My boys

Isaac is using my mini computer. It is just about his size!

First Laugh

He laughed out loud for the first time this week. All Jonathan does is drop him down..never letting go of course...

Isaac absolutely adores Jonathan.

Bubbles

First encounter with air blowing on his face...

He would blow out bubbles every time!!

Sitting up

Isaac has been supporting his head really well for almost two weeks now. He plays airplane with dad a lot. Jonathan is always practicing standing and sitting and playing with him. In a previous facebook album I posted a picture of him experimenting with the bumbo seat for the first time. He was not a happy camper. Now, however, he can sit in it for up to ten minutes or more. It is awesome! He looks like a big kid sitting up.

Hand and Head milestones

Isaac has found his hands! He likes to eat them, suck on them, grab onto things, and play with my face. It is adorable! He has also started to squeal and has attempted to make raspberries!!!

Isaac was singing away while I was listening to Eric Clapton this afternoon. He also joined in during Choir practice last Sunday. It was hilarious!

Christmas Stockings!

Okay, Jonathan isn't home so I can't get stupid blogger to lay out the pictures the way I want them to.

Can you guess which picture was taken without Jonathan assisting to get a smile? That's right, the second one!

Below is the story about the stockings...

My Grandma Jones has made stockings for all of her grandkids. She hasn't been able to knit due to her arthritis for many years now. Unfortunately, for me, I didn't think my family could carry on the same Christmas tradition. Then, my friend LeAnne introduced me to Etsy. It is similar to Ebay except it is all homemade crafts/things. I was perusing "knitted stockings" and found a woman who made stockings just like my grandma. I sent her a picture of my families stockings and asked her to make them for me. She said that it wasn't the exact same pattern but she had the one my grandma used!! I about fell out of my chair with excitement. I can think of 3 other times I have been so excited. My engagement, wedding, and the day we found out Jonathan was accepted to U of M. (I was too exhausted to be excited when Isaac was finally born. Also, I was more shocked than excited when I found out we were expecting a baby. You would think those events would be more exciting than finding out about stockings...oh well...)

Thank you jpyle from Etsy! You made my Christmas this year!

Playing with Daddy

Isaac has been smiling at us. I really think they are purposeful now. Jonathan gets a lot more smiles than I ever do. All he has to say is "Hi, Isaac!" And he is all smiles. In the morning he talks with his dad. I was trying to get him to smile for some pictures and had to get Jonathan to come over and play with him so I could. I don't know what it is. I think they are already starting to form a father and son bond.

Here is Jonathan helping him sit up. He was just holding his hands to help him balance. He is getting stronger and stronger everyday.




This is what happened when Jonathan stopped playing with him and put him down.

Assisted Tummy Time

Isaac likes tummy time when he uses the Boppy! I love his big blue eyes. I have to enjoy them while I can since they are bound to turn brown.

Another cute picture...

Isaac being prim and proper holding his little wrist. I know, I know, my son is adorable.

A call for pictures...

Hanging out with Ana and Hunter at the church Halloween party.



Jonathan's classmates bought Isaac some outfits. These pictures were from when he put together a fashion show. Yes, he dressed him up. The pea pod costume/snuggly and the giraffe pajamas. If you look closely enough you can see the giraffe ears and face on his feet.

Yes, he is as big as his 6-8 month old friends. The only difference is that I had to hold him up.


Go figure. We get tired out....he has some Jones in him.

What's Isaac learning?

Charlotte was very inquisitive yesterday when she called and asked, "What is Isaac learning?" So, this video is for Charlotte and all others who want to see an adorable boy cooing and smiling!

Isaac Cooing Video

Happy Viewing!

Jake and Isaac's first encounter

Angela and Jake were in Michigan for a visit and the cousins were finally able to meet in person. I say that because we have pictures of Jake sitting on Isaac when he was still in me. They were quite humorous. I think it is in the abyss of my mother's picture files. Maybe one day it will surface.







I just had to post these pictures. Jake was so cute with Isaac. He would lean over him, get in, his face, smack his belly, you name it and Jake did it. He was gentle enough... I can't wait until Isaac is big enough to interact more with him. It will be a lot of fun at Dunford get togethers.

My Favorite Charlotte Moment

Charlotte: "Where are you going?"

Abby (As I walk out the door with my suitcase): "Home, to see Jonathan."

Charlotte: "Don't forget Isaac!"

A past lifetime

Well, Isaac and I have been very busy. Finally, I feel like I have energy and am getting a hang of being a mom. So far it consists of feeding and changing him often. I also hold him, talk to him, and have gotten better at not peeking at him every five minutes to see if he is still breathing. I realized that he doesn't have to think about it and that unless there is a blanket over his face he is fine. I think I have been pretty laid back.

He has been quite the traveler. Last weekend we drove to Michigan to see Grandpa Dunford, Uncle Trenton, and Aunt Bethany. Then, on Wednesday night Isaac and I flew with Gma and Gpa Jones to Utah/Idaho to visit the great grandparents. He didn't cry once, or whimper, on the flight or during the car ride to Idaho. He has been a great baby traveler. He will be three weeks old in about an hour and fifty minutes...he is getting chubbier.

Since I have been in Idaho I have been thinking alot about when I used to live here. I went to school in a small town called Rexburg at BYU-Idaho for two years. There were a lot of positive and negative things about it of course. Most of all I have just been thinking about everything I have accomplished since I went to school there. It was there that I became somewhat of a responsible adult, realized how much the restored gospel and living it meant to me, became really good friends with Roxanne, and lived with and befriended my dear Julia. Now, six years after I have left it seems like it was a lifetime ago. Since my time here in Idaho I have accomplished every dream I ever had. I am so lucky that I don't have any regrets. I graduated from college and graduate school with the ability to work as much or as little as I want to serving others. I served two missions for the church, which were amazing, life-changing experiences, and I married an incredible man who has let me have wings to fly. I know that sounds cheesy but I can't think of a better thing to say about Jonathan. He is supportive and loves me like a queen. How can life get any better? If I knew what life would bring me as I lived here with the tumble weed and horrendous winters, I don't think I would have believed it. I have been so blessed.

Dr. Burrows

Well, we have had two appointments with the pediatrician. Dr. Burrows was recommended by a friend from church. We luckily got her to see Isaac on the day they had to squeeze us in. The hospital wanted us to go the day after we came home. When we requested Dr. Burrows they said that she wasn't taking patients but that she would see him that day. After she met Isaac I think she was smitten and told them to let us continue seeing her. So we lucked out. I really like her. She is very down to earth, friendly, and took an interest in Isaac and our needs.



By the first appointment he had already lost 9% of his birth weight. He had finally gotten his eating down better and had gained 6-7 oz. in 2 days. They had us scheduled for another visit two days after his first check up. I wonder if that is the normal weight gain. If it is, he won't be little for long and that makes me sad. I hope he gains gradually so I still have a little baby for a while longer.

Those numbers are in Kilograms. He weighed 10 lbs. 10 oz.

The Dream Team

Isaac and I had both Grandma Jones and Grandma Dunford come and take care of us this week. I was able to rest between feedings and start the healing process. This mostly consisted of napping and staying off my feet. Isaac got to snuggle with his grandma's and I was waited on hand and foot. I think what is more important however, is that by the time they left I felt confident in my ability to take care of Isaac. I had an idea of his personality and how to take care of his wants and needs. We have finally figured out nursing, although it is stating to hurt a little more, and night time hasn't been so bad. He is in my room now in the cradle next to my bed. He didn't even cry last night the one time he woke up to eat. He just moved around and maybe whimpered enough to let me know he was waking up. After we were done I laid down in my bed and put my hand over the bed to rock the cradle. It was perfect. I am so grateful that my mom and Pam helped me out so that I can now take even better care of their grandson.

Bath Time!

Yesterday was Isaac's first bath. I don't think it was his favorite thing but it was a lot of fun to watch! At one point Grandma Jones turned him on his stomach and he got onto his knees. My first thought was that he looked like a little puppy. Then out of the blue he thrust himself towards the sink. Grandma grabbed him just before he hit himself on the sink faucet. Emily and I looked at each other amazed and thought, " Why didn't he have this type of push off to come out a week ago?














After his bath we decided it was time to have a debut with our long awaited G-Diapers!! Aren't they cute! I was originally worried that they wouldn't fit him for awhile since smalls start at 8 lbs but he fits in them like a champ! We just tried them for a couple hours and will continue to use them once I have a little more energy. I would also like to point out that my hair is not in a wet wad! I had a bath as well and actually blow dried my hair! It was very refreshing.

More of Isaac

The first few days at home have been a whirlwind. Mom has been wonderful! I have been able to sleep so much because she has done everything. I feel like a queen. The most trying part is for Isaac and me to learn how to breastfeed. It has been challenging but my milk has been coming in and he is eating more. I just laughed when the visiting nurse was worried about him being a borderline emergency in his weight loss because it has already been 9%. Are we really that worried about this chunker losing a few oz.? I'm not!! We have had a breastfeeding bootcamp today and he has done SO much better! He has also been more awake and alert.



Sweet story: I got a phone call from Jonathan in the afternoon and he said he was on his way home. His original plan was to stay at school and get caught up...he told me that he couldn't pay attention in class and would just go through the pictures on the computer over and over. As soon as classes were over he was on the bus coming home to be with his boy.

He loves holding, playing, and taking care of him. He is an adorable dad!

Isaac John Dunford

He is finally here!! Isaac John Dunford was born (September 13, 2008) at 1:50am after 43 long hours of labor! He was named after Jonathan's great-great-great grandfather who was the first Dunford to immigrate to America. He's healthy and doing great, and we're excited for this new addition to our family.

We wanted to share the full story with those who haven't heard it yet. We arrived at the hospital Wednesday evening to start the induction process AGAIN. The cervidil actually worked this time and when I woke up the next morning, I was 80% effaced rather than 50%. Even before they removed the cervidil, I started contracting. After discussing the matter with my midwife, we decided to continue naturally without Pitocin to see how I would be able to handle contractions on my own. Gratefully, I seemed to be doing well. I was up to 2 cm by 12pm, 4 cm by 4pm (active labor), and 6 cm by 6pm - I was so excited to be doing it by myself! (which proved to be in vain - read on).

My contractions started to become more irregular and by 8 pm I was still 6 cm dilated. It was frustrating for me, especially because I was feeling every contraction and not getting credit for it. At this point, I was faced with a tough choice - do I start pitocin, break my water, or continue on by myself?

To view the entire album, click here

I decided to hold off on the epidural and continue to endure the contractions. By midnight, though, nothing had changed at all. I was exhausted! I had been going on my own for 17 hours and had had maybe 2 hours of rest the night before. My midwife wanted to break my water and I was scared to do it without meds. We debated whether to use morphine or get an epidural. The morphine was not going to be as productive at this point in my labor and I wouldn't be able to get the rest I needed because it would only take the edge of the contractions. On the other hand, I was very scared of the epidural and had of course researched all the pros and cons. In the end however, I really needed my sleep and decided to get the epidural so that I could have rest and energy for pushing the next day. It was so difficult to have everything changing all at once. I had certain expectations of what I wanted my labor to be like. In the end I decided that I was so happy that I was able to get this far on my own and had experienced laboring on my own that I was okay to get the extra help I needed. It was also so good to make this decision with Jonathan. He was so supportive and concerned for my well being.

I was immediately prepped for the inevitable epidural. I was scared out of my mind!! I knew exactly what they were going to do and knew mentally that it wasn't a big deal. However, I wasn't prepared for it mentally and it didn't help when they rushed in saying they had to hurry because a lady was getting a c-section. My nurse had to fiddle with my IV, and in the process of being in a rush and moving me to prepare for the application of the epidural, it was pulled out! I had to get another IV. (It isn't the most comfortable procedure and this would have been the 3rd time) So between them rushing to place my IV and getting me "in position" my heart rate and blood pressure sky rocketed. I was so tense. Jonathan was right in front of me and trying to calm me down with all the nurses. It seemed like the procedure to took for ever but it ended up going well and I was prepared or the next leg of my labor process.

The next morning when I woke up, they checked me and I measured 8 cm, which was very encouraging. I was certain that the baby would come soon and he and Jackson, my nephew, would have the same birthday. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out the way I expected since I stayed dilated at an 8 from 8am until 6pm. The midwives said that it was a really good thing I decided to get an epidural with the way things went all day. They gave me pain meds throughout the day but I could tell when they were wearing off because I would feel the baby between my legs and having to start breathing through the pain of contractions. At 3:00 in the afternoon, Joanne, my midwife, said that due to the irregularity of the contractions even with the attempt to regulate with pitocin and the lack of progress I was a candidate for a c-section. I listened to her reasoning and the discussions she had with the OB/Gyn but I didn't want to do it. I asked her what the rate of VBAC's were and after she explained it to me, I mentioned that I was concerned about uterine scar tissue since I wanted to have at least 5-7 kids. If by chance I wasn't able to have a VBAC I wanted to know how that would impact my desire to have a large family.

The minute I mentioned this concern she stopped, looked at me, and her whole demeanor changed. Have I mentioned how much I love Joanne? (She has been the midwife I have seen through all my appointments and is absolutely wonderful. I was so grateful she was on call at this point of decision making in my labor.) From that moment on she became my advocate with the doctors and other midwives to make sure that everyone did everything they could to deliver vaginally. At this point, despite the amount of time it had taken me to progress from an 8, as far as I was concerned the epidural was keeping me comfortable and I could wait a little longer to see what would happen. I waited this long for my boy to come, I could keep waiting. (The baby was also a happy camper and was not showing any signs of distress) My body was working so hard I was exhausted. I kept falling asleep on people as they were talking to me and taking 1 1/2 naps throughout the day.

I finally reached a 9 at 6pm and got to a 9+ at 7:45pm!! I did it, I finally progressed! However, when Joanne checked me for the last time (her shift was ending) she said the baby's head wasn't placed right but she couldn't really tell what it was doing. He wasn't sunny-side up but he was coked to the side a bit. This may have an impact on my desire to push and the chances of a c-section increased because of it.

I rested in bed until I was asked to start pushing at 10pm. What a process. I knew that the midwives and doctor's were letting me practice pushing to see what would happen. I could tell that they were concerned and secretly thought that I would probably end up having a c-section anyway. This mentality had a huge impact on me. I was getting frustrated because I couldn't tell when I was having a contraction or feel the baby's head between my legs like i had earlier that day. I was also struggling to figure out where I was supposed to be pushing. The midwife manually mimicked the pressure of where I was supposed to push an I think I finally figured it out after an hour or so. Slowly but surely, the baby continued to creep forward, although the doctors were concerned that my uterus was running out of gas since this whole process had taken so long. When midnight started rolling around we talked about the possibility of a c-section, something I was not looking forward to at all. Fortunately, my doctors and midwives were amazing and continued to support me having this baby without a c-section. After 2 hours however, I started feeling the contractions coming on my own and I took charge of the pushing situation instead of depending on others. Also, finally the OB determined that his head was in the right position and I could keep going if I wanted to. This is all I needed to hear. From that moment on I didn't have doubts in the back of my head. I was gonna keep pushing and get him out!

At 1:20am, despite all my efforts, the doctors decided that enough was enough and that the baby needed to come out for my and the baby's safety. Since I was so close to having the baby, the doctors recommended that we pursue a vacuum delivery to get the baby out. Ten minutes later, I was in the operating room.

In the room, I had three contractions. Prior to the first contraction, they placed a suction cup on the baby's head. When the first contraction started, I pushed with everything I had and not much happened. On the second contraction the baby was so close to being out, but at the last second the suction cup came off the baby's head and made a huge POP sound. I was scared out of my mind. I didn't know what made the sound and thought something had happened to his head. Fortunately, Jonathan and my doula, Lindsay, were there to calm me down so I could get this baby out on the next contraction. When it finally came, I gave it everything I had and the baby's head came out. RELIEF!!

They took Isaac away to make sure he was okay since he had swallowed meconium and I had had an infection. Jonathan went over to be with him to take pictures while my doula, Lindsay, stayed with me while they gave me more epidural medication to numb my lungs and stitch up a third degree tear. I can't believe I still tore so badly after I had received an episiotomy. It took like a half an hour. After Isaac was checked out they weighed him. There was a gasp in the room when the scale said 11 lbs. 5 oz. My doc said he had never delivered a baby that large vaginally before. When I heard this I was secretly grateful that no one knew how big he was or else I never would have had this experience. They would have made me have a c-section.

After his weight check they dressed him up and took him to the NICU for tests. On their way out they brought him out to see me. I was getting frustrated because up to this point I had just seen his profile. This was still the case as they brought him over to me since I was flat on my back being worked on. He was so sweet!

I could go on...but I will just post pictures and add more info here and there! We love you all and are so grateful for all your love and support. It is so surreal to reflect on everything that happened. It was very long but we just took it one step at a time and are thankful that are sweet Isaac is so healthy. He is adorable and has a very sweet disposition.

He's stubborn...

Well, I don't want to go into too many details right now but Jonathan and I are back from the hospital. I didn't progress like they would have liked and I didn't want to stay in the hospital waiting for two days jusdt to get my body ready to start contraction medicine...we decided it was best for the baby and me to come home and wait longer....yeah... I have been dealing with it okay. It was really disappointing at first but we know it is for the best. Sorry if I avoid any calls, I don't feel like talking right now.

Love you all. Abby

We are going in...

Well, we are to report at the hospital tonight at 8:00!!! Just thought I would let everyone know. If you want updates call my mom or one of my sisters!! Next time I will have pictures of a sweet baby to post!! Hopefully, he is cute!

Changing our Blog Title

Two things are definitely not going to be true after Monday. There will be more than 2 of us and it is going to happen in September...

An induction seems inevitable...

Well, it is 3:30 in the morning and I woke up thirsty and hot. I have no desire to check this for grammar mistakes. I apologize in advance. My induction is tomorrow and I still haven't had any contractions or anything. I had two visits to the perinatal assessment center to make sure the little guy was okay this week and was hoping he would still decide to come on his own. I guess I didn't have that luxury. Maybe I am being pessimistic since it is 3:30 in the morning the night before the scheduled labor jumpstart. I really really didn't want to have an induction. I am scared that I may have an increased chance of a c-section and of all the complications that could occur because of it. I also really wanted to go naturally. Laugh if you want to but it was my ideal. Now I am not so sure I will be able to do it although Jonathan still thinks I can... It is going to have to depend on a lot of things. I should probably still be hoping to but I don't know...I don't know what to expect. I am extremely grateful that the baby is still happy and healthy in there whether he wanted to come out or not. My belly can't get any bigger. I think it has reached full capacity.

The waiting is finally over and I get to see my little guy very soon. This was my last night home with Jonathan before our life changes forever... it still doesn't seem real...I can't believe that I am going to be a mom within the next 72 hours. Yet, I know it is going to happen.

We went to the football game today. Michigan lost 23 to 25 to Utah! We had great seats. We were 11 rows back from the south end zone. We bought tickets from someone in Jonathan's program. It was a last minute decision last night. I was bugged because we didn't feel like we should go to the cabin on lake Michigan with my family for the weekend just in case something happened. I didn't want to be 2--3 hours away from the hospital if something did happen. I needed something to do. It is hard walking up and down the bleachers when you are 42 weeks pregnant with the constant thought that your water could break at any time. I don't know how many people bumped into my stomach. The poor guy in front of me...if he leaned back at all he would accidentally hit my belly. I was amazed at how still he was for the first 3 quarters. I was a little nervous when he wasn't moving and the decibel level was so high. Then, when things got exciting in the 4th he woke up. He gave a whopping kick at the exact same time as a kick off. It was hilarious because everyone was making that reving noise before the kick... all 108,000 of the people in the stadium... and WHAM! It was hilarious. He still didn't want to come out after all of that walking and standing. OH well, I gave it one last good faith effort.

I am planning on going to church in the morning. It is the first time that I don't really want to. I don't want people to ask me any questions or talk about how I am being induced etc...I know that I will go anyway. I want to take the sacrament and feel at peace. I won't be able to take the sacrament for probably 2 weeks or so after the baby is born. I don't know how long you are supposed to wait before you go back.

Baby boys: One last thought. I have been in love with little boys lately. Baby boys and toddler boys. They are so sweet. My friend Sarah Smith has a little boy named Josh who just had his 2 year birthday this Thursday. She and I decorated a truck cake for him. It resembled a truck well enough for him to recognize it so we considered it a success. He loves cars and trucks!! He is adorable and is at the stage of the vocabulary spurt and just barely putting 2 words together. I have heard him say a 4 word sentence...but I digress. I can't keep my eyes off of him. I can't believe that I was so upset in the beginning to have a boy. Now I can't wait. He is so sweet and kind. Then, there are all of Jonathan's friends from the business program. There are about 4-5 couples that are starting the program who are LDS and we have been associating with despite Jonathan's deferment to start his MBA next year. They all have baby boys. It is funny that everyone has boys. Today, however, I couldn't keep my eyes off of them. They were all so sweet.
So, despite all the past worries and concerns of not being able to raise a little boy...or missing out on cute dresses and everything I am comfortable with (coming from a family with 5 sisters) I am getting really excited to use all the blue that is hanging in the closet and hold my sweet son. I can't wait for him to come.

I feel so blessed that everything has gone so well during my pregnancy and that he is healthy. I don't know if he is going to be happy with the upcoming forceful entry into the world and sudden change of environment but hopefully he will like his mommy from the outside as much as he did while inside.

PS I am sure we will decide on a name eventually...we still have time...right? :)

Still Waiting...

Yes, we are still waiting around for him to come. I have been to the hospital to receive non-stress tests to make sure he is okay. He is doing great. He has all the amniotic fluid he needs and is moving around. As far as he is concerned...life is grand. I go back to do the same tests on Thursday and then...inevitably will most likely start being induced on Sunday night...

Life for me on the other hand is filled with a little bit of worry and anxiety...are those the same thing? However, despite these feelings I am really enjoying myself. Grandma and Grandpa Unsicker came from Utah to help with the baby. Grandma and I have been planning this since Alicia first announced she was pregnant over a year and a half ago.

Well, since there is no baby to take care of we have been making food, cleaning my house, and playing a lot. Grandma and I have beat Jonathan and Grandpa at Pinochle 8 out of 9 times!! Needless to say, the boys don't want to play us anymore.

Example of my hormone levels going crazy...

I got another really great hand and Grandma was able to compliment my "meld" with a run. So following a "Cheeks cheats" from Gramps Jonathan says, "Abby, I am not talking to you for the rest of the night." I completely broke down. I was bawling and it was really not a big deal under normal circumstances. So I cried through about 3 tricks and then when the boys gave up, I started to cry again... It was quite hilarious.

Monday, I was a week overdue and this is what happened...(Note: I was also canning peaches and making peach/blackberry jam throughout all of these events. It was a very long and busy day.)

Background: I don't like talking on the phone or dealing with strangers. It is really hard for me.

Jonathan and I needed to sell one of our couches on Craigslist because it wouldn't fit in our apartment and Emily, who had the couh for almost two years, was moving from Ann Arbor. I took the initiative to put it on Craigslist to get things going. Then, I was the one "put in charge" of organizing the mass amounts of response emails and scheduling. Normally, this wouldn't have been that difficult if the couch was at my house. But I had to schedule around Emily's tenant who I didn't know, could'nt contact, and didn't speak English!! Thankfully, I had some loyal requesters who waited since last Thursday to finally see the couch on Monday.

After Jonathan and I came back from the hospital we went to Emily's apartment to show the couch. Yes, we finally got in by asking a maintenance man. The people wanted it!!! It wouldn't fit in their car so Em offered the use of Mom's Durango. Jonathan helped load it, drive it over to their apartment and attempt to get it into the elevator. It didn't fit. I was waiting in the car and when I saw Jonathan next it looked like someone struck his face with a 2x4. It was all red/bloody and swollen on his right side. The guy he was helping had a hard time controlling the couch and whacked it into Jonathan's face. So, not only did it not fit in the elevator or fit in the stairwell up to the 7th floor...my husband looked like he got into a fight. After a moment of concern my first thought was..."good thing the baby is content I want Jonathan's face to heal before he is born or else I am only going to be able to take profile pictures of him holding the baby!!" It is healing well...

Back to the couch. Jonathan had to go to his golf lesson. (Yes, he is taking golf lessons so that he can learn and be a good shmoozer in the business world...consider it "professional development"). So, we left the couch in a random apartment lobby without the cushions with a sign that said, "Moving, please don't touch." The couple ended up not wanting the couch. Which I think was really rude after we donated our time and gas to move it to their place. They should have taken responsibility for it. It wasn't my fault he didn't measure things beforehand. So, Jonathan was really frustrated and in a bad mood which had a huge effect on me because he is never like that. I wasn't mad that he was upset...I just didn't really know how to deal with it. It had an effect on me and my mood as well. So, I needed to try again to get someone to buy my couch that day and meet me at a random apartment lobby...

We found someone who wanted to come look at it and was willing to pay close to the asking price. Now, I had to contact the couple who didn't want the couch in the first place to get the cushions before I could show it. Grandma, Grandpa, and I (with a deck of 5 crowns) went over in the evening to go get everything organized with the cushions and wait for the prospective buyers. We were supposed to meet the couple at 6:30 but they never came or called to tell us that they were running late. So, starving by this point, Grandpa and I left Grandma and went to go get Chinese take out. When we came back nothing had happened. So we sat around the bolted down coffee table on the floor and ate our Chinese in a random apartment lobby because the bolted down couch wouldn't move closer!! What a sight we were!! Finally over an hour later the couple returned and eventually the prospective buyer came to look at the couch...she was over an hour late as well!! It turned out that we had a couch buying triangle. The couple had gone to get our prospective couch buyers couch after they couldn't have ours and the prospective couple ended up buying ours. She wanted it for $20 less. Which, by this point, I was happy to do. Then when she went to get the cash she didn't have enough. She was $4 dollars short. She offered to go to an ATM, probably expecting us to say, "no, it's only 4 dollars" when Grandma said, " Okay, we will follow you." So we followed this girl in a truck half way across the city to get 4 dollars because of the "principle of the thing." "People are always trying to nickel and dime you"-according to Grandma. Well, after being offered a ten dollar bill at the ATM I mentioned that I hadn't received the rest of the money and the prospective buyer swore she gave it to me. She had to look into her purse and realize that she hadn't!! I couldn't believe it. Then, not wanting to offend her, I didn't count the money in front of her. When I got to the car I realized that she had given me $136 instead of the $130. I felt really bad and wanted to call her but by this point in the evening I didn't have the ambition to deal with people anymore.

It was a blessing to sell our couch, the situation was horrible, but the memory of playing 5 crown and eating chinese food on the floor of some random lobby and playing cards with G and G was well worth it in the end I guess. I can deal with Jonathan's face I am sure it will heal before the baby decides to come and see us.

Grandma and Grandpa are leaving to go see my mom tomorrow. I will be home alone. I don't think the time will pass as easily now. Everyone can feel free to call me. I am not frustrated so don't feel bad calling. I would love to chat!!

The waiting game...

Well, our little guy decided not to come early or right on time! Seems like he has his own agenda! Today was the estimated due date. Eliza put it in perspective by saying, "whether you had him today or not you are going to be a mom very soon." I have tried to not get very anxious about my "due date" because so many people do, however, I realized it still affected me a little bit. So, I am glad that she reminded me that all this means is that he is coming and coming soon.

I started actually feeling discomfort during contractions today so at least some pre-labor stuff has started. We will keep you all updated!!

SWIMMING!!!!

Okay, I have been craving a swimming pool since the beginning of the summer. Unfortunately, there aren't many places to go in downtown Detroit. So, I have taken advantage of the pool at our apartment complex. This week I stopped swimming, just in case my water breaks or something else embarrassing happens. But last week I was living the high life in my hot red maternity bathing suit!! I know, I know, who knew someone could look so good at 38 weeks pregnant!! :o)

Baby Showers!

I had two group baby showers. The ladies from my branch (small church congregation) in Detroit threw me a shower. My really good friend Lorna hosted it and she did a great job. There were lots of fun games, decorations, and delicious food. Then, a couple weeks later ladies from church and good friends threw me a shower in Saginaw. It was also a lot of fun and I am so grateful for all of the love and support that Jonathan and I have received as we have planned for our little guy. He has enough clothes for two kids, books, games, and baby gear that will keep me sane I am sure. Here are some pics from the parties!

Detroit Baby Shower

Baby Shower- Saginaw
The hostesses made homemade blueberry muffins with freshly picked blueberries! They were awesome! Also, my really good friend from high school, Krystin, was in town and came. It was so great to have her there. She just had a baby boy last fall so hopefully they will be good friends.

Thanks again to everyone for your love and support!!

FIlling up the time?

I haven't had this much time on my hands ever...I can't remember a time when I wasn't chaotically busy or didn't have anything to do for longer than a day. Now, I am searching for things to do to fill up my day. Jonathan has been in an accounting waiver class all week from 8-4. I have found at least 1 thing to do, not including swimming everyday, until today. Cleaning, visiting with friends, having the RS presidency visit, seeing my midwife. Today there isn't anything planned...and so the search begins. I am going to go see if I can get a library card and try and apply to ASHA. The American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association.

I know I should enjoy this time before the baby comes, however, I would rather he just come so I can be busy. I am used to being busy and being overwhelmed with things to do.

We are finally here!

Well, it is Wednesday night (7/30/08) and we are finally settled into our new apartment in Ann Arbor. We packed the truck on Saturday morning around 10:30 and then by 3:00 we were moved in. We had so much help from friends, missionaries, and other graduate students who are from our new ward (church congregation). It was very overwhelming seeing all of the boxes piled up but little by little we managed to unpack them. Emily was here the whole time which was a big help. Also, Pam, Jonathan's mom, came down on Monday to help out.

It feels so good to be settled and the apartment looks fabulous. Everything fits perfectly and there is still room to spare. We couldn't exactly say that about our last apartment. There are walkways on either side of our bed now with a big area towards one side. We also have a dishwasher, washer and dryer, and 2 walk-in closets. I don't know how we ever functioned with our little closets before. I think it was 2X3 feet... However, I must say that our old apartment was wonderful. It had so much character and we loved living in the building. We will miss it along with all the wonderful friends we left behind. At least we are only 45 minutes away.

I will post pictures when we find the cord that I need to upload them. Then, you can see the apartment and the NURSERY! Yes, we finally have set it up! It has been torture storing things in boxes and never being able to set up the crib. I am still waiting on the glider that my mom got for me but it is going to be an awesome room. I think his room is bigger than the bedroom Jonathan and I had for the past 2 years! Lucky kid.

Only in Detroit

Well, earlier this summer on our way to church we spotted a boat in the middle of a road. Mind you. I used to drive down this road to go pick up a lady for church. It was a real road. I think they began to close it off or something and within weeks the owners of this boat decided that it must have been a good place to park it despite the 'do not enter' sign. Why not? It is a nice addition to the many burnt down and aging houses.

gDiapers

Where do I start? A couple months ago, after everyone had disregarded my desire to try cloth diapers, Emily mentioned gDiapers to me. She had seen a post on them from a blog that she recently visits...although she has no connection with the creator. So I went and checked out gDiaper's official site and thought it was a great idea!

You may be asking yourselves, "When did Abby become 'green'"? Well, I don't consider myself 'green' I am just infatuated with this idea of not sending a ton of diapers to sit in a landfill for 500 years. I have also noticed a lot of other waste that I have in my life now and think that I am going to try and be a little more eco-conscious. So back to my gDiapers... They are compostable, flushable, and you could even toss them if you wanted to. They also work very well with cloth inserts, which are not as bad as they used to be, and that makes them a little more cost effective. The flushables are a little more than buying Pampers or another expensive brand of disposables. However, if you buy in bulk when they are on sale and befriend a gmum who will send you $2 off coupons it isn't so bad. I am also considering doing a little bit of both. Maybe a mixture of cloth and flushables...

I have become a member of the gDiapers yahoo group. They are all very supportive and have awesome advice and tips. They also have a database where they get on and sell there used or unwanted new gDiapers for a lower price. The picture in this post is of my first gdiaper purchase. I bought 4 used small gDiaper covers to test it out and see if I like them. I figure it will be better to try it out and prove to Jonathan that I am not crazy!

I am really excited about these gDiapers. I am also excited about how cute the baby is going to be wearing only his little gpants!!

The belly...

I know a lot of you aren't around and don't have the privilege of seeing me 8 months pregnant. Unfortunately, every time I do my hair and look cute we NEVER take a picture. So I only have hideous ones imported to the computer. Sunday, I looked awesome! I had on a dress that Eliza gave me and my hair was done cute. I just got some layers a week and a half ago and I feel so much better. The only one I can post is this one...ALL BELLY!! I will try and take some on a cool day when I actually do my hair (our apartment isn't air conditioned...).

A Glimpse of Things to Come

Phil and Roxann came to celebrate Mary's graduation and hang out with us at my mom's house for a week and a half. Well, at least Roxy and the kids stayed that long. It was perfect. Jonathan and I had to come back to Detroit for three days to work but then we went back up. Jonathan is awesome with Charlotte and Jackson. He would always play with them and do fun things. One night he was playing ball with Jackson and the little guy was laughing so hard. By the time I got the video camera...or had the sense to grab it... the giggling died down but I think this is a great clip to imagine how Jonathan will interact with our son.

Jonathan also had an eventful outing with Charlotte. Grandma wanted some fresh strawberries for pie so Jonathan and Charlotte went on an outing together. They first got ice cream. Charlotte did want to hold it so Jonathan did. Then they got the box to pick the strawberries and went out to the field. Charlotte, not wanting to walk in the mud and get her shoes dirty, asked Jonathan to carry her. So Jonathan needed to balance Charlotte in one are and the box of strawberries and ice cream in the other. Then he would lean Charlotte over the strawberry bushes and have her pick one. I might add that this lasted about five minutes before he realized it wasn't very effective and she was getting tired of being tipped over. He brought her home and went back to finish the job himself. Now, I may not have captured this in the best way but we laughed for a long time when we heard the story. It was hilarious. What a great Uncle.

Here are some pictures of Jackson trying out our carseat. He was having a lot of fun. Laughing and squealing. I didn't get pictures of laughing. But I promise he was all grins!



He must miss his infant carrier.. Charlotte came to play with him and was rocking him back and forth...
Then Phillip decided to check the safety of the carseat...I think my neice and nephew are immune to shaken baby syndrome!! Thanks Phil and Jackson! Now I know that the straps will securely keep my baby in place!

Another funny story was when we went swimming with the kids in a wading pool out back. Yes, Roxy, Jonathan, the two babies, and I were all playing in the freezing cold wading pool. It was a lot of fun and very humorous to say the least. My mom took pictures...I don't know if we will ever get them or see them...

Well, that post took me about a week to finish. It has been saved in draft and I needed lots of help with the video and placing the pictures. Next time it will be faster hopefully!