, we can’t find daycare because we don’t know where we will be living. I want to start figuring out a pediatrician, but again not sure where we will be living. I know all of these things will work themselves out, but of course I want them figured out now. It’s a practice in patience I guess.
BJ and I are doing really well here, and are excited for the warmer weather so we can explore this city. Madison is a town that is known for outdoor activities. It is surrounded by two lakes, and has tons of hiking/biking trails, parks, etc. We are so excited that the downtown farmers market is opening again in April. It is the biggest farmers market I’ve ever seen, with so much variety in the goods that are for sale. We have only explored downtown Madison a couple of times, but they have such a variety of shops and restaurants and attractions down there, it should be fun to check it out a little more. I am also very excited because I’ve heard that Milwaukee always has something going on in the summer. Milwaukee is about an hour from Madison, so we could do a couple quick day trips there to check out the happenings.
BJ started a new job a couple weeks ago. He has been working for a temp agency since November, and they were getting him work every week, but most of the time it was less than 30 hours, and the last couple weeks it was less than 15 hours. He went in there to see what other opportunities were available, and was placed at this new company. It is a temp to hire position at a place that puts together surgical packets for hospitals. He has also been working in the warehouse there a little too. It is a good job with at least 40 hours a week, and the people there have welcomed him warmly, so we are hoping it will work out so that he is hired in soon.
My job is going well too. We are staying busy, but I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if it wasn’t busy. Last week we hired in a part time administrator to work about 18 hours a week until I go on maternity leave, and then she will cover full time while I’m out after Sam is born. It’s been a hard thing for me to train someone, and to give up some of my daily tasks, but I know it’s necessary, and I know that it will allow me to have some free time to do some of the bigger projects that Jason and I have discussed. I think this new girl will do a great job, she is very organized, which is a skill that all three of us in the office lack, so she will bring that much needed asset to our office.
The end of April BJ and I are headed to Cabo San Lucas with my work for a much needed short vacation. It feels like it’s been a while since we have been on vacation, but I think it’s just because we are used to taking this trip in October, rather than April. We are looking forward to the break, and our last vacation together before Sam is born.
I have an appointment Friday, so I will try to update after that. So far the appointments have been less than exciting, which I think is a great thing. Sam is growing well, and according to the books is almost 2 pounds already. We are so excited to meet her, and start our family of three.
That should be a good refresher of how we are doing. I will try to update more often. Hope everyone is doing well!
BJ and I are doing really well here, and are excited for the warmer weather so we can explore this city. Madison is a town that is known for outdoor activities. It is surrounded by two lakes, and has tons of hiking/biking trails, parks, etc. We are so excited that the downtown farmers market is opening again in April. It is the biggest farmers market I’ve ever seen, with so much variety in the goods that are for sale. We have only explored downtown Madison a couple of times, but they have such a variety of shops and restaurants and attractions down there, it should be fun to check it out a little more. I am also very excited because I’ve heard that Milwaukee always has something going on in the summer. Milwaukee is about an hour from Madison, so we could do a couple quick day trips there to check out the happenings.
BJ started a new job a couple weeks ago. He has been working for a temp agency since November, and they were getting him work every week, but most of the time it was less than 30 hours, and the last couple weeks it was less than 15 hours. He went in there to see what other opportunities were available, and was placed at this new company. It is a temp to hire position at a place that puts together surgical packets for hospitals. He has also been working in the warehouse there a little too. It is a good job with at least 40 hours a week, and the people there have welcomed him warmly, so we are hoping it will work out so that he is hired in soon.
My job is going well too. We are staying busy, but I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if it wasn’t busy. Last week we hired in a part time administrator to work about 18 hours a week until I go on maternity leave, and then she will cover full time while I’m out after Sam is born. It’s been a hard thing for me to train someone, and to give up some of my daily tasks, but I know it’s necessary, and I know that it will allow me to have some free time to do some of the bigger projects that Jason and I have discussed. I think this new girl will do a great job, she is very organized, which is a skill that all three of us in the office lack, so she will bring that much needed asset to our office.
The end of April BJ and I are headed to Cabo San Lucas with my work for a much needed short vacation. It feels like it’s been a while since we have been on vacation, but I think it’s just because we are used to taking this trip in October, rather than April. We are looking forward to the break, and our last vacation together before Sam is born.
I have an appointment Friday, so I will try to update after that. So far the appointments have been less than exciting, which I think is a great thing. Sam is growing well, and according to the books is almost 2 pounds already. We are so excited to meet her, and start our family of three.
That should be a good refresher of how we are doing. I will try to update more often. Hope everyone is doing well!
Monday, February 23, 2009
It's a Girl!
We found out on February 13th that we are having a girl! We are so excited. BJ knew all along that it was a girl. I thought it was a girl from the beginning, but then the last week EVERYONE was telling me I was going to have a boy, so they swayed my thoughts a little.
Her name will be Samantha Gloria. Though we have been calling her Sam so far. It is going to take a little getting used to calling the dog Samson, and our daughter Sam. We have had a few situations already where someone has been confused on which Sam we are talking about.
I got a call from the doctor's office today that the ultrasound results came back, and everything looks perfect. I go back to the doctor March 6 to get the full results, but it sounds like everything is great.
I went to Schaumburg this weekend with Jen and Betsy to register. I was so thankful to have to experianced moms helping me. I think BJ and I would have been overwhelmed with all the decisions we had to make. Other than registering, us girls just had a fun weekend catching up.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
This update is long overdue, but we have been busy! This will probably get long.
This weekend we had our second big meeting as the Wisconsin State Office. The meeting was in Milwaukee, which is about an hour from our office. The last week has been crazy busy getting ready for the meeting, and whenever I thought I had a handle on all the stuff that had to be done, another task would pop up. I was prepared and confident for this meeting though. It didn't seem to be as thrown together as some have been in the past.
We worked on last minute stuff Friday, and then headed over to Milwaukee. Got checked into the hotel and headed to Target with our rented Uhaul to do some major shopping. We had a contest that included prize tables. The prize tables ranged in prizes from $30 to $250. We had to purchase about 100 things to put on the prize tables in this price range. There were 7 of us running through Target purchasing whatever we thought others would like. It was a great mix of people for the shopping since we had men and women in a couple different age groups. We split up and everyone tackled a department. The people at Target thought we were crazy. It was a lot of fun, and I think based on the reactions of the associates, we did a pretty good job.
Friday night I had a ton of help that I appreciated so much. We worked on all the set up and last minute details, and having everyone there to help out was amazing. We were working on set up until 11:30 Friday night, but we got everything done.
Saturday morning I got up early to finish up some last minute details and to run through the day one more time to make sure that I had everything done. We meet with the hotel staff, and then our own state office staff, and the meeting started at 12:00.
The meeting went pretty well, and there was so much energy in the room. Jason had all 300 people on their feet cheering for alot of the meeting.
The last half of the night we had some problems with the hotel staff, it was like our meeting in the morning meant nothing, because none of our requests were granted. With everything else going on at a meeting like this, the last thing we have time to do is to remind the hotel staff of what their job is as well. The DJs had a little technical difficulty, but other than that I think the meeting went really well. Jason gave away over $20,000 in cash, and 7 trips!
Towards the end of the night, Jason brought me on stage to thank me. As you know I don't like being in front of crowds, so I kind of hide in the corner. It's a good thing I did, Jason announced that we were expecting and then told us that he would be starting a college fund for Baby Sterken. It took all that is within me to control the tears on stage. What a generous guy he is. BJ and I are so thankful for all he has provided for us.
The meeting ended, and the fun part began. There was a lot of drinking (of course none for me) and dancing. Jason's parents, and another couple that we know from Michigan came in for the meeting. We had a great time catching up with them. Everyone from WI was so great as well, congratulating me and BJ on the baby, and just making us feel more at home.
At about 11:30 I was done for the night, since I had been up since 6 working, and it was a long day. I took a little while to say goodbye to everyone, and checked in with the banquet manager to make sure everything was taken care of, and headed up to bed. I was in my PJs in bed for about 10 minutes and the hotel phone rang. It was Jason and he asked me to come back down to talk with the hotel staff. It seems the hotel contract said the bar had to shut down at 12, and we were told 1:30. So with 150 people still drinking and dancing, Jason knew shutting down would be bad at that point. So after some major fighting with the hotel staff, and some tempers flaring (not mine, though I was not happy for being pulled out of my comfy bed), there was a compromise made. I said my second round of good nights, and made my way back to the room.
This time I think I was in bed 20 minutes, and there was a knock on the door and some said "Security". My first thought was "can't the guys handle anything", and "Oh no, what happened?" I opened the door, hiding behind it, since I was in my PJs again, and the security guy says "we have some champagne for you". Apparently the hotel staff thought it would be a great idea to send up some champagne to the pregnant ladies room at 1:00 in the morning, in order to make up for the misunderstanding. I was so ticked. Who thinks that would be a good idea? I appreciated the gesture, just not the execution.
All in all we had a great time, but boy am I glad it's over. We got home today, and I took a 5 hour nap! A little too much excitement I guess.
We are heading back to MI this weekend to visit with friends and family. It has been a month, and I am so ready to see everyone, and my puppy!
Hope everyone is doing well!
This weekend we had our second big meeting as the Wisconsin State Office. The meeting was in Milwaukee, which is about an hour from our office. The last week has been crazy busy getting ready for the meeting, and whenever I thought I had a handle on all the stuff that had to be done, another task would pop up. I was prepared and confident for this meeting though. It didn't seem to be as thrown together as some have been in the past.
We worked on last minute stuff Friday, and then headed over to Milwaukee. Got checked into the hotel and headed to Target with our rented Uhaul to do some major shopping. We had a contest that included prize tables. The prize tables ranged in prizes from $30 to $250. We had to purchase about 100 things to put on the prize tables in this price range. There were 7 of us running through Target purchasing whatever we thought others would like. It was a great mix of people for the shopping since we had men and women in a couple different age groups. We split up and everyone tackled a department. The people at Target thought we were crazy. It was a lot of fun, and I think based on the reactions of the associates, we did a pretty good job.
Friday night I had a ton of help that I appreciated so much. We worked on all the set up and last minute details, and having everyone there to help out was amazing. We were working on set up until 11:30 Friday night, but we got everything done.
Saturday morning I got up early to finish up some last minute details and to run through the day one more time to make sure that I had everything done. We meet with the hotel staff, and then our own state office staff, and the meeting started at 12:00.
The meeting went pretty well, and there was so much energy in the room. Jason had all 300 people on their feet cheering for alot of the meeting.
The last half of the night we had some problems with the hotel staff, it was like our meeting in the morning meant nothing, because none of our requests were granted. With everything else going on at a meeting like this, the last thing we have time to do is to remind the hotel staff of what their job is as well. The DJs had a little technical difficulty, but other than that I think the meeting went really well. Jason gave away over $20,000 in cash, and 7 trips!
Towards the end of the night, Jason brought me on stage to thank me. As you know I don't like being in front of crowds, so I kind of hide in the corner. It's a good thing I did, Jason announced that we were expecting and then told us that he would be starting a college fund for Baby Sterken. It took all that is within me to control the tears on stage. What a generous guy he is. BJ and I are so thankful for all he has provided for us.
The meeting ended, and the fun part began. There was a lot of drinking (of course none for me) and dancing. Jason's parents, and another couple that we know from Michigan came in for the meeting. We had a great time catching up with them. Everyone from WI was so great as well, congratulating me and BJ on the baby, and just making us feel more at home.
At about 11:30 I was done for the night, since I had been up since 6 working, and it was a long day. I took a little while to say goodbye to everyone, and checked in with the banquet manager to make sure everything was taken care of, and headed up to bed. I was in my PJs in bed for about 10 minutes and the hotel phone rang. It was Jason and he asked me to come back down to talk with the hotel staff. It seems the hotel contract said the bar had to shut down at 12, and we were told 1:30. So with 150 people still drinking and dancing, Jason knew shutting down would be bad at that point. So after some major fighting with the hotel staff, and some tempers flaring (not mine, though I was not happy for being pulled out of my comfy bed), there was a compromise made. I said my second round of good nights, and made my way back to the room.
This time I think I was in bed 20 minutes, and there was a knock on the door and some said "Security". My first thought was "can't the guys handle anything", and "Oh no, what happened?" I opened the door, hiding behind it, since I was in my PJs again, and the security guy says "we have some champagne for you". Apparently the hotel staff thought it would be a great idea to send up some champagne to the pregnant ladies room at 1:00 in the morning, in order to make up for the misunderstanding. I was so ticked. Who thinks that would be a good idea? I appreciated the gesture, just not the execution.
All in all we had a great time, but boy am I glad it's over. We got home today, and I took a 5 hour nap! A little too much excitement I guess.
We are heading back to MI this weekend to visit with friends and family. It has been a month, and I am so ready to see everyone, and my puppy!
Hope everyone is doing well!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas Recap
We had a great holiday spent with friends and family. It was busy, but so great. We stayed at my parents this time, since BJ's parents had lots of company already staying with them. It was great to be able to catch up with my parents.
We got spoiled rotten, as did baby Sterken (aka "Sparky"). It's crazy to receive baby gifts, and to be excited about them. I have a feeling Sparky will be quite spoiled when he or she actually gets here. I would expect nothing less from either set of grandparents.
We came back to WI today so that BJ could go to the Bucks/Pistons game in Milwaukee tonight. He is so excited, and apparently they have great seats.
I am 13 weeks along as of Friday, and feeling pretty good. My next appointment is January 5th. I am excited about the opportunity to hear the heartbeat this time.
That's all for now. Hope everyone had a great Christmas!
We got spoiled rotten, as did baby Sterken (aka "Sparky"). It's crazy to receive baby gifts, and to be excited about them. I have a feeling Sparky will be quite spoiled when he or she actually gets here. I would expect nothing less from either set of grandparents.
We came back to WI today so that BJ could go to the Bucks/Pistons game in Milwaukee tonight. He is so excited, and apparently they have great seats.
I am 13 weeks along as of Friday, and feeling pretty good. My next appointment is January 5th. I am excited about the opportunity to hear the heartbeat this time.
That's all for now. Hope everyone had a great Christmas!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Update
It's been a while since I've updated. Nothing too exciting has been happening lately, so it's hard to update.
We are mostly settled in to the apartment, though we have found out that there is not enough room for all the stuff we brought, even if it is only half of what we own. We really like the area that our apartment is in. Within walking distance there is a restaurant, bar, coffee house, and a few cute shops.
BJ has been working a temporary job packaging holiday meats and food packages. Though it's not something he loves, it is a job, and it gets him out of the apartment. He has worked 6 days last week, and will probably work another 6 days this week. Hopefully the full time job that he was offered will start the first of the year. It is for a small company, doing a couple different jobs. It was pushed back in early December, until January. Let's hope it doesn't get pushed back again.
My job is going well. It's almost the same job as I was doing in Michigan, and I'm still loving it. We are talking about hiring in a part time person to help with the stuff I don't have enough time to get to. Knowing how much of a controll freak I am, that is going to be a hard transition for me, but I know that it is needed. We also need to make sure that someone is well educated on my job for the time that I am off on maternity leave. Wish me luck in giving up some of the aspects of my job.
We had my work Christmas party last weekend at the Wilderness Reosrt in Wisconsin Dells. Here is the only picture we got of the two of us from that night. We had a great time getting to know everyone a little better, and Jason spoiled us with an Ipod Touch for Christmas. What a fun toy to play with!
We are trying to get more familar with the area. I have an application to become a co-leader for a Girl Scouts troop in Sun Prairie, and BJ and I are going to talk to a lady in January about volunteering at a retirement home walking dogs for the residents.
In baby news - things seem to be going well. The doctors office called yesterday and said that the ultrasound from the 1st looked great. My next appointment was supposed to be next week, but due to the holidays it's not going to be until January 5th. I am 11 weeks along, and still have been feeling pretty good. Hopefully the tiredness will let up a little as I'm ending the first trimester. I have been in bed or ready for bed by 8:00 every night for the last month. BJ has been wonderful. He really has been doing a lot around the house including cooking, cleaning, and just taking care of everything. I am lucky to have him.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Baby Sterken - Due July 3, 2009
We are so excited to share the news that we are expecting our first child July 3, 2009. Though it will be hard being away from friends and family, we are excited to start our family here in Wisconsin.
I had my first appointment on November 24, and the doctor said that everything seemed great. The doctor (Dr. Wendricks) was a referal to me from someone in the area, and I love her. She was really easy to talk to, and she made me feel a lot more comfortable.
I had an ultrasound on December 1st, and got to see the baby, and it's little heartbeat for the first time. The ultrasound really made the pregnancy seem so much more real.
Here is a picture from the ultrasound at 9 weeks 3 days.
Today I am 10 weeks 2 days along, and really feel blessed so far. I haven't been sick that often, and most of the time feel great. I have been really tired, but a little extra sleep is nothing to complain about.
BJ is getting more and more excited about the baby. We have told our friends and family, and they seem excited as well, though our families are both a little sad that the baby will be so far away from them. We'll be home often, I promise!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)