SHE'S HERE!!

Ava Marie Boettger was born Saturday November 11, 2006 at 12:20 am. She weighed 7 lb, 12 oz and was 19 3/4 inches long. Like any fine young woman, she entered the world with a bit of drama - the umbilical cord was around her neck. However, my wonderful doctor fixed it and Ava was just great. When Steve saw her face, he said to me "I think you just delivered David again". I had to agree. She is absolutely beautiful. To my surprise she is light, just like her father. I thought for SURE, she'd be dark like me. Her cheeks are huge, just the way we like them. We feel so blessed and proud.

Once again, Steve was awesome. He is so supportive and calming. Two things that are a must in the delivery room. Never once did I feel alone or scared, because I knew he was there behind me 100%. Even when I thought I could not push anymore, he knew I could do it. I am so very lucky to have him as my husband and even more so to have him as the father of my beautiful children.

David came to see Ava and I bright and early Saturday morning. He was so cute when he walked in the room. I video taped it, cause I want to be able to replay it over and over. I was so happy to see him. He looked like such a big boy. He climbed up on the chair and looked at her in the bassinet. Next her gave her a big kiss. He was a real good boy. He'll be a great Big Brother!

Sunday we were able to come home from the hospital. I could not wait! I showered and got all ready while the pediatrician checked over Ava. She got a clean bill of health. David and Steve came to pick us up and we were home by 2 pm.

Her first night was ok - she was awake alot, but nothing my Mom could not help me with. Lucky for me :) Since then, she has been getting better and better. We can not ask for anything more.

She has had LOTS of visitors and let each one hold her. David loves to kiss and snuggle her, but then again, so do her Dad and I.

Don't get your hopes up...

however, I've been having contractions since 5:30 am this morning! They've been spaced pretty randomly, until about 1/2 hour ago. They've become about 10 -15 minutes apart as I type. In fact, hold on....

ok, better now. So, keep looking back to see if our Baby Girl has graced us with her presence.

Nothing to report...

my appt went the same as the others. I am exactly where I was 3 weeks ago! The only difference was my BP. I am usually 110/70, today I was 130/80. They are not worried about it, so I won't either.

My sister arrived from FL this afternoon. She's here until Saturday night. Right now she is visiting my cousin Mar and her baby girl. We're meeting up for dinner in a few minutes.

Tomorrow is the Louisville vs Rutgers game, so we are having a mini party. I hope Rutgers can pull it off - that would be awesome! Almost everyone is coming over - Mark and John are going to the actual game, so we'll look for them on TV.

That's all I have energy for now. I'll leave you with a picture of my guys.

Buzz and the Babe

Happy Belated Halloween! As previously posted, David was Buzz Lightyear and we spent a lot of time trick or treating. Last year he only had enough energy for 1 street, this year we did the whole neighborhood! My Mom, Steve and I took him around, while my Dad played treat giver. When David was finished gathering treats, we came back to our house for pizza and some of my family joined us. Aunt Carol and Uncle Tom came and Aunt Carol was dressed at the Energizer bunny! Every year she dresses up for work and wins 1st prize. Then Kate came too. Next Laura-Ann and Mike showed up, followed by Jill, Joe and Auny Judy. We ate pizza, had some drinks and chatted. It was a great night. I really do enjoy Halloween.

This afternoon I had another Dr. appt. Once again, I have no news. I am the same as last week, which is the same as the week before. Next check-up is Wednesday afternoon.

After my appt, my Mom, David and I took a ride over to my cousin Mar's to see her new baby girl. Lizzie Rose is her name and she was born last Sat. morning. She is beautiful! Perfect skin, gorgeous dark hair and nice big eyes. Mar looks fantastic. You would never even know she had a baby if she was not holding her. When we first got there she was sleeping, but after a little while she woke up to eat. I got to hold her while Mar made the bottle. I forgot how small babies are! She was so light and made the cutest little cry. David could not get over her. He held her hand and rubbed her head. When she made a noise, he asked me what it meant. I think he is ready for his sister's arrival. Mar showed us Lizzie's room - too cute! It is the perfect little girls room. I am glad we went over for a visit, all 3 of them are so happy!

Baby Update and More!

Yesterday afternoon I had my weekly appointment. Besides waiting forever in the waiting room, nothing has changed. So, we'll wait until next Wednesday for the next appointment and see if there is any news to report. I am actually glad that the baby is not ready to arrive. I only stopped working this past Tuesday, so I'd like some time to do my own thing and be with David.

Speaking of David...he has a lot going on. Steve and I got him a big boy bike and he loves it. We finally got him the helmet and knee/elbow pads so he can ride without fear. He does real well riding his bike and when he does fall, he gets right back up. Yesterday was the Halloween Parade at David's school. He was Buzz Lightyear and looked great! My parents, Steve and I went to watch. All the kids did a nice job. After they marched in the parade, they stood in a line and sang songs for us. We loved it!

The other night Steve carved our pumpkins. David wanted a mean face on his pumpkin and I asked for a funny face on the other one. They came out great. Steve is very talented in the carving department. For our 1st married Halloween, he made me a NY Yankee pumpkin! I loved it.

My Mom helped me (did most of the work) to sponge paint the babies room. Instead of doing a border, we chose to randomly place the Palm Trees around the room. I think it looks awesome. There are a few spots I will do after she is born, like where we hang her name.

Putting our Pumpkins in order

Saturday morning David, Steve and I ventured off to Cheesequake Farms in Old Bridge to do some pumpkin picking. We happened to pick a very chilly morning, so we bundled up. When we arrived, we walked through to see all the unusual gourds and fall crops. Then we headed over to the ponies so David could take a pony ride. Usually we take the hayride out into the farm, but I opted to pick from the pre-picked crop this year. I was afraid a bumpy ride would bring on labor! David picked out all our pumpkins. He got one for Steve, one for himself, one for his baby sister and one for me. I wanted one with a little green on it - just to be different. On our way to pay, he noticed the gourds and picked out 4, again, one for each of us. I wanted to buy him a candy apple, but they all had nuts, so luckily he was happy with a chocolate lollipop. When we got to the car to load it up, he insisted that he help Steve. It was so cute to watch him act like a big boy trying to lift those pumpkins. He did a great job. At home, we unloaded the car and he and Steve cleaned the front yard and decorated the porch. We now have a Fall house. It looks great - I love it!

Week 37 Baby Update

We just returned from our 7:20 pm doctor appt. Steve and David joined me to listen to the heartbeat and exited during the exam - smart move! I gained only 1 pound - yeah! The baby is still head down, but not fully dropped. I am 1 centimeter dilated. We are not getting excited about that because I was 1 cm dilated with David for 4 weeks! Either way, look for more updates. My next appt is next Thursday.

What a day!

Yesterday we had some great things occur. Two of them were surprises and one was just a blessing.

• David slept in his OWN bed the WHOLE night!

To some people this would not be such a big deal, because you'd think a 3+ year old was already doing this. Well, in our house, it was not happening. Our baby boy was an awesome sleeper. He slept through the night at 3 weeks old and every night until he turned 2. Then, it was ALL over. We've tried in the past to get him to sleep by himself, but this time we had to put our foot down. With some great advice from Tracey, Wednesday night was the night. AND he did it! Last night I was able to get him to go to bed on time and in his room, but he did end up in our room. I am not as upset about this, because he is learning that he has a bedtime and that he needs to sleep in his own bed. We talked this morning and he told me he forgot he needed to stay in his own bed and he'll try again. That is all I can ask for. I know he can do it.

• I was thrown a baby shower at work!

On the days David goes to school, I work from home until I pick him up - then I go into work. Yesterday was one of those days. Before I left to go into the office, I got an email for a meeting with my director. I accepted the invite and headed to the office. When I arrived, my co-worker was waiting for me to go over some things she'll take over for me while I am on leave. After we finished, I was called into the meeting with my director that in fact was my SHOWER! I had no idea and was so surprised. All the ladies on our floor were there. We had some delicious cake, cookies and fruit and I received a Target Gift Card, some clothes and bibs, a Pooh doll, a cd and a grooming kit. David was given an Elmo pinata! The card had some really nice wishes written it in. I was very happy.

• Steve was given a promotion and a raise!

When I returned from my desk after my wonderful shower, Steve called me. He informed me that he just left his bosses office where he was told that he would be bumped up to the next level in his job and would get a nice raise! I was so surprised and happy. Not only for our family, but for him personally. He is well deserving of both. I told him how proud I was and that we'd go to dinner to celebrate.

So, as the title reads....WHAT A DAY!

Picture of Nursery

Baby Update

Today I am 36 weeks along with 4 weeks to go! I went to the doctor this afternoon and the baby's head is down, but she is very high and there is no dialation. I did not think she dropped just by the fact that I still have trouble breathing when I am sitting down.

My maternity leave starts 2 weeks from today and I sure am looking forward to it. I am VERY uncomfortable at work because I sit most of the day. Not to mention that I get tired after lunch and I a little swollen.

The babies room is coming along. There are just a few finishing touches and it will be all set. I had ordered some decorative items from Target after my shower last Sunday and they should get here within the next week.

Speaking of my shower, it was great. The weather was perfect, the food was delicious and Laurie was the greatest hostess. I received LOTS of great clothes and other gifts. It was so nice to have my family and friends together.

I think that is all for now. I return to the doctor next Wed. evening, so you can expect another update then. Maybe I'll have more to tell you!

Memory Walk

This past Saturday, my sister in law Tracey, niece Ally, cousin Jeffrey and his girlfriend Lisa and I walked in the Pt. Pleasant Memory Walk to raise money for Alzheimer's research. They had a great turn out and between Tracey and I, we raised close to $800! The walk was great. We could not have asked for a more beautiful morning. We walked along the boardwalk all the way to the Manasquan inlet and back to the end of the Pt. Pleasant boardwalk. The sun was shining and the air was cool but not cold.

Raising money for Alzheimer's research is important to both Tracey and I because both our maternal Grandmother's passed away from the disease. It is a horrible way to live for the one suffering and for the ones watching the person suffer. Most of the time (like in the case of our grandmothers), the victims are not sick in any other way, but their minds. They reside in nursing homes for years in perfect physical health before their minds forget to have them eat or breathe, and then they pass on.

If you or someone you love has been touched by Alzheimer's and you'd like to make a donation, please visit www.alz.org . Every little bit counts.

Thanks Tracey for teaming up with me!

IT WORKS!!

If you have not noticed, I have been slacking in the post with picture department. Reason being, our 3 year old photographer broke my camera back in the early summer. My lovely sister and brother in law were kind enough to give us theirs (they got an upgrade) on vacation. To no fault of their own, they forgot to pack the software and upload cable but I did get them recently. When I tried to install the camera on our PC - I got an error. So, I attempted to download the software and again, an error. I FINALLY got smart today and removed everything I loaded and downloaded the driver from the web. Low and behold - IT WORKED! So after about an hour of uploading, I can post a picture. YA HOO! Enjoy...

I can see clearly now, thanks to Rich

I know that is not how the song goes, but it is true. I bought Steve a HDTV last christmas from QVC. Well, after a few months, it went on the fritz. So, our great brother in law spoke to his peeps and got us a replacement. Well, unfortunately, this one has fritzed also. Rich was determined to figure out what exactly was going wrong. He came up last Saturday and together with Steve, got down to the nitty gritty. Basically, we are getting 1 more TV and need a longer, better cable. So as of next week, our TV will be shipped and I will be making a HDMI cable purchase at the local Best Buy (unless Rich can find one - so nice!).

I can not tell you what a difference seeing football in HDTV makes - not only it is clear as heck - but Steve is not bitching in the background!

Thanks Rich - you ROCK!

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL!

As you can see, I am very excited that Football season is upon us. I am partaking in 3 fantasy football type leagues this year and am off to a good start in 2 of them so far. I won't know the results of the first week of my fantasy team until after tonight's 2 games. I am tied for 1st place in a pick 'em league (you have to pick EVERY game EVERY week) and lived for another week in our survival league (pick 1 team each week to win, but can not choose the same team twice in the season). The games have been great. I've seen some awesome catches and hard hitting - the way the game should be played. Steve was fortunate enough to actually go to last night Manning Match-Up. Even though the Giants lost, they looked really good. I am hoping for a fabulous season! Enjoy the games.

Sat out this year

For the past 2 years, my cousins Mike and Laura-Ann plan a Kenny family softball game/picnic during the summer. It's held at Johnson's Park off River Rd. The first year it was hotter than hell. Last year it was hot and then we had a thunderstorm. This year, it was FREEZING! Go figure. Aside from the weather, we had a great time. The game began at noon and was very intense. My husband HATES to lose so thank GOD, he was on the winning team. He passed off his MVP trophy from last year to Jen. She is amazing! Next it was time to eat. Hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill and lot of side dishes. I had the tortellini salad, the ziti and the potato salad. All delicious. My Mom made her Friggin Dip in a huge aluminum pan and it went like hot cakes. Everyone loves that dip. The rest of the day was spent trying to stay warm and chatting. David had a lot of fun with Mike's other godchild Matthew. They played ball and tag. Towards the end, some wild and crazy family members (they shall remain nameless) did keg stands! That was hilarious. Before leaving the dessert was put out so my Dad and Anna made a trip to Dunkin Donuts for a Box of Joe and some hot chocolates (1 for me, please). After the keg was kicked, we decided to take the party back to our house. Jill, Joe, Laura-Ann, Mike, John, Jay and my parents came back and we ordered some pizza. Joe had picked up beer. The guys hung around the computer watching silly YOUTUBE clips and the girls ate and gossiped. By the end of the night we were watching chapters of R. Kelly's In the Closet. VERY STRANGE, however addicting. We ended at chapter 12 and I feel that my life is incomplete without the rest. I sure hope we can watch the rest on Sunday at Uncle Tom's Labor Day bash. Anyone care to join me?

Tomorrow, another year older

I love my birthday! Not only is it in the best season of the year, I am born on my Dad's birthday and therefore get to share my celebration every year. Tomorrow I will turn 31 and Dad will be 58. I usually take my birthday off to do something fun, but with my impending maternity leave, I need to save all the time off I can get. So, I'll work during the day and my parents, David, Steve and I will grab dinner in the evening. At 7 pm, I have invited our families over for cake and coffee. Our family LOVES a reason to get together. I can't wait to see what Steve bought me - he spent his hard earned Fair money at the mall yesterday. The gift he bought for me from David I already have been given. Once Steve told and showed it to David, he HAD to give it to me. It's a beautiful heart locket with Mom engraved on the front. David told me it's to put a picture of him and his new baby sister in. I love it and can't wait to wear it. He was so proud of it. I also already received money from my in-laws that I bought a Yankee wristlet and backpack with as well as got my hair cut. My sister and Andrew bought me my perfume that I needed desperately. The rest will come tomorrow on my actual Birthday. I will be headed to the mall tonight to pick up something for my Dad from David. I have my gift for him and the cards all set. I'll update this post tomorrow with some pictures so you can see what I get too!

Gift update:

• I am embarrased to admit that my sister in law DID in fact buy me 2 birthday gifts while we were in FL. The first was a lilac visor and the second was a beautiful purple Brighton anklet. So Sorry Tray!
• I received money today from my Grandparents and my Aunt Mary and Uncle Bob!
• This morning my friend at work bought me a cute maternity outfit!
• My parents gave me maternity clothes, the Yankee hat I wanted, a beautiful seaglass starfish necklace and belly smooches.
• Steve got me flowers and more perfume.
• Mark and Jen got me a gift card to Sephora.
• Aunt Carol and Uncle Tom gave me money.
• Jill and Joe and Aunt Judy and Uncle Jack gave me scratch offs.

5 things you can only feel as a Mom

• Recently I said to my husband "I feel bad for David". He looked at me like I had 3 heads and asked "Why?". I explained that when the baby arrives he will not be 'THE ONE' anymore and I don't want his little heart broken. Steve said he understood but that I should not worry. When I asked if he felt bad for him he simply said "No".
• David is a boy and LOVES to play rough. His favorite people to rough house with are my cousins - ages 22 to 28 and of course his 33 year old father. Every once in a while ( not on purpose) he gets knocked around pretty good and I gasp in fear. It is only then that he gets upset. If I were to keep my gasp and fear to myself, he's get up and attack his attacker. Steve is constantly telling me to not be so sensitive or I'll turn David into a wimp.
• Ever since we brought David home from the hospital, I have jumped up to soothe his every little wimper or hard cry. I know that as a baby that is ok, but know he is 3 and I still can't bear to hear him upset. I am smart enough to know, that at 3 years old he is playing me but that cry just breaks my heart. I remember one specific instance when we were trying to get to sleep and David was being a bear. The last straw came when he hurt me somehow. Steve took him out of our room, threw him in his bed and locked our door. David got out of his bed, walked back to our room and tried to get in. When he realized the door was locked he started to wail. Steve would not let me go get him so I started to wail. After a good 5 minutes, I could not take it anymore and climbed over Steve to get David. When I opened the door he was sitting on the floor a mess. I got down on the floor, held him in my lap and he fell fast asleep.
• I work a full time job and everyday, I feel guilty. I know that I HAVE to work in order for us to live, but I still feel the guilt. I hate to leave David in the morning whether he's asleep or awake. While I am at work, I am constantly wondering what he is doing and wishing I could be spending my day with him having fun. It's not that I do not want to work, it's that I would rather just be Mom. Mom is a the only title I want.
• Being pregnant is wonderful. I have not gotten morning sickness or any of the other bad things that can come. I feel great and if I can say so myself, I do not look too bad. There is nothing like the feeling of the babies 1st 'kick'. Although you can have your husband feel your belly from the outside, he has no idea the sensation on the inside. Same goes for the birth. Obviously there is pain, but he has NO idea how it feels, no matter how hard he tries to say to does. A kick in the testicles, is just NOT a comparrison. I am not complaining about the pain - to be honest I have forgotten all about it. Then there is that unbelievable feeling of seeing your child for the first time. That immediate out pouring of love and bonding that happens after all the pain is over. I almost feel bad for Steve and the other Dads in the world. I do not think that moment is the same for them. I do believe they have a similar feeling, but nothing like a Mother.

Daddy Blues

Last week my husband helped his cousin out by working long hard days at the Middlesex County Fair in our home town. At first, David thought this was WAY cool, until about the 3 or 4th day when he realized that Daddy was not home. See, Steve would leave in the morning by 7:45 am before David woke up and would come home after midnight and after David had gone to bed. We would venture to the fair around dinner time everynight to visit Daddy, but most often, he and Walter were still turning on the lights and putting out fires (not real ones). There were a few days that Steve was able to spend some real time with us, but unfortunately David did not respond well. He missed his Dad so much, that he acted like a raging maniac and then Steve would rather we just went home (sort of). Well, that week has now ended and tonight when Steve gets home from work, he and David will have time to get some bonding done. I asked my Mom to go home as soon as Steve walks in and I am going to get my nails done right from work. That should give them a good hour and a 1/2 to play rough or whatever it is they want to do. When I get home, I'm going to take them both out to dinner at Outback Steakhouse. Steve deserves it - he did a great job last week. I am very proud of him!

There was an attempt..

to post after we got back from our vacation, but my computer tossed the post before I could publish so I gave up.

Where should I begin?

Well, we went away for a week at the end of July to visit Steve's parents in FL. The main reason for our visit was my mother-in-law's 60th birthday. I think she was glad we were all there (my sister and brother-in-law and the kids came too). We did a lot in a week - a trip to St. Augustine, a visit to the Magic Kingdom, a boat trip, many dinners and a visit from my sister and her husband. It was nice - great to get away.

Since we've been back life has been just as crazy as before we left - although my parents missed David so much they took him to their place for a mini vacation for 3 days the week we got back. Steve and I got to catch Pirates of the Carribean (loved it) and grab dinner. That was a treat.

Business has been good. I had a kids crop that went well and I have 3 events this month - one of which is another kid crop. I completed an album for my niece as part of her birthday gift and I hope to start David's album soon. Creative Memories just unveiled all their new items for fall and I am SO excited. I think I can really move forward.

This week Steve is helping out his cousin Walter and putting in a lot of hours. David and I have been going to visit him and get a bite to eat. We miss him when he's not home. It's hard to go to sleep without him there. He is working hard and enjoying the time he is getting with his cousin and uncle. Maybe he'll decide to become an electrician!

Today I had a OB appt and my glucose test. All is well with our baby girl and I'll find out my test results next week. Heard her heartbeat - nice and strong. I stopped off at Home Depot over the weekend and got some paint swatches. Once we get that bed out of there, we can get to work on the nursery. I can't believe she'll be here in only 3 months! We are all so excited to meet her.

I guess that is enough for now. I will post again soon.