More Baby Pics

We are resting at home after being at the hospital for 2 days. We were glad to have the 2 days at the hospital to get comfortable with Daraby but we are so glad to hang out in our home. It is very peaceful.


Proud New Dad! Andrew was so excited in the delivery room! He was a huge cheerleader and I thought I was going to die. Robin, our nurse, made me focus and push through the excrucitating pain. I've never had pain like that before. I can't believe I had her all natural.




Darcy and Daraby taking a well deserved rest after birth-I told Darcy that she looked like she went through 10 rounds of boxing. She popped blood vessels in her eye from pushing so hard. Darcy was dilated to 8cm when we got to the hospital so she wasn't able to have any drugs for the birth-it was all natural! So, I think she's tougher than any boxer any day:)



Grandma "Wanna" (as our neice Danny calls her) and Daraby. Her real name is Wanda



Here is us with our "super nurse" Robin. The staff at the hospital was exceptional! We thank God for giving us nurses and doctors who walked through this experience with us hand in hand and genuinely cared about the well being of us not only during the birth but also as we transition to life with a little one. A huge thanks to Becky, Shawna and Donna as well.




Our exit from the hospital- I, darcy, was so nervous to take her home. She is so tiny and fragile yet. We did make the 2 hour drive and she did great in the back seat. It feels so natural to be home and hanging out.

Daraby Ray has arrived...and changed our lives forever

Daraby's first precious breaths of life


What a perfect size: 7 pounds 15.4 ounces (we say 8 pounds) and 21 inches long


Her first bath-She doesn't like being naked or wet but after her bath she slept like a rock! We might utilize that lesson later :)


We are excited to be heading home today and finally feel somewhat rested


Daraby sleeping in mama's arms

Closer?

Dedicated Abby- nursing Jackson- she has now started producing milk.
Perhaps Abby and I will talk about breastfeeding woes.


Uncle Paul, Aunt Sandy and Family came to visit on their way to Estes Park.
Uncle Paul took the photo. I look ready to pop.


Out on a buffalo tour


Uncle Paul, Aunt Sandy, Anna, Peter, and Mark - getting close to the buffalo.


Tub Time for the buffalo!

Good Morning!
We had a busy week and weekend. On Thursday I went in for a weekly Dr check-up. So far I'm 100% effaced and dilated just past 1 which isn't much but the baby is in position. The doctor feels good about where I am and says Daraby could come anytime. My blood pressure was the best its been in the last 4 weeks. After I left the Dr's office I went shopping at Wal-Mart and promptly started having contractions. I thought I was going to be really sick and drove 2 hours home in pain. Once home, I told Andrew that we needed to get the suburban unloaded and reloaded for the hospital. Ironically, we were just getting packed and the contractions suddenly stopped. GRRRRRR! Since then I've had mild contractions but nothing else -so now we wait. My next appointment is on Friday and we are hoping that we have Daraby before then. :)
On Friday night we went into town for the new comers get together. It was a fun time to meet more people in the community and chill. It is a time for new residents to meet the community. Several long time residents organize the event so that the new comers feel welcome and knowledgeable. It really isn't a meeting but a relaxing time to chat, eat great food and hang out at different people's homes or restaurants. We are surprised to learn that several couples have retired here because they love the community. Some of them moved from Reno, Nevada and the Arizona area. In addition, there are couple more new young couples that have moved here and we are excited to get to know them better.
On Saturday, my brother- Darrell, my sister-in-law -Deb and their 6 kids came to visit on their way to Colorado Springs, CO where Dawn, my niece, is going to attend camp for 2 weeks. It was their first visit here and we were excited to show them our place and the creek down by headquarters. Although we didn't have time to look at the main herd they did get to see some of the big bulls. That night we went into town to eat at the local Cafe. It was a great time to catch up and shoot the breeze. We couldn't believe it when they packed up at 9:30 PM and drove on to CO. They needed to get there and get back to SD by Sunday night.
On Sunday Andrew's Uncle Paul, Aunt Sandy and their 3 kids came to visit from Milwaukee, WI. They are on their way to Estes Park CO. They joined us early in the morning during the church soccer camp so Peter and Mark were able to play in the soccer game. After church we drove out to our home and grilled up some burgers and BBQ. They were able to see the sandhills and went out to the far pasture to see the main buffalo herd. It is quite a bumpy and long ride out there and at this stage of pregnancy I opted out. I think they had a good time and it was very easy to have them here. We were glad they were able to stop in. We had a wonderful time with all our visitors this weekend!
This week Andrew will be working on the northern end of the ranch (by our home) so he will be able to come home for lunch to check on me. Of course we are hoping to go the hospital and have Daraby sometime very soon. I feel miserable and feel like we are as ready as can be. Let's Go! Until then have a good week and we will keep ya posted.

Anticipation!

Our neighbors are harvesting their beautiful golden wheat fields.


My neighbor and good friend Alice at Daraby's baby shower in Oshkosh.


Daraby's baby shower in Oshkosh- The ladies are hanging out and chatting.


Abby likes to chill out in Daraby's room.


View of Daraby's room- Andrew and I hung the shelf and I re-did the wood unit to put her diapers in.


The map I modge podged and hung up this week.




The cute mobile from Andrew's mom with one of his diaper pins.

Hello Everyone!
I hope ya'll are enjoying your summer! Andrew and I traveled to hospital last Monday for pre-check in and a tour of the birthing area. It was great to see the area where I will give birth. The nurses are very kind and we saw a newborn which makes me excited. We got all the dreaded paper work done and talked to the pain management lady. Later in the day we met with one of our Dr.s for a regular check up. She said all is well and I'm dialated 1 cm/ 75% effaced. They took blood samples for the pre-eclempsia. At this point, my liver and kidneys are doing well and we wait for active labor. I hope it will be soon!

Throughout the week we recieved ebay packages. I think I'm addicted to ebay and I just started shopping. I've been able to pick up last minute items for the baby and her room. It is really nice to get stuff for a lot less and I don't have to travel to the store. It is like garage sale shopping on-line. I've already bought Daraby's cloth diapers and they should be arriving today or Wednesday. We have decided to use cloth diapers- which look just like disposable ones but they wash up nicely. We'll use the disposable ones at night and for traveling. In addition I bought her diaper bag and car seat cover. I've even packed her bag and we are set to go to the hospital.

On Friday my mom drove down from SD so she could be here for the baby shower on Saturday. It is always fun to hang out with my mom and she is a huge help. We finished some of the last minute details around the house. We got the bedroom ready in the basement and even hauled the metal filing cabinet downstairs- that wasn't easy but my mom has a ton of gumption. She unloaded the drawers and just started working. I feel like everything is in order.

On Saturday we got up early and got into town for the baby shower at our church. Andrew stayed for most of the shower and the ladies just love him. We ate, had a devotional and then I opened a bunch of gifts. Ironically, I only personally invited 6 people because I didn't know how many people would want to come to the new girl's baby shower. I was surprised when I got over 21 gift bags. It is very overwhelming that the people in this community are that generous to us- when we just moved here in October and some really don't know us yet. We feel very blessed and loved. Daraby got some adorable outfits, beautiful blankets, diapers, rattles, albums, bassinet, bath towels and stuffed animals- I love the little pink horse that is a rattle. It was a blessing to see several of my country friends and neighbors at the shower as well.

In the afternoon mom and I unpacked all the gifts and washed the outfits. We put everything away and got the room ready. I can't believe how much stuff we have for one little person. That night Alan, Shelia and family asked us to go out with them to the Blind Goose- bar/cafe. The place was full of bikers and they had the jutebox turned up loud so it was hard to talk. All in all we had a great time chatting and just hanging out. I'm thankful for our relationships with our boss, coworkers and their families. I guess we think of them more as friends than anything else. Of course they are all excited about the baby and have been very supportive. Byron my co-worker even hung out at the shower with his wife Shelia. Both Shelias have been wonderful and check in on me often.

On Sunday we got up early for sport camp- Andrew taught the bible lesson and mom and I served treats. We had a good time and caught up with several people at church. I'm very thankful for all the church ladies work in putting together Daraby's shower. We may have a small congregation but it is a loving one. After church we came home ate a quick bite and then mom left for SD. It gets to be a long drive for one person but she made it home last night. I'm so thankful for all her help and support. I feel like I'm set and done nesting so it is time to have a baby. :) Who knows? Perhaps the next post will have a picture of our new addition.

4th of July Celebration

Dixie, Mom and Me chilled in the shade while watching the parade.


Collecting Candy!


A big sprayer in the parade.



Dixie, Toni, Bev, Wanda, Darcy - at Toni's Baby Shower!


Dixie, Mom and my niece Deryn at Toni's baby shower.

Are you all getting settled back in after the 4th? Vacations are always fun and hectic and coming home is always relaxing. We had a great time going back to my parent's place in Pierre. After work on Thursday we drove up to Pierre and got there around 10 pm. On Friday was the big 4th of July parade. It was pretty hot but the kids had a terrific time collecting candy and begging the big trucks to honk. The parade is always a big hit and one of my favorite events during the fourth. It's tradition! After the parade we went down by the river for a grill out/picnic. We even had smores. From there most of the adults and kids went to enjoy the huge beach and cool water. Me being the party pooper- hung out at the picnic area and watched from afar. I'm just worn out and hot from doing nothing. It is ridiculous and frustrating. That night we cleaned up and went to the rodeo and then watched the big fireworks. The fireworks were very well done and not to many kabooms which scare me.

On Saturday morning, Andrew and I went to some garage sales. He was excited to find some tools he needed and even negotiated for them. We also found a wooden stand to store my card paper in. At 10 AM Andrew dropped me off for Toni's baby shower- she was my childhood best friend. (My mom, sister and 2 of my nieces- Deryn and Dawn came as well.) It was great to catch up with people in Pierre and watch Toni open all her pretty baby gifts. She is so excited and will be a wonderful mom. Bev- Toni's mom watched me a lot as a kid and was my second mom. We had a blast growing up together. Our moms put us to work husking corn, picking potatoes, picking chokecherries and canning. We also spent a lot of time riding 4 wheelers and eating picnic lunches.

After the shower my family all got together ate lunch and then headed back to the beach. My Dad and Andrew got the Sea Doo running so they took kids for tube rides. I stayed at home in the A/C with my sister and mom. We chilled and watched the beginning of Becoming Jane- I fell asleep and woke up to an empty house. Mom and Dixie went to the beach. That night we ate and shot off fireworks in the yard. It is a bit scary with all the kids running around with punks. Of course, they lit multiple fireworks at the same time and I wondered which direction I should run when they tipped over. I like watching fireworks but everything else about them scares me.

The next morning we picked up our huge firework mess and went out to eat breakfast. Andrew loves getting the breakfast buffet. From there we went to church and then out to Dairy Queen with the rest of the family. In the afternoon we puttered about and got packed. We took a double bed from my parents and some end tables for the basement. After MUCH maneuvering last night Andrew and I got the bed down the stairs. It was a very tight fit. In the process, we saw some previous scratch marks which must have been from other people trying to get beds downstairs. It is exciting to see the basement come together even if it won't be finished by the time the baby comes.

Tomorrow Andrew and I are going to the Dr. for a checkup and then to the hospital for pre check-in and tour. We are hoping everything goes well. It will be nice to see the birth suite. I can and can't believe I'm almost done with this process. I'm so ready to get my body back but not ready to be a mom. I can't wait to drop to the floor and stand without groaning. I can't wait to wear my cowboy boots or sneakers- I didn't stretch them out and haven't worn them in months. I can't wait to stop my late night ambles to the toilet. I can't wait to sleep on my stomach and not toss and turn all night. I can't wait to ride the 4-wheeler without worrying about my stomach but then again I will probably take her riding with me anyway. I can't wait to see what she looks like. I can't wait to see what her temperament will be like. I can't wait to watch Andrew hold her and talk to her- like he does with my stomach. I can't wait to grab and hold the little leg that has been kicking me constantly. I can't wait to hold the hands that tickle my ribs. I can't wait to kiss the head that instigates the somersault crew.

The funny part- I can wait for labor- heck I could wait forever. After watching all these videos I wish Eve would never have ate that apple. :) HEEEE HEEE HOOOOOO- Andrew does the breathing techniques with me and it makes Abby bark and growl. HaHa!

I hope you had a great 4th with family and friends. Talk to you soon!

36 weeks and counting

"Baby" Our boss and family's pet deer


The yearling bulls. They are losing their winter fur.


Our barn and corrals.


Jackson and Bella are growing.


The Blue Creek 4-H competition. Andrew is on the left.

Hello!
Happy 1st of July! I can't believe it is July! We will be going back to Pierre for the fourth and festivities. My sister and her family will be there as well. Plus, Toni, best friend growing up is going to have her baby shower. We are both having girls.

This last Friday Gator, Andrew's professor and mentor, came to visit with his family. We were so glad to have them see the ranch. We ate lunch down on the creek by Alan and Sheila's home. The weather was great! We ended up walking around headquarters and to our surprise Baby- the pet deer- walked up to the house. Normally Baby doesn't come out of the tall grass when company is around. Plus she has a fawn that she keeps in hiding.

Then we all loaded up in the Suburban and bumped around the ranch. They didn't have much time so we hung around the southern end of the ranch. They were able to see the yearling bulls, burrowing owls, a few deer and no snakes. I wish we would have taken photos together. The time flew by so fast and they were headed back to MI.

On Saturday we got up early and drove into Lewellen for the 4-H competition. I got burnt while I sat and watched many of our neighbors compete. Needless to say Andrew was disappointed because him and Dutch didn't have a very good ride. We ended up going home around noon. Later that afternoon we went to our neighbor's - Bill and Adele Loring- for a neighborhood potluck. They figured we should all get together and relax without having to brand calves. They have a beautiful place and grilled some yummy burgers and hot dogs. We had so much fun talking with our neighbors and catching up on life that we didn't leave there until 8 something that night. We were plum tuckered out.

On Sunday we got up early for Soccer Camp at church. Andrew has such a fun time with the kids. As I sit in the stands I hear his voice encouraging the kids. He makes me laugh esp. when the one little kid is a wimp and Andrew just keeps being so nice to him. I think I'm going to be a tough mom. When that kid whines the entire time I have a hard time not telling him to "toughin' up!" :)

All in all I think Andrew and I are a bit overwhelmed and are trying to do a lot of things before the baby comes. At night we are continuing to watch the Lamaze and birth videos. Andrew doesn't seem to take them seriously and makes all these corny jokes about going to my special place and focusing. In the end I usually laugh at him but this birth stuff really gets him creeped out. I hope he doesn't faint right away in the hospital. By the way he hates hospitals and has a hard time when we have to visit someone who is ill. Besides the hospital part-he is doing great. Everyday he calls me around lunchtime to make sure I am resting and haven't had any pains.

Lately I've been shopping on EBay for last minute baby supplies. I think I am addicted. What a great resource. It's like a huge garage sale. Since we have decided to try the new cloth diapers (Fuzzi Bunz) we are trying to buy some lightly used ones. Our friend's Brenda and Ben use them and really like them. I don't want to be putting so many disposable diapers into the landfill. I haven't bought anything yet but it is exciting to bid and try to get a steal of a deal. I don't mind getting used stuff and will be going to garage sales this coming weekend to find things for the baby's room and basement bedroom.

As for me, I am taking it easy and feel like a complete bum. In the mornings I'm pretty nauseous and don't feel that great. I guess that is what I get for not really having any morning sickness in the beginning. I'm swelled up and uncomfortable which everyone says is normal. In that case, I would love for the baby to come sooner rather than later. But all in all, we are doing fine and anxious about the baby coming and the changes that will occur in our life.

Have a Great 4th of July!