More pictures!!

Ok - as promised, here are pics of my precious little Bug!!

Wide awake this morning while mom did picture updates

Great Grandpa H, Grandpa Daryl & Gary, Dad & Caleb

4 generation Holtrop's - Daryl, Fred, Isaac & Caleb

Uncle Sean came up for a visit

The boys doing their 'Sunday routine'

Grandma Sandy caught him trying to find his thumb

Love the bouncer

All my babies taking a nap - the girls are just lovin him!

Snoozin' after a good lunch

Just chillin' out

Caleb's first night outside sitting on the patio

It's a boy!!!

CALEB LEE HOLTROP

He's finally here - and the most prescious thing I've ever imagined. He came last Thursday, August 6 at 11:45 pm. He was 7 lbs 9 oz & 21 inches long.

He is just like his father, long legs & toes, long arms & fingers, and is a mini - Isaac. He isn't even a week old and has already shown certain mannerisms from Isaac.

We've been so blessed this last week and I promise to add more pics and details later - but its time to eat, and we NEED to start/keep some kind of schedule!

Here is a few pics of my little froggie!

Enjoying his first bath!

Picture time!

Here are a few pictures from last night. We got the changing table in the mail and the high chair. I just had to set up the chair to see how it looked, its going to be put away until later. Although it does recline, so I might get to use it earlier than a regular one!!

Here is the chair reclined and all set up. It'll eventually convert to the booster seat too! Multifunction - that's my motto

Spare bedroom is back to normal, and we moved the futon into there, so it looks a little more homey.

Here is the loft area. This is where we'll feed, rock, sleep with Froggie. Nevermind the tools, I just finished building the changing table and hadn't cleaned up yet! And you can see that Kodi loves the new chairs and space - she thinks it's for her!

The new changing table...fully loaded already. Although, I haven't put anything in the drawer and the baskets are pretty bare! I'm sure I'll fill it soon enough!

This is the crib fully made. I'll move the comforter out when Froggie gets here, but for now, it looks so cute! Also, the table and crib side by side to see the colors (not quite the same, but close enough!)


This is the other side of the room. Isaac added a shelf for me and he still has 1 more to go, but the dresser is now full of stuff and we have the monitor and lamp all set up and ready to go!

That's about all I've done in the past couple days. And since today is Isaac's birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUBBY!), he won't have to look at the mess and do any building (swearing) for me, since its all done! We've pretty much got everything put away and cleaned up, so we'll just wait around for something now!

One week and counting...

Well, as of tomorrow, we're down to 1 week left. After my appt today, I highly doubt it will be that soon! I haven't dialated, efaced, had any contractions, and I'm not even a good candidate for inducing. She said it would take like 3 days in the hospital to even make progress. I have no intentions of being induced, but she was just letting me know that I'm not even ready to go yet. I suppose that is a good thing. Isaac is in a wedding this weekend and I would feel terrible if he couldn't be there. And as long as all goes well, now I'll get to be there too! I really don't like the idea that this weekend is supposed to be fairly hot, but I'll have to get the pool set back up and crank the A/C down.
As for the details of the visit, my blood pressure was up quite a bit from normal, but I think it had lots to do with Lori and I chatting and laughing before she took it. So she made me lay down and gave me a few minutes and took it again and it was back to normal. They said that was good, and nothing to worry about. Froggie's heart beat was back in the 130s compared to the 120s last week. I'm still measuring right on, and I actually lost some weight from last week. Most likely its fluid weight and I'm definately not near as swollen as I was last week. I did alot of walking this weekend with Mom at the fair and then Isaac and went on Sunday.
My plan is to keep walking a little bit at nights (unless its really hot), but when I walk for a little while, I can start to feel the baby drop, or push down anyways. This seems to be about the only thing that I can do to make anything happen, so we'll see!
Other than that, I'm still waiting on the last few things that we ordered for the baby (like the changing table). I'm hoping its here this week so Isaac can put it together and I can put the rest of the stuff away in the nursery. Isaac and I worked upstairs this weekend and last night and got lots of stuff done. We now have some rockers in the loft area for nursing and just sitting with the baby, the spare bedroom is back to normal and can be used as a bedroom, and the storage room has walking space again! Last night we got the clothes, blankets, bottles, etc. put away in the nursery. The only stuff I have left is the few toys and all the diaper stuff...hence the reason I'd like the table soon! :) I'll probably start moving some things downstairs this week/end too, just so I don't have to do it after the baby, and its all setup and ready to go. Then the dogs can get used to it too.
But we're just down to the last few things and waiting...so hopefully the next post will be of some excitement!
Until then, ta-ta!

Almost done...kinda scary!

Hey all -
Just thought I'd update you on the last couple appointments I had. I had the Group B Strep test done 2 weeks ago and got the negative results back - so that's nice to know, and I won't have to be hooked up to antibiotics during labor (for this anyways!). Other than that, the last couple appts have gone very smooth. My blood pressure continues to be very steady and in the excellent range (thanks mom!). Froggie's heartbeat hasn't waivered at all either - still very strong and healthy. I'm still measuring right on the weeks, so no major weight changes to worry about. OK, now the non-doctor stuff...things haven't really started to change drastically yet, so I'm still trying to get everything done before its too late...or nesting as some people call it. I'm not just cleaning/organizing though, so I'll just call it, over-doing it! I got my living room carpets cleaned last weekend and Sandy helped me with the mini-blinds and windows in the house. That was a huge bonus, since they have been driving me nutz for the last 6 months! I finally started to wash all the blankets and clothes this weekend - I didn't want to do it too early and then they start to smell dusty again! So I have 1 load left of the blankets and the comforter for the crib, then I should be all done, until the flood of stuff comes in after Froggie gets here. My mom and I went shopping this weekend and got lots of goodies for Froggie. I was missing a couple things that I needed to have (or so that's my excuse). We still didn't find the changing table and a glider for upstairs, but I have a couple weeks left and we'll probably just have to order them online so I can get something that will fit in the tiny room. Physically, I'm starting to swell like a balloon. Its just in my feet and ankles, which makes it really hard and uncomfortable to do much when I get home, since I just want to sit with my feet up in the air. Isaac has been so awesome, I got a foot and back rub last night. He said that I had a 'hard day of spending his money' so I deserved it :) I love that guy!! I think he is getting himself prepared to be my caretaker for a couple days, and its less terrifying if he volunteers for it, than me having to ask/tell him what I need!Well, I think that is all I have for now. I have another appt on Wednesday of this week, and if anything changes I'll let you all know!Until then, stay cool - I know I'm going to try like crap!
Oh, here are a couple pictures for you to have a good laugh! Isaac and I were going rounds with the comments...at least you can get a good picture of my belly!

First mistake: asking Isaac to take pictures for me...I was telling him, above the waist!

Not sure what he said, but I was trying not to laugh...

Then he tells me to 'Shut up and SMILE' - is that good enough for you dear??

Isaac telling me that I'm a super tard, and to smile right!

(no, I'm not having a contraction!)

And finally, me telling him to 'screw off' :)

32 weeks and still growing!

Good Morning!

I have a few updates for everyone. Things have started to pick up in the last week or two and more changes are coming!

First, the good news - I had my first 2 week appointment yesterday. My blood pressure is excellent still and Froggie is measuring right on at 32.5 cm. The heart beat is still right around 150, so for those of you that think that means something, give it your best guess! Also, last time at my appointment, I had the glucose test (drinking a bottle of really crappy stuff...or at least I thought it was!). The results from that were good. My glucose was at 99 and everything else looked right on, but she wanted me to make sure that I have a little more iron. It was .10 off of the minimum she likes to see. So I have to find stuff that iron is actually in! I know the green veggies and red meat, but I don't eat red meat and always forget to have broccoli and green lettuce. But I'm working on it!

Also, in the last couple weeks, Froggie has gone completely mobile, and likes to beat up my inners! :) I know there is a growth spurt coming, or came, so that's most likely the reason that I can all the sudden feel lots of movement, but its just weird how it went from very few movements to lots all the time! This weekend, Isaac and some friends got to see my belly actually get all contorted and feel the beatings. Isaac couldn't believe that it actually moved like that all the time, but he is so facinated with it now, that he keeps feeling my belly! I think it really started to sink in after that feeling, because he had only been able to feel it one other time and it was still pretty lite.

This weekend, I had the first shower for Froggie. There were alot of awesome gifts that are going to be very useful. Sandy, my mother-in-law, put this one on for family at her house. She had a few fun games and great food. She did a great job and I can't thank her enough. And I have to tell you about Isaac's favorite gift - Grandma Rena was able to make a blanket for Froggie!!! Isaac and all the grandkids have a blanket (quilt) made by Grandma Rena and now that Froggie has one, he is just so excited! The blanket is beautiful, its a light green, almost teal, with patches of dogs and horses, and other animal heads. There is a picture of it at the bottom.

We will also be having a shower for my side of the family (hopefully) when my aunt Pam comes up for a few weeks. We'll be heading down to central Iowa and spending the day with family to hopefully get to see everyone. Then I think we'll have a get-together after Froggie is born, so we can have everyone else come and see.

Finally, the newest thing was yesterday, we got a crib!! We had it shipped to my mom's house and it arrived yesterday. Mom & Kim brought it to the house last night and we unpacked it. Its a nice honey color, but Isaac has a small job of putting it together! I don't think it will be too hard, but he looked at all the hardware and wondered how long this was going to take!! As soon as we have it up and all the bedding on it, I'll get some pictures on here so you can see it! It will look better in the nursery than the play pin. That will be downstairs anyways.

Well, I think that is about it for now. I have another appointment in 2 weeks and after Isaac gets the crib assembled, I'll post some pics. So you'll want to check back a little more regular now that things are starting to pick up! OK, that's assuming that I keep my butt on track and add stuff! I promise I'll try harder!

Here are some pics of the shower and the blanket!

Here is Grandma Rena's blanket!

People at the shower

Sandy & Amber starting the games

Rachel thoroughly enjoying the diaper game!

Froggie's coming home outfit and the hooded Froggie towel!!

The winner of the best wrapped gift from the Kanasas gang!

Me in all my glory, the best belly picture so far.

Our Bumbo chair - thanks Adam (& Jen!!)

Yes, my mother always gets my best side! Thanks mom!

Nursey is done!

Hi all!

Here are some pictures of the newly painted nursery. We went with the same green as in my kitchen and a lighter tan & white. I think it makes the room a lot more bright. I'm glad we used the white trim too, it would have been really dark otherwise. I've also got some of our goodies stashed away in the room. In one of the pictures, you can see the froggie theme! It was unintentional, but as soon as 'Grandma-to-be' saw the little froggies, she just had to get it! I'm so glad she did - it matches perfect and the blanket & bumper are so soft! Now we are on to creating registries & looking for a crib. I think I've found a nice one, but I just have to find the best price! For those that are wondering, we have created a few registries (all are accessible online too) at Target, JC Penny's, Babies-R-Us, & Wal-Mart.

I know the room is pretty small, but we should be able to get all the essentials in there (crib, changing table, dresser, chair). The rest of the stuff will be scattered around the house, I assume, or we can also use the little landing that's right outside the room. I'm getting the fifth degree from 'a couple people' about putting the dresser in the wall (because the closet goes the length of the room), so next time I post some pictures, it might look a little different!

I've also put on a few pounds, or it feels like it anyways...I have my next appt next week, so I'll let you know how that goes - I have the diabetes test and another test, so hopefully that goes well.

As for updates on Isaac, he is the best man in the world. I told him that I wanted to go and pick up some retaining wall blocks this weekend and then we can work at replacing the blocks around our deck. So we came back Saturday with a trailer full of blocks (yes, it was a little over loaded!), and we just dinked around a little on Saturday with it. Then I got home Monday after work, and the entire front side of the wall was done! He only had about 10 feet left to go, which he finished up after his planning & zoning meeting. I'm telling you all - he is the best husband in the world! I was so shocked at the change, I was speechless - and all he said was 'happy birthday' :) Man, I'm so spoiled!

Well, that's been the fun and excitment around Maurice for the last couple weeks. I'm getting more sore, tired, and larger and Isaac is loving being able to be outside finally and doing some projects, and the girls are just getting spoiled being outside all day and able to lay around in the grass while we work outside!

I hope your spring is going as well as ours is going so far!