My First Christmas

Here I am two weeks old and I have already celebrated my first Christmas. On Christmas Eve we went to my aunt Colleen and uncle Bret's house. I met so many new aunts and uncles and cousins. I can't wait until I get older and can play with my cousins. They were outside sledding and it looked so much fun but mommy said I am to small. When we got home daddy called Santa Clause because they are friends and he came over to our house to see ME. I got to sit on his lap and mommy took my picture. I can not believe that my daddy is friends with Santa that is so cool. After meeting Santa my mommy, daddy and grandma B went to church. I made it hard for mommy though because I pooped twice during the service and then I was fussy and grandma B had to take me out to another room.

On Christmas morning daddy fixed breakfast and then auntie Erika, uncle Jacob, Emily and Grandma B's friend Bob came over and we opened presents. Mommy and daddy opened mine for me. I got some books, a stuffed curious George, and some clothes. I gave mommy a pretty necklace with my birthstone in it. She loved it. After presents everyone eat a big turkey dinner and played on the Wii. It was a great first Christmas and I can not wait until next year.

On Friday I had to go to the doctor. I do not like that place. They always make me take my clothed off and I get cold and pee. Mommy and daddy were happy when they weighted me though because I was back up to 8pounds 10 ounces. The doctor said I look great and now I don't have to go back until I am two months old.

Things we are learning about Lily

As new parents Corey and I are learning all about our little one. Like how she sleeps all day and is up all night. We will have to work on getting her days and nights in order. She likes the sound of the dryer to help calm her down. She HATES to be dressed or have her diaper changed. She gets so upset that she pees every time we remove her diaper. The first day she started peeing all over we went through 7 outfits. Now we know it is coming and are more prepared. She likes to have Corey calm her down and already has her daddy wrapped around her little finger. Corey and I look forward to learning more about her each day.

4 days old

Corey, my mom and I have had 4 days now with Lily. She has been very colicky. Crying all the time and not wanting to sleep. She cried so much that she lost her voice and now has this sad horse little cry. Things started to look up yesterday though. She started sleeping and took a good 3 hour nap. We went to see our pediatrician yesterday and she looks good except that she has lost more than a pound. He is having me breast feed her and then give her an ounce of formula until our appointment on Wednesday to see if we can get her weight back up. Luckily my milk came in last night so that should help. She slept and eat every 2 hours last night and seems to be settling down. She crys when she is poopy or has to fart. She is sleeping soundly now and we can put her down in her bassinet and do not have to hold her the whole time she sleeps. We are learning together but things seem to be going in the right direction. Corey headed back to school today and I am so grateful to have mom here all week with us.

It's A Girl!!!

Lilyann Kelly Still was born on Friday December 12th at 12:09am. She weighed 8pounds 9 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long. She came out with a full head of dark hair and a really strong grip. She grabbed the doctors scissors right away and would not let go. Baby and mom are both doing well. We are learning about our new little one. Here are some pictures from the hospital.

Baby is on the way!!!

Corey here blogging tonight for my beautiful wife. It is about 10:30 on Wednesday & Allison has been having contractions since about 3:30 this morning, they weren't consistant and only ranging from 30-50 seconds anywhere from 10 to 12 minutes apart. I left for school at 6 to make sure I am ready for a sub in case the baby decides to come earlier than expected, and Allison went to school as well today and did alright until about 1:30. That's when she started really getting hit harder by the contractions and they were happening more often. Allison's mom has been over with her tonight because I had to bowl & I would join them at the hospital if I would have needed to. Since after school the contractions have been more consistant, longer, and more powerful, she is ranging now from 5 minutes to 10 minutes apart. Allison has arranged for her long term sub to take over tomorrow and won't be back in school until her leave is up. The consensus is that we will be heading to the hospital early Thursday morning, it will all depend on how these contractions intensify. Here's hoping for a safe delivery and a healthy baby. Just think, next time you read this blog we will have pictures of our new beautiful baby and we'll be parents!!!!

News from the Doctor

Today Corey and I went to the doctor for an ultra sound and weekly doctors appointment. The ultra sound went good. It is a lot different from 18 weeks. The baby's head was down and the hands and feet were by the head. The heartbeat was good and the baby is taking up all the room it can. The baby is measuring about 7pd 6oz give or take a pound. During the ultrasound the technician also measured the liquid around the baby which was at 6.5 which is low. The doctor is going to check the liquid again next Wednesday and if it is below 5 then we have to go in immediately for induction or c-section. As of right now I am not dilated or effaced at all. We are hoping that the liquids stay the same and labor just starts naturally. We will see what happens but I do not see anything happening before next Wednesday.

Thanksgiving

Corey and I spent a quiet Thanksgiving at the lake with my Aunt Tessa, Uncle Bob, Aunt Joan, and my cousins Meghan and Madison. On Friday My cousin Amy and her two little ones Ravenna and Hudson joined us. We had a very relaxing couple of days with lots of food, Christmas movies, and football.

We came home on Saturday to pack for the hospital just in case and decorate the house for Christmas. We got out my fake tree from college and I put it together and what a pathetic little tree it was. So Corey and I decided since we are having Christmas at our house we needed a real tree. It smells so good and is much nicer than the fake one. My wonderful mom came over and helped me decorate on Sunday.

We are now all packed and ready for the hospital. The car seat is in the car and the nursery is done. We are going to Babies R Us on Saturday to get the few things we will need at home for the babies arrival. We go in Tuesday to find out about the size and if I am dilated at all. Let you all know what we find out.

36 week Doctor visit

On Wednesday November 26th, Corey and I went to the doctor for our weekly visit. He said that everything is looking good except for two things. First, I have a really bad cold that I came down with on Monday and I am still fighting today (Sunday). He gave me a prescription to fill if it had not gotten better by Saturday so we are headed to Walmart later to fill it. I also have to contact him tomorrow if it is not better. He is worried about infections.

The second thing that he told us really had me upset. When he measured my tummy I should be measuring at 36cm because I was 36 weeks pregnant. Well I am measuring at 38cm which means the size of the baby is about two weeks ahead. This does not mean that I will deliver early though. It does mean that we have a BIG baby and the doctor is worried that I won't be able to deliver it. So Corey and I go in the 10th of December for an ultra sound so they can get a better idea of how big the baby is. If it is to big I will have to have a c-section which I DO NOT want. This is what upset me so much. I have my heart set on a natural birth, but I know that I have to do whats best for me and the baby. At least now I can kind of start preparing myself instead of it being an emergency c-section. Just pray that this baby was made perfectly for my body and that everything will go the way it is supposed to with a healthy baby and a healthy mom, whether it is natural or a c-section.

Doctors Visit

Yesterday Corey and I went in for our doctors visit. Everything is still going great. The baby is very healthy and is going to be a big baby. The doctor even admitted that the baby is big. In the last 2 weeks the baby has dropped and is now in an oblong position along my lower tummy. The baby continues to Rock and roll inside my tummy which makes Corey and I laugh.

We have exactly 1 month from today and I am still hoping to make it until my due date. over Thanksgiving break we are going to start getting ready though. we will pack and buy the things we still need for the little one when we come home from the hospital. I am ready to be done and hope that the next month just flys by.

Baby Shower

Yesterday my wonderful friends Laura and Jordan threw me a baby shower. I had a great time and got some great things for the baby. The nursery is really starting to look like we are ready for baby. We got the baby's bedroom set and my mom made a beautiful quilt for the baby. As soon as we have everthing washed and all put together I will post some pictures. Here are some pictures from my shower. Thank you to everyone who came.

Hospital pre-registration

Yesterday, Corey and I went to the hospital for our pre-registration meeting and tour. We met with a very nice lactation nurse who took all of our information so that when I go into labor I don't have to worry about filling out paper work. We even filled out the birth certificate except for the name. We Then got a chance to see the delivery rooms were I will be during labor and 2-3 hours after labor. Then I will get moved to another room for the next 2 days why I recover and take care of the baby. At our birthing class on Monday Corey and I got very scared when she told us that if it is a busy night then I might have to go in one of the shared rooms and then Corey can't stay the night. I think I would cry all night if that happened. The nurse yesterday told us that it rarely happens and we shouldn't worry.

I am getting close enough now that I want to know everything about labor and how to get through it. I love going to our classes and learning all about the stages of labor. Next week we are making our birth plans. For someone who is determined to have a natural birth this is a very reassuring step for me.

What a week!

Last Friday on Halloween Corey and I went to a party that my sister's teaching partner Jennifer was throwing for her 30th birthday. This was the first time Corey and I had ever been to a Halloween party so we were excited. I went as a pregnant nun and Corey was my priest. We had a good time but we didn't know anyone expect Jennifer and my sister and Jacob.

On Sunday we went to church where our pastor is doing a series on family. He is going through the different rooms in the house and talking about issues that family has in each room. On the first Sunday he started in the bedroom and talked about marriage. Then last week he was in the office and gave probably the best sermon I have ever heard on money. I can't wait to find out what room he is going to talk about this Sunday.

On Monday we attended our second child birth class where she talked about the first two stages of labor and learned ways we can help the labor along or slow it down if we need to. She also gave great tips to help the moms and ideas for the dads.

We have been spending all week getting ready for our conferences we had all day Thursday. Form 8am to 8 pm. I will admit I left at 7 though because I was so tired and hungry. The meal the PTO provided I couldn't eat because it had feda cheese in it. All of my students showed up but one which has been rescheduled for Monday. It was great to talk to each parent and it gave me the opportunity to talk about my maternity leave. Since I will be gone from Christmas break to Spring break I had to explain that the sub would be doing the spring conferences. All of the parents were very receptive and I know the transition will be okay. My principal and I are interviewing 3 subs next week so I can find the best person to take over why I am gone.

Corey and I have today off and so we went to Franks Dinner for breakfast in Spokane and picked up the changing table from my cousin Amy. It is always great to see her two little monkeys.

Tonight and tomorrow I am taking a Project Learning Tree class with my sister in Couer d' Alene. I am not looking forward to it but they are always easy credits.

I am looking forward to Thanksgiving break and being able to rest some.

Doctors Appointment

On Wednesday Corey and I went to see Dr. Hennenberg for our two week check-up. We had another great check-up. The baby is growing great and besides the tiredness and normal aches and pains I am feeling good. This has been a busy week with starting our birthing classes, our doctor's appointment and of course Halloween.

Today was a teacher work day for conferences next week. So we celebrated Halloween at school yesterday. I think that I only sat down for lunch other than that I was on my feet all day. The kids were able to dress up this year and we had a parade through the school. It was a lot of fun.

Birthing Classes

Yesterday Corey and I went to our first birthing class. We are taking them from a birthing center in Hayden, Idaho. There were about 10 couples in the class which is the largest group she has ever taught. Three girls are due the beginning of December. Myself and two others are due with in a couple of days of each other. The rest of the group is all due in January. Last night she went over different ways to help relieve some of the joys of pregnancy to make the third trimester more comfortable. She also talked about the different signs of labor and what to do at each stage. When she was talking about how birth actually occurs and what happens to the body I think Corey learned more than he ever wanted to know. I am most excited for the weeks we get to learn the breathing techniques. Since I am having a natural birth with no medication. If anyone out there has gone through a natural birth and has a technique or something that worked for them I would love to hear about it.

We go in to the doctor tomorrow for our next check-up. I will let everyone know how that goes.

Friends and Fun

Our friends from Nampa Matt, Lesley, and their little ones Keyan and Jazlyn came up this weekend. They got in late Friday night after the long drive from Nampa. Keyan was very excited to play the WII again and we all love to watch him box. He just has these super fast arms that just keep moving. It is quite a sight to see. Then Saturday night we met Lesley's parents and my mom in downtown Spokane for dinner at the Sawtooth Grill and then we attended the Broadway performance of The Phantom of the Opera. It was an amazing production. We were all awestruck by the sets and how flawlessly they change them. Then Matt and Lesley left this morning for their long drive back home. It was a fast trip but it is always good to see friends from Nampa. Have a safe trip back Matt and Lesley we will see you over President's day weekend with our little one.

30 week Check-up

Corey and I went in to the doctor this afternoon for our 30 week check-up. Everything is looking good. My glucose test was normal, my blood pressure is good, my weight is right on track, I am measuring good, the heart beat was normal at 138 bpm, and I am feeling pretty good. This last week the baby has felt heavier and I constantly feel like I am going to pee my pants, but other than that and trying to find a comfortable sleeping position all is good. There are only 10 weeks left and I can not wait.

Beautiful Fall Weather

Corey and I decided to get away for the night on Friday so we headed up to the lake. It has been so nice outside. A crispness in the air but the sun has been shining and where better to experience a beautiful Fall day but at Priest Lake. We headed up friday after school and came back Saturday afternoon. Here are some pictures of the lake.

Glucose Test

Well I took today off to go have my 3 hour glucose test done. I think they do the test just to torture pregnant woman. For example, you can not eat anything, you are stuck in a doctor's office for 3 hours, you have to drink the nasty sugar drink on an empty stomach, you feel like you are going to puck for the first two hours, and then you get to give blood 4 times. Well I am glad that it is over and now we just have to wait for the results. They told me it usually takes about 24 hours. I will let everyone know once I have the results.

Another exciting pregnancy adventure!

I went in today for my glucose blood sugar test and I did not pass. So now I have to go in on Tuesday for a 3 hour test. Where I get to drink more of the nasty glucose juice. On the day of testing, the following steps will be done:

I have to start fasting at midnight the night before and I can not eat anything until the tests are completely done. A blood sample will be collected when you arrive. This is your fasting blood glucose value. It provides a baseline for comparing other glucose values.
You will be asked to drink a sweet liquid containing a measured amount of glucose. It is best to drink the liquid quickly. For the standard glucose tolerance test, you will drink 75g to 100g; pregnant women drink 100g of glucose.
Blood samples will be collected at timed intervals of 1, 2, and 3 hours after you drink the glucose. Blood samples may also be taken as soon as 30 minutes to more than 3 hours after you drink the glucose.

So I will let every one know how it turns out next Thursday.

7 month doctors appointment

Corey and I went in this afternoon for our 7 month appointment and we got great news. When it came time to listen to the heart beat it was NORMAL. The heartbeat was at 132 bpm with no skipped beats. We were so excited. So now we can cancel the appointments with the specialist in Spokane and pray that it does not return. At this point in my pregnancy we get to start seeing the doctor every two weeks now. So far I have gained 13 pounds which is great but I feel humongous. Now we can just relax and hope that the next few months fly by because I am dieing to meet this little person.

Baby Registry

Yesterday, Corey and I decided to go register for the baby at Babies-r-Us. What an experience that was. Registering for our wedding was so easy we just picked out what we wanted and what we needed. Registering for a baby was a little more difficult. we couldn't just get what we want we had to get what the baby needs. We decided to start at the front of the store where all the infant care items are. We stood in front of the bottles just staring. We had no idea what the difference between each bottle was, how many we needed, what brands were good, and which plastic ones were safe. We felt like that through out most of the store. The easiest part was the babies bedroom set because we had already pick out Alphabet Soup. Well we finished and decided that we can always come back after looking over our list. As I was going through the list at home I was shocked that we did as good as we did. There are a few things we missed and will have to go back to add, but over all baby Still should be set.

The joys of owning a home!

Monday evening Corey was downstairs playing on the Wii and I was upstairs watching TV in bed. I went to use the bathroom in our bedroom when Corey started to yell at me to flush the toilet again. So I went into the bathroom and flushed. Then Corey starts yelling at me to turn off the water. Now I am all worried and wondering what is going on. So I head downstairs as fast as I can these days. I find Corey on a chair in the corner of our living room with a fist size hole in the ceiling above him. Apparently he had heard water dripping after I flushed and went to feel the ceiling. When he felt it his hand went right through. So we find our home warranty and call them. They then call a plumber who comes out that night. Apparently the seal around our bathroom toilet was all rotten. He repaired it and cut a larger hole in the ceiling so it could dry. We are now waiting for the dry wall guy to call and come fix the hole in our ceiling. Luckily we still have our home warranty and so we only have to pay $55.00 and the warranty pays the rest.

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate

Here are pictures from emily's birthday party. she sure loved her first taste of chocolate.

Happy Birthday Emily!

Today is my niece Emily's 1st birthday. I can not believe that she was born a year ago. This last year has gone by so fast. Emily is just about the cutest thing. She is crawling every where, and likes to walk along the furniture. She is also a little chatter box. She will repeat things you say but loves to say dada, mama, and shoe. Erika and Jacob are having a birthday party for her on Saturday. I love seeing 1 year olds eat their first cake. Or get it all over them selves.

Here is a nine month picture of Emily and a new born picture from the hospital.

Busy, busy, busy!

I feel like Corey and I have been so busy over the last few weeks. Last week I had Open House and just lots of stuff to get done at school. Then Corey was gone all weekend. He went to the lake to help paint and get other jobs done. Since Erika and I couldn't be around the paint we stayed home and spent Saturday together. This week Corey has Open House and bowling. It is always hard for me to go from spending all my time with him in the summer to only having a couple of hours a day where I see him. I call it Corey with drawls. Pathetic, huh! Well I look forward to a nice relaxing weekend.

3:30 am and awake

Well here I am at 3:30 in the morning wide awake since 1:30. It amazes me how you can be so exhausted all day and then you can't sleep at night.

Wednesday after school was our school BBQ and Open House so I was there until after7 that night. I was so tired of being on my feet. All day Thursday i felt just exhausted. So tonight I went to bed at 8:30pm and slept great until 1:30am when i woke up to use the bathroom. Then my mind had to start working. And what have i been thinking about for the last 2 hours, SCHOOL. What I need to get done? Things I need to make? How i am going to fit in all of our new reading series? etc.

Well now that i have all that off my chest, I am going to go back to bed and try sleeping again. Good Night!

6 month visit

Corey and I completed our second day of school today. So far things have gone well. Besides being tired and nauseas in the morning I have felt good. I think that I am really going to enjoy my class this year.

After school today Corey andI went in for our 6 month appointment. The doctor said that my weight and blood pressure were good. He measured my tummy for the first time and said I have a big baby. Then when we went to hear the heart beat it was irregular. It would beat and then there were little pauses. The doctor is having us go see a prenatal cardiologist to have a special ultra sound done on the babies heart to make sure everything is okay. He said that there is a 90% change that nothing is wrong and as the baby grows it will correct itself. If their is something wrong then they will either treat it through medication now or the baby will have to have surgery when it is delivered. We are praying that nothing is wrong. As soon as we know more I will let everyone know. Please pray for our little peanut.

Our intruder?

On Tuesday morning I got up to get ready for work and went downstairs to get something to eat. I get to the bottom step and find our front door wide open. I call for Corey to come down and we start looking around. Luckily everything is there. Corey's wallet and my purse are fine and nothing is different. So we think well that is weird. So I go into the kitchen to get my breakfast and I notice that a piece of toast and egg from the morning before that I had forgotten about is partially missing. So I ask Corey if he ate it, but he didn't. So I look in the fridge and pantry to see if any food is missing. Nope, everything is the same. So we start thinking well it couldn't have been a person then. Corey then remembers going to get the mail and leaving the door open just enough to get back in, but instead of using the front door he used the garage. Then we were gone all evening at the arena football Shock game. We went straight to bed when we got home assuming that the front door was shut and locked. So now we believe that an animal got in and eat the the egg and toast. Kind of scary though knowing that something was in your house while you were sleeping.

Will the baby be a girl or a boy?

I filled out and submited this form based on old wives tales to see what the gender of the baby is going to be. Here are the results.

You have a 47% chance of having a boy. And you have a 52% chance of having a girl.

And Here's Why...
You are carrying the extra weight out front, so it's a boy.
The hair on your legs is not growing any faster during your preganacy, so it's a girl.
Girls are carried high. You are going to have a girl.
Your feet are not colder than they were before pregnancy. You are having a girl.
You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread. You are having a girl.
Dad-to-be is gaining weight right along with Mom-to-be, which means that you'll have a boy.
The maternal grandmother doesn't have gray hair (dyed or natural), so a girl will be born.
You had morning sickness early in pregnancy, so you are expecting a girl.
You are looking particularly good during pregnancy. Therefore, it must be a boy, because girls steal their mother's looks.
Your chest development has not been very dramatic during pregnancy. You should expect a boy.
Since the sum of the mother's age at conception and the number of the month of conception is even, it will be a boy.
Your urine is a dull yellow color, so you will have a girl.
You have a craving for salty or sour foods, which means that it is a boy.
Your nose hasn't changed during pregnancy, which indicates a girl.
You have been craving meats or cheeses, so it is a boy.
Your baby's heart rate is 140 or more beats per minute, so it's a girl.
You have no desire for orange juice, so it's a boy.
You are having headaches, so it's a boy.
Your belly looks like a watermelon, so it's a girl.
You show the back of your hand, so it's a boy.
You use the body of the mug, so it's a girl.

I,ve Been Tagged!

Joys
- Finally being pregnant with our first child
- Spending the summer at the lake with Corey and my family
- Having a supportive husband who loves me dearly
- Reading a good book

Fears
- Losing the people I love
- Having a difficult/complicated labor
- spiders

Current Obsessions
- The Olympics
- Knowing everything about the babies development
- Bagels and cream cheese
- The Shopaholic books

Random/ surprising facts
- My favorite comfort food are the little mini chocolate donuts
- I hate when people pop their knuckles
- I hate to drive and I wouldn't have a license if I didn't have to

Amy you are the only person I have left to tag.

Parties, Flutterings, and the Olympics

Corey and I had a great time up at the lake. I did not want to come in, especially in order to go to the dentist, but we are heading back up tomorrow. While we were up their a lot happened. On Friday my mom and Aunt Joan planned a family baby shower for me. So my mom, sister, Aunt Joan, and cousins Amy, Colleen, Stephanie and Meghan went to Hills, a resort on the lake, for lunch. Instead of all getting me gifts they chipped in and bought us a stroller/car seat that I picked out. We had a great time and I really appreciate the gift. On Saturday we celebrated my sister's 32 birthday.

I love the Olympics, along with most of my family (except Corey). I have been glued to the TV and staying up until 12 or later because I just have to see what is going to happen. In fact last night I recorded it so I could go to sleep early and watched it this morning.

The best thing that happened this weekend was feeling the baby move for the first time on Monday. It felt like a little flip in my stomach. Now I notice it in the morning and sometimes when I am lying on my side. Corey is jealous and can't wait to feel the baby himself.

Here are some pictures from my baby shower.

5 month check-up

Corey and I went to the doctor today for our 5 month check-up. Everything is looking great. Our baby is in the 70th percentile for weight. The heartbeat was strong and you could hear the baby moving around. I have not yet felt the baby move, so my doctor told me to lay on my left side in a dark room with no noise and drink something cold. So we will have to try that and see if I can feel the baby.

We have been in town this last week. My mom came over and painted the babies room yellow for us. Then she spent two days helping me put my new classroom together. What a help she has been. (Thank you mom, we love you!) Yesterday Corey drove to Seattle to attend the Mariners vs. Twins game. Luckily the Twins won. I spent the day with my sister and adorable niece Emily.

We are headed back up to the lake today until Tuesday. Hopefully we have nice weather.

4 Wonderful Years and So Much More to Come

Corey and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary yesterday. We came in from the lake that morning after spending a nice relaxing week up there. Last night we headed in to Coeur d' Alene to take a sunset dinner cruise on the lake. It was a beautiful night and we had a great time. The food was wonderful and the nice ride around the lake was very romantic and peaceful.

We had a very busy 4th year with moving and starting our new jobs. Then buying our house and going through more fertility, and finally getting pregnant with our little peanut. We can't wait for this next year because our lives are going to change and we can hardly wait.

18 week Ultra Sound

Yesterday, Corey, my mom and I went in for out 18 week ultra sound. This is the first ultra sound for most people. The tecnichian was looking to make sure that the baby is developing correctly. She looked at the brain to make sure it had all of the hemespers it needs. She also looked at the neck and spinal cord. She checked to make sure the heart had all 4 chambers. We saw the lungs, kidneys, bladder, and the legs and arms. The babies heartbeat was at 143. Everything looked great and the baby was wiggling around as much as usual. We did not find out the sex of the baby but Corey said, "At times it looked like a girl and then I would see a picture and think it is a boy, but I really just don't know." Here are some new pictures of our little peanut.

Memory Lane

Please take the time to respond with a memory about me and you.

Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

4 month check-up

Yesterday, Corey and I went in for our monthly check-up with our doctor. We got to hear the heartbeat which is always reassuring. The doctor always tells us not to freak out but it might take a while to find the heartbeat, but not our baby. The minute the doctor places the heartbeat monitor on my belly there it is nice and strong. We just love hearing the heartbeat.

Dr. Hennenberg says that everything looks good. I finally gained a pound and 1/2 instead of loosing weight. The doctor also said that because I have not had any more bleeding in the last month that everything should be okay.

We go back in two weeks for our 18 week ultra sound. We will have to tell the technician that we DO NOT want to know the sex of the baby.

The Rest of Our Trip to North Dakota

Corey and I had a great time in North Dakota. We got to spend alot of time with his parents, his sister Carrie, her husband Rob, and their two little ones. We also got to spend some time with his sister Christy's kids,his grandparents, and our friends Josh and Kristy. It was a fun trip but we are glad to be back home. It is amazing to think that next time we go back to North Dakota we will have a little one with us. Here are some pictures from the rest of our trip.

In North Dakota

Well here we are in North Dakota visiting Corey's family. We started out on Wednesday, June 25 at 6:30 am and drove 824 miles, we were on the road for 13 hours. A very long day, but we made it all the way to Dickinson, ND. On Thursday we got up and were on the road around 9:00am. We drove 335 miles, we were on the road for a little over 5 hours and made it to Corey's parents place around 4:00 pm.

We spent Friday with his parents and his youngest sister Carrie's family. We love playing with her boys Xander who is almost 3 and Kasen who is 8 months old.

On Saturday, we went to the Guderian (Corey's mom's family) family reunion and 60th wedding anniversary party. We were there all day and I got to meet a lot of Corey's cousins that I had never met. We had a good time but I was exhausted by the time we left.

On Sunday I went with Corey's parents and sisters out to his aunt Linda's lake cabin and we spent a beautiful day in the sun and in the water. It was a lot of fun watching the kids play.

Corey went with his best friend growing up Josh to a Twins' game and had a blast. The Twins won 5-0. Then on Sunday night we spent time outside playing ladder ball and letting off fireworks. Christy's kids Bailey (5) and Trevor (2 1/2) went in the hot tub for a little swim.

We are having a great time even though I woke up with a head cold this morning. The pharmasist gave me some vitamin drops to suck on since at 15 weeks that is all I can take. I hope it goes away soon so I can enjoy the rest of our trip.

A weekend at the lake

Corey and I decided to go spend the weekend at the lake and get away from town for a while. When we got up there it was beautiful outside. My cousin Gavin, his wife Koby and their two boys Nolan and Braden were out sunbathing and swimming. Also my cousin Amy and her two munchkins Ravenna and Hudson were outside playing. Although the water is freezing the kids didn't care and they had fun in the water. Corey also had fun in the water playing with the boys. I was only brave enough to put my feet in. When I was little I would of been out there swimming with all my cousins until I was purple and my mom would make me get out.

Both my cousins and their kids left that day and we had a very quiet weekend. It was Corey and I, my mom and my Aunt Tessa and Uncle Bob. Although the weather was a little over cast and the mosquitoes were terrible we still had a very relaxing time.

Now we are home and getting ready for our trip back to North Dakota on Wednesday. So back to laundry and packing I go.

A view of the cabin from the dock.

A beautiful view even on an overcast day.

Hudson, Nolan and Braden playing in the cold water.

Is it finally done?

Yesterday morning I woke up feeling good for the first time in 3 1/2 months. Everyone has been telling me that the morning sickness will pass around week 13-14. Everyone said I would just wake up one day and feel good. But I really didn't believe them until yesterday.

Usually when I wake up I am nausea and I have to eat right away. The nausea usually lasted until about noon then I would feel good until 3-4 o'clock when it would all start again. Well yesterday I did not feel that way I just felt hungry like a normal person. I had energy most of the day. (still a little tired)

Then today I woke up feeling the same way hungry but not nausea and I actually had energy to clean my kitchen. Which thanks to Corey I have not done since March.

Is the morning sickness really over? Just in time to start my second trimester and for our trip to North Dakota. I sure hope it is but I need a few more good days to really tell.

Peanut wanted to say, "Hi Everyone"

Well we went in to the doctor today for our monthly check-up. This is the first time we have seen our doctor since the whole scare two weeks ago. Me being miss emotional started crying while Corey was telling the doctor the whole story. Dr. Hennenberg then decided to complete an ultra sound so he could see what was going on. He said it looked like the lining around the uterus had ripped some, but it was not next to the placenta like he originally thought. He told me to take it easy, not to lift anything heavy and that most likely I will bleed again. (That was scary to hear.) He doesn't know if the bleeding will be light or heavy just that I have a high risk pregnancy. He also said that the bleeding is not effecting the baby it is now a matter of me being able to carry the baby to full term or having a natural child birth. We are trying to be optomistic and believe that everything is going to be okay. Just keep us in your prayers for the months ahead.

In the first ultra sound picture where our little peanut is waving. The black area under the fetus is the tearing.

It is amazing to see how human the baby is starting to look. Having this many ultra sounds really shows you the progression of a baby. What an amazing miracle. Mommy and daddy love you little peanut.

Schools out for the summer!!!

Well the last week of school is finally over. Although we do still have to go in Monday, just knowing that the kids are gone and report cards are handed out is a great feeling though. This last week was very long for me. As usual I was feeling terrible plus stressed about all the things I had to get done before the kids left on Friday. So I just wanted to laugh when the doctor told me to take it easy and not get stressed. I did my best at following his orders. I am ready to just relax and take naps. At least for this week. I am switching classrooms and so I need to get in and pack up before we head off to North Dakota at the end of the month. Baby is still doing good. We go in on Thursday for our monthly check up and blood tests. I will let you all know how that goes.

Our Little Wiggle Worm

Well Corey and I went in to North Idaho Inland Imaging this morning at 7:45 for an ultra sound. Going in for the ultra sound was a little bit tortures for me. I couldn't go pee for 2 hours before and at least a 1/2 hour before I had to drink 36oz. of water. Which did not settle well and I ended up throwing it all up. Waiting in the room seemed like forever because: 1. We were nerves about what we were going to find out and 2. I had to pee! Well we finally got called in and the technician started and right away we could see the baby moving and the little flutters of the heart beat. It was the best thing I think I have ever seen. We then got to hear the heart beat and she took about 50 pictures some of them were even 3D which were amazing. The baby was moving a lot and so the technician called it a wiggle worm. The baby was also standing on its head and so we got some great pictures of the butt and legs. I was not able to talk to my doctor today because he was out of the office, but the nurse told me the report looked good. I am just supposed to take it easy through the weekend and as long as there is no cramping or spotting I can go back to work on Monday. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for us. These last few days have been very hard but Corey and I both feel that it is over and we can enjoy the thoughts of our little one.

Pray For Us

Well yesterday Corey and I had quite the scare. Around 5:30 pm I started bleeding. I called Corey and he rushed home right away. I called my doctors office and the on call doctor was taking forever to get back to us, so we got in the car and drove to the emergency room in Coeur d' Alene. After waiting for what seemed forever we finally got called back. by this time I was flowing pretty hard and scared out of my mind. My mom got there about the time i was getting ready for my exam. The emergency doctor did an ultra sound but did not tell us any thing he saw. He also did an exam and the nurse told us that my cervix was still closed which was a good sign. I continued to flow pretty heavy through the whole time at the hospital. At around 8:30-9:00 the doctor came back and told us that there is nothing more they can do. I have what is called a threatened miscarriage and I now have a 50/50 chance of carrying the baby or having a miscarriage. He told me to go home, relax and call my doctor in the morning. So I left knowing that the baby was still alive but i was still very scared. I slept about 4-5 hours last night. The good news is that the bleeding has stopped. I took today and tomorrow off of school and i am going in tomorrow morning at 7:45 for an ultra sound to see what is going on. All i want is to see the baby move or hear the heart beat. Then I will feel way better. As of right now we are doing okay. I am glad that school is done next Friday and then I can relax and take care of myself and the baby. Please just pray for us and the baby and I will update tomorrow with what we find out.

Our Weekend

What a beautiful weekend we had here in Northern Idaho. Corey and I tried to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather.

On Friday we went into downtown Spokane and walked around riverfront Park. There were a lot of people out walking around, riding bikes, having picnics, and just enjoying the great out doors. We walked down to see the falls on the Spokane River and boy were they moving. It was quite a sight to see. By then we were hungry and so we walked around the streets trying to decide where to eat and ended up at The Onion a local restaurant. We had a great evening.

On Saturday we got a slow start because mornings are not a good time for me. But by mid afternoon I told Corey that we needed to get out of the house and go enjoy the day. So we went into Coeur d' Alene and walked along the beach on the Centennial trail. We also walked along the boardwalk in front of the resort. By then I was tired, hot, and thirsty so we stopped at a little bar and grill and got something to drink and a snack to eat.

On Sunday poor Corey woke up with a terrible cold. So I let him sleep in and so we didn't go to church. Later that day i had a baby shower for my cousin Amy who adopted their second child from China. Amy and her husband went to China in March to get Hudson a 2 1/2 Chinese boy who we all love and adore. It was great to see people and catch up.

Well that was our wonderful weekend in the sun. I hope you also had a nice relaxing time.

8 weeks, 5 days

Corey and I met with Dr. Henenberg today. He is great and we feel very comfortable with him. Thank you Laura and Eric for recommending him. We were able to hear the heart beat today with out an ultrasound. However, he did a tummy ultra sound so he could look at the cysts. Good news is that they have shrunk from 7cm to 2cm. That was very good to hear and took a weight off of my shoulders. Now we just want them to disappear. We also found out that my official due date is December 20. So we will have a very exciting Christmas this year. Our next appointment will be in 1 month right after school gets out. This will be the last ultrasound until week 18. Here is the newest picture of our wonderful peanut.

Happy Mother's Day!

I just wanted to wish all you mothers out there a very happy and relaxing Mother's Day.

To my amazing mom I just want to say thank you. Thank you for everything you have done for me. All your love and support have helped to make me the person I am today. Mom you are my hero. You have been through so much in your life and yet you are so strong and you always turn to the Lord for help and support. I hope that I am even half the mother, wife, teacher and person that you are. Thank you mom for being such a great role model for me. I can't wait to be a mother to my child because I know I had such a great example growing up. I love you.

Week 7: Our little Blueberry

Well I went in today for my third ultra sound with Dr. Robbins. Everything is looking great. My hormone levels were great and the ultra sound looked good. In fact I got to hear the heart beat today. It was the most amazing thing I have ever heard. I was just so sad that Corey wasn't there to hear it. The really good news is that baby and I graduated from Dr. Robbin's care. We no longer have to go back to the fertility clinic. Now I will have all of my appointments with Dr. Henenberg in Coeur d' Alene.

Our first appointment with him is next Wednesday and Corey will be able to go with me now. Yeah!!! Laura thank you for the recommendation. I hope we have as good of luck with him as you and Eric did.

I am still feeling nausea all of the time and I can't wait until that part of the pregnancy ends. Some days I just wish I could vomit because I think it would make me feel better. I keep trying different things but so far nothing really helps. I am just trying to get through my days with out being to cranky at me students. Corey has been amazing doing the dishes, laundry, making what I want to eat, rubbing my back and just being the loving husband he is. Thank you honey, you are the best!!!

Sorry this ultra sound is a little harder to see.

Week 6- Our little M & M

Well this morning before school I went in for my 2nd ultra sound. Dr. Robins said that everything looked good and the heart beat was strong. I can't wait until we get to hear the heart beat, but it is still amazing that something the size of an M&M has a heartbeat already. It will make it seem so much more real when we hear the heart beat. All of my hormone levels came back right where they should be. It is always such a relief to hear that everything is going the way it should. I go back next Monday to see Dr. Robins (my fertility doctor) and then I will transfer to a doctor in Coeur d' Alene. (Laura I would love to know the name of the doctor you and Eric used.)

Thank you to everyone for your suggestions. I am just trying to get through the day and keep my tummy full. Even if I get full off of only a couple bites these days.

Below is a new ultra sound picture from my visit today.

Pregnancy Advice

Okay, I would love some advice from all of you moms out there. How did you deal with the tiredness, nausea, backaches, and smells?

I have read a couple of books and tried some of their ideas. However, I like to hear what worked for other people because who knows that might just work for me also. Fortunately I have not had to vomit yet, but the tiredness and nausea have really increased the last few day as I went into my 6th week. Anything you would like to share with me I would love to hear.

Our Miracle

As most of you know Corey and I received the best news of our lives on Saturday April 12. We found out that we are pregnant!!! This news was so amazing to finally hear after 3 years of waiting. Currently we are 5 weeks along which isn't very far, but we are just so excited that we have to share the news with everyone. I figured out that we are due around December 18 based on when we did the IUI treatment.

Today we went to the doctor for our first ultra sound and found out that there is just one baby. We also got to see the baby or spot as it looks like in the picture.

All though this was an exciting time we also found out that I have 2 cysts the size of softballs in my right ovary. Although it is uncomfortable for me causing cramps and bloating. The doctor is not to concerned. He says that by week 10 they should start to shrink and finally disappear. We go in next Monday for another blood test and ultra sound to check on them.

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for us over the last 3 years. Now pray that we have a health baby.

My Birthday

Well today is my 29th birthday. I have always loved my birthday. As a kid my birthday would go on for about two weeks. With the school party, friends party, family party, and then celebrating my actual birthday. Every April 17 I was treated like a princess. I wouldn't have to do my chores. I would get to choose what was for dinner or where we were going to eat. The best thing though was getting to eat on the red YOU ARE SPECIAL plate. I am so excited to pass that tradition down to our kids one day, and thanks to my mom we have our own YOU ARE SPECIAL plate.

Well as birthdays go this has been a good one so far since my students were so excited about today. A bunch of them made me cards (so cute), and I got some flowers and candy. Of course they had to sing me happy birthday with chaa-chaa-chaas and all.

I am looking forward to this next year of my life I know it will be one I will always treasure.

Girl Time

With Corey down in Boise this weekend I got some girl time with Erika and mom. On Friday Erika had us over for a wonderful dinner. The best part of course is playing with little Emily. I get to see her every couple of weeks and she changes so fast. I am just thankful that I am here to see these changes. Her new favorite thing is to log roll around the living room while cooing and caaing. She is one strong girl.

Then Saturday mom and I went to see Mrs. Pettigrew's Perfect Day, which was a very cute movie. It is always great to spend time with my sister and mother. Especially this time of year around Easter and March 31. This is the time of year when we really start thinking about dad and missing him. I can't believe that it was 11 years on March 31 since his death. Some days it feels like yesterday and other days it feels so long ago. Well having each other helps. I love being home and having these times together.

Do I teach wild animals or 1st graders?

Well our first week back from spring break is almost over, and I am very glad. My students went away being there cute sweet little selves and came back wild and crazy animals. It is like they forgot all of the rules and procedures in our classroom. The spring fever can't set in yet. The weather is not even nice outside. Well as wild as they have been I still love them and hope that we can have a productive and fun last couple of months. They really are a great bunch of kids. i just need to whip them back into shape.

The end of our trip

Well the rest of our trip went great.

Thursday-
On Thursday Corey and I went to Magic Mountain to take on the roller coasters. We both love them and say the faster, higher and twistier the better. We had a lot of fun and it was nice to have a day with just the 2 of us. Corey's parents stayed back at the resort and just relaxed.

Friday-
On Friday we headed in LA. We went to the walk of stars and saw Grahams Chinese Theater, the wax museum and the world records museum. We then drove through Bel Air and down Rodeo drive. We ended the day at Santa Monica harbor and enjoyed a ride on the famous Ferris wheel. We then finish with a wonderful dinner at Bubba Gumps. Corey's parent flew out of LA that night at 1:00am so we dropped them off and then headed back to the resort.

It was a great vacation and it was nice to stay busy. The week went nice and slow which is always great. Now we have 2 months of school with no vacations.

Sunny in California

Well we are having a great time in California, and although it has not been in the 80's the weather has been very nice.

Monday-
On Monday we went to Disneyland and had a great time going on all of the rides. The weather was warm and Corey burnt his head. The only thing that sucked was the terrible headache I got about half way through the day. I love rides and on the Star Troopers Ride I thought I was going to be sick. I sucked it up though and we stayed to watch the parade and then left.

Tuesday-
On Tuesday we spent the day down in San Diego. We took a tour of the USS Missouri and then we headed to Old Town for YUMMY Mexican food. From there we head downtown for a Padres vs. Astros baseball game. The game was slow and it was cold but Corey loved it and that is all that matters.

Wednesday-
Today we thought it was going to rain and so we were a little worried but it turned into a beautiful day. We went to the San Diego Wild Animal Park and saw lots of animals except the tigers they were not there. We then headed back to Oceanside and walked along the beach and had dinner at the harbor.

We look forward to another couple of fun filled days.

1st Day in California

Well we had a good first day in California. Although the weather is not as nice as we would like to have. It has been in the low 60's and windy. It is great to see green grass and palm trees though. Today we laid low and visited family in the area. We had a wonderful dinner at my Uncle Bill's house and met his wife Joan and her daughter Michelle and Michelle's two kids. Then we headed over to see Rick's (Corey's dad) Aunt Deloris and his cousins.

Tomorrow we are headed to Disneyland. (Sorry Jessica I know you would love to come along.) We are excited to go do some tourist things and hopefully the weather will improve some. 70s would be great.

Learning to Wait

Well everything went great on Thursday and the IUI (insemination) was completed. Now comes the hard part of waiting. During this time it is very hard to not get your hopes up. Every little feeling, or crap I feel makes my mind automatically think "Oh I must be pregnant." It is hard to stay positive and at the same time be realistic that it may not have happened.

About a year ago when I was finishing my last masters class, a poetry class actually. We were asked to write poems in a journal and then we had to share some on our last day of class. Well as someone who has never liked reading poetry, let alone writing it I was a little nervous about this assignment. At the time Corey and I had just started seeing the fertility doctor in Boise. During one of my days of waiting to find out if the treatments had worked I wrote a poem. A poem that told of all my heartache. I shared this poem with my family and with my class. This poem says how I have felt everyday for the last 2 1/2years. For all of you that read my blog thank you for listening. It helps me to deal with all of this by sharing it all with friends and family.

My child

Where are you?
I see you in my mind,
and feel you in my heart.

Where are you?
I see your bright blue eyes,
and your smooth blond hair.

Where are you?
I hear your voice,
and your soft sweet laugh.

Where are you?
I can feel your soft
skin while I hold you in my arms.

Where are you?
I can feel your heart
beat next to mine.

Where are you?
Oh, God why?
Why NO and not yes!

Where are you?
Lord I trust you.

By: Allison Still

Tomorrow is the BIG day!

Well I went into the doctor again this morning for an ultrasound and blood test. The ultrasound showed that I had 3 follicles ready in my right ovary and so the doctor gave me a shot in the bum to help me ovulate. So Corey and I go in tomorrow morning at 7:00 for our first round of insemination since starting treatments again. We are both very excited and we are trying to stay positive.

Luckily both of us have conferences tomorrow and so we did not have to take any time of off work. We just had to call a couple of parents each and change conference times. We are hoping to be back to school by 9:00am. Then the hard part comes. The waiting.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Well I can not believe that Easter is already here. This year is different for Corey and I because we are not usually with family on Easter. The last few years we have spent Easter with our Nampa/Boise family. Bob and Erin, Katie and Seth and Nick and Nicole we will miss going out to brunch with all of you. I am excited to spend this day with my family though.

At church this morning the pastor was talking about how Easter is a tradition to some people, a Christian obligation to others, and a personal time for others to remember Jesus and what He did for us. I pray today that all of you fall into the third category. Take time to remember why we celebrate Easter. It is not about Easter egg hunts, candy, or food. It is to celebrate the greatest gift anyone could ever get, salvation. So today I say thank you to Jesus who died on a cross for my sins and yours and then rose again three days later. Happy Easter everyone.

Good news and bad news

Good News. Well I finally got in today to have the HSG procedure. For those of you who have had this done I am so sorry. What an uncomfortable and painful experience it was. Even through the pain and cramping though it is always nice to have good news. Everything was clear and fine. I am not blocked anywhere and so that is one less thing that Corey and I have to think about. Now we move forward and can concentrate on what is next. Corey gets to give me a shot tomorrow and Sunday and then I go in for an ultrasound on Wednesday. From there we will see how things are progressing. We are hoping to do the insemination next Friday March 28. Which would be great because we do not have school on that day.

Bad news. On a totally different note. I would like to know who ordered the snow. With the first day of spring I expected sun and warm weather. But for the last two days it has been snow, sleet, hail, and rain, but NO sun. It is a good thing that we leave for southern California in a week because I am ready for some nice sunny weather.

Take Two

Well I went in this morning at 6:30 am for another early morning blood test. I am starting my Letrozol over today and then I start my hormone shots on Saturday. Hopefully this week works out better than last week.

Some Clarification

I was able to talk to the nurse on call this morning and she talked with Dr. Robins. The plan right now is to have me stop my medication and come in for new blood work Monday morning at 6:30am. So until then we will have to wait and see what the next step is.

A Day of Confusion

Today has been one of those days where everything goes wrong. I woke up this morning and found that I had started my period which gave me a great shock since my blood tests on Tuesday showed that I was suppressed. My doctor started me on my medication Letrozole (which you start on day 3 of your cycle) and then I am supposed to start my hormone shots on Sunday.

In the mean time I was taking this afternoon off to have a procedure called
HSG-hysterosalpingogram done at 1:30 this afternoon. (hysterosalpingogram is an X-ray test that looks at the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes and the area around them.) Well I called my doctor when I got up because I was not sure if they could go ahead with the HSG. I played phone tag with them all morning since I can't talk on the phone while I am supposed to be teaching. At around 10:45 when my students went out for recess I finally talked to someone. The nurse told me to go ahead and go to my HSG appointment at 1:30. So I left school at 1:00 and went to the Inland Imaging clinic at Sacred Heart Hospital. Only to find out that I am supposed to be at the Inland Imaging center at St. Luke's Hospital. So I finally found my way there at around 2:00. When the nurse called me back it was only to tell me that my appointment had been cancelled and the doctor was already gone. So as of right now I am just waiting for the nurses to call me back and let me know what my next step is.

Family and Friends

It is always a great feeling to be reminded of how many people there are in our lives that love us and support us. Yesterday when I sent out my blog it amazed me what support I got back from my family and my friends.

The people in my life make these hard trials easy because I know that no matter what happens I will always have your love and support. So thank you to everyone who is out there praying for Corey and I and supporting us.

Back in the fertility game

Well most of you know that Corey and I have taken the last 6Th months off from fertility treatments. With the move to Spokane and then to Post Falls and starting new jobs we took a break. Not to mention the emotional, physical and financial toll it was taking on us. We needed a brake. Well that brake is officially over. Yesterday March 10 we both took the afternoon off and met with the fertility specialist in Spokane. This was an emotional visit for me and a stressful visit for both of us. Even after going through treatments for a year and a half it is still so much information and so many procedures and drugs to remember. The doctor seems to think that we have a good chance and we are starting off where we left off in May. Here is the plan for right now:
* Today at 6:30am I went in for some blood tests.
* I start my medication today and take that for 5 days. Corey also has to give me hormone shots again. Lucky Me!!!
* On Friday March 14 I go in to have a test done where they shoot dye into me to make sure that everything is open and my fallopian tubes aren't blocked.
* Then next week i go in for a couple of ultra sounds to make sure the medication is working correctly.
* Then next Friday March 21 we go in for insemination and from there it is all in God's hands.

Well as we go through this process stay posted and I will let you know what is going on, and don't forget to pray for us.