Our X-Mas Hike

This last Sunday, the whole Baird family got together with the Boomsma family for their annual Pastors & Family Christmas day.  We then congregated at Mom & Pop Bairds home for some refreshments after church and then drove to a hiking trail by JPL for a beautiful hike.  We then came back to the Bairds and had a delicious dinner.

Here are some pictures of Ryan, Kai and I on our hike.  Please know that these gorgeous pictures were taken by Courtney Boomsma.  Thanks again, Courtney!

Ya, if I had known we were going to be taking such awesome pictures, I would NOT have worn such a loud jacket =P

Our little goober did so good - he loved being in the sling and being able to look at the nature around him.  He soon drifted off into dream land and was out like a light.  It was really cold however, so we bundled him up in the only blanket I had on hand - a burp cloth.

Other than that, life is still a mystery.  Ryan and I find ourselves asking God "Lord, what are you doing????"  Stuff still keeps coming back with the whole condo thing - I don't want to get into the details but I will say that that door just keeps opening and won't shut.  If you want more info, feel free to call =)

Ryan is doing good.  He is such a hard worker and is working diligently to find a full time position.  Right now, he is still doing his Notary business and working as a piano instructor at a private christian school and then does odd handyman jobs on top of that.  He is so good about making sure he is working hard and faithfully at whatever it is he's doing.  

I am learning everyday how to be a better GOD centered mom instead of child centered or parent centered - it's really tough though, I won't lie about that.  I am finding that my life dominating sin is anger and God is helping me to pull out those roots of anger by teaching me love, patience, compassion, HUMILITY, and kindness through the trials that motherhood and being a wife bring.

GOD IS GOOD though and I know that He still loves me even though I'm not having my quiet times like I should be and even though I consistently sin against him and my loved ones throughout each and every day.  It makes His grace so much sweeter when you look at the reality of your own sinfulness in light of His holiness.

First Cold

My poor little guy - he has his first cold.  He woke up yesterday all snuffy and making these really cute snorty noises.  This morning he was a little more congested and is now coughing.  But, in spite of it all, he still looked up at me after nursing with a stuffy nose and smiled.  He was all smiles this morning which was really weird because when I'm sick, the last thing I want to do is smile.  Shows how much of trooper he is =)  Anyway, he's been sleeping a lot which I was told is really good and to let him sleep so, SLEEP ON little one!

If any of you moms have any helpful tips on how to ease the congestion in his nose or help him feel better, please tell me - I'm new at this and don't know what the heck I'm doing.

These are from our Care Group xmas party.  Kai (on the left) and his buddy for life, Ty Brereton (on the right) hanging out, showing each other how to blow spit bubbles.  Kai had six going at one time - I  think he won...hee hee hee.

They're good sports - having to sit through the picture taking.  What kid LIKES to have their picture taken anyway???

New Update =(

Well, we're most likely not going to move =(  Ryan and I went in to sign the escrow docs yesterday and when we went in, the mortgage amount, monthly payment and down deposit had all been increased!  

Apparently, they had neglected to tell us that the program for one of the silent loans (loan for which you don't owe anything or pay back) had folded so they decided to take the amount that was originally taken care of by that loan and added it to our 1st loan - increasing it by $30,000!!! 

This in turn bumped up our monthly mortgage to $1900 in lieu of the originally proposed $1750 and increased our deposit from $9000 to $11,000!!!!  I love how they didn't bother to call us and let us know this before we drove all the way out to downtown LA!!!

Anyway, we've been spending a lot of time in prayer and have been seeking counsel from our pastor, care group leader and friends.  We are just really wanting the wisdom to discern if we should continue with this or not since Ryan is still trying to find a stable, full time job and I'm about to quit mine.  The counsel we received from Ryan's brother was really good - tell the housing association that we need to take some time to think and pray about it and we'll get back to them - in the meantime, wait until we hear back from Ryan's job interview to see if he got the job.  If he did, then proceed with signing the papers, if not, then tell the association that we will not be going forward with this.

The housing association advised us that they need to know our decision no later than next Monday and that we have to sign the papers by then if we're going to go through with this or there's no deal.  

Please pray for us and ask God to make His will clearly known to us!  Pray that Ryan does get this job or any job for that matter and that God's will be done in this situation.

We both feel really at peace about this and know that if this house doesn't work out, God has something better for us in mind =)

Will keep you posted!

Updates =)

Sooooo, "what's been happening the last couple of weeks" you say?

My Mom, Dann and the kids up and moved to Spokane WA; Kai started smiling and cooing; I've been battling Thrush (Ouch!!) and WE'RE MOVING!!!!

That's right, our 2 and a half year journey is coming to a close and we finally get to move into our new town house this Saturday =)  The housing association  called Ryan last week to tell him that they are going to try and get us moved in this week!  I then spoke directly to them this morning and the woman who's been helping us get in said she "hopes" we can close this week =( I will remain hopeful however and keep praying that we get to sign those gosh darn papers and get the keys on Friday!!!

Please keep us in your prayers =)

I DID IT!!!!

I FINALLY DID IT!!!  It's taken me all this time to bring myself to actually cutting Kai's nails.  All this time I have been filing them and all though there's less chance for cutting him, it's actually pretty tedious.  This was fast and efficient and whenever there were still sharp edges, then I would use the nail file to soften them down.

I was sooo nervous but I was able to finally do it.  And let me tell ya, scissors are the way to go.  I couldn't use the toddler nail clippers because they were to bulky and I couldn't see what I was doing.

Also, I waited until he was asleep so that I wouldn't have to fight with him in keeping his hand still.  Don't they look beautiful? =)  

Guess Who's a Month Old?!

Our little man is 1 month old today!

I am so enjoying my little goober.  He brings Ryan and I so much joy and we love to just sit and watch him grow.  He's learning so much!  He's really starting to interact with us, kicking and squirming, smiling and cooing.  He's no longer JUST a sack of potatos.  We're loving parenthood and thank God for our son every day.

My little Gooberkins!

I am absolutely loving being a mommy - especially when it's being a mom to this cute little goober - Ryan and I have gotten into the habit of calling him "Gooberkins", it's our little pet name - I love it!

(above) Baboo - means Grandpa in Swahili - their first meeting.  It was soo heart warming to see my Daddy holding the first of the next generation =)

It's definitely been an adventure learning and adjusting to living with the new role as "mom".  It's scary and wonderful all at the same time.  God has been sanctifying me since day 1 by showing me how much I need him and how much all of life is dependent on him for every breath!  

Some of my favorite things about Kai:

• He snores, talks in his sleep and smiles in his sleep - just like his mommy and daddy.  Funny story:  since Kai, Ryan has carried on "conversations" with me in his sleep while I'm up with Kai nursing him in the wee hours of the morning.  Ryan made the comments that Kai is "a key player to our team"  and he made another basketball related comment that I can't remember - I say he's been watching too many Laker games.  Anyway, like father like son =)
• He's a grunter - he grunts in frustration when he can't figure out how to latch on, he grunts in anticipation of a full diaper, he grunts when he's trying to get that darn air bubble out - via either the top end or through the bottom =)
• He's sooo kissable - once you kiss him you can't stop
• He smells so good ... right after a bath that is - any other time he just smells like barf
• When he's not sleeping, he's just sitting there, content to observe the world around him and the ones holding him
• He's ours to keep!!

The new little man in my life...

I know, I'm totally lame - I'm sorry I didn't keep you all updated throughout the delivery - for some reason I thought it was going to be easier than it was =P

Here he is:

Kai William Baird

October 29, 2008; 4:29 pm

8 lbs 10 oz, 20 inches long

Our little miracle came without induction!  Our appointment was at 5:30 am on Wednesday for the induction but he decided he wanted to come on his own.  We checked into the hospital 2 hours before the appointment because the contractions were just too intense - I was 4 centimeters - BRING ON THE EPIDURAL!!

Father & Son - swaddled and happy =)

Catching up on the daily news together

In case you're wondering, the pictures that I have of Kai and I are not that great.  They are either too revealing for the public eye or just plain ugly - hee hee hee.  

We're enjoying each other - he's DEFINITELY a sleeper.  I have to wake him up to eat and that right there has been a real challenge.  We had a rough night last night because he wouldn't latch on so he was dehydrated this morning.  I called the Pediatrician and she told me to try as much breast milk as possible than to follow up with formula to make sure he get's enough.

Please pray for us - I need the grace to be patient and not freak out when he does during the eating process.  If you have any helpful tips or advice - I am all ears!!

Love you all!

Update...

Here's an update on the baby status =)

Ryan and I went into the hospital on Sunday because I thought I was leaking fluid.  So, they check me in and strap me up to the stress test machine and the nurse goes to check me and guess what???  I was only 1.5 centimeters dilated at most!!!  HOW CAN THAT BE?! My Dr told me with a great amount of confidence that I was a 3!!!  Anyway, no leakage and everything looked great so we were allowed to go home =)

We then  went into the hospital yesterday thinking that I was ready to go in because contractions were on average about 5 minutes apart.  However, by the time we got there, the contractions slowed down and decreased in strength =(  

A different Dr (Dr. Yun) checked me yesterday because my Dr (Dr. Parks) had to go do a surgery.  So, anyway, Dr. Yun checks me and because of all the contractions, I was now at a 2 and almost a 3 - wahoo!!!  She did confirm that I was in the 1st phase of labor as I was in fact having contractions - they just weren't strong enough or close enough yet.  That and other signs which I won't say because I don't want to gross anyone out.

This morning, I was woken up at 5 am with contractions that would have pleased Dr. Yun - they hurt so bad I was on the verge of tears AND NO AMOUNT OF BREATHING WAS HELPING!!!  They have still been that strong and sometimes stronger but they're only 20 minutes apart.  So, here we go.  It's going to be a loooong day =P

So, I have scheduled an appointment to go in tomorrow (Wed. 10/29) at 5:30 am to be induced if things still haven't progressed since then.  Since I have been in labor since Sunday night, I figured - "I don't want to endure a whole week of this!  LET'S DO THIS THING!"  

Please keep us in your prayers and ask God to let everything go smoothly and that Kai is healthy and safe =)

Having Fun...

Ahhhhh, the Huntington Gardens: a place of beauty and quiet tranquility.   Ryan and I decided to take a day off yesterday and go do something fun.  Terri (Ryan's mom) was so kind and gracious to help us get in free since she's a member there.

It was a nice long day filled with LOTS of walking.  We really enjoyed the Japanese and Chinese Gardens - they are beautiful.  

This shot was from the Japanese Gardens - which was Ryan and I's favorite.

These shots were from the Chinese Gardens

Yes, Ryan is in a wheelchair - he actually got it for me after we walked through the Art Museum.  We had already been walking for about 2 hours and my legs and hips and back were hurting big time.  So, because he really wanted to see these gardens he went and got me a wheelchair and pushed me around.  It was really embarrasing but really sweet of him =)

Yup, can't wait until I can get this baby out and start walking off these pounds!

That's it for today, I'll continue to keep you posted.  Oh ya, nothing else has really happened.  Just a bunch of false alarms. =P

Comming Soon to a Baird Household near you...

You want to know when I go into labor? CHECK MY BLOG

You want to know when we're driving to the hospital and checking in? CHECK MY BLOG

You want to know the most recent happenings of the delivery? CHECK MY BLOG

You want to know the juicy details of when Kai is born, birth weight and other fun stuff?

CHECK MY BLOG

That's right, I'm going to try and do what a friend of mine did for her labor and delivery news / status. I'm going to post as much as I can while I'm going through it. And when I am otherwise occupied, Ryan will be posting information for me. This way, you all will know the details and we won't be bombarded by phone calls on that special day =)

So, for the first post, I'll let you know that I am a good 3 centimeters and experienced my first real contractions last night. They were quite painful and my sister-n-law Bethany was right, you'll know when you're having a real one when you can't talk. They were ranging from 15 to 10 minutes apart for a solid 2 hours - after that, they died down and went away - DRATS!!

This morning was pretty quiet but then I had a really good one about 30 minutes ago. Hopefully, labor will start soon =)

Keep us in your prayers!

Ahhhhhhh.... Maternity Leave =)

Good news! I went in for my weekly check up this morning and Doctor says I'm a good 2-3 centimeters dilated, baby's head is down and low (which made it hurt more when she checked me - OUCH!) and things are "soft" - what ever that means.  She didn't give me any ETA and I didn't want to ask because I don't want to get my hopes up.  I have been told that many a women have walked around for a good couple weeks at 3 centimeters so, I just want to be prepared for the long run.

Let's just say, I'll be doing A LOT of walking and cleaning =)

Well, I am so totally thankful to be on maternity leave.  For those of you who don't know yet, Ryan and I are all moved into his parents house for the remainder of our time before Kai gets here as well as for the recovery.  Hopefully, just until Ryan and I can move into our place.  The purpose being so that I can really rest and enjoy the last moments I have with Ryan one on one -uninterrupted =)

I want to give my husband a big "THANK YOU" for the sacrifice he is making so that I can be at home to raise our little boy in the ways of the Lord.  I know God is going to bless this new season as He does every season, but, it really means alot to me that you are joyfully willing to work so that I can stay home.  Thank you, my Love =)

So, here is a shot of my first project that I completed last Friday - a hooter hider =D  I'm totally excited and can't wait to use it.  I have to confess, I prayed the whole time I made it and asked God to give me a beautiful result since this project was also supposed to be cost effective.  What good would making something be if I messed it up so bad that I had to just go and buy a pre-made one???

Thank you Mom & Terri for your help and advice (and the use of your sewing machines).

My Baby Shower & Stuff!!

I was sooo blessed by my family and church this last weekend when my sister-n-law, Nicole threw me a baby shower.  2 words: God Provides!!  I was so blessed to receive everything I prayed and asked God to provide plus more.  Thank you so much to everyone who came!  It was such a joy and a huge blessing to have you there.  

I gotta get started on those "Thank You" cards =)

Here are a couple of shots:

My mom made a BEAUTIFUL quilt (I helped pick the fabrics, though) and I can't wait to wrap up my son in it!  Thank you thank you thank you mom!

Ryan's Grandma (Terri's mom) hand knitted this beautiful blanket and a pair of matching booties.  Thank you Grandma Bryant!

A onesie to make Daddy proud - it says: "Weepublican"  Thank you Bethany!

Some of my family & friends playing the "Guess Chalene's belly size game" and a game where you had to find words in Kai William Baird - My mother won -she found 71 words!!!  As far as my belly size goes - 48 inches!!! Can you believe it?!  That's four feet around!!

This is our crib that I'm opening up - Thank you so much, Dad & Jenn!

My diaper bag which was packed with goodies and a children's Bible.  Thank you so much, Michelle & Foster!  I've already packed it with everything that I need to take to the hospital for the baby.

Tomorrow I have my Dr's appointment and I'll keep you posted on how things are going.  I'm praying that things have progressed since 2 mondays ago when my Dr told me that I was 70% effaced.  I've been experiencing alot of cramping, downward pressure and strong braxton hicks to make me think that the ball is still a rollin'!

Till then, God Bless!

I'm What?!!!

Happy Baby Shower, Amber!!  We're going to miss you guys!  Here's a last shot of all of us in our final month - Michelle (left) is in her 39th week, I'm (middle) in my 36th week, Amber (right) is in her 35th week in this picture.

I am now 36 weeks this week and went into see my Dr (I've graduated to weekly appointments-Wahoo!!)  I went in with puffy eyes, no make up and frizzy hair as I had hardly any sleep last night.  That's how it is these days, not only does it now take effort to roll from one side to the other but, it's also painful - all of my lower abdominal muscles will feel totally shot and achy.  This last week was the week of happenings:  crying at the drop of a hat about God knows what, constant and even painful downward pressure, sharp cramp/pain in my left inner thigh where the thigh meets the belly and this morning, menstrual-like cramping.  I'm thinkin' "what's going on?!"

So, my doctor was just going to measure the belly and listen to the heart beat but, as I explained to her everything that I've been experiencing, she gave me a concerned look and said "maybe I should check you".

After checking me she tells me I feel pretty "soft" - what does that mean??? Is that in regards to effacement or dilation?  She then answered that it means I'm about 70% effaced already - cool!!! Fyi: you have to be 100% effaced in order to start dilating, so, in other words, the ball is a rollin! "Sooo.....does this mean I could go early???" I ask - she than cautiously replies: "well, you definitely won't make it to your due date, I'd say you'd probably go into labor in your 38th week."

To make my already long story shorter, I moved up my maternity leave to begin Monday, Oct. 6th - so, this Friday is my last day at work - yeahhH!!!

My baby shower is October 11th - hang in there Kai (literally).  Please don't come before than!

I'll keep you updated =)

35th Week Update

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to give you all the update on how Kai my guy is doing. I went into see the Dr today and Ryan and I had the pleasure of seeing his cute little face on the ultrasound. He's head down (which is great) but is facing the wrong way-away from my spine (which is not so great). We're just praying that the good Lord will turn him around before delivery so that I won't have to endure any back labor =P

He's about 6 pounds now and his head is normal size (although, from the ultrasound, his forehead looked huge). From what we could see, he is completely folded in half with his two little feet in front of his face (one foot one each cheek). He had a sad little frown, squishy looking cheeks and the cutest little chin. I had to go through a stress test prior to the ultrasound so I think he was showing his disliking to the belts that get strapped on.

Dr says that my due date is still October 30th and okayed my maternity leave to begin October 10th - I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to it! I'm praying that God will really bless it with not only alot of physical rest but also lots of spiritual rest: time in His presence, diving into His word and refreshing my soul before the next trial(s).

Please pray - there are too many things to name specifically but it all boils down to the fact that I need to be finding my joy, comfort, peace, and rest in God alone and not in what I have or don't have or where I am or where I'm not.

Baby Update - 33 Weeks!

I can't believe I only have 7 weeks left!!! AAHHH!!!! Here I am at 33 weeks:

Kai has been quite the active little guy.  Ryan and I will just sit and watch my belly for entertainment as Kai shows off his stuff - and strength.  One night, he kicked so hard that his foot popped out a good inch and a half and it looked like an alien was trying to pop out of my stomach.  

I had my Dr's appointment yesterday and she says everything looks good and healthy with the baby - he's even down in the head-first position.  It's just mommy who needs to lay off the sweets and carbs (I've gained 40 Ilbs already!!!)  It's all baby though, right??? =P

Here's my hand without my wedding ring...sniff..sniff...I've gained too much water weight to be able to wear my ring.  I bought a cheapo ring just so that I wouldn't feel so naked and like a pregnant teenager.

NEW HOME UPDATE:  

Ryan and I met with our loan officer last night and received some good news and some bad news.  The good news is: our mortgage payment is $100 cheaper than what we were originally expecting! YEAAHHH!!!!  The bad news is, escrow might not close until the end of October - when Kai's born!!! AHHH!!! But, praise be to God, we're part of an awesome church that is so quick to serve and help people move that I know won't need to worry about anything.

We'll keep you posted on both baby and home =)

Some More Shots of Our New Home =)

Okay, so the shots I put up of our new home before were professional shots that I used from the condo's website.  Here are real pictures I took yesterday of Ryan and I's unit:

Our front door =) ...it's the one on the left- #114...notice our sweet balcony =D

Our Living room - I'm taking the picture from our dinning room area.  I tried to take a picture of the dinning room as well but it came out too dark - I am NOT a professional photographer.  I can't make these pictures look good - let me tell ya =P

This would have been a cuter picture but just at the right moment, Gracie decided to brake out into jumping jacks.  (This is our kitchen)

Here is our bedroom up on the 3rd floor.  There are 2 bedrooms and a full bath on the 2nd floor but those pictures didn't come out too good.  Plus, it'll just mean that you have to come over and visit in order to see the whole place =)

The window in our room overlooks the courtyard of the complex.

I'm still trying to figure out if I should put the bed here or my dresser & mirror here...hmmm....anyway, that's all you get!

In the meantime, I'll keep you posted of our move-in date and then, the invitation for our sweet welcome home party.  It'll probably be sometime in November since I will have spent the month of October moving in and having a baby =D

Happy Birthday Kathy!

A friend of mine at church just celebrated her birthday this last week.  A whole bunch of us ladies took her out to Cheesecake Factory and had a night of fun and fellowship (and a couple of drinks for those of age and not pregnant).  Here we all are:

The birthday girl =)

Funny moment: one of the ladies, Kim Roby, called the waiter over and in front of Kathy asked him to bring over "5 hunky guys" to come and sing happy birthday to the lovely young lady. Everyone started laughing and Kathy turned bright red....hee hee hee....

Here's Kathy's reaction to the 5 hunky guys that appeared and sang "Happy Birthday" - it was priceless.  We love you Kathy!  Happy Birthday! =D