I'm feeling pretty well lately, and thankfully we are almost out of the first trimester! The only complaint I have is back pain, which may or may not be pregnancy related. Nausea is gone, and my energy level is way up, although I am still very tired. We go to the doctor tomorrow, and we should be able to hear the baby's heartbeat. Yay!
Here's what baby Frederes is up to this week according to http://www.babycenter.com/:
The most dramatic development this week: reflexes. Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder.
Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously. His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Pumpkin Patches 2010
Jamie, Branigan and I had a meeting first thing this morning at Taco John's (Bran's first crew meeting), and after that we took off for Louisburg, KS. Louisburg is about 25 miles south of Olathe, and is a pretty small town with not much to offer, with the exception of two pumpkin patches. We've never been to any in the area, so we thought this would be a good place to start.
When we got to the first one, the Louisburg Cider Mill, we could not believe the crowd. They were having a fall festival with a craft show, kids inflatable toys, pony rides, live music, and all the fresh cider you could handle. The place was packed! It was neat though, and Jamie and I apparently brought our sweet teeth (yes, plural) as we bought fresh baked cinnamon rolls, cider donuts, kettle corn, fresh cider (that you could actually watch them make), and the best homemade ice cream I've had in a long time. It was a lot of fun. We actually ended up skipping their pumpkin patch because it was so busy, and we wanted to go to the other patch in town as well.
The second one, Powell Pumpkin Patch, is a much smaller, family run operation. They have a corn maze, hay bale maze, and small playground, as well as fall decorations and snacks for sale. They also have 42 acres of pumpkins, gourds and squash. 42 acres. Wow! It was really neat. We took a hay ride out through the fields and stopped in the middle to pick out our pumpkins. We found some really big and really interesting colored ones. In the end, we got three different sized orange pumpkins, a cotton candy pumpkin, a pumpkin pie pumpkin, and a fairy tale pumpkin. It was a lot of fun as well, and much calmer.
We took the "scenic" route home (meaning that we followed the Garmin and it sent us through the country down gravel roads). This evening we made a pot of chili and are just spending the night in relaxing. Tomorrow we are off to the Chiefs game while Branigan spends the day with Aunt Jamie. It is supposed to be in the 60's and raining again - yuck. Hopefully its at least dry!
Branigan was terrified of these pumpkins to start, and wouldn't go near them by herself. But she was okay with them by the end of the day.
The machine they used to make homemade ice cream
She wasn't very sure about the hay ride
Touchdown!
Our pumpkins at home. Note the dead flowers in the background - might be time to get rid of those
The green one is the fairy tale pumpkin, and the lady told me I could cook it down to make over 10 pies. She clearly didn't know her customer very well :)
Friday, September 24, 2010
Vaseline, baby
We've had a quick week here. We've had lots of cleaning, lots of errands, but not much down time to play. I do feel like we've been pretty productive though. Branigan has been wonderful all week. She didn't get a nap yesterday until 2:30 as we were out running around, and she was an angel the whole time. She was even dancing and be-bopping her way through K-Mart. The highlight for her was probably the pet store we went into (with no intention to buy). She loved the birds and the kitty cats. It was fun to watch her run from cage to cage giggling at all the animals.
Wednesday was an interesting day. I moved her lunch to before her nap, as she's been napping so well that she hasn't been getting lunch until 2:30 or so, which means she hasn't been eating dinner. So Wednesday was the first day for this. When I laid her down, it was about 30 minutes later than usual, and she just wouldn't calm down. I heard her crying for about 30 minutes, and just couldn't believe it was taking that long to fall asleep. She finally did rest for about 20 minutes, but then was back up screaming - not at all like her, so I went in to check. Our changing table is very close to the crib, and she must have gotten creative and grabbed the Vaseline off of it. When I came in, she was covered head to toe, and so was the crib.
I should have taken a picture, but all I could think was about how much she ate! So I got to make my first call to poison control. Good news there. Vaseline would mainly just cause diarrhea. Whew. So we went to take a bath. Just as a hint, a baby covered in vaseline that is then dipped in water looks very much like a car that's just been waxed - the water beads up all over them. :) Two baths later, along with a change of clothes for Branigan and Mom, and all was back to normal.
Tomorrow we are headed to an orchard/pumpkin patch to get ready for fall. Then Sunday we have another Chiefs game - it is supposed to be rainy with temps in the 60's. Yuck. I'm thinking I'll be getting to use my new raincoat.
How the kitchen looks at least once a day. She found the Taboo game box on this one - I call this "Holy Hell"
I picked up some raspberries this week and she LOVED them! She ate a pint in three days.
Wednesday was an interesting day. I moved her lunch to before her nap, as she's been napping so well that she hasn't been getting lunch until 2:30 or so, which means she hasn't been eating dinner. So Wednesday was the first day for this. When I laid her down, it was about 30 minutes later than usual, and she just wouldn't calm down. I heard her crying for about 30 minutes, and just couldn't believe it was taking that long to fall asleep. She finally did rest for about 20 minutes, but then was back up screaming - not at all like her, so I went in to check. Our changing table is very close to the crib, and she must have gotten creative and grabbed the Vaseline off of it. When I came in, she was covered head to toe, and so was the crib.
Trying on Mom's shoes
On the move at the park
I should have taken a picture, but all I could think was about how much she ate! So I got to make my first call to poison control. Good news there. Vaseline would mainly just cause diarrhea. Whew. So we went to take a bath. Just as a hint, a baby covered in vaseline that is then dipped in water looks very much like a car that's just been waxed - the water beads up all over them. :) Two baths later, along with a change of clothes for Branigan and Mom, and all was back to normal.
Beautiful flowers from my husband this week
Another beautiful set (yellow roses are my favorite)
Tomorrow we are headed to an orchard/pumpkin patch to get ready for fall. Then Sunday we have another Chiefs game - it is supposed to be rainy with temps in the 60's. Yuck. I'm thinking I'll be getting to use my new raincoat.
The mess in my kitchen right now, as I type this :) Guess its time to get up and play!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Time Flies
Well its been a quick couple of weeks. My mom came to town last weekend, and we had a great time attending the Old Settlers' Days parade, shopping, and just spending time together. She also watched Branigan while I got my hair cut and colored on Monday - which I hadn't had done since May! Wow. It was time. Branigan did great with her, although she was a little shy at first. By the time my mom left, they were playing patty-cake together.
The rest of last week was quick, as Jamie was out of town for APC meetings. Branigan and I did pretty well by ourselves, but I was sure glad when he got home on Friday! :) I was so worn out that I slept most of the day on Saturday - I really needed to catch up!
Yesterday was quick. We went out to breakfast and then to Lowe's to pick out a storm door (exciting times at the Frederes place). After that we watched the Chiefs game and went on a walk. Before we knew it, Jamie and I were turning in for the night wondering where the weekend went.
Branigan has been doing great lately. She is getting to be a great walker, and runner. She is also getting really close to being able to eat on her own with a spoon or fork. She makes a mess, but she is still doing really well. Her eating habits are still really picky, but the good news is that she loves fruit. We are moving her to pretty much just whatever we are eating for all meals, as I don't like the idea of being a short order cook who specializes in hot dogs and grilled cheese. :) We'll see how this goes, as tonight we are having chicken enchiladas with mexican rice. Could be interesting.
Her schedule has become pretty consistent. She gets up around 7:30 and has a breakfast of fruit (usually a banana) and rice krispies or cheerios in milk. She plays in her diaper until around 9:30, when its time for a snack (usually grapes and cheese), a diaper change and to put on clothes. Around 10am we head outside to play, which lasts anywhere between 15-30 minutes. Then we come back in and read books until anywhere between 11:00 and noon. Once she's worn out, its nap time. She sleeps anywhere from 1-3 hours. Once she's up, we have lunch and then generally go somewhere for the afternoon. Sometimes we just go to the mall and walk, but usually we go somewhere fun for her. When we get home its usually either snack or dinner time. Then Branigan plays until bed time. We usually start her bath between 7 and 7:30, and have her in bed by 7:30 or 8pm. We have a ton of fun all day, but by bed time I am totally wiped out!
I can't believe our little baby girl is 14 months old. How lucky we are to have such a sweet little girl!
Catching the parade with Aunt Jamie
She thought she needed to march with them part of the time
The rest of last week was quick, as Jamie was out of town for APC meetings. Branigan and I did pretty well by ourselves, but I was sure glad when he got home on Friday! :) I was so worn out that I slept most of the day on Saturday - I really needed to catch up!
Checking out a marching band from Dad's shoulders
Our favorite float :)
Yesterday was quick. We went out to breakfast and then to Lowe's to pick out a storm door (exciting times at the Frederes place). After that we watched the Chiefs game and went on a walk. Before we knew it, Jamie and I were turning in for the night wondering where the weekend went.
Having fun with Grandma
Typical snack of grapes and cheese in her diaper
Branigan has been doing great lately. She is getting to be a great walker, and runner. She is also getting really close to being able to eat on her own with a spoon or fork. She makes a mess, but she is still doing really well. Her eating habits are still really picky, but the good news is that she loves fruit. We are moving her to pretty much just whatever we are eating for all meals, as I don't like the idea of being a short order cook who specializes in hot dogs and grilled cheese. :) We'll see how this goes, as tonight we are having chicken enchiladas with mexican rice. Could be interesting.
"Reading"
Learning to feed herself - you probably can't tell it on here, but she was COVERED in mac & cheese
Her schedule has become pretty consistent. She gets up around 7:30 and has a breakfast of fruit (usually a banana) and rice krispies or cheerios in milk. She plays in her diaper until around 9:30, when its time for a snack (usually grapes and cheese), a diaper change and to put on clothes. Around 10am we head outside to play, which lasts anywhere between 15-30 minutes. Then we come back in and read books until anywhere between 11:00 and noon. Once she's worn out, its nap time. She sleeps anywhere from 1-3 hours. Once she's up, we have lunch and then generally go somewhere for the afternoon. Sometimes we just go to the mall and walk, but usually we go somewhere fun for her. When we get home its usually either snack or dinner time. Then Branigan plays until bed time. We usually start her bath between 7 and 7:30, and have her in bed by 7:30 or 8pm. We have a ton of fun all day, but by bed time I am totally wiped out!
I love this picture - yesterday before the Chiefs game - does she look like a big girl or what?
I can't believe our little baby girl is 14 months old. How lucky we are to have such a sweet little girl!
11 Weeks Pregnant
Well here we are and I'm 11 weeks pregnant today. Time is flying by! I think that I'm really experiencing some "waist thickening"...ahem...right now, but am feeling a ton better. Still very tired, but not nearly as nauseated or dizzy. Saturday I spent nearly the entire day in bed!
A look into our baby's life from http://www.babycenter.com/:
Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden.
She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming.
Before we know I'll be feeling that little kicking and moving around!
A look into our baby's life from http://www.babycenter.com/:
Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden.
She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming.
Before we know I'll be feeling that little kicking and moving around!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Old Settlers' Days
This weekend is Olathe's version of a fair or carnival, Old Settlers' Days. We've never been before, so last night Jamie and I took Branigan to check out the rides, booths and of course the greasy fair food. :) It was a bit chilly, but overall a good time, and we were really pretty impressed with all they had going on. Today starts the craft show, so I think that Bran and I will go when she gets up from her nap. Tomorrow morning is the parade, which we'll be going to, and will be Branigan's first parade. My mom is also coming to town this afternoon for the weekend, so that will make things more fun. Looking forward to a great weekend.
We did get Branigan some shoes yesterday. I cannot believe the difference in her walking from sandals to real shoes. I think I should have gotten them two months ago! The only problem is how fast she is now! :)
New Kicks
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Powell Gardens - Worth the Drive
Yesterday Jamie, Branigan and I enjoyed a day at Powell Gardens in Kingsville, Missouri. It took about an hour to get there, but it was definitely worth the drive. Its basically a botanical garden, and Branigan really enjoyed being outside and getting to run around on her own, grabbing grasshoppers and looking at the flowers. It was a much needed peaceful afternoon for Jamie and I as well.
She's become what I'm calling a "fruit-atarian". She won't eat any meat or veggies, just grapes, pineapple, banana, peaches, pears, berries, apples and mandarin oranges. She will eat rice krispies or kix, cheese and goldfish. But that's about the end of it. I'm sure the fruit probably feels good on her gums, and it could be a whole lot worse. At least the fruit is good for her!
Today we are going for Branigan's first pair of "real" shoes at Stride Rite. She's been skinning her knees trying to walk in her sandals, so we are getting some tennis shoes. Should be interesting.
"B"
Bran thought this bunny was hillarious, and kept laughing as she stuck her finger up its nose
A view of the Water Garden
She really liked the Water Garden
Bran kept chasing this grasshopper, and even picked it up once. It started to jump, and really freaked her out!
She's become what I'm calling a "fruit-atarian". She won't eat any meat or veggies, just grapes, pineapple, banana, peaches, pears, berries, apples and mandarin oranges. She will eat rice krispies or kix, cheese and goldfish. But that's about the end of it. I'm sure the fruit probably feels good on her gums, and it could be a whole lot worse. At least the fruit is good for her!
This butterfly really liked Jamie :)
With Dad by the giant spider
With Mom in the RockWall Garden
Today we are going for Branigan's first pair of "real" shoes at Stride Rite. She's been skinning her knees trying to walk in her sandals, so we are getting some tennis shoes. Should be interesting.
Walking with Dad
Starting to get tired, so Dad went for the football hold. This was in the Perenial Garden.
She loves to carry our phones around, and has started babbling into them as she walks around. Guess she's been watching Mom....
Enjoying a snack of grapes and cheese
Monday, September 6, 2010
9 Weeks Along
Today I'm officially 9 weeks along, and am feeling MUCH better than last week. I'm not nearly as nautious, and although I'm still tired, I feel like I can make it through the day.
Here's what little Baby Frederes is up to this week:
Your new resident is nearly an inch long — about the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She's starting to look more and more human. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do her tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Your baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. Her eyes are fully formed, but her eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. She has tiny earlobes, and her mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones. Now that your baby's basic physiology is in place, she's poised for rapid weight gain.
This is from http://www.babycenter.com/, my favorite website for week to week updates on baby.
Jamie and I are starting to really give thought to moving Branigan to her new room, and what furniture to get for her. It seems like a lot of decisions right now. :) I've got the paint picked out for her room, so now its just finding the right bed, and actually getting things moved! Yikes. I hate to think about it.
Here's what little Baby Frederes is up to this week:
Your new resident is nearly an inch long — about the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She's starting to look more and more human. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do her tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Your baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. Her eyes are fully formed, but her eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. She has tiny earlobes, and her mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones. Now that your baby's basic physiology is in place, she's poised for rapid weight gain.
This is from http://www.babycenter.com/, my favorite website for week to week updates on baby.
Jamie and I are starting to really give thought to moving Branigan to her new room, and what furniture to get for her. It seems like a lot of decisions right now. :) I've got the paint picked out for her room, so now its just finding the right bed, and actually getting things moved! Yikes. I hate to think about it.
Labor Day Weekend and Branigan's First Big Fall
Pretty boring Labor Day weekend this year. Jamie's spent the weekend working, so Branigan and I have been doing our normal playing around the house. Aunt Jamie came by for a few hours yesterday, and is actually going to to take Branigan out today, so that will be very fun for Branigan.
We had a good time at the zoo on Friday, getting there around 1:30 in the afternoon. We went through the Africa side this time, and it was fun to see that Branigan gets more and more excited about the animals each time we go. Her favorites this time were the black footed cats (which just look like house cats to me) and the Red Duiker. The Duiker actually came right over the fence to Branigan and was trying to get as close to her as it could. She was squealing with delight. I was suspicious that the little thing could smell her goldfish - and its little teeth scared me enough to keep her back from it. But she really enjoyed it. We did the carousel right before we left, and she liked it a lot this time. She rode a monkey, and held onto the bar and kept patting it to go faster. :) She smiled the whole time.
Branigan has had a major leap in her number of teeth. Just like when she got the first four, she has now had three new teeth poke through over the last week. She's had a runny nose and been cranky to go along with them, but we are now at seven teeth. Four on top and three on bottom. Its hard to tell if there are any others close to coming in, as she will not let you look, and if you stick your finger in to check, its definitely at your own risk. :)
Finally, yesterday I had probably the biggest scare of my life. I must not have gotten the gate locked at the top of the stairs, but thought I did, and so I wasn't really paying attention when Branigan was playing near the top. I looked over and saw her leaning against the gate, and it was moving! I started moving for her, but wasn't quick enough and down she went. Aunt Jamie was over and we were both scrambling down the stairs after her. She did two full sommersaults backward and landed with a perfect dismount at the bottom of the stairs. It scared her, but she's totally fine. I think it scared me more - I lost a couple of years off my life and got at least 10 more gray hairs with that one. Thank goodness that Branigan is so easygoing. I did get up every few hours last night to check on her, and thank God, everything was fine.
Tomorrow we start our new playgroups through Johnson County Mothers and More. Our first playgroup is at the zoo, so she should be pretty comfortable there. There are groups on Wednesday and Friday as well, so I think we'll go on Friday as well. So glad that we are going to be home for long enough to get to enjoy some things here.
Branigan hates getting dressed now, but for some reason wants to put her shorts on her head and run around with them like that. :)
We had a good time at the zoo on Friday, getting there around 1:30 in the afternoon. We went through the Africa side this time, and it was fun to see that Branigan gets more and more excited about the animals each time we go. Her favorites this time were the black footed cats (which just look like house cats to me) and the Red Duiker. The Duiker actually came right over the fence to Branigan and was trying to get as close to her as it could. She was squealing with delight. I was suspicious that the little thing could smell her goldfish - and its little teeth scared me enough to keep her back from it. But she really enjoyed it. We did the carousel right before we left, and she liked it a lot this time. She rode a monkey, and held onto the bar and kept patting it to go faster. :) She smiled the whole time.
Enjoying a snack at the zoo - we had a beautiful day, at 75 degrees
Branigan has had a major leap in her number of teeth. Just like when she got the first four, she has now had three new teeth poke through over the last week. She's had a runny nose and been cranky to go along with them, but we are now at seven teeth. Four on top and three on bottom. Its hard to tell if there are any others close to coming in, as she will not let you look, and if you stick your finger in to check, its definitely at your own risk. :)
On the tram at the zoo. She always finds some people to flirt with :)
Tomorrow we start our new playgroups through Johnson County Mothers and More. Our first playgroup is at the zoo, so she should be pretty comfortable there. There are groups on Wednesday and Friday as well, so I think we'll go on Friday as well. So glad that we are going to be home for long enough to get to enjoy some things here.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Home at Last
Well we've been home for almost a week now, and I'm finally starting to feel relaxed. We have no travel planned, and we couldn't be happier about that. Whew. We needed some down time.
We had a good weekend. Saturday we got caught up on some shopping and went out to lunch at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants - The Salty Iguana. After lunch we came home and played with Branigan's bubble machine and water mister in the backyard. The day went quickly, but we had fun.
I didn't feel too well on Sunday, so I spent most of the day in bed. Then this week has been a combination of catching up at home and running errands. We finally had a storm that broke the hot temperatures yesterday, so Branigan and I are heading out tomorrow (supposed to be a high of 77 - yay!) to either the zoo, or to Powell Gardens. Leaning toward the garden, but Jamie won't be able to go and I don't want him to miss out. So we'll see! Either way, its just good to be home.
We had a good weekend. Saturday we got caught up on some shopping and went out to lunch at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants - The Salty Iguana. After lunch we came home and played with Branigan's bubble machine and water mister in the backyard. The day went quickly, but we had fun.
I didn't feel too well on Sunday, so I spent most of the day in bed. Then this week has been a combination of catching up at home and running errands. We finally had a storm that broke the hot temperatures yesterday, so Branigan and I are heading out tomorrow (supposed to be a high of 77 - yay!) to either the zoo, or to Powell Gardens. Leaning toward the garden, but Jamie won't be able to go and I don't want him to miss out. So we'll see! Either way, its just good to be home.
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