Daddio's 56th Bday!

We celebrated my dad's 56th birthday on Sunday. My mom made homemade spaghetti and meatballs (Mama Lancioni's recipe) which is always fantastic. We gave dad Super Mario Bros and Wii Play for his new Wii that he got for Christmas. Let's just say we enjoyed dinner, dessert and LOTS of Wii games. Great Sunday!

The Birthday Boy!

Maddie and the preggo!
Dad and his girls (Joel and A. Sue in the background)

Dad being himself...

The Growing Belly

I can't believe how big the belly really is getting! This week (18th) I felt the first kicks from the Bean. I had been reading the book, "The Rainbow Fish" and all of a sudden I felt numerous kicks in my lower abdomen. Joel was right next to me, but unfortunately he still can't feel anything. It is the most miraculous feeling and such a blessing. I now feel them everyday, still very faint but more frequently when I finish a meal.

Unfortunately, we also had to say our goodbye's to Joel's other Grandfather Mike Stolk. He was 89 yrs young and will be truly missed. It was very touching that both grandfathers told us that they thought we are having a boy, just before they passed away.

17 weeks

17 weeks
18 weeks (sorry, didn't zoom!)

18 Weeks

The Cat-Child

Yes, I'm posting about our cat, JJ. Joel and I have a love/hate relationship with him. He looks so nice and cute in the pictures, but once he warms up to you he will attack for no reason and with his sharp little teeth on your skin...It doesn't feel so good! So...that's where we are stuck. We can be a really good cat He loves to play with his toys, he LOVES to watch us cook in the kitchen (as seen in the photo below), he LOVES his treats and will come in you ask him if he'd like a treat, he'll sleep next to me for the most part. Joel says it's because he knows that I have a baby in my belly (pet instinct or such). On the downside, he's very unpredictable. Like I said, he will be sitting on your lap all cute and cuddly then one moment he will turn his head and bite your arm. He is declawed, so that's plus but Joel and I aren't sure if we should let him live with another family..without kids. We are nervous that he might try and go after the baby and I don't think I even want to have that situation come upon us. decisions...decisions....

Handsome JJ

Chubby Little Kitty
Obsessed with the bubbles in the tub!

Watching me make homemade soup!

Belly Updates

It's been 3 weeks since my pictures of the belly have been updated. I was told this week (wk 17) I've really "popped" and I can really tell a difference! It's crazy how much can change in one week! At the beginning of week 16, I was able to feel the baby move for the first time. Actually it happened on Christmas Day, so I'd have to say that was the best Christmas present that anyone could have wished for! A few days before that Joel and I think we felt the baby move...as it's hard to tell since this is my first pregnancy. We both said that it felt like a little worm on our hands, but it was really faint so we aren't sure what it was!

I have been experiencing the pregnancy headaches, which have been a pain...literally! It started around week 11 or so and just the past few days I've had then almost everyday. Other than that, I've been feeling great. I believe I've only gained 7lbs for now...this might be the last time I admit how much I've really gained though :) Every night I've been feeling the baby move a lot more (from what I think is the baby). It almost feels like a fish in my stomach...the coolest feeling! I just can't wait for the day that Joel can actually feel the baby move. I'm sure it'll be here before we both know it!

15 weeks

16 weeks

16 weeks

17 weeks

17 weeks

New Years

Unfortunately, when New Years Eve is suppose to be a fun and exciting time, we received the news that Grandpa Stolk passed away at 1:30 in the afternoon. His 89 years on earth were wonderful and he was very loved by everyone who knew him!

We did find comfort in surrounding ourselves with friends on NYE. We headed to Steve and Lisa's for a night of games and drinks (non-alcoholic for 3 preggos of course!). After the kids headed to bed, Steve set up a tournament that included games of Mario Cart, darts, indoor bean bags and Euchre. Joel and I thought we could at least come in second place, but sadly we were LAST!! It was still a fun night with Steve, Lisa, Evan, Kylene, Dan, Tash, Jon, Renee, Lindsay, Tim...AND all the kids! HAPPY NEW YEAR to YOU!!!

Mario Cart Races!

Joel Practicing his dart skills!
The 3 preggos! Kylene, Tash and myself

The ladies looking oh so beautiful!

PROCRASTINATING!

OK - I really really need to update this blog. Someone (hmm Ashley) needs to yell at me to update, update, update my page!!

A lot has happened in the past few weeks. Christmas was a great time with family and friends. We celebrated Christmas Eve starting at 2pm at the annual Casino Club with the Heeren's. We celebrated Christmas Mass at St. Pius with my mom and sister and then traveled to my parents for Christmas Eve dinner which was fabulous! Grandma Baker was there and she looked absolutely wonderful. She hasn't been in the best of health lately, so seeing a smile on her face on Christmas Eve made my night! Joel and I made it back to our house around 10:30pm, just for a few hours of sleep.
The alarm went off around 7:45 and headed to his parents by 9am. We opened presents and enjoyed another wonderful meal prepared by Joel with his famous omelets!! We left around 12:30 and headed to my parents. We opened gifts and played a few games of the Wii. My Dad received the Wii from my Mom for Christmas and we all had so much fun! Then at about 4pm, we ended up at Aunt Denise's and Uncle Mike's house to celebrate Christmas with the Stolk side of the family. It was great to see Grandpa Stolk, as his health has been deteriorating for the past month or so. We had great food and conversation and decided to call it a night at 8pm...FINALLY!

on to the New Year...

Updates!

It's been awhile since i've posted anything. I need to start signing on here as much as I do on Facebook!!

Life has been keeping Joel and I busy. Thanksgiving was great. We had dinner at my parents which was smaller than normal with having my Grandma Madd and Howard, my Aunt Chris, Uncle Andy and cousin Kate. Kat, Brent, Nick and Stacy showed up for dessert later in the evening.

On to the baby news. Joel and I have decided on the nursery colors, finally! We are going with a deep teal, cream and brown....might add a hint of burnt orange. Now onto finding the bedding and other details!

12 weeks 2 days

13 weeks 2 days

14 weeks 2 days

We are trying to take pictures every week as my belly is starting to get a little bigger! We purchased a new camera today (it was our Christmas present to eachother) and can't wait to start taking pictures of my growing belly and the baby!
I will try my best to update the blog more often. Ashley...try and remind me :)