January 31

Today we welcomed Amery Susan into the world. She was born to two very proud and happy parents at 3:37 A.M. weighing in at 8lbs 8oz and 20" long. We would like to say thank you to everyone has supported us throught out the pregnancy and all who have came and visted our new family.

January 30

Today we went to our weekly appointment with the midwives. They checked my cervix and I am dilated to a 4. She also said that the baby is nice and low. So we are ready to have the baby whenever the baby is ready to come. The midwive did say that it could be this weekend or next week. We think she will be coming soon. The pic is of our hospital stay bags. They are finally packed!!

January 29

I have had 3 random contractions so far today. It probably means nothing. I had one when Dan was driving like a crazy person on Elmore. Other than that, nothing much exciting to report. The pic is of baby socks.

January 28

Look at these adorable little shoes. I went back to the eye doctor today and ordered contacts. I think I might clean tonight and watch Lost. I am feeling NO signs of labor. 11 days to go! or not?!

January 27

SQUIRT!! She was feeling needy today so I told her I would put her in my blog. Yesterday I got in trouble for posting my blog so late. Robyn got nervous and thought I had gone into labor. Whoops:)

January 26

Today I went to the gym and bought some items to take with me to the hospital. The pic is of the stroller that Grandma Donna bought. Dan and I have picked our date of when we think the baby will come. Everyone who follows this blog can leave a comment and pick what date they think little girl Mesmer will arrive. So if you don't have a google account, sign up for one and leave your best guess. I picked February 2nd and Dan picked February 5th.

January 25

This is a pic of a car that caught on fire while waiting in the drive thru at McDonalds. When we drove by earlier there was smoke and the fire dept. was hosing the car down.

January 24

Fun day today!! We had our co-ed shower today and it went really well. We were so happy to see everyone and celebrate the new edition to the family. Hopefully she will make her grand appearance soon:) The baby shower really makes the entire process exciting. So the pics today are a few from the shower. On the top left is a pic of Mandi, Robyn, me, and Lee. The top right is a pic of Dan's mom (grandma Donna), Dan, and me. The bottom left is of Dan and his friend Dave. And finally, the bottom right is a pic of me and the fantastic hostess Christine. She really did a wonderful job with the shower.

January 23

Today was a busy day. We started out by going to see the midwives for our weekly appointment. The heartbeat and measurements were both good. She also said that the baby is engaged. Engaged means that when she pushed on the baby's head, it does not float back up. So the baby's head is locked in place in the pelvis region. That may not be the technical explanation, but I hope it kind of makes sense. Dan and I then went to the DMV to get our tags for our cars and update our licenses ($541.00 stinkin' dollars). And then, we went to dinner with a group of my former co-workers. So, today's pic is of my friends Adrien and Carson at Jungle Bungle. He is 4 months old and a little cutie!

January 22

DAN'S 30TH BIRTHDAY!! Today we celebrated Dan getting old. I hung some streamers, made a cake, and gave him presents. I think he was surprised. We started the celebration when he came home from work at 2am. This afternoon we went to Chili's for lunch and now he is off to work. He took off Friday instead of today.

January 21

Here is a pic of the cake I am making for Dan. He will be leaving behind his 20's. I have been running secret errands today and getting some last minute fun stuff for his big b-day. Ohh, and our cars did kiss and make up, btw.

January 20

I have hijacked this blog for the day in protest of Tracy's car flinging mud on my car. I am partially responsible for leaving my car uncovered, but still does not give her car the right to attack my car in such a manner. I will return this blog to Tracy if she apologizes for her car's actions otherwise be prepared for more car pics on the blog. -- Dan and 350Z

January 19

MLK Jr. Day today. We both went to the eye doctor to get some new contacts. The doctor told me that there is a way to test the sex of the baby through my tears. I thought he was joking, but I guess it is true. He had done the test and he actually "beat the ultrasound" before. He also said that since I'm having a girl my eyes tend to be drier. Fascinating, I know. Sorry, my day was not that exciting to me either.

January 18

SHOWER DAY!! What an awesome day! Today was the 1st of 2 showers that I will have. It was more than I ever expected. It really made me more grateful for the whole baby experience and even more ready to be a mom. I also have to say that Dan was extremely helpful from behind the scenes. He cleaned, watched the dogs, and welcomed all the chaos.

January 17

Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning! I hate it. Today we are getting ready for the first baby shower of the two we are having. It is at our house so cleaning must be done. Besides for that, Dan's mom took us to lunch to celebrate his b-day. It was a good lunch and I forgot to bring my camera. Boo Hoo! I wanted to take a pic of Dan with his mom, but since I couldn't I posted another dog pic. Isn't the black dog ugly? Her name is Squirt and she is my little baby until my real baby comes. Ecto is the other dog and he is a real attention seeker. He can't get enough.

January 16

Brrrr! We went to the doctor's office today for a rountine appointment and test. Everything is still going well. We took a couple pics while we were waiting for the midwife to come in. Dan and I recently decided to switch to the midwives instead of seeing the doctors. I wasn't real happy with seeing a different doctor every time and the feeling that I was just another patient on their busy schedule. So far we really like the midwives and they seem to be way more involved in the pregnancy and labor. After the apt. we went to Old Chicago and it was delicious. Dan has 6 more days until he is officially an old man!!

January 15

I went to the gym today and picked up a couple items at Dollar General, which is next door. Before I go to the gym I always have Dan do a belly check to make sure no portions of my belly are visible. My workout shirts are not long enough sometimes! I would have liked to run a few more errands, but I really hate being cold. My car said it was -4, but I think it was colder. I only have 23 days left until my due date!!

January 14

Today started a bit late. We didn't get out of bed until a little after 1pm. This may seem strange, but Dan works until 2am. We didn't get to bed until after 4am so our sleep schedule is a different than most. Yes, I do plan to switch to a normal schedule when the baby is born. We went out to get some food and I snapped this picture of a plow. The weather has been the most exciting event taking place. It is cold!!! I don't know how poor Squirt manages to find a place to go potty out there. The snow is higher than her chest:(

January 13

I know this is another picture of my dogs, but they are quite entertaining. Until the baby is born there will probably be more dog pics. Sorry in advance. So Dan decided to torture Ecto by putting a large piece of styrofoam in his e-collar. It was hilarious. He kept trying to run into Dan and Squirt ended up breaking it. The picture is blurry because I was laughing so hard.

January 12

Ecto was out enjoying the snow this evening. He was literally eating the snow! I caught him licking his lips. He is such a photogenic dog. His coat looks so beautiful on film, not so much in person.

January 11

Today I finally went back to the gym. I took a week off and it was nice to get back in there. Since I have been showing, it has been interesting to see how people at the gym react. Sometimes I feel like they look at me like I'm a freak show. Every other time I go someone asks about the baby or how the baby likes the workouts. Out of all the people who ask only one has been a woman, which I find strange. It is usually always men who ask or comment on the pregnancy. Hmmm?? Anyway, I posted a pic of dad putting together the pack & play. We found out it was more involved than we thought it would be. There is also a changing table, which will be really helpful. I love when baby items have multiple functions.

January 10

Today Grandpa Jeff and Uncle Jake came to visit. We had lunch at the filling station and watched some of the football game. They also brought us a crib that Jeff's parents bought for the baby. Grandpa Jeff bought baby a pack & play. So it looks like daddy is going to be busy putting things together this weekend.

January 9

There was a sasquatch in my backyard today and I was quick enough to snap a photo!

January 8

This is a gift from Dan's friend Dave. I'm sure it will come in handy. The bear was also a gift from my friend Robyn. It has a switch on the back and it makes sound like a heartbeat. It also has a little strap so it can hang from the crib.

January 7

Tonight Chelsea came over and helped organize baby's room. We had a good time and this was one of the funnier moments we had. Chelsea had too much to drink and I don't know what was wrong with me:) Right before she showed up Squirt decided to throw up a giant Ecto hairball. I thought it was a mouse before I got closer and realized what she had done. Ewww!!!

January 6

Look who joined me for lunch today. Christine and baby Garrett ate with me at Carlos O' Kelly's. Those cheeks are absolutely adorable. He likes to smile, laugh, kick his feet, stick out his tummy, and bang his hands on the table. He does not like green beans though and I don't blame him(yuck)!

January 5

Today was pretty uneventful. So, here is a picture of the dinner I made. It is not the prettiest pizza in the world, but it was tasty.

January 4

It is officially the end of the line for my vikings. I held out some hope that they would beat the eagles, but they couldn't pull it off. Oh well, I guess there is always next season:) So this is the gear that will be put away for a while. On a happier note, we got the baby's room painted. Once we get everything arranged I will post a picture.

January 3

Today we got most of the baby's room painted. We have one wall left to do. The dogs wanted to help, but we had to block them from coming in the room. Squirt did figure out how to get past the blockade. She is so sneaky!

January 2

Dan and I are attempting to get the baby's room ready. We have a lot of work left to do:) I also went to the doctor today and everything is going well. The heartbeat was strong and my stomach is measuring exactly where it should be. She is positioned with her head down, which is where I want it to be!

January 1

Hello:) I stole this idea from my best friend, but I don't think she will mind. I am going to try to post a photo everyday this year. I anticipate that there will be many changes this year in my life. My husband and I are expecting our first child on or around February 8th. We have never been more excited about anything in our entire lives.