Mornings

I used to dread mornings. I AM NOT a morning person, and if given the chance I could probably sleep in everyday! Over the years my sleep in time has become earlier and ealier. In high School I could sleep in until 1 or 2 pm on weekendsm, in college I could sleep in till noon. Then once I started working a regular 9 to 5 (in my case 7-3:30) job my weekend sleep in time is now 8 or 9 o'clock. Now that I am a mom 7 o'clock is a nice sleep in (unless I am lucky and Duane lets me sleep in until 9)...BUT Devon LOVES mornings. This is my favorite time of the day with him.

He wakes up with an ear to ear grin on his face 99% of the time. He is full of cute little coos and giggles. He doesn't scream when I put him down, and he will play in his jumperoo for an hour luaghing to himself. He is the cutest in the morning and this comes in handy when he wants to wake up at 5 am and play. Who could resist his cute little smile, and his adorable little luaghter. SO I LOVE MORNINGS!

Last weekend the Christmas parties started, I will leave you with some pictures:

4 Months...

Although Devon isn't actually 4 months until the 29th he had his 4 month check up today:
19lbs & 27.1/2" long...He's almost doubled his weight :) and my guess is will probably have doubled it before he is 5 months old.

He was super cranky right before we left and I was actually slightly worried about him as he was super constipated (and in a few years if he ever reads this may hate me for writing that) and was in a considerable amount of pain, I was actually releived that we were going to the doctor so I could ask him if this was normal and what I can do to help him. Right before we left-I was literally putting his jacket on him-he cleared himself out and was as happy as a clam for Dr. Teckle.

It's so hard to beleive that he is 4 months old, it seems like just yesterday I was praying to have a healthy baby (and to not be pregnant anymore) and now he is growing like a weed, I guess what they say is true, "they grow up so fast".

Christmas Cards

I picked up our photos at the photo studio yesterday and now the Christmas cards are officially in the mail and on their way! The photo's turned out amazing and I am hoping to get my MIL to scan them so I can post them soon.

This is our 2008 Christmas letter:

Merry Christmas Everyone!

The last 2 years have been a busy one for Duane and myself. In September 2006 we moved into our first purchased home, 2 days later we went to Disneyland where we got engaged, November 2008 had us in the Dominican Republic saying I do in front of our immediate family and a few close friends. December 1st we celebrated our marriage with family and friends. And just a few weeks later we found out we were going to have a baby! Devon Lyle (after his Papa) Brolund was born via c-section July 29, 2008 at 4:15 pm. 10 lbs 4.½ oz & 21 inches long.

The last 4 months has had us learning to be a family of 3 and we are enjoying being parents to such a sweet and good natured (most of the time anyway) boy. He is such a blessing and Duane and I embrace parenthood each and everyday and know how lucky we are to have a healthy baby boy to call our very own! Duane is a wonderful Dad and I am so thankful for such a great husband!!! Just last year we celebrated our first Christmas as a married couple and this year we celebrate it as a family!

The year has brought several other changes as well. Duane left his job in the aerospace field and joined my company (AI Industries ~ Specializing in Structural Steel mostly in the US Market) as a machinist. This change was unexpected but has turned out to be a very positive one for us. I am currently on maternity leave until July 2008 and am enjoying my time as a stay at home mom. We also bought a new “mommy mobile” (A Suzuki XL7 SUV) when I found out I was pregnant, and it is wonderful to have AWD on those trips to Kelowna to see Lyle and Nicole (Nana & Papa). The extra room has also proven beneficial with a baby! Duane is also driving a different vehicle after a unfortunate hit and run accident in January, thankfully no one was hurt, just our car J .

We have also renovated our apartment a little, Duane did a wonderful job installing laminate flooring throughout, and now that I know he is such a handyman I am looking forward to him installing some track lighting in the kitchen, a ceiling fan in the dining room, a backsplash in the kitchen and possibly new counter tops. This should all be completed by the time we need to move into a larger space and sell.

I have started a blog to share our lives with you all on a more regular basis, I also post photos and videos of our little Devon. Feel free to visit, read and leave me a comment. http://jessicaandduane.blogspot.com/ Although being a new mom has kept me from updating on a regular basis I hope to get Devon on more of a schedule and post more regularly soon!
After such a whirlwind past few years, Duane and I are looking forward to sitting back and enjoying out life as a little family and adapting to all these wonderful things.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Duane, Jessica and Devon Brolund

And that is basically our life in the last year in a nut shell!

Photo link

Just a sneak peak at one of the new pictures in Devon's most recent album...check it out at the link below

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=71174&l=b11fc&id=509192322

Early Christmas Gift from Grandpa...

Due to the nature of Devon's Christmas gift from Grandpa (my Dad), he decided that Devon would get more use out of it than if we waited till December 25th...and he was right. Thank-you Dad!

I put my little munchkin in his new toy and was in the kitchen tidying up. For the longest time I could hear the music the "jumperoo" makes when it is moved and I could hear Devon cooing and talking then NOTHING. SO I peaked my head around the corner to check on my little boy and here is was I found!

Devon had tuckered himself out while playing and had fallen asleep while jumping! Too Cute!

He LOVES his "jumperoo" and I am a little sad that it will probably only get use for another couple months or so (baby stuff is so expensive considering it only gets minimal use), and we will have to pack it up and put it away for the next baby!

I have a cute video of him going crazy in it but I cannot figure out the video upload thing! Maybe another day!

A few weeks ago Duane, Devon & I went to Wal-Mart to get family photos done for Christmas. We ended up getting a family shot done, one of just the 2 of us and one of just Devon, and needless to say it cost an arm and a leg BUT I am so excited to pick them up today and get them sent out to our family! I wanted to be able to send a copy to everyone but there aren't enough copies to put in all the Christmas cards so I made the executive decision that only actual family gets them this year and next year we know to get more copies! My Christmas cards have been addressed since July, last week I wrote our annual Christmas letter (which I may post closer to Christmas) and once I have our photos I can mail out our Christmas cards.

I am SO excited about Christmas this year! I am so excited to start tradtions for Devon that are going to make Christmas special for him for years to come. I am excited to keep some of the traditions my parents and Duane's parents started with us alive. I am excited to see him look at the lights with a twinkle in his eye. I am just plain excited. I know he is too young to understand what is going on and even too young to understand what we have started but this is our first Christmas as a family and my heart feels to full!

It's been a while!

It's been a very long time since I have posted and although I am pretty certain that no one reads this, I am pretty determined to become a faithful blogger!

Devon is changing so much each day! He is cooing and talking so much and he giggles and smiles (and do they ever melt my heart). He is almost 4 months old and is such a big strong little boy, he is almost in 12 month clothing, and can almost sit all by himself!

He has had so many firsts in the last few months physically and developementally I think I may have myself a little genius. Duane continues to surprise me by being such a wonderful and loving parent. I find myself being more appreciative of my own parents as well, and far more understanding of the rules that were set for me when I was a child!

A few fall photos for you...Isn't he the cutest? For more photos see the below links:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=54739&l=5f0d9&id=509192322

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=65821&l=3a0ca&id=509192322

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=51322&l=7f8a0&id=509192322

2 months...

So Devon is 2 months and a week...but today was his 2 month appointment due to a mis understanding between myself and the nurse at my Dr's office. Devon is a healthy little babe at 16lb & 9oz!!! And I am so lucky that there are no health concerns at this point for either Devon or myself.

Walk for the cure

Yesterday I walked for the cure. For those of you who don't know 4 years ago my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought the battle hard and kicked cancers a#@. My mom is a survivor! She is also an inspiration. She not only beat cancer but has changed the way she treats people and the way she lives her life everyday. She decided that she was going to make he experience with cancer a positive one.

As some people know my mom and I have not always been the best of friends, there were times when I am sure we could have killed each other. But as I have grown up and my mom's perspective on life has changed (perhaps she grew up a little as well???) I find that my mom has become one of my favorite people and one of my bestfriends. She is a fabulous grandmother to Devon (as well as her other grandsons) and Devon is going to grow up knowing his Grandma loves him and adores him. This is why I walk for the cure...so that other people will have the chance to change the way they live their life after surviving, so that others will have the chance for their mom to become their best friend, and so that grandkids everywhere will be able to grow up knowing their grandmothers. I LOVE YOU mom and am thankful that you got a chance to become one of my bestfriends.

Already A New York Yankees Fan

Because Daddy & Grandpa are HUGE New York Yankees fans...





It has already been decided that my little babes is one too. I still think it would have been funnier if I had bought the little guy a Red Sox onesie! Thanks Amber-Jane for taking some awesome pictures!


Devon's 2 month appointment is on tuesday, it was originally set for Sept 27th but there was a misunderstanding between me and the nurse so I didn't make it and had to re schedule. I am anxious to see how much he weighs as he eats CONSTANTLY and I am a little concerned that perhaps he is eating too much. He has caught up to Jace who is 6 weeks his senior and wasn't a small baby by any means when he was born. I also am concerned because Devon's feet are always Clammy even when it is cool. He's a sweaty little monster.

I think he may be teething although it seems a little early for that, but he is a little fussier than usual and has been drulling like crazy. I hope that this faze passes quickly and he gets back to his happy self. It breaks my heart when he cries and up until now I have been able to figure out how to fix it every time!


On a side note: I am done all my Christmas shopping except for Duane and whichever sibling/spouse of sibling Duane and I draw names for!!! That means All the parents, kids and Devon are done. And YES I am almost done the wrapping, it's a new record for me this year! Woo Hoo!

Falling in love

I have fallen in LOVE with my little babies smile.



Who wouldn't...

I was having a hard time being a mom at first because there didn't seem to be much excitement BUT as soon as I saw him smile at me (an actual smile and NOT gas) I knew that I could handle a little boredom here and there just to see that smile everyday. Who knew that I would love him to much!

I can't wait for all the other milestones in Devon's life.

2 month update!

Wow the last 2 months have been an adjustment, between learning to be a mom, keeping up with the housework and recovering from the c-section I haven't had any energy to blog. Devon is a very good little baby, he rarely cries but fusses and once you figure out what he needs (he's either hungry, poopy, gassy or tired) he goes back to being the content little cutie pie he is! He isn't sleeping through the night yet but I usually get a solid 4-5 hours of sleep before he starts waking up to feed. We are usually up for the day around 5:30 am or 6 but my body is slowly getting used to it.

Duane is a FANTASTIC Daddy! He changes diapers, feeds him, cuddles him and he is the only one who can get out those stubborn burps that just won't come up! He is working graveyards right now but on weekends usually gets up early with him and lets me get a nice sleep in. Thank God for good husbands!!!

Last weekend we were able to get away to visit D's mom and dad in Kelowna (Nana & Papa). Devon did well on the 4 hour drive (both ways) only waking up once on the way there and once on the way home! The weekend was fantastic. Having 2 extra sets of hands is great especially when they want to get there fill of him while they can! We both agreed (D and I) that the weekend was a great sucess and we cannot wait to go again for Thanksgiving.

Devon has his 2 month check up on thursday and I am interested to know what he weighs now. At his 4 week appointment he was weighing in at an ounce less than 12 lbs (having gained 2 lbs in 3 weeks from his discharge weight). My estimate 14 or 15 lbs! He definately has a hearty appetite and is a "sturdy" little baby!

I am looking forward to seeing his personality develop and watching him grow. Already I am seeing changes on a regular basis. He is smiling more, cooing more, and I swear I heard him give D a giggle the other day!

Dave and Amanda just found out that they are having a little boy in February! And although it would have been nice to add a sweet little girl to our family of all boys, it's nice that Devon is going to have a boy cousin so close in age to him that he will be able to be close to. I think our family may only be able to produce CUTE little boys!

Things I like about no longer being pregnant!

Things I like about no longer being pregant!

1). I get to hold my little boy in my arms and kiss him and love him!!!
2). I can sleep on my stomach again
3). I can brush my teeth without vomiting
4). I can see my feet again
5). I can fit behind the wheel of our jeep (if I choose to EVER drive it)
6). I can get in a car without having to worry if I will be able to get out
7). My muscles are HUGE b/c I carry around a 13 lb baby all day!


Things I don't like about being pregnant anymore!
1). I have no excuse for my bad moods, being hormonal no longer counts
2). I can't eat a whole box of ice cream sandwiches and not feel guilty
3). I am no longer pregnant and therefor just fat
4). I can't wear my mat clothes or my regular clothes (I love my sweatpants)

One week ago today...

One week ago today our adorable little baby boy was born.

Devon Lyle Brolund
Born July 29, 2008 at 16:15 via c-section
10lbs 4oz
21 inches

Still NO baby!

No Baby today, just got the call that I can eat today and do it all again tomorrow! SO DISAPPOINTED! They want me to go in for another NST tonight so hopefully babe is doing good and his heartbeat is strong!

On the bright side, last night D's parents came down to celebrate his birthday a few weeks late this year b/c of their holidays etc. They took us out for dinner and bought D (and me) a new computer. YEAH! Our laptop is like 5 years old and totally obsolete. SO EXCITED! We will finally be able to store all those pics I plan on taking of the new babe, WHEN HE FINALLY COMES!

No more faith in the medical system!

Over the past two weeks I have been told 3 times that this time I am not going home with a baby...No baby yet and still no plan. Yesterday I was told that they baby is looking like it is almost 10 lbs...WOW 10 lbs. So although they are no longer concerned about the amniotic fluid they are concerned about the baby making it through my small pelvis without getting stuck which can cause major problems so it was decided that I would be having a c-section. That is fine with me as long as baby comes out HEALTHY! My regular obstretician told me that monday would be the day but he would be on holidays and so he contacted one of the other obstreticians that work out of Peace Arch Hospital and I had an appointment this morning to meet her and I guess have an "assessment".

When I saw her this morning I was told that b/c I am not an emergency c-section that I am not "scheduled" for monday and I may get in monday, OR tuesday, OR wednesday etc...depending on IF someone who is scheduled goes into labour and ends up having and emergency c-section and than and only than I can have their spot. OR the other option, I can go into labor and have an emergency c-section myself. So once again I let the Dr. get my hopes up and than was told "NO". The surgeon/Obstretician also informed me that I will be a "difficult" c-section due to the fact that I am overweight and that she would like to have two surgeons in the OR. Just what I needed to hear to ease my mind...Because I am so not anxious enough already. I was also told that starting monday I pretty much have to fast for a surgery everyday until each day I get a phone call to either come in or that I can start eating again! Sounds like that is really well thought out! I HATE DR'S!!!

I got into the car to drive home and burst into tears. Did I just choose the wrong hospital. Should I have gone with a bigger hospital with more opportunity to do c-sections/inducements. And possibly can deal with "difficult" pregnancies? I really wanted to go to Peace Arch b/c my Aunt is there BUT in hind site this decision may not have been right for me/us afterall. IF I decide to do this again I think I may have to rethink my hospital situation. NOT to mention that my maternity clinic Dr is also on holidays so the 2 Dr's I have seen for the last 9 months are both away and I have been completely abandoned! The medical system SUCKS!

No baby Yet!

So Yesterday Duane and I spent the day at Peace Arch Hospital having a NST and an OCT. We were there for a total of 9 hours and 20 minutes and left with no definitive plan besides being told to go for an ultrasound again on Thursday and that the baby is very happy in my tummy! During the OCT I was barely able to feel the contractions that they had produced to test our babies strength, is this a sign of things to come? I was told to come straight to the hospital IF my water breaks or if I begin to feel regular contractions. The Dr we had had a good sense of humor and although D and I were both tired and frustrated at the end we had some good laughs with him. He actually told us he hopes that I go into labor this weekend b/c he is on call and he would like to be there. I really like my regular mat Dr as well I am hoping i go into labor myself this weekend as well for 3 reasons a)my Obstetrician Dr Jackson is on call b) I know I like the regular DR on call and c)I WANT THIS BABY OUT! We also had a fantastic nurse so the day wasn't a complete bust. I hadn't eaten in nearly 24 hours (as they were quite convinced at the beginning of the morning that the tests would result in a c-section and therefor wanted me to fast for the possible surgery) and so all I could do when we got home was stuff my face and crawl into bed. We were also given some technical terms which the nurse told me meant the following, my cervix has softened to 1/2 of where it needs to be and I am still 1 cm dialated. Since the cervix has started to soften this gives them hope that labor may happen sooner rather than later. I also lost my mucus plug (do not read on if you are faint of heart), which basically means I lost a big giant glob of snot that plugs something up there...this could be a sign of pending labor. Some women go into labor 24 hours after this happens other 2 weeks. I am still feeling slight contractions (I think brought on by the ocytocin, but as during the test I am barely feeling them and can't really tell if they are strong, regular and am maybe thinking sometimes it is just our little babe moving around in there). So we are still in limbo. Last tuesday I was convinced it would be Wednesday, Yesterday I was convinced that we were not leaving the hospital without our new baby and now I am convinced that this little one is NEVER coming out.

Update

Yesterday I went to B.C. Women's hospital for an ultrasound to determine if the Peace Arch technicians were correct in determining that my amniotic fluid was indeed low. And IT WAS! Baby Brolund is also thriving VERY well, the placenta is still working well and Baby B is getting great nutrition. The Dr. at Women's was incredible, he was informative and knowledgeable and very caring and reassuring. If it wasn't so difficult to get into Women's I would try to deliver there next time. The facility is definitely up to date and state of the art.

SO today I am going in for a NST (Non stress test) and a OCT (Oxytocin Challenge test) at 10:00 am. The Non stress test is a normal test and I have had 2 before. They basically just monitor the babies heartbeat and his movements as well as my blood pressure etc to make sure baby is doing okay in there. The OCT is done during the NST (I think, I had to look it up online) and I am given oxytocin to induce labor to see if the babies heart rate changes and if he could handle labor if I was to be induced. This I guess it for the Dr to determine whether I should be induced or go in for a c-section. And I am SO happy because my obstetrician is the one on call this weekend so I won't be subjected a) to a Dr I don't know and b) to another jerk!

That is the most recent news. The baby should be here either way some time this weekend, so the next time I blog I should be a MOMMY! Yeah!

Frustration!

Yesterday morning I went for an ultrasound appointment at around 11:30, I had a NST (Non Stress Test) booked at the mat ward for 3:00 and a mat clinic check up at 3:40 so I decided to go home eat some lunch and relax a little before I headed back to the hospital for these appointments. The tech at the ultrasound clinic told me that everything looked normal and that the baby was an estimated weight of 8lbs 10ozs.

At the non stress test it was noted that I had a considerable weight gain over the last week (considering I have only been gaining NOTHING) but everything else looked normal. I than proceeded to go to my regular appointment with my maternity clinic Dr. and had to wait an hour for her and her medical student to make there way to me. Dr. Stevenson than proceeded to tell me that it looked like the baby should make an appearance tonight or tomorrow am (today) as my amniotic fluid was measuring low and at 37 weeks and 3 days the baby is considered full term and fully developed. She wanted to induce me. Duane was at work and my nerves were shot. She measured my cervix (1.5 cm dilated) and sat me in a room at the maternity ward where I waited to see an Obstetrician for 5 hours ALONE!!! The Obstetrician decided that she didn't trust the techs at the ultrasound clinic and that my fluid may not be low after all. Despite the risks she wants to get me in to see the ultrasound "specialist" at either Surrey Memorial, Royal Columbian or Womens today to determine whether my fluid is actually low or not and determine a more accurate weight of the baby so she can get a plan of action together. The frustrating part...I feel that if my fluid is low she is placing my baby at risk and there was an ultrasound machine in the room I was in, couldn't she have just checked it out herself? So now we are waiting to hear from the maternity clinic this morning about an appointment with the ultrasound "specialist" and I was told that there would be a plan in action by Friday (here's to hoping sooner). Apparently my cervix isn't "ripe" and my pelvis is small (she discovered this by ramming her whole arm up my vagina...and exclaiming "oops I made you bleed") so she is a little apprehensive about inducing me but also has reservations about a scheduled c-section. There are also reservations about me waiting full term...SO I guess there are reservations/apprehensions about me having a baby at all. Dear God, what have I got myself into?

I am frustrated that I had to wait 6 hours in the hospital to be told go home! I am frustrated that I now get to play the waiting game at home for appointments and a possible induction (or c-section, or nothing). I am frustated with the Obstretritian b/c I am not sure if I agree with her decision, I am frustrated that MY obstretitian wasn't the one who made the final call, as I have a relationship with him and would have been more apt to trust his decision compared to some woman I have never met and "oops made me bleed". If my baby is in danger I want him out and in our arms NOW I do not want to wait to see if he may be okay b/c what if he isn't than what? I guess all we can do is wait!

28 days and counting & a little update

The official count down to "due date" has begun...28 days and counting. It looks like we may be induced early (my fingers are crossed actually). I have another appointment tomorrow but I think that they are waiting for my scheduled ultra sound on July 15th to see how big the baby is measuring before making a final decision. At least I know that they won't let me go past my due date as the baby has been measuring large in all the previous ultra sounds, so I am guessing that I will either be induced early or have a scheduled c-section on August 3rd. This does not upset me at all as I LOVE structure and a scheduled c-section would provide me a definate time and date. So I am actually quite happy about this. SO although the official count down is 28 days...Baby Brolund could be here in less then 2 weeks. AND I CANNOT WAIT. Duane has mentioned several times that he can't wait for "Devon" to get here and I think we are both excited to meet our son!

My last day at work was on friday. I know I will be back in a year but it was sad leaving anyway. I spend so much time with Melissa, Amber-Jane & Kevin everyday that they feel like family to me and I am going to miss seeing them everyday. Not to mention that I have never really had nothing too do, since I was 15 I have worked, gone to school or both and now I can't figure out what to do with myself. LOL I am sure that this will all change when "Devon" arrives and I have trouble finding time to shower and do laundry. My boss had a nice pizza lunch for me and everyone signed a card and they gave Duane & I a $400 gift card to Toys R Us. On Sunday Duane & I had fun (or at least I had fun) buying some of this things to finish off the nursery. We got a diaper genie, bedding, a new diaper bag, An Angel care baby monitor (I really wanted this) and a whole bunch of other things. We are pretty much all set now and ready for "Devon" to come whenever he is willing (or the Dr's say he is).

Today I went to the unemployment office to get my Maternity/Paternity Leave claim started, dropped some hand me downs I won't use off at Value Village, returned a movie and cleaned our apartment...I left the floors for tomorrow but after that I may have to find a hobby.

A few weekends ago my girlfriends Amanda and Chrissy threw me an amazing baby shower. I got so many gifts and feel so blessed that I have such amazing people in my life. The most exciting this is that both my girls are pregnant along with my other friend Kim! I am so happy for all 3 of them! And I am happy that are children will all be around the same ages and hope that they will grow up to be friends.

Also a HUGE congrats to my oldest and dearest girlfriend Lindsay and her guy Justin (and big sister Olyviah) on the birth of their newest Jace Doherty! What a Cutie. I am so thrilled that our sons are going to be so close in age and I hope and pray that they can develop a strong bond similar to the one that Lindsay and I have developed over the years. BUT maybe without all the trouble we got ourselves into.

Duane is working afternoons, and I miss him terribly at night. He is my best friend and life is really just more fun and enjoyable when he is with me. I feel so fortunate that I got to marry not only my best friend but the love of my life. And I know that I married a man who has integrity and who is going to be an exceptional father. I cannot wait to see him hold his son for the first time and see the love in his eyes. I love you Duane! Thank you for being a fantastic husband and best friend and thank you even more for the father I know you are going to be.

Happy Mother's Day

I Am not a mother just yet...but HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

Here are a few quotes

mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.-- Agatha Christie (1890-1976), English novelist and playwright.

When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. You are connected to your child and to all those who touch your lives. A mother always has to think twice: once of herself and once for her child.-- Sophia Loren (1934- ), Italian motion-picture actor.

We are together, my child and I. Mother and child, yes, but sisters really, against whatever denies us all that we are.-- Alice Walker (1944- ), American author and poet.

A mother's arms are more comforting than anyone else's.-- Princess Diana (1961-1997), Princess of Wales from 1981 to 1997.

There never was a woman like her. She was gentle as a dove and brave as a lioness. The memory of my mother and her teachings were, after all, the only capital I had to start life with, and on that capital I have made my way.-- Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), seventh president of the United States (1829-1837).

When a child enters the world through you it alters everything on a psychic, psychological and purely practical level.-- Jane Fonda (1937- ), American motion-picture actor, political activist, and writer and producer of exercise books and videos.

If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do well matters very much.-- Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis (1929-1994), wife of the 35th president of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

It is not until you become a mother that your judgment slowly turns to compassion and understanding.-- Erma Bombeck (1927-1996), American newspaper columnist and author.

Motherhood has a very humanizing effect. Everything gets reduced to essentials.-- Meryl Streep (1949- ), American motion-picture actor.

The strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.-- Barbara Kingsolver (1955- ), American author

All natural, is it the way to go?

So I know I am not 100% Environmentally friendly, I still get those awful plastic bags from the grocery store, although I have every intention of making that switch to canvas reusable bag VERY soon! I still occasionally throw away a tin can of soup instead of rinsing it and recycling it AND I feel like Duane and produce WAY too much garbage for just 2 people. BUT I have made some choices that I feel very good about lately. I chaulk it up to my becoming a mommy soon (85 days and counting till D date) and wanting to be the VERY best mom that I can be.

One of the choices I have made is to use chlorine free diapers. The ones I have chosen to use are made from recycled materials and will decompose compared to pampers or huggies that take 1000+ years to decompose. They also are not bleached (but don't let that own white/browny color throw you off, I have done my research they are quite absorbant) which is good for a newborn babies bottom. Chlorine causes cancer as well as many other health issues and therefor this choice is not only better for the environment but also for the health and well being of my child. You may wonder why I have not chosen the obvious choice of cloth diapers than if I am worried about waste. Well the answer is very simple...To keep the cloth diapers clean, you (or a diaper service-which also throws fuel into the mix, and carbon emmisions) will need to bleach or use harsh chemicals to disefect and keep them from having all sorts of stains. This is also bad for the environment and your babies health. I find this time consuming and unessecary and would rather spend the time nurturing my child. So disposable chlorine free diapers it is for our family. Check out http://www.seventhgeneration.com/ for the brand we have decided to use or google chlorine free diapers and read up on other pros/cons I have missed here on my blog or to find other brands. A hint as well...In Canada these diapers can run you $24+ a package, at Cost Cutters right across the border $11.99 (sometimes $10.50 on sale) and with our dollar being almost at par it makes it well worth the trip!

I have also decided after reading an article recently that stated that one of the best things you can do for your family is use natural cleaning products, to make the switch! Also, I can't let this slide my oldest most dearest friend has been telling me this for years! Thanks Lindsay for being so patient while I made my own mistakes. So once again my choice is not only environmentaly friendly it also has huge health benefits! It can prevent respitory problems (such as asthma) and allergies (skin allergies are a big part of my life and so this is a big one) and since I have made the switch D's allergies have also calmed down. I have been using seventh Generation products (same as the diapers) but they can become pricey SO this morning I googled natural home-made cleaning products and I found and amazing website. http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/25-safe-non-toxic-homemade-cleaning-supplies/. The added benefit to this saving $$$ AND it is even better for the environment b/c instead of purchasing new products every time you run out you are reusing the same bottles over and over! AND they are simple to make. The best thing I can say about natural cleaning products is that I can breath while I am cleaning, and don't feel the urge to wear a biohazrd suit everytime cleaning day comes around, plus my eczema doesn't act up! I have also switched to a natural laundry soap...and WOW what a difference in my exzema! I can't say enough for going natural!

I am also going to throw this little side note in, I eat organic when I can, I try to price check and make sure it isn't just a few cents more. BUT I can tell you I am lactose intolerant and although regular milk (ie: Diaryland) makes me very ill...Organic milk stored in those adorable glass bottles, not only tastes better but doesn't make me feel at all sick. Just something to ponder. What kind of steroids are the dairy companies injecting into our dairy cows? What kind of chemicals are coming out of the containers that the milk is being stored in and what effects can this have on us?

Insignifigant

I find reading other peoples blogs inspiring most days. I enjoy reading about peoples lives especially those who I haven't seen or talked to in years. I love to know what their lives are like, what their families are like. I sometimes feel like a bit of a blogger stalker. Tonight I found myself reading blogs of people whom I have never met but whose blogs were linked on old friends/acquaintances blogs. I found myself intrigued with the adventures that these people were having, the things these people were accomplishing and the statements these people were making, the lives these people were changing and I felt so insignificant. While these people are changing their lives and others I get up and work my 8 hour day, come home and eat dinner, tidy up my home and go to sleep, just to wake up and do it all over again. Weekends are reserved for catching up on all the mundane things that I haven't had a chance to do because I am too tired during the week ie: grocery shopping, paying bills, cleaning & preparing for baby. I don't have anything that I am passionate about (besides my hubby & my baby on the way). I don't have any fantastic talents or hobbies. I don't play any sports. I don't have the time or energy for brilliant girls nights out (and I know that most of my gf's don't right now either). My life has become so routine, when did I turn OLD! Don't get me wrong I LOVE LOVE LOVE my husband and I am so excited about my baby on the way, but I feel like I have lost a small piece of myself, I have lost a little bit of passion for life that I used to possess. Is it because I am pregnant and so tired? Or have I really lost a piece of myself?

I often hear of mom's who feel like that is their whole identity, I don't want that! I want to be the best mom I can be while also remembering who I am...But before I can do that I need to remember who I am and what I am passionate about.

1).Organic/Natural foods & Products
2).Writing poetry, drawing & being creative (I am severely lacking in this area)
3).Ethnic Food
4).Swimming
5).Learning
6).Photography
7).Being organized
8).Friendship
9).Music
10).hiking

Those are things that I love, but I REALLY want to find a charity/organization/cause that really tugs at my heartstrings and I want to make a difference.

Since I have met Duane I have gained a signifigant amount of weight, God Bless my hubby for still loving me. As soon as this baby comes and I have given myself enough time to recover from the whole birthing thing I am going to get back into shape. I am going to be more charitable & more environmentaly friendly. I have made a few steps already, by switching to natural cleainf products and chlorine free diapers (which are better for the babies health and decompose much part because of all the media attention). The question is can I accomplish as much as I hope to while I am on maternity leave, or am I living in a dream world. I want my little baby boy to grow up to be compassionate, caring, and a generally great human being, this means that I need to be a better person role model...Something I really hope that I can accomplish in my first year of being a parent.


Does anyone else feel like this?

3 months & 9 days to go (approximately)

I am getting so anxious for our new little baby BOY to arrive and I still have 99 days to go! We have chosen a name for our little man Devon Lyle Brolund. And believe me it was not an easy decision! Duane and I have very different ideas about the kid of names we liked. Luckily we are both very content with Devon!

I feel a little over whelmed with life in general right now. Being pregnant is not what I had expected. I am constantly exhausted, my skin is awful, by body aches and I feel like I cannot accomplish anything after a LONG day at work. I remember not to long ago not understanding why a close friend of mine never seemed to be able to make time for me when she was expecting and now I am experiencing the same pressures from my friends who do not understand the difficulties of growing a baby. Although I have more energy on weekends, I find that I have to utilize much of that time preparing for Devon and/or running the errands that were neglected during the week.

I have a "To Do" list a mile long and it feels like I am adding to the list at a much faster rate then I am crossing finished items off. Once my "To Do" list is completed I will feel much more ready for baby. I just want everything to be perfect for our little bundle of joy! As I write Duane is finishing up the laminate flooring (what? It's only been what 2 months :)) in the nursery and once he is done in there I am going to wash the floors...and than I get to start decorating. So much FUN! This is the item on my list I have been waiting to do. My mom found us some gorgeous solid wood furniture at a garage sale, and we are going to sand and refinish it next weekend. My Dad has graciously offered to buy the crib, mattress & bedding (classic pooh)! Than we will just have to get some finishing touches. I CANNOT wait for it to be done. I have so many cute clothes that are washed and ready to be put in the dresser but are currently hanging out in rubbermaid bins. All I need now is to find some baskets for the book shelf! I LOVE to be organized what can I say!

Because I am "overweight", I am considered a high risk pregnancy so I have to see some specialist (an obstetrician & a Dr. that specializes in epiderals), I also get to have an ultra sound every month, Devon seems to hate them and doesn't cooperate very well, I guess he is facin gmy spine and makes it very difficult to get the measurements and photos they need. He is already stubborn like his Daddy and he's not even born yet! We actually had to go to UC Baby to find out the sex b/c he wasn't cooperating. Luckily they were able to tell (since we paid for that one out of our own pockets SO worth it though). Check it out http://www.ucbaby.ca/ it was a fantastic experience. They couldn't get a clear image of our babies face so we are going back for a free 10 minute session on May 6th! I will definately do it again if we have more children!

Can you tell I am a first timer? All I talk about is our baby and/or being preggers.

Four and a half months of updates

WOW! Has it really been 4 1/2 months since I last blogged. When I first started blogging I was dtermined to be one of those bloggers that ACTUALLY blogged! There has been so much going on since September...

On November 8th we all boarded the plane to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic with our immediate family and some close friends. On November 12th, we said I Do in the most beautiful place in the world, it was more gorgeous than my wildest dreams. Our family left on November 15th and Duane and I continued to honeymoon for the next week.


We had a great celebration December 1st once we returned from the Dominican, and although we were suprised with about an inch of snow and 40+ guests were snowed in and couldn't make it, we were happy to share the evening with 100+ family and friends. We danced the night away and were blessed with some out of town guests (some new family for me which I had never met before).

A few weeks later Duane and I found out we were pregnant! Although we were hoping to have children soon, it was quite shocking that we were going to have a honeymoon baby! All our family is so excited, and we have been busy getting ready for our new little one to join us (due approximately August 4th). We have an ultrasound appointment on March 26th at approximately 22 weeks where we will find out the sex, and perhaps if there is twins growing in my belly! I am about half way there now and am not enjoying being pregnant at all...I am hoping that being a first time mom is more enjoyable then my first time pregnancy!

Life is good! Duane and I are incredibly happy! We are also doing some home renovations in anticipation for our new little one! Duane as I write is pulling up the carpet and installing laminate flooring, much easier to clean, and far more sterile for a small baby to crawl around on. He is turning into quite the little handy man!

We also traded in Duanes truck (which by the way he loved) to purchase a mommy mobile for me, a brand new fully loaded 2007 Suzuki XL7. I am having an affair with my heated seats, and I am so lucky that my new husband is willing to make so many sacrifices for me and our unborn child. My trusty old 98' Cavalier was involved in a hit and run accident in January and never recovered. Duane bought a 91' Jeep YJ, and he looks like a HOTTIE driving it!

So many changes in the last few months, we are handing everything in stride and are looking forward to our expandning family.

Hopefully now, that we are getting settled into married life, and getting ready to become new parents, I will have more time to post! Wish us luck!