1 + 1 = 3

So our lack of posts have been because we had a BABY BOY! Looks like most people guessed right on this one.
Mr. Ezra David Swenson was born on December 17th around 10 am. He weighed 6 lbs, 15 oz. and measured 19.5 inches long. Our birth journey is a post for a later time as we're still process through the challenges & joys we faced during that 22 hour period. God's hand was so evident through the whole thing and we were so blessed by all who were involved! We are finally home which has been absolutely wonderful! And we're LOVING being Mama & Papa! :D Life just got a whole lot sweeter!

Christmas Parade

Last weekend with the arrival of Mama Judy, we headed out to watch the annual Christmas Parade!! It was freezing cold, but well worth it. I still remembered the men dressed in white with inner tubes around their waists. They were always my favorite as a kid. There were a lot of boy & girl scout troops, old shiny cars, and packed sidewalks. All the classic things to make small town parades so great! Our friend, Linds, was also in the parade which gave it a fun touch since we screamed & cheered for her. Another great community event to get the town in the Christmas spirit!

Merry Christmas!!

Cafe Art Date

So W is done with finals & we're still awaiting baby's arrival. What better way to pass the time than with a day date?! I've had some discount cards for Cafe Art for two years now that a former student gave me and have wanted to use them so much! We decided to head there for a mid-morning art-fest today! I'm guessing it's more of a ladies thing since W was the only grown male there, but I totally enjoyed doing this with him. And was so glad that he was willing to join me. :) It's really a great date idea & perfect for this winter weather. We talked the whole time. We both thought it was so relaxing and therapeutic just to sit, talk and paint. Plus we get some usable souvenirs from the trip. (we seriously spent most of the afternoon there.) W painted a beer mug, and I did a coffee mug & ornament.

Here's our final products before being glazed & baked!

P.S. Our baby is still 0 days old, please disregard that silly ticker... ;) Apparently, it has no regard for tardy babies!!

Apple Hill

Last month, we took a quick trip up to Apple Hill to check out the apple fields & beautiful trees changing color. I found out about this great place a while ago (Thanks, T!) and since then other people kept mentioning it. So we definitely couldn't pass it up this year, even if we had to wait until November for a free weekend. We spent the night with our dear friend Mel to cut up the drive a bit. And we were *so*pleased to find one orchard who still had apples to pick yourself! We hit up a farm that was having delicious pie samplings and another with an animal feeding area.
Then we headed out into an orchard & picked some apples!
We ended the day at this big market-like place full of little booths with candles, artwork, and various other knick-knacks. And a yummy fudge shop! It was a glorious day & I'm hoping we'll make it a family tradition!

Due Date

Dear Baby in Mama's Belly,

A standardized wheel calculator told us that today was going to be your birthday. And well, it has come & gone--but we still wanted to let you know what your family was doing on this delightful day anyway. Just to let you know what you missed out on! Everyone is really excited to meet you & a little bummed when you decided to stay in my belly for a little while longer. Perhaps, it's the crazy cold we've experienced or the fact that Papa has some really important tests to take tomorrow or that a wheel calculator just gives an average. Either way, this is what we did...

First off, Mama woke up to find that it snowed today! And, lovely child, the last time it snowed here, Mama was in elementary school. It was really exciting to see snow-covered hills & Gma even has pictures of snow from her YARD! So, as you can tell, it's been unusually cold around here. Grandma Judy & Mama went for a long walk this morning with the doggies to try to help you come out. Then went over to Grandma Diane's for some card-making craft time with the ladies--they are a hoot! Mama got the rest of her envelopes ready to send out announcements of your impending birth. All the while, Papa was hard at work! Mama also did some other stuff like cook dinner & do some laundry.

And since it is also Gma's birthday today, Mama & some girlfriends celebrated by going to a dinner & concert!! It was really fun and Mama loved the Christmas music! This was actually your 4th concert since being in Mama's belly. Papa & Mama already think that you'll like music a lot because you move around so much in Mama's belly! Now, Papa is working hard on studying for those important tests he'll take tomorrow. So, although we really can't wait to meet you, it was very considerate of you to wait until Papa finishes. But, please hurry on out! We're all awaiting your arrival!

From the Depths of Our Hearts,

Papa & Mama

Anticipation

I'm so thankful to have carried this little one full-term without complications or major symptoms. I'm still in awe of the whole miracle that God created! What a beautiful process and design! We are both so thankful that we got to experience this! I mean, really?! How is it that we can create new family members?! Children are truly a blessing & reward from the best Father!! We're already experiencing that blessing. With our due date approaching *tomorrow*, here are some things that I'm really looking forward to...

-riding my bike

-sleeping on my back again

-having W call out the gender

-getting to experience labor & delivery with my best friend

-seeing my hubby be a Papa, not just an Uncle

-discovering if s/he will look/act more like W or me

-getting to know our newest family member

-not bumping into people/things because I don't know my new circumference

-shaving my legs

-running

-eating feta, brie, sushi

-drinking wine, cosmos & margaritas

-watching our friends & family interact with our little one

W is looking forward to...

-finally naming our little one

-family meal time

-catching our little one & cutting the cord

-finally being a Papa

-teaching him/her how to survive the wilderness and handle

sharp objects & fire safely (scout's honor!)

-going camping as a family

-going on "Papa Dates"

-learning the ropes of parenthood with his wife

-teaching chivalry

-getting his wife pregnant...again

2/3

The only thing missing from this picture is our Baby Swenson
to complete the legacy of friendship that W, K, & T started in grade school!
Really hoping to get a 3/3 shot before the Jenkins go back to Spain & the Mascianas to Austin!

And could NOT pass up this a.dor.able picture of the Mascianas (with Sarah!!)

A Delightful Sunday

Yesterday started with a spontaneous breakfast in bed made by my fabulous hubby. I think more days should start this way! ;) Then we headed off to church for a great message...it totally fit into recent conversations W & I have been having. Great timing!

For a late lunch, we ate at this pizza joint for their infamous preggo pizza. Regardless of its actual labor-inducing power, we both loved all the extra yummy goodness on top!

Now, for quite some time we've been on the fence about getting a Christmas tree & doing the whole decorating thing. We actually didn't do it last year. (Gasp! I know!) It's kind of a strange back story for me. Really, just ask my mom...she retells it much better than I. Anyway, W thought it would still be a good idea & I'm so glad we decided to do it this year (Dad, you'll be so proud of us!).

We got a small Charlie Brown-sque tree per W's request which I think is so cute. And W supplied much of the ornaments & lights we used from his bachelor days...not the typical single guy! We also inherited (for lack of a better word, Mom) some additional decorations from my parents. So we walked away with only purchasing a tree stand & stocking weights!! Sweeet! And with such a tight-budget this year, our place looks so cozy with hodge-podge character! :D Tim Gunn, we made it work!

Post-Baby Inspiration...

I am going to try to give myself lots of grace when it comes to getting back into my clothes...6 months sound fair?? Really looking forward to getting that old wardrobe out of the garage!! :) And gotta love those heels!!! Sigh.

Visitors!

Oh, how I *love* this word!! :) Which is kind off odd since while growing up, we didn't really have a lot of them. Anyway, our most recent visitors came all the way from Austin. The Mascianas came home (OC) for the holidays and made a special trip up here to see us!! The most exciting addition being their 6 week son, Isaac! Our other friend, Mel, came over as well to visit with them! I love having a full house!! And um, Sarah..how is it that you completely avoided getting your picture taken?! I'll get you next time! :)

Mel & Isaac

I was so excited to try out my Moby Wrap with Isaac! His parents were kind enough to let me wrap him while we took a stroll downtown for coffee. He was totally out for 2 and 1/2 hours! I think I sold them on it while I made lunch and was able to use both hands while "holding" him. Oh, I can't tell you how much I love wraps!!

The boys hanging out!

It was really great having them here & getting a small glimpse of how life changes! Our poor friends were so sleep deprived and we were so happy to be able to help them out as much as possible. Even if we just held Isaac so they could eat or sleep. We are so thankful to have close friends and family to help us!!

Oakhurst

W & I have created this travel pattern that we really enjoy. We seem to be switching between urban & country getaways...starting with our 1 year anniversary trip to the city last year (urban, duh!), then Napa, then Chicago. I really enjoy the city while W really loves the country-- so we try to do both!

When deciding where to go on a tight budget & big bellied-wife for our early 2nd year anniversary this month, we decided on Yosemite. And many know, I'm a sucker for B&Bs. So we found a fabulous deal here with a great location in Oakhurst; close to both Bass Lake & Yosemite. We spent a day at each & just enjoyed the quiet nature without many people. We felt like we had each place to ourselves! We even got a room upgrade just because they had empty rooms!

This probably was our most chill vacation since neither of us was up for an itinerary... we were just thankful to get away without much hassle. It was so beautiful everywhere we looked! All the leaves were changing colors, lots of fresh air and it was chilly enough not to be uncomfortable. We also did a bit of hiking...well, just walking on dirt paths, really.
Yosemite Valley...with one waterfall still flowing!!
Oh, and Oakhurst has fabulous thift stores!! W found an awesome three-piece suit, lots of fun ties, and I got a great cook book for $2 that 1/3 is dedicated to slow cooking! Love!

A Day Of Thanks!

Thanksgiving this year was very chill & low-key...for obvious reasons! My parents, grandma, W & I all enjoyed a delicious meal, games, dessert & watched some football. I actually made something this year which I'm quite proud of. :) I tried baking for the "official" first time (meaning no help from others) with an apple crisp from some apples we got from an Apple Hill trip. It actually turned out pretty good, all things considered!! And I totally cremated everyone during the games when I won 3 out of the 4 rounds (and no, Dad, it wasn't pregnant lady luck)!

We took home lots of leftovers which went directly into our freezer so we'll enjoy some great thanksgiving food post-labor! :) W & I magically crawled into bed around 9:30 (early for us, as of late) and fell asleep taking turns sharing about what we were thankful for. One being our new cute flannel sheets!! A fabulous, simple day with great food & family!!

Dad with the 19lb turkey (for 5 adults!)

Mom won with the wish-bone...she says, "Girl!"

W making the gravy!!

Somehow I only got a place-setting picture with half the food!

38 Weeks

And still pregnant! :) Fingers and face are starting to get puffy now which isn't fun. This week's midwife & OB visits had me at 50% effaced, 0 dilation & Baby at -2 station. Our OB informed us that the head is already through the pelvic area so that test has already past smoothly!! One appt. baby Swen had his/her back at my back & the other appt with back against my front. I really really hope the latter happens during labor-- makes it a bit easier!

I have started to notice some contractions now, but still have a hard time differing them from Baby's movements. I still have to feel my whole belly to make sure all of it is hard. So even though baby Swenson dropped last week, I still think we'll go past our due date. Seems like Baby Swenson is more ready to come out than my body is...bummer. Mentally, I'm *so* ready to meet this little one!! We finally got the car-seat in (with no other room for anyone or anything else)!! There's a bassinet in our room and a basket loaded with diapers, wipes, burp clothes, changing mats and butt cream. Our birth kit box is already opened & in our room. We put together slow & fast labor playlists on the good ol' ipod. And we have one water-resistant sheet on our bed for a "just in case" membrane leakage. I'd still like to read a few more books, but I'm not stressing if it doesn't get done. Thankfully, I'm not really stressing at all... I feel pretty calm although not truly confident/ready (then again, who can with #1??)

We're just ready to have all 3 family members finally meet!! ;)

WICKED

I've been wanting to see this musical for almost a year now and it just didn't come together until now. And what a privilege it was!! W, my parents, Linds & I all headed into the city yesterday for a fun day! It was our last official fun play-date scheduled before Baby Swenson comes...from here on out, it's just playing it week by week. (And being responsible about final preparations!) We stopped at Hotel Whitcomb for some drinks beforehand (mine's just a Shirley Temple) and dinner afterward!
The place was packed and the performance was a.m.azing! The set, songs, & costumes were all so wonderful! I've grown up going to plays & performances so I always love the theatre! W &I's last performance was Phantom almost a year ago when we celebrated our 1st anniversary. I definitely miss it! And probably will until our babies are old enough to appreciate it! Definitely a great memory and last delight!!

Great News!!

Baby Swenson dropped a great deal last night...which in prego terms just means that she/he has moved closer to his/her exit. But what it really means to me: I see my ribs & upper stomach again (they still do exist!), I can actually breathe now, it feels much more relaxed & empty up top, and I still need to pee (which has changed nothing about my previous situation). All I can say is "Phew! This feels GREAT!" After some mommy talk at church from some trusted older mamas, I believe there's still some dropping left to be done (don't feel like my baby is going to fall out yet because of excess pressure down there), but this is a great sign that something is *actually* happening down there & things are getting prepared!! My only sign so far! Celebrate the small successes!

(we're still several weeks away from anything so don't get hopes up about arrival just yet!!! Oh, and even with the dropping, I still have "mostly" an innie...not gonna lie: I'm sightly bummed I don't get to experience an outie..maybe next time! ;))

You Know...

when you're going to be a mommy soon when you pass up some deliciously cute yet comfy black high heels with a golden buckle for these practicial mommy shoes from an REI sale...which were both the same price & found on the same day. Oy! The mixture of joy & sadness! ;)

36 Weeks

No action to report...it's been pretty dormant around here which furthers my "coming late theory". What I thought were potential B.H. contractions ended up as Baby S stretching out so much that I couldn't breathe very well and my belly getting really tight. So, I'm pretty sure I still haven't felt them yet. We go to our last ultra-sound this week to make sure everything is where it should be location-wise. My dad is definitely disappointed that we aren't taking this chance to find out which gender! Home stretch-- can't give in now!

My body is starting to feel very pregnant and I'm HUGE. I have very few of my favorite shirts that go all the way over my basketball belly. And I'm so over having to empty my bladder every 5-8 minutes (NOT exaggerating!) W has also kindly suggested helping me shave my legs so he doesn't get prickly, hairy legs brushing up against his. I've also started to battle more exhaustion & fatigue lately.

However, I can honestly say that I'm not quite at "get this baby out of me", but I can sense that these haunting thoughts are making their way to the forefront of my mind. With some more fun things planned this month, I'm okay to be status quo for a little while longer. I'm so thankful W & I have been staying quite busy. My ideal would be to stay that way in the hopes that I can just avoid the whole waiting period all together.

My excellent and practical parents have been very good to us too. They are already asking questions we don't have the answers to, nor have really thought about. I'm hoping these will help us prepare more of the details, like getting the car seat installed (might be a good idea to do). We must still be denial since we have some very important prep work left to do & haven't shown signs of starting these projects. Umm, we definitely have our work cut out for us before Baby S arrives.

Baby Blessings!

Last month, four fabulous hostess pulled off a beautiful and lovely baby shower for Baby Swenson. I was overwhelmed by all the support and love. It was great to be able to have so many loved ones in the same place at the same time. W & I can't wait to continue to share our lives and baby with these wonderful people!

Delicious food spread!

Cute decorations!

W was valet & good thing...not much parking space!

My four fabulous hostesses!! They did such an awesome job!

Proud parents-to-be! :)

We are in such good hands with all our wonderful gifts! We are so set for having this baby and are so excited to be able to use all of our great things!! And it was great to see such talented women-- we are blown away by all our homemade goodies!! :)