Baby Shower, Take two!

* Cake or animation of Jonah in approximately 6 months...

* The set-up...

* Decoroations from the shower...Quack!

* The gifts...

* Christine and the guests play 'The Price is Right'

* Carol administers the 'Memory Game'..Vanna, watch out!

* La la la Leah! Leah picks a raffle winner...

* The guests...No, the white shirts were not arranged!

* Da wagon...Jonah can't drive '55'!

Week # 28 moving closer and closer. Sunday November 13th is our Baby Shower on Christine's Dad (Mike) side, we trying to accommodate all the friends and family on both sides. Carol (Christine's Step-Mother) has been working meticulously trying to get off the invitations, arrange the games and put together prizes/props for the games...she has done more than we expected, it is truly appreciated!

The shower is held at Jason and Marisa's (Christine's Step-Brother and Wife) house where Carol has turned the normal decor into a deluge of baby-shower motif! Rubber duckies, candy, cake, banners...you name it! We walked in when the food was being prepared; enchiladas, rice, beans...Yum! Thanks again to Jason and Marisa for the use of their home!

The first order of business was the 'Price is Right' game where different items were matched up against random prices...not as easy as it looks (I was an onlooker). Between the games Leah (Jason and Marisa's Daughter) selected raffle numbers for prize giveaways; candles, books, etc. Game # 2 was the 'Memory' game where you match up the 2 pictures on the board. Once a match took place, like 'Breastfeeding' the person would win a prize; in this case Milky-Way! Some other standouts would include 'Circumcision' would win you Nips and 'Dirty Diapers' would be Boston Baked Beans. More Raffle...and on to the gifts!

Jonah received many, many, many really nice gifts! Some standouts include the Stroller set which included the car seat and base, a table and chair set in the same color motif as the room, gift cards, many clothes, Jonah's first baby-bible, personal care products and much more. Jonah is lucky to have so much love and he is yet to be born...we can only imagine the depth of love he will receive once he is actually here.

Cake...Mmmm!

Over-all it was a fun, tiring and special day all rolled into one tight package. Carol made the day special for us and baby-Jonah, we thank you!

Some updates:
* Christine is getting her "Pregnant Walk"...it is quite cute!
* We have completed our Lamaze, Breastfeeding, Baby-care-basics and Post-partum classes. Our last class is in two weeks; Baby-saver.
* We will be purchasing the crib, bedding and some smaller items soon.
* We have yet to select a pediatrician...ut-oh!
* Jonah is kicking and rolling and kicking! Football, anyone?
* We will be sending out information on the Hospital, Doctor, Directions, etc. in January. For anyone who does not know we are giving birth in a new hospital with state of the art equipment and philosophy!
* As always, if we have missed anyone please let us know so we can add them.

Lamaze, a vacation, a Baby Shower and Halloween!

Our vacation: Big Bear Lake!

Baby Shower: Tent and Table set-up.
Our Guests.
The Baby Shower cake.
Bottle Bowling! A hit with the kids!!!
Opening gifts!
'Onesie' decorating...hey "Who Tooted?"
More gifts...
Christine, the witch.
Jonah, a baby brewing inside!
Frankenstein (spooky)!
Week # 27 (13 to go)!

Wow, what a month! We have been in the throws of beginning our Lamaze and Breastfeeding baby classes (before the holidays), coordinating the baby shower at our home and yes, spending some time decorating for Halloween; one of our favorite holidays since we get to dress up!

Our classes run about 2 hours long and are held at the hospital we will be delivering. There are about 6 other couples, looking about as lost as we are. We are learning so much, we are always so amazed at the subject matter and the depth of what we are going to need to know! Terms like Breech, Let-down and Football hold…who knew? We have 1 more Lamaze class and we graduate. We are also taking a baby care basics, baby saver and post-partum class together. The videos are as bad as we have been warned or should I say as graphic. Let’s hope the room has a stable and comfortable chair for me come delivery time. Otherwise, my 6’2” body will fall like a tree (BAM!).

We spent a very quiet and slow-paced time in Big Bear Lake for a week. It was the perfect place on the lake to relax, feed ducks, play bingo and swim (we were like 2 seniors in our prime)!

The baby shower October 22nd was an event we will remember all of our lives; it is part 1 of 2 family showers with Christine’s Dad’s next weekend November 13th. Mary Jo (Sean’s Mom), Dee (Christine’s Mom), Brandon (Sean’s Brother), Gina (Christine’s Sister), Lauren (Christine’s Sister) and Deana (Sean’s Cousin) all pitched in to make the event as successful as it was. About 40 or so people showed up at our home for Food, games and football (yes, the USC game was on and the men really appreciated that). No cancellations, can you believe that? Brandon and Deana coordinated the games that included ‘onesie’ decorating, bottle bowling (for the kids) and the ‘guess Mommies size’ with yarn! We received many gifts/sentiments and are extremely grateful for everyone’s love and support with our growing family!

Halloween is one of our favorite holidays…we love seeing the kids dressed up, decorating our home and dressing up ourselves! Our house was spooky, scary music and fog machine blowing! Christine dressed up as a witch (no direct relation to the higher than normal hormones…ha ha) and I dressed as Frankenstein (though, the kids said I looked like a monkey…go figure). Christine made a sign for Jonah (over her belly) saying “Baby Brewing Inside”. It was a fun and busy evening with more and more kids coming out every year…no left over candy this year, it is a 1st!

Other than all of this, the Doctor’s visits are on track and Christine’s blood sugar/pressure is on track. The Doctor is pleased with her weight, baby Jonah keeps kicking and kicking and kicking. If he is anything like me as a child, Lord help us!

Baby Room Painting: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

THE GOOD

Before...


Christine Painting...


Baby's Room After...

* Aunt Gina bought the play-pen and surprised us early! The rugs were only $4.98 each at Target.

Baby's Room After...

* The empty spot where the rectangular rug is set is were the crib will be placed. The changing table was given to us by one of Christine's co-workers.

Christine had already picked out the pattern for the baby's room, probably sometime before we knew we were having a baby! It was a simple background, ABC letters and diamonds.



Mike (Christine's Dad) and Carol came over on Friday September 24th for the day to help us with painting the base color. We had pre-bought the paint, all was ready for us to get to work. Christine was outside the room away from the fumes, in charge of lunch and errands (as it turned out, we needed one more gallon of paint). We were complete in a couple of hours, Mike and Carol was a HUGE help! Thanks again!!!

Saturday, the tape was removed...and Christine stenciled the walls for the letters.

Dee (Christine's Mom) and Gina (Christine's Sister) came over Sunday September 26th to help with the ABC's. We started early and finished up fairly fast...

THE BAD

We finsihed up, cleaned up on Sunday and Christine, Her Mom and Sister were downstairs watching TV. I was doing the last of the clean-up and was preparing to bring the brushed, tarp, paint and whatnot downstairs. With all of this stuff, I did not want to make too many trips...so, I loaded up my arms and began to walk downstairs.

Well, let's just say I should have made as many trips as it took...

THE UGLY

I dropped a can of paint (green, mind you) down the stairs and it exploded at the bottom all over the wall and carpet. I was completely stunned, mad, tired, sad...you name it! We immediately cleaned up the mess (picture astro-turf) and it would never be the same...a lesson in humility and patience!

The carpet cleaners came out Friday and made an attempt to clean it up...they did not succeed (it looks much better, but I also did not expect miracles).

With a baby on the way, I am sure this will be the least of my worries in the near future.

UPDATES:

Our Mom's Baby Shower will be held at our home October 22nd...preparations are currently under way.

The Doctor's visits have gone well...Christine's blood pressure is higher, SO DON'T STRESS HER OUT :)

If you would like to be apart of these blog updates or if we have missed anyone please e-mail me at seanbangert@yahoo.com

The Registry and Baby Shower(s)...

Registry:
Yesterday was a busy day, we met Sean's Mom (Mary Jo) and Brother (Brandon) to complete the baby's registry. Brandon once worked at Baby Depot and was the perfect person to guide us through this overwhelming process (so many items, where to start?). It took about 3 hours and we believe we selected needed items with a few fun items.

For anyone who is interested, we are registered at Baby Depot under registery ID # 7164266 or last name Bangert.

Baby Shower(s):
We have dates and places to share...

Saturday, October 22nd we will have a dual baby shower at Uncle Gary's House (he was nice enough to say yes) for Christine's Mom and Sean's Mom's side of the family. It will be outdoor (knock on wood it does not rain) and should be very nice.

Saturday, November 12th we will have a baby shower at Mike and Carol's house (they were nice enough to say yes) for Christine's Dad'd side of the family. It will be indoor/outdoor and should be very nice also.

By the way, we have planned these baby showers to not impact the holiday Season and to allow Christine a restful period in January before the baby is delivered in early February.

In the meantime, if anyone has questions, suggestions, etc please contact us right away...time's a tickin'!!!

Week # 16 through Week # 18: We finally Learn the Sex!

Yes, we will be sharing the sex of the baby...but, you have to read this first...

What an eventful 3 weeks it's been for Christine and myself (and the baby)...it has been filled with great excitements, new feelings, hightened stresses and marvels at this growing child!

Week # 16, Christine could feel the baby begin to move...I have yet to feel it kick, nudge or stretch (all in due time, I know). She describes it like the books, Doctor and other parents describe it as being like butterflies or bubbles in her belly; lately it has been stronger and with real movement.

Christine has been really good about the morning sickeness, and struggles with the fatigue (she and the baby likes their sleep). She has been sick once or twice and usually it is related to a smell or an image that turns her stomach (we had a funny thing happen when one of our cats got sick recently, but I will spare you the details...this happened to be one of the two times she got sick). Her appettite has been strong and only in the last week has she really began to have strong 'Cravings'; mashed potatoes, chocholate milk and apple juice.

Week # 17: We had our follow-up with the Doctor and we were able to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time...tick, tock, tick, tock...really fast! Christine nervously laughed, she was really excited.

In all this time, Christine should have gained weight but she has actually lost 4 pounds...the Doctor is pleased and has said whatever she is currently doing to continue with it.

For those co-workers, relatives and friends willing to place a bet on the sex of the baby their guesses have been all over the board...the way she's carrying it, to the strand of hair with the ring (if it's clock-wise it's this and if it's counter-clock-wise it's that). Well, we just hoped it was healthy and would be gratified with either a boy or a girl!

Week # 18: What a week...full of stress (trying to get prepared for the baby...plans, projects, and pains).

Today (Friday), we have a full day of tests so we schedule the day off. Blood work in the morning, we go to have breakfast and blood work at the lunch hour; The blood work checks for downs, spinal issues and diabeties. At 2:30 we have an ultra-sound appointment to check on the health of the baby and to finally find out the sex of the baby.

2:30 arrives, we are both nervous...we have been anxious for this moment and all of a sudden it is here. The nurse spends almost 2 hours with us showing us the legs, arms, fingers and toes (they are all accounted for), the head, it's spongy-undeveloped brain, and more! We ask what we are seeing and the nurse tells us in detail.

The nurse askes us are you sure you want to know the sex? We answer "Yes". The nurse says "Well, there is the left leg and there's the right leg..."

And with that these lyrics played in my head:

Close your eyes,

Have no fear,

The monsters gone,

He's on the run and your daddy's here,

Beautiful,Beautiful, beautiful,Beautiful Boy...

Before you go to sleep,

Say a little prayer,

Every day in every way,

It's getting better and better,

Beautiful,Beautiful, beautiful,Beautiful Boy...

IT'S A BOY!!!

Week # 13 through Week # 15.

Sunday July 24th 2005, Brandon took Christine, My Mother and I on a world-wind tour of Baby Depot! Since Brandon worked at Baby Depot for a number of years, he was a perfect tour guide to show us everything from baby bottles to cribs to Diaper Genies! By the end of the visit he would be talked out and we would be worn out…who knew a baby would require so many parts, accessories and comfort items?

We will register after we learn the sex of the baby…soon!

Monday, August 1st 2005, we had our first visit with the Baby Doctor. She asked many questions and instructed Christine on what she will experience in the coming months. The visits will now be once a month up to 7 months, 2 visits per month after 7 months and weekly if it goes longer than 9 months. Our next visit is August 30th, and an ultra-sound visit and blood-work on September 2nd; we will find out the sex on this date (anyone care to place a bet?).

We received a long list of classes the hospital offers…much to think about!

Tuesday July 26th 2005 through Saturday July 30th 2005, we were off to Lake Nacimiento for a much-needed break (more Christine than I)! It would be the baby’s first trip to the lake and hopefully a tradition in returning year after year! Grandpa Mike and Grandma Carol we great hosts, Mommy and baby enjoyed their stay. Much of the trip was spent in the water as it was over 100 degrees each day…

So we wondered could the baby feel the sensation of Mommy swimming in the water...So many questions, anyone care to share their thoughts?

Week # 12: The Spine, the Cord and the Restless!

Our appointment July 22 at 7:15, we are running a little late because we both over-slept! This morning we would be able to see the Spine/bone development, the imbilical cord and the baby is restless as ever; kicking Christine like a jack-rabbit. The baby now measures 52mm from crown to rump.

It is our last visit with this Doctor, Christine is emotional but she is hiding it well. We instruct the receptionist that we have a re-writable DVD that we would like to record the image of the baby; we hope the baby is active. The Doctor and Nurse come in, stating this is our 'Graduation' day and asks if we are excited...we are! The image is pulled up as it is every week and there's the baby, the image of he/she laying with the back towards us. We figured the baby was sleeping and there would not be any movement...boy were we wrong! The position of the baby gives us an incredible view of the developing spine and bones. It is amazing enough to see nothing turn into something, but to see your child developing it's skeletal structure is surreal. Anyway, we would be told that the image above the baby is the imbilical cord and with every heartbeat comes a pulse through the cord; yet more amazing.

The Doctor finishes up and instructs us that he will meet us outside the room once Christine is dressed.

The Doctor and nurses are outside to send us off...We hug the Nurses and Christine hugs the Doctor; we thank them for everything they have done for us! The receptionist gives us what she calls the 'Smelly Bag' (lotions, candles and the like) and a coupon book...it is a very nice gesture and send off. At this point, Christine breaks down and cries...we can only imagine what the people in the waiting room are thinking. Hugs for the Receptionist and we have officially graduated!

We are on our way to CoCo's, same breakfast place every week (our comfort spot). Christine tells me that she has purchased a cookie and muffin basket for the staff...a very nice gesture on her part.

Well, on to the Baby Doctor for the next chapter in this crazy ride!