We're going to Vegas Baby!!

Wow a lot has happened since my last post. March 12th I had I had a doctor's appointment again. I passed the gestational diabetes test but it turns out I am anemic. This may have explained the extreme fatigue I was feeling the week prior. I now take iron supplements to help with this.

Saturday the 15th Chad and I had our first hypnosis for birth session. I feel really comfortable with Nancy and so far the experience has been good. I highly recommend her so far. She used to be a Mid-wife and does hypnotherapy and several different areas such as hypnosis for weight loss, ADD, panic attacks, fears and phobias, and social anxieties. My homework includes listening to her relaxation hypnosis CD once a day for 15 minutes, finding music to fall asleep to at night and finding an aromatherapy scent to use when relaxing and sleeping. I think I found a CD that I like. I found a scent but not yet sure if I'm thrilled with it. It is a combination of sage and citrus. We signed the Letter of Agreement with Nancy so she is going to be our birth doula. We have two more hypnosis for birth sessions, both are in May. Nancy's Hypnosis for Birth Website

After the hypnosis session Chad and I went to register at Babies 'R Us. I know what to do with 4 year olds and 3 year old maybe even 2 year olds but I realized I have no clue what to do with a baby. What do we need and how much of each thing do we need. Chad and I are always researching what the studies show but there isn't always a study for everything out there and if there is we don't always know about it. Needless to say we were both quite overwhelmed. I grew tired very quickly. Chad was awesome. He had me sit down and he went and scanned a bunch of things he though we would need. He came back to me when he had a question about what my opinion was on something. I know that we will figure it out as time goes on, but it was my first sense of I don't know what I'm doing. For those that are interested we also have a wish list at Wishlist.com. We purchased a new item we are trying out called Baby Plus. It is supposed to be a Prenatal Education System. There is some research which I'm sure we could poke holes through, but we figure it couldn't hurt. Apparently it was featured in December of 2007's O Magazine. So I strap this thing on my belly for one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening.



Friday the 21st Chad and I went to see Mamma Mia at the Paramount with Melissa and Tony. Mamma Mia is going to be a movie to be released this summer. We went to Von's in Seattle near the Paramount for dinner. This is usually an experience that Chad and I look forward to, but apparently Von's is under new management and it shows. The service was terrible, they no longer have their signature hot hard candy but rather atomic fireballs (they were popular in the late 80's) and they do not have their roaster in their entryway anymore. As for the show...it was great. Wonderful cast and really funny. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. We had front row seats so the music was really loud. Genevieve was kicking away for a while there. It was a great night and I was glad we could share it with Melissa and Tony.

The 23rd we celebrated Easter and mom's birthday at Jennifer and Eric's house. John and Debbie Francis joined in on the festivities. I can't believe how big my nephew T.J. is getting. Looking back I wish I had taken more pictures, but I didn't want to be that annoying person who has to properly document every occasion. I had mom take a couple pictures of Chad and me. Happy Birthday mom, words can never express how much we appreciate and love you.



This week I met with Human Resources at work and it sounds like a real possibility that I will be able to work one and half days from home next year. I will go into work three days a week. Overall, I will be working nearly full time (four and a half days). I'm looking forward to it. I'm happy they are able to be so flexible with my schedule. How many "teachers" get the opportunity to work from home? Have I mentioned how much I love my job?

Some of you know that I have been on the wait list for a hearing dog from Summit Assistance Dogs for a year now. I was getting a little antsy and asking if there was anything I could do to help in the search of a dog to train for me. They gladly accepted my help. Now I spend hours pouring over the listings on Petfinder.com and looking through classified ads to find dogs that have potential as service dogs both for me and for other clients. I already had an obsession with Petfinder, this just gives me a purpose. I enjoy contacting people and researching dogs with potential. I have found two dogs that are now under summit's care. They may or may not work out, it is all a part of the process. They also want to train me to actually go do the evaluations, which I'm looking forward to. At least I feel like I'm doing something to actively help in the search.

Genevieve has been getting more and more active. I feel her kicking more frequently and she is getting stronger (or more cramped for space). Of course every time she is really active and I call Chad over to feel it, she stops. He has felt her kick a few times but he hasn't really felt any of the truly powerful kicks yet. There have been a couple where I actually jumped, they didn't hurt but just startled me. My feet and hands have started swelling a bit over the weekend so I'm not wearing my wedding ring as frequently. It being titanium, we do not want to risk having to test whether or not it can be cut off. Chad has been helping with foot massages here and there, but one of his colleagues suggested we look for a spa in Vegas that does foot massages. I like the sound of that. My pinched nerve in my shoulder blade is getting better but my arm still goes numb when I sleep on my right side. My lower back is getting worse so I am continuing to keep up with chiropractic care and massages. But hey, this is all standard pregnancy stuff. It comes with the territory. I'm enjoying the experience of being pregnant and watching my belly grow. Even some of my maternity shirts are getting too short to wear without showing off my bare belly.

Tomorrow is Monday the 31st, the first day of my Spring Break. Our flight to Vegas takes off at 7:15 AM and comes back to Washington at 9:00 PM on Thursday. Last summer (and the summer before) Chad had a convention in Vegas and I tagged along. We stayed at the Bellagio (paid for by Microsoft of course) and the first night I was there I happened to step on glass while barefoot and cut a deep gash in my heel. Bellagio ended up providing us with three nights stay in a Deluxe Lake view room and 5 dinner vouchers for restaurants in their hotel. We figure now is a good as a time as any to utilize these vouchers. This will be the first time Chad has been to Vegas purely for pleasure. There is so much of Vegas he hasn't seen that I have. When he was busy at his convention I would spend the day visiting the different hotels and seeing all there is to see. This may be our last visit to Vegas in a while since his job has a changed and he can no longer justify attending that convention in Vegas. I will try my best to take lots of pictures.

Baby Zone Post

Below is a post that I submitted to my Due date club on on March 11th.

Saturday we have our first hypnosis for birth class (one of 3). I'm so excited and looking forward to it.

I have been trying to get massages once a week and have been going to the chirpractor twice a week. I have a pinched nerve that does not seem to be going away on top of the all over back pain I have already been experiencing. Well if it's not one thing it's another huh? At least I finally got over the sinus infection. I thought it was interesting that my chiropractor says that one reason I might be having more than average back pain related to the pregancy is that I am so short (4' 11") and the baby is getting up in my ribs and this is causing them to spread which causes my back to get out of whack. Has anyone heard of this?

I work in a couple of preschool classrooms. The preschoolers are finally starting to notice my ever expanding belly. They are so cute. Last week a girl walked up to me and started rubbing my belly. I said, "It's getting big huh?" Her eye lit up with a look are realization and then she said, "Are you going to have a baby?" I replied, "Yes" to which she replied, "Oh I can't wait to meet it!" So cute.

Another girl in a different class eyed me rubbing my belly today and slyly asked, "What are you doing". I said, "What do think I'm doing". I could tell she was thinking I was pregnant but she wouldn't say it. Later on the same conversation took place. Then she and two other girls were whispering about it. I walked out of the room for a moment and they had told their teacher the "secret" and she told them, "Maybe you should ask Miss Dixie". They finally asked me if I was pregnant. It was just so cute how they were all whispering about it but wouldn't say anything. It is so much fun that other people are starting to realize I am pregnant without having to tell them.

Also Chad was talking to Genevieve (the name were are toying with for now) and he had his ear on my belly and felt her kick (or punch) for the first time. So exicting. Can you tell it is our first?

Anyways, I just wanted to share some of the excitement I have been feeling lately. Things are really starting to feel real.

Party Time!

Rock on, Party Time, Excellent!

To those of you who came we had a blast at our Rock Band Party. To those of you who RSVP'ed and didn't come....phooey on you. Just kidding I know you all had really good reasons. Things happen. We'll have to do another one sometime. We had a great time. Some dressed up, some did not. Next time we will have to make dressing up mandatory. I didn't think people would want to, but I think those who came dressed up had a lot of fun doing it. Case in point, check out this pic of Travis.



Those in attendance were Melissa and her husband Tony, Marie-Claire and her boyfriend Bruce and of course Travis was there. We sang the night away (well it think it was 9:30 when the party wound down...late for me). Below is a pic from upstairs.


That is Melissa on the guitar, Travis on the drums, Chad is singing and Bruce is on the bass. Rock on Inverted Moustache!! We won a van, a tour bus, roadies and a private jet!

Below is the shirt I made for the party using my printer and Iron-on printer paper.


Cute huh? Who knew I could be so creative.

Earlier this week Chad and his team from work had a team event at the bowling alley. Chad won first place with scores of 145 and 135. They were all amazed because a lot of people didn't even break one hundred. The grand prize was not announced until the next day. What did he win? A $100 gift certificate to El Gaucho. Funny huh? Considering we just ate there last week. We are looking forward to enjoying the El Gaucho experience again.

In baby news, I just yesterday started feeling the baby kick from the outside. I can't wait for Chad to feel it. I was so excited to announce to the world that we were having a baby girl that I made a shirt for that too.



For this shirt I used a sparkle I found on the Internet, a printer Iron-on and my new Bejeweler pro (http://www.creative-crystal.com/cgi-bin/frontrunner.cgi?ri=105&pln=BJ&rc=CRST&ro=T&rs=T&ctc=19) to add the rhinestones. I know it is hard to tell but these crystal rhinestones are gorgeous in the light. The Bejeweler and rhinestones were a Christmas gift from my mom. Thanks mom.

Last night Chad and I went to see Mame. Here are my preggo pics from that.




The show was a little slow but the actors were great. It's one of those, "OK, now I have seen Mame, checked that off my list, don't need to see it again."

I cannot believe it is March already. I fear these next few months will fly by and before I know it I'll have a baby girl in my arms. There is a lot to look forward to in March. On the 12th I have another doctor's appointment. I have to take the Glucose test to see if I have Gestational Diabetes. Wish me luck. The 15th, Chad and I are taking our first of three Hypnosis for birth classes (http://hypnosisforbirth.com/hypnosisforbirth/index.htm). The 21st, Melissa, Tony, Chad and I are going to see Mama Mia (can't wait!). The 31st is the start of Spring Break! Woo hoo. Chad and I are going to Vegas for 3 days. I am hoping to take a crochet class that starts this week. Mom's birthday is this month too! March should be fun. I'll do my best to keep you posted.

Valentine's Day and other stuff

Well a lot certainly has happened since I have blogged last. Unfortunately I have been fighting a sinus infection for the past week but I am doing much better now than I was a few days ago. Between the typical pregnancy fatigue I have been feeling and the fatigue due to the sinus infection I have been wiped out!

We have had some school cancellations due to snowy weather so I thought I would include this picture of our house.

Last weekend Travis and T.J. came over to play Rock band with us. TJ knew just what to do with the Guitar. He's a natural. I swear we did not pose him for this picture.

Then he sat on Chad's lap while he played.


And believe it or not he fell asleep while Chad was playing the drums.


Sunday, the 10th of February was the first time I really felt movement from my little one. It was about 3 in the morning and I was up adjusting my sleep position (which has been a struggle lately, it's difficult to remember not to lay on your back when you are asleep). I felt pulsing on one side then on another (a foot and arm maybe). It was the first time I felt, "Yep, that's definitely baby moving around in there". It was exciting to feel. Chad and I had been a little anxious that I haven't been feeling movement. It made us both feel a little better.

I have taken a couple half days off this week and was feeling particularly yucky in Wednesday. I had decided that I would stay home from work on Thursday in hopes that I could get better over the extended weekend (I had already planned on taking Friday off for my doctor's appointment). Chad kept trying to convince me to go. I said that I didn't know if I could handle being around preschoolers feeling this yucky so Chad told me he thought I should go in the afternoon when I didn't have to deal with preschoolers. That is typically time to write reports and I have been having difficulty focusing with my head in a fog so I wasn't convinced that was a good idea either. I was a little upset that I was feeling so yucky and Chad still wanted me to go to work. What is the deal with that! I'm sick! I should be able to stay home. Fortunately when I woke up Thursday morning I was feeling a little better and decided to go see if I could make it a half a day. I am so glad that I did. When I arrived at my office, this is what I saw...

I was in shock. I honestly thought someone needed to borrow my desk space to set up flowers. The entire Special Services office smelled like a florist (this is what they tell me anyways, I couldn't smell anything because I was so stuffy). Now I will say that it has been quite some time since Chad has bought me flowers (this made the ladies at work feel better) but wow. This was really unexpected. He truly is an all or nothing personality. Apparently he had come to my work the night before under the guise of going to the Sumner wood working store (not uncommon at all). He called ahead to be sure the office would be open and delivered and set up these flowers himself. He was concerned that I would call in sick (a very valid concern at the time) so he set up a plan with someone at the office while he was there. If I called in sick she was going to call me and tell me there is an emergency meeting and they needed me to come in. I'm so glad we did not have to go that route! Another funny side note, as Chad was tucking me in (yes he tucks me in) I was teasing Chad about how he would never send me flowers at work. This is when we both remembered the year he sent me flowers for Valentine's Day and I had called in sick. Fortunately my mom came to the rescue and picked up the flowers for me. We had both entirely forgotten about this incident until that night. I guess I am frequently sick on Valentine's Day. Here is one more picture of the flowers to give a little perspective about how tall they are.
I got a collection of books for Chad for Valentines Day. The first was a book to read to baby. "Ma, There's Nothing to Do Here!"



The second was a book that he can read to the baby, but also tells how I feel about him, titled "I Love You Through and Through"



The third was a humorous read for him "The Guy's Guide to Surviving Pregnancy, Childbirth and the First Year of Fatherhood"


Friday we had our check up and ultrasound with the doctor. We found out that we are having a girl! Chad and I couldn't be more excited. It is all starting to feel more real. Time to go shopping. The baby weighs 1 pound 1 ounce and is within the 56th percentile for weight. All the measurements came out good. My weight gain is right where it should be. Overall, everything is looking great. She's a rock star!
Genevieve

Her Feet

Yep, It's a girl!


Last night, Saturday, went to Dinner to celebrate Valentine's day and our anniversary (we meet four years ago on February 16th) at El Gaucho in Tacoma. If you haven't been there you have got to go. It is a little spendy but so worth it. The steak just melts in your mouth and the bananas foster is to die for. If you are celebrating an anniversary or birthday the dessert is on the house. The best steak I have ever had. The service was wonderful too. Each time I had to go to the bathroom (I go even more now that I am pregnant) I was escorted to the bathroom. Well la ti da. I even tried to dodge the escort but got caught! Overall, a great dining experience. Here is the website if you want to know more: http://www.elgaucho.com/elgaucho/

Party like a Rock Star

Saturday night Chad and I went to Adrian's house (a co-worker of Chad's) to play Rock Band on the xBox 360. Here is a pic.



As you can see, it is similar to Guitar Hero, but you have vocals, drums and bass guitar along with it so four people can play at once. During this past week Chad has wowed his co-workers with his drumming abilities provoking such comments as, "Chad is a rock god." and, "He plays with less angst than I do and more style on the solos. Bigtime props to Chad." Chad and I enjoyed ourselves so much we decided to buy Rock Band for ourselves.



I think I have a lot of catching up to do. Thankfully the vocals are easy to fake and I am learning on the guitar too. I am enjoying Rock Band as well. Below is an e-mail titled "You've created a monster" that Chad sent out to his fellow Rock Band co-workers.

"While Dixie was napping yesterday, I drove the 0.4 miles to GameStop and picked up the full CrackBand kit so we’d have it to play when she woke up. She jumps into the tutorial on the guitar, and before I know it she’s doing it all: bass, guitar, drums, vocals. Sure, she’s on easy, but we all have to start somewhere. Next thing you know, we’ve created and customized characters and are out on the world tour. We almost hooked up with Bill online before he logged out right after sending a game invite (what the hell was that about?? :P).

Later last night, she pulls me into the office to show me the various pads on eBay that people have created for the drums. She was about to bid on an auction that was closing soon. I had no idea she had surfed it up.

I got a phone call this morning from her. “Hey, I’m on my way to Wal-Mart to get a video rocker chair…” Guess I know what she’s doing with her day off."

Baby Rock Star
We had another doctor's appointment today and all looks good. Baby Willwerth has a heartbeat of 140 beats per minute (within the normal range). We are really anticipating our appointment on February 15th when we will hopefully discover the gender of baby Willwerth.

Jersey Boys

Chad and I went to go see Jersey Boys last night. It was a very good show! It started at 8:00 pm. Just the fact that it was able to keep me awake is saying a lot. Here is a pic from last night.




It seems like my belly really popped over the Holidays. Thanks Aunt Nancy for the shirt. I keep getting compliments on how cute it is. By the way I think my face is coming out so shiny because of the make up I wear. My powder has some sparkles in it and I think when the flash hits it it reflects making my face look shiny. I'll have to keep that in mind when I know I am taking pictures and experiment with that a little bit.

In other news.....
Chad has been sick since Tuesday and hasn't been to work since then. He is sick with a cold and has been sleeping in the guest room because he doesn't want to get me sick :( I think he is slowly but surely getting better.

Yesterday was my nephew, T.J.'s first birthday. Sadly, I forgot to bring my camera. Hopefully dad can send me some pics so I can post them on here. It was a lot of fun. Happy birthday T.J. I can't believe he is one already.

We are planning a trip to Vegas on the Weekend of Feb. 16th. We have to use our Bellagio room and dinner vouchers some time so that is a good of a time as any. We are both looking forward to it.

My next doctor's appointment is on the 21st but the one I am really looking forward to is on Feb. 15th. Hopefully we will find out the sex of the baby then. Other than that nothing else too newsy is going on.

Christmas in Florida

Below is a slide show from our trip to Florida. To see the captions use your mouse to click once on the slide show then you can move the cursor over any picture to see the captions. You will have to move your cursor off the slide show to get it moving again. If you would like to see the full image make sure your pop-ups are enabled and double click on the picture. Here you can buy prints or save your own copy. After you double click on the picture you can see the entire album by clicking on the blue underlined "View Album" at the very right of the screen. If you have any questions on how to do any of this let me know, I'll be glad to help you out.

Chad and I had a wonderful time visiting with both Dixie's family and Chad's family. We are so fortunate to have so many great people in our families. While we both thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Florida we were also very glad to be home. Thanks to everyone who made this trip on enjoyable one.