4 Months Today!

Playing in the ExerSaucer

Rolling around

Rolling Around

In the waiting room

Showing my toe-sucking abilities while waiting for Dr. Parsons

Somehow he fell asleep during the 2 min. drive home. He stayed asleep for nearly an hour!

Showing how strong my back muscles are sitting high in the Bumbo

The cool new band-aids after Strummer's shots were all done

Today Strummer turned 4 months old! It's crazy how fast things have gone! So here are his stats from his doctor's appointment! He is now measuring in at 27 inches which puts him at the 97th percentile for height and 'heaviness factor' is now 15 lbs - 13 oz. Which puts his weight at the 50th percentile for his age. SO - incase you forgot how big he was when he was born. He has gained nearly 7 lbs (off by 1 ounce) and grown 5-1/2 inches in 4 months! He seems to be changing every day. Strummer is a very happy and animated baby! I'm always amused by the different facial expressions he has! He recently started giggling in the last couple weeks and it's SO fun hearing him giggle, along w/his many conversations he has! Just lately he has really start 'verbalizing his thoughts!'. He just LOVES to talk-talk-talk! 

Other things he has started doing w/in the last couple of months is: rolling over - he LOVES to roll! Tummy to back, or back to tummy, he's mastered the skill! He also does the 'inchworm' as I like to call it. He doesn't quite have the crawling figured out, but he will certainly scoot himself from one point to the other. Our kid is just made of muscle! He LOVES to stand. Recently we have started holding him up by his arms and having him practice walking. He has taken a few steps. If he realizes what he's doing, who knows. However he will move his feet forward! It's pretty crazy on how much he can already do! It also sounds like he says certain words like "mom" and "hi". He probably doesn't know what he's saying, but it's still fun to hear! Another recent 'obsession' of his are his feet! When he's on his back, he is always grabbing his feet, and w/in the last week, has started sucking on his toes! It's pretty humorous! He is SO flexible!! :P   He has also started taking interest in his toys. He seems to understand if he presses a button, it will make a noise. We have also had him start playing in an ExerSaucer and he seems to enjoy that pretty well! He also enjoys reading. We almost always try and read to him everyday. As long as he doesn't fall asleep, beforehand I always read him a big b/f I put him to bed.

Hope you enjoyed the pics from today! :o)

A Day of Visiting!

On Friday (February 20th) I had the day off. So - Strummer and I decided to go visit some friends! We headed out of the house by 8AM and first stopped at Ver Helst Chiropractic, where we saw Renee and Dr. Mark (Dr. Kurt was w/patients). They were excited to see Strummer, since they have not seen him since he was 2 months old! Then we were off to the office. Everyone LOVES it when Strummer comes for a visit! He always has so much fun and is always very 'helpful'. After that we were off to Jen Tevis' house! I had not seen Jen since I was like 5 months prego...I think. It's been a LONG time. So she had yet to even meet Strummer! We had a nice long visit and it was great seeing her and seeing her kids!!! Then we headed off to run some errands, while Shawn was running errands! The plan was to also meet up w/Sara, but unfortunately, that didn't happen. We certainly tried though! Our plans just didn't sync for the afternoon! Finally Shawn called saying she was back home! HURRAY! So then we headed off to Shawn's. Since we didn't meet until the afternoon, we also were able to see her hubby Matt and her other 2 boys Aaron and Noah! Matt had also not met Strummer! We stayed there for a bit to catch up w/things, and having the babies 'play'. Her son Micah is 4 months older. It was a busy-busy day in Des Moines, but we had even more fun to have later!  Once we arrived home and rested, it was time to head out again! We had a card party to go to! So, Brad, Strummer and I all went to the Johnson's house to play cards. There was even a special visitor! Nicole! My good buddy Nicole used to live in Boone, but just recently moved to Michigan after her hubby received a job w/the Coast Guard! She was back in IA for a visit and it was AWESOME! As the trend continues, she was the final person of the day to MEET Strummer! All in all, a VERY fun-filled day! Here are some pics from our day. (you can click on the pic to get a full size view!)

Playing w/airplane w/Natasha

Smiling at Sam while being held by Kelly

Helping Kelly w/her paperwork

Hanging w/Kailey and Kaiden

Playing w/Keziah and Jen

Posing w/Shawn

Chillin' w/Micah

Hanging w/Nicole

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It's Back To Work I Go

I collage I made during work of pics that Sondra 

took when Strummer was at her house for the day

Our first official playgroup!

I think Strummer was 6 weeks old.

The babies were so little!

Jace!

Snuggles w/Daddy during the Superbowl Party

Playing w/Bosco 

(who also had an adjustment when I went back!)

A nap in the wrap

Visting Mommy at work...here he is

w/Jessica while I finished up jobs

All bundled up ready to go to Mandi's 

My first day back

I have actually been back to work for 5 weeks now! It's crazy how fast it has gone! I went back Jan 5, the same day Brad went back to school from Christmas break. Boy, was it a MAJOR adjustment! Not only did I HAVE to wake up early, I had to stay awake. While I was home, if Strummer woke up early to eat, we would both fall asleep later in the day. Well, not so much anymore! It was such a shock to the system that I got sick! It didn't help my husband was also sick, and then I find out over 1/2 the people at work are sick w/the same thing (it was a cold, sore throat, cough, fun things like that). THANKFULLY Strummer did not get sick! 

Well, like I've said, it was HARD going back! I was used to hanging w/my son all day, everyday, then all of a sudden having to be away from him for roughly 10 hours! (Basically, I see him before I leave at 6:15AM then see him when I pick him up around 4pm!)

One of the good things is that Brad drops him off! Thank goodness! I think if I would have had to drop him off, I would just be a wreck! Another thing I am most thankful for is that he does not go to a daycare! Our good friends, Joel and Mandi Benbow said they would watch him during the day (well, Mandi watches him, Joel has his own roofing company, so he works all day!) So, Brad drops Strummer off at Mandi's around 6:30AM on his way to work in Dallas Center. Strummer then gets to play all day w/Mandi and her sons,  Jude (who is 2) and Jace (who is almost 5 months old!) I think my adjustment was a lot easier, knowing he was w/someone I know and trust! (Thanks Mandi!). I'm also thankful for our other friends who are willing to step in when Mandi is unable to watch him! Strummer has also had a fun time w/Jennifer and her son Issac (who is 2), Terrie, Debby, Sondra and her daughter Amelia (almost 5 months) and Karla and her daughter Ella (who is almost 6 months!). I've also had the wonderful support of Laura (along w/her daughter Leah who is a few weeks younger than Strummer) and Kelly (who's son Miles is just 2 days younger than Strummer!). The last 4 ladies that I have mentioned are in my playgroup in Ames! We all go to Cornerstone and met at the baby class! It's been awesome getting to know these wonderful girls! Kelly was also my 'going back to work' partner! I'm glad I had someone else there who was going through the same thing I was! Love You Girls! 

This has nothing to do w/work, but what's totally funny is when Brad and I met Sondra and Andrew at one of the classes, I happened to be wearing a NWMSU sweatshirt. Sondra saw it and was like, did you go there? I said, yep, did you go there? We (Andrew, Sondra and I) found out we were all there THE SAME TIME! Had some mutual friends and went the same church! How nuts is that? So Sondra and I have this 'dream' that Strummer and Amelia will grow up together then graduate and go down to Northwest Missouri State and be Bearcats together! 

I do enjoy my precious time even more w/my little man and LOVE seeing his smile when he sees me in the afternoons when I pick him up!

What else is totally cute is anytime when Brad and I are gone w/Strummer the first thing Bosco does is wait for us to put Strummer's car seat down, take off his cozy-cover and then goes and licks Strummer's face to say 'hello'! I really need to record it! 

 

So - even though working is not my ideal situation, the next best thing is knowing I have good friends to lean on and to help out when I need it!!! 

More later!! 

2 Months Old!

I think he was apprehensive knowing what was happening at his appt. 
Waiting for Dr. Parsons to come check him out
Right after his shots
My tough Rock Star
We can't believe Strummer is already 2 months old. It doesn't seem that long ago being in the hospital for 24 hours before he decided to enter this world. He was very stubborn! hee-hee-heee!
Yesterday he had his appointment and did very well! When he received his 3 shots, Strummer just became really red in the face, cried for a few minutes, then he was done. He's a tough guy! :P
According to Dr. Parsons, he is very healthy and looks good! She was even impressed w/his ability to stand on his own (well, we hold his hands, but he stands by himself). He has some major muscles!!
When he was born he weighed 8 lbs - 14 oz and was 21-1/2 inches long. 

At his appointment he now weighs 12 lbs - 5 oz, 24-1/2 inches and his head is 15-3/4 big! Which puts him at 50% for weight, 75-90% for length and 25-50% for his head circumference.

We feel so blessed and lucky to have out little guy here! God has truly given us a little miracle. He is a joy every day (yes, even when he cries or has really stinky diapers!)

We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!

Today's The Day!

As I'm sitting at work writing this...I am 40 weeks, 3 days pregnant. I have my last doc appointment this morning and will be going in this evening to start the inducement!! It's crazy and how fast and yet how slow these last 9 months have been. So tomorrow Brad and I will be parents! With what we have been through in the last 2 years w/2 miscarriages, this pregnancy is extra-special knowing we have this special gift coming to us from God! We're excited to meet Strummer, learn how to become parents and bring him up in God's Glory.

This pass weekend was my 'last weekend' w/out responsibility, so I spent it w/my sisters and family! Erika came to DSM so Sara, Era and I were able to all hang out together and have sister time! Of course, we also spent some sister time w/Scott and that was fun! :D Friday eve we met my parents at Sara's apartment then headed to the Waukee HS and watch Hannah do her Jr. Color Gaurd. Totally adorable!!
Sat morning Sara and Era and I went on this long walk, 'cause it's good to walk and we were hoping it would help start labor...not so much. Even though I felt awful by the end of the walk, I was totally fine in a hour! So after that we went over to my brother's house to baby-sit Hannah and Ian. Mike & Crystal spend the afternoon going to lunch and movie so the 3 aunts came over to look after the little ones! Well - they really aren't so little anymore. Hannah just turned 6 and Ian will be 4 in a few months! It was a good time hanging out w/them! We even showed Hannah how to curl her lashes 'cause she was interested in what the eyelash curler was. She thought it was for cutting your lashes, so we showed her it is to curl the lashes! How adorable is that??
Later in the afternoon Scott came over to help us out (and to see Sare-Bear). He also has a niece and nephew the same ages as Hannah and Ian so he fits in quite well! During that afternoon I went onto Mike's computer to watch part of the football game. I'm so happy they are able to show home games online now!! It was Northwest Missouri State's homecoming weekend and I've gone down every year since I left...and obviously wasn't able to go down this year! However, was super excited to watch part of the game and then see they won 56-7!! Go Bearcats! They are currently the only team in their division conference undefeated! Woo-Hoos!!!

Then later that day we met my parents and my brother and his family at the hotel where they were staying so Hannah and Ian could go swimming! (they LOVE to swim). It was nice being w/my whole family for a little while before Strummer arrirves (well, except my own hubby, he was at home).

On Sunday, Sara ran the half-marathon in Des Moines and made it in a little under 2 hrs!! Congrats Sare-Bear!!

Here are a few pics for you to enjoy. I'm also posting links for a few photos albums on facebook. One is of my 2 baby showers the other is a link of pregnancy pics that a few of my friends took for me!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2011485&l=47925&id=146101151

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2011309&l=94d04&id=146101151

Also - set up a website just for Strummer through shutterfly. You'll be able to see pics of him and read about things going on.
http://strummerwilliam.shutterfly.com/
password: Strummer1008

Lots of things going on!

As usual, I meant to post something A LONG time ago, but I keep on forgetting or just totally run out of time in the day! Well, currently we have less than 2 months to go! According to my pregnancy widget I have 57 days to go. It seems I have been busy every weekend for the last couple months...and it's going to continue for another month! On June 27th, Brad and I celebrated our 5-year dating anniversary! We were in Omaha for the weekend visiting my sisters and it was a lot of fun! We did a sister photo shoot w/my brother-in-law. He did an super-fab job...as usual. If you would like to take a look go to www.bradleyjensen.com. Then head to the gallery, click on the 'berg sisters' and the password is "algona". It was a lot of fun to do!!

A couple weeks ago, Brad, Sara, Scott and I all went to the IA State Fair. It was a pretty fun experience. I haven't been there since I was in 5th or 6th grade! Also being 30 weeks pregnant...that was also an experience! We walked around, saw all the different things. I even had a corn dog on a stick! (which I have never had before) and it was really good. I also had the new fried pineapple on a stick! it was a big pineapple spear, dipped in funnel cake batter and fried. it also had a powdered sugar icing on it. it totally rocked!! by the time we got back to Sara's apartment...i was pretty much wiped out. who knew that my legs and feet could be in so much pain :P

Last weekend Sara and I went to Omaha (PS - it's SO nice having my sister live in DSM, since I can see her more often..AND we can go to omaha together!) Anyhoos...Friday was Lizzie's graduation (congrats Lizzie!), then later that night we met at Ted & Wally's (a totally awesome ice cream shop in Omaha) to see each other b/f she moved down to FL. It as GREAT seeing her! And it will nice if we ever head down to Orlando and we can get together. I told her we need to get Strummer accustomed to Disney things early on! hee-hee-hee!
It was nice hanging out w/Era and Brad too! I haven't hung out w/my sister and her hubby for awhile! Era was finishing up a cake for a one-year old's birthday! it was SUPER adorable!! she also created new ganaches...which I got to taste-test! (Thanks Air!) My favorite was her cranberry one. If you want to see what else she makes, go to her website (www.thechocolateseason.com)

On Thursday I have another ultrasound. My doctor just wants to double-check and see how Strummer is doing...mainly, because I have been measuring at least 2 CM larger the last 3 appointments (well, actually I have every appointment!). So - Strummer may be coming sooner than we think! It'll be fun just to see how much he has developed since week 21. I'll be sure to update after we have the US!

Well, here's a few pics for you to view! Have a fabulous day!!

It's a BOY :o)

We found out we are having a boy! His name is going to be Strummer. At 21 weeks he weighed in at 1 lb 3oz (which makes me have even more inclination that he going to take after his father and being a BIG baby when he's born!) He is healthy and moving around a lot. He also kicks quite a bit (and at odd times...for instance at 3 'o clock this morning!) I'm starting to do some registering so that is fun (I started one at Babies 'R Us online at work during a slow day). We are now slowy getting Strummer's room together and I'm looking forward to having everything together! Brad said he wants to come along for registering at Target, so that should be an interesting time! He certainly 'had fun' when we registered for our wedding things! hee-hee-hee
Have a fabulous day!