I must rave about my experience at Destination Maternity yesterday afternoon with Drew. We spent a good chunk of the afternoon at this fabulous store in Brookfield yesterday due to the fact that Drew wanted to buy me some new maternity clothes for my birthday. Taking Drew shopping is not something I look forward to... at all. I love my husband to death, but clothes shopping with him isn't something that we're "good at".
So we walk into the store and immedaitely the sales clerk asks me if I'd like some water or juice. I opted for the water. She then turns to Drew and says "and what about you, Dad, some water or juice?" With a huge grin on his face, Drew got the water too. So not only do they give beverages to soon-to-be-Mommies, they also know how important it may be to keep the Daddy's refreshed as well. (perhaps they know who will ultimately pull out the credit card?) We then proceeded to walk further into the store, and low and behold we find 4 leather chairs, parked in front of a flat screen TV turned to ESPN (They must know that on Selection Sunday, every man WANTS to be watching the NCAA's tournament matchups). With no hesitation, Drew gives me a kiss, sits himself in front of the TV (with his water and also a Men's Health magazine that the store also provided him with) and said "Have fun!" So, I'm thinking "SCORE! Drew is occupied while I wander about the hundreds of maternity clothes trying to find my perfect present. "
Every time a clerk saw me carrying something around, they immediately took it and put it in a dressing room, leaving me hands-free while I browsed. It was completely stress-free shopping! Even if Matthew had been there with us, they had a play area there with a TV turned to Nickelodeon.
As I tried on, Drew moved himself to be right outside my dressing room so he could give me his input - which was so helpful since I'm so indecisive when it comes to shopping for clothes for myself. By the end of the afternoon, we walked out with the most comfortable pair of maternity jeans (ever.), and a couple shirts.... Shopping day was a success! And honestly I owe alot of it to how wonderful Destination Maternity is and how they cater to growing families, and not just the growing Mommies. I'll definately be going back there in the near future for some more clothes.
Afterwards I got treated to a Sunday night dinner out at a really good restaurant where I ate BBQ ribs, mashed potatoes and turtle cheesecake.
My birthday week is off to a GREAT start....
Monday, March 15, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
A new journey has begun...
On a cold Friday morning in early January, I headed to the bathroom. A few minutes later, this is what we saw...
That's right! We did it! We've created a life - a new life that will be brought into this world sometime in mid-September (Right around Drew's birthday - perhaps he will share his birthday with his son/daughter?)
We are ecstatic, and I truly feel so blessed to be able to get pregnant so easily. The thing that worried me this time, was having an uneventful pregnancy. With having a miscarriage this past summer, there isn't a day that goes by where I don't worry. Every day since my positive pregnancy test, I pray. I pray to God and thank Him for the life that he has given me to grow. I pray that my little one is growing healthy and strong. And thus far, my prayers have been answered. I'm nearly 13 weeks along, and Baby Z (or "Jellybean" as Nanny has nicknamed him/her) has been growing perfectly - and just recently, I've felt tiny little baby kicks and jabs. I know it's super early, but I was reassured by my Doctor that a 2nd time mom, who is of a healthy weight can certainly feel her baby move right at the end of the 1st trimester. I remember those first kicks of Matthew's and this feels just like those - but I just can't believe how early on it is! Those feelings are very exciting, and also very reassuring too. i'm looking forward to those days when Drew and Matthew can feel the kicks too. I think it will certainly make it more "real" for them.
Below are some of Baby's first pictures from our earliest ultrasounds.
Baby at 6 weeks.
Baby at 8 weeks.
This past Tuesday, we had our 12 week appointment and we heard our baby's heartbeat for the first time. I seriously think that it is the most glorious sound, ever. Heartrate was in the 150's, which is, of course, perfect.
I have been pretty sick this pregnancy. The first trimester was filled with all-day-every-day nausea, gagging when brushing my teeth, lots of food aversions, exhaustion and constant hunger (but usually cannot think of anything I WANT to eat). All of this points to a healthy pregnancy, so that thought alone has helped me get through those tough days... because I know that it's all SO worth it in the end. I'm hoping as I hop onto that 2nd trimester wagon this week, I'll start feeling better.
So now that I've updated everyone and everyone is in "the know" I'll be blogging once or twice a week with pregnancy updates... and of course how we (Matthew, Drew and I) are all doing.
That's all for now...
That's all for now...
Love from the growing Zimmerman family!
Monday, March 8, 2010
So I can blog again!
Now that our baby news is completely out, I can blog again! I was nervous to say anything (or even TRY to write about something else) until our entire family (and Drew's work) were told. I have a feeling that this blog will turn into a pregnancy blog, and then afterwards, a baby blog. I have been keeping a handwritten journal since we got our positive pregnancy test - but most of it just talks about how sick, tired and nauseous I have been feeling. Nothing too exciting, but hopefully within the next week or two, I will start getting past all the yuckiness, and be able to enjoy the growing belly! (and oh boy, is it starting to grow!) I will blog again in the next day or two...and will post all the ultrasound pics that we've had thus far. We have an appointment tomorrow, and hopefully we'll get to hear that beautfiul heart beating!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
My wishes for the new year...
As 2009 comes to a close, I am reminded of all the good (and bad) things that have occurred throughout the last year. There is much to be thankful for, but much to be forgetten. Here are my wishes for my family for the new year... the year that I'd like to think holds alot of promise.
For Me: I wish to continue to grow our family.... Ever since I was a little girl, all I wanted to be was a mom. I have a healthy, beautiful 4 year old little boy that I love more than anything, and being his mommy has been the best gift I have ever been given. I wish to grow our family this coming year. Drew and I have come a long way this past year and have grown tremendously in our marriage and I want a baby that represents the love and committment that Drew and I have together. I also wish that I continue to have strength as I try to maintain a working relationship with Matthew's Dad and step-mom. It's not easy, but I've been told that I have incredible resilience in how I handle that entire situation. I wish for that resilience to continue.
For Drew: I wish that he continues to be successful at Marquette as he FINISHES his MBA in the fall. I wish that he continues to work hard at Artisan and create a good life for us. I am greatful everyday for the gift he gives me of being able to stay home with Matthew. Our family will only benefit from his continuous hard work.
For Matthew: I wish that he continues to grow and learn as he discovers the world around him. He is so smart and has so much potential to do great things in this world as he gets older. I wish him comfort in reminding him that he is so loved by so many people.... no matter how tough it is to travel back and forth between is "2 worlds".
For my parents: I wish them peace in this new decade of great change for them. Retirement is upon them in a couple years. As is a potential move to Milwaukee. I wish them comfort in knowing that they raised me, Jake and Sara to expect nothing but what we deserve in life.... in our marriages, in our jobs, and in our lives; but that all those things take hard work, dedication and committment. As a family, we all pull through the tough times because of the values and morals they instilled upon us growing up.
For my brother, Jake: I wish him happiness in this new year. I wish him the ability to move on and to accept the things that he cannot change. I wish him the ability to recognize the great man that he is, and move forward in his life to find exactly what he is looking for.
For my sister, Sara: I wish her the patience it takes in finding the path of a career. Let her continue to set a great example for her children as she volunteers so much of her time making a difference in her community. She will only continue to do wonderful things in this world to make it a better place for all of us.
For my sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Melanie and Tony: I wish them a year of true joy as they experience the birth of their 3rd baby in June. I wish them to continue to be greatful for the wonderful children that they have been blessed with as they expand their family this year.
For my Mother and Father-in-law, Dianna and Dan: I wish them continued health and wellness in 2010. Their outlook on life has taught me to have faith and believe that there are good things ahead for us, as long as we continue to have trust in God.
For my neices (Maggie, Julia, Ella and Aurelia) & my nephew (Joe): I wish for them to truly experience all the things that make childhood and adolescence so wonderful. Those experiences will shape who they become. I wish that they continue to make our life richer and more satisfying by just being who they are. They all mean so much to me.
For all my other family members and friends: I wish that you all continue to make decisions that will truly make your life richer and more full. Live the life that you want. Don't settle for anything that you don't deserve. Create a goal, and work towards it - be proud of who you are. Love your family and friends... and know that I am greatful for each and every one of you.
Cheers to 2010! A year that holds alot of hope....
Liz
For Me: I wish to continue to grow our family.... Ever since I was a little girl, all I wanted to be was a mom. I have a healthy, beautiful 4 year old little boy that I love more than anything, and being his mommy has been the best gift I have ever been given. I wish to grow our family this coming year. Drew and I have come a long way this past year and have grown tremendously in our marriage and I want a baby that represents the love and committment that Drew and I have together. I also wish that I continue to have strength as I try to maintain a working relationship with Matthew's Dad and step-mom. It's not easy, but I've been told that I have incredible resilience in how I handle that entire situation. I wish for that resilience to continue.
For Drew: I wish that he continues to be successful at Marquette as he FINISHES his MBA in the fall. I wish that he continues to work hard at Artisan and create a good life for us. I am greatful everyday for the gift he gives me of being able to stay home with Matthew. Our family will only benefit from his continuous hard work.
For Matthew: I wish that he continues to grow and learn as he discovers the world around him. He is so smart and has so much potential to do great things in this world as he gets older. I wish him comfort in reminding him that he is so loved by so many people.... no matter how tough it is to travel back and forth between is "2 worlds".
For my parents: I wish them peace in this new decade of great change for them. Retirement is upon them in a couple years. As is a potential move to Milwaukee. I wish them comfort in knowing that they raised me, Jake and Sara to expect nothing but what we deserve in life.... in our marriages, in our jobs, and in our lives; but that all those things take hard work, dedication and committment. As a family, we all pull through the tough times because of the values and morals they instilled upon us growing up.
For my brother, Jake: I wish him happiness in this new year. I wish him the ability to move on and to accept the things that he cannot change. I wish him the ability to recognize the great man that he is, and move forward in his life to find exactly what he is looking for.
For my sister, Sara: I wish her the patience it takes in finding the path of a career. Let her continue to set a great example for her children as she volunteers so much of her time making a difference in her community. She will only continue to do wonderful things in this world to make it a better place for all of us.
For my sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Melanie and Tony: I wish them a year of true joy as they experience the birth of their 3rd baby in June. I wish them to continue to be greatful for the wonderful children that they have been blessed with as they expand their family this year.
For my Mother and Father-in-law, Dianna and Dan: I wish them continued health and wellness in 2010. Their outlook on life has taught me to have faith and believe that there are good things ahead for us, as long as we continue to have trust in God.
For my neices (Maggie, Julia, Ella and Aurelia) & my nephew (Joe): I wish for them to truly experience all the things that make childhood and adolescence so wonderful. Those experiences will shape who they become. I wish that they continue to make our life richer and more satisfying by just being who they are. They all mean so much to me.
For all my other family members and friends: I wish that you all continue to make decisions that will truly make your life richer and more full. Live the life that you want. Don't settle for anything that you don't deserve. Create a goal, and work towards it - be proud of who you are. Love your family and friends... and know that I am greatful for each and every one of you.
Cheers to 2010! A year that holds alot of hope....
Liz
Friday, December 18, 2009
Four years ago today...
I first laid eyes on my son. Today I reminisce about all of the memories I have from that day... a day that I will always cherish. From my water breaking, dealing with the pain of labor, pushing out that beautiful boy and remembering how incredibly blessed I felt that day. December 18, 2005 was the day I became a Mommy.... the best job in the world!
This morning, I looked through all of the pictures from the day he was born. I was very emotional. I cried. I smiled. Unfortuneately this year is the 2nd year in a row where I cannot spend Matthew's actual birthday with him. We had a wonderful party last weekend with all of our friends and family in Milwaukee... so there has definatley not been a lack of celebrating. Matthew is so blessed to have so many people (and families) that love him. Today is his day... and he is spending it with his Dad and step-Mom. And although it is painful to be without him today, I have to remind myself of how blessed I am to have a beautiful, healthy, smart little 4 year old son.
Drew is taking me out to dinner tonight and we are celebrating Matthew... together.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
A little bit each day...
So, we're in! We are now officially residents of Greenfield.
Drew, Matthew and I love our new home... and even though there are still boxes on the floor, furniture in the garage (waiting for the damn carpet to STILL dry) and dirt on the floor, it already feels like home. However, we seem to be exhausting ourselves with all the things that need to be done, aside from both of us working and caring for Matthew. It's hard enough to get any cleaning or organizing done when Matthew is here... it's like I clean up, and then there's another mess to be cleaned (like with kids, right?)I would love nothing more than a day to myself to do nothing but clean and organize. But since I'm scheduled to work at the store for 40 hours in the next 5 days, that won't be happening any time soon. So I might need to learn how to not be so anal about a perfectly clean and perfectly organized house. I became that way when my life wasn't so neat and organized... I think it was my way of coping with the unorganized chaos I was dealing with... but now that my life isn't so unorganized, and things have really fallen into place exactly how they were meant to be, it's time for me to let go of some of that.
So, I'm vowing to become a wife/mom with lists... to-do lists... Today's to-do list: vaccum the carpets and wash the floors, balance the checkbook... Tomorrow: clean the bathroom and dust the furniture. My mom always told me to do a little bit each day, then you won't seem so overwhelmed.. she's right... again!
Ok, now off to do that vacuuming....
Drew, Matthew and I love our new home... and even though there are still boxes on the floor, furniture in the garage (waiting for the damn carpet to STILL dry) and dirt on the floor, it already feels like home. However, we seem to be exhausting ourselves with all the things that need to be done, aside from both of us working and caring for Matthew. It's hard enough to get any cleaning or organizing done when Matthew is here... it's like I clean up, and then there's another mess to be cleaned (like with kids, right?)I would love nothing more than a day to myself to do nothing but clean and organize. But since I'm scheduled to work at the store for 40 hours in the next 5 days, that won't be happening any time soon. So I might need to learn how to not be so anal about a perfectly clean and perfectly organized house. I became that way when my life wasn't so neat and organized... I think it was my way of coping with the unorganized chaos I was dealing with... but now that my life isn't so unorganized, and things have really fallen into place exactly how they were meant to be, it's time for me to let go of some of that.
So, I'm vowing to become a wife/mom with lists... to-do lists... Today's to-do list: vaccum the carpets and wash the floors, balance the checkbook... Tomorrow: clean the bathroom and dust the furniture. My mom always told me to do a little bit each day, then you won't seem so overwhelmed.. she's right... again!
Ok, now off to do that vacuuming....
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!
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!
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