Familie van der Horst

Car shopping

2012-02-11T11:34:00.004-06:00

So we went shopping for a car today. It's a bit different here. Different doesn't mean bad, just different.

1) First dealership we went to, we walked up to a guy. He claimed he was the used car guy and he would find a new car guy for us. About 12 minutes later, we still were standing around with no help. In the US I would have been verbally attacked by 4 or 5 guys by then.

2) At the second dealership we got a bit more serious, picked a car and started talking car loans. In the US, the more years you get a loan for, the less the interest rate. Not here. The more years you take, the less the interest rate is?? huh?!

3) Same dealership, same car loan conversation. In the US, the interest rate usually doesn't have to do with how much you put down on the car. Here, the more you put down, the higher your interest rate goes?? huh?!

I'm baffled by 2 and 3. Two components, loan term and down payment, determine the rate. We can't play around with it at home. I'm going to have to sit there and play with the numbers at the dealership to figure out the best deal. I am not prepared for this.

Again, not bad, just different. This could end up working to our advantage. We'll see!

MJ has the gift

2012-02-10T11:54:00.001-06:00

Those who know me well know that I have a useless gift about movies/tv and actors. Well it looks like MJ had it to. We are watching how I met your mother and out of the blue she says "hey that's the guy from the smurfs". Niel Patrick Harris...I'm do proud

En Garde!

2012-02-09T02:27:00.003-06:00

We went to McDonald's yesterday. It was 255 NOK which is $44 for 2 burger meals and 2 happy meals. It's going to take a bit to get used to that! The only reason we ate out is because we weren't going home for a few hours and all of us were starving. Figured it was the least expensive option. I haven't eaten at MickyD's in like 5 years. The up side was the happy meal toys were a lot better than in the states. They were 5 in tall Puss n Boots figures with swords. The girls liked playing with them.

MJ: "en garde"

Reese: "en garde too"

Blog Resumed...

2012-02-09T02:15:00.004-06:00

Well here we are again. I've decided with our recent move to Norway to try and resume the Familie van der Horst blog...

Today is Mark's first day of work. Since we only have one car and I didn't fall asleep until 3 am (jet lag) we decided Mark could take the car and me and the girls would stay home. At first I thought, awesome, vacation day. But then I realized we had a lot of laundry to do. It's not a lot for home, but it's a lot here when the washer is so small each load at home is at least two here. I better get used to doing laundry everyday or something. *sigh*. oh well, such is life. We also need to go to the store today as we haven't really done that yet and I have to cook dinner tonight. already this is a huge change for me since it hasn't been that long since I quit work. laundry, dinner, grocery shopping! Having Jacki around spoiled me big time. Another thing on the list is to get a cell phone. I feel so useless without one. It took us ages to get somewhere yesterday because we didn't have my handy dandy interactive map on my iPhone.

Well overall, we are all doing well, and day 2 looks to be pretty uneventful, which is ok cause we are all tired. For future reference, feel free to comment on posts (if they are interesting enough), and hopefully this will give all our friends and loved ones a one stop shop to see what we are up to over here.

Oh yeah, one thing we need to get used to are the prices. Mark did one quick shopping trip for bread, milk, lunch meat, juice, toilet paper, and maybe one or two other items. it was $100. oh man. That cost of living increase is going to get used 100%!

Lisa

The Girls - August 2009

2009-08-10T16:51:00.002-06:00

MJ and Reese

2009-04-18T09:11:00.002-06:00

It's shameful that lack of activity on here. I hope I can do a better job from now on. For now, here are some pics of the girls...

Reese is a pretty happy baby most of the time

Oh so cool with her sun glasses on

All bundled up in Holland for a bike ride with Daddy

Update - 14 months and counting....

2008-12-08T23:34:00.003-06:00

So here are some recent pics of the munchkin....The first one is her granpa pants (they're actually my dad's shorts)

Mommy and MJ in their glasses

MJ eating her first piece of callimari (dad is so proud)

MJ with her favorite birthday presents, her baby and her Nijntje table and chair set!!

Having fun with Daddy at Daddy's birthday dinner

For Halloween MJ was a cow, so Mommy and Daddy were farmers

Daddy loved his overalls. haha

MJ likes reading books with Mommy

Oh yeah, and here's mommy at 32 weeks. Belly's still growing!

24 Weeks Baby #2

2008-10-10T22:15:00.003-06:00

Since I'm already here I might as well posts a a belly pic. Here you go!

Just to have something to compare it to, here is me at 24 weeks with MJ! (I think I'm going to go back blonde!!)

MJ is ONE YEAR OLD!!!

2008-10-10T21:52:00.005-06:00

Can you believe it's already been one year!! I certainly can't. We are having a birthday party for her tomorrow (little late thanks to hurricane Ike). Here are some recent pics to keep you happy until I get the party pics up from tomorrow!! First up..MJ now wears SHOES!

Sometimes she likes to sport the shades as well.

I really like swinging in my new red swing (thanks aunt darlene and uncle domino!).

Here is MJ with her friend Elliot. He's 3 months older, but she tries to keep up.

Straws are fun!

Latest News

2008-09-05T10:18:00.006-06:00

Here are some recent pics of MJ. This one is of her enjoying a tastey carrot!!

This is MJ wearing Daddy's lawn mowing earphones. Although I don't think Daddy will ask her to mow the lawn anytime soon.

Now for pics of the newest van der Horst female...we don't know her name yet but here she is..well her hands at least.

And every girl loves a profile pic right?

Here are a couple videos, one where she is facing up and one where she is facing down. If the video is all skippy and fast, just replay it and it should be normal.

ANNOUNCEMENT

2008-07-06T11:09:00.005-06:00

Well all the time has come, a bit sooner than we thought, but MJ will soon have a little brother or little sister. Soon is January 17th, 2009! We should know in about 6-8 weeks whether its a little brother or sister. As always we'll keep you posted!
Here is a recent pic of our not so little, anymore, MJ
Lisa, Mark Jan, and MJ

Haircut

2008-06-04T08:02:00.002-06:00

I got a haircut! Little short but I'm still cute anyway!!

Update - 7+ Months old

2008-05-19T16:43:00.003-06:00

What I've been up to......

I went swimming!!

The side of my play pin tastes really good..mmmmm.

I had my first kiss

I eat until my belly gets really really full

I eat from a bottle sometimes

I hang out in my walker everyday

I really like hanging out with my Pop

There is this baby that shows up every night after bathtime...I like to give her kisses. (to see the video go to http://s201.photobucket.com/albums/aa75/vanderhorst/?action=view&current=MOV01212-2.flv)

I got a cool new jumper thingy

I'm not crawling yet, but I am up on all fours!

6 Months Old

2008-04-01T20:41:00.008-06:00

OK OK...It's been ages since I've posted. I know. I'm a terrible blogger. But please forgive me and take a look at our little bundle of joy below!

MJ loves to stick her tongue out. We like to call her Gene Simmons

Instead of sucking her thumb she likes her two fingers. And if that's not enough, she usually has to cover it up with her other hand

Wearing no clothes is awesome!

This is MJ hanging out with her Great Great Aunt Shirley

MJ likes to do a lot of things: Take a bath, Hang in her crib, sleep with dad, and the cleanest of all...eat some food.

I'm 3 & 1/2 months old!!

2008-01-14T06:47:00.000-06:00

Here are some recent pics of our favorite girl....

Some play time...a bit of soccer practice maybe?

Bath time in her new bathtub over at grandma and papa's...

The best part about bath time is how cute I look after...

I can hold my head up now, but I still need a little help sitting up. Purple Bumbo to the rescue....

I'm a big girl!

2007-12-26T09:44:00.000-06:00

Even though she doesn't eat in it and we only use it for playing, MJ loves her new high chair that grandma and papa gave her!....

Merry Christmas!!

2007-12-26T08:30:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures from MJ's first Christmas. Pretty small this year considering 1) she has no idea what's going on, 2) Daddy is in Qatar, 3) No Christmas tree up this year because Mark Jan didn't get it out of the attic before he left and I can't get up there because I'm a shorty (this is mostly my fault because I didn't tell him to get it down when he asked me and I wasn't paying attention! haha).

She can hold her head up pretty well when she wants to. But in these pictures, she wasn't really in the mood and therefore looks like a little lump in my lap. Still adorable if you ask me though. All in all it was a very merry Christmas because I got just what I wanted...MJ!!

MJ with some of her presents...

MJ better like Nijntje the bunny because she has so much of this stuff already!....

Some yummy blocks that make noise that MJ will no doubt put in her mouth....

Merry Christmas MJ and mommy!....

Look at me in my Christmas outfit (which is basically a little sack she fits in...so cute!)

December 5th and Sinter Klaas

2007-12-04T11:46:00.000-06:00

Tomorrows Upcoming December 5th Holiday

December 5th is a holiday celebrated in Holland. It is the birthday of Saint Nicholas AKA Sinter Klaas (what our Santa Claus is based on). He is the ex bishop of Turkey who lives in Spain and has "helpers" named Zwarte Piet (Black Pete). About 2 weeks prior to December 5th, Sinter Klaas comes to Holland on a steam boat. When the official Sinter Klaas appears by boat in that years designated town, a few hours after that the other towns in Holland have their own Sinter Klaas making appearances (like we have Santa Claus in the malls). The official Sinter Klaas has been played by the same man for the last 30 years or so. The Zwarte Piets are also played by well known actors. It is then that the childeren of Holland put their shoes by the door to await presents from him (this is during the 2 weeks before December 5th). In the shoe they must leave something for the horse of Sinter Klaas, such as a carrot. In return they will receive a small gift such as candy or a small toy. Then on the evening of December 5th the children will receive more toys. Usually the mom or dad will distract the kids while the other parent or a neighbor will put the presents outside the front door and bang on the window or door to let the kids know that Sinter Klaas has been there.

For you Americans reading this story, I know it sounds bizarre but I assure you it is totally accurate and dutch people take it pretty seriously. We will be introducing Sinter Klaas and Santa Claus to MJ.

Here's hoping everyone has a lovely December 5th!

Below is a picture of a couple Sinter Klaas and Zwarte Piet chocolate statues given to MJ from her Oma and Opa.

2 Months old and still going strong!

2007-12-03T13:29:00.000-06:00

Well hello everyone. Sorry for taking so long to update the blog. I've had numerous requests for new pics and updated info, so here it is...

Little MJ is 2 months old today (9 weeks tomorrow). She's getting cuter and cuter every day! See for yourself...

Today we went to the doctor and got her 2 month shots. She took it better than I thought. Of course she screamed, but dad had her calmed down in a couple minutes. She is now 11 3/4 pounds (75th percentile) and 23 3/4 inches long (90th percentile). To us she's still a tiny tiny girl as you can see her here in our king size bed hanging out while mommy cleans.

Overall, MJ is loving life and she is a very good girl. She hardly cries and usually sleeps when she's supposed to. When she's not sleeping she's hanging out with mom or dad in our lap, or in the bouncer or swing entertaining herself. She loves to play with her tongue and sticks it out constantly. I hardly have pics where her tongue isn't sticking out!

She loves bath time. She is still in the mini baby bath tub on the counter top. It will be a little while before she gets into the big tub. I think Mark Jan enjoys bath time more than she does! He loves sticking her hair up all crazy and he says she looks like Einstein when he does it...

And whoever invented those towels with the little hoods gets my applause because they are just so dang cute I can hardly take it!!

Another one of the latest developments is she is now "talking" to us. The books call it cooing. I call it just plain adorable. The sound that comes out and the faces she makes while she's talking.

I guess other than that she's just having a good time hanging out with family..

With dad in the baby bjorn:

Sleeping with Oma:

Hanging with Papa:

And here is one pic I just thought was funny. Sometimes the flash freaks her out and her eyes get real big. That's what's happened in this pic. hehe

So hopefully this post has made up for the insanely long time without any entries/pics. And as a bonus here are a couple of short short videos

Here is a little clip of our own personal "bobble head" MJ.

Click below to hear our little one "talking".

Happy Halloween

2007-11-01T12:01:00.000-06:00

Pumpkin time! MJ's first halloween!

Recent pics from week 4 of MJ's life!

2007-10-30T16:04:00.000-06:00

Look at my new belly button!!! I lost my umbilical cord stump!

Hanging out with Mommy

Sometimes I like my swing

Uncle Rolf trying to keep me from crying

She smiles!

2007-10-25T17:24:00.000-06:00

MJ smiles all the time now. check it out....

MJ's first video

2007-10-10T17:34:00.000-06:00

Here's a little video so everyone can see MJ in action...

More Pictures of MJ

2007-10-10T14:05:00.000-06:00

Asleep with daddy

Resting with Papa

With Lisa's cousin Krystie

With Aunt Darlene

First bath (she didn't like that too much)

Second bath (much better)

First Tummy Time

MJ is here!

2007-10-07T08:12:00.000-06:00

The much anticipated pictures of Mijke Jospehine:

Born: October 2nd 2007, Houston Texas

Time: 1:11 pm

Weight: 7 pounds 11 3/4 oz (3496 grams)

Length: 20 1/2" (52 cm)

Hair: not blond (yet?)

Fans: 2 (see pictures below)

Our baby girl this week - 39 WEEKS

2007-09-25T05:47:00.000-06:00

From Babycenter.com....

"He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath."

Well we are one week away officialy. We have a doctor's appointment today. Hopefully she can work some magic and help nudge our little girl along so we don't have to wait until Monday. Mark Jan is still calm as ever but I'm becoming more and more impatient/nervous each day. I'm so ready to hold her and play with her I can barely stand it. Let's hope I have some energy to do so! I fell asleep in my car this morning in the parking lot at work. I hope I can make it the rest of the day even. This little girl is sucking it all out of me. Cross your fingers she comes soon, and pray that she is born happy and healthy!

Here is a pic of what our baby might look like at this point in the pregnancy.

Our baby girl this week - 38 WEEKS

2007-09-18T05:40:00.000-06:00

From Babycenter.com....

"Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs between 6 and 7 1/2 pounds (boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls), and she's nearly 20 inches long. She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb. Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old."

Ok little girl, it's time to come out already!!!!! Doctor appointment on Thursday, we'll see what's going on then.

Here is a pic of what our baby might look like at this point in the pregnancy.

Latest Update - ALMOST THERE

2007-09-14T21:01:00.000-06:00

Ok everyone, we're almost there. we are 37 and a half weeks so that means 2 and a half weeks to go. At least that's the longest we'll have to wait. She could come early you know (fingers crossed. hehe). So we went to the doc on Thursday (yesterday) and she said everything looks great and we're ready to go that its just time to wait now. or as she said "hurry up and wait".

Yesterday evening Mark Jan and I went shopping at the baby store to get all the rest of the things we need for little ______. Now we just have to organize and put things together and we'll be all ready for her. At least that's what we're telling ourselves. I'm sure no one is completely ready for what is about to happen. As EVERYONE has told us frequently, our lives are about to completely change (even though Mark Jan thinks "it can't be that bad right?" Well it's not like I've been through this before but I think he'll be in for a surprise. hahaha.

As far as what else we're doing, the usual things. I'm takin it easy, when I'm not nesting (cleaning frenzie much!!). And Mark Jan is back into his usual role as handy man fixing this and installing that juggling a million projects at once and still doing a fantastic job on each and every one. He's mainly focusing on stuff that will affect the baby now. Like putting up a window shade in her room, and the valance. I'm sure he'll be back on the entertainment center and stuff like that in no time.

Well I guess that's about all for now. We'll send out an email when the baby is born, and for those of you that have asked, we'll call you if we can when i go into labor. so till then, start preparing yourselves for mark and lisa to change to mark, lisa, and baby (name to be stated after she's born for those of you who requested to not know!)

Lisa and Mark Jan

Belly, Belly, and more Belly

2007-09-14T20:58:00.000-06:00

Sep 8, 2007 (36 weeks...4 More Weeks To Go!!)

Jul 29, 2007 (32 weeks)

June 20, 2007 (24 weeks)

May 16, 2007 (20 weeks...half way!!)

April 15, 2007 (16 weeks)

March 17, 2007 (12 weeks)

Our baby girl this week - 37 WEEKS

2007-09-14T20:51:00.000-06:00

From Babycenter.com....

"Congratulations! Your baby is full-term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away. He weighs a little over 6 pounds and measures between 19 and 20 inches. Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long."

WE ARE OFFICIALLY FULL TERM!!!!!

Here is a pic of what our baby might look like at this point in the pregnancy.

Our baby girl this week - 36 WEEKS

2007-09-10T07:32:00.000-06:00

From Babycenter.com....

"Your baby is gaining about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds and is a little under 19 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy hair that covered her body, as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Next week, your baby will be considered full-term. Most likely she's in a head-down position, but if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an external cephalic version, where she'll try to turn your baby by manipulating her from the outside of your belly."

Well, we had our last baby classes on Saturday so I guess you could say we are fully prepared. haha. i dont think anyone is fully prepared, but we've done what we can to learn as much about what it's going to be like in delivery and afterwards. Mark Jan is being great about the classes, he's actually interested in them and not annoyed that I'm making him go to them. And I can tell he's going to be a very supportive labor helper. So come on baby!! By the way she is head down so no problems there. We are just waiting for the cervix to open up and for contractions to start. Doc says I am not supposed to call her until contractions have been strong for every 5-7 minutes for an hour. that sounds pretty brutal if you ask me. But we're ready. Hurry up little girl!!!

Here is a pic of what our baby might look like at this point in the pregnancy.

Our baby girl this week - 35 WEEKS

2007-08-29T10:13:00.000-06:00

From Babycenter.com....

"Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 pounds plus. Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight."

she may not have much room to move around, but she's moving what she can when she can! It doesn't ever hurt though. I love it!

Here is a pic of what our baby might look like at this point in the pregnancy.

Our baby girl this week - 34 WEEKS

2007-08-22T13:55:00.000-06:00

From Babycenter.com....

"Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which she'll need to regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies."

Little girl is more active than ever. Especially at night when I lay down she twists and turns and pokes for hours. She was also around 4 3/4 lbs 2 weeks ago so safe to say she's bigger than that now. I have a feeling she'll be big, but not gigantic like 13 lbs or something. Wouldn't that be something!!

Here is a pic of what our baby might look like at this point in the pregnancy.

Our baby girl this week - 33 WEEKS

2007-08-14T05:47:00.000-06:00

From Babycenter.com....

"This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood."

She is very very active these days. kicking, punching, rolling, you name it she's doing it. it's the weirdest feeling in the world but its the most awesome feeling as well. sometimes it just makes me smile when she's wiggling and i start thinking about whats to come. of course i'm imagining the good things...not the bad like lack of sleep and wondering if i'll be able to fit in a shower! haha. Tired has a new meaning today. i though i was actually going to fall over walking from the car to my office. hopefully i can catch a power nap during lunch or something. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Here is a pic of what our baby might look like at this point in the pregnancy.

Dad makes an appearance..

2007-08-13T06:34:00.000-06:00

Well it seems one very important member of this family hasn't really had much face time on the blog here. So here is a TRIBUTE TO DAD!

Of course baby is going to be beautiful.... we know where she gets her good looks from......

Here is a pic of dad with Uncle Rolf and Uncle Dan at Uncle Bas and Aunt Nathalie's house just after their wedding in July. They're all so adorable!

And one last tribute to dad, his latest project, still not complete (he ran out of time and had to head back to Qatar), but how awesome is this!! I can't believe I know someone who can build something like this much less my husband!!! He is so awesome! Good job dad...little _____ is waiting for you to build her all kinds of things! get ready!

Baby Room Updated

2007-08-13T06:07:00.000-06:00

Finally got the baby room set up with all the stuff we have to this point.
We're planning on hanging the blanket thats hanging on the crib on the wall once mark gets home. Also the pic hanging in the window (from Paiges mom Susan) will also get hung up. I'm not allowed to do that, need to wait for Mark Jan. He is very precise. hehe

Here is the place we'll spend plenty of time on diaper duty! We just got a changing organizer from Walter and Tessica that will get hung up tonight most likely. And also, this pic was taken before the comfy chair was brought in. That little rocking chair was used to rock my mom to sleep at night by my grandma. It has moved to the other corner since this pic was taken.

And here is a display of all the stuff that our little girl has been given so far. On the top left is one of my favs...puss and boots from Shrek 2&3 from my mom and dad. So cute. Next to him is a teddy bear with some socks that Mark's family got her. The socks are for her, the teddy is just hanging onto them till she gets here. These are officially her first presents ever at like 3 months! Then another dutchie present, the giraffe from Shane and Leighia , and the lamb from Brandi and Anthony. Seems she already has lots of people that care about her!

Baby Shower #1 - July 1, 2007

2007-08-13T05:58:00.000-06:00

Baby Shower #1 was given by my cousin Paige and my friend Branid with some help from my Aunt Darlene and my mom. The shower was perfect of course. Great food, great fun, and great friends.

Here is me with some of the balloons:

Here is the way cool "diaper cake" that Brandi made me with all sorts of baby goodies (and a glance at the fantastic food Paige made!

And here is me and Brandi, belly to belly. She had Cameron on July 22nd!

Our baby girl this week - 32 WEEKS

2007-08-10T06:11:00.000-06:00

From Babycenter.com....

"By now, your baby is just shy of 4 pounds and is nearly 17 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb."

We went to the doctor yesterday and they said she is doing perfectly. All is well and normal and things are all set for a regular delivery. path is clear, her head is down, all her anatomy is in place, good to go. they also said she currently weighs 4 pounds 13 ounces. Which on a spectrum of the smallest baby at this point in a pregnancy to the largest baby, 50% (half way) being average, our girl is at 68%. A "Large" baby, which they would need to keep an eye on and possibly deliver early is in the 75% to 90% range. So she is in between average and large according to them and doesn't need to be watched. So all in all it looks like she is basically just NORMAL! yippy!! oh. also from the ultrasound (pics to come soon) her head is at the very bottom of my tummy, her hiney is kind of over by my right rib cage and her feet are right in front of her face with her legs going down the left side of my tummy. so basically she is just bent in half and staring at her feet all day. she's so cramped in there! no wonder they wanna be all bundled up after they come out! and man was I ever THAT flexible! haha

Here is a pic of what our baby might look like at this point in the pregnancy.

Come and rub the Budda Belly!

2007-08-03T07:10:00.000-06:00

Jul 29, 2007 (32 weeks)

June 20, 2007 (24 weeks)

May 16, 2007 (20 weeks...half way!!)

April 15, 2007 (16 weeks)

March 17, 2007 (12 weeks)

Our baby girl this week - 31 WEEKS

2007-08-01T06:39:00.000-06:00

From Babycenter.com....

"This week, your baby measures about 16 inches long. He weighs a little over 3 pounds and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy."

And believe me the baby is moving more than ever. not just kicking or punching, but rolling around and poking big parts out so that my tummy isn't round anymore, its all wonky from her sticking out one side or the other. It's so cool!!! We've been taking baby classes at the hostpital to prepare for little ________ (dutch folks don't know her name yet by choice so we're keeping it secret from them). So far we've taken: Infant CPR which i feel good about taking and need to show anyone who'll be watching her how to do it. Breastfeeding, which i take the second half tonight. Prepared Childbirth which tells you what to expect during labor and how to tell when your in labor, things like that. second half of that is this sunday. mark is gone so my mom will go with me to this class. then when mark gets back we'll have one more class called Life With Baby, that should prep us for seemingly simple things but you can't be overprepared right? bathing, changing diaper, cleaning the umbilical cord, etc. We're really excited and ready for her to be here. This weekend I'll get the nursury all ready to go. and start on her play room, which she might not use right away but it's also my scrapbooking room so I wanted to get a head start on it. Oh. I get my 32 week ultrasound next week so we'll get to see how the baby is growing. maybe find out how long she actually is compared to the guideline of 16 inches above. Well i guess that's all the updates for now. Till next week

Here is a pic of what our baby might look like at this point in the pregnancy.

Our baby girl this week - 30 WEEKS

2007-07-27T07:39:00.000-06:00

From Babycenter.com....

"Your baby's a bit more than 15 1/2 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds. A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)"

I'm so excited!! Isn't it time for her to get here yet!!!

Here is a pic of what our baby might look like at this point in the pregnancy.

Latest and greatest

2007-07-19T06:20:00.000-06:00

All, just an update on what's been going on the last few weeks. We had the baby shower on July 1st (pics to be posted soon). Then on July 4th Mark Jan and I met up in Holland for a visit with family and friends and for a wedding (Bas and Nathalie, Bas was the blonde groomsman in our wedding). The wedding was beautiful and also my first Dutch wedding! boy are they long! haha. We had a blast though at the wedding, and also hanging with family, and visiting friends like Gjalt, Gerreke, and Martijn (Gerreke and Martijn got hitched not too long ago!!). Once back in the states I got sick. Doc said it was a respiratory infection (did i spell that right?) and today is the first day I've felt normal all week. I didn't go to work all week either. It was that bad. So bad actually that Mark Jan and I realized it's the sickest I've been since we've been together. But don't fret, the baby is just fine. No harm done. We saw the doc on Monday and all is well. We will see her again in about a week and a half. We are at the point now that we have to see her every 2 weeks instead of once a month. And at 32 weeks I get another ultra sound so I get to take a peek at the little girl one more time before she heads our way. Well that's about it. check back soon for shower pics and an update of tummy pics (little late with this one but i think we can let me slide right? hehe)

Our baby girl this week - 29 WEEKS

2007-07-19T06:17:00.000-06:00

From Babycenter.com....

"Your baby is growing rapidly now. This week he weighs about half a pound more than he did last week (about 2 1/2 pounds total) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is getting bigger to accommodate his growing brain — which is busy developing billions of neurons. Every day, about 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in your baby's skeleton, which is now hardening. With this rapid growth, it's no surprise that your baby's nutritional needs reach their peak during this trimester."

Looks like the baby will be sucking nutrients from me big time from now on. So if i'm super tired and eating like a cow, blame it on her!! haha

Here is a pic of what our baby might look like at this point in the pregnancy.

Our baby girl this week - 28 WEEKS

2007-07-19T06:15:00.000-06:00

From Babycenter.com....

"By this week, your baby weighs a little over 2 pounds and measures almost 15 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can open and close her eyes, which now sport lashes. This movement is more of a reflexive blink than a deliberate opening and closing, but it won't be long before she's batting those beauties at you."

Here is a pic of what our baby might look like at this point in the pregnancy.

Our baby girl this week - 27 WEEKS

2007-07-03T05:50:00.000-06:00

From Babycenter.com....

"Your baby is really starting to get big. This week he weighs almost 2 pounds and is about 14.4 inches long with his legs extended. He now sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. He may suck his fingers, and although his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with assistance — if he were born prematurely. Chalk up any rhythmic movement you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on."

We are off to Holland this weekend for Bas and Nathalie's wedding. We will see family and friends. I'm excited we'll be able to share a small bit of the pregnancy with them!!

Here is a pic of what our baby might look like at this point in the pregnancy.

Our baby girl this week - 26 WEEKS

2007-06-27T05:38:00.000-06:00

From Babycenter.com....

"Your baby now weighs a little less than 2 pounds and measures about 14 inches. Her weight will more than triple between now and birth as she rapidly puts on baby fat. She'll need that fat to help adjust to colder temperatures outside the womb and as a source of energy and calories in the first days of life. It's not uncommon for newborns, especially those who are breastfed, to lose weight (sometimes as much as 10 percent of their birth weight) in the first week after birth."

Here is a pic of what our baby might look like at this point in the pregnancy.

The Ever Growing Belly

2007-06-21T15:07:00.000-06:00

June 20, 2007 (24 weeks)

May 16, 2007 (20 weeks...half way!!)

April 15, 2007 (16 weeks)

March 17, 2007 (12 weeks)

Our baby girl this week - 25 WEEKS

2007-06-19T05:37:00.000-06:00

From Babycenter.com....

"Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — doesn't sound like much, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for a more rounded one. As your baby gains weight, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more like a mini newborn. His hair is probably recognizable now in color and texture, although both may change after he's born."

I can feel the baby move all the time now. Especially when I'm laying down. The dr was right on the money. 3 to 4 weeks and there she was kicking and punching! It feels pretty cool actually!

Here is a pic of what our baby might look like at this point in the pregnancy.

Photos of mommy and baby room from 6-11-07

2007-06-13T07:31:00.000-06:00

Brandi and i decided to take some pictures this weekend. The first one you can see how Mark Jan's painting job came out. We LOVE it! So now we just need all the rest of the stuff to go in there! hehe
Here are the pics...

Our baby girl this week - 24 WEEKS

2007-06-13T07:24:00.000-06:00

From Babycenter.com....

"Your baby's growing steadily, gaining about a quarter of a pound since last week. Since she's almost a foot long, that makes for a pretty lean figure, but her body's filling out proportionally. Your baby's brain is growing rapidly, and her taste buds may be working now. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" and cells that produce surfactant, a substance that helps the air sacs inflate easily. Your baby can hear more now, and you may even notice her startle at loud, sudden noises. But she's probably getting used to the regular noises she hears around the house, such as your dog barking or the roar of a vacuum cleaner."

So the doctors and all the baby sites count in weeks. but most normal people count in months. this becomes tricky because when you count in weeks there are 40 of them which equals 10 months. but we all know its supposed to take 9 months not 10! So I'm 24 weeks this week which I guess translates into 5 & 1/2 months. thats pretty far! at least it seems futher when you count in months rather than the weeks. hehe

Here is a pic of what our baby might look like at this point in the pregnancy.

Our baby girl this week - 23 WEEKS

2007-06-07T06:53:00.000-06:00

From Babycenter.com....

"Your baby is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound. He may be able to feel your movements now, so put on some tunes and dance around the house. No matter what race your baby is, he looks red now due to blood vessels showing through his transparent skin. His true skin tone will develop over the course of his first year. Blood vessels in your baby's lungs are developing to prepare him for breathing, but complete lung development will take many more months. The lungs are the last organ to fully develop."

I finally felt our little girl move on Saturday at my nieces' dance recital. she started kicking for a good 30 seconds. Mark Jan and my brother both got to feel it with their hand on the top of my tummy. Then on Tuesday night, I didn't feel anything, but happened to be looking down at my tummy and you could see her wiggling around in there. she would poke the tummy out in different places and if you pressed down on my tummy it was really hard where she was. i hope she does that again soon..that was the coolest thing EVER!!!!

Here is a pic of what our baby might look like at this point in the pregnancy.

Bumble Bee Baby Bedding (say that fast 3 times)

2007-05-31T11:33:00.000-06:00

Yesterday Mark Jan started and finished painting the baby room. It's looking awesome so far. It's two different colors, yellow and green (matching the baby bedding we've picked out). There is a chair rail being put up today, again by the handy dandy Mark Jan, and the yellow will be above the chair rail and the green below. The furniture will get there today!!! James and Michelle (michelle is my new friend and faithful carpool buddy - james her hubby) have very generously offered to help us put the furniture together tomorrow afternoon. In return they will get to eat my fabulous hamburgers. haha. I'm thinking the boys will do most of the work while us girls "supervise". Afterall we have experience (both supervisors at work!!). Then all that will be left is the bedding which we've picked out and registered for and are just waiting to see if it shows up as a shower gift. If not, then we'll buy it and set it all up probably in July or August sometime. I can't wait!! Here is a quick look at the bedding we picked out. It's so soft!! We also registered for most of the other things in the picture like the paintings, shelf, mobile, etc. Did I mention we're totally psyched!!

Our baby girl this week - 22 WEEKS

2007-05-31T11:24:00.000-06:00

From Babycenter.com....

"Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn, checking in at 10.9 inches and almost 1 pound. Her skin will continue to appear wrinkled until she gains enough weight to fill it out. Your baby's eyes are developed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks some pigment. Your baby's lips are becoming more distinct, and the first signs of teeth are appearing as buds beneath her gum line. You won't actually see her first tooth until she's around 4 to 7 months old, unless she's one of the rare babies who are born with teeth."

WEIRD....there are babies born WITH teeth already out!?!?! Did NOT know that!

Here is a pic of what our baby might look like at this point in the pregnancy. And I still can't feel the little girl moving around... Few more weeks.

Doctor Visit

2007-05-22T10:33:00.000-06:00

Went to the doctor today to get the "results" of the ultrasound that I had last week. Other than telling us it's a girl, there was a purpose to the ultrasound. They wanted to make sure she had all the correct parts and that everything was working correctly and in the right place. Doctor said everything came back normal and that there was nothing to report basically. so thats a load off! also, she said that because of the placenta being right there in front, i probably won't feel the baby for another month. so i'm kick free for another 4 weeks it seems. from watching brandi squirm from her little boy's movements, something tells me that not feeling her isn't a bad thing. haha. summary...baby girl is healthy and active and growing and waiting to be born!

oh and i found out today, my doctor is pregnant as well! haha. this will be her second. as far as i can tell it should have no impact on delivering our baby, so i'm not worried right now.

love to all and till next time....

Our baby girl this week - 21 WEEKS

2007-05-22T05:27:00.000-06:00

From Babycenter.com....

"Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long. If you're having a girl, her vagina is formed now, though it will continue to develop until birth. Your baby is really on the move now. Fetal researchers say babies move about 50 times an hour even while sleeping. All that movement helps stimulate your baby's physical and mental development. You may not notice 50 kicks, punches, and twirls during the day, but as you're settling down at night, don't be surprised if your little guy seems ready to dance the night away. "

Last week when I went to the doctor, they said she weighed 12 ounces and was 10 inches long. So it seems she is on the same track with babycenter in terms of length and maybe just a tiny bit ahead on weight.

Here is a pic of what a baby might look like at this point in the pregnancy. Don't worry, she'll have a much bigger room when she comes out of there!

Also, you can see from the picture that the placenta is in between the baby and the tummy. The doctor said that positioning and that the placenta may be thicker right there is why I can't feel the baby yet. The placenta is acting as a cushion. So the baby kicks and punches it, yet I feel nothing! I'm sure that won't last much longer though.

And the belly grows on....

2007-05-16T20:47:00.000-06:00

March 17, 2007 (12 weeks)

April 15, 2007 (16 weeks)

May 16, 2007 (20 weeks...half way!!)

It's a girl!

2007-05-15T07:54:00.000-06:00

These are sonogram pictures taken on May 14th. 1 day shy of the big 20 week mark. Enjoy!

Look at the pointy nose like mommy... and that little circle above my tummy is my knee!

And daddy's long legs (crossed at the ankles)....

My legs are so long i look like a pretzel...

at the very end you can see me gulping amniotic fluid...a little taste of what my parents can expect - an open mouth!!!

First Blog

2007-05-10T14:19:00.000-06:00

Ok all. This is my attempt to create an easy to update, informative, and pleasing to the eye webspace so we can share info about the baby and other things going on in the life of Mark Jan, Lisa, and baby! More to come.....