Here are some videos of the little man. I'm not sure which is which, but we were having some wonderful floor time this evening. Gryn is becoming more and more animated everyday and when you talk to him while he's awake on the floor, he kicks and moves his arms around- its SO awesome! I'm going to try to get all the pictures I can in a slideshow as soon as possible so that everyone can see the changes in him already. I'll also have an update on Monday with height/weight, etc- we both have our two week checkups, so we'll be busy, but it'll be awesome!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
A Whole Week!





This was the setup that broke our hearts. Gryn was jaundiced and had to be under the lights for 24 hours. We could only hold him to feed him and burp him and he had to wear these goggles that covered his eyes. I will admit, I cried when they brought all of it in.
I would be laying in bed or sitting in the rocking chair and I'd look over and see his little feet sticking out of the plastic tub/bed. It was the only redeeming part of having him under the lights.
The day we came home from the hospital, all the UT cousins were able to come and meet Gryn. We were talking and looked over to find all the cousins crowded around the swing oogling over their new "baby Gryn."
I think this is precious, Chad and Gryn having a very pleasant conversation. We love that Gryn makes eye contact now and that he looks when we say his name.
This is a picture of the bili blanket we had to bring home with us. We opted for the blanket so that we could actually snuggle with him, rather than stare at him under lights, it was much more bearable.
This is what we refer to as "milk belly." We say it with a deep gravelly voice. He gets this look each time he eats.
This is my FAVORITE look. Just after he's eaten, we get about an hour or two of him wide awake. When he's back to falling asleep, his hands come up close to his face and he gets this look. It's absolutely precious!
This is just after his first sponge bath at home. He was not happy about being so naked.
So, after his bath, I was unable to get his diaper on quickly enough and the wet spot behind us on the couch is the pee stream- awesome. And no, I didn't learn my lesson, he has peed on the sheets and his pjs- twice. I'm getting much better at this diaper changing stuff!
We'll keep taking pictures and hopefully I'll have time to keep up on the posts, at least while I'm on maternity leave. We are totally in love and I can't help but hold him all day while Chad is at work.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
We are 39 weeks and 3 days today- only 4 to go... hopefully! At our 20 week appt, Gryn was measuring at a due date of today, but I'm hoping that doesn't happen. Our CNM is out of town this weekend, so I'll be spending my time on the couch, reading.
Pregancy update:
I feel like pregancy info is just TMI in general for the majority of the population. When other women tell me their "status," my brain goes, "ok, I totally didn't need to know that- just tell me if you think the baby's coming or not...." However MOST women don't like that kind of info- for some reason they use the terminology that is just gross or, TMI, as I think of it. So in my way, heres the update:
Yes, the baby's coming soon. My estimate is Monday. If you want details, call me. We're extremely excited and can't wait to see the little guy!
Our update:
Last weekend we cleaned the house so that we're able to just relax for the next little bit before little dude arrives. We also cleaned and organized Chad's classroom so that he's relaxed and able to be comfortable with a sub there when the time comes. I have finished planning my classes (day-to-day) until Christmas break- a HUGE relief. I have completed 11 IEP meetings and have 5 to go, however, I don't think I'll get those done until after baby comes.
Thats pretty much it. We'll be chillin' this weekend doing what we can to hold off until Monday, but Murphy's law will probably take effect and we'll have this kid today. We'll keep you posted :)
Last Preggo pic? Let's hope so!!

Thursday, August 26, 2010
2 Weeks & 5 Days (or 19 ish Days)
Gryn news:
We are measuring right at 37 weeks, no "Dr. check" this week- it wasn't necessary, and she (our midwife) is convinced that we are in the clear for Labor Day weekend and anticipates we'll deliver on time or about a week late- I don't mind this news (yet) as I still have SOOOO much to do to get ready for my sub. I can use the time!
We took the stroller and car seat out of their box last night and put them together, we'll have some adjusting to do to bring little dude home, but its ready! We are so excited! Everytime we see and/or feel him move around, we just can't help but get excited because we're SOOO close to having him here! Gryn's bag is packed and ready, however Chad's and mine aren't. That will probably be one of our weekend projects!
Chad news:
USF ends on Saturday. It will be a relief, but also sad. It has been a great season, despite the lack of zest in the music. Things are faling into place at Hurricane Intermediate and the struggles with classes are either finally coming out or are just subsiding as the adjustments are made to Intermediate School. Chad performed twice for the Cabaret, a USF after show. He played a xylophone piece and did a juggling number with some LED lit juggling balls. Each year they have a final show with favorite performances from the season. Chad hasn't ever been chosen in the past, but BOTH his acts were chosen for tonight's final show! He will be the opening and closing performances! I am SO dang happy for him! He is SO excited to perform these numbers again! (I missed the juggling act the first time and am bummed to miss it this time, but the show doesn't start until 11:00 p.m. which means we wouldn't get hom until about 1:30 or so and my body cannot handle that right now.)
Beth news:
I'm looking bigger and bigger! I'm not uncomfortable unless I forget that I'm pregnant and try to do something I would normally need abdominal muscles for! My time of sleeping well has probably ended. I've been battling a head/chest cold for a week now and it is finally beginning to clear up. I haven't been able to take anything and I can't sleep on my back, so breathing at night has been a NIGHTMARE and Gryn usually kicks for about 20 minutes everytime I turn over. So, I'm adjusting to the sleeplessness, but know that the time is coming where it will be much worse than it is now, so I treasure what sleep I do get! Really this has probably been the worst week of pregnancy, but I think it's just because I'm sick. My 4th period class is convinced I will either go into hard labor during class or that I will deliver my baby in class- its quite comical actually! I'm done planning for 1st quarter and with 2/3 of my sub notes for 1st quarter, so now I can focus on getting IEPs written and done- 4 down (completed), 2 written, 10 to go. Yes, that's a total of 16 that will be finished within the first 5 weeks of school. When I come back in Nov. I will be so bored, it's kind of crazy. I will only have 8 IEPs to hold for the rest of the year and I will have nothing to plan for because I'll be planned through Christmas break. I've learned a lot about HS kids vs. MS kids and I REALLY like the differences! My team is great, our paras are WONDERFUL, and I really like teaching Read 180. So in essence, life is good! As always.
Me, 37 weeks. Yes, the belly is dropping. And yes, this shirt (albeit maternity) is working REALLY hard to cover my belly. Pretty sure this is the last time I'll be seen wearing it. And looking at last week's pic, maybe I was arching a little, it didn't feel like it though. Weird.
"Travel System" step 2 (Beth): This one's already put together! Awesome! Oh wait, no- attach canopy, check, unwrap base, check. This peice to the right doesn't fit ANYWHERE! Riiiight, that would be the stroller tray. Adjust straps, just in case, check. Figure out how the seat goes in the base......................... yeah, still working on that............................... no, don't take it, Chad, I've got to know how to do it once it's in the car............................. *click* YEAH! Got it! How did I do that again?
"Travel System" Step 3: Done! Now, if our Nurse Midwife is wrong, we'll still be able to bring our baby home from the hospital anytime!
In all reality, it wasn't too terribly hard, we had fun goobing up about how "our baby will sit in that" and such. Totally ridiculous! And speaking of goobing stories, here are two, for the road:
Last night a girl brought in her 1 week old baby to our birthing class. Little tiny baby girl was in the back making sweet newborn noises and Chad looks at me all teary and goes- "I can't help but think of our little baby making those noises. I can't wait to hear them!"
We (I) ordered a personalized Mickey Mouse blanket for Gryn. It arrived the other day and Chad missed seeing it the night it arrived. The next morning, I showed him as we were making breakfast and getting ready for the day. He stopped, came over and hugged me and the belly and was like "We are totally going to use that when we take our baby to Disneyland. I can't wait to take him to Disneyland." Again, all teary and sweet about our little dude. P.S. I don't think I'll get to hold our child. Ever. So keep that in mind when you come to see him. His dad may be hogging him.
I LOVE that Chad is the gooby one about this baby! I don't get teary very often about much and haven't gotten very teary over thinking about our baby- I get teary when I think of everything that can go wrong in the next two weeks. I am SO dang excited to have this little guy in our home and share in parenting with Chad- its going to be AWESOME!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
36

Oh, and if you were wondering, yes, I did get a haircut: added bangs and got a better A-line- I love it, however, I really want it short again. Not super short, but short. We'll see what I go with after I've lost the baby weight and my face isn't so pudgy. I also went darker as well, it just seemed like it was time for a change with the hair!
And we are now taking bets on when you think little dude will arrive.
The due date: Sept. 15.
Bets are 50 cents. Unless someone wants to up that...?
We're looking for date and time of day (morning, afternoon, evening).
I'll re-post in a bit, I don't have time to put ours on right now, we've got to leave for Cedar. Anyway, I'll also update you on the other parts of our life when I get a minute!
I totally just figured out how to see this and change the font and font color, etc. I feel so super lame for NOT knowing until now. Everything after this was posted later...
So. Our Life. We started school one week ago. It has been a busy week! Chad played two shows and two after shows on the second and third days of school. Being the wonderful wife that I am, I told him to call me on his way home so that he didn't fall asleep in the car, which meant that I was up just as long as he was. It was worth it though- I like my husband! Saturday was a parade and pool party with Chad's band kids. In between, we attended a funeral for Chad's co-worker's husband who died very unexpectedly just before school started. It was a very reflective time for Chad and me about what is really important in our lives. After the late nights and early mornings and high emotions, Chad slept for about 4 hours on Saturday night to get caught up on sleep.
We have both really enjoyed our classes and are really looking forward to an awesome year. On top of teaching, I am getting prepped for my sub, which means I am planning ahead for all of 1st quarter and a few weeks into 2nd quarter. It just easier for me to plan ahead until Christmas Break and have all my copies, etc done so that my sub is ready and doesn't have to worry about anything AND so that I don't have to worry about crazy planning when I get back to school. It also means that I have about 12-15 IEP meetings to hold before Sept. 15. So I'm keeping busy! Everyone tells me that I should be taking it easy these last few weeks before the baby comes and I totally agree, however, it just isn't possible as a teacher :)
As for our 50 cents:
Chad's money is on Sept. 12 early in the morning (before 7 a.m.).
I think that as soon as my IEPs, sub plans, USF, and our birth classes are done (this would be around Sept. 2) and I am able to relax a bit, the baby will be born. However, looking at family birth patterns, my money is on Sept. 13 in the late evening (7 p.m. or later).
If you want to place a bet, leave a comment with your guess, you'll get at least a dollar out of it if you win!
We'll keep posting belly pics weekly until there is a baby to post about!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The Belly


In an effort to keep family and friends updated and involved in the last 5 weeks of my pregnancy, I have decided to take weekly pics and post them of the belly.
Today marks 35 weeks, only 5 more to go! It seems like it came so dang fast! We are SO excited. I am getting nervous about Gryn coming early, plain and simply because I am not ready for my sub! I'm putting off being completely ready for the sub because I know that as soon as I am ready and can relax, he'll make his way here shortly. Chad's quarter is on Aug. 31 or Sept. 1 no matter what. We'll see what happens!
In other news, today was our first day of school. Uneventful, pretty chill for both of us- hardly the climax to meet the buildup that we've had going on. We enjoyed meeting our new students and reuniting with the old ones. We're excited to get this school year started! Chad is crazy busy with school and Shakespeare- he's got multiple rehersals and performances until about midnight tomorrow and Friday then we'll be doing another parade on Saturday morning followed by a swim party for the parade kids. What a way to start out the school year! We are tired, but happy!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Yeah, I'm THAT person...
The Grind (non baby):
I finish up Summer School on Wednesday this week (THANK GOODNESS) and will be setting up my classroom at the HS starting Thursday. Chad is playing for USF and is now bored with the show. Its a decent show, but anytime you play something over and over, it gets annoying! He has been at his school practicing all sorts of percussion stuff for hours and hours everyday while I'm at work- I went over and listened to him after I got home today and he sounds so good, I really love to watch him play because I know he loves it SO much. He's also working on some awesome juggling tricks!
The Grind (baby):
Our "Birth education" classes start on Wednesday evening, making the whole having a baby thing even more real! We are getting more and more excited for our little Gryn to join our family as we get closer to September.
We finished the baby room last night! We had shelves to hang, the twin bedding to put on the bed, the valance to put up, new clothes and blankets to de-tag and wash, and dots to put on the walls. It looks more like a boy's room than a gender-neutral room, but we can add some pink and purple and use it for a girl too, when the time comes, I guess.
The view from the door of the baby room. And yes, that is a porcelain doll... in a BOY'S room. I've had that doll since I was about 14 (I think). The designer's name is Titus Tomescu and I fell in love with the doll as soon as I saw it. I am displaying it until it is no longer safe to display outside glass.
The finished closet. You can't see, but the dresser is completely full of preemie to 3 month clothing. The shelving on the sides have 4 more rubbermaids full of clothes from 3-2T and about 1500-2000 diapers and two boxes of bulk wipies from Costco. We've got a swing, playmat, high chair, some toys, a bouncer, an infant bath sling, travel bed, bumbo chair, and other things I can't even think of. The best part: most, like 90% most, of it has been gifted/handed down to us. We are SO blessed and SO set on stuff for this little guy!
This shelf is for all the stuffed animals we have been given or toys we have bought. The bunny blanket in the middle was hand-made by a co-worker of mine and I really hope that Gryn loves it as much as Chad and I do. It is SO adorable!
We put the valance up on this window and bought circle declas for the wall instead of painting or putting up pictures, we really like how it turned out!I will admit that this pregnancy has been so easy in the scope of everything. I can't complain about anything! I still see my reflection and do a double take, pregnancy was never in the plans for me, so it's hard for me to see myself and realize that its actually ME and not some other cute pregnant lady and that its MY child growing in there.
I've been feeling the extra weight more this week than ever (and I'm getting the "water retention pregnancy face", which I do not appreciate) and my time out and about is getting shorter and shorter before I get exhausted, but I keep thinking 7 more weeks and my body will start the process of normalcy again...
I sometimes get annoyed when I have a baby in my ribs or kicking my bladder, but all I can think is: poor little guy, how can I be annoyed- you're the one thats all squished, not me. Poke me as much as you need- I don't mind!!
I also have a very supportive and loving husband who thinks that this whole pregnancy thing is absolutely beautiful and is always understanding and positive about my situation. I'm super lucky!
And by the way, after looking at other peoples' ultrasounds, I think we are going to have the cutest baby ever! I didn't think I'd be able to tell that much of a difference form one ultrasound to the next, but I can, and Gryn is way freakin cuter than other people's babies! And yes, I am biased beyond reason, but really, I think he's going to be absolutely adorable!
Need I say more?
I'd like to think that I'll post before the big day, but with my track record of "blogging," the next post very well may be pics of our little dude. 33 weeks- only 7 to go!