Chicago!

I've been extremely stir crazy.  This whole "let's pretend like it's spring and then snow, and more snow, and more snow" is just annoying.  I'm done with winter.  Thankfully, we have warmer temps coming our way - or at least high forties/low fifties.  At this point, I'll take it.

Since Zoe and I are home all day by ourselves, I decided to see if Kate would mind a visit from us!  So, Zoe and I packed up and made a mid week getaway to Chicago.  We left Tuesday and came back Friday.  I was a little nervous about the car ride since I'd be by myself, but she did great.  There were some bouts of crying, but she eventually fell back asleep.  We made one stop both times to eat and that was it.  

The Hanson girls are so cute, and Zoe was just enthralled by all the action.  Thanks again Geoff and Kate for letting us crash your house for a few days!! :)  We had so much fun!

Annie showing funny faces to Zoe in the mirror.

I guess Zoe didn't want to smile :)

She soon spit up (or drooled as Lauren called it) :)

All of the kids were fascinated by this ball toy.

Road Trips!

To try and help pass the time this winter (have I mentioned how by now, I HATE winter??), we've taken a few road trips...

First, Aaron had an unexpected trip to Cali for work for a few days.  He was actually so close to my BFF and her husband.  If I could have found a last minute babysitter, I definitely would have tried to go with him.  Since I'm usually counting down the minutes until Aaron gets home from work every day, I knew that I needed to go somewhere the days he was gone.  So, we called Beeba and Grandpa and asked if they'd like a visit!  We were already planning on coming the following week, but as if they would ever say no.  So, Zoe, Wally and I packed up and headed to Rockford for a few days in the middle of the week.  

Sink bath!  And she could care less that her hands taste
like soap.  Her hands are in her mouth CONSTANTLY.

My head itches!!

She is OBSESSED with crunching.  She does crunches
all of the time when she's laying down.  I wish I was that
motivated :)

Next, Zoe and I headed to Bay City to spend some time with my college roommate and her little girl, Grace.  We had so much fun and I'm so glad we were able to get together and catch up.  I can't wait for warmer weather when we can get together and let the girls play outside.

Again, with the crunches.  I probably should have propped her
against Grace for a better photo.  Oh well :)

Then it was back to Rockford!  My dad had a retreat, so my mom and I made it a girls weekend.  We drove over a few days early, and Zoe and I made cookies for Grandpa.  She didn't last very long even though I kept telling her how fun it was and that she'd eventually love the taste of cookie dough.  We visited with Kelly and Luna for lunch one day and met Nana and Grandpa for lunch on Saturday.  Beeba was more than happy to watch Zoe during her nap while I went and used my gift certificate from my BFF for a mani/pedi.  It was so nice to get out of the house and not worry about schedules and just sit and relax and be pampered.  Thank you again Steph!!

No judgements on the placement of her bouncy.  She was strapped
in and I was literally one inch from her at all times :)

Whew...what a crazy February!  And now we have nothing planned until April.  I know Aaron is excited for us to be home :)

2012 | A Year in Review

I've seen a few of these posts this week and thought it was a neat idea.  So here goes...

January  We rang in the new year with friends at a club in Ferndale (my how this New Year's was SO different :) ).

February  I turned 29 and had a "Super Lauta" super bowl party, and most importantly, we found out we were expecting!!

March  We had crazy warm weather here in Michigan.  And we got to see our Little Miss on the ultra sound.  I can't even describe the relief I felt when we found out it was a healthy pregnancy and Zoe was right where she was supposed to be.

April  We finally shared the news with family and friends.

May  Aaron, my mom, and I ran/walked the River Bank Run.  I made my way to Cali to visit my BFF.  We had so much fun!

June  Aaron and I went on vacation which turned into a stay-cation.  We made the best of it :)

July  I got a new car.  And more importantly, my brother got married!  My BFF surprised me and came to the wedding :)  Best surprise ever!

August  My cousin got married and we had our first shower.

September  Our friend's got married and we had our second shower.

October  We finished the nursery, and right at the end of October, we finally got to meet our little girl.  Zoe Louise made her debut on October 28.  She is by far the best part of 2012 :)

November  Zoe had lots of visitors and we made our way back to Grand Rapids for her first Thanksgiving.

I think I overdid the red eye removal on this one :(

December  Zoe celebrated her frist Christmas!!

2012 was amazing.  I really don't know how 2013 will be able to top it :)  I can't wait to see what's in store.

They Say It Takes a Village

I love being a mom.  Zoe is the most amazing little human being, and I can't believe that she's ours.  I'll do just about anything to see her little smiles and those cute stretches she does when she's first up for the day.  So incredibly precious.

But this mom gig?  It's hard work.  Quite possibly the hardest thing I've ever had to do.  I know we are incredibly blessed, but it doesn't mean I can't have my bad days.  Because I'm human, and I do.  And it doesn't help that it's slowly moving into winter which means we are stuck inside unless I can come up with a random errand to run.

Thankfully, I have the most amazing people surrounding me.  Aaron has been incredible.  He knows I'm home all day by myself and need a break sometimes at night even though he then doesn't have a chance to relax after work.  He's listened to me cry about everything more times than I can count.  My mom, my best best friend, her older sister, and everyone else that calls, e-mails, and texts to check up on me.  I definitely couldn't do this without the love and support of so many friends and family.

Earlier last week, my best friend sent me the perfect article about being a mom and the good and bad days which was so perfect.  And Saturday, we got out of the house and went to visit with friends.  Many of them are moms, so naturally, the women were chatting about how things were going, etc. and I was honest about how it's tough sometimes.  As one girl was leaving, she gave me a big hug and said, "You're doing great."  And I really needed that then.  I know that Zoe loves me and I'm doing the best I can.  But it's nice to hear it from someone else too.

So thank you to my village.  While my "village" may not all be in my immediate area (reaching all the way to Cali), I'm lucky enough to have the best people in my life.  I love you guys!  Now if only, we could work on getting everyone living near each other again ;)

Weekend

And...Beeba was back!!  I honestly need to break this habit of having her come every weekend.  She has completely spoiled us.  But I enjoy her visits too much to stop asking her to come.

Before Beeba arrived, Wally wanted a little Zoe time himself.  He's been VERY interested in her.  He loves licking her toes.  I keep that to a minimum though.  Future BFFs??

Beeba came after work on Friday.  We ordered pizza for dinner and she and Zoe enjoyed lots of snuggles.

Beeba experienced her first full bath on Saturday before our visitors arrived.  She was convinced Zoe wouldn't cry since she didn't when she washed just her hair.  Umm...chica HATES being naked and naked and wet?  Yeah, worst thing ever.  She screamed the whole time.  Daddy even broke out the new tub since her cord fell off last week while Beeba was here.

During the day, Zoe had several visitors.  My friend from college made the trip down from Bay City to meet Little Miss.  Beeba and Daddy watched Zoe so Jenny and I could get out for a quick lunch.  It was so nice to catch up.  We don't get to see each other nearly enough.  (I didn't get a pic of Zoe and Jenny together...she'll just have to come back so I can snap one later on!! :) ).

My BFF and her husband also stopped by for a few hours.  They were both in town for the holiday and stopped by.  It's been so nice seeing them so much!  If only I could see her every day.

Beeba, Aaron, and I went out to dinner on Saturday with Zoe.  We then enjoyed a quiet evening at home while Beeba continued on with her hat making.  Sunday, Beeba and I went to Meijer and planned to run other errands, but Little Miss needed to eat so we came home to relieve daddy.  Daddy also busted out the Bjorn.  She loved it!  I may need to bust this out during the week so I can get things done while she naps.

My mom mentioned her and my dad moving to a condo or new house.  Are you guys sure you don't want to move over to Detroit???

33 Weeks: Durian

Note to self, this shirt makes me look way bigger then I think I really am!
And yes, I now have an "outie."

How big is baby: Baby is the size of a durian (what is that?) this week 17.2-18.7 inches and 4.2-5.8 lbs.  According to our u/s yesterday, baby weighed about 4 lbs. 12 oz (52 percentile) so right on track!

Stretch marks: No.

Sleep:  Still waking up all the time.  Hip pain.  I've also been having more dreams of the baby actually being here.  Let's not make an appearance yet, we still have a few things to do before we're ready!    

Diet/Cravings/Aversions:  Fruit and sweets.  

Exercise:  Walking when I have time.  Work has been kicking my butt!

Gender: We'll find out in October!  

Movement: All the time.  And sometimes painful!  Aaron got to feel the baby in crazy action this past weekend and was shocked at how strong the kicks have gotten.  Future soccer player like daddy??  

I was completely wrong on positioning too.  I thought for sure baby was laying sideways based on where I've been feeling movement.  Turns out baby is head down and getting ready for his/her debut!  Now, I have no clue what body parts have been jabbing me in certain spots :)

The belly:  Definitely there.  And an outie belly button.  It was only a matter of time.

What I'm spazzing about:  Nothing really this week.

What I'm loving:  Getting the nursery more ready.  Making our final to do list (I love lists)!  And having only 7 weeks left (less than 7 now) :)

Symptoms:  Sore hips at night.  Heartburn...mostly just reflux right now.  Terrible back pain at work.  Numb patch at the top of my uterus.  Some cramping which the doctor said was normal since my uterus is growing.  Pretty much all the same as last week.

What I'm looking forward to:  Getting to meet this little baby.  Seeing him/her on the u/s, and so big this time, really got me even more excited :)     

Best moment of the week:  Our baby shower!  And getting to see so many friends and family :)  Oh, and how could I forget!!  Seeing baby yesterday :)  This is just an iphone picture so not the best quality, but you get the gist of it.  I think Baby might have daddy's nose?  We'll see!