Chaz's new digs

October 24, 2008: No Chaz yet.  However, as consolation prizes the Carpal tunnel and heartburn are still here.  Sleep seemingly wisened up and has not really been around (at least at night) for many weeks.  Wheee!

So...since I'm just sitting here waiting...I've resorted to taking photos of the crib.

Here is the beautiful crib!  Uncle and Aunt-to-be David and Melissa gave the baby the crib and mattress - and we're excited to start using it!! 

Babyclothes!

These are gifts from the great-grandparents.  The (very dusty) cradle was made for me by my Grandpa Kellerman when I was a baby.  My mom and dad have saved it and I'm very proud our baby will be able to use the cradle as well.  We'll be using this cradle on the main level for baby naps.  And, the white blanket with color strips was made for the baby by John's grandma Lorraine.   

The baby has a 3rd bed...it is the co-sleeper in our bedroom.  Chaz will be spending nights next to us so the initial wakings, feedings and comforting is easier on all of us.  We have also learned that having the baby sleep in the same room as the parents may teach the baby better breathing patterns and regulation possibly preventing SIDS.  So, it seems to be good all around!

Last but not least, here is the view out of Chaz's window. 

In the distance are the mountains - with Meeker and Longs clearly visible.  I think it is the best view from inside the house.  Only the  best for our baby.

Ouch, ouch, ouch...that hurts

Ok- so no one told me that I could get carpal tunnel. I was expecting the swelling, the sleeplessness, the strange emotions, the strong need to "nest", the food cravings...but I wasn't expecting any carpal tunnel nonsense. For about the past 2 weeks - I no longer wake up with leg cramps because I wake up with hand and arm cramps. What the heck?

Now, I don't mean to complain too much. I have been really blessed so far with this whole pregnancy thing. But, I now understand why the last couple weeks are not so much fun. Movement is restricted, food is unappealing, sleep is difficult...ah well. The joys of mother-to-be-hood. I'm in the home stretch and I'm ready for the baby to come home. The nursery is painted, crib is put together, linens and clothing is washed and hanging, bag is packed...now we need a baby and many sleepless nights.

Today I was treated to a baby shower lunch by my fellow women co-workers here in the Denver office. We had a great time- I need to get the pictures back and I will post. The lunch was wonderful and the cake was spectacular! I also got some lovely gifts to help welcome Chaz. It was so sweet of the ladies to host a lunch for me & babe- and made me feel very special, especially when these ladies have only known me for a couple months. Thanks to Melissa S, Melissa L (aka cake goddess), Karen, Melanie & Jenn - not to mention all the guys who stayed back in the office (understandably...for it was a very estrogen heavy lunch). Again- it was a really fun time - I was really touched.

So...now my time is taken up with working from home, creating "to-do before baby" lists, doing my prenatal exercizes and trying to convince Chaz that this week is as good as any for Chaz to join us. I'm trying to use some logical reasoning: the sooner Chaz arrives, the easier it will be on everyone involved in the labor process; Chaz's daddy is REALLY tall...so...it's ok if Chaz wants to come out a little bit early; once Chaz arrives, there are SO many gifts Chaz will get to enjoy all to her/himself; the middle of October allows Chaz to have a birthday party and also take credit for Halloween...instead of having to blend them into one event; um...and if Chaz comes in the next week or so then I don't have to buy any more pregnancy clothes...cause I got nothing to wear when the weather dips under 50 degrees. So...send your "induction" vibes along to the little one - we're ready to go. Hopefully Chaz is, too.

I'll try to post again before the big day and I don't mean the election... :)

It's all about baby Chaz...

We're at 34 weeks and counting. Today is all about baby - so it is only appropriate that I post a little bit about the little one. Besides, it's about time I post something!

The baby is growing - I can tell because I have started to feel like a beached whale. Moving around has become more and more difficult. The heartburn, backaches and restless sleeping aren't much fun. I hear that the heartburn will go away as the baby drops...which should be happening very soon.

And...today has been all about the baby.

First- we had a photographer over this morning for a maternity session. We had a lot of fun and laughs...and she's already posted a few of her favorite shots - take a look at them here. They look great. I can't wait to see them all. I am having a bit of difficulty accepting how large my face looks...but knowing that this is "baby fat" and that it will go away after Chaz joins us does help. *sigh*

Second- we went to our birth class and learned all about the "transition" period and the second stage of labor. We talked about and practiced labor positions. We talked about how vaccinations are good and bad. We talked about local produce and farmer's markets. Good times.

Third- we met with Abby- our labor doula. We talked about the pregnancy and how we've been doing, how I'm feeling, what we're hoping for in the birth, etc. More good times. We really like Abby and I feel she's going to be a great coach and support for us while I endeavor to deliver little Chaz.

Tomorrow we go in to Mountain Midwifery, where we are going to deliver, for a checkup. I'm looking forward to meeting another of their 4 midwives and hearing Chaz's heart beat on the doppler. That's just the best sound in the world - I can't wait.

So- in the next 6 or so weeks...we have to put together a nursery, pack a bag for delivery, buy all of the stuff we're supposed to buy for the baby (onesies galore, diapers (!!!), little hats and socks...so cute), drink a lot of raspberry leaf tea, do my Kegels, sqats and pelvic tilts...and just get ready for this baby who will be here sooner than we realize. Nevermind the continued need to unpack, hang art, wash and put away clothing, organize paperwork...yikes. Bottom line is...baby will be here whether that stuff gets done or not!

Exciting times ahead! We'll be keeping you posted. :)

Dwell meets Fine Homebuilding...

Here is a post with photos. The original MLS listing for our home stated it was "Dwell meets Fine Homebuilding." After an inspection and a much closer look...maybe it is a bit of an exaggeration. (I won't get into the HVAC issues...) However - I'm hoping you'll enjoy the photos. Last night we were both struck with some disbelief that the home we wanted (and don't have to do any work to immediately) is the one we actually bought!

As soon as we get out stuff moved in (hopefully Monday) we'll start taking photos with our stuff. These were photos from the original listing. I will also begin to investigate the other hilarious claim that was in the original listing..."The large corner lot is VERY private with lots a mature landscaping and laced with edible treats." Edible treats??

Front:










The front railing part of a wrap-around deck. It's kind of a widow's walk meets deck- with more width and decking in the back. There will be major changes in the front - we're contemplating how to landscape instead of having the circular driveway in front.

Living Room:












Here is the sunken living room - this is in the front of the house. The fireplace is a wood burning fireplace - and it opens to both sides of the wall. The dining room is in the back of the 1st photo. John thinks we will need a flat-screen to hang on the limestone wall...funny coming from a guy who didn't have a TV in his apartment just 4 years ago.

Sitting Room/Kitchen











Ok- the fireplace you see behind the chair- that is the other side to the living room's fireplace. The floorplan on this level is one big open circle (or donut) around this center stone wall. While you can't see through the middle of it - it does at least remind me of Wright organic architecture - very open and I could run laps around the floor.

Sunroom/Backyard:















Here is the sunroom. Right now it is empty - we will probably have a table both in the sunroom/3 seasons porch/solarium (haven't decided quite what to call it yet...) and outside on the patio. The backyard shot are the sunroom windows.

We'll be posting additional photos as we get them...for now the only work "we're" planning to do is paint the nursery. Now we have to decide which bedroom is the nursery...

We have a winner!

Hello, Folks!

Quick status to bring everyone up to date:
-We drove from Chicago to Colorado
-We arrived safely with few mishaps
-We are staying in a Residence in here in Longmont
-We found a house
-We found a place to deliver our baby
-We're doing pretty o.k.

So, this afternoon, John and I just threw all caution to the wind...and closed on a house here in Longmont, CO. We may take possession tonight or tomorrow...but without furniture until Monday. No phone until next Thursday. But we have electric, gas, trash, recycling, water and sewage set and ready to go tomorrow.

So- we're pretty excited here in Longmont. The above picture is our new kitchen. I'll probably be posting more photos soon.

As for settling into Colorado - it takes about 15 minutes to drive around our new town...probably less time than it took me to drive around Roger's Park. There is one movie theater, no Whole Foods, a handful of Pedi/Mani shops...and thank god there is a Chili's. And, it now has our home - Villa S-W West.

We hope everyone is doing well. We'll be sending out address and phone info soon!