Happy Birth Day, Eli!

Eli finally decided to enter this world on Tuesday, December 20 at 5:02 am. He was 6 lbs 13 oz and 18 1/2 inches long. I went in on Monday evening to start the cervidil medicine. My doctor warned me that it probably wouldn't put me into labor but we would start pitosin the next morning and hopefully meet our little guy on Tuesday. Well, the cervidil worked and I started having regular contractions that kept getting longer, stronger, and closer together. (In birth class they tell you that means you are in labor.) At about 2:00 am I finally was far enough along to get an epidural. It was amazing! The whole time I was in the birth room, they had a monitor on Eli to listen to his heart beat. He kept moving around so the nurse would have to adjust my monitor so we could hear his heart beat. When the new nurses came in at 3:00 am, Eli's heart beat started dropping for seconds at a time. It would get as low as 60. So the nurse called in the on-call doctor and she thought maybe it was because Eli was coming faster than expected. I was dilated to a 7, so she decided to just keep a close eye on him but to hold off on the c-section. After a little while longer she told me that she was going to call in the c-section team just in case. She checked me again and I hadn't dilated any more, so she told me that we were going to go in for the c-section. The on-call doctor told me that the doctor I had been seeing was also going to come in. That was a relief to me. I was really scared that there was something seriously wrong with Eli- which I guess there could have been- but they got me in and 10ish minutes later he was there. He was such a beautiful baby. Brent thought he looked like a Wertenberger boy. I was just so glad he was finally here and doing fine. The doctor told us that his heart rate had been dropping because his umbilical cord was above his head. So every time he tried to be born, it would cut off his umbilical cord causing his heart rate to drop. I was shocked that his birth weight was in the 6 lbs. It's a normal weight, but I was just assuming he would at least be 7 lbs. Anyway, we finally got to go to a room and I got to hold Eli for the first time. He was and continues to be a wonderful baby. He is a good sleeper and eater. On Monday of this week (when he was 6 days old) his weight was 7lbs 1.6oz. So he is getting bigger by the day! God has blessed us beyond anything we could have imagined. We both love parenthood so much and pray that we will take care of Eli the way God has called us to. 

Eli's name is just one Brent and I have liked for a long time- even before we were pregnant. Every time one of our close friends or family were pregnant we held our breath for the name because we wanted to use Eli so bad. Eli's middle name is Marion. This is after Brent's grandpa Wichert. Brent grew up just down the road from Grandpa Wichert and he passed away this Spring.

C-section time.

Getting checked out right after being born.

All bundled up!

First bath.

Koerner Heights Church Shower

Brent and I have been going to Koerner Heights Mennonite Brethren Church in Newton since August. So when they came to me and told me they wanted to have a shower for us- I was completely overwhelmed. What a huge blessing and ministry they have been to us and we haven't even been a part of the church that long. I think it speaks a lot to their ministry mentality that they were willing to have a shower for relative strangers. So thanks to all the ladies that made it happen (especially Amy, Chandelle, Shonna, Mashele, and Ashley) and to all the others that have made us feel so welcomed. 

Opening gifts

Me and my mom-in-law, Bonnie.

Family Shower in Buhler

My amazing sis-in-law, Estey, threw a shower for me a her baby nephew in November. It was a great time with both sides of Brent's family- the Willems and Wicherts. Estey had a really sweet devotional accompanied by gifts to remember important Truths, a game that involved music, and she had all the people in attendance write me some suggestions/advice/encouragement and put them all in a frame for me to reference in the future. It was so much fun to have so many of Brent's relatives there. My personal favorite moment was the game. Estey put together a play list of songs that either had the word baby or boy in the title. When she pushed play for Just Bieber's "Baby" song, grandma Willems said, "Oh, I know this one". It was so funny! Also she was a little miffed when she found out the actual title was "Baby" and not "Baby, Baby" as she had written down. Ha! Anyway, it was such a great time and I again feel so incredibly blessed by the love Estey and Brent's mom put into such a special event. 

Refreshment Table

Grandma Wichert, Aunt Faye, Aunt Shirley

Grandma Willems, Amy, Amy, Aunt Teri, Aunt Gina

Megan and Aunt Dorothy

April and me holding JJ

Lindsay, Addilyn, Chloe, Aunt Lori, Julie, Ashlyn and Shelby

Estey holding the blankie Brent's mom made for baby.

Me holding the frame holding all the wisdom from the Wichert and Willems ladies. 

Happy 40 weeks, Baby!

Hi baby. Today you have been in mommy's tummy for 40 weeks. I know you don't know what that means- but to most people that means you are supposed to come out today. Mommy and Daddy are SO ready to meet you! I guess if you want to stay in that's okay for now, but next week you are going to come out whether you're ready or not! We love you, baby. 

This was actually taken today (Saturday) which is a day after my due date. But I didn't go to work yesterday and thus did not look very picture-worthy. Still not great, but it's better than it was yesterday. Just trust me on this one. :)

Grace Baptist Shower (Tahlequah)

Also in October, my friend Jamie threw me a shower in Tahlequah. Many of the Grace Baptist ladies that were so influential in my life while Brent and I lived in Tahlequah were in attendance. The shower was at the Iguana Cafe and over lunch time. It was such a nice and relaxing time. We took a group picture at the shower but I haven't gotten my hands on a copy yet, so if you are reading this and have one, e-mail it my way. :) 

Cassy, Shawna holding Naomi, Jamie, Jessica, and Dara

Jessica, Dara, Lori, Courtnie, and Keisha

Courtnie, Keisha, Becky, and Shelly

"Take a picture of JUST ME." -Cassy

And this is baby Naomi- daughter to Matt and Cassy. This picture doesn't do her justice, but I'm sure you can still tell that she is just a precious/sweet/beautiful little girl. 

Thanks to Jamie for throwing me the wonderful shower but more importantly for being such a great friend. I don't think I will ever have a friend just like you. I miss you everyday and thank God that our lives got to cross for 4 short years. You will always be a part of my family. I love you!

Hometown Baby Shower

This is the shower that Riley (my best friend since like 3rd grade) and Rachelle (my sister-in-law since...well she's been a part of our family for forever) threw for me. Here comes the kicker- Riley and Rachelle are sisters. It's always a little confusing for people when we go somewhere together because Rachelle will say- these are my sisters- but really they're not sisters but they are best friends so they're like sisters. You see where the confusion comes in. Anyway, love both of these girls SO much and they will always be an important part of my life. This was a shower they threw for me and baby in October. They had it at the community building in Morrill and people in attendance were people that have been a part of my life since I can remember. I forgot to have someone take a picture of the people in attendance- wish I would have- but they were all people that have known me most if not all of my life. So it was a special day. 

This was the food line. There were details and decorations that were so thoughtful. You may recognize some of the decorations because they are now up in the nursery. 

I can't go without mentioning the cake pops. They were delicious, but according to Riley she is "never making them again". :)

And the gift table. That diaper cake had to have taken forever because I was the one that took it down and EACH individual diaper had a rubber band around it. I think Rach can be thanked for that. Oh, and the clothes line...so cute. Everything was just so perfect. 

And last but not least, me and the girls that made it all possible. Thank you both. I had such a great time and it meant a lot to me to have you be such a wonderful part of it all. 

Nesting

Yesterday I had my first feeling of what I think is a contraction. Maybe they would more likely be considered braxton hicks. I don't really know what it was- I'm new at this whole giving birth thing. Anyway, I had a vision (not a literal one of course) of Brent and I heading to the hospital in the middle of the night to meet our little guy. I was so excited and then I realized... my house looks like a wreck! I thought, "I can't welcome our baby home to a train wreck of a house". So today, I am doing what people call 'nesting'. Getting all the Christmas presents wrapped and finished up, doing dishes, cleaning bathrooms, etc. Thought you all could get a little laugh picturing this large pregnant woman trying to get things spotless. Now if he waits another 3 weeks to get here, then my new challenge will be keeping the place clean. Oh dear. Happy Friday!

Nursery Update

As promised, here is a nursery update. 

This is the view from the door. On the little table next to the chair, I would like to have a lamp for the lamp shade- I guess I need to make a trip to Et Cetera later this week (that's our thrift shop). Also, under the changing pad, there should be something resembling a changing table at some point (I think I may have found something on craigslist that will work). Lastly, to the left of the "Jesus Loves Me" picture (made by Riley...isn't she just the best?) I would like a white hanging shelf. The afghan on the back of the chair was made by my good friend, Bethany. We have been blessed by friends and family with many of the things needed for our baby boy. Now I guess we just need the baby to complete it. :) Oh, did you notice the curtains- I made them. Again, should have made them a little longer but I don't want to seam rip any more so I am satisfied. 

This is the view from the door looking to the left. 

 Brent's sister, Estey made the little puppy you see in this picture. Brent's mom made the little tag blanket and the giraffe came from my shower with Rach and Riley. The sheets were a little bit of a splurge I bought with a Target gift card I got from a shower. 

The baby bed. :) I sewed a cover for the baby bumper that my mom gave me. I used a flannel-ish material...never again. 

I just love how this canvas turned out. Hope you all are doing well! Updates to come- baby showers! 

36 weeks...well kinda

Well, it happened...I got behind on my blog. Sorry about that. I have been a little busier than usual, but mostly I've just been lazy. I've been working on some Christmas gifts for our nieces and nephews and finishing up touches on the nursery. (Update on nursery to come soon.) So here is my picture update of myself at 36 weeks- but I am actually just over 37 weeks as I write this so I suppose I have gotten slightly bigger in the last week. Ugh. I also had my first bought of sickness 2 and 3 weeks ago- a respiratory-something-or-rather and the stomach flu. Thankfully I am over both of these things and am feeling well other than the obvious uncomfortableness of having a growing baby inside me. Brent and I are really excited to meet our little guy and to share him with the rest of you! Hope this finds you all doing well. Near future updates- nursery and baby shower pictures. 

Obviously still have not gotten a hair cut. Also, notice my finger nails. This was after Rach and Riley and I went to get manicures and pedicures. It was FABULOUS! Thanks girls- love you both!

A Friend is with Jesus

A friend is now with Jesus. There is comfort in that, but when I think about Preston's sweet wife, Dara, and the rest of his family my heart hurts for them. Preston and Dara were one of those couples that you know were meant for each other as soon as you saw them together. They even kind of looked alike. I know I have described them before to others as "two of the nicest people I have ever met". I really mean that- they are THAT nice. The love of Christ was evident in everything they did. They dated for a long time before they were married on July 31, 2010. Preston was a 4th year optometry student (a year behind Brent in school) and we had the privilege of going to the same church as him. Preston never held back a compliment. He was always lifting others up around him and providing encouragement. Brent and I went to Tahlequah this last weekend and were able to spend some time with Preston and Dara on Saturday evening and Sunday after church. I am so thankful for this time. Preston was a Cardinals fan, so he was ecstatic his team had won the world series. In light of eternity, the Cardinals aren't really a big deal but I'm so glad he got to see them win. I will always remember Preston with a smile and a laugh that would turn his whole face red. I will also remember the gift he had of making those around him feel like a million bucks. In his short life, he has left quite a legacy that points to his Savior.  

Like most people, I never know what to do or say during such horrible times as these. I want so badly to do something or say something that will provide great comfort to all those hurting so badly, but I think the only person that can provide such things is God. I think what I can do is pray fervently, provide acts of services, and be there for the people most effected after the dust settles. 

Preston, Dara, me, and Brent at the Eye Ball 2011

Please join us in prayer for Dara, Preston's parents and brother, Dara's family, NSU College of Optometry, and all that have inevitably been touched by Preston's life. May everyone be pointed to God and his goodness. 

You may be asking yourself why I posted a picture of my refrigerator on the blog. Well I think you can classify this post under "completely random", but for some reason I was compelled to blog my thoughts as I was cleaning the fridge today. That's right, I cleaned my fridge- please no congratulations- if you knew how long it had been, you'd more likely be appalled than impressed. And along those same lines, do not be alarmed by how little real food there is occupying the refrigerator shelves. That is actually the point. 


Come the month of September, I sat down and scheduled out meals for the month and then made a grocery list to coincide with this schedule. At the end of the month I had several meals that I had not made yet. (I love when this happens because it delays my HUGE grocery store run). Anyway, I decided that we were just going to eat everything we had in our pantry, fridge, or freezer until we had no more food. Would you believe that it is October 26th and we still have some meat in the freezer and enough other things to to make meals. Granted, some of our meals are a little bit random and maybe a little scant, but by NO MEANS have Brent and I suffered on our caloric intake. In fact, we both weigh the most we ever have- blame it on the pregnancy... I digress... Anyway, I am amazed that on any given month I would have made another schedule, gone to the store and come home with a load of food to prepare for that month. When in fact, we had plenty of food to sustain us. So, you're probably still wondering...what's the point?


I think I just realized for the umpteenth time how blessed we are. Brent and I have been learning (slowly) how to live on less (again not meant for sympathy or congratulations just a realization) and God continues to provide us with what we need. 


Matthew 6:30-34 (ESV)
"But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

32 weeks down...8(ish) to go

32 weeks. It must be time for a hair cut because I haven't worn my hair down in...well...I can't even remember. Getting bigger. I'm not sure where the little man will go after this week. Feels like there isn't any more room!

At my doctor's appointment this week, Dr. Bradley told me that 30% of women go on or before their due date. So, there's a pretty good chance I have more than 8 weeks to go, but that's okay. Everything is still measuring "normal". Also, in the last two weeks Brent and I have gone to a labor and delivery class offered through our hospital. It's held on Tuesday evenings, so that's been a little difficult to get motivated to go to, but overall it's been good for us. 


I told you that I would post something that I had made. I still haven't sewn, but as you can see I have my materials. Curtains are next on the to-do list. The canvas I made is from Jeremiah 29:11 and I just really like the verse and thought it was fitting to have it in the nursery. We plan to hang it over the crib once we get it (this week). Will post updates as things progress. 

Jeremiah 29:11 canvas

Material for home made goodness. :)

Speaking of homemade goodness, I made these tonight just because I wanted to. They really do taste like Reeses. The good part is that they're too rich to eat more than one, so it's built-in self-control. 

http://www.heyjenrenee.com/2011/04/reeses-wannabe.html for the recipe

Hope you all enjoy worship in your church tomorrow!

Nursery Update

Brent finished painting the baby room last week. I think it looks great. The grey is a little darker than I imagined and the blue a little brighter, but certainly not enough to make me make him paint it again. Plus, I don't think he would! Ideally I wish the trim/closet door was white, but since we are renting we're not going to tackle that task. Also this weekend, I had a beautiful shower put on by my sister-in-law and best friend. I feel so overwhelmed with gratitude to them and to everyone else who made it so special. Thank you just doesn't seem to cut it, but for now it will have to do. I will post pictures of the shower later, but it really reminds me how close we are coming to getting to meet our baby boy. We are both so excited. 

Beautiful Hemoglobin

Today I had a doctor's appointment and it went really well. The doctor went over my lab work from my previous visit. He said that my glucose results were really good and that my hemoglobin was beautiful. That's right...beautiful. To this ever-getting-bigger-pregnant-hippo-mamma those words were welcomed with open arms. Not literally...I did not hug my doctor...but I'm pretty sure I smiled real big. Pathetic...yes. 

28 Weeks

As you may have noticed, I have been taking pregnancy pictures every 4 weeks. I can't believe a month has passed since my last picture! I had a doctor's appointment this week and I passed my glucose test! So I guess the occasional Mt. Dew has not caused me to have gestational diabetes- don't tell. From now until my last month, I will be going to the doctor every two weeks. Again, the time is flying.

28 weeks

On my last blog post I told that I was going to be trying my hand at sewing a few things for baby W. A few of you have inquired about this because I said if I didn't post anything, it was because it was disastrous. Well there still is that possibility, but I haven't started sewing yet. Brent and I have been pretty busy with the new office and so I haven't had much time to myself. The times that I have had have been spent on the couch being lazy. I know, I know but I figure I might as well while I still can. Right? Okay well I probably need to be a little more proactive. I promise to post something that I've attempted before my 32 week picture.

Also last weekend Brent and I had the privilege to act like parents to three kiddos. My brother's kids Rhett, Leah and Trey stayed with us while their parents went on a little trip. We had so much fun! I have added a couple pictures from our time. Trey is 6 months old and whenever I would feed him he would get the food everywhere! I learned the hard way and ended up feeding him in his diaper only. Rhett and Leah are 4 1/2 and 3 and were such great kids the whole time. They loved listening to the books on tape (thanks Grandma Sauce) and watching Looney Tunes. Not exactly the most beneficial/educational thing, but it worked. Aren't they so cute? I'm convinced that I am an aunt to the cutest groups of kids. Pictures of the other ones to come later. 

Prunes/oatmeal combination. 

Leah and Rhett reading a book together...with Burger King crowns on. 

Trey again. This kid has the BEST smile. I couldn't ever quite capture it on camera...but he captured me every time he smiled at me.