The Holidays!

The holidays were super busy for all of us...the football season winding down. We made it out to four games this season (with both kids). They had lots of fun, especially Delaney! She loves getting to see of all her "tailgating" friends-Ava, Kaia, and Kaitlin. Thanksgiving was spent at Jeff's parents as was Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We were so busy at the end of the year with work, I could not take any time off and Jeff went to the bowl game in Las Vegas with our Broncos! We beat the UW Huskies!! Hopefully we can repeat that in Seattle next August. Delaney is back in ballet and tap again this year and she really enjoys it. They are in the process of ordering her costume for the recital in May. She also continues to take music classes each week with the Boise Philharmonic "Musical Kids" program. Last week, we submitted an application to the Nampa School District to enroll Delaney in Kindergarten at Owyhee Elementary in Nampa. It is not the school is scheduled to attend, but we are crossing our fingers that she will be accepted there! Kellen is getting so big! He is cooing, "talking", rolling over on both sides, "scooting" around (especially in his crib). He likes red toys the most, for some reason that color really catches his eye. Delaney and Kellen continue to play well together, Delaney always wants to help feed him and hold him, they play together all of the time! Hopefully I will have more time to update this more often...I have also posted some pictures over the last couple of months. Enjoy!

Kellen - 4 Months!

Kellen had his 4 month well child check in on November 28, 2012 At 4 Months: 11/28/2012 Weight: 12.3 lbs (5%) Height: 25 inches (52%) Head: 16 (12%) At 2 Months: 10/09/2012 Weight: 12.6 lbs (49%) Height: 23 3/4 inches (64%) Head: 12 1/2 (22%) As you can tell Kellen actually lost weight since his two month appointment. He will be "officially" diagnosed with "failure to thrive" if he has not gained any weight...Our goal over the next two months is to feed him on demand more often (when we are together), give him one extra 5 oz bottle at daycare each day, and he allowed me to begin rice cereal at 4 months, and begin introducing more solid "baby food" at 5 months. Since I am writing this so late, he has tried rice cereal, peaches, peas, and now pears. Next up are prunes and sweet potatoes...

Two Months!

Wow! I have obviously neglected the blog lately! Kellen Kellen had his Two Month Well Baby check-up yesterday. Stats: Two Months (10/09/2012) Weight: 12.6 lbs (49%) Height: 23 3/4 in (64%) Head: 15 1/2 (22%) Stats: Two Weeks (8/13/2012) Weight: 8.10 lbs (50%) Height: 21 1/4 in (75%) Head: 14 1/4 25% He received the following vaccinations: Hib Pediarix Pneumo Rotavirus He is now smiling, cooing, grasping objects with his hands, alert, and showing amazing head control. He has also scooting around in his crib (I am constantly changing the monitor view) and rolling over onto his sides. He also is a wonderful sleeper! He wakes once during the night around 2:30 to eat and immediately goes back to sleep. The last week he has even started to sleep a little longer, no complaints here! Delaney Delaney enjoyed her very first sleep over at Ava Logan's house last Friday. She had way too much. Shannon (Ava's mom) reported Delaney stayed up well past Ava (she is five) watching movies and eating popcorn until she finally fell asleep. She never asked for us once, but was excited to see us the next morning. She is really enjoying having her baby brother at daycare. I started back to work when Kellen was 8 weeks (well in my office anyway since I worked from home during my leave). She started her music classes with the Boise Philharmonic music program and her dance classes (tap and ballet) at Kennedy School of Dance. Her best friends of the moment are: Ava (her dad, Jason attended BSU with Jeff and is part of our tailgating group), Molly (from daycare), and Logan (lives next door). Us Like I said I am back at work full time in the office now. I am so glad to be back and judging from the welcome I received when I returned, everyone is elated to have me back in the office as well! This is our busiest time of year-budget and contract season! Once things have settled after the new year, I am working with my supervisor on some exciting new job opportunities that I will take on. Jeff is busy at work with multiple projects, including one of the properties that I assist in managing. We are getting one of the new Walmart neighborhood markets (just sells groceries, nothing else) and he is helping us upgrade the parking lot for the project.

One Week Old!

It is hard to believe that Kellen is One Week Old tomorrow! We are absolutely in love with the new addition to our family. Delaney has a few fits here and there, but overall she has taken on her new role as big sister quite nicely. Anytime Kellen cries, she comes over to him and says "Don't worry, sissy's here" and she loves to sing him lullabies. Friday we have a photo shoot with Jen Schow (thanks for the recommendation Danielle Dahlberg), if you want to check out her website, here is the link: http://jenschow.com/main.php, or her blog at: http://jenschow.com/blog/

Two Day Well Baby Check Up!

On Monday July 30th, Kellen had his two day check-in. He got his umbilical cord clamp removed and we met with a lactation consultant at his office to discuss an issue I had with him latching. Now we are breastfeeding successfully! Here are the stats from his first appointment: Length:19 3/4 inches Weight: 7 lbs Head: 13 3/4 inches At Birth: Length: 21 inches Weight: 7lbs 5 oz Head: 13.5 inches His next appointment will be his two week well baby check-in on Monday, August 13th which will include his circumcision. Thank you to everyone for the visits and well wishes!

Kellen Hendricks-Birth Recap!

Last Thursday (7/26) was my due date, I was tired of being pregnant--my maternity leave had already begun and it had been so hot in Boise...I was done. I actually broke down and cried (which if you know me, I do not cry). I decided to call it a day and went to bed. I had fallen asleep with the TV on and suddenly I woke up about the same time Last Call with Carson Daly came on with contractions. They were coming about every 7 minutes and lucky for me, I was yet again experiencing back labor head on (had it with Delaney too). I decided to take a bath to help my back, that lasted about 15 minutes and I was over the bath idea. My contractions were now coming every 4 minutes. I tried yoga moves, a birthing ball, etc at home to help ease my back pain and decided when I could no longer talk through my contractions that I needed to wake up Jeff and have him call the doctor. He called and they told us to head on in. Nancy (Jeff's mom) came over in the middle of the night for Delaney (and our dogs) and we were in the car ready to go when she arrived. We got to the hospital and I was almost dilated to a 5 upon check-in. The contractions were very intense and I was so glad to see a friendly face (Ms. Tanja Gaskins, a family friend of ours who works in labor and delivery), she had found out that I checked in and stopped in to see me. Pretty soon, my friend and birth partner, Marcie Lake arrived to experience the birth of Kellen. Background of Marcie. She met me while I was working at Williams Sonoma, she came in to talk with me periodically and appreciated my customer service skills...and eventually offered me a job at Colliers International, she introduced me to Property Management and my future career. That was 5 1/2 years ago. Marcie and her husband Curt recently adopted a baby girl, Lila back in March. Finally realizing her dream of becoming a mom! She attended several of my doctor appointments including my very first ultrasound. Marcie was great during labor, she let me squeeze her hands before I received my epidural, watched me throw up several times, and probably saw much more of me than she ever imagined she would. She held my leg while I pushed and even watched Kellen's head come out (I didn't even care to watch but she was amazed). So Thank you Marcie Lake for being a part of Kellen's special day! Kellen Hendricks was born at 11:11 A.M. on Friday, July 27th. Coincidentally, #11 was Kellen Moore's number at Boise State. A little scary with the umbilical cord wrapped around his shoulder and no cries coming from him at first...but he was given a 9.5 out of 10 on his Apgar score and I think he was perfect! He didn't have the newborn wrinkles but clear skin. Kellen Hendricks Ward Length: 21 inches (the vacuum was used to pull him out, but didn't have a cone) Weight: 7lbs 5 oz Head Circumference: 13.5 inches

Almost 39 Week Update!

Jeff and attended a lovely wedding in Hidden Springs (creepy Stepford Town overlooking Boise) on Saturday evening, so Delaney spent the night at Dave and Nancy's. She came home Sunday afternoon and we kind of just hung around the house all day while I cleaned (love using nesting as an excuse to clean)... I started getting some pretty good contractions going and was really hoping that I was going to go into labor that night (even though Jeff said he would feel bad if Kellen had to share his birthday). We ended up in Labor and Delivery once the contractions hit the point my doctor suggested to come in, that was about 11 PM. Well Kellen had his own ideas and my contractions stopped, so we decided to go home instead of inducing. Left the hospital at about 1:30 A.M. Was 65% effaced and about 2 cm dialated. I stayed home from work yesterday to get some sleep and continue nesting (I did eight loads of laundry, grocery shopping, and other errands). I am back at work today with more contractions coming...so hopefully he decides to make his entrance very soon! My next doctor appointment is tomorrow, Wednesday, July 18th.

Kellen Hendricks!

Well I have pretty much given in to Jeff and we are planning to name the baby boy "Kellen Hendricks" which in case you are not followers of Boise State Football--Kellen for Kellen Moore (former Boise State Quarterback) and Hendricks for Bart Hendricks (also a former Boise State Quarterback). I figure with as much time as we spend and how much our lives revolve around Boise State Football, it would fit. Watch, he will HATE football... However, as a disclaimer I would also like to say that I do have a few weeks after he is born to legally file the name paper work...just in case he is born and does not look like a Kellen!

36 weeks!

I am going to dump a bunch of pictures today because I am getting so behind on posting. I will post some pictures of Disneyland, my most updated belly photo, hopefully get some pictures of the baby's room, etc before I forget. We had a pretty busy weekend. I took Friday off to give my temp the opportunity to have a day without me there to ask questions, she actually did much better than expected, so that gives me a little relief. I also had my 36 week Dr. Appt. that morning. I am currently dialted between 1 and 2 cm and 50% effaced, which doesn't necessarily mean anything-it could mean I could deliver today or weeks from now. But according to my chart from my pregnancy with Delaney that is exactly where I was the day before I went into labor with her. Also, baby is head down and low, "engaged" and ready for delivery! Friday evening we attended a Boise Hawks game with Jeff's office (CSHQA). We had a great time, but it was a long day! Saturday, Delaney had a birthday party to attend for her friend Molly. So Jeff and I ran errands and had lunch together. We decided to get a few things done around our house. We bought new hardware (goodbye ugly brass!) in brushed nickel for the entire house except the front door (we will be replacing it along with a new door shortly). By Sunday I was exhausted! I have some pretty bad cramping in my belly and my back, so I pretty much stayed in bed all day (as you know this is something I NEVER do). Delaney also got a "new to her" swing set courtesy of one of Jeff's co-workers, so she was pretty excited about it. So enjoy the pictures and I will let everyone know when the baby gets here.

29 Weeks!

I had my one hour glucose test yesterday...I still do not understand why women complain about this. If you have one in your future and there are options for flavors, go for the lemon lime (the fruit punch and orange are very sweet) and chug it! For those of you who do not know what this is...you are given a drink, you wait for an hour, then they test your blood to see if you have gestational diabetes. I passed! My belly is measuring a little small-at 27 1/2 weeks, but it is similar to my measurements with Delaney. I have now gained 10 pounds, I swear it is all in my boobs! I am posting a new belly picture today, but seriously how big are the boobs going to get? I am currently a 34 I/J (yes it is possible) and when the breastfeeding starts, it will only be worse. That is my top complaint, mostly because of the weight which is now causing my spine to curve (lovely!) This happened during my pregnancy with Delaney as well. Thankfully this will be my last pregnancy and two years from now the boobs will be an ancient memory. That's right, I will be getting a breast reduction as soon as my doctor gives the okay! (Sorry for ranting...) His heart beat was a high 146 this time! My doctor gave me strict orders to slow down on the exercising. I have starting getting contractions while on the treadmill, so I was told to minimize my exercises from 40 minutes to 20 minutes. I asked if this extended to house cleaning since I get contractions then too, he said yes, but would not write a prescription to have a maid come and clean my house. Boo! But I obviously would rather have the baby stay in for as long as he needs versus delivering early, so I will listen. This is a big week for our family! Tuesday was Delaney's last music class for the summer (her recital is Tuesday, May 22nd-I will post pictures/video), today is her last ballet and tap class (rehearsal is tomorrow evening/recital on Saturday), and then on Sunday we leave for Disneyland! We are all so excited to go! Next Saturday is also my 30th birthday (and Curt Lake's birthday)--no Allison, I still have not decided how we should celebrate! Hope you have enjoyed! I will post pictures from the recital and Disneyland shortly...

Almost 25 weeks!

This pregnancy is going by very fast! I am almost 25 weeks at this point and had another doctor appointment this morning. "The Boy" as I am calling him until I decide on a name is growing fast judging from my weight gain at this point and has a heart beat of 142 today. He was moving around so much my doctor, Bryan Hodges, was wondering what the heck he was doing in there! He was still breech, so hopefully he decides to turn BEFORE he gets much bigger because Delaney turned at the very end and it was not comfortable. Everything looks good at this point, I have gained almost 8 pounds and my next appointment is scheduled for Wednesday May 9th--One Hour Glucose Test! I will post my enormous belly picture soon!

Easter Sunday!

I will post a few pictures from Easter Sunday! Delaney had three Easter egg hunts: one at our house, one at Uncle Brett's baseball field before his game, and another one at Grandma and Papa's. She got lots of candy (and money) at all three, along with three huge Easter baskets full of goodies. What a lucky girl!

Special thank you to Aunt Karin and Uncle Mike who send Delaney the super cute "twirly" dress and jellies she is wearing in the pictures. We had already bought her a dress, but she loved this one and wore it instead!

Thank you to everyone that also sent Delaney special gifts for Easter as well, thank you cards for those gifts and birthdays are en route this week!

Four Year Well-Child Check-in!

Here are her results from Delaney's Four Year Well-Child Check-in:

4/6/2012:
Weight: 32 lbs (25th percentile)
Height: 37 inches (5th percentile)

At Three Years:
Weight: 28 lbs. (25th percentile)
Height: 34 1/2 inches (5th percentile)

At Two Years:
Weight: 23.9 lbs (10th percentile)
Length: 32 inches (10th percentile)
Head: 47 1/2 cm (25-50 percentile)

Everything looks great! She is On/Above Target on any developmental tests and she received FOUR vaccines this trip...she is now covered for vaccines (minus her annual flu shot/mist) until she turns 11. Jeff's mom, Nancy held her while she received her "pokes" and she was good to go!