The Wilson Family is Growing by THREE!

Grow #1) Jammie (my lil' sis') and Shane got engaged last night. We all knew it was coming, but I didn't know quite when. Why December 27th for the engagement? Nothing special, just that Jammie wasn't expecting it! Shane put together a slide show/video pictures of their last 1 1/2 year together and the last slide popped the big question - and he knelt down with her new, sparkley ring. What are the plans? They are planning on a small, local wedding for family and best friends. When are the plans? Pretty soon, it will probably be Emmy Lu's first visit to Grandma (Me maw) and Grandpa Wilson's house.

Grow #2) Shane's daughter Madison will "officially" become part of the family. You can see from the Christmas pictures that she struggles to get along with everyone (hah!) :)! So, she will become grandaughter, niece & cousin.

Grow #3) Emmy's cousin will be arriving sometime around July 23rd! Yes, Jammie had pictures of her little, healthy peanut to show us all at Christmas. We have known since Thanksgiving, but she wanted to make sure everything was OK with the ultrasound.

A few pics from Christmas

Merry Christmas!

I am going to share a few pictures from Christmas. James got me a new camera, so I am still learning how to use it. I also have not edited any of these...so excuse the photography job! Just enjoy!

Maddison stole the show on Saturday night. We celebrated Christmas with her that evening. She had a blast opening her presents and especially loved her musical toys from Auntie Becky and Uncle Matt.

(No Personality!)

Here is baby Austin. James and I visited with him, Kelli and John on Sunday afternoon. He was awake when we arrived and then fell asleep for the rest of the time!


Here is Boscoe, one of Becky's dogs. All of the dogs had fun out at the lake house.

Here is Becky's other dog Sasha. She is the "puppy" that Becky got a few months ago. We thought Disney and her were going to be best buds. Nope, Disney was very protective of me. Turns out, Daisy and Sasha were the ones running all over the yard together.


Here are Daisy and Disney with Prego Momma!


Just Disney!


And finally, here is James playing with some of his Christmas presents on Christmas Night.

Merry Christmas

James and I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas. We started our holiday celebration when Mary and Jimmy visited last Thursday. They stayed until Saturday morning. We all woke up early on Saturday morning to start our next journeys. Mary and Jimmy drove up to New Jersey to spend Christmas with Courtney and Clay and will visit Gram and Pa in Savannah on their way back home to Texas. James, Daisy, Disney and I packed ourselves up and headed up to Azle. We celebrated Christmas and I was able to meet baby Austin Swientek!

James had to work this morning and I am 'working' now. I have a few work projects I need completed before I go on maternity leave (I plan on working up until I go into labor, so I can have as much time at home as possible). I have a few projects at the house that are going to take some time as well. Emmy's room was the temporary Christmas center. Now it is time to focus on preparing for her arrival. My mom is coming to paint the nursery this weekend. Since I can't be around all the fumes I will work on washing all the cute clothes, blankets, sheets, towels, etc. she has received (and the one's that I couldn't resist buying!)! We have most of the essentials such as car seat, furniture, inital stock of diapers, etc. There are still a few things related to feeding, comfort and entertainment that James may be running to Target or Babies 'R Us for if she decides to come early!

What is going on with the baby? I have a little less than 6 weeks to go until her due date. She is getting really big and strong. She loves music! On several occasions, she has REALLY started moving around when hearing music. Last night she was putting on a dance recital for her Daddy - I was playing her Mozart! She also loves the sound of her Uncle Matt's voice. This weekend when he was really into a story she was really kicking and responding. I have a Dr. appt. tomorrow morning. They have to run a 'strep' test - if it is positive I will get an antibiotic during labor. They are also going to make sure she is not breech (maybe this is 36 weeks). I am pretty sure she is kicking into my diaphragm (or she has really strong arms). I will have another appt. in two weeks - early January - and then I start my 1 week appointments.

It is hard to believe that the time has gone by so fast! It seems like yesterday we were at Courtney's wedding and telling the Dubuisson's OR leaving out of DFW for Hawaii and telling the Wilson's. James commented last night that we have been going non-stop. Which is pretty much true. In the last nine months we have really only had about 4 weekends to do things around the house since the summer. I just hope she gives us some time to get everything in order so we can follow the advice of our birthing teacher, books and friends - which is sleep with the baby when she is sleeping!

I have plenty of pictures to post, but they will come later. I need to get back to my 'work' projects!

7 Days Until Christmas

...and I am really behind. I haven't mailed out Christmas Cards. I have purchased them but they are going to become Happy Holidays/Happy New Year cards. I can't imagine what next year is going to be like with a 10-month old crawling around?!?! I thought I was doing good with my Christmas shopping, but now I don't want to fight crowds. Plus, I am "creating" a few presents this year and they are not complete. So some people will be getting late gifts! I already warned Grandma!

Well, I will post more before Christmas, but Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year to you all!

Wednesday's Birth Class

A couple of you have asked about how birth class went on Wednesday. We started class with our breathing/relaxation techniques, which I enjoyed more. She had been ending (9:00-9:30) with breathing/relaxation, but I think I was just too tired (James, too). James did not fall asleep. The annyoing girl, wasn't so annoying. I think she was being induced today, so maybe reality was setting in. The most exciting part - next week is our last class! I think I will do a recap of what I have experienced because I don't regret going. I can't say I "enjoyed" it or that I "learned" a lot, but it has helped in my reflection of the birth process and has helped with questions to ask the doctor.

Babies Everywhere! - Another Welcome

My cousin, Lisa, had her baby girl yesterday.

"Torie"

Vittoria Ann Kates

12/12/2007

6 lbs 13 oz.

21 inches long

I have a picture on my phone. Will share if I transfer or if I get an email picture!

Is there some sort of "ol' wives tale" about your month and day matching? She was born on the 12th day of the 12th month. Her cousin (my sister) Rebecca was born on the 11th day of the 11th month. Maybe Emma Lu will shoot for the 2nd day of the 2nd month???

Have to Share!

I have to share a few things from Emma Lu's future friends. First, check out how cute Millie is! They had what "us Texans" would call a Wintry Blast.

WELCOME AUSTIN MATTHEW SWIENTEK!

Second, Austin Matthew was born on Saturday evening.




December 8, 2007
7 lbs 13 oz
20 1/2 inches long



Kelli and John (Mommy and Daddy) are doing good (but tired!). I can't wait to meet Austin when we visit the Bedford area for Christmas!


We had a good time in Laredo over the weekend. We ended up driving down on Saturday because we were to tired on Friday. We had a nice visit with Courtney and Mary is recouping from her surgery. James and Courtney made some of their traditional holiday foods for dinner on Saturday. On Sunday, Mary and I watched TV (aka took a nap) and then we watched two movies. We didn't leave Laredo until 7:00, so we got home around 10:30 on Sunday. Although it was a late night for us, there was a lot of relaxing over the weekend.

Heading for the Border

We are leaving tonight for Laredo. Mary had surgery this week and Courtney is in town from New Jersey. The plan is to visit and relax. Sounds good to me! Have a good weekend!

Kelli and Kelly

My friend Kelli is expecting her first baby at anytime. Kelli has been on bedrest since she was 27 weeks and has finally been taken off her meds and was given permission to move around! She was so excited - the couch and bed can only be so exciting for 10 weeks. I went and saw her before the shower in Bedford and we got a few belly shots (and no, not the fun belly shots!). The next time (Christmas) I see Kelli and John they will be parents. Their nameless little boy will be here before we know it!

Welcome Andrew McClain

My friend Kristi had her 3rd kiddo on November 20th.

Andrew David McClain

6 lbs 9 oz
19 inches
11:42 am

Andrew has an older brother, Wyatt, and an older sister, Maddi.

Proud Daddy is Jason.

Throat is Better

Well, the prescription the NP gave me must be working. I woke up this morning and was able to swallow! I also didn't hesitate to drink my OJ - which I avoided because of the acidity the last two days. The pharmacist warned me not to take the medicine too late because it could keep me awake. Well, guess what, all I want to do is sleep. This could be due to other things: exhaustion, the weather, pregnancy, etc. - but I will blame the meds.

Birthing class, we were once again late, but I think everyone understands that with a working schedule, it is hard to get home, change and eat, and be at class at 6:30. Even after yesterday's posting, I thought about "skipping class." As we were walking into the hospital, James was still trying to convince me to skip. Being the OK student (remember I was late), we still went and I am glad. Yesterday was the "tour" of the maternal child health unit. We spent a lot of time in the birthing room and the teacher told James what he was allowed to touch and not touch in the room. We also had a "new" couple that joined us. Last week we were all able to joke around and have a normal conversation with the couples. Well, this couple hesitated signing up because they would miss teaching their youth group. OK, James and I had talked about how surprising it was to have the class on Wednesdays because of church conflicts, but this is the birth of your first child! Then she proceeded to inform the class how bad epidurals were - I am going to go with my Dr's advice there. THEN she proceeded to tell me in the bathroom how bad C-sections were and how she was praying to God that she doesn't have to have one. This one put me over the top! I am glad that we live in modern day society, if something is occurring with my body or Emma Lu, I trust modern science and will gladly take having a C-section over risking OUR health!

Something funny did happen in class that is probably worth posting. From 9-9:30 we work on "relaxation." We are supposed to bring pillows and blankets - and we set up pallets. The "relaxation" is really breathing and reminds me a lot of yoga. I had to fight to keep myself from falling asleep - so does this mean the relaxation worked?? James apparently did not want to fight falling asleep. I woke him up four times. I was really trying to get him to roll over because he was starting to SNORE! James is really not a snorer at home, but I guess because he was laying on his back that his breathing process was different.

Next week...we talk about the drugs!

Strep Throat Scare

I went to the Dr. this morning because I was scared about a sore throat. I woke up yesterday, not able to swallow, but went on with the day hoping it would go away. Well, this morning it was more intense. There was no temperature, so I didn't THINK it was strep, but wanted confirmation. She confirmed that my throat is red and irritated but the strep test was negative. The theory is that I am having some drainage that is causing irritation to my throat. She prescribed an antihistamine/decongestant and I go back on Wednesday (for a regular 2-week check up). Hopefully, my sore throat will go away. And yes, I confirmed that it was OK to go to the Childbirth Class tonight, so James is annoyed that we are going.

Marriage Retreat Flashbacks

Well, it has been a week since the last post and that means we go to our Childbirth Class again tonight. James is not excited - he does not want to go, but I am making him. Last week, we did have flashbacks to our marriage encounter. When the good ole Catholic Church "taught" us about natural family planning, they showed us a video of couples that used nfp. We were cracking up, out loud, because the couples were so dorky about the mucous testing, temperature testing and the such. They talked about how it strengthened the relationship. Well, last Wednesday, they showed a video of a "birthing" story, and we were once again laughing out loud. Problem: in marriage encounter there were at least 15 couples, in birth class there are only 4 couples. I don't know that the teacher appreciated why we were laughing. Wish I had something more exciting to report. Maybe something will sprout up tonight to share.

30 1/2 weeks

Well, it turns out that I am 30 1/2 weeks according to the Dr. I am not sure how I got behind the 1/2 week, but not a big deal. So I whined and complained and she said yes, everything is normal. So, I guess I have to get in the mindset of getting over it. Classes are finished on Monday, so I think that will help a lot with my mental health.

Tonight we start our Childbirthing Classes. I will keep you informed on those. I think that some parts will annoy us and some will be beneficial. James is not looking forward to it...his biggest complaint is that the class goes past our bedtime (are we old or what?)!

Growing Pains

I am 30 weeks tomorrow, and I am feeling it! I have been in a pretty "complainy" mood. When people ask how I am feeling, I don't just say "good" and smile anymore.

I think she is sitting breech right now, which will cause more pain in the rib cage (according to the books). This started happening over the Thanksgiving weekend, plus now when she moves I feel it on the top and bottom, versus on just one side. I have also had a lot of "pulling" pains when I stand up. At first I thought I was just standing up to fast, but it happened last night when I was conscience of my "speed." Well, there you have it, my moaning and groaning! I go to the Dr. tomorrow, so I will ask her about my aches and pains, but I am sure it is all just a part of the pregnancy!

Beat the Hell Outta t.u.!

WHOOP, Aggies!



We watched the game at Becky's house with the family. James made a big pot of Gumbo as the game day meal. It was an exciting and surprising game. It will be interesting to see how the search for the new head coach goes!

Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving

Every year the Wilson's participate in the Fort Worth Turkey Trot. Normally, Jammie and Our Mother walk the 5k and Becky and I run the 10k. I missed out last year because we celebrated Thanksgiving in Laredo (but I think I still went out to run). This year Becky and I both walked the 5k. Emma Lu and I have been walking, so this was suitable for us. Becky tore a muscle in her back and has really cut back her workouts. So, this year, the Wilson girls crossed the finish line together. James and Shane ran the 5k-it was cold and they wanted to get to the coffee faster.

After the Turkey Trot, James and I ate brunch over at Becky's house. We made it back before the end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and we were able to wave to Santa. Becky and I then tortured the boys by postponing the start of football - yes, we watched the Dog Show and the Australian Sheppard won Best of Show. This is exciting because Daisy's momma was an Aust. Sheppard.

We had dinner at Becky's house. Prior to dinner there were huge snowflakes falling from the sky in Bedford! James and Matt fried a turkey and Becky oven roasted a turkey. I brought the cranberry sauce, made sweet potatoes and Polish Kolaches (the Lukaszewski recipe). Everyone else (our family and Matt's family) brought their selection of dishes, so there was a variety for the Thanksgiving dinner.

Can you see the snow?

Becky and Matt are Engaged!

Matt proposed to Becky (Rebecca) on 11-10-07. They went out for her "birthday" dinner where Matt made special arrangements with a local steakhouse. On the table was: roses, a lot of memories, and a sign that said, "If this is our past, imagine our future." She was in tears and of course, said yes. He gave her a 1 carat princess cut diamond. After dinner, they went to LaMadeline for dessert. Matt also made special arrangements for his family and our family to meet them there, which was also a surprise for Becky.

Right now the tentative plans are to marry in about a year and a half. Matt's brother is in South Korea until that time and they want Issac to be able to be there for the celebration.

Greetings from Daisy and Disney

Aren't we cute?! It has been a while since we have seen some of you, so we thought we pose for a picture for you. Come and visit us.

Happy Halloween

I am saying "Happy Halloween," but it is really after Thanksgiving! Yes, I know I have some major catching up to do. How far behind am I going to get when Emmy gets here?!?!

On Halloween, we enjoyed powdered sugar donuts & apple juice (I avoided the cider since it isn't pasteurized). I picked up this fun little tradition from Tara in the dorms. I am not sure if I have missed a Halloween with the yummy snack, but it is a good excuse to enjoy something I would normally try to avoid.

Also, here is a belly shot on Halloween 10-31-07. I also tried a creative shot as well.

Baby Shower in Bedford

Becky and Jammie hosted a baby shower for Emma Lu last weekend. The food was yummy, and everything I requested! We had pigs in a blanket, meatballs, crab dip, fruit, etc. Sounds like a menu a prego would choose - right?! Oh, and then there was plenty of cake and Katie made her creamies!

There were a lot of special visitors that traveled from all over. I appreciate everyone who made it to Bedford to celebrate the arrival of Emma Lu.

Katie and Shannon flew in from Houston. I normally see Katie for an entire weekend, so it was wierd to only see her for a few hours.

Tara and Amelia (Millie) flew in from Colorado. It was Millie's first plane ride and her first trip to Texas. Hopefully we will see them again soon...maybe the holidays!?

Of course Emma Lu's GG and Grandma were there!

Here is Emma Lu's Great-Great Aunt Di, her Grandma, and Cousin (3rd) Christy.

Here are her great aunts (and aunts) on the Lukaszewski side. Back row: GG, Kay, Momma, Sue-Sue, Jammie Front row: Becky, Laurie, Grandma

Living on a Farm

"Most of these kids live on a farm or have animals they feed and care for. They get a pretty good sex education from their animals."



...I couldn't pass sharing this! (If you are confused, you have to read the post below)

Workfree Zone

I have tried to keep the blog "free" of work "stuff." Well, I just have to share this! This fall, I embarked on a new project. I am working with a "liberal" group out of Austin to study the state of sexuality education in the state of Texas. What we did - sent out an open records request (they have to, by law, respond) and asked school districts to provide information on textbooks, teaching material, who is teaching sexuality, school board policies, school health advisory council policy recommendations, etc. Of course this is time consuming for the school districts, but it has proved, with 50% response rate, to be utmost interesting. The intern working on the project spoke with a superintendent yesterday, and this is what he said: they do not adhere to laws they don’t agree with in their community. They are a small rural school district. Drug problems arose only when we started teaching about drugs, and similarly if you teach about sex kids will start having sex. They don’t have any pregnancy problems in their district. Kids get smacked if they don’t behave - that’s how their community is, he’d be surprised if there was a 6th grader who had been kissed. This is why I love my work! I just had to share.

By the way, just need to download pictures from the weekend and I have more posting to do!

The Newest Wilson

Becky and Matt officially adopted their first "Furry Currey" last weekend. She is a great pyreneese mix and a sweetheart (according to her mom, Disney is a sweetheart too!). She gets along with Bosco (who doesn't?) and both cats are "O.K." with her. Macy (the gray kitten) has tested the waters to see what she can get away with. The dog got fixed two days ago, so right now they're dealing with a 60 pound puppy wearing a 30 inch lamp shade. She is about 18 months old.

Oh, and her name is Sasha. Matt's choice (I guess Becky picked the dog, Matt gets to pick the name).

I will get to meet her next weekend when we go up for the shower.

Another Wedding (edited)

I am adding a few pictures from Julie and Robert's wedding.

Here we are enjoying the evening:

James and Michael celebrating and catching up:

Cheers to the Newlyweds:

This weekend we will be going to our last wedding of the "season." It is the wedding of Robert and Julie and James is the best man. It is in Independence, TX and we will be staying at this cozy little Bed and Breakfast (pictured on left http://www.wildflowersbedandbreakfast.com/). Independence is outside of College Station. Hotel blocks were basically sold out because of the A&M Kansas football game this weekend. I've already set my camera aside so hopefully, we won't forget it and the battery and have pictures for the event- which has been a trend lately!

Think about Daisy and Disney. They have new babysitter(s) for the weekend. Polly, the neighbor that normally watches them, is visiting her son in Dallas and won't be here. We finally buckled down last night and asked the teenage neighbors to watch them. I think all will go well. Last night when they came to get instructions they were sitting on the kitchen floor and Daisy was giving them kisses because she was loving her belly rub. Disney was just all over the place - as normal!

Happy Halloween

We didn't go to the pumpkin patch while I was in Colorado, but I stole this picture from Tara's blog. Isn't Millie cute!? I did see a real pumpkin patch while in Colorado (where the pumpkins are still on their vines). Until I saw it, I never realized that I hadn't seen one. In Plum Creek we have a "pumpkin patch" aka cut pumpkins put in the park!

Aunt Kelly Meets Miss Millie

I had a lovely trip to Colorado last week - except that the cold front came in. I arrived on Tuesday but stayed Downtown in Denver. My presentation was on Wednesday and I still had some work to do on it, so it was "wise" to stay at the hotel instead of having fun with the Bakers. Tara picked me up on Wednesday afternoon. We had a great visit. After the drive out of Denver, Tara showed me her new hometown of Golden, CO - also the home of Coors (which James quickly identified). After Alan got off work we ate pizza & salad buffet at a place called Woodies. Of course, Tara and I stayed up late chatting (and going through baby stuff), but we have done worse in our days. The baby stuff - Tara was able to share some more wintery maternity clothes with me, her baby bijorn and also shared some of Millies long sleeve zip-up onesies! I had to sit on my suitcase to close it! On Thursday, we went up to Boulder to meet with a parenting group and then we quickly ate before Tara had to take me to the airport. The trip was too short - so I am hoping to see them again soon (maybe in November!)!!

Emma Lu Update

It is hard to believe that I am about to start my third trimester (this Wednesday). Things have been going smoothly (knock on wood) and February will be here before we know it. I have not been to the Dr. since the big ultrasound, but have to go on Friday and take my diabetes test. I will have one more "monthly" Dr. visit before I start going in every two weeks. Luckily, the Dr. office is within walking distance of the house (they have a Kyle and San Marcos location).

Emma Lu has started moving around and kicking a lot more. Unfortunately for me, this is starting to occur regularly around 4 am. She is kicking hard enough that James can feel it if he puts his hand on my belly at the right time. I have also been able to see her kick.

We picked up her furniture this weekend. It is really pretty and I know we made a good choice! It is maple colored with a conversion (to full size bed) crib, a long dresser and a tall dresser. Her room is going to be what we were using as the guest room. I can't wait to get everything situated and organized, but that may be over my Christmas break!

Going to Colorado

I will be leaving for Denver on Tuesday for a "work" trip. I am staying an extra night to spend with Tara, Alan and Miss Millie. I will be back on Thursday and can't wait to post pictures from meeting the pretty girl!

Some Belly Shots...20 & 21 weeks

Here are some pictures from a few weeks ago. The first picture was on the day of the ultrasound (20 weeks) when we found out "it" was a "girl." The second picture is from a week later. My friend Tracy let me borrow some of her maternity clothes (Hannah was born in August) and this was one of the cute dresses. This Wednesday, I will be 6 months and starting my third trimester. I can't believe it and I will keep up with the growing belly even more!