Thanksgiving Week

So, clearly I'm just catching up here. But the week we went home to California for Thanksgiving was so much fun, and filled with so many great memories, that I didn't want to skip over it. There was a mini high school reunion when Colin, his wife Kerri, Mara and her husband Eric, and Scott who all came over for some delicious food, and to celebrate Mara's birthday and all the upcoming babies!

The boys had lots of scotch, and some cheese from Uncle Ed's cheese wheel. The girls shared pregnancy stories and caught up on being (gasp) old enough to have kids. Colin even ended up making us some fantastic breakfast tacos the next morning. The boys went golfing that next day while the family threw me the a fore mentioned baby shower.

Along with lots of relaxing during the week, I got to go golfing (and boy are my drives great with this extra belly weight, either that or Boden is a really good golfer already) with Steve and my parents at our favorite little course by Laguna Beach.

We got to visit Brian and Meghan's new house in Pasadena for some good old fashioned (Tom Sawyer type scenario) painting. Thankfully, I got a buy because of the pregnancy and my Mom and I went and saw Harry Potter instead.

And Thanksgiving dinner was fantastic as always. My Dad created a new tradition by making cranberry sauce - and I helped my mom with the pies. YUM!

Showers - Part Deux

Steve and I drove to my Parent's house in Southern California for the week of Thanksgiving this year. Its about a 14 -16 hour drive (depending on Las Vegas traffic) and really isn't that bad. I personally enjoy the road trip, and it allows us to bring Delilah for the week (yay!). It was a fantastic week (and I'll blog about the specifics next) But it was so amazing that my wonderful Family threw Boden another baby shower while we were there.

My Aunties, Cousin Melissa and Cousin Betty all worked together to throw another fantastic shower. Melissa, who is a teacher, thought of the brilliant idea for everyone to bring their favorite children's book. (And I'm sure most of

you already know that I am a huge book nut. I love books, and reading and children's illustrations - so this was just a perfect gift).

A tower of cupcakes accompanied the book themed shower, as well as fun games and a delicious array of food. My friend Mara, who is expecting a daughter the week after me - and our friend Kerri, who is also expecting a daughter in March - were also in town for

the fun event. I got many wonderful gifts, and handsome outfits for Boden (they are all washed and ready to go once he arrives!)

Thank you all for a wonderful and special day - again! I am so lucky to have the friends and family that I do.

Showers! Part 1

So, first off I'd like to apologize for the huge delay in writing this blog (but I did get all my thank-you notes out)!

November went by so quickly and was filled with so much fun and anticipation for our soon-to-be-born son Boden!

My bestest friends from College all got together and planned an amazing shower here in Boulder, Colorado. They each took a part of the planning and threw an incredible shower (one of the best I've ever attended). Andrea handled the logistics of invitations, rsvp etc. Rebecca was responsible for the decorations. Katie handled the food (and it was catered by a great local company called Spice of Life (yum!)). Kat handled the games and tag teamed the arts and crafts with Rebecca. With each person taking a little piece of the party - the detail, fun and planning couldn't have been any better. My friend Rachelle even made adorable animal themed cup cakes!


Some of the highlights of the event included:
Decorating Onsies (they all turned out so cute and funny - can't wait to use them).

Steve did a video (think newly weds type questions but about parenting), and I think we are going to be great parents based on the results of my quiz.

The food was all food from childhood (so yummy, and creative)! Ants on a log, pigs in a blanket, mac and cheese, grilled cheese... my favorites!


Thanks to everyone who came and participated. I felt so incredibly lucky in love to have such wonderful friends and family at the shower.

Denver Half Marathon

Anyone who lives near me (or near a race I want to run), and is relatively fit (ie: can walk), undoubtedly knows that I love to run races, and talk friends and family into doing those races. Well, this year is no exception, I finally got my Dad on board in the Spring, and he in turn recruited some of his co-workers into training for and running the Denver Half Marathon. This year however, as most of you are already aware, I got knocked up – and thus would not be participating in the run. Lucky for STEVE! Because it was my Dad’s first race in 30 years, I recruited Steve to… you know, suffer through and be a support in case there were any heart attacks mid run.

Well, I’m happy to report that Steve and my Dad finished the Denver half marathon in great spirits. There were no injuries (Steve sort of hurt his leg due to a lack of training) but in general they ROCKED IT! My Mom and I got to run around taking pictures and video (I won’t show the video because they looked so much faster in real life)… and I realized how much I really do love running half marathons – it was hard to be on the sidelines the whole time. Mr. Ed is hooked again (we have the same sort of love for training and racing) – Steve made me promise to never ever ever sign him up for a half marathon again, and plans are in the works for the Disney Land Half Marathon 2011 (so come run with us next Labor Day weekend!).

Great job Guys - I am so proud you ran 13.1 Miles!

29 weeks and counting...

After much anticipation and requests for some belly pictures - the above shows weeks 9-27. I'll upload more as we go along, but I think I'm really showing now!

We're finally in the third (and final) trimester! Yay!

I would say, that "Wow, time has really flown by!" But in a way, I feel like I've been pregnant forEVAH! As I pointed out to Steve when we went to the Rapids ( MLS Soccer) playoffs last weekend "This is the second Rapids game that the little guy has been to!"

"When else were we here?"

"The fourth of July game..."

"You were pregnant then?"

"Um... yes. Yes I was."

Now, maybe its because I've been the designated driver for months of weddings and bachelorette parties, or perhaps, its just because the seasons are changing, and it seems like we'll have been through all the seasons before we get to see our baby, but I think we're both eager to finally meet this little guy.

Although, he does still have some cookin' to do.... and some amazing showers to attend (I can't wait to see all my friends and family and celebrate!). But we're going to be good and ready by the time he arrives.

Car Trouble...

It is with the upmost regret and sadness that I write the following blog.

The Mazda has passed.

Oh zoom, zoom…. You were such a great car, and so very loved. You were the first car that I ever owned. You drove to California, to Texas, and along treacherous mountain passes. You saw me go to College, and graduate and get married. You even become the primary car for my husband, who although was slightly more abusive to your interior, loved you like his own. You went before your time. The transmission that we had eagerly replaced to save you, in January failed again.

Although the timing wasn’t great, it afforded Steve and I the opportunity to get a commuter car that was a little safer for our new arrival (plenty of baby room in back!). And I am lucky enough to work for a company that gives great perks in terms of employee discounts, and we managed to get a new 2011 Nissan Versa for the cost of some of the used cars we were looking at.

So, it is with reluctance to introduce you to the newest member of our family. Emmanuel.

Emmanuel is a Manual. I don’t know how to drive a manual transmission, but as Steve requested it, since this is his car for work etc;, I gave in. I mean, you do have to learn new things every once in a while, right? If you see us on the road, give us a wave…. If its just me – steer clear!

Might be too cold for a walk if you need this...

Not sure I'll be putting this on the registry... even if I secretly want to walk around and see people's reaction to this little invention.

Doggy Race Weekend

This video is from last weekend when Steve and I signed up for the most amazing race (but not THE amazing race, which would be pretty cool).

We are baby sitting Zola (Steve's Aunts dog) - both dogs were in Heaven!

Things I've noticed while pregnant

• The chubbier you are- the harder yoga binds become

• Air Conditioning in the summer, would be AWESOME!

• The dishes seem to miraculously get done! What is going on here?

• That being said - the first 3 months we ate out A LOT since my cooking ceased and my Sous-Chef is in training (he does BBQ though!)

• My cravings consist of bacon cheese burgers and frozen yogurt. I'm really going to have to get in shape when this is over!

• When I try to run - it feels as though the baby is literally grabbing my bladder and squeezing with all his might.

• Horseshoes, Bachelorette Parties, Weddings, Happy hour, Nintendo Wii - all of these things are greatly improved with Alcohol.

• Always being the DD sucks!

Its a BOY

We had our appointment this morning, and found out that its going to be a BOY!

Steve fist pumped in the radiology room when the technician told us! We’re right on track with growth, and the little guy was kicking and sucking his thumb and generally being an amazing little boy. I can’t wait to meet him, and can’t believe that we’re already half way there! The images we saw on screen were marvelous, but unfortunately the images we received were less than stellar (one is the side angle of the baby’s skull and spinal cord… which must be a cool image for a technician and all, but mostly looks like baby skeletor zombie to me!) She only printed two pictures for us, so I’ll use the better of the two. He looked just like Steve does when he’s lounging on the couch, little belly and long legs. It cracked me up.

High fives all around. We can’t wait to meet our little guy in person this winter!

Baby Torture?

Also, please check out this blog that my friend Katie sent me. Its so adorable!

http://milasdaydreams.blogspot.com/

Michelle and Alex's Wedding

Two weekends ago our good friends Michelle and Alex got married. This was especially exciting for Steve and I because: (1) They are the second couple that have gotten married after being serendipitously introduced by Steve and I, and (2) They’re really super fun to be with. Mostly enjoying the same things that Steve and I do, aside from ice fishing and gun shows.

The wedding weekend was up in Estes Park (right by Rocky Mountain National Forest). Steve was a groomsman and I got to lay by the heated pool. The wedding was beautiful – and Look Ma! Michelle borrowed my veil to wear! All in all it was a great time, and … who knows? I think some matchmaking that Michelle and I threw our hands in might also someday culminate in a Wedding? See 2011-2013 blog for details. Sadly this wedding does conclude the 2010 wedding season… but we already have a few next year to look forward to! Now, if only I could have drank (ahhh – more on my pregnancy epiphanies later).

What a handsome groomsman!

Costumes

Since we were looking through childhood photos - and there is nothing better than dressing kids up (for the enjoyment of adults to laugh at) - here is the best one, Steve (yes, I agree this could be child abuse) - as a lamb.

Just look at his body language. So sad.

Wednesday, August 4th 2010

16 weeks and 3 days along. Another one of those quick 15 minute appointments to check on the status of the little Nugget’s growth. Steve opted out of this appointment, since it was just another quick one where they listened for the heart beat. This month the heart rate was in the 140s. Yeah, little kiddo!

We did go over to Steve’s Mom’s house to have dinner and managed to look through some of the baby photos that Alexa had. It was so much fun to see photos of Steve right after he was born – knowing that our future baby might look just like that (cone head and all!). So, I thought it would be fun to share some pictures of the two of us as babies – can you imagine what our little boy or girl is going to look like?

We find out at the end of August if this little Fezlewski will be a boy or a girl!

First baths

Cute babies!

Adorable toddlers!

2nd Appointment

Friday, July 9, 2010

Almost 13 weeks!

So …. This appointment was a little bit of a let down after our amazing first appointment. I got weighed (ugg) – and then the doctor used the fetal doppler to find the heartbeat. After a few moments of searching, there it was – barreling down like a train. Chugga-chugga- choo- choo. The heart rate was 165 beats per minute.

And we were done! So, although it’s a relief knowing that little Nugget is safe and sound. The visit was almost anti-climactic (we don’t get to see s/him every time?) Also, I was a little concerned about how low on my stomach the doctor had to go to find the heart beat, when clearly that is not where my tummy has been adding substance… hmmm.

Steve thinks that we’re having a boy. I’m undecided – but if you believe in old wives tales, the higher Heart rate indicates a Girl… so which one will it be?

Side note: Symptoms are getting much better, and my energy level is returning (although its been so hot, and without A/C here, lately that I am a little lazy…) I’ve been luck enough to have only a little gagging but nothing too extreme and that is finally subsiding. Yeah!

*photo of scary mummy baby to demonstrate hearing the fetal heart beat. No actually scary mummy baby is actually inside my uterus that we know of.

First Appointment

June 11th, 2010

Finally, our first doctor’s appointment was scheduled. I even called ahead a few days before to ensure we were going to get an ultrasound. Affirmative.

According to my calculations (as I adjust the glasses on my face while writing code in my head) – we should be about 8 weeks pregnant. Steve and I were so excited and nervous to finally meet our little baby Nugget for the first time.

Walking into the hospital was like walking through a hybrid between a golf resort and Nordstrom. Directly across from the revolving doors is a beautiful outdoor fountain and patio area with views of the Flatirons. To the left was a piano player seated directly in front of the Espresso bar and café. According to the Boulder Foothills Hospital website, there is also an amazing restaurant somewhere on the premises.

We go up to the second floor and sit down in the waiting room. Finally we are called back into the sterile examining room and obliged to answer a barrage of genetic and hereditary information. After what seemed like an eternity we finally get to meet our doctor. Steve and I both immediately like her. She’s a typical Boulder professional, with a demeanor that screams – I played college (insert sport here) and a tan that says – I love the outdoors. After a brief exam we walk over to the ultrasound room (one door away).

It’s difficult to even articulate how amazing it was to see our baby on the screen for the first time. With his/her giant head and little arms, it was miraculous to see Nugget waving around and kicking. And when the doctor let us listen to the heart beat, Steve immediately squeezed my hand tighter, and although there is disagreement on the following fact – I do believe I saw tears in his eyes above the giant smile on his face.

Neither of us can remember if the heart beat was in the 140s or 160s, but it was good and strong and our little Baby Nugget so far was looking good.

We are officially 8 weeks, 5 days along, with a due date of January 16, 2011.

Mother's Day...

I just had a feeling, A good Feeling. Steve did too

May 9th, Mothers Day. I got up early at 6:30am, just knowing that, although it was possible, it was still very early to find out. I hopped back into bed with the stick.

“Steve! Look, am I crazy or do you see two lines?” His scrunchy blind morning face folded into a grin.

“What does that mean?”

“We’re Pregnant!”

Lying in each others arms for a few moments I pause… “Anything you want to say?” He gave me a quick kiss and a quizzical look. – “Say Happy Mothers Day!”

Saint Louis

There are so many things in the summer to be thankful for – and one of the reasons that I absolutely adore and love Colorado is because we get seasons here. And wonderful, perfect seasons.

The summer is sunny and hot – with azure blue skies that often lead to afternoon thunderstorms, and camping and community pools and dogs running into creeks. The falls are crisp and cool with that low golden sunlight and a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, yellows, browns and the drumming and cheers of CU Football games. The winters are cold and sunny with snow and all the snowboarding and snowman building you could desire– and the spring is a delightful awakening of rain and green and tulips and sun and storms. But mostly, what I love…. No humidity.

When us college girls found out that Kat was pregnant (the first of us to have such a huge, grown-up responsibility befall them!) – we immediately made plans to forego the usual Memorial Weekend Bolder Boulder drunken running of the 10k in lieu of a more sophisticated and grown up endeavor like a baby shower. But Kat’s little son Tommy had other plans. More than 3 months early, and at only 27 weeks – little Thomas Charles was born.

At first we held off on traveling to Saint Louis for Memorial weekend to ensure that Kat and Tom could put up with us, while having Tommy in the NCIU. But after it was evident that little Tommy was a fighter and thriving, and Kat needed some good laughs with good friends, we were able to make the trip out there to meet the newest little member!


Katie, Andrea and I had a wonderful time in Saint Louis, although I’m not sure how people can put up with humidity?! We got to visit little Tommy and bought him some ridiculous, totally unnecessary things… shark hats, Jimmy Buffet Hawaiian shirts, tiny sunglasses, the scariest CU Buffalo rubber duckie you’ve ever seen (Katie as always was slightly more tactful with a delicate little baby outfit and matching hat). The house that Kat and Tom recently moved into (as in, when the baby unexpectedly arrived, they were amidst moving), is huge and amazing and the nursery is like something out of a fairy tale.

All in all, everyone was doing great, and it was so good to see Kat and Tom and their adorable little guy. Here are some of the pictures from our trip, and one that I ripped from Tommy’s photo session when he became a wireless baby (as Kat likes to say). Tommy, we love you! And Beavers, thanks for another memorable – albeit sober, Memorial Weekend!

Summer

Start to the summer in the Rocky Mountains. Steve with the first big mow - and Delilah sunning herself on the back step.















Since these photos were taken all the roses have come in, and we've successfully destroyed the dandelion problem.















More blogs to come. I'm just catching up, as my work computer corrupted itself and I had to completely re-image. But I'm back in business.

May 22nd 2010 - Kate & Kathryn's Wedding

Let me start off by saying that I have never flown in a smaller plane in my life. Aside, from bending down and only having a few seats across, it was a rather nice and intimate experience… granted the pilot looked about 18 years old, and our stewardess was a 70 year old man – but regardless of those slightly troubling (and yes, age-est) facts, the flight was excellent. It helps that I met up with my Parents and Cousin Amanda at the Houston airport and we all had our Chili’s to-go meals on our laps for the remainder of the flight to Asheville NC. I think I also impressed my mom with my official travel scrabble game. We played the whole way!

We arrived in NC just in time to meet up at the Event/ campground location for the wedding. Amanda, who had never been to the East Coast, was hugely impressed by the endless green! The wedding location was beautiful, at the edge of the woods, and thankfully had an amazing (slightly reminiscent of the Denver International Airport) tent over the dance floor (in case of rain). DANCE FLOOR? Good, this was going to be a great wedding indeed. We managed to arrive in time to see Grandma and Grandpa, and meet up with all the cousins and kids – Aaron, Cherry, Jasper, Eliza, Charlie, Heather, her son and his lovely and fun wife. Not to mention we partook in the rehearsal dinner burritos. Everything was GREEN too – and I don’t mean color wise, but bio-degradable and organic. Yum!

On Saturday the family meandered around downtown Asheville before heading to the wedding. Now, this is my first Gay wedding. What? You say? Your first?! Well, all my gay friends in Boulder (you know who you are) – are still in the planning stages of their wedding. Ha! The wedding was beautiful, and much more traditional than I assumed it would be. The ceremony was gorgeous both in location, and symbolism of love. I have to also say that the speeches were some of the best that I’d ever heard at the reception. And the cakes! So many cakes to choose from (Amanda and I, being near the end of the line were lucky enough to try quite a few each).

A special shout out to all the family and older folks who showed up and supported Kate and Kathryn even though it certainly isn’t traditional or aligned with you personal beliefs. It was so touching to see so many people support Kate and Kathryn!

Mazel Tov!

*photos courtesy of Amanda Galvan and Kate Brockett’s facebook.