Wednesday, December 23, 2009

and Annie makes 10!

The whole family had a great time at Mike and Annie's wedding. It was a beautiful day and we are so happy to have Annie as a part of the Bachman family.


"OH NO.... I'm PREGNANT!"


Apparently being 8 months pregnant only slowed me down a little. I can still get low with the best of them. It's just getting back up again that was the problem.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

making christmas cookies





I've got a real love of frosted cookies. This year I put almond extract in when making the frosting instead of vanilla and let me tell you... Delish! I think we got a little crazy this year with the colors. After we were done I looked at the boys and said... it looks like a bunch of kindergarterns decorated these. Notice the Packer and Patriot gingerbread man:)

baby soup


The list of things to do is getting smaller... down to the small things like boiling the pacifiers.

first real snowfall


It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

o christmas tree




It's a Family tradition that we hunt for our christmas tree and cut it down ourselves. No different this year. Katie found our perfect tree, I was the officially stick and camera holder, Matty cut it down and then Matty and Katie dragged it out of the woods.

Note to self - Matty will cut my head off in pictures just so he gets a good picture of my belly.

This was a happy picture before the tree fell down... it's now tied to the wall:)

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Reading

Hey all it is Matty again . . . I recently got back from Las Vegas and on those plane rides I had a chance to finish some reading that was recommended to me. The first book was Quarterback Dad, a book written by a football coach who makes pregnancy and the first year of parenting sound a lot like coaching or playing for a football team. The next was The Happiest Baby on the Block. A very interesting approach to stopping a baby from crying. I have lots of questions...but I highly recommend both books for expecting dads.

Anyway that's all I have for today, just thought I would share.

-Matty and Rubbles

Thursday, December 3, 2009

32 weeks


We were fortunate enough to get another look at Lil at our 32 week appointment. Everything is right on schedule and both Mommy and Baby are healthy.
Weight = 4lbs... on track to be 7-8lbs at birth
Head size = 44% (Didn't inherit the Lohse big head)

Hanging out with legs crossed, just like Mommy!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

crib friends

Got the crib all set up with friends in place. Got blue seahorse (that according to cousin Eric plays church music) and pink piggy. Lil's future best friends. Yesterday we got "Happiest Baby on the Block" dvd from the library. Matty and I are going to get our learn on:)

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

how long do you think this will last?

where did our dinning room go?

This child isn't even born yet and has taken over the house!!!!

This is what our "dinning room" looks like now:

We've decided to give up the dinning room and turn it into a playroom for Lil. Which makes great sense cause it's right off the kitchen. This way we can hopefully contain the toys and misc stuff that comes with child. The best part is that we can close the doors to hide it all:) Some serious organizing has to get done here.... this is a job for BAD GRANNY!

The new home for our dinning room table is in the back of the living room:


Thanks to Aunt LeNore, Bad Granny and Matty for moving it all around a zillion times until we got it looking respectable.

organizing the nursery




Because I am a Lohse and this child has Lohse blood running thru it's veins... organization of the nursery is a must! Thanks to our generous family/friends and ample hand me downs I now have enough clothes to fill my dressers and changing table. I got out my trusty label maker and got to work organizing in piles based on clothing type and size. Each pile is labeled accordingly. For all you soon to be visitors who want to help out and maybe change a poopie diaper or a spit up outfit, now you know where to get some proper threads.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

baby bump photography

I wanted Matty to take one last photo before my belly button pops out like an over cooked turkey.

baby wrapping



I took a baby wearing class at the local hospital a few weeks ago and found a few wraps that I'm interested in trying out. I got my Moby wrap in the mail today and my first experiment was wrapping my cabbage patch doll Dorthea. Matty thought I was completely insane but I have to say I think I'm really gonna like this. I'm going to bring my wrap to Turkey day and have Val try it out on a real live baby, Pia! The directions say you can wrap a toddler to you using this! I'll believe it when I see it.

30 weeks

So this is what a baby the size of a cabbage looks like in my belly. Whoa nelly!
Here's a look back at previous weeks:

I'm starting to feel a little clumsy on my feet. Apparently adding 20ish pounds to the front of your body will do that:)

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

chubby cheeks

Before the shower at 29 weeks we had family and friends join us for a 4D Ultrasound. It was so much fun to see Lil on the big screen. Kinda a stinker and only showed us one side of his/her mug but you can tell how chubba those cheeks are! I always said I wanted Lil to look like Matty because he was soooooo cute. I think I got my wish. Look at Lil's nose and cheeks and compare to little Mr. Bachman below. Let's hope Lil doesn't inherit the comb-over.









Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Baby Shower






Hello everyone it is Matty again. What a weekend it was! We are so lucky to have great family and friends like we do. This past weekend Lil got showered with gifts for (his/her) upcoming arrival. From swaddlers, to passies, to play areas, to strollers, to stuff for mom and stuff for dad, and even stuff for big brother Rubbles. What a great time it seemed was had by all. As the dad to be I was very pumped with all the guys that came by to drink beer and light sticks on fire.

From an update standpoint Dena had to drink her dextrose today and hopefully the results of her blood comes back no on the gestational diabetes front. Lil had a heartbeat about 150 today which is great. After Thursday we will only be 10 weeks away from seeing lil....we can't wait.

Well I hope everyone is doing great and we can't wait to see you all.

Love ya all

Matty, Rubbles, Dena, and LsB (little spoiled Bachman)








Wednesday, October 28, 2009

babymoon



Matty and I went on our babymoon. It was fabo! We spent the weekend in "middle earth" at the Wentworth By the Sea hotel in New Castle, NH. Friday we went swimming and had dinner then then spent the evening at a piano bar. Matty requested Willie Nelson for me:) On Saturday I had a full day at the spa and Matty got a massage too. We had a fantastic meal at The Library and then we basically passed out in a food coma. The weekend was topped off with a big win by the Patriots. Good times for all! Baby mama even got some baby bling:)

Thursday, October 22, 2009

what is a english hothouse cucumber?


We are 26 weeks today (98 days to go) and Lil is the size of a English Hothouse Cucumber. What?!?!?!

So I googled it....


Long, thin and narrow, this variety of vegetable is a common type of cucumber grown for the digestive qualities it contains. Also referred to as a "burpless" cucumber due to its lack of seeds as well as smaller seeds, the English cucumber can grow to lengths of 2 feet, providing a cream to bright white colored flesh. The flavor of this variety of cucumber is less bitter than many other types due to the fewer seeds.

When selecting, choose those that are firm to the touch and contain no blemishes or soft spots. The skin should be a deep green color without light colored streaks indicating a decrease in quality. When storing, place the cucumber unwashed in a plastic bag in the crisper section of a refrigerator. To prepare, check the skin for wax, which is applied by some processors to preserve the moiture within this vegetable. Peel the skin if waxed or as it is often sold unwaxed in plastic wrap, simply wash in cold water. The English cucumber is often served in vegetable dishes, fresh salads, sauces, cold soups such as cucumber or gazpacho, or simply as a snack with dips. Available year around, this cucumber may also be referred to as a "hothouse" cucumber.


Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Getting Wild

Hey all, its me Matty again.

Dena yelled downstairs to me that we only have a little over 14 weeks before the baby gets here. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dena has picked up swimming, and continues to walk pretty regularly, and every Tuesday does yoga. Nana Bacon and Grampa Cheese are gonna watch the Rubman this weekend while Lil, Dena, and I go on our babymoon/anniversary weekend to lovely...............
NEW HAMPSHIRE! Yeah I know a lot of tolls but the Wentworth by the Sea Resort at Marriott is a great place and points are a wonderful thing to use. Dena has a weekend of spa treatments lined up and if the weather holds I'll be golfing, while she is getting pampered. The shower is only 25 days away so we are getting very excited to see family and friends. Also just a quick question for all those that may be following babycenter.com: What in the world is an english hothouse cucumber???

Hope all is well and hopefully we'll be posting some belly pics soon.

Love you all

Matty, Rubbles, and LB (lil rutabega Bachman)

Thursday, October 1, 2009

belly alien

On my way to MN last weekend while on the plane, Lil was kicking like crazy. I looked down at my belly and for the first time, I saw it move. What a sight for sore eyes. I couldn't wait to show Matty when I got home.

Matty for the first time got to see and feel our little belly alien. He was so excited!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Weekend with Dad

Hey all...it's me Rubbles. I'm hungry. Mommy left me yesterday and I missed her from the minute Daddy put me inside. I'm hungry. I miss lil as well he/she is my buddy already I can't wait to meet him/her or at least give mommy's belly another lick. I'm soooooooooooooooo hungry. Treat did you say treat.....

Ha Ha Ha.

Matty here again, I hate it when Rubbles wont share the computer.

Well Dena and Lil went to Minnesotta this weekend to visit friends from high school, Kim and Suzi. They are already having a blast and Dena said Lil was kicking up a storm on the plane she said she could even see it. I'm so jealous of the passenger beside her. So right now lb is the size of a spaghetti squash. I don't know what that is but I'm guessing its larger than a carrot and smaller than a pumpkin. Hope all is well with everyone. Have a great weekend. Go Sox, Pats, Packers, Hokies, and Irish. CLARK FOOTBALL RULES!! Looking forward to seeing you all.

Rubbles, Matty, and LB (little "spaghetti squash" bachman)

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

final touches



After a trip to IKEA, we found a rug. Rubbles approves because last night when I sat in the glider to read to Lil he laid down right on it like he's been doing it for years.




I also made a quilt ladder to display all the beautiful quilts that Lil will collect over the years from his bad granny (hint hint). When Matty first saw it he was not too happy. He immediatly asked how much a paid for Lil's crib escape ladder. He relaxed a bit when I told him I made it from scraps around the house and when Lil gets old enough to climb it, we will move it out of the nursery. Already a worrier:)

Monday, September 21, 2009

thinking ahead to halloween

Halloween is my favorite holiday and with our schedules being so busy from now till then I've got to start working on our halloween costumes. I definitely want to play up my baby bump. Here are a few ideas I've found online:

- Dress up like a basketball player, my belly being the ball
- Dress up like a black cat and have my bump be a fishbowl with a little goldfish
- "Deviled Egg" Dressed in all black with a cut out of an egg with sprinkles the size & shape of my belly....add the headband horns, pitchfork & tail
- Bun in the oven - make an oven out of a cardboard box and cut a door where the belly is
- Miss Conception—wear a formal gown with a sash that says "Miss Conception
- Mummy-to-Be—dress completely in white, and wrapped in gauze.
- Sumo wrestler

Any other suggestions?

Thursday, September 17, 2009

GROWING, GROWING, Carrots!!



Photos from Previous Weeks

Hey all it's Matty again. Sorry I have not posted in a while from Wisconsin to all this travel for work life has been crazy. As you can see life has been crazy for Lil and Dena too. WOW, what a difference a few weeks makes. Baby center says that LB or TNK is the length of a carrot. My hopes are not the carrots we grow in our garden as those are tiny and fat. So we found out that Lil can hear now and that has encouraged us to read books before bed, Dena does it on nights when I'm not here and I read to the whole family (Rubbles always looks like he enjoys it with his eyes closed and snoring) when I'm here. Things are moving quickly and I'm happy to say that TNK's bedroom is looking sweet. All we really need for it is a rug...Any suggestions??

Well I hope everyone is doing well, we are excited to see everyone soon and its nice not being the only one in the house with a gut! HA HA.

Love you all,

Matty, Dena, Rubbles, and LB (little boxer Bachman)

PS-for those that do not know TNK stands for THE NEXT KID-courtesy of Grampa Dar and Gramma Dianne





almost there



The nursery is almost complete. Our latest additions have included a bookcase from our yard sale adventure in Wisco, a glider that Matty found on Craigslist, blinds and homemade curtains. Our next purchase is going to be a rug but that is the hardest challenge. We need a rug that is black dog friendly:)



We are not really feng shui people but in one of the baby books they say to hang in the corner the biggest picture in the room of the parents. This shows authority and who the child will listen too. Here's hoping:)

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

our furry child

Our Rubman has really been a great older brother so far. He doesn't sleep on my legs anymore, he prays everynight that Lil and the rest of his family are healthy and happy and.....

when I say give kisses to momma's baby.... he licks my belly....

Lil and Rubs are going to be best friends.

Friday, September 11, 2009

photo shoot

Yesterday we had our 20 week ultrasound appointment. For the first time Lil actually looks more like a baby than an alien. It was awesome to see Lil run around and away from the Technician. What a stinker!

A look back at what Lil looked like at 9 weeks...
Here's how big Lil is now! Check out the foot....
Lil wouldn't give a profile shot until the tech had to poke a little bit. Finally Lil turned so we could get this awesome shot.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Lil likes Culver's


We are in Wisconsin for labor day. YEAH! We just had our inital wisco meal of butterburgers, cheese curds and frozen custard. Lil let me know that it was good stuff by a knocking feeling like saying "Hey Lady, that was good, send some more on down here!"


Our kids have their first thing in common... Rubs and Lil love cheese curds!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Kicking

Hey all it is Matty again. So this morning we woke up and listened to the heartbeat with the doppler device (by the way it also said sunny with possible clouds for the rest of the week) but beyond the heartbeat we heard what the doctor said was kicking or punching. Wow lil is a loud bugger. Seems like he/she is getting ready for a boxing match, it seemed like the more we talked the more movements you could hear. We will put some pictures up soon because Dena's belly it looking round. We went maternity clothes shopping (and suit shopping for me) this weekend and Dena seems much more comfy since. From the furry one front he was very excited this weekend because he got to see his mommy in her pregger swimsuit and we all went swimming at sewalls pond (soooo much warmer than the ocean).

Well hope you all are well

-Matty, Dena, Rubbie-tron, and LB (little "boxing" bachman)

Sunday, August 16, 2009

crib


It's all starting to seem real now. The crib has be delivered and set up. My type A personality basically has us ready to have the baby tomorrow. We've got a crib, diapers, pjs, and toys. Thanks so much to Nana Bacon and Grampy Cheese (Jack & Mary) for the place were our baby will have sweet dreams.
I killed at the yard sales yesterday. I got a baby snow sled, bath tub, play mat, toys, books, glass bottles, monitor and baby hiking backpack for only $4.10!!!!

Friday, August 14, 2009

New Arrivals


Hello again everyone it is Matty (FYI- Dena hates that I start my posts this way) HA HA! Well over the past two days we have had a couple new things happen. First of all we heard the heartbeat yesterday at the 16 week appointment. It is so cool that the doppler can tell weather patterns and baby heartbeats too! Strong was the word of the day yesterday. The night prior to that too Dena had a great moment and felt the baby move. Soooo cool. I told her I can't wait till I get to see Lil move. Finally another arrival was the crib and mattress came today and yesterday in the mail. I'm convinced a lot of the exciting parts of life start with arrivals. Well my dad and I are gonna try to put the crib together tonight (Because if Dena and I did it would most likely end with us upset at each other). Hope everyone is doing well and boom goes the heartbeat! Love you all

-Matty, Dena, Rub-tron, and LB (kicking guacamole style) [current size=avocado]

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

one dresser in fern green



The nursery is really starting to shape up. I found this dresser on craigs list for $20 (talked them down from $30) and painted it my fav green color. Still got a little work to do in the drawers by linning them with pretty contact paper or fabric.

trim... done

and finally... the trim is done. Time to start moving in the furniture!
Trim

Monday, August 10, 2009

practice




I got to babysit the Mayer boys for a few hours this weekend. Good thing they are both little Angels! A few throws of the tennis ball and that makes Tuckerman very happy. A brisk stroll around town makes L Roy very sleepy. Overall, great success!! Can wait till next time boys!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

changing table


The search for the changing table was painless. I found this on craigslist from an antique store in Portland. He gave me some sob story that it is worth $400... then why did he let it go for $150? Maybe it's because I'm so cute with my pregger belly.

Funny Things

Hey everyone its Matty again. I got a crazy next couple of weeks so figured I would write a post while I had a minute. Some funny things that have been happening lately are what I figured I would share.
1. Dena's crazy dreams - some are very scary some are really funny, all vivid. She told me this is part of pregnancy so I guess its a good thing.
2. Rubbles - our dog knows something is up for sure, he will not leave Dena's side unless of course I have food. He is an excellent listener though as early on he was laying on Dena's legs and I had a chat with him. (Now he lays on my legs at night). He also licks Dena's belly when she asks him to give kisses to the baby. He is going to be a great big brother.
3. Babies R Us - WOW!! That store is nuts, I've never seen so many aisles devoted to such a short segment of life. Its good stuff though and I'm very thankful for those family and friends that helped Dena get an "all inclusive" baby list.
4. Pee - poor dena is waking up 1 -2 times nightly to use the bathroom. All that growing of lb is starting to push organs together.

Well I'm sure there will be more funny stuff to come I hope everyone is doing well. Can't wait to see you all.

-Matty, Dena, Rubbles, LB (soon to be Little "apple" Bachman)

Sunday, August 2, 2009

our first trip

Our first trip to Babies R Us. Why do I feel like we will be back... again... and again... and again...