Learned First Lesson as a Father

Today I learned my first lesson as a father, or soon to be. I don't get good reception with my phone at work so I usually leave it on my desk (like anyone actually calls me or something). Well yesterday I needed my phone more than ever. I was in a meeting with Rolls Royce discussing our latest program for the Trent XWB engine for about an hour and a half. When I got done with my meeting I noticed I had a voice mail on my work phone and cell phone, when I logged on to my PC I noticed that I had a email from Lora that said "call me as soon as you can." I called to find out that Lora had been having some trouble with her vision. Apparently, her vision became a little blurry in her left eye sometime that morning. Not thinking much about it she worked through it. Not much time later both eyes became blurry and she was having trouble focusing. After trying to get a hold me and not being very successful she sat at work and eventually it went away. I finally called her back and we discussed the options at that time. We decided that the Doctor's office deserved a phone call. We just had our 27 week appointment on Monday and Lora had slightly elevated blood pressure that went down after she took some time to rest on her left side. She claimed it was from me driving her there but I still say that I need to practice my competitive driving if I am every going to be a professional. Back on the subject at hand, so we called the doctor's office and they said to come out and see the registered nurse practitioner. They checked her blood pressure and it was about 142/72, Lora laid on her left for a while and it wasn't coming down. After about 15 minutes and a urine analysis that showed no protein we were told to go down to Mercy (our hospital). After we got down to Mercy they checked us in and hooked Lora up to the fetal heart rate monitor and contraction sensor thingy. They also had a blood pressure monitor on her and it was showing 120/60, which is considerably better than 142/72. I guess a pregnant woman is to be concerned when her blood pressure is above 140/80 (the bottom number is more important). We were there for about two and a half hours while they did another urine analysis and blood work all with favorable results. The nurse was in contact with our OB the entire time and we were released with instructions to go home and relax for the evening and if any other symptoms arise to call the doctor immediately. So I learned a lesson yesterday: technology is not any good if you don't have it with you when people are trying to get a hold of you. You can trust me that in the next couple of months I will not be found without that piece of apple product Lora refers to as a phone with me. Oh and by the way I am supposed to put up the maternity picture. This picture is for 27 weeks. As you can see she is developing a lovely baby bump, at least I should be able to throw pads on him and let him start for Iowa this fall.

Baby Room!

Over break Chris did a great job getting the baby room painted. The first day his dad and him painted a base coat of an eggshell ivory. The next day, Chris and I measured twelve inch stripes around the room and taped it all of floor to ceiling. On the third day, Chris painted every other stripe with a darker ivory glossy paint. It turned out exactly how I imagined, and I couldn't be happier with it! The next step in decorating it will be to put oak shelves around the ceiling and put beanie buddies from when I was younger on the shelves... more to come on that later!

24 Weeks and Spoiled Already

This past week we celebrated Christmas with Chris' parents on Thursday and My parents and the Knepper family on Friday. We had a great time on Thursday cooking dinner, watching movies and opening presents for Baby Vest. Friday morning we got up early to drive to Dyersville and battled horrible roads until we got almost to Waterloo before they got better. Once we got to Dyersville, we helped Mom and Dad set up their new t.v. then went up to New Vienna to Jeff and Diane's house. After a delicious lunch of turkey and dressing sandwiches and soup, and catching up with family, we had our baby shower. We were blessed with many gifts for which we are very thankful!

Saturday morning, we went to the Racing Champions outlet. Chris found himself a couple of model race cars and we were able to pick up some more First Years goodies for the baby. Thank you very much to uncle Don who met us at the store and let us use his wonderful discount!

We decided to take I-80 home since it was supposed to be clearer for driving than I-35. Since the weather was good, we stopped in Williamsburg at the Outlet mall, where we found some more good deals on clothes for the baby.

We hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas as much as we did!

23 Weeks

Yesterday we had our ultrasound. It was fun to see the baby moving around. It yawned and even shifted the gears in its make believe car (or punched the air, but Chris swears it was shifting.) After asking them about every horrible situation possible, the doctor said that everything looked good and that there were no visible complications. We can't wait to see little CoopAddy in a couple months! Enjoy the pictures below! (If you click on them they will show up bigger in another window.) Click on the comment button below and tell us whether you think it will be a boy or a girl!

A Snow Storm at 22 weeks

On December 8th and 9th Iowa experienced a massive snowstorm or blizzard. The Des Moines metro area received over 14 inches of snow in less than a 24 hour period. It was crazy to say the least. They shut down Goodrich (where Chris works) and they suggested that we didn't travel in to work (although I had to use a vacation day) as well. Chris and I spent the day being very productive (trying to make progress in the new Super Mario Wii game). We eventually tried traveling out around 4:30 in the afternoon only to find that a few of the roads by our house were closed due to drifts, but we did make it to Sonic for my slushie craving :) We enjoyed our vacation day and look forward to next week which starts our 7 (for Chris) and 8 (for Lora) days off work. Below are a few pictures of the storm and a 22 week belly picture.
View from my office. They ghosted building in the background is only about 2 blocks away. Taken about 4:00 p.m.

This is what our drive looked like on our way home, about 5:00 p.m.

Chris standing in the snow drift that completely blocked the front door.

The front door drift from the side in day light.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

This Thanksgiving, we made the trek to Uvalde, Texas for my cousin Merrill's wedding. We left Thursday morning at 6 a.m. and landed in San Antonio at 11. We then got in a rental car and started the drive towards Uvalde. We stopped in a little town at a restaurant called Sammie's and had "Thanksgiving Dinner" Mom, Dad and I had the traditional turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, etc. while Chris celebrated with a bacon cheeseburger. After lunch we finished our 2 hour drive to Uvalde and took a nap before going to see family and friends.

Friday, we helped decorate the hall where the reception was held. We also went to a small Mexican restaurant for lunch. It was a neat experience! Later in the day, Joe and Kendra arrived and that night, we went to Concan for the rehearsal dinner.

We started Saturday by going to HEB (the Texas Hy-vee) to stock up on all kinds of South West Texas goodies. The ladies then went to the Bride's luncheon while the guys went to the Groom's luncheon. It was a good time! The wedding took place at 4:00 and it was beautiful. The reception was also beautiful, it's amazing how fast you can transform an empty morton building into a beautiful reception hall! Dinner was delicious, I don't think I've ever had fajitas that amazing!

On Sunday morning we had breakfast with Joe and Kendra, and started our long trek home.

All in all, it was a beautiful weekend full of family and friends. I think Chris had a great time, and fell in love with South West Texas.

This morning Chris had to get back on a plane (about 12 hours after he got off the plane), to go to Jacksonville, Florida for work. I'm sure he will be completely worn out by the time he gets home on Wednesday! The girls and I wish he was able to spend more time at home before having to leave.

Week 17

I meant to upload the blog last weekend, but it was a busy weekend. Mom and Dad had last Friday the 6th off due to conferences and ultimately the Toy Show, so they came down to visit. Friday, Mom and I did a little bit of shopping for clothes for Dad, maternity clothes for me and shoes for Mom.

On Saturday, Mom and I along with Chris' mom Marcia, went to the Ankeny craft shows (at the grade school and high school, we didn't make it to the middle school) we also went to Treasure House in Ankeny, where Mom bought a present for the baby. Its first tackle box. It comes complete with a stuffed fishing pole, bobber, bait bucket, worm, and fish! So cute, I think Grandma Tomas would have even enjoyed it!

When we were finished shopping, we went back to the house to find Chris and Bob cleaning the garage! It's amazing to have a three car garage, that looks like it is a three car garage! Plus now the snow-blower is easily accessible; although, I really hope we don't need it any time soon!

Saturday night, all 6 of us went out for dinner at Bandana's BBQ. After dinner, we took Mom and Dad to Sam's club to get some new luggage for our trip to Texas over Thanksgiving. I still can't believe we are almost to the holidays already!

Sunday after church, we went to Jade Garden for lunch, then Mom and Dad took off for home. It was a very busy weekend with lots of shopping and good company!