Thursday, September 10, 2009

Amidst the chaos....

As the summer comes to an end, my busy life just keeps getting busier.... wow. I haven't cleaned in over 2 weeks - that's unheard of for me! I haven't really seen my friends at all... We are packing, and working, and going to class, and meeting with insurance agents, appraisers and realtors, and trying to find time for each other in between. And working 8 hour shifts in a retail store (during the weeks I'm supposed to get some "Liz time") really does a number on your back. I was in so much pain last night - thank god for ibuprofen!

Amidst my busy and stressful life, I did have the pleasure of experiencing something amazing. Two weeks ago, my cousin Kati (you may remember her as my maid of honor in my wedding) and her husband Brandon welcomed a baby girl into the world, and I was honored that they asked me to be a part of it. On Friday, August 28 I got a call early in the AM that she was in labor... so I got myself ready, found someone to cover my shift at work and headed up to Appleton. I didn't expect to become a part of the whole delivery, but as Kati neared that 10 cm. mark, she and Brandon asked me to stay while she delivered. It was amazing to watch Kati bring life into the world. Being a mom already, I know the other side of labor and delivery... but to be there supporting and encouraging Kati, in a way that I know helps a birthing mother, was so awesome. Ella Arleen Stahmann was born around 5:30pm weighing 6 lbs. 14 oz. and 20 inches long (she's named after our Great-Grandma Ella and also our Grandma Arleen.) She's got a full head of blonde hair, just like Kati did. She is one of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen. Matthew and I drove up to Appleon the week after she was born to cook for the new parents and clean their house a bit... Gage and Matthew had fun playing while I helped the new mom out. Kati is one of the most laidback moms I've ever seen. She's so relaxed and calm... it's amazing to me, considering I know how not relaxed I was when Matthew was born.... I have no idea where she gets that from, since the Dhuey's tend to be a bit anxious...

As for Drew and I... we are 2 weeks away from closing on our new house. We are hoping that things continue to go well and that the sellers will be fixing everything that they said they would fix... ahem, the radon problem... We are really anxious to get in and get settled. I hate having to live out of boxes!
Drew's birthday is Monday and we're trying to fit in time to celebrate - but it's been a bit challenging with our busy schedules. Poor guy has to work AND go to class on his birthday.... Matthew and I will be waiting for him when he gets home with a fresh, homeade blueberry pie (with 28 candles!) when he gets home though :-)
Happy fall everyone.... more about the Zimmerman's soon!