What a gorgeous holiday weekend! We spent the weekend with the Trauscht's at Kevin's cabin. I had Friday off to make up for the fact that I have to work today, Memorial Day. Originally I didn't think it would be that big of a deal to work Memorial Day. In years past it hasn't been one of the nicest holidays, so I figured I wouldn't be missing out on much...how wrong was I?! It has been one the nicest weekends we've had in a long time. Friday I spent the day running some errands and packing the car for our trip to the lake. As soon as Kevin got home from work we loaded up and headed to the lake. We had dinner Friday night at the Stone's Throw and then played dominoes later. Saturday was the perfect day...so sunny and very warm. I spent the day hanging out on the beach while Kevin golfed and then we spent the afternoon on the boat. Sunday was much of the same, lots of boating, swimming and soaking up the sunshine. I DID NOT want to leave. Kona and I packed up and headed home about 4pm on Sunday so we could get home early enough to unload and unwind in preparation for me to go to work today. Now I'm trapped in my office looking out at the sunshine thinking about how I could be boating, tanning or enjoying a holiday off with the ones I love. Instead I was welcomed by patients telling me how glad they were I was back. It helps a little, but definitely doesn't compare to spending time at the lake with family.
Even though I had to come to work today, our weekend was awesome. It's so fun to hang out with family, play games, run around with Trevor and Gwen and enjoy Kona being mellow and appreciating the little time she has to spend cooped up in the house. I got to spend ample time in the sun and Kevin got to play a few rounds a golf. Life is good! Let's just hope that the 4th of July and Labor Day are just as nice so I don't have to feel like I missed out too much!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
It's official there is a baby bump
Lots has been going on lately, life is busy but full of fun. We were in Duluth as Kevin already said for Katie's graduation last weekend. Kevin was lucky and got to miss out on the actual ceremony while the rest of us sat there for 3+ hours, he definitely got the better end of the deal. I'm proud of Katie for accomplishing this big stage in her life and excited to see what the future has in store for her. While sitting at her graduation I couldn't help but think of my own graduation just a little over 5 years ago. So many memories from college flooded me, and I could sympathize with the feelings Katie must have about leaving a place that has become so near and dear to her heart. I also was thinking about how grateful I was for going to a private school...graduation is WAY shorter! On plus about Katie's graduation was they had concessions, which I suppose were necessary due to the fact that I spent 2 hours saving seats before the ceremony even started! It was a great weekend with family and friends though and lots of fun to see where Katie lived and the things she did while she was in school. I however will not be letting Kevin forget anytime soon that not only did he get to skip out on the graduation, he got to participate in the after ceremony activities of a keg, beer pong and flippy cup. I think it really hit me at that party that I am in fact getting older and going to become a mom myself when one of Katie's friends mom's asked if I normally sit at the back of the party and just watch...I am getting older, luckily Kevin was able to re-live college years for both of us and I felt much better than him the next day! I just hope our little guy thinks that it is fun to party with his parents after his college graduation...Kevin and I might even get to show him our wonderful beer pong skills :)
This past weekend was also our one year wedding anniversary. Hard to believe it's already been a year and at the same time, can't believe how much has changed already. A year ago we were preparing to start the rest of our lives together. Kevin was afraid I stood him up when I was running late to pictures, I was trying to figure out how not to cry when I saw the man I was going to marry that day, or at least if I did cry how to be a cute crier and I was also trying to remember and soak in every moment of that day and the memories with it. It was definitely one of the greatest moments of my life, I truly married my best friend and the greatest guy in the world. As we embark on this new journey I can only think about how great of a husband Kevin is and how he is going to be an even greater Dad. It makes me emotional just thinking about it. Our little guy truly doesn't know how lucky he is to get Kevin as a dad. He's going to be the best playmate, role model and father a man can be.
Onto the title of this post...it's official I have a baby bump. It might not be a big bump, but it is definitely a bump! I'm not sure when this bump made it's appearance, but I've decided sometime between the weekend and yesterday. Saturday at Katie's graduation everyone was talking about how they couldn't even tell I was pregnant and having a hard time believing I was already half way. Yesterday and today at work people were asking me left and right if I was expecting and congratulating me. Baby swan has definitely made himself known. His presence might have sometime to do with the fact that he is know roughly the size of a cantaloupe or about as long as a banana. Hard to imagine something that started off the size of a poppy seed is now a cantaloupe!
Kevin and I have started thinking of names, I'm slowly reading through every letter of the alphabet scouring for names that would be suitable for baby swan. We still aren't any closer, but I have read about half the alphabet so far! As I think of naming baby swan I think back to elementary school when I wanted to change my name, the spelling of my name or anything to be different. For awhile I insisted that my teachers spell my name K-e-l-s-i-e. I tried daily to convince them that the spelling on the official school documents was wrong and my name did in fact end with an "ie" instead of "ey". I chuckle thinking of how much time parents spend thinking of the perfect name for their child, only to realize at some point in his life my son will probably ask why we picked the name we picked and not something cooler or different from his friends. If kids only knew how much time and thought went into naming them! I've also been reading and researching cribs, car seats, strollers, you name it and I've probably been looking into it. Kevin and I went to look at furniture and car seats a little last night and I've decided I'm starting to drive myself crazy with all the looking, reading and researching I've done. Eventually I'm just going to have to pick something and take the first step! Sometimes my need to have the perfect something winds up paralyzing me from choosing at all. Luckily Kevin is patient and decisive so eventually things will be chosen. Until then I'll be spending time with my nose in a book, looking and re-looking at online sites and articles and pondering what the perfect choice for us is.
If you made it through this novel, way to go! I guess I need to update more frequently! I'll try to not write so much next time. Can't make any promises though, because if you know me at all, I'm never short on words.
This past weekend was also our one year wedding anniversary. Hard to believe it's already been a year and at the same time, can't believe how much has changed already. A year ago we were preparing to start the rest of our lives together. Kevin was afraid I stood him up when I was running late to pictures, I was trying to figure out how not to cry when I saw the man I was going to marry that day, or at least if I did cry how to be a cute crier and I was also trying to remember and soak in every moment of that day and the memories with it. It was definitely one of the greatest moments of my life, I truly married my best friend and the greatest guy in the world. As we embark on this new journey I can only think about how great of a husband Kevin is and how he is going to be an even greater Dad. It makes me emotional just thinking about it. Our little guy truly doesn't know how lucky he is to get Kevin as a dad. He's going to be the best playmate, role model and father a man can be.
Onto the title of this post...it's official I have a baby bump. It might not be a big bump, but it is definitely a bump! I'm not sure when this bump made it's appearance, but I've decided sometime between the weekend and yesterday. Saturday at Katie's graduation everyone was talking about how they couldn't even tell I was pregnant and having a hard time believing I was already half way. Yesterday and today at work people were asking me left and right if I was expecting and congratulating me. Baby swan has definitely made himself known. His presence might have sometime to do with the fact that he is know roughly the size of a cantaloupe or about as long as a banana. Hard to imagine something that started off the size of a poppy seed is now a cantaloupe!
Kevin and I have started thinking of names, I'm slowly reading through every letter of the alphabet scouring for names that would be suitable for baby swan. We still aren't any closer, but I have read about half the alphabet so far! As I think of naming baby swan I think back to elementary school when I wanted to change my name, the spelling of my name or anything to be different. For awhile I insisted that my teachers spell my name K-e-l-s-i-e. I tried daily to convince them that the spelling on the official school documents was wrong and my name did in fact end with an "ie" instead of "ey". I chuckle thinking of how much time parents spend thinking of the perfect name for their child, only to realize at some point in his life my son will probably ask why we picked the name we picked and not something cooler or different from his friends. If kids only knew how much time and thought went into naming them! I've also been reading and researching cribs, car seats, strollers, you name it and I've probably been looking into it. Kevin and I went to look at furniture and car seats a little last night and I've decided I'm starting to drive myself crazy with all the looking, reading and researching I've done. Eventually I'm just going to have to pick something and take the first step! Sometimes my need to have the perfect something winds up paralyzing me from choosing at all. Luckily Kevin is patient and decisive so eventually things will be chosen. Until then I'll be spending time with my nose in a book, looking and re-looking at online sites and articles and pondering what the perfect choice for us is.
If you made it through this novel, way to go! I guess I need to update more frequently! I'll try to not write so much next time. Can't make any promises though, because if you know me at all, I'm never short on words.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
It's a Boy (part deux)
Yes, I got to break the news to the facebook world. It felt great to share it with the people that we don't get to see very often and to those who just like stalking Kelsey and I for our updates. I liked a couple comments from my cousins on the fact that I'm not supposed to be having a kid yet, because it seemed like yesterday we were all getting together for various family get-togethers, and I was pestering them to include me on their activities. It really is amazing just how quickly life can change. I still can't think of myself in the "dad" frame of mind. I know when the time comes I will be just fine, but for now I think i might just be trying to hold on to that last bit of the 6 year old that is still inside me. Once the little dude arrives I know the 6 year old inside me won't be gone, but he definitely will be playing a different role. I'm sure i'll have to channel my inner child once or twice to really have fun with our kids. Just ask Kelsey, I'm sure she'll agree that channeling my inner child won't be a problem for a long time.
This weekend we were up in Duluth with the Biagi clan celebrating Kelsey's sisters graduation. It was great to have everyone together to celebrate multiple things. I'll let Kelsey touch on the specifics, but it was a great weekend. I may or may not have tried to channel my inner college self wi. th my beer intake, but I paid for it Sunday morning. I don't like taking advantage of a pregnant sober cab in my wife, but Saturday night was fun for everyone involved.
The weather is starting to bring promises of some nice days and nice nights and the activities we have planned might actually get done if the weather man is accurate. We have more work to do around the outside of the house and now that we know that our little man is doing fine, we might just start getting the nursery ready. Kelsey is deep into her Baby Bargain book 2010 version to check on the numerous things we'll have to purchase or register for. I always appreciate the work she does to make sure we not only get things that are cost effective and safe, but also things that she wants and likes. My life is so much easier when she is happy and I always try to be supportive whenever she is willing to spend money. I am really looking forward to getting things for baby swan.
We stopped at Toys R Us on our way back from Duluth today, mainly because I needed to check the lighting in the store, but also because I want to get a little more exposure to the baby world of goodies so I can help make informed choices with my wifey. There will be plenty of time to fully explore everything we need to get, but for now I'm comfortable taking the initial steps to get things moving.
This week is another intense week for work, and while I like being in town and busy, I can already find myself looking forward to the weekend. Hopefully there will be some time this week to stay rested and to enjoy the nice weather. Until then I'll just continue to enjoy the fact that our baby boy is almost halfway through the pregnancy!
Dad-to-be.
This weekend we were up in Duluth with the Biagi clan celebrating Kelsey's sisters graduation. It was great to have everyone together to celebrate multiple things. I'll let Kelsey touch on the specifics, but it was a great weekend. I may or may not have tried to channel my inner college self wi. th my beer intake, but I paid for it Sunday morning. I don't like taking advantage of a pregnant sober cab in my wife, but Saturday night was fun for everyone involved.
The weather is starting to bring promises of some nice days and nice nights and the activities we have planned might actually get done if the weather man is accurate. We have more work to do around the outside of the house and now that we know that our little man is doing fine, we might just start getting the nursery ready. Kelsey is deep into her Baby Bargain book 2010 version to check on the numerous things we'll have to purchase or register for. I always appreciate the work she does to make sure we not only get things that are cost effective and safe, but also things that she wants and likes. My life is so much easier when she is happy and I always try to be supportive whenever she is willing to spend money. I am really looking forward to getting things for baby swan.
We stopped at Toys R Us on our way back from Duluth today, mainly because I needed to check the lighting in the store, but also because I want to get a little more exposure to the baby world of goodies so I can help make informed choices with my wifey. There will be plenty of time to fully explore everything we need to get, but for now I'm comfortable taking the initial steps to get things moving.
This week is another intense week for work, and while I like being in town and busy, I can already find myself looking forward to the weekend. Hopefully there will be some time this week to stay rested and to enjoy the nice weather. Until then I'll just continue to enjoy the fact that our baby boy is almost halfway through the pregnancy!
Dad-to-be.
Friday, May 14, 2010
It's a BOY!!!
Since Kevin got to announce it on Facebook, I get to be the first one to write about our little baby boy! We were so excited for this morning to finally see the baby and to find out what he was. As soon as the ultrasound tech started the ultrasound, my eyes filled with tears. I was finally getting to see the little baby that I've grown to love over the past 5 months. It was AMAZING...to see his head, arms, spine and body moving around inside of me. I also found out I have an anterior placenta, so that may be why I haven't felt movement yet and might not feel anything for a little while yet. We also got to find out that we were having a little boy. The first time the tech saw something, she said, "I think there is a little something there"...not very reassuring to parents who are dying to find out what the sex of their baby is. Later she said, "oh yes...this is definitely a little boy!" After taking several pictures of our little guy, he started being stubborn and wouldn't let the tech get the last shot she needed. This resulted in mom getting to do all sorts of goofy things to try and get our little guy to roll over. I got to do toe touches, roll on my sides, put my feet higher than my head, put my head lower than my feet--you name it, I was doing it, amazing how parents will do anything for their children, even when they aren't born yet! Still our stubborn little man didn't want to move. The tech went to get another tech to see if she could get the final picture they needed, she wasn't able to get it either, but she did keep saying what a beautiful baby "it" is, until she finally asked if we have found out the sex. When we replied yes, she said, "well it's obviously a boy". Kevin was excited to hear yet another person confirm that it was in fact a boy...way to go little guy make daddy proud! After he still wouldn't move they decided to give up, but I needed to stay to make sure they got all the pictures they needed. Wouldn't you know it...all I needed to do was have Kevin make me laugh a little bit and sure enough, our little guy moved enough to get the final picture they needed!
Our little guy is measuring right on track, even a day ahead...woo hoo! I cannot wait to start planning the nursery, registering for things and picking up little boys clothes along the way. Even though I don't like shopping much, I can't wait to go out and start getting things for our little guy. Today definitely made everything so much more real, I'm still in awe that we got to see our little boy today. I can't wait to meet him in person! It's been so much fun to tell friends and family today and see the reaction of everyone. My dad is frantically trying to come up with boys names for us, even though he guessed we were having a boy, he has been sending me girls names via text for weeks. Now he's stressing he doesn't have a boys name! I'll let him keep worrying about it and in the mean time Kevin and I will be thinking of names ourselves, although we aren't going to share it with anyone until this little man is actually born.
In other news, it is also our first anniversary weekend and my sister Katie's graduation from University of Minnesota Duluth! My sister Lisa and niece Chloe are in town for the graduation and I got the pleasure of hanging out with them at the park today. Chloe also got to see the pictures of her new cousin and was giving him lots of kisses. She's anxiously awaiting the time gets to hold him. Lisa says she's just like me, she's going to be the baby hog of the family! In celebration of our wonderful news today and our first anniversary on Sunday, Kevin and I are going to the Lake Elmo Inn for dinner tonight. I'm excited to be able to talk more about our baby boy and reflect on all the things that have happened since we said "I do" just about a year ago. Tomorrow, we are headed to Duluth for Katie's graduation and a celebratory BBQ. There will be beer pong (or water pong for the pregnant lady!), great food, friends, families and lots of fun to be had. I'm so excited to see Katie and to celebrate this big achievement. I'm proud of the lady she's become and can't wait to have her back in the Twin Cities to hang out and bug her! I need to go get ready for dinner tonight, but couldn't wait to share our great news and get the details down before I forget them! Can't wait to share more stories about our little baby boy swan!
Our little guy is measuring right on track, even a day ahead...woo hoo! I cannot wait to start planning the nursery, registering for things and picking up little boys clothes along the way. Even though I don't like shopping much, I can't wait to go out and start getting things for our little guy. Today definitely made everything so much more real, I'm still in awe that we got to see our little boy today. I can't wait to meet him in person! It's been so much fun to tell friends and family today and see the reaction of everyone. My dad is frantically trying to come up with boys names for us, even though he guessed we were having a boy, he has been sending me girls names via text for weeks. Now he's stressing he doesn't have a boys name! I'll let him keep worrying about it and in the mean time Kevin and I will be thinking of names ourselves, although we aren't going to share it with anyone until this little man is actually born.
In other news, it is also our first anniversary weekend and my sister Katie's graduation from University of Minnesota Duluth! My sister Lisa and niece Chloe are in town for the graduation and I got the pleasure of hanging out with them at the park today. Chloe also got to see the pictures of her new cousin and was giving him lots of kisses. She's anxiously awaiting the time gets to hold him. Lisa says she's just like me, she's going to be the baby hog of the family! In celebration of our wonderful news today and our first anniversary on Sunday, Kevin and I are going to the Lake Elmo Inn for dinner tonight. I'm excited to be able to talk more about our baby boy and reflect on all the things that have happened since we said "I do" just about a year ago. Tomorrow, we are headed to Duluth for Katie's graduation and a celebratory BBQ. There will be beer pong (or water pong for the pregnant lady!), great food, friends, families and lots of fun to be had. I'm so excited to see Katie and to celebrate this big achievement. I'm proud of the lady she's become and can't wait to have her back in the Twin Cities to hang out and bug her! I need to go get ready for dinner tonight, but couldn't wait to share our great news and get the details down before I forget them! Can't wait to share more stories about our little baby boy swan!
Friday, May 7, 2010
18 weeks 2 days, 1 week until the big ultrasound!
Well another week closer to seeing Baby Swan for the first time on ultrasound! Since Kevin's leaving all the pregnancy stuff to me, I'll fill you all in. Baby swan is roughly the size of a sweet potato or a little bigger than 5.5 inches from head to rump! He/She is busy yawning, hiccuping, swallowing, sucking, punching, kicking and moving around. Baby swan also might almost be big enough for me to start feeling him/her...I've felt a few things that might be Baby Swan, but so far nothing that I'm positive about. You better believe I will let everyone know when I'm actually feeling something I'm sure about! I can't wait to start really feeling this baby move around.
Our ultrasound is one week from today and I can't wait to see Baby Swan. I think it will help this whole process seem so much more real and will be so fun to see our baby. Kevin and I have tossed around and talked about a few names but nothing serious, we are waiting to find out what Baby Swan is! I'm also getting antsy to start working on the nursery, registering for things we need and filling our empty nursery with things in preparation for Baby Swan. I think we will definitely start doing this after the ultrasound next week.
Not much else to report. I'm in the middle of my long stretch of days at work and just working for my weekend which starts on Monday! The weather is cold and gloomy today and it's not supposed to be that nice for the weekend, so it won't be such a bad thing to be inside at work. We also have Kevin's cousin Bo and his girlfriend staying with us this weekend, so lots of family time and hanging out with relatives we don't get to see very often. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend and some fun time with family!
Our ultrasound is one week from today and I can't wait to see Baby Swan. I think it will help this whole process seem so much more real and will be so fun to see our baby. Kevin and I have tossed around and talked about a few names but nothing serious, we are waiting to find out what Baby Swan is! I'm also getting antsy to start working on the nursery, registering for things we need and filling our empty nursery with things in preparation for Baby Swan. I think we will definitely start doing this after the ultrasound next week.
Not much else to report. I'm in the middle of my long stretch of days at work and just working for my weekend which starts on Monday! The weather is cold and gloomy today and it's not supposed to be that nice for the weekend, so it won't be such a bad thing to be inside at work. We also have Kevin's cousin Bo and his girlfriend staying with us this weekend, so lots of family time and hanging out with relatives we don't get to see very often. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend and some fun time with family!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Baby Swan's already lucky.
So as the Dad-to-be, I don't get to write about the pregnancy experiences, so yes, my postings might be a little trivial at times. I'll leave the pregnancy details to Kelsey. I guess what I can write about is what I'm observing and how I'm planning for my future Dad moments.
One of the observations I've had occurred this past weekend. Every year my Mom's family gathers for the Kentucky Derby. I'm sure there are other families who gather for Kentucky Derby, but I don't know if they can match our style. At two different points last week members of the family caused me to say.. "Who are these people and why in the world are we doing this for the Kentucky Derby??" Even with the extreme lengths we go to during Derby weekend, I wouldn't trade it for the world. It is one of the few unique things I can look forward to every year. Its a special tradition with our family and I really do appreciate how into it everyone gets.
I do wonder how this must seem to everyone else. The points where I had to step back and wonder if this is normal were pretty apparent when I brought Kelsey to her first Derby weekend. She had not really grasped the concept of horse racing. She learned that she would be giving up a weekend for a horse race, but the reality didn't set in for her. By the time the race was done, it had lived up to it's usual hype for the family, but for Kelsey, she couldn't grasp how a 2 minute race could be so exciting. She was a little upset that we gave up a whole weekend for 2 whole minutes. This being her third weekend, I think she has finally grown into the tradition and looks forward to it. (I hope)
The process is always the same. We always draw horses, and the drawing order is determined by oldest to youngest. Even the infants get a horse! Sadly, we couldn't convince the powers that be to give us a third horse for Baby Swan. Surprisingly it didn't matter. I drew Super Saver and won. I was happy to win because I think it provides a clear sign as to just how lucky Baby Swan is going to be. I'm calling it right now. Baby Swan will win his / her first Kentucky Derby in 2011.
The photo records indicate that we have been having a Derby weekend since 1994 at the cabin and I know that it goes well beyond that date as well. Hopefully with 20 still faithful followers we will still have a few more Derby Weekend in the years to come.
And if Baby Swan really is lucky, I'm already looking forward to the Canterbury opening this summer.
That's it for now. Its another work week and I better go catch up to Mom-to-be before she falls asleep. :-)
Dad-to-Be
One of the observations I've had occurred this past weekend. Every year my Mom's family gathers for the Kentucky Derby. I'm sure there are other families who gather for Kentucky Derby, but I don't know if they can match our style. At two different points last week members of the family caused me to say.. "Who are these people and why in the world are we doing this for the Kentucky Derby??" Even with the extreme lengths we go to during Derby weekend, I wouldn't trade it for the world. It is one of the few unique things I can look forward to every year. Its a special tradition with our family and I really do appreciate how into it everyone gets.
I do wonder how this must seem to everyone else. The points where I had to step back and wonder if this is normal were pretty apparent when I brought Kelsey to her first Derby weekend. She had not really grasped the concept of horse racing. She learned that she would be giving up a weekend for a horse race, but the reality didn't set in for her. By the time the race was done, it had lived up to it's usual hype for the family, but for Kelsey, she couldn't grasp how a 2 minute race could be so exciting. She was a little upset that we gave up a whole weekend for 2 whole minutes. This being her third weekend, I think she has finally grown into the tradition and looks forward to it. (I hope)
The process is always the same. We always draw horses, and the drawing order is determined by oldest to youngest. Even the infants get a horse! Sadly, we couldn't convince the powers that be to give us a third horse for Baby Swan. Surprisingly it didn't matter. I drew Super Saver and won. I was happy to win because I think it provides a clear sign as to just how lucky Baby Swan is going to be. I'm calling it right now. Baby Swan will win his / her first Kentucky Derby in 2011.
The photo records indicate that we have been having a Derby weekend since 1994 at the cabin and I know that it goes well beyond that date as well. Hopefully with 20 still faithful followers we will still have a few more Derby Weekend in the years to come.
And if Baby Swan really is lucky, I'm already looking forward to the Canterbury opening this summer.
That's it for now. Its another work week and I better go catch up to Mom-to-be before she falls asleep. :-)
Dad-to-Be
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