Baby W Update

Well, I'm officially 40 weeks and 4 days today. Still staying patient, but definitely ready to meet our little Baby Wolff (or Wiggles, as Jeremy and I have now called him/her for the past month with all the weird, big movements my stomach has been making)!

I had a doc appt on Tuesday to get an update on things...
- Got hooked up to monitors and did a stress test on the baby. All was looking good, active and healthy. Heartrate stuck around 130-ish bpm, and there was good variation and movement.
- Had an exam and I'm dilated to a 1, cervix is thinning well and both nurse and doc commented on how extremely low the baby's head was. All good things.
- Finally did an ultrasound and that was good, too. Still plenty of fluid around the baby and it's not getting out of control big, either. Again, all good.
- Doc asked me what I was thinking/how I was feeling. Yes, it's getting more uncomfortable each day, but nothing terrible by any means. And I really want to avoid being induced if possible, but if it's what's best for me and for baby at a certain point in time, that's just fine.
- His recommendation was to not induce yet since both little wiggles and I are healthy and doing well. Said that inducing now could increase the chance that my labor could take longer than it needs to and could increase the chance of resulting in a C-section if my body wasn't ready on its own. Since the fluid levels are good, placenta is still good and I'm still good, we wait.

Other than the fact that our hospital bag is getting a little dusty, and that my hubby is getting more anxious than I am, we're doing great. Jeremy asked me the other night, "why are you hogging all the time with the baby right now?" Trust me hunny, I'm ready to have the baby out just as much as you are. But he's a happy guy knowing his wife and baby are healthy, so he's been pretty good about waiting, too. This is a good test of our patience!

So tomorrow I go in for another appt with the same tests/exams and see where we're at. We won't go much past 41 weeks regardless (again, depending on how everything is, maybe sooner), so hopefully by this weekend/early next week for sure. Taking it one day at a time until the day comes to meet our baby!

Christmas 2010

With Baby Wolff due the day after Christmas, there wasn't much travel on our agenda this year. Christmas Eve we went to Jeremy's aunt and uncle's in Janesville for his mom's side. Christmas Day we went to my grandma's in Mankato for my mom's side. Then later that night my parents and John came to our place to open gifts, and then stayed with us through Monday. Two days of great food, cards/games galore and movie marathons (we may or may not have got them hooked on Harry Potter) was both relaxing and enjoyable. Monday I went with them to Faribault to see my other grandma, and some of my dad's side who made a trip that way. Lots of family time without much travel!

We'll have Jeremy's immediate family Christmas sometime in January...his sister Mandi who lives in Rochester is due with their third just a few days after me (anytime now, too!), so we're waiting until after babies to do Christmas. And we missed seeing my brother Jeff and his family in St. Louis this year...planning to reunite later this winter. Introduce Bella, Joshua and Emily to their frist cousin!

Even though there was no "Christmas baby", Jeremy and I really enjoyed our last Christmas just the two of us. It all changes from here on out!

My large and in charge 40-week belly covering our Christmas tree


Mom and Dad on our winter walk

Trying to get Kenna to look at the camera...instead, I got her biting my arm

Just a few of the Cloeter cousins...me, Netha, Rich and John in Faribault

Some of the snow behind our house with a little clearing/blowing in the background

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

You're STILL here?

This has been the question of the day at work (I used a vaca day on Monday with my family in town, so this was my first day back after the holiday). With a brilliant idea from my fellow prego friend, I finally resorted to putting a sign on my door that read...

Yes, I'm STILL here.
No, I haven't had the baby yet.
Thanks, Anne.

Sounds a little harsh now that I look at it, but it's meant to be funny. Right? Well, everyone laughed and joked with me when they walked by after so that's good. I mean, I'm slightly exhausted with some of it (even people I work with at other companies via email and phone who I rarely talk to are checking in) because then I get "How are you feeling? Feeling like it's coming soon? Are you ready?" I feel just fine, otherwise I wouldn't be here. I don't know if it's coming soon...I'm not God. And yes, I'm ready so I can stop answering questions all day long. Okay, I'm done being a mean pregnant chick. I know everyone just cares and is being polite. Ease up, Anne! Must have been a short fuse day :)

For the sake of my question tolerance today, though...Baby Wolff will you please come soon?

Co-workers

My co-workers held a baby shower for me last Monday...such a generous and thoughtful crew I work with. We got baskets FILLED with baby essentials...and I mean anything you can think of, we've got it (bottles, pacifiers, onesies, lotions, butt cream, diapers, rice, spoons, snack bowls, bath tub toys, and the list goes on). Absolutely wonderful. And I think that's one of the benefits of not knowing the sex of the baby (though many have told us we're nuts to not want to find out ha). We've gotten all the essentials and things new parents really need. Not that getting adorable blue or pink outfits and things isn't fun, but I'm all about practicality right now :)

The ladies of the dealership (plus Todd, my boss/the owner) held a little luncheon and we played some fun games. I think Todd had just as much fun as the rest of us as he represented the males!

All my co-workers are also doing a little pool on our baby. They filled out their guess on the due date, time, sex and size. Most people are predicting me to go the week after Christmas. It's pretty split on boy/girl and really ranges on the size. For some reason, there's oddly enough people who all guessed exactly 8 lbs. 2 oz. Weird.

39 Weeks

So close to the end!


My weekly appointments have been going well...my blood pressure is still low/good, baby is still positioned well and I've been feeling good. Next appointment is this Thursday, due date is Sunday and we'll schedule a tentative appt if there's no baby for next Tuesday/Wednesday. At that time, Doctor Larson will see if I'm progressing much on my own to see if I can go a few more days (around a week), or if it's really going no where and we need to look at inducing. I'd really really really like to go on my own, and am glad I've got a doc that isn't too pushy on inducing. As anxious as Jeremy and I are to meet our baby, I want to give my body a fair shot of being ready on its own if I'm still healthy/good. Then again, I understand that if it's not really doing what it should, when it should, we'll go with it.

And in other baby news...my good friend and roommate from college Darcy and her husband Dan had their baby!

Payton Rose Holle was born Friday night and weighs 6lbs. 3oz. If you remember, she and I had the same due date of the 26th! She was having high blood pressure at her appt last Monday, was put on bed rest and then was still battling high blood pressure Wednesday, so they induced her Thursday morning. They just went home yesterday, and I absolutely can't wait to meet little Payton. And soon enough, we'll be introducing her new playmate when ours arrives!

The Grinch

It's 3 a.m. All of the sudden, I scream out in my sleep, "Jeff! Jeff! Jeeffff!!!" Wake up Jeremy and myself, and then I roll over, realizing what just happened in my dream.

The Grinch was trying to stuff me into a bag and was pulling me off the bed from my legs trying to get me in. I was yelling for my brother Jeff in the other room and I was apparently losing my voice, so I just kept yelling louder.

Jeremy, sorry to wake you up in a panic. Jeff, why didn't you come help? And the Grinch, stay away.

Ice Ice Baby

Pretty sure it's been a childhood dream for Jeremy to build his own fish house one day. Well, that one day has now come. He and his brother Chad went in together and have built an ice fish house from scratch that could double as a small apartment. No joke, people...it sleeps 4. He started with building the trailer and framework late summer, took a hiatus during harvest and went back at it hard this past month or so. As of Saturday, the dream is now complete. And I must say I'm pretty excited about it. Though I'm sure it'll see some quality guy time, I'm anxious to get out in it and do some fishing myself, since it's been a while that I've gone (mostly from the U.P. days). Usually a little one man shelter is more than fine, so this big 'ol house is quite the step up for me.

I wish I would've taken more pictures of "the process" to show you just everything they did. But I have to say just how proud I am of my hubby. This project showed his determination (to get this baby done before our actual baby arrives) and his skills (he literally did everything on this house). They really didn't outsource anything, other than a friend who custom made cabinets for the "kitchen area" and hooked up the heater pieces, and just his brother there helping out on to-dos.

Me: "So where's the floor plan/layout for this thing?"
Jeremy: "In my head."
Me: "Um, okay."

Me: "Are you fully wiring all this stuff on your own?" (stuff referring to all the ceiling lights, floor lights, trailer lights, CD player/speakers, etc.)
Jeremy: "Yeah, why?" (as he's cutting/joining a plethora of wires)
Me: "So, like, you could be an electrician if you wanted?"
Jeremy: "Yeah, I guess so. Do you want me to be?"

He wasn't lying when he said I married a jack of all trades.

Here are a few photos from Friday night and one from Saturday...close to complete (Saturday they laid carpet, installed the cabinets/countertop/stove and finished some final touches).

The outside of it as Jer worked on it in his parents' shed during all this snow/cold


The other side

Measuring out the framework for the cupboards and countertop

Looking in

Looking back where the top bunk folds up, and the bottom bunk/bench is currently holding our Friday night dinner. Romantic, I know.

Working on the front area where the kitchen stuff goes

Kitchen area done, carpet in (from Saturday)

I need to go get a few more final shots, but this will do for now. Not sure how much ice time it'll see this winter with our baby on the way, but it's done and ready for a few trips up North. Lots of memories to be had!

Say Cheeese

Last Sunday, we had a maternity photo session with the talented Gina Zeidler. My girlfriends gave me a photo session package from her for maternity and newborn pictures. Such a thoughtful, wonderful gift...we're going to have some great photos to capture this time and the early moments with our new babe.

Here are just a few photos from the fun session with Gina...

Spin

If at first you don't succeed, try again. That's the motto I'm sticking with on spinning. I've done a few spin classes with my roommates when I worked out at Lifetime a few years back, but wasn't a huge fan. It was unfamiliar to me and something about a sore butt just didn't sit well with me...literally. I haven't done much cycling since (Jeremy and I have a "bike fund" aka a change jar that someday, yes someday, we're going to buy bikes with), so when a few friends at the Y mentioned there was a mini session of classes, I figured I'd give it another shot since I know it's a good, tough workout.

We had our first class out of this 2-week session Monday night, and it went pretty well. Considering 37 weeks prego isn't the best time to be leaning over handle bars and sitting on an uncomfortable seat, the class went fast. Still getting used to finding the right tensions to go with when they describe what number/zone you should be in, and still working on my form. But the instructor was good. She kept mentioning to the class "keep your knees straight" and I'm almost certain she was directing it right at me. Sorry lady, pretty sure my hips have parted like the Red Sea in preparation for child birth, and my knees aren't far behind. We'll work on form after the baby. Otherwise, just suffering from a sore bum and well-worked legs. Another session tonight!

I definitely enjoy running a lot more and probably always will. Not sure that I'll ever become an avid cycler, but it's a good, different workout to change it up. Bring on the padded shorts!

On the workout front, I'm still managing some good activity at the Y to keep me and my large self moving while I've still got some energy. I managed a 1.5 mile run last week (due to the feeling that I didn't have to pee for once), but for the most part am just walking on the treadmill or doing the elliptical or stair stepper. Did my usual cardio step/toning class last night, and realized that may taper off now towards the end. My hips felt like loose rubber and my legs got tired much faster than normal. I think this baby is lowering a little, so making my lower portions feel like mush. But hoping activity of any kind will keep me feeling good and strong (well, as "strong" as possible at this point).

Whew, a long, boring post on pregnancy working out, but need to get my activities and thoughts down somewhere. So there you have it...a sore butt, rubber-like hips and a lowering belly. Sexy, right?

Full Term

We're at 37 weeks now, making our baby technically full term. A great feeling to know that if we were to deliver any day now, the baby is pretty much fully developed. Less than 3 weeks to go!


We had to move our usual picture taking spot to a different wall upstairs since Jer is putting the nursery dresser together in the landing/hallway. Once that's done, baby's room is pretty much complete!


The Bump informed me that my baby is now the size of a watermelon. Pretty sure I could've predicted that one at this point!

Oh Christmas Tree

Last week we got our Christmas tree and put up decorations. I really wanted to go to a tree farm and cut one down ourselves because it reminds me of the U.P. days when we'd walk out in the woods and literally just get out the saw. But with busy evenings and weekends, it was easier to go to Lowe's lumber yard and get one. Not as charming of a process, but I really love our tree this year. It's a Frasier Fir and so green/full. Much better than our first Christmas tree last year...very Charlie Brownish.

We put it in our dining room corner because there's so much more space in there versus our living room.


And here are our stockings on the mantle. Please note that this mantle is a PERMANENT fixture in the house. I swear it's cemented in, not to mention has about 10 coats of different paint on it. So I've decided to leave it as is with the paint chips and all. My "vintage" look, ha.


Top it all off with some other little decorations throughout the house, a mix of my favorite Christmas CDs (thanks, Rach, for mailing the new Glee Christmas CD!) and fresh snow, and the Wolff household is Christmas-ified. Now to get to our holiday shopping...

December

Really? Where does the time go? Now I know I'm officially getting older when I'm able to comment on how time flies. But man, it really does.

We're into December, which means we've already feasted once at Thanksgiving (amen) and will again in less than a month at Christmas. It means colder weather is upon us (Southern MN wind is the worst in the nation, bold statement but I'm going with it), but it also means that more snow is on its way. Coming from the U.P., I really do enjoy mass amounts of snow and most everything it brings. December also means holiday vacations and family time. It means Advent season and the birth of Jesus. It means we get our Christmas tree and decorations up (all done at the Wolff household!), and enjoy the smell of evergreens and apple cider. And who could forget Christmas music? Oh, and those little calendars that you get to open up on each day until Christmas. My brothers and I used to fight over who got the honors each day. Pretty sure Mom had to regulate so we took turns. December also means our due date for Baby Wolff. Whether he/she comes early or late, it could very well be in this month. Yea for December!

Some recent highlights:
- Thanksgiving was wonderful...spent a good few days up in Sauk Rapids at my parents' place and hosted my mom's side of the family on Thanksgiving Day. Relaxing for Jeremy and me both, and much needed.
- My aunts and cousins' wives had a baby shower for me in the afternoon on Thanksgiving. Worked well because we were all together. Jeremy and I are yet again reminded how blessed we are to have such wonderful family and friends supporting us and this new babe. My aunts are both extremely talented quilters and made a big quilt for the nursery. Love it!

Love diaper cakes. But this was the first time I had seen a diaper tricycle. From my aunts!


- John, Jeremy, my Dad and I went to the gym one of the days, and I played basketball for a bit. Please note that I'm terrible at bball. Yes, I may be tall, but that's it for this sport. Basketball with my brothers or Jeremy consists of "you can't steal the ball when I have it, or block my shot." Yeah, I'm that good.
- We saw the latest movie in the Harry Potter series - the Deathly Hallows. Jeremy and I are huge Harry fans, so we were itching to see this. Good flick, as always.
- Jeremy has been deer hunting quite a bit since muzzleloader opener this past weekend. Their group has got a few, but he's still waiting to get his "big one." Did I mention we have a family of about 7 deer that frolic in our food plot next to the driveway? No biggies, but they're like our next pets behind Kenna, of course.
- 36 week doc appt this past Tuesday. Everything is looking great. Baby is 6 lbs. 14 oz., head is positioned down and it moves like crazy almost all day/night. Heartrate was 153 bpm. Still all on track! Before our appt, we did our pre-admission and hospital tour. The pre-paperwork is done and we know where to go/what to expect. We've been very impressed with the ISJ team so far...Doctor Larson, the nurses and the admission director have been wonderful. This all sounds almost too good to be true. Now we just wait on baby!

GLEE

For all you Glee fanatics out there like myself, this post is for you. For all you non-followers of the show...one piece of advice. Tuesdays, 7 p.m., FOX. Be there.


Last night's episode of Glee reminded me yet again why I love the show...hilarious one-liners from Britney the spacey cheerleader, a little bit of high school drama with a quick-witted twist and of course ridiculously good music. "Hey Soul Sister" acapella (brilliant), "I've Had the Time of My Life" (a classic), amazing dancing during "Valerie" (makes me want to be a professional dancer, fat chance, I know) and "Dog Days are Over" (great song). Loved every minute of it. This is Jeremy and my one show that we regularly tune into, whether we catch it or DVR it. And then when the new seasons of HBO's Entourage start, we're glued to those on Sunday evenings (way too short of episodes and seasons, though).

Jeremy and I are music fanatics, so we look forward to each episode and all the songs. Bottom line...you can't go wrong with a show like Glee.

And that's how Sue - C's it.

Our Bellies

This time I'm not the only one sporting a growing stomach...

That's right, my hubby is a proud wearer of the "Empathy Belly."


Each guy in our childbirth class this weekend had to wear the belly for 30 minutes. It consisted of a big strap secured underneath that restricted their breathing, and then came the body belly suit. It weighed about 30 lbs., had some balls in it to imitate jabbing arms/legs and was even warmed up to feel the extra heat of another person. And of course, there was a lovely jean smock for over the top. Jeremy was fond of his new boobs...and gained even more appreciation for the extra weight his prego wife is carrying.

Though the class got a little long by Saturday afternoon, it was good. Felt more comfortable with everything by the time we left, especially from the viewpoint of what to expect specifically at ISJ. The two nurses were great and made it move as fast as 2 long sessions about childbirth and newborn care possibly could. And as a sidenote, my husband actually surprised me a bit. Not that I don't already know he'll be a great dad, but he had a little more hidden knowledge that I wasn't aware of. All of our scenario cards/problems he jumped on right away and answered; and before the nurse officially showed us how to swaddle wrap the babies, he had his done and she made him show the class (a proud moment for Jeremy). All in all, he was a supportive hubby and I know he'll be great in the delivery room, too.

And now onto the real belly at 35 weeks...

Brothers, 34 Weeks and Childbirth Class

This past Sunday, Jeremy and I got some short but sweet time with my family. My older brother Jeff was in town for a couple days for work, so we all met for dinner in St. Paul Sunday evening. It's not too often that we can call all be together because of distance, but it's awesome when we do. Love my family. We were just missing my sister-in-law Bobbi and the kiddos.

This week also marks 6 weeks to go...


A different angle. And now I know why I never do this one.

Jeremy and I have our childbirth class this weekend - Friday 6 - 9pm and Saturday 9am - 4pm. They recommend doing the 6-week program, every Tuesday evening for 2 hrs. With Jer's fall harvest schedule, that wasn't happening. So we opted for the cram sesh this weekend. Not exactly excited about spending a good chunk of our weekend in a conference room, but it'll be good for us first-timers. Then Sunday is our first dose of Thanksgiving with the Wolff extended side of the family. Bring on the turkey, people!

So fly like a G6

Well, not really. I just have that song in my head right now, and this post is about vehicles. I actually get the "feeling so fly like a G6" tune in my head quite a bit being that I work at a dealership that once carried Pontiac, so we've always got a few G6s on the lot. My next marketing campaign...a rap homage to the G6.

Anyways, onto my actual vehicle situation. I've been leasing a Nissan Altima for the past 3 years and the lease is almost up. Not to mention, my miles are almost up, too. So I started looking for a vehicle earlier this fall with the guys at work, being that I'd probably do an early lease return to avoid overage on miles.

After plenty of debate on a lot of different new and preowned vehicles, we decided on a 2011 GMC Terrain. It's small SUV, so bigger than what I was used to with my Altima, which meant better for winter driving out in the country. It's AWD and has good space in it, too. These puppies have been tough for dealers to get because they've been selling as fast as dealerships are getting them in from the manufacturer. So I put my name on one of the preordered ones and it came in about 3 weeks ago. Really liked it, so it's a done deal. I must say that car shopping is not one of my favorite things, mostly because I really just don't care about vehicles all that much (and I work at a dealership, go figure). It's a big purchase so I get sweaty palms and all that good stuff when finalizing, and who really likes that? But, working at Snell has its perks...got a steal of a deal employee price, and they let me drive another car while I was waiting for the Terrain so I didn't have to put more miles on my Nissan.

Here's the new ride when it came in...feeling so fly like a Ter-rain. Yeah, doesn't really work.

And before I move on too quickly, I had to say goodbye to the Nissan this week. It got inspected and returned to the Nissan dealer, so no more Ali-T (side note, why do people name their cars? I know my roomies and I all had names for our vehicles...ladies, remember the Stratusphere?). I must say it was a really good vehicle and if I was getting a car, I'd probably go with this one again. Ali-T, you will be missed.

Baby Shower

Last Saturday, my girlfriends threw Baby Wolff a shower in Bloomington. From the food to the games to the music (no shortage of hip-hop and rap!), it was "me" to a T. Everyone was overly generous and I had such a great time hanging out with friends and family. Mine and Jeremy's little one is already so spoiled and so loved. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came. You all have no idea how much it means to me and how thankful I am for such great friends. And to the wonderful hosts Rachel, Christy, Erin and Bibs, I could go on and on and probably get a little choked up, but all I'll say for now is...you've outdone yourselves again.

Just a few of the pictures - realized as I'm uploading these that we never got a group one, so hope I get everyone included at some point!

Christy and Bibs...two of the four hostesses in front of the food masterpiece

That's right, Swedish Fish...a fav candy for sure

The incredibly delicious food...pork fajitas, various salsas, guacamole, monster cookies, cupcakes...did I say my friends know me all too well?

Part of the decor

Game #1, guess who brought which bib/onesie. Let me tell you, this was not easy...especially with my pregnancy brain. Laugh it up, everyone.

Bibs with baby Natalie (born Oct. 18 - congrats, Christi!)...and yes, that IS Bibs with a baby

Christi's other adorable kiddo, Caleb

The grandmas - Terri and my mom

Stanly!

Representing Janesville...Jess, Heather and me

Awesome diaper cake from all the Janesville girls

Another adorable little one...Marissa's daughter Charlotte

Amanda, Melissa and me

My Twin!

What shower would be complete without the Chinese String Test? All of us left with a report on how many kids we're having and if they're boys or girls. I'm supposedly having a boy, girl and boy. We'll see if the Chinese are right.

Me and my mama...love you!

Erin and Christy...the two photographers taking a break

Eagle and Tree Hugger

With Marissa

Both due December 26

Hostessess with the mostestess (hard to do in the plural form, come on) - Erin, Rach, Bibs, Christy

Typical

And for those of you who stayed for the after party of food, wine and slumber party, here's the recap of Rach's N*SYNC dance. Lots of laughs that night for sure.

Thanks again everyone!