Roller Coaster

On 99.99% of occasions I would say I absolutely love roller coasters. Emotional roller coasters, on the other hand I have turned out to not be a fan of. If you ask Chris he might say I've been on an emotional roller coaster for about 9 months now, but to me it all started September 30 at my last OB visit. I had originally gone in thinking,"wouldn't it be great if they induced me tonight?" Then we found out that my blood pressure was extremely high and we were sent to the hospital to have everything watched. I thought for sure they would just induce me while we were already there, but someone up there had a different plan for us which turned out to be a better plan. The next night we got word that Chris's 40-year-old brother Clint had passed away. This came as a total shock to us all seeing as how he was training for the P.F. Chang's marathon and had just run 10 miles on Saturday and was out running when he had passed. As of now they're saying it was a heart attack, but the official results from the autopsy have not come back yet. 39 weeks and 5 days pregnant and then this. I was a total wreck. Needless to say, we spent most of that night and the next day at Clint and Jackie's house with all the family trying to make sense of things. It was when the funeral plans were being made that I realized that I was scheduled to go into the hospital Sunday night and be induced Monday morning which meant I would miss everything. So I called my doctor to see if I could change things up a bit so that if nothing else I could be there for the funeral, and luckily she was more than willing to work with us on that. We went in Saturday night and I was induced Sunday morning at 6:30 am. By 1:02 pm we had our 8 pound 3 ounce 21 inch long bundle of joy.


Emotional roller coaster may not even begin to describe the overwhelming amount of emotions. But through the lowest of lows and the highest of highs, we all were brought back to the realization that all that matters is family. That week brought everyone (not only in the Blaser family but also on my side of the family) closer together and made us all realize how fragile life is and how important it is to make sure the loved ones around us know how much they are loved.

A Few of My Favorite Things

The joys of pregnancy come from the small and most simple things, yet seem so profound and exciting. These joys include (but are by no means limited to):

• Rylee's constant movements (even though some times cause pain, moving is a good thing!)


• All of the cute little socks and outfits that are now washed and put in her dresser.


• The absolutely adorable shoes and boots (thanks to my sister Brook) she will get to wear.
  
  

• The cute and fun baby toys.


• The collection of baby feeding items in our kitchen cupboard.


• And the softest blankets in the entire world!
  
  
  

I simply remember a few of my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad.

CRAZY

Chris has wanted a dog since before we were married. Do not even ask me why the thought even entered my mind at this point in our lives, but I thought it would be cute to get him one for his birthday (which was last month). And although I am someone that used to think it was absolutely rediculous to fly a dog in from anywhere, I am now one of those who has picked up a puppy at the airport. Chris thought we were going together to the airport on August 8 to pick the little guy up, but I surprised him and brought the puppy home on the Thursday night before. Some of you may not know, but Chris does not show his emotions on his sleeve at all and hardly ever gets excited. He is also nearly impossible to surprise. But check this out....

I think he was surprised, and he is actually showing emotion. And it is all over him. I absolutely LOVE that picture.

After having the puppy (which we named Cooper) for over a week now I am starting to feel overwhelmed simply with the thought of the puppy and the baby at the same time. I only have about 6 weeks until my due date and Cooper is so so far away from being trained.

But even with the messes in the house, the terrain markings left on the floor, and the uncoordinated long-legged animal running around in all his energy...I have to admit he is one of the cutest little things ever! And after all is said and done, he really is a sweet dog.

And he is such a cuddler.


Now he just needs to be trained. Wish us luck!

What Used to Be...

Preeclampsia. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation it is a disorder that occurs only during pregnancy and the postpartum period and affects both the mother and the unborn baby. Affecting at least 5-8% of all pregnancies, it is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision are important symptoms. This is a very serious issue and something I am glad I ended up not having. But traumatizing none the less to have to go into the labor and delivery to be monitored and checked out. While swelling and headaches are important symptoms, I have both and still do not have this. Lucky for me however, I get to flaunt my lovely cankles and (mostly swollen feet) which seem to inflate after standing for any longer than 15 or 20 minutes. But on the bright side...no preeclampsia and no bed rest! Thank heavens!

Honeymoon feet and ankles:


8 month pregnant feet and cankles:


This has already been quite the experience, and I know there's only more excitement and unexpected things to come.

Life Lesson: Enjoy what you have while you have it, because it may be gone before you know it.

What Growing Pains?

As you move through different stages in life, you realize that you change and adapt to what is going on. Today was one of those moments when I realized Chris and I are getting "more mature" and adapting to the responsibilities of being home owners and soon-to-be parents. I ordered a vacuum last week and Chris has been so excited to get it. Keep in mind, this is no average or ordinary vacuum. It is the Dyson DC28 Animal.

Today we drove home and as we drove in front of our house he saw a big box and started shouting "Let me out! Let me out! Let me out!" He gave me just enough time to bring the car to a stop so that he could jump out and grab the vacuum. It was absolutely hilarious. Welcome the Dyson Animal with the Air Muscle. Our carpets are already cleaner than they have been in the last 3 months. Ah...the joys and entertainment of growing up!