Welcome Baby Ella

We did it! For those of you that aren't on facebook, sorry it took so long to get some photos on here! I forget the WHOLE world isn't on facebook. hee hee... Elizabeth Ann was born November 18th at 8:12am. She weighed 7 lbs. 13 oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long. My induction was supposed to be that morning at 730, which would have been postponed due to the hospital being behind on inductions....Ella decided she wasn't going to have any of that so about 11 pm on the 17th I started having regular contractions...woke Bill up about midnight and headed to the hospital at 1am. All went well... Had a weird reaction to my epidural. Felt like jumping out of my skin and was sleepless, so Dr Pivec, my anesthesiologist, stopped it and gave me some demerol to help me rest. Good stuff! But didn't get to rest long because Ella was ready. Had to do some "lamaze" breathing for about 30 minutes waiting for my OB...luckily he made it in time and I pushed her out in a couple of minutes. And there was my beautiful Ella! Connie and MJ made it just in time to see her getting her bath. She is so beautiful! We are so blessed. Today we had her first check up. Weight is the same. She is 20 1/2 inches long. It's midnight and I'm going to try to get back to sleep. She has been on a reverse schedule for some reason...getting her days and nights mixed up. So trying to get her "normal". Will is in love with her of course...just still a little rough for him to be "gentle". He doesn't quite get that she can't play cars :) He loves giving her lots of kisses. I'll post more later. For now here are some pictures. Need to get more uploaded. Amazing how busy you get with a newborn and toddler. Nana Connie has been a big help, but when you're nursing and your toddler wants mommy it's a little hard to rest...so for now I'll do my best! So blessed! Happy Thanksgiving! We have SOOOO much to be thankful for!!!!!! Especially our wonderful family and friends!!!! Love from our home to yours!!!!!

Proud Mommy!
Pretty in pink!
Really, MJ was excited!
Daddy and his little princess!
New hair bow from Auntie Mae
Passed her hearing test....
Will first meeting his baby sister!
Can he smile any bigger!??!?!
I love this one. It's only the beginning kiddo!!!!

Veterans Day Parade and The Christmas Tree

Random of Will this morning walking around with the Diaper Genie box on his head. He's such a clown... we love it!







On Veteran's Day we headed to Fountain Hills to meet the Christmas tree going to Washington DC. It was cut down in Springerville, Arizona. It will take a couple weeks to get there. Bill's friend is hauling the tree...what an honor. So that was neat to see the tree and sign the truck! Then we headed to Downtown Mesa and watched the Veteran's Day Parade. Unfortunately I can't sit too long, or stand, or walk too long for that matter! But I'm surviving :) Only 3 days 23 hours to go if Ella stays stubborn in there!

I couldn't get too great of a view to get pics, but this one had Marines on it, so I took this one picture :)

Will loved running all around. He did watch SOME of the parade....He liked the motorcyles, tanks, drums and drums the most!

This is Mike....Bill's friend who is hauling the Washington DC tree from Arizona. What an honor! It was great to see Mike too!

Bill brought home a cake to celebrate my birthday and the Marine Corps birthday. I always have to share. Hee hee... Notice Bill trying to be funny and had the bakery change my age...haha!

And here I've created a monster. I showed Will how to use the computer. Well sorta. He almost has the mouse down. He can go on PBS kids and Nick Jr. There are some fun learning games. I think we will get him a leapster for Christmas. He loves to play and learn! Our little genius at 2 1/2. Must get that from his mommy :)

Congratulations!

Congratulations to The West Family http://westfamilybloggers.blogspot.com/ . They had their baby girl Sophie yesterday. Kate is now a big sister. Yeah! I think that knocks my list of pregnant friends and family down to about 25 now! So crazy! It's been the year of fertility! Now if Princess Ella would just make her appearance! 5 days and 45 minutes til check in...not that I'm counting :)

Photos

Here are some pics from the week. I cleaned out the refrigerator...wonder why I was wiping little feet prints out of it....caught in the act!
We were goofing around with the camera to try to capture how HUGE I am. Here is Will giving Ella love...he likes to kiss her!
He's so proud of his BIG MAMA!
Giving her more loves!
And just one more shot to really give you a good understanding of the hugeness! Today was my last Dr appt. I am dilated to 2 1/2 cm. So only 1/2 cm since last week. Ugh. So I guess I'll have to try to walk her out tomorrow at the Veteran's Day Parade!

Ella's update.

I had my last Dr. appt today. Only dilated to 2 1/2... darn. Oh well. 8 more days til induction if she doesn't do it on her own. We plan on going to the Veteran's Day Parade tomorrow, so maybe I can walk her out then. Mae took me to dinner and a prenatal massage last night for my bday. It was wonderful. Feel bigger and bigger everyday...although I haven't gained any weight this week. You wouldn't be able to tell!!! After the OB appt, Will got his flu and H1N1 vaccines. Has to go back in December for his booster. Poor kid...but hopefully it will prevent him from getting sick! He cried during the pokes but was fine after. Got a glove balloon and a couple stickers to make him forget all about it. MJ started wrestling this week. Seems to enjoy it. It will be a good challenge for him. Excited to have family day tomorrow. Thank you to our veteran's ...what a blessed country we live in!

Happy Birthday USMC

Happy Birthday to the Marine Corps. Thank you to all our veterans and those still fighting for our freedom! Thank you to my husband, my hero! I love you!

Proud of myself

Okay, so the boys don't think it's that exciting, but I just fixed our TV! Yes, 9 months pregnant and yep, that's what I said! Just FIXED the TV. Bill was literally about to buy a new one. I think he owes me a couple thousand! Pat on my back! Who needs a handy man when you've got a handy WOman! Just had to brag! Thanks! Oh and no baby yet. Braxton Hicks and a lot of discomfort, but she must be extra cozy and is going to hold out until the 18th. Oh well, busy week planned anyway, so I guess we can wait a little longer...although WE ARE READY!!!!!! I have been sort of nesting...here and there... wish I could do more in the middle of the night, since that's when I'm up and seem to have energy. Bill even cleaned the garage out....maybe he's nesting too...uh no! Love you anyway! So we'll keep you posted with any baby news if anything happens.

37 week Dr appt.

So today I had my 37 week appt. I am dilated to 2 cm and 70 percent effaced. Her head is down and Dr Layton could feel it. Woo hoo! Good girl! I know that doesn't mean too much, but it's at least something. Could go tomorrow, could go in 2 weeks. If she doesn't come before, we are planning on inducing on November 18th. I hope of course she comes sooner, but if she's not ready then that's fine too, but I AM! Having some Braxton Hicks, but nothing too major. A lot of heaviness. I worked a whole 12 hour shift yesterday, we'll see if I do one more this week. Maybe that'll get her going. At least all I have to do is walk downstairs! So that's my update for the day.... I just got caught up on uploading the weekends pics. Busy Busy. Maybe tomorrow Will and I will walk around the mall and get some exercise in. Have a great week....oh and sorry to my hubby who was supposed to go to San Diego this weekend. It's your daughter's fault :) Love you!

Happy Birthday Mae and my Baby Shower

Mae had a great shower for me. I have the best friends! We also had a little cake for her. Tomorrow is her birthday. Also happy birthday to Vicki, Sherry and TC! A popular day!

Mae, Brooklyn and Will blowing out the candles
Brooklyn about to snag Will's cupcake
Excuse me Uncle Brett...that's mine! Gimme it....your dog just ate mine!
The guys got to come downstairs and watch football. At first they had to sit upstairs during the shower. Good boys :)
My cute cake....love PINK!
Will came to crash the party and check out what Ella got!
Bobbie, Sue, Joo and Vicki.... so glad they all made it!
Me and my wonderful friend Mae...due in January with her little girl! Yeah!
Yep, that's me...that's the belly! WOW!
4 more preggos! Ashley, Casey, Mae, and Erin... I think there were 6 of us pregnant! We know lots more having babies though! It's in the water!
Amy.... preggo too! Not that you can tell! Brat!
Lori made it ! Yeah!!!!! Not preggo. Hee hee!
Christine and Laura...also not pregnant and totally against it :)

Alex and baby Olivia. Soooo cute. Can't wait for little Ella to join the girl clan!

Trick or Treating

MJ as Mike Myers....although, apparantly not a very good one, a beaver stole his knife!

We had a great time walking around the neighborhood. The weather was great. There were lots of great costumes. Lots of candy.... Will was good about wearing his costume the whole time.

The next street over had spooky music and decorations. Will walked right up and didn't hesitate! Just as long as he got his candy! Oh, and apparantly Bill was a plumber :)
I love his little tail!

Tots Halloween Party

I had a tots halloween party at our house on Friday. Will had some friends over to run around and eat candy. It was a great time for them. The weather was perfect too for them to run around in the backyard.

Will wanted to hold Olivia. He actually put her to sleep. It was so cute. yes, you can hire him Alex. He will work for chocolate and hot wheels.
Cute little Ellie as the witch.
Gavin......SUPERMAN!
Brooklyn the puppy dog!
Jaxon the UPS man....ended up as Tom Cruise in Risky Business at the end of the party. Atta boy. Knows how to party!
Our little beaver mowing the lawn.
Amaya as Abby Caddaby. Love the piggy tails!
Oh and a dog mowing the lawn too!
Beaver cornering Superman

Cool Arizona morning...

We had a few cool mornings. Friday morning was in the 40's. Will didn't want to go outside because it was too cold. I finally talked him into it, but he had to have a stocking cap on and jacket. Daddy was in shorts and a tshirt. I think we definitely have an Arizona boy on our hands. Daddy has some work to do to get him to become an Oregon boy!

Will and MJ decorating pumpkins. We were too "lazy" to carve. Definitely next year!

Pumpkin Patch

We had a good time at the Pumpkin Patch. Walked a lot. Saw little animals. Loved the weather!

Will milking his first cow.... water dribbled out. It was funny....
On the cow train!
Daddy and Will at the end of the corn maze
Sooo big... He is about 3 feet tall.

Battling the yuckies!

Notice something that doesn't belong???? He didn't want to get out of her crib. He is so excited to have a little sister...or so he thinks! We'll see once she gets here :) This is the start of the room. I ordered her name for the wall...and still have a few items to get to complete it. I love PINK!
Excuse the attire...at least I covered my face...Just wanted to update a pic of the bump! OH and the potty. Will has been doing great. We may have set him back a little with him being sick and putting diapers on him, but he'll bounce back. Lets see if we can be DONE by Ella's arrival!

Yes, we have been battling coughs and colds and fevers here.....sounds like most of the country. Will started it with a fever, but never really seemed to feel "bad". Not sure if that is the tough 2 year old in him. I ended up taking him to the Dr. and of course his fever was gone that morning...she gave him steroids, which was like torture to give him and he threw them up or spit them out. He still has a little cough but no fevers. I managed to get something! No fevers, but nasty cough and cold. So fun to deal with when your 8 months pregnant and can't breathe or sleep anyway. Bill has a sore throat, but seems to be winning the battle against it. I disinfect at least 3 times a day around the house. Handwashing Handwashing Handwashing!

Besides that, we are all doing our usual. Bill working and get the Yukon all registered and "fixed up". Getting the winter grass planted. The yard is looking sooooo green. I love it. I am working when I can. Thinking I'll probably have to start cutting back soon. 12 hours is getting to be a little too long. Getting Ella's room ready. It's about 1/2 done. I still have a few things to get...Will loves to go in her room. He has "stolen" her blanket and has hung out in her crib a few times . He talks to her a lot...and calls her "my Ella". He will be a great big brother! MJ is finishing up swim and dive. He has regionals on Friday. He won't even touch my belly. Told me it's "weird"....ahhhh 15 year old boys. I try not to take it personal! I'm sure once she's born she'll have him wrapped around his little finger just like she will Daddy!

Okay, better disinfect AGAIN! Dr appt today at noon. I think it's almost time for weekly appts. I can't believe I'm down to the month mark. FINALLY! I can't wait to meet her and be done carrying her inside this cramped space!

Love to you all.... praying for all that are ill ....praying for all my pregnant friends...lost count! It is definitely in the water!

Sick boy and "sick" boy

Well my little guy is sick. Threw up this morning and has a fever. I feel so bad for him. But I'll, I mean "he'll" get through it :) It's so hard to watch him so sad! Then my not so little one had homecoming tonight. So we went and took some pictures, then I took dropped MJ, his date Amber, and another couple off at dinner. I'm hoping MJ tips correctly and is a gentleman! Open doors, please and thank you....blah blah....all the things we hope we teach our kids that they will use once they start dating. I'm sure they are having a great time. Okay, better get some ibuprofen down Will. I HATE that part of it! But it makes him feel so much better!!!!!

Prayers for Bekah

Don't have much to update really. Lately the big deal is potty training. He is doing pretty well. An accident or 2 a day. Still diapers for nap and bedtime.... scared to try without yet! I am feeling okay. The end is the hardest. Big and achy. The insomnia is the worst! MJ is busy with school and just finishing up swim and dive. He has homecoming this weekend, so I will post some pics on Sunday. Bill is staying busy at work. Getting the new car all "decked out". Heee heee... had to have my remote start and DVD players! Spoiled I know. But needed! The AZ weather is great. 60's in the morning and quickly warms up to the 80's. I love that Will and I can go to the park and play without sweating and burning ourselves! Our Halloween decor is all up. Planning a party for the toddler playgroup here on the 3oth. I got Will's costume but won't tell you til' you see him in it. I think it's so cute.... Still deciding on Ella's room. I thought I pretty much had the bedding picked out, but I keep changing my mind. I registered at Babies R US, but may change it and just go get it this weekend. Bill got everything down from the attic, so we are almost prepared. She already has a dresser and closet full of clothes. Spoiled already...and I still have 2 showers coming up from my AMAZING work friends! So for now I don't have pics to post, but will later. Promise. Going to get MJ's outfit for the dance today. His date is a cutie.

Prayers are needed especially now for our neighbor Bekah. She is in the hospital and preparing for her bone marrow transplant. She is only 5! She has aplastic anemia. Here is a link to her caring bridge site. Please pray for her and her family....also the Drs and nurses caring for her! http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/prayersforbekah . God bless from our home to yours! Bill, Anjee, MJ, Will and Ella

Birthday parties and more

Will and the Birthday boy, Jaxon! Will had so much fun between Jaxon's party at Bounce Jungle and Craig's party at Amazing Jakes. Mommy was quite exhausted!
Ellie and Will on the Bounce slide. It was so good to see Ellie and James. What a good daddy. Unfortunately Joo had to work :(
Excuse the blurrrrrrr
I think Amazing Jakes needs to update their toys. Look how old this Flintstone car is. The tractor was broken. But of course Will still had a blast!
Check out his form!
And lastly the 32 week belly. This may be the last. Hee hee.

Ella's photo shoot

Here are a couple pictures of my 31 week ultrasound of Ella. If you click on the pic they will enlarge. I scanned it, so not sure how to make it bigger. It is for sure an Ella. I hadn't had an US since 19 weeks, which was our level 2, so it was pretty clear that she was a girl, but I'm glad I got confirmation. She is so cute. Bill took me to my appt on my lunch break. I'm so glad he was there to see it. She was moving all around and had a really cute yawn. Yah, you should be tired little girl, you are constantly moving :) I can't wait to see what she looks like!

I have the weekend off. So excited. Worked the first 4 days of the week, so it's nice to be home. Still can't seem to get caught up on getting organized though.

Tomorrow MJ has an early morning swim meet and we have 2 birthday parties to go to. Should be a busy Saturday. One is at Bounce you for Jaxon and one is at Amazing Jakes for Craig. Talk about tire out a 2 year old! It will be fun!

MJ asked a girl from school and his swim team to Homecoming. She said yes. He took her flowers yesterday. That's my boy :)

Okay, back to staring at the piles I have laying around the house of items to "organize". Ugh! I take 2 steps forward and 3 steps back! You mommas know what I mean! Have a great weekend!

Just updating

Just updating since I haven't been to great at it lately. Things have been pretty much "the usual" here. Bill and I busy with work schedules and spending time with the kids. MJ busy with school and swim. They are 4-0! yeah boys. He did dive team this week. It was fun to watch him. Although we had to leave early because Will spilled juice on my Blackberry and then I forgot diapers and he pooped....so we headed to the store and for a new cell phone. But I can't sit out in the heat too long anyway, so it was okay to run a couple errands. Bill was supposed to go to Denver to pick up the Denali we are buying, but the "paperwork" is in the works, so he plans on getting it next weekend. The Tahoe got picked up by the new owners Tuesday. Sad to see it go, but we have to make room for more kiddies. A couple birthday parties for Will's friends next weekend and trying to stay on top of my household chores. I don't think that's possible. I try anyway. It's harder to bend over and I get more winded just doing simple tasks. 12 hour shifts at work are getting a little harder, but I'm trying to go as long as I can. If only I could get more sleep, that would help. I will do belly pics soon I hope. She is getting HUGE! I say 'she" because of course I don't want to say "me" :) The mornings have been nice here. Will and I have gone to the park a couple times and he played outside this morning. Can't wait for it to cool down during the day too. So back to attempting to get things "organized" around here. Hope all is well with my blogger followers and friends! The Rieckes