tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60688590083348641872024-03-14T00:58:10.541-07:00The Kirkwood FamilyOur way to share the fun of our growing family with our friends and relatives around the country...The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-63584476154568591212010-08-24T18:42:00.001-07:002010-08-24T19:50:06.844-07:00So much to catch up on...Here is a snapshot of our life... it is busy... crazy... but <b>oh so much fun!</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Josh - He is a very active, bubbly, busy 3 year old. He has learned so much and has a very large vocabulary. He makes Jim and I laugh every day with his stories since they almost always involve something we did at least a year ago and how much fun we had. I have said it before, but now more than ever, this kid is a sponge. Tonight on our way back from the annual softball party we passed by a pickup truck. Josh said, "When I get bigger I want a pick up truck." Jim replies, "Oh really?" Josh responds, "Just like Papa's". We both laugh and I say, "Well maybe you can have Pappa's when you turn 16". He goes, "No mom, I want my own truck.". Well okay then. I guess I was told what he wants. </div><div><br /></div><div>Josh has always been a daddy's boy, but in the last month, I have enjoyed putting him to bed almost every night. He was stuck with me for five days when Jim had a baseball trip and I think he realized that I am also fun to hang out with. We have been reading some short poems/stories from the Shel Silverstein book "Where the Sidewalk Ends". My favorite one to read is "The Unicorn" mainly because it is actually a song... although I never knew that until I saw "Gary" up at tech... and that was more for drinking than educational purposes. Well Gary officially taught me something that I am passing onto my kids. Last night Jim went to read to him and Josh's request was the Unicorn song... when Jim started to read it, Josh said, "No daddy sing it". Jim tried and apparently it was not good enough so he kicked Jim out and had me do the bedtime routine... IT WAS A FIRST! and yes, I loved it! ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>Josh knows the letters in his name by sight and completely out of order. He'll point to an 'S' and say, hey that is an "S" mom! Like in my name. He recognizes numbers pretty well up to 10. And the kid is already really smart on the computer knowing how to use a mouse and play a number of kids games. He can pretty much dress himself these days. Although for some reason when he takes off his shirt he puts his arms through the neck hole rather than through the belly opening. Ah well... he'll get there. </div><div><br /></div><div>Everett - He is SO active. He is crawling, pulling himself up on furniture, not cruising yet... but the kid is <b>EVERYWHERE!</b> He is transitioning to the next room and apparently has surprised them all as to how quickly he will move around. He is not afraid of anything... he sees a bigger kid pulling up on something... and he thinks he can do the same. </div><div><br /></div><div>He is loving solid foods and moving up into bigger soft chunks of things like avocado and mangos. He loves them! He officially weighed in at 19lbs 4 oz this past week for a doctors visit! Everett loves to stick out his tongue and make a tooting noise... all the time. Whenever he wakes up, that is what we will hear first. In the car when it is quiet... that is what we will hear. If you do it back, he will just giggle and then do it right back. On our long car rides to MI, Josh will get him laughing <b>SO HARD</b> by pretending to hurt himself or just laughing hysterically. Everett will just giggle and stick out his tongue. It is <b>SO FUN </b>to see these two interact. They both just love each other so much. I know it sounds corny, but really they do. Josh will do just about anything for Everett and Everett just grins when he walks in the room. He will roll, crawl, and pull himself where ever he needs to go to keep up with Josh. I think the only drama between the two of them is over the <b>HOCKEY STICKS!</b> Ha Ha! :) He is just the most happy non-drama little man. I love it! He still is sleeping through the night, since 2 mos old... and if he goes to bed a little later... he sleeps in later... RIDICULOUS! Josh... still up at 6am EVERYDAY! </div><div><br /></div><div>Jimbo... work... kids... softball... visiting friends on the weekend. </div><div><br /></div><div>Me... work... work... kids... work... and some friend time. No working out. I really really need to get things re-balanced in life... cause it is WAY out of wak. And just in time for school to start. YAY! :) 6 credits this fall... only 4 semesters to go until graduation... <b>THE END IS IN SIGHT</b>!!</div>The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-77734052154003133142010-04-25T19:35:00.000-07:002010-07-18T11:50:11.477-07:00Everett's BaptismFinally it is here, Everett's baptism. I am very excited since I am guessing the outfit will fit him perfectly... another week and I bet it would be too small! We had lots of guests in town this weekend for the big event. Grandma and Grandpa Kirkwood, G'ma Connie, Aunt Deb and Uncle Chris, Abby/Aaron and the girls, Catherine all represented the Kirkwood family. Nanna and Pappa, Shannon and Steve, Joe and Megan, and G'ma Donna and G'pa Roger all represented my family. It was so nice to have everyone in town. <div><br /></div><div>The weather was horrible so we were limited to mainly indoor activities all weekend. The kids hung out at the pool Saturday morning while a few of us went shopping to Hobby Lobby. It is my mom's FAVORITE store and every time they come to town we go there. It is the only store that I know we average 2 hours in every time we go. Sometimes it is a little much, but we get awesome stuff for the house. That afternoon I took a few family members on a tour of my work... it was fun to show my Dad, Grandma/Grandpa, and brother what I do. I think it helped put in perspective why I am on call 24/7 and why I say that I work with grown toddlers. ha ha! </div><div><br /></div><div>That night we celebrated a number of birthdays. Aarons (BIL), Cindy's (MIL), my Dads, mine, Josh, and Catherine are all between Mid April to Mid May. We had pie, ice cream, cake, and a big big dinner. Everyone fit in our dining/living room at one table like they did for Josh's baptism weekend, but it is getting a little more snug with all the new little ones! The kids had a blast playing all weekend together. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now the baptism. What an event! We arrived somewhat intact despite the pouring rain on the way into church that morning. I had focused so much on getting us there that I forgot to bring his matching coat and blanket. But somehow ended up with a ratty old dish towel in my hands. Everett was STARVING when we arrived so my mom fed him a bottle. During the homily we heard him let'r rip... I realized it was the very end of the homily meaning it was baptism time... I panicked and turned to my mom and asked, "Did it go through?". She just shrugged her shoulders as she looked. I turned back to the front and saw the pastor coming down the aisle, I asked my mom again, "Did it go through?". She then lifted him up and there was that lovely mustard poop all the way up his back!!! REALLY? Are you FRICKEN kidding me? </div><div><br /></div><div>Jim already has the diaper changing pad out and a diaper/wipes ready to go... and all I could think of is, "you can't change a diaper in church... do you want to be struck by lightening?". So I grabbed Everett not sure what to do and said to Father Mike, "um, we have a problem" and then I proceeded to show him his back. Father Mike looked at me like, uh what? I said, "We had a blowout". Father Mike goes, "We have a delay of game everyone, cause Father Mike doesn't want to touch that!". So Jim rips Everett out of my hands and him, my mom, and SIL do the fastest diaper change I have ever seen. When I got Everett back in my arms I said, "Game on!". Everyone chuckled but for that 30 second delay I was forsure BEAT red. Father Mike commented that you could tell this was the second child because I wasn't freaking out! ha ha! </div><div><br /></div><div>The baptism went on without any more hiccups. He was very smiley and Josh watched every move. He was so curious as to what was going on and where "Jesus" (aka Father Mike) was taking him when he brought Everett up front to show the congregation. It was very cute! </div><div><br /></div><div>We headed back home and had a nice big brunch with everyone who could make it. Most of our family left around two that afternoon, but Abby/Aaron and the girls stayed until about 9pm and Uncle Chris and Aunt Deb stayed until 6pm. They were all leaving early the next morning for MI. It was a very nice weekend and despite the weather, it went VERY well with everyone in town. Thanks to all who got hotel rooms to help with the crazyness! </div>The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-42263814257730251652010-04-11T18:26:00.000-07:002010-07-18T11:49:54.548-07:00Aunt Shannon's Baby ShowerThis weekend we went back to MN for my sisters baby shower with the Thuente side. We didn't get on the road until 6pm because I was tied up at work (so frustrating). But again the boys traveled extremely well and barely made a peep on the 4 hour drive. We got to MN and was able to put Josh from his carseat to the bed without waking him up... AWESOME! Saturday morning we got ready for the baby shower with my cousin Lisa and sister. <div><br /></div><div>We had a good turnout for the shower, many of my cousins on my dads side and my sisters MIL. We played the Price is Right, the baby name game, and bingo when she opened gifts. Everett did well during it all, although he was a little overwhelmed with all the noise. Everyone wanted to hold him and we was quite happy to be held. </div><div><br /></div><div>After the shower we had a birthday dinner at my parents for my brother Joe who turned 26. Jim and I joined him and his friends out in Stillwater that night to celebrate and had a very good time. I never really have hung out with my brother and his friends so it was a lot of fun. They are very good people, crazy, but good people. We partied till about 2pm when my brother Jack (18) came to pick us up. We got back to my parents and finally were in bed around 3pm... the bummer part of going out... the kids still get up at 6-7am! </div><div><br /></div><div>We spent most of the day in MN just relaxing and spending more time with the family. Josh learned how to flip the puck up onto his stick and shoot it. I couldn't believe that he was able to learn the move and do it so quickly. He just gets so excited to play hockey with my brothers and dad. He got the section finals game of my brother Jack on a DVD... we watched it the whole way home and he was SO excited to hear them say Jack Walsh and see him score two goals... we had to keep replaying the goals over and over... So cute!</div>The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-78083076163360859832010-04-08T18:17:00.000-07:002010-07-18T11:39:46.755-07:00First week back to reality...Well the first week is done and over with and I couldn't be happier. I worked some very long hours and realized that what I had feared is likely the truth... the hours on the job are going to be long. I worked till at least 5:30 every night this week... and that meant only about an hour to hang out with Everett before he would go to sleep at 7pm. Josh goes to bed at about 9pm so there is still some time to hang out with him after work. <div><br /></div><div>Our getting ready routine went pretty smoothly, Jim helps get the boys ready in the morning and I drop off around 7:30am. Josh LOVES to help drop off Everett in his room. He helps carry in Everett's things and gives him a big hug and kiss, reminding him he will be upstairs. Everett did GREAT at school. He is sleeping really well, which surprised all of his teachers. They say he is a very easy baby, which I agree with. Jim picks up after work and gets dinner going every night. So things went as smooth as they could for our first go at it. Crazy to think that Everett is almost 12 weeks old. </div>The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-36205784943316447112010-04-04T18:38:00.000-07:002010-07-18T11:39:27.510-07:00My last week at homeReally, could it be so... I can't believe 12 weeks have come and gone and that I am going back to work next week. This time around, I am dreading every single part of it... I know that the hours are going to be long and unpredictable and that my bonding time with the boys is going to be very limited... So what better way to ignore what is going on in life than to make baby food! Ha ha! I decided to try it this time around and found it was ridiculously easy. I bought carrots, green beans, peas, and sweet potatoes. After cooking each vegetable according to the best way to preserve nutrients I pureed them in the food processor I bought for Jimbo this past Christmas. Then scooped them into ice cube trays to freeze. After they were frozen I popped 4 cubes into a vacuum freezer bag and sealed them up. It was a somewhat time consuming project, but it was very easy overall and I felt pretty good about myself. I hope that Everett likes it in a few months. I will probably try to make a little more in the months to come just to keep ahead of him, but I have a good start for now. <div><br /></div><div>Update on Josh. He is growing up so fast and learning so much. I look forward to the conversations we have and am amazed at the things he remembers. He repeats so much of what Jim and I say to the point it is scary. Some of his favorite sayings are, "What's up guys", "What are you talking about?", and "Yeah mom, Yeah, that was cool". He is reading his stories now on his own and listening to him read them is hysterical because he gets the main points but will mimick the way Jim/I read them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Everett is all full of smiles. He really has been such an easy baby. He sleeps great at night, going down around 7pm and waking up around 8 or 9 am with one or two feedings in the middle somewhere. It is FANTASTIC. Josh still gets up more than Everett! It is really fun to see the two boys interact as well, Everett just stares at Josh and smiles. I can't wait to see them play together... it won't be long I know!</div><div><br /></div><div>I finally had the guts to really chop my hair... well above my chin anyway. It turned out pretty cute but wow was that weird to wash in the shower! Where did it all go! </div><div><br /></div><div>Easter Sunday we went to church and then to Oshkosh to meet my friend Mandy and her family for brunch. It was delicious and the boys did fantastic. They had the run of the restaurant and the owners thought the kids were hilarious as they ran back and forth from the table to the buffet to get peeps. After brunch we went to their house for an Easter Egg hunt. Eric, Willa, and Josh ran like crazy to find the eggs in the backyard and they were everywhere. Josh definitely understands the Easter Bunny now... </div><div><br /></div><div>The rest of the day... we relaxed! So don't want to go back to work tomorrow!</div>The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-9542454331307622222010-03-30T20:04:00.000-07:002010-07-18T11:39:18.323-07:00Our Trip to MIThis weekend we finally made a trip to MI to introduce Everett to the Kirkwoods. So far only Jim's parents had been able to meet him, so this was going to be a big weekend. We drove out on Friday and had a pretty uneventful drive. The boys were very good throughout the drive and we have successfully figured out how to manage the drive to keep them happy. I pump as soon as I hear a whimper out of Everett and climb back to the middle seat between the boys to feed Everett a bottle. Then we make a stop and get everyone out for a potty break and some running. We turn on the DVD player towards the end of the 7 hour drive to help entertain Josh... and make the last few hours go faster. <div><br /></div><div>We got together with my friend Bri and her boyfriend Damon Friday night for a few drinks, it was very nice to see them and catch up. G'ma and G'pa had no objections to watching the boys that night. Saturday we woke up and drove to Royal Oak to hang out with Jim's sister Abby, husband Aaron, and girls Izzy and Charlotte. As soon as we pulled up Josh was screaming from the car, "Whats up dudes, I am here, Its Josh, Whats up Uncle Awesome" It was hilarious! </div><div><br /></div><div>We went to the Detroit Zoo Saturday night for an hour and thoroughly enjoyed watching them race around to see as many of the animals as we could. The best part forsure was the polar bear exhibit. The seals and polar bears can swim right over this underwater tunnel that you could walk through. One seal was doing laps with his eyes closed... and he eventually ran into a big grumpy looking seal. Wow did the kids laugh! It was fun to see them duck everytime the seals would come over the tunnel... </div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday we went to the Warren community center waterpark near their house. This was going to replace our annual waterpark trip, only because things have been just a bit hectic on both of our families this spring. So we spent a few hours splashing around and it seemed like the kids were perfectly content with this water adventure, and so were our wallets! </div><div><br /></div><div>That night all the grandmas came in to meet Everett. He was all smiles and enjoyed being held. We got to meet Catherine (Jim's younger sister) new boyfriend Tyler and had some good laughs. Monday we went back to Jim's parents. It was a nice relaxing way to end our trip. They boys did great and we have definitely figured out the sleeping routine. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tuesday our drive back was a little long. We were all just tired and eager to be home. No real problems, we slept most of the way. It is weird that it is already Tuesday because we usually make the drive on Sunday. Josh spent a good portion of the drive telling us all about the fun he had with his cousins and with g'ma and g'pa. He has a very good memory and is increasing his vocabulary everyday, it is so amazing! </div>The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-16513046343055228992010-03-14T20:16:00.000-07:002010-07-18T11:39:08.746-07:00The MN State Hockey TourneyMy brother and his team had officially made it to the MN State High School Hockey tournament. We were so so excited to make the trip back home to watch the games even though we had just been there for the weekend. We left on Thursday and drove straight to my Aunt Mary's in Woodbury to drop Everett off. My Uncle Steve offered to drive us to the Excel Energy Center because the word was it was unbelievably packed and parking was not even close. We got there to see the previous game end and say hello to all the family members. My mom had a special sweatshirt made for Josh that said Pioneers on the front and my brother number and name on the sleeve. He was SO excited! <div><br /></div><div>It was the second time I had been to the state tournament, the first time was when I was in H.S. And I don't remember it being so packed. Literally, the Excel Energy center was sold out. Throughout the tournament they posted the daily attendance and one of the facts they put up on the scoreboard was that the second most attended event a the Excel was a MN State High School Hockey game. The first was a Shania Twain concert. Yep, MN hockey is big. Another fun fact, the entire sections on either side of the rink are for season ticket holders. Leaving the four sections on either end of the ice open for fans of the teams that are playing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Game one was against Duluth East. It was a good game, although too close for comfort... I want a big lead... 2 goals were fired right away by Duluth... YUCK... my stomach was in knots the entired game. Thankfully before the first period was over my brothers team had scored 2 goals... within 10 seconds of eachother. But Duluth scored a third time, just as the clock ran out for the first period. 3-2... high scoring game. Josh was a riot during the game, watching every second of it, including the little kids during periods and the zamboni. He loved being passed around from family member to family member. In the second period my brothers team came out roaring and scored two games. It was finally looking like they were going to pull it off. My brother scored an awesome goal in the second period to give the Pioneers the final goal of the game. It was AWESOME! </div><div><br /></div><div>The next day we had to play Minnetonka, the number one team in the State. Everyone knew Hill would have to come out strong right away. Minnetonka had 3 confirmed D1 recruits already. My stomach hurt all day just thinking about it! It was an unbelievable game. Everyone seemed to be on the edge of their seat after the first period. Hill Murray had control over the game right from the start. But they just couldn't sink the puck. Minnetonka got a goal in the first period on one of the first defensive mistakes, but Hill was able to tie it up. The rest of the game was a nailbiter with Hill out shooting Minnetonka 24 shots to 9! It was ridiculous... but puck just wouldn't go in. The game continued for four overtimes... Almost ending once after a goal went in for Minnetonka... but it was called off because it was kicked in. Phew... but the fun was quickly over in the fourth overtime when Minnetonka scored. The place was still packed even though it was 12:30am! They had been playing hockey for 3.5 hours... it was crazy! And yes, Josh was still up and with us but didn't understand how we lost. It was the second longest game in H.S. state tourney history!</div><div><br /></div><div>The next day we played Apple Valley for third. Hill came out strong with the graduating seniors playing the first line. Within 20 seconds, my brother scored the first goal... setting them up for another strong game, even if they had just played 8 hours earlier! They won 6-3 to take the Third Place title. Not bad. Even though we all knew the play-off game was the game against Minnetonka... </div><div><br /></div><div>Minnetonka got second by the way... they lost to Eden Prairie and looked like crap... our fans yelled "You are Welcome" to the Eden Prairie fans... basically because Hill had run them down so they were easier to beat. </div><div><br /></div><div>We went to celebrate after the game at Champps... my brother came down there with his girlfriend and we watch the state final game on TV... My brother got a call as we were sitting there that he had made the All Tournament team. So he drove back to the Excel with my parents... the rest of us watched on TV as he and my parents walked out at the end of the game. My brother also won the Hobey Baker H.S. Character award. As you can tell, I am pretty proud of him! </div><div><br /></div><div>Everett didn't get to watch any of the games in person, he was able to hang out with our family though. My grandparents watched him for the final game against Apple Valley... with everyone knew watching him I thought it might be good to print out an "All about me" page with some quick notes about Everett. I am pretty sure they all thought I was nuts... but each of them did read it and did appreciate some part of it. My uncle was happy to have our phone number so he could get a hold of us when we needed to be picked up. My grandparents were happy to read that he doesn't necessarily need to be burped. ha ha! So even though they made fun of me... it was helpful. And I didn't give them a 10 minute schpeel before we left. </div>The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-88547710417033876202010-01-28T19:01:00.000-08:002010-07-18T11:43:02.133-07:00Our first trip to MNEverett had his 2 week check-up on Tuesday this week and confirmed what I had been thinking, he was a BIG boy! He weighed in at 9lbs 14.5 oz! He is gaining weight just fine and the doctor says he looks BEAUTIFUL. At this point he is sleeping pretty well already at night, getting up only 2x at night, and really only fusses for three things; hungry, dirty diaper, or tired. He is only somewhat interested in the pacifier and can fall asleep just fine without it which is nice. We are using the "Woombie" swaddling gizmo that my friend Mandy recommended and it works really well. He doesn't like it a whole lot when we first put him in it but once the lights are off and we lay him down he calms right down and zonks out. I kicked Jimbo out of the room and have him sleeping in our guest room because no one was getting any sleep in our house... Josh and Everett were waking up at different times and Jim and I were up for every one of them. <div><br /></div><div>Hilo had his annual checkup this week too and he is packing on the pounds in his old age (4 this April). He weighed in at 65 pounds, 5 more than last year. Vet wasn't worried, just said besure to get him exercise and if we are concerned, we can back off on the quantity of food. Yah, right. That would mean we can't feed Josh... cause that is where Hilo gets all the "treats".<br /><div><br /></div><div>We went to MN to see my brother Jack play in the Senior game. It was a normal season hockey game however they had a special ceremony before hand to honor the seniors. I can't believe he is graduating this year... Crazy that at my high school graduation he was a kindergartner!!! Time flies... now I am married, two kids... OLD! :)</div><div><div><br /></div></div></div>The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-3441741420898686912010-01-24T17:10:00.000-08:002010-01-26T17:38:03.268-08:00All is calm at the Westwood...My mom and sister left on Friday morning, so now it was just our family of four left at the Westwood Resort... Jim and I have decided we would be really good at running a B&B... he would <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCALgoNGqTAkOmgfqRKwPHun8VSwbklzv4RHazkuJ7VhUbysVzy3gsPzeEEF5SVX8hOs7JUQ2Q1oGuHImSLBdWqdHocFxI4voOhoLVotQvLF1ykMP90OtczLd3ufLg4t2CBrvtSNVN8w/s1600-h/IMGP1162.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431226382457523490" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCALgoNGqTAkOmgfqRKwPHun8VSwbklzv4RHazkuJ7VhUbysVzy3gsPzeEEF5SVX8hOs7JUQ2Q1oGuHImSLBdWqdHocFxI4voOhoLVotQvLF1ykMP90OtczLd3ufLg4t2CBrvtSNVN8w/s200/IMGP1162.JPG" border="0" /></a>make an awesome breakfast and I am getting faster and faster at changing sheets and cleaning bathrooms. Ha ha! :)<br /><div><div><br /><div><div></div><div>We didn't do anything special Friday night, which was perfect. Saturday morning I had class for 3 hours... painful, so glad the rest of it is online. This was the longest I had been away so far from Everett and it was going to require a bottle feeding. Up until this point we had tried to give him a bottle without any luck. He is drowning with the Avent bottles Josh used and the Medela bottle isn't any better. Next up were the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZyviY7ZNastxnnnfd4rb6AiHOpWYO2tSe8JouxLWbDwEi_hGzKtojpgvggtmS9b6ZCu51Ln3NR8fT5S1jcTDttmGnKKuOBbKG0ATf8yfaH59KgB0NU6a9tXAKxJ9tbj_8UXo2ctt-6I/s1600-h/IMGP1163.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431226738734383410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZyviY7ZNastxnnnfd4rb6AiHOpWYO2tSe8JouxLWbDwEi_hGzKtojpgvggtmS9b6ZCu51Ln3NR8fT5S1jcTDttmGnKKuOBbKG0ATf8yfaH59KgB0NU6a9tXAKxJ9tbj_8UXo2ctt-6I/s200/IMGP1163.JPG" border="0" /></a>playtex nurser and the soothie bottle we had from Josh. I got home to find out that the Soothie bottle worked and he sucked down 3 ounces. THANK GOODNESS! He was still hungry so I nursed him and all was well. I am gathering quite the stock pile in the freezer, we are up to 10 frozen bags of 6 oz each!<br /></div><div>That afternoon we ventured to the grocery store and then had our neighbors over that night. It was an early night but nice to have some friends visit. Sunday we had our first attempt at Church. I woke up at 7:15am to nurse Everett which takes about 45 minutes (includes burping/diaper change). I got in the shower at 8am. Usually it takes me 30 minutes to get ready... and I didn' t do anything more than usual, but had to stop to either tend to Josh or Everett a few times. We <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWQvfJec5FeRtC3mm0ihvfTRGh9oraRaA2NMM8Mb7BGmwvJLTnlDUioCz33_Wpzc7bWBdXP0Shdu-9hC-YGK_YPYUY7kZHTnqRIT-g4Tf9ZMKCR9bDxtOejlZ88_FkjajDPHHc_Ibu78/s1600-h/IMGP1171.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431227653048991922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWQvfJec5FeRtC3mm0ihvfTRGh9oraRaA2NMM8Mb7BGmwvJLTnlDUioCz33_Wpzc7bWBdXP0Shdu-9hC-YGK_YPYUY7kZHTnqRIT-g4Tf9ZMKCR9bDxtOejlZ88_FkjajDPHHc_Ibu78/s200/IMGP1171.JPG" border="0" /></a>finally got everyone in the car at 9:22 am... We were going to be late for sure... I hate being late! We ended up having to sit in the very last pew in the back and unfortunately it is really hard to pay attention when you are that far back. The boys were very good though anyway. </div><br /><div></div><div>We had breakfast at home and then all zonked out for a nice 2 hour nap. We woke up and went to Kim/Jerome/Emma's house for dinner and playtime. Aft<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIjvzAik6P6ANIVVzGIaziaxhSfbACNjULM09_oGhJ-uCR_nRulMxhB8JRD-lIt13VVMHUC2bTlZoMm6SLZWH_fJoHWzgiW_qkeqwUOJigQS6kcq6dlgttMP_r0wJemWboSrgrfCCjcg/s1600-h/IMGP1167.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431227060201025058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIjvzAik6P6ANIVVzGIaziaxhSfbACNjULM09_oGhJ-uCR_nRulMxhB8JRD-lIt13VVMHUC2bTlZoMm6SLZWH_fJoHWzgiW_qkeqwUOJigQS6kcq6dlgttMP_r0wJemWboSrgrfCCjcg/s200/IMGP1167.JPG" border="0" /></a>er dinner Emma asked if her and Josh could take a bath... and we said no, not tonight. About 10 minutes later Josh asked to go potty so Jim put him in there with a book and Josh kicked him out. Emma snuck in there later to give him a new book. All of a sudden we hear the toilet flush... and then the bathtub water running. Kim and I ran into the bathroom to find the two of them standing there with their pants/undies off and throwing in the bath toys. It was hilarious. And of course we couldn't say no at this point. </div></div></div></div>The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-51285093895267404702010-01-22T15:16:00.000-08:002010-01-26T15:38:02.139-08:00Week 1 Home...<div><div><div><div>This was the first week home with Everett and it was wonderful! :) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJRUG7_tew2kOjUz5pggBFLf5wzcu1iSNLccWnDmuw2wVMrTa716K90EfRQxxWeR5Uk95IsrJgLgfpFIun-pcgwS1j3j-Uy6AmP9O7eW8mkArYP2e4-pojjxAK57atscPF8LR_uh7Ed4/s1600-h/IMGP1131.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431194322128959682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJRUG7_tew2kOjUz5pggBFLf5wzcu1iSNLccWnDmuw2wVMrTa716K90EfRQxxWeR5Uk95IsrJgLgfpFIun-pcgwS1j3j-Uy6AmP9O7eW8mkArYP2e4-pojjxAK57atscPF8LR_uh7Ed4/s200/IMGP1131.JPG" border="0" /></a>Everett is sleeping great at night between feedings and is nursing every 3-4 hours. I get a solid 2 hours of sleep in between which is adding up to about 6 hours. Although it isn't my ideal 8-9 hours at night, I am loving it! He is holding his head up for a minute here and there and doesn't mind tummy time. He has been able to lift and turn his head to look at me <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GydpYpw3mD0CfTNt3_e5xetLpofUB-SwxlZdfqKqU4WvTTlrW_P2_MaQdxXeHHymWH2mvgfbDhWp8I97cMQikL2b_r2clpZAvykFHEKc-WLFbb7wHMCH2C4qJ09Wzudcfb5F5ytZZeU/s1600-h/IMGP1144.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431194916230554562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GydpYpw3mD0CfTNt3_e5xetLpofUB-SwxlZdfqKqU4WvTTlrW_P2_MaQdxXeHHymWH2mvgfbDhWp8I97cMQikL2b_r2clpZAvykFHEKc-WLFbb7wHMCH2C4qJ09Wzudcfb5F5ytZZeU/s200/IMGP1144.JPG" border="0" /></a>but does eventually get mad and want to be picked up. </div><br /><div>Joshua has been a fantastic big brother and it has been a lot of fun to watch him around Everett. He is very helpful when doing diaper changes and has even given up his favorite recliner/rocker in the family room to let Everett sit in it. During bath time Joshua is in charge of the sprayer but eventually he gives up because Everett is not too happy during bathtime. </div><br /><div></div><div>My mom and sister arrived Sunday night and stayed through the week to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj339nIdsPIyJv8zEwY3_lHHXzu7q3t7-li_r8AYhRh6JrA9hlRMHUXtB1RerhI-3bHqpIXwSfsMk3C4ce8AUJy8micr7ab20Ro-PYrlvQ3LLDoMgfxFlugP8qU4zA6AAyKbL7QBjvS_Mc/s1600-h/IMGP1154.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431196198248781346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj339nIdsPIyJv8zEwY3_lHHXzu7q3t7-li_r8AYhRh6JrA9hlRMHUXtB1RerhI-3bHqpIXwSfsMk3C4ce8AUJy8micr7ab20Ro-PYrlvQ3LLDoMgfxFlugP8qU4zA6AAyKbL7QBjvS_Mc/s200/IMGP1154.JPG" border="0" /></a>help out. They did a lot of housework, cooking, and played with Josh. Each morning I would wake up with the boys and my sister would come down shortly after that. She would take over and send me back to bed... it was fanstastic! My mom and her spent hours putting together photo albums for Josh using the posts in my blog and the oodles of pictures we have on our computer. I am excited because I have been a serious slacker and haven't even started a baby book for Josh. I admit I was relying on the blog to eventually get me caught up on it, when I found time. But after talking to my mom about the photo books you can make online we looked into it and are going to see how it works out. I think it is worth a try and certainly faster than scrapbooking because I am SO anal! :) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvLMR1Q_SVqMmdJzODv4zvJFNCNmYFC8E_nl2Z3O9SHVl3SBnpkaUCmibanZNkIpaPlWGyma8YYCWWoYHhEiRBsZdwN6PhAvUxDAgg-JPympwzz3bdIHQLmqRhsMRbsyH5D2c7qM-GXc/s1600-h/IMGP1150.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431195963681022482" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvLMR1Q_SVqMmdJzODv4zvJFNCNmYFC8E_nl2Z3O9SHVl3SBnpkaUCmibanZNkIpaPlWGyma8YYCWWoYHhEiRBsZdwN6PhAvUxDAgg-JPympwzz3bdIHQLmqRhsMRbsyH5D2c7qM-GXc/s200/IMGP1150.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>We have made a few adventures throughout the week. Went to the mall to do some shopping, a few trips to the grocery store, and post office, and a trip to the doctors office. It is very important to know that it takes double the time to get out of the house with 2 kids! I have a feeling my hectic morning drop-offs will require me to get up around 5 am... will I ever find time to workout again?? I loved working out in the morning before work... I guess will just have to wait and see... :) </div></div></div></div>The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-87581036188262728732010-01-17T14:55:00.000-08:002010-01-26T15:16:13.429-08:00Lots of Help<div><div><div><div>We had a very short hospital stay since he was born late Tuesday night. Everything went well. I was poked for labs to monitor the pre-eclampsia and on magnesium <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1WzffY5RMglWV19xE3S4rfEKicX2IrFLyNVcKtx5mAjokaf0UYtOlrCqLQWntFxOcDszjSy6icP7kJ1BXxxLCkmZqaOCzUuANN-_MTXmKx5D8rRL21sWcYGARYqgpIIp1XkgZRoAM4k/s1600-h/IMGP1109.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431189321802870050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1WzffY5RMglWV19xE3S4rfEKicX2IrFLyNVcKtx5mAjokaf0UYtOlrCqLQWntFxOcDszjSy6icP7kJ1BXxxLCkmZqaOCzUuANN-_MTXmKx5D8rRL21sWcYGARYqgpIIp1XkgZRoAM4k/s200/IMGP1109.JPG" border="0" /></a>sulfate until 24 hours after Everett was born (annoying IV's!). My blood pressure was dropping and blood work showed I was going the right direction. So we were released Thursday around noon. We had a few visitors at the hospital but overall just spent some time getting to know Everett. So far he was showing signs of being a pretty<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbqfVcKFSpnEBkvhyphenhyphena0XNce2PAob49XTXLzkVFFuLcikioCxCZI-OS4XTK1ob_78eizKxosmuggMYD_bZIteYNNOOq891wveRV3M7CBiFt_xU_JWe7IC1wGWEH9YJlyXJ1NTmBdgSh0w/s1600-h/IMGP1108.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431189086920932594" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbqfVcKFSpnEBkvhyphenhyphena0XNce2PAob49XTXLzkVFFuLcikioCxCZI-OS4XTK1ob_78eizKxosmuggMYD_bZIteYNNOOq891wveRV3M7CBiFt_xU_JWe7IC1wGWEH9YJlyXJ1NTmBdgSh0w/s200/IMGP1108.JPG" border="0" /></a> mellow baby, although it is still early! </div><br /><div></div><div>Josh was enjoying his time with the grandparents, skating on the hockey rink in the back yard, and overall getting spoiled. He loved meeting Everett, "my baby sister" as he put it. We are working on getting him to say "Brother". He loved holding him and is a fantastic helper!</div><br /><div></div><div>Jim's parents and g'ma Connie stayed at our house until Sunday to help out. They did a great job <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJAsfL7fqi3H_IdgSZYcS-nvVI4XAguM9fPIMOgNGtPEZfzB4ULW1teR9GUNQFR01ZBCKF44hdZKTKsr7Y2qh_l0OvsoDe-xzdJugM0RbvymlOcMF6MFm3lzmIqtj7sw67Vo0Pmj22SM/s1600-h/IMGP1127.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431190894318696498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJAsfL7fqi3H_IdgSZYcS-nvVI4XAguM9fPIMOgNGtPEZfzB4ULW1teR9GUNQFR01ZBCKF44hdZKTKsr7Y2qh_l0OvsoDe-xzdJugM0RbvymlOcMF6MFm3lzmIqtj7sw67Vo0Pmj22SM/s200/IMGP1127.JPG" border="0" /></a>of keeping Joshua busy and entertained. I got lots of rest and Everett continued to do well. He is nursing about every 3 hours at the most. And he sleeps well between feedings at night which is also a plus!</div><div></div><div> </div><div>I am doing much better this time arou<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9_ixGZ_HhFDXeMmFoAAnJJBx91l42WTy7YDrpAwVirb6UHOQ5HPFA8Wp8VHCUNOY0pKLtZSgCGa2h7E-HZV6clGuItxBk5ChUGEXKBJCCS-OjESYRivWeSkTug5gifkOQmLl-ntcits/s1600-h/IMGP1111.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431189651573891026" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9_ixGZ_HhFDXeMmFoAAnJJBx91l42WTy7YDrpAwVirb6UHOQ5HPFA8Wp8VHCUNOY0pKLtZSgCGa2h7E-HZV6clGuItxBk5ChUGEXKBJCCS-OjESYRivWeSkTug5gifkOQmLl-ntcits/s200/IMGP1111.JPG" border="0" /></a>nd when compared to coming home with Josh. I definitely know that I had some post partum with Josh and am glad to know that is not the case right now with Everett, although I also know it could start up at anytime. I am convinced it is because I am such a planner and even though I thought I was prepared for Josh, I wasn't. I have definitely cried off and on for no reason, but it is definitely less this time around and I just plain old feel better. So crossing my fingers that it stays this way! :)</div></div></div></div>The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-78999246119562987802010-01-13T05:36:00.000-08:002010-01-26T14:55:30.290-08:00Everett James Kirkwood<div>He has FINALLY arrived! And he is PERFECT! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzw8W_Duw9d04McAIbupagYCE8neuU45J8cvwKz2MiYYuMceyBvo9p7E4IiSj4ac6GXo7aPy13ZKnEU1OHgjzfjrR1ObyKSIOKqGCgy2G4FT-Is76pPD0UBPdwMBPnLNCwX7Z43zGCZi8/s1600-h/IMGP1081.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431182481176923330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzw8W_Duw9d04McAIbupagYCE8neuU45J8cvwKz2MiYYuMceyBvo9p7E4IiSj4ac6GXo7aPy13ZKnEU1OHgjzfjrR1ObyKSIOKqGCgy2G4FT-Is76pPD0UBPdwMBPnLNCwX7Z43zGCZi8/s200/IMGP1081.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div></div><div></div><div>Everett James Kirkwood</div><br /><div>January 12, 2010 </div><br /><div>at 10:17 pm</div><br /><div>9lbs 2 oz</div><br /><div>20.5 inches long<br /></div><div>I had a doctor appointment at 3:30pm on 1/12. I didn't feel particularly different. Had the usual swollen ankles from being on my feet, tired just from being pregnant, and an annoying little headache above my right eye like the type you ge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjq9Mw0iK23QAHPQXYNAYgI2FChZ97xkwMbXGkkllxGDH_4X5QusytabWX9R-Mta7qgIlTpsd055hrseV9yO78UR97C6rdwsFyrhh6Sa0ZLVEywhiC8HTUo76uojzCpTgw4oODZ3HDXE/s1600-h/IMGP1093.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431184735020793570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjq9Mw0iK23QAHPQXYNAYgI2FChZ97xkwMbXGkkllxGDH_4X5QusytabWX9R-Mta7qgIlTpsd055hrseV9yO78UR97C6rdwsFyrhh6Sa0ZLVEywhiC8HTUo76uojzCpTgw4oODZ3HDXE/s200/IMGP1093.JPG" border="0" /></a>t when you have a sinus cold. I was very surprised then when the nurse who was taking my blood pressur<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicymuMfz27JKif1WG84AabNTaTmyg30HVIQaxMo7ue3rtr8FlTTNWBkI-u7wQOF304sRE7VmPqEfOLNb21PYh369JkHh60HUUZvwKipcyPFg1DpHAFbVQGNjNH4W1Df_MmnAzBv5KK_tQ/s1600-h/IMGP1078.JPG"></a>e said, you are going to have this baby tonight! WHAT? Apparently my blood pressure was 130/96. UGH! She said my doctor would not let me go home and was likely going to send me up this evening. I wasn't buying it.<br /></div><br /><div>Dr. came in and the first words are, do you have your bags with you? I said no but we could go home and get them. She said, Jim can go home, but you need to get upstairs immediately. She then <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBt1tfumtltcjNsJgDuGuN6bdW09sW-MpZ83ASTsTKJ9ILNN554jpWTAHVWJIdtssvn6gWZ1xqaOXsohf0BaF16DZRrPVzUxPfItnWFWUPg04zR_9slLT68_KEj2kxdT8A7KrolzEoGA/s1600-h/IMGP1089.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431183640522899826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBt1tfumtltcjNsJgDuGuN6bdW09sW-MpZ83ASTsTKJ9ILNN554jpWTAHVWJIdtssvn6gWZ1xqaOXsohf0BaF16DZRrPVzUxPfItnWFWUPg04zR_9slLT68_KEj2kxdT8A7KrolzEoGA/s200/IMGP1089.JPG" border="0" /></a>went on to say how she believes I have pre-eclampsia. She also verified I was at 4cm, 80% effaced, and that the baby was so low she just can't believe I haven't had him/her yet!</div><br /><br /><div>So we went up to get checked in and made all the calls to family. Everyone was already on their way here since I was supposed to be induced on the 13th. We had our friends Kim/Jerome/Emma get Josh from school and watch him until Jim's parents arrived. Jim ran home to get our things while I got hooked up to all the monitors and drilled with questions about the upcoming delivery, seriously don't know how anyone can answer all of them when they are in full blown labor, and what is the point of the "birth plan" if they aren't going to read it?<br /></div><br /><div>After a mega dose of penecillin the doctor broke my water about 6:45pm. We walked the halls as much as we could to get contractions going, but they continued to do the same thing... although we got them down to 4 minutes apart when walking, as soon as we got back to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdawD5TUqhMSPBsFutriwIsmyjuS_a2EAgaPvQfX7bOOFmPXnCvro0FLxjUyTXJdI2IFFoTfgvio1b2jVZjnlLzI6DyVFZkile4dMvzLeK0jjkhcHGrNged2zOptFNQpbre1LHoRi_33k/s1600-h/IMGP1096.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431185495844249090" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdawD5TUqhMSPBsFutriwIsmyjuS_a2EAgaPvQfX7bOOFmPXnCvro0FLxjUyTXJdI2IFFoTfgvio1b2jVZjnlLzI6DyVFZkile4dMvzLeK0jjkhcHGrNged2zOptFNQpbre1LHoRi_33k/s200/IMGP1096.JPG" border="0" /></a>the room they slowed back down. At this point my lab work had confirmed I did have pre-eclampsia and I was now stuck in bed and given magnesium sulfate which helps prevent seizures. I will admit that this is when I started to get a little concerned but overall was still feeling good. </div><div></div><br /><div>Sometime around 9pm things started really moving although contractions were WEIRD. Have a ridiculous one for about 3 minutes and then nothing for 5-10. The nurse and doctor weren't sure what was going on, but everyone of the contractions was making things progress, so that is what mattered. Finally - it was time for Everett to be born. 5 minutes of pushing and we had a BIG beautiful baby boy on my chest! It was UNBELIEVABLE! </div><br /><div>I had a lot of mixed emotions going into this and wasn't quite sure if I could possibly have that same overwhelmingly in love feeling that I had the moment I met Josh. But it happened. I cried, he cried, I cried more, then yelled - YOU ARE A HUGE BABY! </div><div></div><div> </div><div>My doctor was equally shocked because apparently she was concerned he/she would be small. Some other interesting facts, the placenta was 6lbs! And the cord was very thick, hearty, and a perfect spiral. No wonder he didn't want to come out. He was eating like a king!</div></div></div></div></div>The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-45289523277085172352010-01-11T19:45:00.000-08:002010-01-11T20:03:56.896-08:00Big Boy JoshSo I have officially stopped working until this baby arrives. Which allowed me to spend some quality 1:1 time with my little man Josh. He has grown SO much in the last 2.5 years. It is crazy to look back on all the pictures and posts. (Which I have done numerous times in the last month thinking about this new little addition). So today we took it slow getting ready. We watched one extra cartoon before heading to daycare. After I got all my miscellaneous errands done, I went back to pick up Josh. We had a quick doctors appointment to get the flu booster and then we went for a "burger cheese, fries, and ice cream". <br /><br />This is my weakness. When I am the one in charge of feeding him, I am very quick to give in and head to Tom's Drive-In... Josh loves it and it makes me feel like I ROCK... for a change. He is SUCH a DADDY's Boy. Yes. I am bribing my son. And I am perfectly okay with it. It is our thing. Although he asks where Dad is... I just say "work" and he lets it go.<br /><br />So we sat down to enjoy or lunch and he was full of stories. He told me all about the jets and how they fly around. He reminded me of how he didn't cry with his shots and about the bandaid on his leg. With every bite he tells me how big he is growing and how he is just like "Jack". (My brother). I couldn't help but look at how much he's grown, we now have conversations, he no longer needs the booster seat or bib, sippy cup, or wetwipes. Although wetwipes still are nice for the dried ketchup on his face. <br /><br />After literally 30 minutes of him munching, he has finished 80% of the cheeseburger, fries, and 50% of the shake. These are not kid size portions either. I was just watching in amazement. When he likes something, he goes to town. He finally says, "All done Mom".<br /><br />So I decide to eat the few remaining stubs of french fries and as I put them in my mouth... Josh says loudly, "Ta-ta-ta-TODAY Junior!". <br /><br />I busted out laughing so flippin hard! Apparently, it was time to go. <br /><br />He overheard Jim and I saying this movie quote about a month ago and had mimicked it once. Apparently he understands the context too! AH!!!<br /><br />It was a great way to spend a few hours just the two of us. And definitely memorable. I love that little kid more than anything! Can't wait to see him as a big brother!The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-53391659465551254002010-01-08T13:18:00.000-08:002010-01-09T14:02:35.002-08:00Week 38 appointmentThe waiting continues. This week my mom decided to stay a few days longer. I had to work, but it was nice to come home for lunch and just hang out. She got to experience first hand the waiting game. It goes a little something like this. <br /><br />Good contraction. Wait 10 minutes. Good Contraction. Wait 10 minutes. Good Contraction. <br /><br />This continues for up to 2 hours every day, since December 27th. The time between contractions varies from 15 minutes down to 6 minutes. When they get below 10 minutes I start to get excited and go collect our things. And every time they stop shortly after that. When they start I will walk around the house, try to clean something, or be active because I read and have been told that if they stop when you get up and move, they are false contractions. Well they continue each time like I said for up to 2 hours. <br /><br />My appointment on Tuesday was interesting. I am definitely tired from lack of sleep these days. Usually sleep a solid 3 hours as soon as my head hits the pillow, then the remainder of the night is spent on trips to the bathroom and tossing and turning. So my emotions already running high from the hormones, are now on overdrive with the lack of sleep. So my doctor comes into the room and in her very upbeat voice asks "How are we doing?". I couldn't even muster a single word... I just started crying. Totally taking her and Jim by surprise! And there I sat crying and trying to explain that I am just "done". My doctor was extremely understanding and was able to list off all the reasons it is normal for me to be feeling this way. Showing progress in labor for my measurements, good contractions each day that get closer together, the false alarm on Sunday morning (trip to hospital thinking my water may have broke), fat ankles, swollen hands, and my lower back constantly throbbing. Yes I love being pregnant! ha ha! <br /><br />After she confirmed that I was 3 cm dialated, 50-60% effaced, and -1 station... she said she believes the the nurse on Sunday was crazy for saying that I only dialated to a 1. She can only assume I was in the middle of a contraction when she checked. She listened to baby's heartbeat and said it was very strong at 140bpm. She believes baby may have turned, which could explain the change in lower back pain and wanted to be sure that the head was still engaged, so we literally ran to the ultrasound room to check. Baby's head was just very far down. Which is just fine... She ended by offering to schedule me to be induced on Wed Jan 13th if baby doesn't come on its own before that. She said baby was doing very well and is definitely ready. So we went ahead and booked it. YAY! I left still very pregnant, but breathing a little easier and some anxiety lifted. Of course, baby may come on its own before that, but I won't mind!<br /><br />But the fun continues. On Wednesday at work I had contractions 7 minutes apart during a 1pm meeting. I got up and stood in the back of the room as they continued. They continued. After the meeting I walked out to the farthest production line with our co-op student and went up and down the line showing him where all the log settings were on the machine. Contractions continued. So I called Jim and said, be ready if I call and then ended with, this phone call will likely make them stop so that is why I gave a warning. Jim just laughed. By 3:30pm they were the same. So I decided to head home and see what would happen. At some point on the walk from my office or on the drive home they stopped. Awesome! So this has been the fun for the last 2 weeks.<br /><br />I have heard from a few moms that they experienced this same thing and they immediately tell me how frustrating it is, which does make me feel SO much better. Sometimes I feel like I am going crazy! I know it will happen when it is supposed to, but it is just a little more stressful this time around since we have to figure out who can be responsible for Josh when it all happens. We have 3 different options that change as the days pass and are dependant on who is available, so we will be covered, we just need to take it one day at a time.The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-22306328104746539972010-01-04T13:03:00.000-08:002010-01-09T13:18:38.384-08:00Waiting ContinuesI was really looking forward to the next post announcing the arrival of baby #2, however that is not the case. This baby is loving the warmth of my belly and not wanting to come out! So for now I will just catch you up on the last couple weeks.<br /><br />We had a relaxing week before New Years. Did a lot more organizing and cleaning after all our guests left from the holidays. We were toying with the idea of throwing our annual "family friendly" new years party thinking maybe that would entice baby... but decided not too. We took Josh swimming at the YMCA on New Years Eve day. I even got in the pool despite my suit not quite covering anymore. It felt AWESOME! My back cracked all the way up as soon as I got into the pool, which was something I wanted to happen for about 2 months now! I literally just sat there and stretched in the pool. Floating was so wonderful. After about 45 minutes Josh was done swimming. As soon as I got out of the pool the weight of baby made me realize exactly how full my bladder was... YIKES!<br /><br />That night our friend Ryan stopped in with his girlfriend Nicole. We just hung out and caught up on life. It was very relaxing and uneventful! I was in bed by 11pm. New Year's Day my parents decided to make the trip out for the weekend, regardless if baby was born. Josh was SO excited for them to get here. He kept wanting to watch out the window, even though I knew it would be a few more hours until they arrived.<br /><br />The weekend was full of lots of walking trips, which I had been doing since the last appointment. Since it has been so cold, this has meant daily trips to the mall. Hmm... And no, I am not leaving the purse in the car! Hurry up baby! The boys enjoyed their time out on the ice rink. Josh is very determined to skate but not use the chair like we all learned growing up. As soon as anyone takes that hockey stick out of his hand he starts crying and saying "Uncle Jack". ha ha! So Jim and my dad took turns bringing him around the rink. Eventually they were able to let go and he took a few steps on his own. Although he would freak out as soon as he realized it and fall. All in all it was a fantastic weekend and we really enjoyed our time.The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-45567139031918945482009-12-29T21:18:00.000-08:002009-12-29T21:26:38.044-08:0037 week appointmentToday is officially Jimbos 30th Birthday and also our 37 week appointment. Last weeks appointment had me at 2cm dialated, 50% effaced, and -2 Station. This week... almost at 3cm, still at 50% effaced, but -1 near 0 station. So progress is happening. Now we just need the contractions or water to break! ha ha!<br /><br />Baby's heart rate was really low this time, 126bpm, but still normal, as apparently mature babies have lower heart rates. Makes sense I guess! We had a good discussion about all the signs to watch for and we are just in a waiting phase now. Still 2.5 weeks till the actual due date. But I am really really hoping for sooner than that. There just isn't room for this baby to go out anymore! <br /><br />Just in case things were moving a little faster, we had Josh at his friend Emmas for the appointment. Jimbo and I went out to Cy's for dinner to get some super spicy Thai food for his birthday. Then we hung out at Kim/Jerome/Emma's until 9pm. We came home and I cleaned.. cleaned... cleaned. Can you tell I am ready to have this baby!<br /><br />So the waiting begins!The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-32715501778271309012009-12-25T07:36:00.000-08:002009-12-26T07:47:51.391-08:00Christmas DayToday we woke up around 7am and Josh was the first one up. We had to get him to wake up his cousins and aunts/uncles before he could go downstairs because we<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQxmgRtjDJJYxigdTEqm_0iYpTzHuJNahqsx8wJUrle-avGwpJXjzN0hEWJuxDXwxKSgxfWPIcYFHPrLcibOx9xzMfsyNgmw31Sq2H8eiieS8aGqQCEEYR_Zf6_y4SMtYFecyRklUGo8/s1600-h/IMGP1027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419571176931277762" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQxmgRtjDJJYxigdTEqm_0iYpTzHuJNahqsx8wJUrle-avGwpJXjzN0hEWJuxDXwxKSgxfWPIcYFHPrLcibOx9xzMfsyNgmw31Sq2H8eiieS8aGqQCEEYR_Zf6_y4SMtYFecyRklUGo8/s200/IMGP1027.JPG" border="0" /></a> needed everyone to go together to see if Santa came. He walked into our guest room and yelled, "Awesome, get up". He calls uncle Aaron "Uncle Awesome" because of a previous visit, where they played a running/flying game and yelled Awesome as he held them in the air. It stuck. <div><div><div></div><br /><div>We walked downstairs and looks on Izzy and Josh's face were priceless when they saw all the presents! We got it all on video - no pics - sorry! And there we sat for about an hour unwrapping gifts. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaro3HCBhFN2E3cTz9HXJgqyVXdRTUMmeWzG3MZY_9DMJouIaH6ZLq_SyuFQvnj7KbHgTztVj3Tu1J4DORyZy8Qff7dlTXwpVuUenCuoPRpOUtvNOhLSgR_PvwrjqQ_NDoChJSmZnzrk/s1600-h/IMGP1028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419571437380224354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaro3HCBhFN2E3cTz9HXJgqyVXdRTUMmeWzG3MZY_9DMJouIaH6ZLq_SyuFQvnj7KbHgTztVj3Tu1J4DORyZy8Qff7dlTXwpVuUenCuoPRpOUtvNOhLSgR_PvwrjqQ_NDoChJSmZnzrk/s200/IMGP1028.JPG" border="0" /></a>There were so many! All of Jim's aunts/uncles/gramma's sent their gifts over so it was Santa gifts on top of all the relative gifts. They were hilarous! Any clothes - immediately pushed aside or given to mom... toys needed to be unwrapped and played with immediately. Stockings had their fun gifts in it as well as the Kirkwood traditional peice of fruit. We had breakfast and waited on opening the adult gifts until later since it was a bit crazy already in the family room<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AHFmzs8z97l6wKIlGGmR-kLucOyA2JcpyUy-O0hv5W8OyF58EwrLrEXNaziI6HzZRpR-PPYP0SXUmsRXo7SRbys3kEzUDSqoJRSuyDtdnEW3gipR1t1sxcFbe_Ygp-GP7o6lcawAC9k/s1600-h/IMGP1029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419571650727532034" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AHFmzs8z97l6wKIlGGmR-kLucOyA2JcpyUy-O0hv5W8OyF58EwrLrEXNaziI6HzZRpR-PPYP0SXUmsRXo7SRbys3kEzUDSqoJRSuyDtdnEW3gipR1t1sxcFbe_Ygp-GP7o6lcawAC9k/s200/IMGP1029.JPG" border="0" /></a> with all the toys. </div><br /><div></div><div>Finally we had Josh's big unveiling of his Thomas Bed. It was fun because we skyped with my family in MN at the same time so everyone got to see the excitement. And boy was he excited! He jumped in it for 10 minutes... pointing to all the different parts and saying this is my bed! He needed to remind Izzy apparently that this was "his bed". Yep, all the hardwork paid off, Jim was very happy! </div><div> </div><div>Hopefully I can get some of the present pictures and such from our relatives because we apparently only focused on the video camera this morning. Oops! But here are the Thomas the Train bed pictures. Jim spent a TON of time on this and it paid off! :) </div></div></div>The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-4593095909233890982009-12-24T07:08:00.000-08:002009-12-26T07:36:33.750-08:00Merry Christmas Everyone!Christmas is finally here! We were in for one crazy adventure this <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeiRGe_QYmH6CT58Cynd0Vfc4bqfWKGXFkTxRrWHErugh2SyhW1iIRfUhUDTBtqv1blNqlOjkLcr5sXlj6nozYNhUuusPgkQOoSNg_hYrYWyG8SZEwCBGctnJH5zmZDI6MfEDZiiExQI/s1600-h/IMGP1022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419567390824730098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeiRGe_QYmH6CT58Cynd0Vfc4bqfWKGXFkTxRrWHErugh2SyhW1iIRfUhUDTBtqv1blNqlOjkLcr5sXlj6nozYNhUuusPgkQOoSNg_hYrYWyG8SZEwCBGctnJH5zmZDI6MfEDZiiExQI/s200/IMGP1022.JPG" border="0" /></a>year. With baby #2 due in less than 3 weeks, we were not traveling to MI this year for x-mas. So the MI family decided to come here. Jim's parents, their dog Addie, his older sister Abby, hubby Aaron, two girls (Izzy - 2, Charlotte - 1), and dog Zoe, and youngest sister Catherine all arrived on Wednesday to stay through Monday. CRAZY! 7 adults, 3 kids under 3, 3 dogs, and a partridge in a pair tree.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div></div><div>Before the fun could begin, I had my 3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGYJhvwPvgHDQXTiWhCuOnc62zbLCyhdvg9x5QYdjJptdTiy58wDowhedWZsESua0z8Bd5jXGSHPTq6pxCtQpzyIexObKels4Zz4HdcS5wP7MAUVun74Cpc_33iFFNq8aOuSmAwZ_isY/s1600-h/IMGP1021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419567125597058690" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGYJhvwPvgHDQXTiWhCuOnc62zbLCyhdvg9x5QYdjJptdTiy58wDowhedWZsESua0z8Bd5jXGSHPTq6pxCtQpzyIexObKels4Zz4HdcS5wP7MAUVun74Cpc_33iFFNq8aOuSmAwZ_isY/s200/IMGP1021.JPG" border="0" /></a>6 week check up, the first of which my doctor would check for any progress to labor. Besides being uncomfortable, the contractions have been pretty minor although much more noticeable than the Braxton Hicks I had with Josh. The official verdict, I am 2 cm dialated, 50% effaced, and at -2 Station. For those unfamiliar with this terminology, here is your quick lesson. Need to be at 10 cm, 100% effaced, and 0 or positive number to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNA5tXTdTrVfl5Uc7_PyNk-iTMmcowQBubcOI1LqS11i6Ywm9oFfzPut08BLj01Fml6uwA08NSucxmRub8B9DPZr-qvfcWmw52Oov7wYYLFjyxyCYTfX0oRM7LrvqEOo_KhjfVrtp9gUI/s1600-h/IMGP1017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419567865564243490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNA5tXTdTrVfl5Uc7_PyNk-iTMmcowQBubcOI1LqS11i6Ywm9oFfzPut08BLj01Fml6uwA08NSucxmRub8B9DPZr-qvfcWmw52Oov7wYYLFjyxyCYTfX0oRM7LrvqEOo_KhjfVrtp9gUI/s200/IMGP1017.JPG" border="0" /></a>deliver a baby. So I am definitely showing signs that the baby is on its way, but I very well could stay at this level for another few weeks or go in 4 hours! Really not any clear indication of how close we are to babies arrival. Baby's heartbeat was 140bpm and he/she was kicking and rolling like crazy during the appointment. Doctor just laughed and kept putting her hands on my belly to feel he/she move. It is fun to see the doctor excited to see the baby move like that, seeing as how she sees pregnant people all the time. She is a good doctor... now I just hope I make it to next week so she can have a chance to deliver this baby. With Christm<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4a1f_nVlrPU5mySw3dGCjJOeM0sg87TrkNrUSrOmgfqztHvL__qj8kDz96n-zmuUnE-wOhitdxiVo5wYXYmPgpqgeojSwG7qBG1CQWCQMmguLUAkt_mUlda5li8q1rR_rh1PrWZmG1A/s1600-h/IMGP1025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419568258155460050" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4a1f_nVlrPU5mySw3dGCjJOeM0sg87TrkNrUSrOmgfqztHvL__qj8kDz96n-zmuUnE-wOhitdxiVo5wYXYmPgpqgeojSwG7qBG1CQWCQMmguLUAkt_mUlda5li8q1rR_rh1PrWZmG1A/s200/IMGP1025.JPG" border="0" /></a>as this week, she is off until Monday. </div><br /><div></div><div>Now back to the Christmas festivities. We are making new traditions this year since it is at our house that are a good combination of both our households. The kids are getting along very well and so are the dogs. It is definitely crowded, but we are managing. We went to mass on Christmas Eve and thankfully Jim's coworker Eric told him to get there early because as soon as church is full, they start mass, regardless of what time it is. Mass is scheduled for 5pm, but the last few years they started at 4:30pm! Sure enough, that is exactly what happened this year. The adult ladies of the family got there at 3:30pm and the dads came with the kids at 4pm. Our church also frowns upon saving spots, and they post it everywhere like the doors on the way in, on huge flipcharts all <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQslvK1w-IwoISoB-rEYVaMOb4e1YWmSHJ5Gwn5Ie7qHtKeqcfQIDE5srXnKnyv4H6KRRVWozjqhRxdXJrZtcjRQr1bAshQu_qIQtHNh-so3RNHET_2D22Bwh4aY0kyiP2kAc-w_eGYsU/s1600-h/IMGP1026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419568516980192882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQslvK1w-IwoISoB-rEYVaMOb4e1YWmSHJ5Gwn5Ie7qHtKeqcfQIDE5srXnKnyv4H6KRRVWozjqhRxdXJrZtcjRQr1bAshQu_qIQtHNh-so3RNHET_2D22Bwh4aY0kyiP2kAc-w_eGYsU/s200/IMGP1026.JPG" border="0" /></a>around the altar... so it is just guilt running through you until your entire party arrives! Thankfully we were all present before all the chairs/pews were taken! After mass we had dinner (candied yams for Rausch's) and enjoyed some frosty trees and snowmen for dessert (Walsh tradition) with Reddi whip (Kirkwood tradition). We ended the night with putting out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer, the kids were so EXCITED! </div><div> </div><div>Finally, at the end of the night I realized it had been a while since I posted true belly shots. So here you have it. Look at that gargantuan belly! ha ha! It is crazy how much it moves depending on how the baby wants to lie, my whole belly will be off to one side or the other at times. I don't know how much bigger I could get, glad it is only one in there! haha!</div></div></div></div></div>The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-4473703104343691322009-12-20T06:16:00.000-08:002009-12-26T06:48:18.053-08:00So much to do - so little time...<div><div>The list to prepare for baby seems to be about a months worth of work... every night I feel like I have to do at least something in order to feel a little bit more prepared<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-9vrnGMwdhOW_dre4n1O7wCcl2AM98p8cdpi8wMRYMQW0vd99HeyTlKunr1dzLepiZBnWcJfN71dhTvTNi9I61etdiiQLr1yruf9f2Z9NLfGHQsgns9ckLUuNfKZwK2JPYyIsVoLNg8/s1600-h/IMGP1009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419554227234576754" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-9vrnGMwdhOW_dre4n1O7wCcl2AM98p8cdpi8wMRYMQW0vd99HeyTlKunr1dzLepiZBnWcJfN71dhTvTNi9I61etdiiQLr1yruf9f2Z9NLfGHQsgns9ckLUuNfKZwK2JPYyIsVoLNg8/s200/IMGP1009.JPG" border="0" /></a>. But I keep reminding myself to prioritize... things like the carseat and bassinet need to be ready... but all the decorations in the baby's room... that can wait. I just want it all done, and now! ha ha! Poor Jim, he has been such a good sport and really really been patient with me!<br /><div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div>This weekend we took advantage of our good friends Kim and Jerome and their daughter Emma. They had asked us about a month ago to watch their daughter Emma (Josh's FAVORITE girlfr<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtEiWTMkkwydjhm89YKDw93UC3xSAHWZeu1TsbGz4y85BQT3tkOAYw8Ru87wAAdvEkmmklq-dT56qYAaf1ptg0TR3lY_o-M16CMrbPcFhBnEFoG86qRPJKN_j5tXk-Qql8DPbZlI9080/s1600-h/IMGP1010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419553383877682338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtEiWTMkkwydjhm89YKDw93UC3xSAHWZeu1TsbGz4y85BQT3tkOAYw8Ru87wAAdvEkmmklq-dT56qYAaf1ptg0TR3lY_o-M16CMrbPcFhBnEFoG86qRPJKN_j5tXk-Qql8DPbZlI9080/s200/IMGP1010.JPG" border="0" /></a>iend) on Friday night. And we in return asked if they could watch Josh on Saturday night if we went to our friends wedding. They agreed. Our kids get along SO well and we<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSw4lA11_oiVyf2qwoqEQ-WHIzptYhsXtyWRS6PK-CanmpUe-sM7QdoS7glmpifVMqWOrvZ1nbXDV05oMTCAJThTkICNWcixOngrFiDUNkEppbDfwpcfmCc5g7y9NtAadeLtJQDMsZ4Pk/s1600-h/IMGP1008.JPG"></a> honestly feel like having them over to play is easier most times! </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>So Friday night Emma came over around 4pm and it was immediately play time! We played and played and played. After dinner we went to "Streets of Bethlehem", a local church's replica of the city where Jesus was born. It is very popular in this area and grows each year with attendees acco<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOCpgV8Qp-KPMooBK9tgY2KjEn1JbCvSMzaMDzNDPg1mrior4exvMW2hhzNAx-eeh0LFfNASw1hSTtn9dyukBqJKcw57cCsA9UycVD05ng98rXyUdo4WQPZCLLGxICdEjUA9KJuYt-fo/s1600-h/IMGP1006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419554528766098738" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOCpgV8Qp-KPMooBK9tgY2KjEn1JbCvSMzaMDzNDPg1mrior4exvMW2hhzNAx-eeh0LFfNASw1hSTtn9dyukBqJKcw57cCsA9UycVD05ng98rXyUdo4WQPZCLLGxICdEjUA9KJuYt-fo/s200/IMGP1006.JPG" border="0" /></a>rding to my coworker. This is our first time there. We got in line and there were people every where. The lady said it was going to be a 45 minute wait. Jim and I saw the line moving and decided let's try it and if it is too long, we can always bail. We had told both Emma and Josh all about how we were going to see the animals... Josh had translated that to going to see Jesus at the Circus. Nice. Long story short, we waited for 1 hour and 45 minutes with 2 - 2 year olds. They were such good sports! By the time we got there it was definitely cool to see, but the kids were so tired and we were through the city in 10 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_76ZM2Fr0arO9vmyxyxoPbCSCpcOb-pStuAQQ2isP-byO-mKRPjTpjvKFShFJHGr1DfunZDPLZfPa2jr5nZVHNrkmHwdUrAMOnHoNAPQq-Gw3AQiMOWx3M6FyEbtIyh3LXJLLDGaA68/s1600-h/IMGP1014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419555835406209618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_76ZM2Fr0arO9vmyxyxoPbCSCpcOb-pStuAQQ2isP-byO-mKRPjTpjvKFShFJHGr1DfunZDPLZfPa2jr5nZVHNrkmHwdUrAMOnHoNAPQq-Gw3AQiMOWx3M6FyEbtIyh3LXJLLDGaA68/s200/IMGP1014.JPG" border="0" /></a>minutes. Not necessarily worth the 1 hour and 45 minute wait... but cool to see anyway.<br /></div><div>The first thing we saw when we got there was a huge camel... Both Josh and Emma wanted nothing to do with it... they clawed there way into Jim and my shoulder and wouldn't look at it. They did enjoy the sheep/goats, the dancers, and looking at all the stuff people were making/selling like toys and food. On the way home, all they talked about was the camel, and how they got to pet the camel. (liars!) Ah well, at least they remembered something!</div><div></div><br /><div>Saturday we played and then Emma went home for her nap. After Josh woke up from his nap we dropped him off at Emma's house so we could head to Katie Flemmen's wedding in Madison. He was so excited to go over there. The wedding was a good time, it was ni<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRc7AT2y1AO0mmyQ4zkhAg0juMPZwAB64gHMMLn8rvSmiQgmdZc9hc6tETdUB5JxdiE_A19ftxu2h48r1B4763I_PYuJwfnxQwEgYB4QAa5lt49i4jIBNNPEMYN4ELql96OvHPyg23nU/s1600-h/IMGP1012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419556119004596306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRc7AT2y1AO0mmyQ4zkhAg0juMPZwAB64gHMMLn8rvSmiQgmdZc9hc6tETdUB5JxdiE_A19ftxu2h48r1B4763I_PYuJwfnxQwEgYB4QAa5lt49i4jIBNNPEMYN4ELql96OvHPyg23nU/s200/IMGP1012.JPG" border="0" /></a>ce to see my college friends and of course Katie. My friend Jenelle is expecting too, about 9 weeks behind me. It is hilarious how tiny she is compared to me. I am so ready to pop! And my stomach feels that way forsure. We only lasted about 3.5 hours at the wedding before everything hurt and it was time to head home. We hit up Perkins on the way home for some late night dinner. It was funny to hear the high school kids conversation at the table next to us, drinking coffee and talking about all the drama they have. The other table next to us was definitely college age kids, drunk... WE ARE SO OLD!<br /></div><br /><div>So overall, a good kid swapping weekend. I am so glad that we have good friends like Kim and Jerome and that our little ones are such good friends. Kim is expecting number 2 in May, so our second kids will be close in age too, hopefully they will be good friends too! The one random pic of Josh wearing a striped shirt, purple tie, thomas hat, and sandals with socks... As we have been cleaning/reorganizing closets Josh has found these items and insisted on wearing them for the remainder of the day. I think he looks like an engineer in the making... :) hopefully he will learn to get some sort of fashion from his aunts/uncles... and be social butterfly like his parents!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-17467926879492311392009-12-14T18:24:00.001-08:002009-12-26T06:15:52.087-08:0035 weeks<div><div>Friday night we went to the Childrens Museum for a Kid's Christmas Party - Thanks Jim's work! We got to see Santa and p<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvG0sgL0ugB80Svy944JsqwQTKPo4hLmfaUXQTCscpUjI3PiI3V0c7rPeaWsa-No9oK_yTActbrCgHgchALSQzvN4DOmJNKb71b4S6LTuG719Xm8Py_Cc-2aOqaXqC1cKhLU6LiTsj6g/s1600-h/IMGP0983.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419544931833517570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvG0sgL0ugB80Svy944JsqwQTKPo4hLmfaUXQTCscpUjI3PiI3V0c7rPeaWsa-No9oK_yTActbrCgHgchALSQzvN4DOmJNKb71b4S6LTuG719Xm8Py_Cc-2aOqaXqC1cKhLU6LiTsj6g/s200/IMGP0983.JPG" border="0" /></a>lay play play. Josh had a really good time and it is amazing to see the changes in activity each time we go back there. He is so independant these days!<br /></div><div>The rest of the weekend I spent finishing my final "take home" exam. Which is always frustrating because they take so long when they are a take home. I would much rather take an in class exam because it is a set amount of time. But it is done!!</div><div></div><br /><div>Life is just so hectic right now with the holidays and getting ready for a baby, but at least school is finally over for the semester. Such a huge weight off my shoulders! Now it is time to really get Josh and the baby's room together. Wow, we are going to have a little <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mhTIPi1lF0L-2Juop6tC-ho1VRUJ3ftVteYDvrTdl7D-zD0yRL0nNXaBPrfMPGN9dlhuZ_OQjgkESiEF7CzCBrHy3PDrZOTyNIeR3ZK9xm4pfDFMcOvD98WXAdABkJ1OmbJ_U3H4FJE/s1600-h/IMGP0986.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419547914443798882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mhTIPi1lF0L-2Juop6tC-ho1VRUJ3ftVteYDvrTdl7D-zD0yRL0nNXaBPrfMPGN9dlhuZ_OQjgkESiEF7CzCBrHy3PDrZOTyNIeR3ZK9xm4pfDFMcOvD98WXAdABkJ1OmbJ_U3H4FJE/s200/IMGP0986.JPG" border="0" /></a>baby in our house in less than 5 weeks! THAT IS CRAZY!! At this point in my pregnancy with Josh all of these things were done, amazing how less prepared you are for # 2... I wonder why??<br /><br />I had my 35 week appointment this week. Everything checked out just fine once again. My blood pressure is still nice a low, 108/62 which is good to see. This is the point when it started going up with my pregnancy with Josh. I recently read an article about blood pressure and pregnancy and read that women who don't gain weight in the first half of their pregnancy typically develop high blood pressure at the end. That was pretty much my case with Josh. I don't think I have anything to worry about with this one in that regard, I was gaining weight right away! ha ha!<br /><br />Baby's heart rate was 147 today and he/she is as active as ever! My doctor said that the head is definitely down and is responsible for that tingling sensation that makes me rush to the bathroom at random times in the day. I really don't remember that with Josh but I am sure it happened. Doc also gave me some recommendations on helping with all the digestive issues I am having... AWESOME! I am eating tums like they are candy from the moment I wake up until I go to bed. It does help, but not for long. It is all part of the fun I know, there just isnt' room for my digestive tract at this point because baby is taking all the room! And for the record, Prune juice is the most DISGUSTING beverage on earth. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnNzSllQdpVibe3UX52vf_F0muAC2RNdxuegCCxyclN1kehjE0HEMeL_xEMVvDjJY9vaMNMc12QqnpmPAkpyNAkkw65lhjo2jKskoqM-JM9A1FpScsWk1l40vmOqUfkVXjnJ8ysz6ol0/s1600-h/IMGP0987.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419548163295102146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnNzSllQdpVibe3UX52vf_F0muAC2RNdxuegCCxyclN1kehjE0HEMeL_xEMVvDjJY9vaMNMc12QqnpmPAkpyNAkkw65lhjo2jKskoqM-JM9A1FpScsWk1l40vmOqUfkVXjnJ8ysz6ol0/s200/IMGP0987.JPG" border="0" /></a>YUCK!<br /><br />Work update, I have officially received my very own "little orange cart" at work. My coworker made signs with huge pictures of ridiculously cute babies that say "Baby mobile". I can guarantee none of the guys are going to steel this cart with those signs on it. I basically only use it to get from the front offices and my office in the middle of the plant. And I try to sit on equipment, a stool, or bucket whenever I am out on the production lines. My back is really the only issue at this point and the contractions. They definitely come on stronger after walking/standing.<br /><br />The countdown to # 2's arrival has begun... So excited/anxious to know whether we will have a little girl or boy... My hunch is a boy... But many many people are convinced it is a girl. We will know very soon! :)</div></div>The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-72802158260450015312009-12-09T19:38:00.000-08:002009-12-09T19:55:24.067-08:00Our First Snowstorm -- 12"We got hit really hard with this snowstorm. It was AWESOME!!! It <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGw6imoI4-12fXN3-Ubz6O_bLt5-VS6-lMOsaKxN2J8yHQKjfuOxAE4uYGtG2vuSLhhIIYZ_2f1QijDivSa_Q6aeab6w1nl02LN0EeA1IcHAMDDLhSrwRkFj_iaP1ftTdr6K1zWX-e61Q/s1600-h/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413450016060066962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGw6imoI4-12fXN3-Ubz6O_bLt5-VS6-lMOsaKxN2J8yHQKjfuOxAE4uYGtG2vuSLhhIIYZ_2f1QijDivSa_Q6aeab6w1nl02LN0EeA1IcHAMDDLhSrwRkFj_iaP1ftTdr6K1zWX-e61Q/s200/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+004.jpg" border="0" /></a>started on Tuesday night and just didn't stop. We had swimming class that night and then went to Walmart to pick up some necessities since we were likely going to have issues with getting around the next day. We got home to find out that my brothers high school hockey game was actually showing in WI. It was awesome. We watched the final 3rd period of his game against Benilde St. Margaret from our family room. It was a very intense period. They were down 1-2 when we tuned in, had a 5 minute major penalty called on them, and as a result had to play for a good amount of time down a man. Finally they tied the game when <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuryyKKdnCEuL151Z_XsjWb5Z9dBmvPp1E0SK8RAmkHRTcGLQc5flizjHL9VwXTKvyTxMWQ-JXseKupsyhR9vsynUO1UuONo59riYbapjWCXQ_rosmMdlGYs16Je_9jR0bkmdCYZXM4o/s1600-h/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413450226587283538" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuryyKKdnCEuL151Z_XsjWb5Z9dBmvPp1E0SK8RAmkHRTcGLQc5flizjHL9VwXTKvyTxMWQ-JXseKupsyhR9vsynUO1UuONo59riYbapjWCXQ_rosmMdlGYs16Je_9jR0bkmdCYZXM4o/s200/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+008.jpg" border="0" /></a>they returned to full strength. My brother got a break away 1:1 with the goalie when a defender took a swing at him just as he got to the net and took him out... Automatic penalty shot. With 1:12 seconds left... The shot was caught by the goalies glove... dang! A sudden death overtime and no goals. The ended with a tie. It was fun to watch and of course we watched the follow-up interviews. We didn't go to bed until 11:30pm! <div><div><br /><div></div><div>The next morning we woke up at 6 and I checked the school closing list... Daycare was delayed... and then at 7am, cancelled all day. SNOW DAY! I went to work for the AM and Jim stayed home to play wi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcl2NQreFNwUpf7A3ldtpVllYlmojXyI4TYoB4AviJ3hv3ZWNqgc-yX-btTpmTPTjKiFRJdazT_Nro1AMu4H14WKJZMBnpRTB0Ux0-8UU82CeQ_hcc2JwpmOTh164vXsuxEcXbswlZy4/s1600-h/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413450414978307570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcl2NQreFNwUpf7A3ldtpVllYlmojXyI4TYoB4AviJ3hv3ZWNqgc-yX-btTpmTPTjKiFRJdazT_Nro1AMu4H14WKJZMBnpRTB0Ux0-8UU82CeQ_hcc2JwpmOTh164vXsuxEcXbswlZy4/s200/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+001.jpg" border="0" /></a>th Josh. I got home at noon and after nap, we were able to go play too. Very nice way to spend a snowy day! </div><div> </div><div>This final picture is specifically for my brother Joe... I hope you enjoy! I am obviously not fitting into even the basic maternity close anymore and because I only have a few weeks to go... I am cheap and don't want to buy anymore clothes. When I dug through my friends maternity stuff to find some sweats to fit under the snow gear so I would be warm... I found this and laughed so hard when I put it on... How hot am I! ha ha! Jim laughed too so we decided, why not take a pic. My brother just can't stand to see the belly... so that is why it is for him! </div></div></div>The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-64784376108907928422009-12-06T17:41:00.000-08:002009-12-09T19:08:13.639-08:00Our first Christmas Tree Adventure<div><div><div>Today was beautiful outside and so we decided it was the perfect day to go find a Christmas tree. Up until this point, Jim and I have used a small plastic tree each year<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYNDrGLTHg3RVip3Rqg3A7Le8Ha0qgp5GL7Ej7tA2TSGrMvrc-1IvZ-SMX9hARVoHwDOIuq3mRTltFLprdmJQ4SPcmE4pTyXO8-GLeMQPr5JM4ehUboSrKHLGspYo3wOfHhA453SgJ0U/s1600-h/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+501.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413435486801221794" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYNDrGLTHg3RVip3Rqg3A7Le8Ha0qgp5GL7Ej7tA2TSGrMvrc-1IvZ-SMX9hARVoHwDOIuq3mRTltFLprdmJQ4SPcmE4pTyXO8-GLeMQPr5JM4ehUboSrKHLGspYo3wOfHhA453SgJ0U/s200/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+501.jpg" border="0" /></a> as we are gone for the week of Christmas either in MN or MI with family every year. With baby #2 due within weeks of Christmas, we will be spending it in good ole WI. I am actually excited about it because I have never really decorated the inside of the house.<br /><div><div></div><br /><div>So things on the Christmas list to buy were stockings, tree, skirt, garland, bulbs, angel for the top, and lights. I have been looking for years to find the stockings my parents had for us growing up. They are long knit stockings with very simple designs in green, red, and white. But can't find them ANYWHERE! So we settled on a set of <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXviE-Hm8UIyyfgnwplKXwAk88ZgHfMc68vyOmqlwBjs7YKkdkYQ1IFUmjEFQslsFP8RkZx5LpFt4yn7AyLncQnns8DTKyIFUfwZk8Y2n14h_AY9u3Rytiir-1QaFlxVM_SR15fr5nk4/s1600-h/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+503.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413435808106421538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXviE-Hm8UIyyfgnwplKXwAk88ZgHfMc68vyOmqlwBjs7YKkdkYQ1IFUmjEFQslsFP8RkZx5LpFt4yn7AyLncQnns8DTKyIFUfwZk8Y2n14h_AY9u3Rytiir-1QaFlxVM_SR15fr5nk4/s200/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+503.jpg" border="0" /></a>knit ones for this year and will hopefully find them in the next year with a more dedicated search. Today we went to the tree farm to cut down a tree. The first big question, which type of tree do we want? Wow... well come to find out, both Jim and I liked the Frasier Fir. We found the perfect tree within 10 minutes which was good for Josh because he had asked to go back to the car 3 times already. When we went to pay in the little shed Josh screamed, "Mommy look whose here... It's Santa!". Wow was he excited. He wouldn't sit with him by himself but the bench was<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9z5HZcPIEgj4v7VyHg88F5I_4DU07OvAuCJOfG6HdNpMhUsS2uJbVTrp1aHuPvfxAUJc-qHsIp5t4wH_gkJCe9fqpTKNScn5ZRWmJQi9Cbu6AwIaJ_KXK3xxmIyR2KwOLgtafx_2OWkI/s1600-h/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+430.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413436693939896722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9z5HZcPIEgj4v7VyHg88F5I_4DU07OvAuCJOfG6HdNpMhUsS2uJbVTrp1aHuPvfxAUJc-qHsIp5t4wH_gkJCe9fqpTKNScn5ZRWmJQi9Cbu6AwIaJ_KXK3xxmIyR2KwOLgtafx_2OWkI/s200/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+430.jpg" border="0" /></a> big enough for Josh to sit on my lap next to him. He asked for "Dan the dump truck" and a bulldozer. He has asked me for them about 10 times a day in the last week, so finally he was able to tell Santa himself. We got a picture and are not sure what was up with Santa... he looks more scared than Josh. </div><div></div><br /><div>Next was a visit to Stein's. Where we found the rest of the goodies. Again, some major relationship decisions for Jim and I... garland? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqd66ztlkPHbhd1-9NVuGUzz0EM_bz-o7MVxZvfdUKamnIjD-KkjfZcOH67PMGeAJFb3d9-UajpwcBbrDE5Fg7GjW7nSqK2L1C4f6Lo6WH-xa7JcqlmgNmjqBssVSwlFb97ELss87afZE/s1600-h/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+432.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413437059542413426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqd66ztlkPHbhd1-9NVuGUzz0EM_bz-o7MVxZvfdUKamnIjD-KkjfZcOH67PMGeAJFb3d9-UajpwcBbrDE5Fg7GjW7nSqK2L1C4f6Lo6WH-xa7JcqlmgNmjqBssVSwlFb97ELss87afZE/s200/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+432.jpg" border="0" /></a>angel or star? candy canes? So we agree on garland, angel, and candy canes. Why not right? </div><div></div><br /><div>We have finished decorating the tree although underestimated the amount of garland and size of skirt we would need for a 9.5ft tall tree. Otherwise not bad for our first attempt at it! :) I think my mom changed it every year in some way growing up. It is a work in progress right?<br /></div><br /><div>Josh has enjoyed helping us decorate. He is really good at covering the very b<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrCuBlu_G2-qi0Aft7zYHKJQOgKj4WvM8DNopKVuwuAIFu51MpoDiqKWT0hzeD56voq8ePrFC5h9X0sQeOILvm0SpCSLUT6ju2KEUKlWwkno44OWSJIt0afToA8Wl-HQRBJ79P9xcjXk/s1600-h/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+502.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413438783339652850" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrCuBlu_G2-qi0Aft7zYHKJQOgKj4WvM8DNopKVuwuAIFu51MpoDiqKWT0hzeD56voq8ePrFC5h9X0sQeOILvm0SpCSLUT6ju2KEUKlWwkno44OWSJIt0afToA8Wl-HQRBJ79P9xcjXk/s200/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+502.jpg" border="0" /></a>ottom portion of the tree. Some branches have 3 ornaments on them... they are the lucky ones! The fake little tree is in our front room on the train track, which we have to get working, but it will be cool when it does. The other tree is in our family room where we spend most of our time and Josh was in charge of the candy canes. He also likes playing with all the animals in the nativity scene... I walked in to find a goat attacking one of the three wisemen and Josh had claimed the baby as "Baby Josh". Nice. </div><br /><div>Finally. The ice rink. Jim let Josh walk on it today and boy did he get excited. He pretended to skate in his shoes back and forth and squealed at the top of his lungs, "Look at me Dad, see that? I am skating!!!" Can't wait for the next few coats so we can actually skate, it is almost ready! :) </div></div></div></div></div>The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-33136170073897506482009-11-29T18:34:00.000-08:002009-12-09T19:37:46.198-08:00Thanksgiving in MN<div><div><div>We spent Thanksgiving in MN with Nanna and Pappa Walsh's house. Josh was so excited to see them and to play hockey with Uncle Jack. We got there Wednesday before Thanksgiving just i<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZP7yiPBFoxMUMc3kZQsMrcFeHaAMo5vzcbLucWsWOCgaEYkMyHZb59Eqzw3piUc-Rv_uqIGBFQdaoKMWDdkNpYtMnF3JJct540LJo1snQmYIE5m9cltBCEPcZnTfF0IBhTz7t1u172c/s1600-h/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+415.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413445435284661026" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZP7yiPBFoxMUMc3kZQsMrcFeHaAMo5vzcbLucWsWOCgaEYkMyHZb59Eqzw3piUc-Rv_uqIGBFQdaoKMWDdkNpYtMnF3JJct540LJo1snQmYIE5m9cltBCEPcZnTfF0IBhTz7t1u172c/s200/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+415.jpg" border="0" /></a>n time for dinner. It was nice to miss the snowstorm that was heading across the midwest. Thanksgiving day we relaxed with the family. Jim went with my dad and Josh to Play It Again to buy hockey gear for Josh. He got a helmet, skates, and shin guards. He was just beaming when he got home. Thanks Uncle Jack, Uncle Joe, and Nanna Pappa for my X-mas gift!<br /></div><div>We had Thanksgiving dinner later that evening and were tormented by the delicious smells all day long! My parents friend Dee and her son Jake joined us for dinner and also my brothers new girlfriend Megan. So it was a full house. Josh fell asleep for the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn73mapRcA42nzLfZvxksY6z91gki0_04IjcxmABUtEY4NhtooO34rzqnIX3tVDlhig5Ij2Fth191XERvX2sItM_Im13rNFCX6u1Ibf5nW1re3dbXLrlZpyuIz3-3GH_1T8qPDnl3Uls0/s1600-h/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+418.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413446007895378770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn73mapRcA42nzLfZvxksY6z91gki0_04IjcxmABUtEY4NhtooO34rzqnIX3tVDlhig5Ij2Fth191XERvX2sItM_Im13rNFCX6u1Ibf5nW1re3dbXLrlZpyuIz3-3GH_1T8qPDnl3Uls0/s200/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+418.jpg" border="0" /></a>first time in Jim's arms just as we sat down for dinner. He has never fallen asleep in a room full of people... well since he was about 6 months old anyway. So I think it is safe to say we wore him out! As always dinner was full of laughs... and surprises. Some heckling toward my brother Joe for bringing a girl to dinner, harrassing our guests, and my sisters numerous attempts to start the "I'm thankful for..." tradition. We kept responding to this with sarcastic remarks. Finally toward the end of dinner she goes, "well we have some news..." WAHOO!!! They are expecting their first baby July 2nd! I am SO EXCITED to have a<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyoURECLQ-iMevNHRwGnRatChLuUly4WVHXRg2MlNwRLCLR6GPBJ4xD0rFCgq1P0-OTXMRtNSFTAE0jagMLjngn7YitINX0Cn-gSLZoAxWFXIfzu033WvxwkZbeAlhRFGjdy_1bxmvnE/s1600-h/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+429.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413446326213906786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyoURECLQ-iMevNHRwGnRatChLuUly4WVHXRg2MlNwRLCLR6GPBJ4xD0rFCgq1P0-OTXMRtNSFTAE0jagMLjngn7YitINX0Cn-gSLZoAxWFXIfzu033WvxwkZbeAlhRFGjdy_1bxmvnE/s200/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+429.jpg" border="0" /></a> neice or nephew on that side. It was such a wonderful exciting surprise. And I am selfish since I immediately was excited that our boy/girl will be only 6 months older than their little one. YAY!</div><br /><div></div><div>After dinner we had our infamous ping pong tournament in which I get my butt kicked each and every time by a sibling. I think Josh did better than I did. Pathetic! :) </div><br /><div></div><div>That night my mom, sister, and I debated over and over as to whether or not we were going shopping the next day. My mom hurt her back really bad a month or so ago and can't walk/stand for that long. My back/legs start aching after an hour or two of standing at this point. And Shannon didn' t have any "must" go get items. So we said if we wake up and go fine... but if we don't oh well. The next morning I woke up with Josh at 6:45am... and I couldn't relax... I wanted to shop. I hopped online and voila... Herbergers was offering the exact same deals online and free shipping on orders over $100. I bought the three items I really wanted to get from the couch at my parents house. It was FANTASTIC! Later that morning once my mom and sister were up and moving, we decided to go to Babies R Us for their super saver gift items and well, because my sister is now expecting and we were excited. </div><div></div><div> </div><div>That afternoon we had a visit from my high school friend Marcel and his wife Michaela and their two kids, Jadon and Sienna. It was great to catch up with him, but so weird to see us all grown up with kids! </div><br /><div></div><div>Friday night we did a Christmas dinner since we will not be there this year. We opened gifts which basically was Josh... which was the fun part. My family did an outstanding job on the gifts seeing as how I gave them No suggestions. He got the "go fishin" game, the Vtech dancin camera, trucks, pj's, clothes, remote control car, and a memory game. He loved them all and still is playing with them... which is awesome. </div><br /><div></div><div>Saturday night kicked off my brother Jack's senior year in Hockey. He plays for Hill Murray. I think we had about 60 friends/family show up for the game. It was a fantastic game and we were all on the edge of our seat. They had a great win and my brother played very well. Josh was so excited and was glued to the rink the entire game. After we went to my cousin Pats to visit with the Thuente clan. As always it was fun!</div></div></div>The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-47353157137955886302009-11-03T18:33:00.000-08:002009-11-03T18:42:28.392-08:0029 week appointmentToday's appointment was a quick one, just heartbeat and measuring my belly. Measuring 29 cm, right on track. Heartbeat 149bpm. Everything is good!<br /><br />Josh has developed quite the vocabulary in recent months and has some really interesting stories. Today on the way home I asked if he wanted pizza with mommy and daddy and he didn't respond. So I asked if he wanted to cook dinner for himself and he goes, "No daddy cooks!" I said, "Yep, so does mommy right?" He said, "NOOOO, mom doesn't cook, that's silly!" OUCH! So true, but that kinda hurts!<br /><br />He is always full of stories on the way home from school now, telling us about who was sad that day, what him and his friend Ella did at school, and usually who hit or bit him, which hasn't really happened. When I dropped him off at school the other morning I had asked his teacher if his friend Brooks was a big brother yet, and the kids overheard me. I then listened to their conversation of where Brooks was and was quite impressed with Josh' explanation. "No, Brooks at home, he is still tired. His mom is having a baby". Ha ha! Apparently preparing to be a big brother is a tiring job!The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068859008334864187.post-36484944791293646862009-11-01T14:46:00.000-08:002009-12-09T18:44:10.768-08:00A visit from Nanna and PappaThis weekend Nanna and Pappa came to visit. Josh was so excited to see them and couldn't wait to find out what toy Nanna brought for him. They a<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOq9nJr_MUzulbRwbNGftOLVO4u-wWHP27yT1UCt8DExWIAP0idksX3_orW4kHIhqK-buCwftmHJsbg_CYnc8mKLUV0CuCB0Id1V5aSan-ijv3_6q1dgrNLn3aNMi6EEqfWIWU8FzvRg/s1600-h/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+410.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413432178766623266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOq9nJr_MUzulbRwbNGftOLVO4u-wWHP27yT1UCt8DExWIAP0idksX3_orW4kHIhqK-buCwftmHJsbg_CYnc8mKLUV0CuCB0Id1V5aSan-ijv3_6q1dgrNLn3aNMi6EEqfWIWU8FzvRg/s200/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+410.jpg" border="0" /></a>rrived before dinner Friday night and Josh didn't hesitate to ask about the toy. Of course Nanna didn't disappoint him and had a little transformer toy for him. After opening the toy and putting it together, he was less than impressed and proceeded to ask for another toy. He rummaged through Nanna and Pappa's luggage and then asked to see if there was anything good in her purse, when the answer was no he tried again with the original toy. He kept trying to make the car drive with the light up sword like it was a remote control car. Ha ha! My mom felt so bad about it and Jim and I were shocked at how he was determined Nanna would have another option for him! So Nanna promised to take him shopping with which he responded, "To get a new toy!". Nice!<br /><br />On our shopping trip Josh was happier with the $4 CAT trucks rather than the larger fire truck or anything else more expensive... oh and he wanted a nerf basketball hoop. And let me tell you, those two things have kept him entertained all weekend!<br /><br />We went trick-or-treating on Halloween. Josh was dressed up as a bubble bee and Jim and I dressed up as bee keepers. My camera is still at my friends house (who are all sick with the flu) so I have to get all the pictures from my mom. He was so tired because he refused to take a nap that afternoon but he was determined to go to as many houses as we could. This year he was able to say Trick'Or'Treat to each neighbor and would politely say "Thank you". He is getting so old!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcItqg5AjvbenWq8HgxHbrbpDHpUTCOVQgpfpEJhZyOeiL5rlGrNKrvI2QcdqegNM_6PYJi6imafv3u4RsXqcmdFWI7UV-ONziG-F9WqfTXV7AKefuMf5YjEUZwS-wGZL-FvRnXgjwNVg/s1600-h/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+411.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413432480475275970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcItqg5AjvbenWq8HgxHbrbpDHpUTCOVQgpfpEJhZyOeiL5rlGrNKrvI2QcdqegNM_6PYJi6imafv3u4RsXqcmdFWI7UV-ONziG-F9WqfTXV7AKefuMf5YjEUZwS-wGZL-FvRnXgjwNVg/s200/Download+Camera+12+5+2009+411.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />So for the last 2 weeks I have been very uncomfortable and feel like my whole stomach is cramped. I blamed it on the food I was eating. I decided to read up on "my pregnancy week by week" and realized - the crampiness - Braxton Hicks. DUH! For this being the second time around, I really have forgotten a lot of the stuff that happens! I definitely feel like this baby will arrive early like Josh. I am having braxton hicks all of the time now and my mom said it looks like the baby has already dropped. Which is what I thought but was glad someone else noticed. I have a doctor appointment on Tuesday, so I am looking forward to hearing what she has to say. I am only 29 weeks along, so we really have a long ways to go, but I guess it just seems like things are moving a lot quicker this time around. And I know a lot of things happen sooner with the second, so maybe that is all it is.<br /><br />Happy Halloween everyone!The Kirkwood Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09635230272394506560noreply@blogger.com1