Party of Five

It's a boy!
Asher Wade Austin was born at 1:01 PM today, 6lbs, 7 oz, 19in long (almost a pound more than Addison and 2 lbs more than Alivia...so he is HUGE! Although he was supposedly born at the 36 week day, we are thinking we may have actually got a full term baby this time!). He has a lot of dark hair with little blonde highlights and has a look of his own right now.

Chris and I arrived at the hospital at 11:15 am, so things progressed rather quickly as usual. Chris is amazed how easy I make it look. Like I tell him, I have easy deliveries and love kids...so it is a good thing I do not like being pregnant or I would want more!

Asher is a Biblical name meaning fortunate; blessed; happy. Asher is definitely our surprise blessing and we are so fortunate and happy to have him in our family of five. Also, in the Old Testament, Asher was the 8th son of Jacob. He is also the founder of the Tribe of Asher. When I became Catholic with Chris as my sponsor, our table was named Asher after the Tribe of Asher. So, we selected the name Asher for many reasons.

Asher's middle name, Wade, is after my cousin, Wade Hursey, who died too young at the age of 33 a few years ago. So, Asher has to love airplanes after Daddy and helicopters (and airplanes, too) after Wade.

Everyone's doing well! Alivia and Addison were quite excited to meet him. Alivia wanted to hold him and did a good job, too. Addison gave him toys, blew kisses, and patted his hair. We will load pictures as soon as we can. We are all very excited to go and get little boy things!

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Alivia said it would be Thursday!!

Yes, Alivia was talking to her "babies" the other day and told them that her Mommy was going to have a baby on Thursday! Well, I am in labor! So, maybe she was right. My contractions are getting closer together (about at 5-6 minutes now) and I have called Chris home. My parents are on their way, too. I am growing worried as the contractions get closer, and I need to pick up Alivia from preschool. I am off work today for bereavement. The timing is not so good considering we have a funeral for my Grandpa George tomorrow that we all want to go to. Chris is a pallbearer, so he will be attending no matter what.

We will keep you all updated on our little Bundle of Joy!

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Almost 36 weeks…

Just shy of 36 weeks

Well, I am now just shy of 36 weeks. My due date is December 27^th, not the 24^th as I had thought. It really is not a big deal, but it made the nurse question why my appointment was before I was actually 36 weeks (which I will officially be on Thursday I guess). At my check-up today, things were progressing. I am now 3-4 cm and 75% effaced. The Baby’s heartbeat remains strong, and Baby continues to be quite active. I notice about every night about 10 pm, Baby gets the hiccups for about 20 minutes, then kicks and moves about for the next 20 minutes or so. Considering I like to go to bed at 10, this has been difficult. Hopefully, this is an IN UTERO pattern only. For some reason, I have started feeling nauseas a lot of the time, so hopefully this too shall pass.

So, what does all this mean? Well, my doctor just said as I was leaving to schedule an appointment for next week "in case I do not see you sooner." In other words...no matter if the due date is December 24 or the 27th, the baby will probably arrive before then. We will see where things stand next week, and hopefully the cold symptoms in this house are all gone by then, too.

As far as the physical preparation, we are pretty much ready. The baby room is ready, just waiting the arrival of Addison’s new dresser so the changing table can be moved in. The shutters for the opening are on order (yes, I finally ordered the "golden" or maybe "diamond" shutters). We will just touch up things a bit once we know if the Baby is a boy or a girl. The bag is packed and in the car (I have learned my lesson on this one). So, we are ready to go whenever.
Stay tuned for pictures of the updated me!

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Where is Heaven?

 

Alivia, Addison and I with GG George

Our little 3 year old, Alivia, is once again filled with many questions about Heaven. Today, November 26, Grandpa George passed away at the age of 94 years. It was just a few weeks ago that we visited Grandpa George as a family before he got real sick. Alivia was always asking questions about his wheelchair, the sounds in the hallway, or if she could have some of Grandpa's candy. I always brought him candy bars, cookies or another of my baking creations of the week. He loved it all, but liked snack sized Milky Ways best. Yesterday and today I went in alone to say good-bye to Grandpa, but Alivia knew where I was going. She wanted to know if Grandpa George was going to Heaven where Grandpa Lou was? It broke my heart to have to explain death to her at such a young age. She also could not understand why Mommy was sad. I realize I should not be sad because Grandpa is in a better place now and is no longer suffering, but we still miss him. In the coming days as we lay Grandpa to rest, I will have to tell our small girls that to help them understand.

May eternal light shine upon you, Grandpa! We Love and Miss you!

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Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Belated Thanksgiving! We spent the Thanksgiving afternoon at Chris' parents home with his Mom's side of the family. There were a lot of kids, so the girls had a lot of fun. Addison kept me busy going up and down all the stairs and running all over. She really got around considering she had the beginnings of a bad cold. The food was wonderful, and it was nice to catch up with everyone. We had a good time.

Chris actually went shopping this morning! He just went to a couple stores for a couple things (but not for Christmas)...but he still got up before 6am to wait in line (which I could never do). I think he learned he could not make it in a long line for several hours since it is just too cold. He got what he wanted, so he was happy. I did my typical black Friday shopping online, just buying clothes for the girls at a couple places where I can get free shipping. Today we are putting up the tree and Christmas decorations. We want to get it done early so that we are not trying to get all of it our with a new baby in the house.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Shopping to all!

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Into week 35...When is the baby coming?

Oh, if I only knew when the baby was coming...I would not have to keep up with the laundry, try to keep the house spotless, get all of my office work done every night, etc, etc. Now, my boss wants me to have this baby sooner than later because she wants me to return by the national sales meeting. Grandparents are asking that I wait to have the baby until after their anniversary party. My parents want the baby to be born on a day they are already in town (and obviously during the day). Chris' Mom has asked that the baby come when she is off work (although the baby is going to be born at the labor and delivery unit where she works), and Chris would like the baby to come in the morning or early afternoon so it is not too much disruption on our sleep (like with Addison we got off to a rough start since she was born just before midnight). I, for one, am ready whenever the baby is fully ready. Well, the only One who knows when the baby is coming is God. Seriously...I am not having a scheduled C-section or induction. So, I do not know and my doctor does not know when this baby is going to be born. That is another one of the joys of pregnancy, and yet another surprise.

My appointment today found me to be only at 1 cm. My doctor was expectng 4-5cm, so she was surprised. We will see what progress, if any, is made in the next week. I do not recall where I was at with Addison at 36 weeks (and she was born 1 day shy of 37 weeks). I never even made it to the 36 week appointment with Alivia, so we will not go there.

So, the joys and surprises of pregnancy continue.

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Girls' Morning at the Salon

Yes, I finally got the girls' hair cut. Alivia wanted Addison to go first. Addison had her first haircut (other than my cutting off a little for her baby book). Miss Jamie cut it. It looks so cute now. She did really well, only crying at first when Miss Jamie sprayed her hair with cold water. She was used to the hair dryer, so did not mind the "style" part. Alivia had her 3rd haircut at 3 1/2 years, and she really needed it. It was quite long. And, to top it off, I got my hair cut and highlighted too! Daddy watched and helped a lot. Now we are all pretty and ready for baby! 

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The Christmas Carol

Grandpa Bob gave us a special gift this year...tickets to the Christmas Carol at the Omaha Community Playhouse. It began at 7:30 (when Addison normally goes to bed), so Addison was pretty tired. We made it through the first act. Addison was still awake and it was 9! Addison really liked it, but Alivia did not like the ghost (and there were more to come). We have some video and pictures to enjoy of our fun night, and we will definitely return when the kids get a little older. Thank-you Grandpa Bob!

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34 Weeks

I had my 34 week appointment on Tuesday and things are progressing. Baby is sitting really low, heartbeat strong. I am starting weekly appointments now since I am having some mild labor symptoms (nothing that I called my doctor about but maybe should have). After today, I hope my due date is off (since this is a due date by ultrasound at 20 weeks). I would say most places I went today commented on HOW BIG I had gotten in the last month since they had seen me and "You have 6 weeks left...WOOOOH!" Seriously, how rude can you get. Now, I realize they are to be talking about the growth of the baby and how this 20 pounder is going to grow MORE in the next 6 weeks, but that just does not make me feel much better about the BIG comments as I waddle from clinic to clinic with my boss in tow.
Anyway, so next week we will see where things are at. I will be sure to update you all on the BIG progress. :)

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Christmas Shopping All Done?

My goal was to have our Christmas shopping complete by Halloween. Well, I missed it just a little. I finished up the last of the shopping (for Chris) last night online. Topher's list was in Greek this year (computer and PS3 stuff), so I do not know what I bought him. However, the shopping is complete! Yeah! Now that I am done, I can spend the next few weeks pondering if we should still buy the girls this fold-up baby doll house (http://www.fao.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=4577) or the Zooper strollers at Pottery Barn Kids. We still want to have that AWE factor under the tree for them. I am sure Chris and I will be busy doing other things between now and Christmas that these gifts I think they HAVE TO HAVE will soon be forgotten. Oh, thank goodness we are done! Now, we can just wait for our special little gift to arrive...

...happy shopping everyone!
 

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Our Weekend

Another weekend where we did not have to try to keep busy. First, on Friday night, we went and picked up the replacement piece for Addison's new bed. This one worked perfectly! Addison does not seem to mind the minor change. Afterwards, we went to Fuddruckers for dinner. We rarely take the girls out to eat, so this was a big treat for them. Then, we made a quick stop to Borders Books. Alivia & Addison had so much fun looking at all the books that I think they could have stayed there all night, but we had to come home so Addison could sleep her first night in her new bed (now we are just waiting for her new dresser & mirror).
Saturday, I woke up with barely a voice after trying to get a cold for a couple days. So, we decided to stay home and get some things together. First, as you can see from the pictures, Alivia & Addison have been playing in the kitchen cupboards & utensil drawer now for a few weeks. It was cute at first, but after cleaning the mess up (or having Alivia do it  without quite the organization skill I am looking for), we had to get locks.I once did not believe in locks, but I would prefer to not say "no" so often as I attempt to make dinner. Miss Rachel (http://education.csm.edu/students/rstone/), where the girls go to daycare, recommended these awesome magnet locks (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2328537)! I think they are great because I did not have to install them. They only can "unlock" with this magnet. I love them! Thank-you Topher for installing them! Now, I just need to reorganize my cabinets again.
As for the baby room, it is coming together. The crib, bookshelf, & rocking chair are in place. I am dragging my feet on moving the changing table from Addison's room because I am still using it. We are waiting until the baby is born to get a lamp and a nightstand. The girls love playing in the new room with their baby dolls, and Addison loves reading her books in there.
Chris & I also went out on a date this weekend! We went to see "Dan in Real Life" and then went out for dinner. We had a good time despite the challenge of conversation with my lack of a voice. And, thank-you, Grandma Kathy, for taking such good care of the girls while we were out! We decided we should probably do that more than twice a year.
Oh, big news, Addison, 2 days shy of turning 16 months, is finally signing! She signs more and please. It is so cute to watch her. At this age, she is trying to sign other signs as I show her - like drink and thank-you, for example. Better late than never I think. And, today, she advanced to a big girl booster seat at the table! She is now officially a toddler.
We have a crazy week planned awaiting the arrival of Heidi and Paul's Baby Brody tomorrow, doctor appointments, my boss is coming again for a couple of days, etc, etc. Until next week...

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Grandparents Weekend

It is not an official Holiday or anything, but this weekend turned out to be our Grandparents weekend. After seeing both Grandparents on Halloween, we continued to the visits seeing the Great Grandparents on Friday and Saturday. On Friday, we visited with Great Grandma Marci (my Mom's Mom). She always loves so see the girls, but they tend to wear her out (she is 96 years old after all!). After our visit, we went to a memorial Mass for Grandpa Lou and saw Great Grandma Patricia briefly. Alivia and Addison did well considering it was during dinner time and they were both tired. Chris got a lot out of the Mass and found it helpful.
Saturday afternoon, we went out and visited with Great Grandpa George. He was happy to have visitors and gave me a kiss right away. :) The girls were very curious as to what was going on at the home where he is. We ended our Saturday by visiting Great Grandma and Grandpa Austin. The girls were wild there, to say the least. They love playing with their toys.
We are finding everyone to have an opinion on the baby. Grandma Marci thinks the baby is a boy, and Grandpa Harold (Austin) just wants me to be sure to have the baby after his big anniversary party on December 2. I had to smile at both comments.
Today we are all adjusting to the new time. Chris attempted to put together Addison's new bed this morning after Mass. Too bad the bed would not cooperate. So, now we hoping they have a replacement piece so we do not have to order it, and that is all I will say about that. Chris then went out in the beautiful weather and put up the Christmas lights/decor. What a great day to do it. He is afraid if he waits any longer, it will be too cold &/or icy on the roof. Inside, I made another new recipe that I will post if it turns out and prepared meals for the week.
Off to another busy week...

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Happy Halloween!

Trick or Treat! We started our evening with both Grandparents. Grandma Bet and Grandpa Bill stopped by to give the girls treats. Then Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Bob came with Mama's Pizza (Alivia's favorite) before going trick or treating with us. Princess Alivia and Addison the Bunny really got into Halloween this year. Alivia would run from house to house, saying, "trick or treat!" even before the door was opened. Alivia even remembered to say, "Thank-you!" as she ran off to the next house. Addison did her best, trying to pick out candy at a few of the houses. We went out around 6:30, and the girls were ready to eat a few treats by 7:30. Addison was perhaps more ready to go night night by then than anything else. However, both Alivia and Addison tested some candy before calling it a night.
Happy Halloween!

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Pumpkin carving

Twas the night before Halloween, so what to do? Carve pumpkins and watch "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown."

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Into the 8th month

32 weeks

28 weeks

This week marks my 32^nd week. The time has gone by fast and slow at the same time (I am pregnant; I am allowed to not make sense, right?). It seems like yesterday that we found out we were expecting again, but I feel like I have been pregnant forever. I guess I have been pregnant 3 times in 3 years!

I had my doctor’s appointment today and everything is going well. No, I did not find out what we are having. Since everyone is curious, I will discuss our thoughts on what the baby is (a girl or boy that is). When it was determined that my due date was around Christmas, I thought immediately that it was a boy. My cousin, Wade, had a Christmas birthday. We have always planned to name our boy after him in some way if we ever had one. Since this baby was a surprise, I thought Wade could possibly have something to do with it. Our plan is to still name the baby after Wade if it is a boy. I also had a dream that it was a boy. With all of that said, I do not care whether the baby is a girl or a boy. I am just saying what my thoughts are on the subject. Afterall, if it is a girl, I just have to buy winter newborn and 0-3 month winter clothes, and then the baby is set! I do not have to go shopping for any more baby clothes! I also know how to Mommy little girls, but I have a lot to learn about little boys.

Chris tosses around between thinking the baby is a girl and a boy. He sometimes thinks a girl (oh, Lord help him if it is for that is too many girls under one roof) and other times thinks a boy. I think he wants a boy, but he has never said that. I just think a boy would have fun with all of Chris’ toys. 

This baby is more and more active as she or he grows. I have difficulty breathing after eating, while sleeping, and while driving (which can be an occupational hazard). I also still have heartburn that is not always associated with eating. I am going to try eating small snacks through the day and see if that helps (and still no spicy foods which has been difficult since we love pasta/pizza around here). The $40 iron has helped with my complaints of being tired, somewhat. I think being tired just comes with the territory.

You can see by the picture how big I am this time (I placed the 28 week picture where I am wearing black next to the 32 week picture where I am wearing pink). There is no denying that I am pregnant. I had a Dr. ask me yesterday if I was expecting twins, and I wanted to say to him, “No, are you?” but politely answered, “No,” and ran to my car to call Chris and ask him if I was really THAT huge?!! Of course, being the good husband that he is, he lied and said, “No.”

The next appointment is in 2 weeks (and the day before another ride-along with my boss). Until then…Feed me already!

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Trick or Treat Preview...

Sunday we took the afternoon to remind the girls about the upcoming Halloween Holiday. We went to visit Great Grandma Pat for her birthday & the girls wore their costumes. This year, Alivia is Princess Alivia (who else?!) and Addison is a bunny. After getting their 1st treat and playing with all of Grandma's toys, we moved onto Village Pointe where they had a Halloween event with trick-or-treating. The girls had fun! It was nice to be able to be outside during a nice day to trick-or-treat, than to have to explain the process at night when it is cold and dark. Chris and I learned that both our girls love candy. Addison was eating a lollipop while Alivia could not decide which piece of chocolate she wanted to eat first. Halloween it is to be 54 degrees during the day, so we will see what the night brings. Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Bob are coming to help show the girls where the best candy is! 

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Chocolate Pudding Brownies

I received these through an email recipe exchange (see, there is a reason to participate in some emails!).

Chocolate Pudding Brownies:

1 package Chocolate Pudding
1 box milk chocolate cake mix
Chocolate chips
chopped nuts (optional)

Cook 1 small pkg of chocolate pudding as directed on the pkg. Blend 1 box of milk chocolate cake mix (dry mix) into hot pudding. Pour into prepared 13x9 cake pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and chopped nuts. Bake 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve warm with whipped cream.

YUMMY!! This was a huge hit for the girls and for chocolate lovers like myself!

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Vala’s Pumpkin Patch

We finally took the second annual trip to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch (http://www.valaspumpkinpatch.com). They had a lot of new things this year! Of course, they had all the old treats, the kettle corn and the hot mini cookies in a cone that Alivia just had to have because she remembered from last year’s trip! This year was more fun for Addison who was able to get out of the stroller and walk around investigating everything. The girls loved the big trikes and the new trampoline type thing they have (something we have never seen before). They grew to love the new train, too, after some encouragement from Chris and I. We watched the pig races, but Addison just watched the people behind us eat a waffle cone. We all had a fun time. Alivia told me on the way home that she just wanted to go straight to bed. “Without dinner?” I asked her. And she replied, “Look at my tummy, Mommy, it is full of junk!” 

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Boo!

Oh, Chris is at it again . Everyone knows what time of year it is after passing by our house. New additions this year include the big blow-up spider and spider lights given to us by Aunt Marsha, little spiders, a rat, the hanging bat, bag of bones, stickers for the door, and probably things Chris forgot to tell me he bought.

Happy Halloween!!

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