November Update

Hi everyone ~ I've missed blogging lately! I was reading some past blogs and thinking to myself, "Oh, how nice it was to be able to sit down at the computer anytime I wanted to and to take as long as I wanted to...." Oh how things have changed!!


Anna keeps me very busy these days! She is growing so fast - she looks bigger everyday it seems! Brent and I looked at pictures last night and couldn't believe the tiny baby we brought home only two months ago. Cannot believe Anna will be a full two months old in 6 days and will be starting month 3!


Anna is still a joy and Brent and I get the biggest kick out of her. Her smiles are awesome and much more frequent these past few days. She has started coo-ing more and yesterday she squealed with delight! She follows us with her eyes and smiles at her toys. She locked her eyes on Jo-Jo a couple of days ago for the first time - wonder what she thought about Jo!

It's not all smiles around here, though. She can be fussy - very fussy - at times. Her reflux plays a part, but it is much better lately due to the doctor's close monitoring of her medicine doses. She simply just gets over tired most times and doesn't know how to cope. So she cries and cries and gives me and Brent gray hair and tired eyes. She's very predictable as far as when she's getting tired, so I try to ward off the evils and settle her down after I see the very first yawn. Works sometimes - and the other times we just have to endure the cries for a while. Last night was particularly awful and I swore at 1:30 in the morning that I was only having one child!!

She's slept well so far today - making up for our long harrowing night. She's in her crib right now (yeah!) for a nap. I usually sleep when she sleeps, but have trouble napping as the day goes on. So, I'll take advantage of this time to blog. :o)


Anna was baptized November 15th at Queen of Peace parish in Mishawaka. Father Dan - who married Brent and me and is very special to us - baptized her and made the ceremony very special. It was a wonderful afternoon and we were blessed with lots of our family around us. Anna looked especially cute in her little white dress. And she had Great Grandma Kuemmerle's white blanket with her all day.


Thanksgiving is coming and I'm excited - this may be my favorite holiday! Close call between Christmas and Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving because it's the start of the winter holidays and it's acceptable to start listening to Christmas music! There's no obligation for gifts and all the trimmings that come with Christmas. Just simple family fun and good food. We'll make it home to South Bend for a few days and enjoy our families and hopefully see a couple friends.

I start back to work the weekend after Thanksgiving. I'm so sad and will hate to leave my Anna. I'll work only weekend days, 8 hour shifts. I feel a million times better that Anna will be with Brent and we won't have the worry of day care. She'll be in good hands with her Daddy. But I'll miss her to absolute pieces. People tell me it will be good for me to get out of the house, which I agree with. I feel shut-in sometimes, as it's so hard to take Anna out and about by myself right now. She's still not one for her car seat and it's stressful when I'm by myself with a crying baby in a store. So anyway, I'll be at work Nov 29th and 30th longing for my baby girl. Brent will enjoy his one-on-one time with Anna - as long as she's not too fussy! But there's nothing more special than being home with Anna and seeing her loving smiles directed only at you.


Well, I won't push my luck and will sign off for now. Miss will be stirring any time. Hope you all are well and happy!

Love, Laura

Overdue update!

Hello everyone! More and more time is passing between my blog posts these days. I must be busy ... to say the least! Anna is doing well and she is a wonderful little baby. She keeps me very busy - day and night. I love her more each day, if it's possible. She is one month and eight days old today. They say time flies and they aren't kidding! It's been an awesome month - getting to know Anna and watching her grow. How she's changed already! She was weighed and measured today - 9 pounds, thirteen ounces and 21 inches long. She's outgrown most of her newborn size clothes and she used the last of the newborn diapers and is on to size 1. Where did my little 6 pound peanut go?!

Anna is having some trouble with reflux. Her pediatrician has given her medicine, which seems to help a little. She's fussy after feedings sometimes and is very uncomfortable. Poor baby. We went to the pediatrician again today for a follow-up. They don't think it's anything other than just reflux, which she will eventually outgrow. They say she may have a bit of colic at times, also. She doesn't cry all the time and when she does cry, she is consolable. Could be worse! But, poor Anna baby. It just means she needs me and Brent more - and we're here for her, for every fuss and fight.

Other Anna news ... She has started smiling! We get a couple of good smiles out of her each day. This morning she smiled with her eyes closed when she heard Brent's voice say "Good Morning, Anna." She gets smile lines around her eyes, which is adorable. She also coo's once in a while, which is just darling. She hates her car seat, which makes it very hard on Mommy to go anywhere. She likes baths pretty good - somedays more than others - and getting her hair washed is her favorite part. She's started sleeping in her crib in her room for naps during the day. I say started and really we just started this yesterday (ha!). Brent's mom reminded us how important it is for her to get uninterupted sleep and to learn to sleep in her crib. Usually I would just hold her while she slept, which she and I both love, but could be creating a monster. I'm pleased to say that's she in her crib this very minute and has been there for almost two hours!! Two hours of free hands ... I don't know what to do with myself! I think we've turned over a new leaf here!

It's certainly the fall season around here! The leaves are changing and falling. On one of our stroller walks (with a very bundled up Anna), Brent and I loved the sound of the leaves crunching under our feet. We missed that in Florida. There has frost on the grass and has been in the 20's some mornings - brrr. Winter is on the way. I need to get some new shoes - most of mine are flip-flops and sandles, which will never do!

We have enjoyed many family visitors lately. Brent's dad, Angie, Matt, Olivia and Bella were here a couple of weeks ago for the afternoon. So nice to see them and have them here. My mom and dad and Aunt Joan were here two weekends ago. Brent's mom and dad were here this past weekend. Wonderful to have everyone come and see our Anna!

Halloween was fun and we had lots of trick-or-treaters. We have a great neighborhood for trick-or-treating and we were imaging Anna in years to come. We met more new neighbors and everyone just loved Anna in her pumpkin hat. Jo-Jo did good with all the people coming and going. She stayed on the porch with us most of the time. She knocked over a pumpkin and spilled a beer, but she did good otherwise!


Well, since I have free hands still I better try to do some laundry. Eternal laundry, now ever more so since Anna's been here!

Hope you all are well and happy!

Love, Laura

Lovely Little Anna

Hi everyone!

Little Anna is doing great - a real joy! She is sleeping in my arms right now ... I'm going to master one-handed typing. Can't believe that Anna is three weeks old already. It's been an amazing, crazy, and simply wonderful three weeks!


My mom was here with me all last week. She spent the whole week here helping me and she was wonderful! We shared special times with Anna - quiet times in the mornings and funny outings to Kroger, Kohl's etc. Funny how a simple outing isn't so simple anymore and it took both of us just to get Anna in the car seat! We called ourselves Dumb & Dumber sometimes ... ie. couldn't figure out the stroller. I miss her company- it was really great to have her here. I can't thank her enough and I'd love to steal her here everyday. A very special week with my mom and Anna's grandma.


Last weekend we took Anna to South Bend to meet some family. She was a trooper in the car - 3 1/2 hours is a little long in a car seat for a little baby! I was crying right along with Anna at one point - I hate to see her cry! Anna met a lot of family and everyone was so glad to see her! She met her great grandparents - on both the Richmond and Hartsell side. She met the Cook's, Brechtl's and Jas, Shields, Stepke's, and Pludes. Angie and the girls were also in town and staying with Brent's parents in Niles. Anna met her cousins, Olivia and Bella, who gave her kisses! The trip was an effort, but well worth it!

So this week I'm on my own during the day with Miss Anna. So far so good! The days are long, but seem short at the same time. The days are structured around Anna's feeding and sleeping. Yesterday I made it to Kroger to do grocery shopping - first outing on my own! She did great until the frozen food isle - she decided she'd had enough! Today we've already had a bath - she takes baths in her little tub now since her umbilical cord is gone. She likes baths and loves her hair washed! We wait for Brent to come home and enjoy our evenings with Daddy.


Anna sleeps pretty well - usually a little hard to get to sleep at first, but then sleeps for two to three hours at a time. I'm handling the little sleep pretty well, though those late night feedings do get tough. During the day I try to nap when she naps - today we both slept for an hour and a half and I feel like a new woman.


I'm loving Mommy-hood. Brent loves Daddy-hood. It's quite a feeling to know that Anna depends on us - completely and totally. And we love her - completely and totally!

Welcome Anna Marie!

A new chapter begins!

Our little baby girl, Anna Marie, was born on Friday 9/26/08 at 5:26 pm - 6 pounds 14 ounces and 19.5 inches long. What an amazing moment! Anna stole our hearts immediately and Brent and I are beyond thrilled with our little girl.



My water broke at 6 am at home Friday morning. Brent and I were both getting ready for work when Anna decided it was time! 12 hours later, Anna was born. A hard labor, but I made it! My parents, Brent's parents, and my brother Scott were all at the hospital to welcome Anna. We were shocked it was little Anna in there - I was so convinced it was a boy! But out she came and she's just perfect.



We brought Anna home on Sunday afternoon. Brent and I were enjoying every moment of wonderful overwhelming new parenthood. On Tuesday, Anna saw her pediatrician for the routine new baby check-up. We noticed that Anna was looking jaundice and we had lab work done. Her bilirubin level was high and the doctor admitted Anna to the pediatric unit at the hospital. We had to stay for two nights and Anna was under the phototherapy lights to help bring down the bilirubin level. She was in an incubator and wore little sunglasses over her eyes. We could only take her out of the incubator to feed her. Brent and I never left her side. The hospital accomodations left a lot to be desired - Brent had to sleep in a chair with his head against the wall. And after many mommy tears and poor poked little Anna feet for lab draws, we were able to come home Thursday afternoon. Anna was a real trooper and did so well. We were given a "bili blanket" to take home with us to continue phototherapy at home. Sunday morning the doctor said we could stop the blanket. Monday we went for labs again and saw the doctor and Anna's bilirubin level is still a little bit high, but keeps coming down. Her doctor is happy with her progress and just told us to keep a watch on her and let him know if she still looks jaundice in a week.

On a happy healthy note - Anna had an ultrasound of her kidneys the day after she was born. Normal kidneys! No worries anymore. Thank God, we are so blessed.

Anna is eating great and gaining weight. At the doctor on Monday she was up to 7 pounds 2 ounces. Her doctor is very happy and so are we! But before long, she won't be my little peanut anymore and will be growing and growing. Brent told me that she'll always be our little peanut. He's right.


My mom is here to stay the week with me. I'm so grateful! Brent took the first week off from work and it was awesome to be together and with Anna. My mom and dad came on Saturday and my mom will be here till next weekend when my dad will come back to pick her up. We've had a great couple of days already. My mom has been cooking and I'm getting very spoiled. She's enjoying Miss Anna and we are enjoying every one of Anna's moments.

Brent comes home from work and snatches Anna up. He loves his little girl and I have a feeling they will be best buds. Brent is an amazing father, as I knew he would be. He really is - completely comfortable and natural. Anna is lucky to have him - and so am I.

Wearing Daddy's hat.

I can't believe I'm a mom! It's sinking in slowly. Today I was rocking Anna in her room and looking at her little toy basket thinking, soon she will be crawling over there to get her toys. And after that, walking and talking. Oh my! I'm overwhelmed by her - everything about her is wonderful and perfect and special. My little girl.


Anna looks like Brent - she has his eyes. My mom doesn't see much of me in her yet, except the hair. Anna has quite the personality already - she squeeks, yawns, hiccups, and makes the funniest faces! The hiccups are hilarious - especially since she had hiccups all the time when I was pregnant, too. She sticks out her tongue and is so funny! She's quite the little joy.


I can't wait for everyone to meet her. Brent and I will be making a trip to South Bend soon to show her off. We're the proudest parents.

Thanks to everyone for their well wishes so far - lots of love and prayers have been coming Anna's way! Thank you for loving us and our little Anna Marie.

39 Weeks

Today is the start of the 39th week and we're hoping for baby any day now!

I went to the doctor yesterday for the one week check-up. I now am 1.5 cm dilated and 70% effaced. A little progress. The doctor said the baby is even lower now and is at -1 to 0 station in the pelvis, which is very low. The doctor said this is very good and that "baby is trying to come". She said that she doesn't think I'll be pregnant much longer and maybe will have the baby with a week. Otherwise, everything looked fine. Baby's heart rate was 145. The doctor said that she thinks I will have a nice delivery once the time comes. She said that it's a good sign that Baby is so low and trying to "fit" already. Oh, I hope so!

Yesterday morning before the appointment I was having some contractions/cramping for about 30 minutes. I was thinking that maybe something was happening, but then it went away. I felt kind of crappy for the afternoon and again thought something may be happening. But I perked up by the evening and started to feel better. Today I feel okay, no contractions much today. I'm just ready to have this baby!

Night time is very hard for me and I get really uncomfortable. I don't sleep well and it hurts to lay down, no matter what position I'm in. I did sleep pretty good this morning after Brent left for work, got about 2.5 hrs of good sleep in. I think this is just conditioning me for when Baby comes and I'm up all night. :o)

I have to work the next 4 days in a row, unless Baby decides to interrupt (which I welcome!). I'm not looking forward to working, but I am able to sit most of the day, which is a blessing. Hopefully I'll get a fairly good night sleep tonight and will be ready to go for 7am shift.

So crazy to think that I'll be a mom any day now. I just cannot believe it! Brent is more than ready to meet our baby. He tells the baby everyday to "come out!" We're anxiously awaiting, as I know all of you are, too. I want to thank everyone for their support, encouragement, well wishes, and prayers these past 9 months. This pregnancy has been a wonderful and special experience, made better by all our family and friends. Our baby is so lucky to have all of you to welcome him or her - how blessed we are!

We love you all ~ Love, Laura

Just the Two of Us

No baby yet! Just the two of us still!

9/19/08

I have been thinking about "just the two of us" and have been enjoying these last few days (moments, maybe) of just being Laura and Brent.

I have so enjoyed our four year marriage and am blessed with Brent as a husband and friend. He's wonderful and we have had a great time together so far - just the two of us. We have had adventures and vacations, new experiences and our new home, fun with friends and family, and simple fun together. Now a new chapter begins .... and we can't wait.

Brent took me on a date last Friday - we went to dinner at Lucy's Bar & Grill and afterward we walked downtown Grosse Pointe and window shopped. Then off to Babies R Us we went, my new favorite store. Had the last few necessities to buy and I had coupons! Now I can't think of a thing that we need - just need the baby now.

No regular contractions or anything too exciting to report. I'm feeling pretty good overall, just anxious and waiting. I have cramps now and then, but nothing happens and we carry on. Baby is still pretty active and at a particularly active moment yesterday I told the baby that we're all ready for him/her. My cousin Jessie guessed Sept 26th, a 7.5 lb baby, and that it will be Anna. My in-laws were here this weekend to visit and they say I won't last the week and maybe a baby before Friday. Today, is my Great Grandma's birthday and she would have been 100 years old. And it's the first day of autumn, which is my favorite season. So, today would be cool to share with Great Grandma and the start of fall, but I'm not getting the vibe and don't think it will be today. Time will only tell .....

I also think about after I have the baby and when I won't be pregnant anymore. I get a little sad thinking that I won't be carrying the baby and the baby won't be safe and close inside anymore. I will miss the kicks and shared feelings and movements that only baby and I feel. What an amazing experience this pregnancy has been. But when I think of meeting our baby, finding out if it's our Anna or Rowan .... only happiness.

37 Week Update

Hi all!

I posted pictures of the baby's beautiful nursery and furniture! My dad did an awesome job and the crib and changing table dresser are absolutely gorgeous. I could not be happier with the furniture - it's more beautiful than I imagined it would be. Baby is so lucky! Thank you Dad! And thanks to Mom and Dad for braving the rain last weekend to make it here with the furniture in tow. The nursery is coming together very nicely and I love it! We still will get a small area rug for the middle of the room. And once we know if the baby is Rowan or Anna, we will order the letters to spell their name out on the wall above the crib. On the wall that isn't seen in the picture, Brent will build a shelf for picture frames, etc. Brent and I have been sitting in the baby's room every night ... dreaming of what's to come.



I went to the doctor today for the weekly check-up. News! I'm 1 centimeter dilated and 50-60% effaced. HOLY COW! I had a hard night last night - was uncomfortable and had some cramps, etc. Well, apparently those were contractions. I'm not contracting regularly or anything - just have had some cramping off and on for the past couple of days. The doctor said the baby is really low, which I figured because I can't walk without waddling and I have so much pressure down there. Plus, while I was out shopping yesterday several people commented on the belly and that I don't have far to go. I told one lady the Oct. 3rd due date and she said, "Girl, you ain't gonna make it that long. Not the way you're walkin'!" The doctor said it's impossible to tell, of course, when active labor will start. She said maybe I'll make it to the due date or maybe not. I have another appointment scheduled for next Wednesday and she said that she'll see again, or else I may have a baby in my arms by then.

I called Brent and he's beside himself excited! I was shaking with excitement when I was talking to him over the phone. I called my parents at work to tell them and we'll call Brent's parents after they're done teaching later today.

The hospital bag is packed. The car seat is in the car. I have to do the dishes and the laundry. And rest!

Keep your fingers crossed and I'll keep you posted! ..............

Ultrasound Update

Tuesday was Baby's last ultrasound before the big day. Brent had to work and he was very sad not to be able to come with me to the appointment. Baby looked great on the screen! I saw the face pretty clear - the baby has a set of cheeks on him/her!! I said, "Look at those cheeks!" And the ultrasound tech said, "They're cute!" The baby weighed 6 pounds 8 ounces. They are happy with the baby's weight gain, as last time the baby was on the small side. They said "great interval gain" and that the baby is in the 25th - 50th percentile for weight. It must be the root beer - I have this thing lately for A&W root beer and have one a day. Must be the root beer. The kidney measured 8mm and last time it was 9mm. So, about the same and a little smaller. Nothing more to do but wait for baby's arrival. The tech was able to get three good face shots and printed the pictures out for Brent. One is so cute - a profile shot and the baby's tongue is sticking out!

I saw my OB doctor later the same day and she was happy with the ultrasound results. I'm doing fine. My blood pressure is still great. I do, however, have a lot of pressure below my belly causing pain and some swelling in my lower half. She told me to buy a maternity belt - this elastic belt thing that goes below my belly and helps to boost the baby up some. I got one yesterday - hard to tell if it helped yet, but today will be the full day test.

So yesterday evening was a typical Laura and Brent moment. Brent decides to clean out the fireplace. We have a gas fireplace and there was years of dust, etc. He brings in the shop vac and starts vacuuming away. I walk in from the kitchen and the entire room is filled with dust. I yell and Brent stops the vacuum - the dust was coming right out of the back of the stupid thing as fast as it was going in. And it created this awful cloud of black dust and I dismally watched it slowly settle onto everything in the living room. So, over two hours of cleaning later ... the fine layer of black dust on everything (walls, shelves, floor, picture frames, remote control) is down to a low roar. The area rug took the hardest hit - the shop vac was sitting on the rug and sustained severe dust damage! There was no hope for the rug. It was old and needed to be replaced anyway - this just sealed the deal. Funny thing - we bought an area rug for the baby's room, but it's too big and we were going to return it. Well, it looks lovely in the living room now! Cola's kitty feet are a reminder of the fiasco - her sweet little white paws are still sweet, but very gray. I tried to wash them and so has she. But, the gray persists. It looks like she has little gray sneakers on. Poor dear. Jo-Jo is no worse for the wear. Her bed that was in the living room got a fresh washing and I had to vacuum off her stuffed squirrel toys. Now I have discussed this new carpet with her ... that she is to keep to her own bed rather than the carpet and she is not to puke on this carpet as she did the old one. We'll see. Cola just came in and is back to cleaning her feet.

36 Weeks

Hi all! It's been so long since I've been able to blog and I even missed the 35th week. So here we are in the 36th week with lots to report! We have been working hard around the house for the past week and haven't had our computer up and running. Lots to catch up on ....

First of all, Baby is doing well. Moving and growing! Today I felt especially round. Baby has been getting hiccups for the last couple of weeks now. At least once a day lately we get the hiccups and it's amazingly adorable. My cousin Jenna felt my belly while Baby was hiccuping! I wonder if he or she will get hiccups a lot once they're born ....

• At 36 weeks, Baby is 6 pounds and is 20 3/4 inches in total length.

Tuesday is my next ultrasound and doctor's appointment. They will be able to estimate how big Baby is. The measurements I post each week are based on the book, so we'll see if we're similar.

August 30th was my Baby Shower at my Mom's house. It was a wonderful, lovely day. The weather was beautiful and we ended up having a little garden party, all sitting outside in my parent's back yard. It was so great to see all my family and friends. Everyone is thrilled and excited for the baby! Baby is very loved already. So many beautiful gifts, especially a handmade white blanket that was made by my Aunt Judy from the material and pattern picked out just for me and Baby by my Great Grandma Kuemmerle. She wasn't able to make the blanket herself, but it was finished by "helping hands". I was beyond touched and I will cherish the blanket always. We will take the blanket to the hospital for Baby's special "going-home" blanket. We also will use it for Baby's baptism day. My mom and Jessie planned such a special day for me and it turned out to be just that. I will always remember my first baby's Baby Shower.

I have pictures from the shower and need to post another belly shot for you. Will work on that this week.

Last week we had the wood floors refinished in the baby's nursery and in the guest/computer room. They look amazing and are so pretty. You wouldn't believe, however, the fiasco the refinishing process caused. Long story short - we completely under estimated the whole process, including the smell/fumes and work and time involved. I basically spent two entire days outside on the screen porch with my dog and cat due to the stinky polyurethane. The first day I had to be out of the house for 8 hours, the second day they recommended 12 hours. Needless to say, the animals nor I were very happy by the end of the ordeal. Thank goodness for my dear neighbors, as they so kindly let me use their bathroom during the day. The first night I didn't sleep well - fearful of the slightest smell and I basically chased open windows for fresh air and a breeze. The second night we spent in a hotel. A long two days, but a lovely ending with my nice new gorgeous floors.

The painting process is complete and the rooms look fantatic. Scott was up for two weekends total and Brent has been working hard almost every day since. We're looking forward to this coming weekend. My parents will be coming over and bringing the crib and changing table/dresser. My dad has really worked so hard on the furniture and it's beautiful. What a special gift for our baby. Can't wait to see the finished products in the nursery!

My cousin Alexia turned 1 year old on Saturday. And today, Mackenzie turned 10 years old. I had very good intentions of making it back to South Bend on Saturday for Alexia's party, however after the floor fiasco and everything else, I just wasn't up for the travelling. I got a full report from my mom and from Joan and they said the party was great and Alexia was a busy little 1 year old! Tonight my parents went to Mackenzie's baseball game and then out to Hacienda with everyone for a birthday dinner. Happy Birthday to Lexi and Mackenzie!

Mackenzie and Delaney think the baby will be a boy. They say they think it's Rowan. However, Delaney did tell me that if it's a girl she thinks we need another Delaney. (How ever could we have two Delaney's, I thought?!) But she was very pleased to know that if it's Anna, her middle name will be Marie. And Delaney knew why - she said "Because Grandma Bernie's middle name was Marie". And she's right - and I told her because lots of other special people have the middle name Marie, too - Joan, Jenna, AND Delaney.

As most of you know, my brother Scott and I have a great brother-sister relationship. I've always thought so. I just want to say that it's been really nice the past few weeks seeing him and spending more time with him. Brent and I really enjoyed his company while he was here for the painting extraveganza. Scott has been very supportive and attentive - always asking me if I need help with this or that. He offers me rides to the grocery store, offers to help dry dishes, and makes sure I'm not working too hard. I don't even know if he realizes it, but I sure have appreciated him. He's a great friend to me - he makes me laugh, lends me CD's, and we share funny words only we really understand (ie. sisso-sacer). He's a great brother and I love him for it.

The baby has hiccups right now!!

I think about the baby non-stop these days. I cannot believe we only have 4 weeks till the due date. Is it possible?! I practice writing the baby's name - Rowan Scott and Anna Marie. I write it in cursive, print, fancy, and plain. It's like when I was engaged to Brent - oh how I practiced writing Laura Hartsell. I dreamed about my wedding day for so long it seemed ... and that day finally came. Baby's day will come soon, too. I cannot wait. Brent and I are so anxious! We have newborn Pampers, the book "Goodnight Moon", and the baby swing all ready and waiting.

Will write soon and promise to have pictures up!

Love to all ~ Laura

34 Weeks

Hey everyone, we're in the 34th week now!

• Baby weighs about 5 pounds and total length is 19 3/4 inches.

I have had a nice week so far. I worked Sunday and don't have to be back to work until Thursday and Friday. I'm starting the schedule of working 3-4 days a week now and through September. It's been great to have some time off. I've been running errands and working a little around the house. I feel almost guilty for the free time, as Brent goes to work every morning. Today I'm going to work in the basement and organize the laundry area. Sounds so fun, doesn't it?!

This coming Saturday is my baby shower! My mom and cousin Jessica have planned the shower, with help from my mother-in-law and from Jas. I CAN'T wait to see everyone!!! Will miss the out-of-towners, but you'll be there in spirit!

The painting last weekend with Scott went great! The rooms look awesome and I'm really thrilled with the colors. The baby's room is so pretty! Scott will come back with after the baby shower to help finish up the trim and finishing touches. He's been so helpful to Brent and me. We owe him big time!! And it was so nice having him around!

Brent and I really enjoyed the birthing class last weekend and we went to a breastfeeding class on Monday. We got a lot out of the classes and got good info. I'm still nervous about the labor process - mostly afraid of the pain. I just don't know what to expect. I have an open mind about natural labor or getting an epidural. We'll just have to see how it goes! I'm starting to get "the bag" ready to take to the hospital. We have two special outfits to take - one blue and one pink sleeper with a matching blue or pink hat. Baby Rowan or Baby Anna will be all set!

Have a good day. Thinking of all my August cousins and family having birthdays!!

Love, Laura

Nearing the end of the 33rd week!

33rd week, baby is 31 weeks old. We're at the end of the 33rd week already and almost on to the 34th!

• Baby is 4 1/2 pounds and nearly 19 1/2 inches.

I went to the doctor yesterday for the routine 2 week check-up. I met a new doctor, I really liked her. She measured my belly - 34 cm, right on target with the due date. She also said she thinks the baby has flipped around and is now head down, instead of transverse. Good baby! She was feeling my belly and said, "Here's the butt, there's the head, and here's a foot". Amazing. I go back in two weeks for another check-up and another ultrasound to make sure baby's doing okay in there.

Feeling very round these days. But doing okay and thinking about the baby every 0.03 seconds.

My brother Scott comes tomorrow! He's staying the weekend and will help Brent with the painting. We'll be so glad to have him - for the company and for his painting expertise. I'll have pizza and Lucky Charms on hand and he'll be happy. :o)

On Saturday Brent and I have a birthing class at St. John's Hospital, where we'll deliver the baby. Scott doesn't mind that we'll be gone for a while, he'll said he'll paint away. We're looking forward to the class - I have to learn how to birth this baby!! Plus we'll get a tour of the labor and delivery/mother-baby units, so we'll know what to expect.

We've been enjoying the Olympics on TV. We stay up to watch most of it, but don't often see the good stuff because it gets too late. I've decided the in my next life I want to look like a beach volleyball player.

Tropical Storm Fay has drenched Melbourne and I must say I'm SO glad not to be involved! Over 30 inches of rain or something ridiculous. They can have it! Was very glad that the storm didn't bother Angie and the girls in Tampa.

Brent has been busy getting the media center at school ready and all set up. I went to the school last night and it looks great. He's got quite a nice set-up and everything is so shiny and new. The students are so lucky to have a new school and they'll think the media center rocks.

Tomorrow is my first day at work without my preceptor. The job is a one-man show for each shift, so I'm pretty much on my own. But I should do fine and I'll call someone if I get stuck. It's been going good so far, I've caught on well and know the routine for the most part. Some crazy stuff happens in the ER, though, I'll tell ya!

Happy end of the week and everyone have a nice weekend!

Love, Laura

32 Weeks

32 weeks and counting!

• Baby weighs 4 pounds and is nearly 19 inches in total length.
• Brain growth continues.
• Lungs are approaching maturity.

Well, I'm starting to feel uncomfortable. I now can feel the weight of the baby when I walk around. I always knew the baby was there - by the movements and all. But now, I can really feel the baby as he/she gets bigger. Getting out of the car is a real chore these days - heave-ho! I waddle by the end of the day. And my legs are sore. Oh, I'm nothing but complaints! Not to mention the horrible heart burn! And nasal congestion. Okay, I'll stop.

The baby's kicks are stronger and stronger. It feels more like pushing and poking than little kicks these days. Seems like we may be running out of room in there. And we have so far to go yet and a few more pounds to gain still. Is it possible?!

Otherwise, I'm peachy keen. :o) I've been working 4-5 days a week. My new job is slower paced than my last job, which right now I'm very grateful for. I am able to sit more during the day and I'm so thankful. Tomorrow I'll be on my own in the afternoon without my preceptor for the first time. Should go fine and I have her phone number in case it doesn't!

Brent is back to work, too. No more summer vacation for Brent. He started the 11th and puts in full days at the school for meetings and set-up. He's enjoying it so far and really enjoys the staff. One of his friends, Justin, a 5th grade teacher, just had their first baby on Monday - a little boy named Andrew. He's talked to Brent on the phone today and told him to get ready to be up during the night!

We have sad news on the Richmond side. My dear Great Grandma Kuemmerle passed away 8/6/08. She was 99 years old. And just a month shy of her 100th birthday. She had a stroke recently and went downhill from there. She died peacefully. Her service was in South Bend on Monday. I drove home to go and be with my family. Brent could not come with me, since it was his first day to report to work. It was a lovely service at Chapel Hill. We all loved Great Grandma so. My dad really loved his grandparents and I know it's hard to now have lost them both. Great Grandma was a great lady and we'll miss her very much. The last time I spoke with her was to tell her about the baby and she was so pleased with the news of her Great Great grandbaby on the way. What a wonderful life she had in Boston with Uncle Fritz and Aunt LuBeth. And she was so lucky to have my Aunt Judy out there with her all these years. We will all miss her.

Brent and I have the weekend off together. Tomorrow is Friday and we're both so thankful and ready for the weekend! Brent is going to start getting the two bedrooms - Baby's included! - ready for painting. Now I'm going round and round about the color for the guest bedroom. It's going to be green - either "Sagey" or "Liveable Green". It's so hard to choose!!

My cousin Ryan leaves for IU Bloomington soon. He's having a going-away party this Saturday. I wish I could make it home, but with just being home for the funeral, it's too much for me right now. I'm excited for Ryan - I'm sure he's going to have a lot of fun. He has friends down there already and he can't wait to get there. I know Jessie and Alexia will miss having him around. He'll just have to come home a lot to visit! Good luck, Ry-nan.

Love you all out there ~ will post soon!

31 weeks

Hello! Happy 31st week. Little baby is 29 weeks old. We have crossed the "30 week" threshold and yesterday (August 3rd) was exactly two months away from our October 3rd due date. I'm pinching myself, are you?

• Baby weighs 3 1/2 pounds and total length is 18 inches.

I saw my OB doctor today for the 2 week check-up. He read the ultrasound sound report from two weeks ago. Like we knew, the kidney is not any bigger. He said the baby is in the 25th percentile for size and he said that I won't have a big baby, just an "average" size. I imagine this means 7 to 8 pounds, which suits me just fine! The doctor also said the the amniotic fluid around the baby is a high-normal amount, which he says is great and "they love". Heart rate was around 147 and sounded strong and wonderful. Plan is for another ultrasound in 5-6 weeks to check the kidney and baby's size. And I'll see the doctor again in 2 weeks for the routine check-up. A+ report for Baby Hartsell today!

Heartburn is really an awful thing. I never experienced heartburn before pregnancy. It's been tormenting me for a couple of months now. TUMS are my new best friend at moments and they actually are starting to gross me out because I've eaten so many of them lately. Some say that if you have heartburn the baby will have hair. I'd love to have a baby with a full head of hair. But of course will love a bald Baby Hartsell just as much. However, if Baby is bald I'll be sure to ask what all the heartburn fuss was all about.

Brent is back in Grand Rapids again this week for more school training. This week is "mentor training". Brent was asked to be a mentor teacher, which means he will have a group of teachers he'll work with and help throughout the year. He was a mentor teacher at his last school, River's Edge. Quite a compliment to be asked to be one again. I think there are four teachers from Reach that will be mentors and he is there with them all week. He'll be home on Thursday. I'm missing him terribly. He came home last Friday from the previous week's training and we had a nice weekend together. He had to leave on Sunday evening and I cried as he left. I hate being alone and miss him so when he's gone. But, Thursday will be here before I know it. He called today on his lunch break to get Baby's update after the doctor appointment and he was also pleased with the A+ report.

Saturday we were in South Bend for my friend Erin Cain's wedding. Now she is Erin Nawrot. Really a lovely wedding and Erin looked absolutely beautiful. She was glowing on her wedding day! Her dress and hair were perfect. It was wonderful to see her and meet her new husband. Her new step-son, Thomas, is 3 years old and is a real cutie. He seems to love her as I know how much she loves him. Best wishes to the new Nawrots!

I had the day off work today. It's been a nice day. I slept in and took a nap in the afternoon (heavenly). I've been hanging around the house trying to make sense of the leftover boxes and piles of stuff that I don't know where to put yet. Unpacking is the pits!

Hope everyone had a good day and will have a good week! I'll be here trying to keep myself busy until Brent comes home. Plan: 1) Tackle a couple of more boxes, 2) Take Jo-Jo for walks, 3) Watch lots of Lifetime or other shows Brent hates, 4) Try not to eat all of ice cream in freezer myself, 5) Think lots about Baby!

30 Weeks and New Job

Officially to the 30 week mark! Baby Hartsell is 28 weeks old.

• Baby is about 3 pounds and total length is 17 inches.
• Baby is very active!

Last Friday we had the ultrasound to take a look at Baby's kidneys. At that time, they estimated baby was 2 pounds, 10 ounces. Right on track! The right kidney is still enlarged, though has not increased in size. The ultrasound tech and doctor said this is good and they will just continue to watch it. I may or may not need another ultrasound, my primary OB doctor will determine if I need a follow-up or just wait until the baby is born. I see him again on 8/4/08.

I started my new job this week. Monday was hospital orientation, which is a long and boring day consisting of general hospital information and policies. Today I was with the case management team where I'll be working. I followed one very nice girl for most of the day and then sat with the ER case manager for the afternoon. The ER is where I will be primarily. Today the ER was hoppin' - a very busy, bustling place with lots of patients, staff, and doctors. I'm not used to this, but will learn to adapt. Most of the staff - both in case management and in the ER - seemed nice and helpful. I'll be working full time hours for the next couple of weeks to orient and then will be on my own. Once orientation is over, they plan to have me work a couple of days during the week and I won't have to start working weekends until after maternity leave.

Brent is in Grand Rapids this week. He left Sunday afternoon and will be gone until Friday evening. He is attending orientation for the new school (Reach Academy) and for the charter organization (National Heritage Academies). I miss him terribly already. I hate being alone and I don't sleep well when he's gone. Thank goodness for the company of Jo-Jo and Cola! So far he's having a good time and learning a lot about his position. I can't wait till he's home.

Saturday my friend Erin Cain is getting married! The wedding will be in South Bend and Brent and I will drive home for the day. Her soon-to-be husband's name is Aaron ... Erin & Aaron! I am looking so forward to seeing Erin - it seems like forever since I've seen her. Most of you know Erin, she's my dear friend from middle and high school. I remember how wonderful my wedding day was and it makes me so excited for her!

Color update for Baby's nursery - we decided on the color "Full Moon". Still a yellow color, but much nicer than the first and I think it will be lovely!

Hope you all are well. Love you guys ~

Laura

29 Weeks and All's Well

We've made it to 29 weeks already - Baby is 27 weeks old. Brent and I went to our first doctor's appointment today at our new OB office. The doctor was nice and is optimistic about the kidneys. We have an ultrasound scheduled for this Friday. Then we'll see the doctor again in 2 weeks for another check up. Baby's heart rate was 142 today. I think this OB practice will work out just fine for us and we plan to deliver at St. John's Hospital just down the street. Brent and I will both go to the ultrasound on Friday and we're looking forward to seeing Baby again!

• Baby is 2 3/4 pounds and is 16 3/4 inches in total length.
• No big milestones to report - Baby just continues to grow!

Funny how life changes with life's changes - how exciting it becomes to buy a new garbage can, weed wacker, and closet door handles. Who knew this stuff would ever excite me?!

Brent pulled up the carpet in the baby's to-be room today. There was an awful purple carpet in the two back bedrooms. The floor underneath is wood like the rest of the house and is in great condition. Instead of re-carpeting, we will get the floors resurfaced. We called the company that did the rest of the house (the old owners left the paperwork) and got a quote, which was surprisingly reasonable. We also got a sample can of the paint for Baby's room - a color called "Friendly Yellow". Well, thank goodness for the sample because it isn't so "friendly" after all. Way too yellow, not a bit like the color swatch. Why is that? That's a phenomenon I'll never understand - why paint looks so different on the walls than on the color swatches. So back to the paint store we go.

Brent and I took a long walk this evening with Jo-Jo. The weather was glorious, until it started to rain! We waited it out under a canopy on a store front. Rain didn't last long and the blue sky peaked out as we made our way home. I was waddling something fierce by the end - Baby is getting harder to lug around! And I still have so far to go .... and so far to grow.

Brent has more energy than I can shake a stick at. He's in here right now measuring a wall to hang a picture. I've long since thrown in the towel and he's working away!

Baby is kicking - saying "Hello" to you guys!

Love ~ The 3 Hartsells

We Made It!

Hi everyone! I'm finally blogging to share new pics and to let you know that we made it to Grosse Pointe! What an adventure getting here - but we're here! We're happy and are settling in to our first home.



Thanks for all the well wishes during our move. I know they helped! My dad and Brent's parents were so helpful in getting us all packed up and on our way. We wouldn't have been able to do it without them. It was a bittersweet good-bye to Florida and then we set off down the interstate with a U-Haul truck and a trailer full of everything we owned. Brent and Jo-Jo drove the truck. Greg and Kathy drove Brent's car. My dad drove my car with me and Cola in the backseat. 1200 miles of driving with a few incidents along the way. MapQuest directions lead us down crazy back roads in Georgia, leaving us confused and lost for a bit. Then the U-Haul started with engine trouble - about the same time as the confused and lost period. Brent and his parents were on the side of the highway stalled for about an hour. My dad and I were ahead of them and into Tennesse at this point, due to the confused and lost episode. So, I fretted and cried over cell phone calls. By the grace of God, the U-Haul started and Brent was able to make it to Knoxville, TN where we had hotel reservations. The next morning, the U-Haul was having worse trouble and again, by the grace of God, there was a huge U-Haul center off the highway close to our hotel. My dad and I drove on with the cat and Brent and his parents pulled into the U-Haul center. Long story short and six hours later, the U-Haul transmission was shot and Brent and his parents had to unload the truck and re-load into a new one. What a fiasco. Happy ending when we all arrived safely to Grosse Pointe.

Our closing was Friday morning. We signed all the papers and got our new house keys! Move in began! My mom and Scott met us at the house Friday afternoon. Everyone was so helpful and we had the U-Hauls unloaded by mid afternoon. Brent and I cannot say "thank you" enough to his parents, my parents, and Scott. The move just simply wouldn't have happened without their help - THANK YOU!!!

Jo-Jo and Cola have settled in just fine. Cola likes all the boxes to climb on and investigate. Jo-Jo would prefer less boxes in her way, but we're getting there. The house is really in good shape, but there is a lot of cleaning and sprucing up to be done. The kitchen is my biggest task, but I'm almost done and my goal today is to finish!

Good news - my Michigan license was approved! It didn't take the 6-8 weeks, but the lady who does recertifications at the Board of Nursing helped me out a bit (thank you!). I had a job interview on Monday and a job offer on Wednesday. I accepted! I will be a case manager in the ER at a local hospital. The hospital isn't in Grosse Pointe, but is only 8 miles away in a city called Warren. The hospital is about the same size as my last one - about 200 beds. I will be responsible for ER and hospital admissions and transfers. It is called a "contingent" position, which means I'll fill in shifts as needed. I'm promised at least one day a week and every other weekend, which will be a great schedule for us once the baby comes. On Monday I'll have physical and drug test and the following Monday I'm scheduled for hospital orientation. After that, I'll begin learning my new job and they'll have me working full time hours for a while. This will be great for the money while I'm still able to work. Pretty exciting!

Brent is doing great - finding lots to do around the house and outside in the lawn. It's pretty overwhelming for both of us at times, but we're happy and taking it all in.

Baby is growing and is really a "mover and a shaker" lately! I've been feeling fine, other than a little tired at times (understandable, I suppose). I'm 28 weeks along now, baby is 26 weeks old. Third trimester!!! I missed blogging during the 27th week, so I'll include the milestones below with this week.

• Baby is 2 1/2 pounds!
• The book now differentiates length - all along so far the length has been from crown-to-rump. Now they talk about crown-to-rump and total length. Crown-to-rump length is 10 inches. Total length is 15 3/4 inches!
• Baby's eyelides open during the 27th week - they were fused before this.
• One website said the baby can smell now!

Yesterday Brent and I (and Jo-Jo) drove to South Bend for my mom's birthday. Her present was a Crosby, Stills, Nash concert last night. My parents, Scott, and Brent and me all went. What a great show!! We had a great time and the music was fantastic. I particullary liked "Our House, is a very very very fine house" (for obvious reasons). Brent and I left for home early this morning. Brent had to be back this afternoon for a function with his new school. How nice to be able to make the quick trip home - I love living close! Rob, Jas, Jessie, Alexia, and Ryan came over to my Mom's to visit - it was so nice seeing everyone. Alexia is SO SO cute and I love her!

Brent has had two functions so far with his new school - mostly student recruitment activities. He met some of his co-workers and says everyone is really nice. Lots of young teachers. He's really excited and thinks this will be a great school!

I'll post more soon! Back to cleaning the kitchen!

Love, Laura

Birthday, Boxes, and Bellybutton

Hey all - hope everyone is doing well!

26 Weeks along, Baby is 24 weeks old. It's nearing the end of the 26th week already - I'm behind a bit on posting! I'm almost to the 3rd trimester!

• Baby now weighs 2 pounds and is 9 1/4 inches long
• For the remainder of the pregnancy, the books say I should grow about 1/2 inch a week!

Brent celebrated his 28th birthday this week - 7/1/08. He's getting to be an old man - only two years away from 30! I took off half a day at work and we spent the afternoon together. Brent's mom came over from Tampa and joined us for dinner and (Brent's fav) German chocolate cake. Happy Birthday to Brent, my dearest husband. I love you!

Boxes have taken over our house! Packing is well underway. We have empty walls and empty closets. Still lots to pack - it seems like a never ending project! My dad will be here on Saturday and will help us get organized and pack up the rest. Brent's dad will be flying in on Monday and his mom will join us on Tuesday. We're so grateful that they'll be here with us. Moving day is fast approaching - we'll have the moving van in our driveway on Tuesday morning. I can't believe it. I get a little anxious about it all at moments - but Brent, my mom, Joan, and everyone else in my life reassures me that "things will all work out"! And I know they will.

Well, my bellybutton is starting to stick out. I'm getting an "outie"! How strange. Brent and I laugh about it a lot - it's funny! One of my co-workers noticed today and we also had a good laugh. I am even busting out of some of my matternity clothes - bring on the bigger sizes!

I probably won't be able to post until after the big move. Wish us lots of luck and say prayers for a well packed moving van, for safe travels, and that a dog, a cat, and a prego make it to Grosse Pointe in one piece.

I'll be saying good-bye to Florida next week. We have been here for three years now, which is hard to believe. Although it hasn't been my favorite place on earth at times, we've really had a good time here and made some great memories. Brent and I learned how to make things work and to lean on each other when we had no one else - the best thing we probably could have done for our young marriage. We met our two beautiful nieces on their very first birthdays and have so enjoyed watching them grow up. We will miss them terribly. I went to Disney World on my 27th birthday. We kayaked the intercoastal waterway with manatees, dolphins, and (yes) gators. I learned to love this little rental house we're in, our home for the past two years. We made it through two hurricanes - small ones, but still hurricanes. We body surfed and boogie boarded in the ocean. We watched a tiny baby sea turtle make its way into the sea. And Baby Hartsell came into our lives - and has stolen our hearts already.

Quick Hello!

Hi all! A quick hello and update. Not too much news right now, but all's well here on the Hartsell front.

25 weeks along, Baby is 23 weeks old.

• Baby is about 1 1/2 pounds and 8 3/4 inches long.
• Lots of movement can be felt during these weeks because Baby is still small enough to move around in there!

I feel Baby move all day long. Wonderful little kicks and bumps! Some days he/she moves more than other days. The books say to expect this. Monday was Baby's most active day so far this week - we were really movin' and groovin' that day!

Brent's mom was over visiting this past weekend and stayed until Tuesday. It was so nice to have her here! We had a great time. We chatted late into the evenings and talked about Baby and the exciting times to come. Kathy has been hanging out in Tampa with Angie and the girls for most of the month of June. She will be staying in Florida until we move to Michigan and she'll also be helping us drive up and make the move. We'll be so glad for her help!!

This coming Saturday is my niece Olivia's 3rd birthday! Brent and I will drive over to spend the day with her. I can't believe it's been 3 years - seems just like yesterday when she was born and we met our little Livi-girl.

Lots of my family met in Indy this past weekend to see Philip and Michelle. They had a get-together at Joan's house. I was so sad to miss it, of course. My mom gave me the full report - they had a great time and she said Phil and Michelle look wonderful.

Good news - the loan for the house has been approved! We heard the good news yesterday. Now all we have to do is sign the paperwork and 1907 Country Club will be ours!

I'm feeling fine. Very tired this week. I haven't been going to bed early enough. Tonight looks to be turning out the same way. Rats. Better head that way and get some z's. Hope everyone is happy and well!!

Love ~ Laura

First Baby Shower

Today was my first baby shower! My co-workers threw a little get-together for me at work. People brought in food and a cake at lunch time. So many people got Baby gifts, I could not believe it. I was really overwhelmed by the generosity. We got the cutest stuff - Baby Hartsell made out! Little outfits and onesies, bath time stuff, and even the baby monitor I registered for. I brought everything home and Brent opened the gifts for a second time - what fun we had looking at of all Baby's things. My co-workers are sad to see me go and I will miss them also. I promise to send them pictures of the baby - doesn't seem quite fair that they won't be able to meet him/her. They really made me and Baby feel very special today!

24 weeks along ... Baby is 22 weeks old.

• Baby weighs 1 1/4 pounds and is 8 1/2 inches long.


• Baby's face and body look more like that of an infant at the time of birth, but is still very tiny!

Hope all the fathers out there had a great Father's Day weekend. I missed my Dad terribly. Brent had his Father's Day In-Training. What fun we'll have next Father's Day!

Well, I've run across the first snag of the move to Michigan. Transferring my nursing license to Michigan will take longer (much longer) than I anticipated. I completed the paperwork today and they said it could take 6-8 weeks for processing. I did not expect this at all, as transferring my inital license to Florida when I moved here was very simple and I was able to start work right away. Seems not to be so when moving back to Michigan. I cried and cried when I learned all this today. Brent reassured me and kept telling me not worry and that it will all work out. My parents say the same and my Dad thinks it may not take as long as they say. I have an interview set up for the week after we get to Michigan. It's a part-time case management position in a hospital close to Grosse Pointe. I e-mailed the nurse manager there to let her know the situation and I'm hoping it won't ruin my chances at getting the job. As long as there is no competition and no other applicants, I think they will hold the job for me if they want to hire me. I am so mad at myself for not checking on this sooner. I'm usually so organized and on top of everything - and have up until this! I guess for all the plans and decisions I've done for the past few weeks, I've done fairly well. I keep telling myself that things happen for a reason and this too will work itself out. I guess if it takes a few more weeks before I'm able to start a new job, not all is lost. I'll have plenty of time to unpack boxes!

I'm a little tired this evening - busy day. Such a nice morning with the baby shower and such a crappy afternoon with the license thing. Keep my chin up, right? I know, I'll go look at Baby's new onesies ... that will make me happy and do my heart some good.

Love all ~ Laura

Ultrasound News

Today was our ultrasound in Orlando. The ultrasound tech and high-risk doctor looked at Baby's kidneys. The right kidney is still large and retaining fluid. The left kidney is normal in size. The right measures just over 1 centimeter and they consider anything over 1 centimeter to be large. The doctor said that the finding is not "normal", however it just needs to be watched and can be followed up with a local doctor and he recommended another ultrasound be done in 2 months. He said I did not have to return to the high-risk office unless I wanted to. I told him we were moving and my new doctors will just have to do an ultrasound and make a determination how they want to follow it. The doctor said that most often the problem will persist throughout the pregnancy and the baby will need follow-up tests after he/she is born. My niece Olivia had tests after she was born and for her everything came out normal. We're hoping the same for Baby Hartsell. The doctor said that in the scheme of things, to have an abnormality, this is one you would choose as it is "milder" and can be fixed fairly easily with surgery after the baby is born, if it needs to be fixed at all. Let's hope not at all!

On a lighter note, Baby looked great on ultrasound. The tech said she could tell whether it was a boy or a girl, but she didn't tell us and we didn't see anything that would give it away. Baby must have been sleeping at first and was hanging out really low with his/her face down, so all we could see was the back of the head. The tech said the baby was being stubborn - ha! Stubborn already, I love it. Then near the end, Baby was moving around more and we got great pictures of the face. We could see the baby's whole face and we saw him/her open their little mouth! It was so cute. In the pictures, I think the baby looks just like a little Brent. So, I think it's a boy. But I've always thought so, really. Execpt that I have had three baby dreams and in all of them the baby was a girl. Time will tell! The tech also said the baby likes to hang out on the right side of my belly and I totally agree - that's where I feel most of the kicks. The baby is actually kicking right now - he/she is saying hello to everyone. We got a great picture of the hand - I posted it for you to see. Baby Hartsell's first wave.

The local OB appointment on Monday went fine. Quick in and out. I'm measuring right on target. Oh, today at the ultrasound they said Baby weighs 1 pound, 4 ounces.

We got the final closing date for our house - July 11th! I reserved the moving truck. My dad and Brent's dad bought plane tickets down that week to help us pack and move. We're on our way!

Prayers for baby. Love you guys ~ Laura

23 Weeks, Over Half Way There!

Hi all, we're 23 weeks now and baby is 21 weeks old. Baby is kicking and moving several times a day now. Baby seemed to like church this morning, the spirit must have moved him/her!

• Baby weighs almost 1 pound and is 8 inches in length.
• Baby's pancreas is developing.

Monday is our local OB appointment. Tuesday we go to Orlando for the ultrasound and opinion on baby's kidneys. I took off work all day on Tuesday. Brent will take me to both appointments. We are looking forward to Monday when we can hear the heartbeat and Tuesday when we can see baby on the ultrasound again.

It's hot as blazes here in Florida. I hide from the hot sun during the afternoon. Last evening it cooled off quite a bit and Brent and I took Jo-Jo for a walk in the park across the street. Then we sat on the screened porch and grilled out pork chops for dinner.

My niece Olivia just got her second set of tubes put in her ears on Friday. The surgery was quick and went very well. Angie says she's doing fine, a little grumpy is all. We're glad she's doing well and on the mend!

Brent's mom is here in Flordia right now and staying over in Tampa with Ang and the girls. They're having a great time, I'm sure, and enjoying the pool in this awful heat!

House update - just waiting on the final closing date. We are working toward July 11th. Once we get the okay, then we'll make reservations for a moving van, etc. My dad will be flying down a few days prior to our moving day to help us pack - and to enjoy one last Florida dinner of crab cakes with us! We'll be so happy to have him!

I'll post later this week after the ultrasound appointment to update everyone. Prayers for healthy kidneys in the mean time!

Love ~ Laura

Update at 22 weeks

Hi everyone!

Good news on the new-home-front. We have signed the final paperwork to make the offer to buy our little Country Club house. A price was decided and we have been pre-approved for the mortgage. The house inspection was yesterday and Brent's dad actually drove to Grosse Pointe for the inspection in our place. (Thank you so much, Greg!) The house is in great condition - only a couple minor repairs to be done immediately and a couple other minor things just to monitor. We signed the final paperwork today to complete the deal and soon we should hear the final closing date - we are shooting for July 11th. I hesitate to say, but I think we are steps away from owning our first home!

Brent and I have been having fun talking about home improvements. We've really only seen the house twice and we're looking forward to actually being there and starting to make it our own. The first project will be the baby's room. The room right now has a pretty awful shade of purple carpet. We'll put new carpet in and paint the walls. We have picked out a color - "Friendly Yellow". It's really a lovely color - very creamy with a hint of yellow. It's friendly, just like its name!

22 weeks along now - I can't believe it. Baby is 20 weeks old!

• Baby now weighs about 12 1/2 ounces and is 7 2/3 inches long.
• Eyelids and eyebrows are well developed.
• Baby's organs continue to develop. (Develop away, little kidneys in there, develop away.)

I was talking with Brent the other day about when I worked in the NICU and took care of premature babies. Some were born as early as 24 weeks. I can picture these babies so well in my mind. It's strange because our baby is close to 24 weeks, so I can realistically imagine what he/she looks like....how small, fragile, and perfectly baby.

Brent's last day of school was today! Bittersweet for him to leave Rivers Edge - he has been there for three years now and it was the first classroom of his own as a teacher. At the same time, he's very excited for our new start and for the new adventure he will have in his new position at Reach Academy up north. I'm very jealous this time of year - Brent sleeps in and Laura goes to work. It's really the pits! I should have been a teacher.....

Baby Hartsell is really moving lately. Brent felt a good kick last night! It was really the first good kick he's felt and it was a great moment. Baby seems to move a lot while I'm at work - it must be all the thinking I'm doing or something. It's an amazing feeling to feel the baby move. I love it, love it, love it. Amazing!

Well, time to wrap up the night. Congratulations sent out to my Mom and Dad - their 31st wedding anniversary was today! Wishing them many happy more.

Love you guys ~ Laura

Michigan Bound

The house hunt started over the weekend. Brent and I flew to Grosse Pointe this past weekend and met with our realtor. He showed us several homes and we chose 1907 Country Club - I posted a picture for you. It's a charming little bungalow with wood floors, three bedrooms, and one very outdated but workable kitchen. It has a basement and a screened-in porch, which my kitty will love. It has lots of character and suits us to a tee. We placed an offer, which was accepted today by the seller! Now it's all pending the inspection and mortgage. Keeping fingers crossed. What a whirlwind the past few days have been. Hard to believe that one week ago I had never even seen Grosse Pointe and now here we are half-way to home owners.

I absolutely fell in love with the Grosse Pointe area. I had to pinch myself, it seemed too good to be true. Beautiful tree lined streets, darling homes everywhere, great little shopping areas, and lots of places to walk. It's right on St. Clair Lake, which is huge and lovely. We will have access to the lake for our kayaks. I can't wait to move there and it feels so much like home already. Brent and I are just thrilled. My parents and Brent's parents drove up to see us and help with the house search. It was SO nice to see them. They all love our little home we picked out and also love the area.

21 weeks along now, Baby is 19 weeks old. I think I'm expanding by the day.

• Baby is about 7 1/4 inches long.
• According to the book, baby weighs 10 1/2 ounces, but it was estimated at my last ultrasound that he/she was 12 ounces.
• Fetal digestive system continues to develop.

I have been scheduled for two appointments - June 9th for the routine 4 week check-up here at the local office and June 10th for the special ultrasound in Orlando. Brent will be done with the school year by then, so he will be able to take me to both.

We Hartsells are busy beavers lately. So much going on - but we are thankful it's all going well so far!

Love, Laura

Ultrasound Day

Today was our second ultrasound day! 20 weeks along now and Baby is 18 weeks old. Brent and I took the morning off work and went to the ultrasound appointment together. Baby looks so cute in there!! It was so awesome to see how much bigger the baby is now since the first ultrasound. Baby was really rockin' and rollin' in there and moving his/her arms and legs. It was awesome! We saw the little face and the profile is amazing - the little nose is SO cute! The ultrasound tech said Baby weighs 12 oz, which is right on target. The heart rate today was 154 - I think we have a trickster on our hands and now we have no idea if it's a boy or a girl. The ultrasound tech said she didn't even look. :o) They checked out all of baby's organs - the heart has the four chambers and was beating great. Baby's head measures the right size. One concerning finding was the right kidney. It is bigger than it should be and is retaining fluid. The ultrasound tech said this is a very common finding, they see it once every week to two weeks on ultrasounds. She said that the kidney is not draining the urine well, maybe the valves are still underdeveloped. The left kidney is normal size. She said the bladder is working fine and the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby is normal. They are going to watch the kidney closely and monitor its size. It may return to normal on its own. If not, they will watch the amount of amniotic fluid, etc. Baby may need to have tests done after he/she is born and worst case senario is surgery to correct the kidney if needed.

They are going to send me to a "high risk" OB doctor in Orlando at Winnie Palmer Children's Hospital. Probably will have an appointment in the next couple of weeks. They will repeat the ultrasound and they have more specialized equipment there. They say this is a common problem, but no matter how common...it is still upsetting. My niece Olivia actually had enlarged kidneys and hers were found on ultrasound, too. She had testing after she was born and everything corrected itself and she does not have any problems at all. But, as first time mom and dad here, it wasn't easy for me and Brent to hear "high risk". We are keeping everything in perspective at this point. We will see what happens and just keep praying. I am crazy about our little baby inside...I fell in love even more today.

I posted a new picture of my belly - getting big! And a picture from today's ultrasound to show - isn't it the cutest baby in black in white you've ever seen?! Check out the foot sticking straight up!

Brent and I have an excited weekend planned. We are flying to Grosse Pointe on Friday evening and staying until Monday afternoon. We are meeting with our realtor and will be seeing several houses and hopefully finding just the one we want. If so, we'll be starting to put down some offers and hope we can get our first little home. My parents and Brent's parents are driving up and will be hanging out with us and helping us look at homes. We can't wait to see them and I can't wait for them to see my belly!

I have a cold again - very congested, probably a sinus infection. Have been slightly miserable for a week and now starting with the cough again. Plus, I have conjuctivitis in my eyes (they're all red and crazy). My doctor put me on Zithromax again. I think the baby's middle name will be Zithromax .... Anna Zithromax Hartsell or how about Rowan Z-Pack Hartsell. Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?

Say prayers for our baby and the little right kidney. I so hope everything turns out okay. I'm 20 weeks along now - half way done. These last 20 weeks will probably drag on now....I just want to see and hold Baby Hartsell. And kiss that cutest nose on that ultrasound.

Is it a Boy or a Girl?

I had a 4 week check-up on Tuesday with my OB doctor. I saw the nurse midwife, Michelle. She said that I am doing very well and am looking great! She is happy with my weight gain - about 8-10 pounds, depending on the scale. She measured my belly for the first time - I guess I'm "measurable" now! My blood pressure is still good and low. My labs I had drawn a couple of weeks ago that tested for abnormalities, such as spina bifida and Down's Syndrome, came back negative. She had nothing encouraging to say about my hip pain at night, only that it is normal and will probably get worse (oh swell). We listened to Baby's heart beat, which sounded wonderful to this anxious mom's ears. Heart rate was in the 140's. Some say boys run in 140's and girls are usually 150's-160's. The midwife said she'd put her money on a boy.
We'll see........................!

Lots of News at 17 weeks

Happy Mother's Day! Today is my Mother's Day "in training"! I hope all the mothers I know had a wonderful day. I missed my own mother terribly (painfully) today. But we talked on the phone a few times and she had a great day. Yesterday Scott made her dinner and helped her pick out new garden posies and plants. Makes me happy that they spent the day together, and of course with my Dad too. I also talked to my mother-in-law on the phone and wished her a happy day too! My mom left me the nicest comment under the last blog entry - made me tear up! All the wonders of motherhood do await me and I am looking so foward to meeting my baby. I've taken good notes from my mom over the years. She's showed me what it means to be a mom, and a really good one. If I can only be as half as wonderful as she is.

Well, Baby Hartsell is now 17 weeks and I'm 19 weeks along - almost to the halfway point!

• Baby is 5 1/4 - 6 inches long. Weight is now 7 ounces.
• Baby will increase his/her weight more than 15 times between now and delivery - I have a long way to go!!

I think I've been feeling the baby move lately. For about the past week or so I've been feeling flutters now and again. Sometimes it feels like someone is tapping me from the inside! It's still such an odd feeling, I don't know what to think about it yet! But I am pretty sure it's Baby and how wonderful.

Now for the biggest news - Baby Hartsell will be moving in other ways, too. As most of you know, Brent and I have been thinking about moving back up north. Last week Brent accepted an offer and took a new job in Roseville, Michigan. It's a suburb outside of Detroit. So, we are moving back to Michigan! He will start the new school year in August at a charter school in Roseville. His position is a Technology Specialist and he will work with all grade levels, teaching students using technology and working with his co-workers to develop new ways of learning through technology. It's a perfect job for him, especially with his new masters degree in Educational Technology. The new school is called Reach Academy. It is a brand new school in Roseville, so will have all new students and staff. The school is part of National Heritage Charter Schools, which is a big organization - our family friend Amy Lambries has worked with them for years in the Grand Rapids area. So, it's been a whirl-wind week thinking of all the changes to come and plans to make. We will probably move sometime in July. Our lease ends June 30th on our rental house here, but we plan to ask for one more month till July 31st to give us some more time. Brent went to Roseville for the interview last Tuesday and was offered the job the same day. Brent really loved the area and we are looking to maybe buy a house in the Grosse Pointe area, which is near Roseville and also a suburb of Detroit. Grosse Pointe is a great area and Brent says it's beautiful. It's right on a big lake - Lake St. Clair - so the kayaking can continue! Brent met with a realtor who showed him around the area and took him to see some homes for sale. Right now we are woring with a lender to see about a loan and how much we will be approved for - money talks! I am looking into jobs for me, as well. I'm looking for a part-time job to start with and continue once Baby Hartsell comes along. So much planning and so much to think about the next month or so! But, Brent and I are thrilled and so glad to be moving back up north. It suits us up there and we're looking so forward to maybe getting our first home and settling in. Keep your fingers crossed for us that all goes smoothly, with just a couple of road bumps along the way, as I'm sure there will be. Best part is, Grosse Pointe is about 3 hours away from home - just a car ride away!

Off to bed for me, another Monday and another week to start tomorrow. Hope everyone has a good one!

Love, Laura