Week 35.6

30 DAYS LEFT for Mini's big show to make the Due date.....There are some people I work with that think it'll be sooner than that. I guess I'm hoping for the same, because I can't wait for him to get here....Shannon want's him outas well. But what we've been taught, patience is a virtue. One thing that's been happening are the false labor contractions that Shannon is having. Braxton Hicks contractions seem to come more frequently now.

Tonight we have a make up Lamaze class...."Tour De Hospital" Where they take us on a quick run through where we'll need to go and what we need to do on the day of "check-in"

Week 35.4 News

Yesterday was Memorial Day. Shannon went to the store to pick up the essential items for the hospital trip the day of the birth. She picked up some snacks for myself as well, so I'm not passing out during..."Go Time" Right now Mini is about the size of a Honeydew Melon....he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore because his weight is gaining...room for him will be tight. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical developments are now complete.

Week 35 News

The start of week 35, Memorial Day Weekend...Shannon and I went to my cottage this weekend. We just needed a weekend to get away. It was very relaxing for Shannon and Mini. Shannon was having a few Braxton-Hicks contractions this weekend. The baby has been moving more now.

Week 34.4 News

38 Days and counting...We had another Doctor's Appointment today. I did not go with her to this one, it was considered "thee Appointment not to go to" Considering that it would make for an uncomfortable scenario...Everything looks great on the other hand. Mini's Head is in the right place, in shannon's pelvic area. He hasn't dropped yet, which is fine. We still think it's too early. Everything is on track as far as time goes. That also means that the hard spot just north of Shannon's belly button must be his butt. The kicking that he does is probably when he's turned around, lying on his back.

WEek 34 News...

40 Days to go....This Saturday was our 3rd Lamaze class. We watched 2 birting video stories on C-Sections...I'll tell you that they weren't as bad to watch as I thought they would be. We also practiced breathing patterns when pushing begins in the labor state of the pregnancy. We caught Mini kicking and moving on video through shannon's belly....t looks amazing, to see her belly move like that.

Shannon's swelling in her feet have gone down alot now.

Week 33.5 News...

44 Days to go...Mini weighs a about 4-5 pounds now....about the size of a pineapple, and has passed the 17-inch mark from head to toe. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. Looking forward to the 34th week. Shannon's tummy is changing forms adapting to wierd shapes as mini moves around.

Week 33 News...

47 Days left....We had our 2nd Lamaze class Saturday. This class we practiced breathing, and also sitting in different positions where it's relaxing for Shannon's back. We also watched two birthing videos....WOW do they show everything...I guess it's for us to get used to that scenario. Mini is kicking more frequently now, he's also moving around...he can't sit still, just like his old man. We had dinner last night at our friend's house, Kyle & Julie. Their baby, Gracie is doing great. Everytime we see her just gets us more excited for our baby's day to come into this world.

Today is Mother's Day. Shannon's Pre-Mother's Day. I got her a Scott MIller gift card to use at her own leisure. Today, We're going to visit Shannon's mother and go to dinner with my parents tonight.

Week 32.5 News

Well, we had yet another doctor's Aptt. this morning. IT went great. Mini's Heartbeat is stong. Doc said that he's got a great heartbeat. Shannon and I have some weddings in June, and depending on Shannon's pregnancy condition will determine the travel plans. Shannon and I started monitoring Mini's movements....kicking, punching, etc.

Week 32 News...

Well we had our first Lamaz Class on Saturday. It seemed like it took forever, only 2 hourws actually, but we have 3 classes left now. There are about 10 other couples in the room...and we are the first ones to have a baby, everyone else will be parents in july and later. We watched a slide show of what to do when you get to the hospital the day of the birth. Mini was kicking in the class, Shannon looked over to me and said he doesn't want to be here...because he's kicking...Funny. We did find out that there's is one last ultrasound that we get the day mini is born. The doctor's do this just to check on the position of the baby on the uterus.

Week 31 News...

60 Days and counting....Mini Muisus has been tossing and turning, driving Momma off the wall. Shannon's sleeping habits have changed dramatically. Mini has been keeping her up, making her uncomfortable to lay anywhere but on her side. Our dog Monte seems to know that something is going on.

Week 30.7

Nothing much has really changed this week at all. I finished a book my dad gave me called "Father To Son" and it basically fills you in on tips throughout life with your son. The very last page..the caption was "Let Him go" Those 3 words stared at me for awhile. I sure hope time doesn't fly that fast!

Mini Muisus has been kicking up a storm, and switching his positions inside Shannon. You can often make out how he's positioned in Shannon's belly. Right now he has 20/400 vision, which means that he can only see objects that are right in front of him.

The other day, when we bought the stroller and attachements, Shannon wanted to see how I looked pushing it. So there I was, looking like a goof ball walking around in circles in our driveway... Shannon was laughing.

Week 30.0 News...

T-minus 69 days... Saturday, April 19th 2008. We made yet another trip out to Motherhood... this particular trip was for the spring line of maternity clothes. You know it's a great trip to the Motherhood Store when Shannon wears the shirt she bought in the store out that same day... I remember doing the same with sneakers when I was little. Shannon's feeling fine. We bought the stroller and the extra base unit that was on the registry today... picked it up at Babies 'R' Us. Also, batteries for the crib mobile made the checkout item list a little bit smaller.

When we got back to the house I put one base in each of the vehicles, so next time I get to the St. Paul Blvd. Fire House, I'll have them officially installed.

Week 29.9 News...

Well, as of today it is 70 days until Mini arrives. Things seem to be moving quicker each week now. Our pregancy checklist is getting marked off... pediatrician, hospital, baby's room, yadda, yadda, yadda. Shannon's doing great, Mini is holding his own, and Shannon is holding her own. He's been moving alot, from side to side, up and down. The other night, Shannon took my hand and placed it on her belly....She had me actually feeling his little butt and it was pretty amazing! So awesome that you can actually make out his little body, and how he was positioned!

The OB/GYN appointments will now move to every 2 weeks.

I bought Shannon a dozen roses today representing 70 days to go, and because she's been a trooper since day #1. Everything is going wonderfully.

Week 29.5 News...

Other exciting news! Mini Muisus is going to have another Uncle-To-Be. My sister, Brittany, just got engaged. So we're all excited for her... and this could also mean another babysitting opportunity for us... Hahaha.

Today, April 15th, we had our second pediatrician interview. It went very well, and we're leaning towards this one. We liked everything they had to offer for Mini, Shannon, and I. So we're pretty sure of our choice.

Week 29 News

What has happened this week ... My brother turned 29 on our 29th week being pregnant. Mini Muisus has become quite the kicker ... indicating that soccer or swimming could just be his mojo. Shannon and I looked at a new vehicle for Shannon, and we found one that is reliable and safe for mini mui mui. "It will be easy to get him in and out of the vehicle." said Shannon.

Shannon's sleeping habits are getting difficult. Her heart burn seems to be showing up more frequently. More to come from mini mui mui.

Week 28.2 News

Shannon & I went to the Ob/Gyn again.... this was for the glucose testing and a regular checkup following that. The glucose testing involved a tiny coca cola bottle called "Glucola" which she had to drink 1 hour before the test. I guess the way the glucola works is that you have to drink it in the given time period to get an accurate reading.... hence 1 hour. Well the nurse on staff had a bit of an attitude, because she was only 2-3 minutes over one hour. It turns out that after checking with her primary doctor, a person actually has about a 10 to 20 minute buffer zone after that hour before it gives a false test result.

Something wonderful happened at the regular checkup. Right when Shannon laid down on observation bed, Mini muisus started kicking, kicking so much, that you could see Shannon's belly moving from side to side. The doc couldn't beleive how much he was kicking....it was the increase in sugar from the glucola that made him start kicking. We also heard his heart beat again... a beautiful sound....

Week 28 News

Well, A few things are new this week...Shannon and I bought a few outfits for mini muisus. We picked out his "home from the hospital" outfit. It's pretty cool...I was looking for an adult size for Shannon and I so we could all match leaving Rochester General. The other outfits we picked out are just cool. We got him a Jimmy Buffet concert outfit that he can wear...when we take him to see 'the king of Caribbean soul" ....maybe. I did some yard work today...my brother came over and we tore out a big pine tree bush on the front yard. This bush is a bee haven in the spring/summer, so we thought, tearing it out will increase curb appeal and at the same time, protect our Mini Muisus from getting stung. That's about it for Saturday....We are one day behind on an updated tummy picture from "yours truly" (Shannon) aka Momma-to-be, but we'll make it up tomorrow. Stay tuned......

Week 27.3 News

Last night I read 4 short story books to our son...including "Harold and The Purple Crayon." My parents chose that book because it was my favorites growing up. I read them directly to Shannon's tummy. I read them loud enough so our son could hear me. I think I read Shannon to sleep though.

Shannon and I went to visit my mom at Rochester General Hospital after work yesterday. She had some special surgery. Shannon and I will be in that same hospital in approx. 87 days; the Twig Birthing Center. My mom is recovering well...she's supposed to leave the hospital tomorrow or Thursday, but she's a strong woman, so I can see her doing cartwheels out the hospital doors when she gets discharged!

Today is April Fools Day, and I seem to remember an April Fool's joke that Shannon played on me last year . . . She has told me that she was pregnant and we weren't quite ready at that time to start our family. This year I guess it isn't a prank!
I feel so fortunate right now . . . I have a wonderful life with my wife!

Week 27.1 News

Well Week 27 has come and gone. Saturday, Shannon had her baby shower #1. We received some awesome things. I had the luxury of loading and unloading the truck with the gifts. Shannon had such a nice time and most guests were able to attend. Big thanks to everyone!
I read today that week 27, Mini Muisus weighs in at approx. 2 lbs. Interesting that when Shannon and I went grocery shopping, I picked up a chuck roast that weighed 2lbs. No, I'm not really comparing our baby to a chuck roast! I think Mini Muisus will be a little cuter though.

Sunday was the start of week 28, It also marks the start of the third trimester. . . Shannon and I have been keeping our eye out for a bigger house. Something a little more accommodating for a growing family. We really don’t know what we’re going to do yet... as far as a time frame goes. We would love to build, but right now we will adjust to our new baby and then see what happens!

Week 26.9 News

Well....Many new things happened in the past few days. On Wednesday, March 26th, we had our first interview with a Pediatrician for Mini Muisus. It was our first interview, so Shannon and I were not really prepared with all the right questions to ask...so the Pediatrician was very helpful. He suggested we "shop around" in the to make the right choice for mini muisus. We have another appointment with a different Pediatrician on April 14th.

Shannon and I have the dates for our birthing (Lamaze)classes. They are: May 3rd, May 10th, May 17th, May 24th, and May 31st. We've been hearing different things about the classes. Some say how boring the classes can be, others say it helps if the birth is natural. Shannon and I are going to take classes and hopefully get something out of them.

Tomorrow is the baby shower....It also represents 27 weeks into the pregnancy.....

Week 26.3 News

Our dinner last Sunday was a success. The food was delicious and we have enough leftovers to feed and army... well until I went downstairs at midnight to feast again. It seemed a bit easier on Shannon having dinner at our house. We also wanted to test our cooking abilties ... After Shannon's mom and sister left, my parents stopped by after returning from Boston. We fed them some of our leftovers. That night, Shannon and I had fun hanging up all of our new baby clothes; the closet looked like a tiny doll's wardrobe. Cute...

The next day..Monday... Mini Muisus kicked me in my ear...(I put my ear on Shannon's tummy, and sure enough, I felt a little poke.)

Week 26 News

This Sunday is Easter, and we're having Shannon's Mom and sister over for dinner. I get to prepare the string bean casserole. I've been craving them all week. Shannon is anxiously waiting for the baby shower(next weekend. I think she's getting a little anxious for the due date... weeks are going slow and steady. Mini Muisus'kicks are getting stronger...Shannon thinks he's doing the dolphin kick... just like his Dad! My family (Matt, Brianne, Mom & Dad) is in Boston where Brittany and her boyfriend Mike live. This is the first Easter where I wasn't with my family... More to come... eating a big meal today. Happy Easter From Mini Muisus.

Week 25 News

Another week has drifted by. This past weekend, we finished hanging the rest of the pictures in the baby's room. Shannon went to Lowe's to pick up the window shades, and I hung them up that same day. The shades are white, and lets a soft light come through. My mom came over and brought the material for the valences...they;ll look really sharp! I kept trying offer my help while my Mom and Shannon were hanging the pictures. I went out and specificall bought a laser level too! I guess we really didn't need it. Shannon has a pretty good eye for leveling! I'll take Shannon's eyes over a laser level anyday.....

So now I guess I'll return the laser level...

The baby has been kicking, as usual. Though it seems whenever I try to feel the kicking, it stops.....

Week 24.5

Monday, March 10th, 2008....we had another check up appointment at the OB/GYN. Everything is fine....

Onto other news....I'm catching up on my reading as is Shannon. We're speaking a lot more to the baby, because as of last week, Mini Muisus can hear things in the womb. I read him his first baby book, and I could tell when he wanted me to turn the page, he would kick....just kidding). I'm sure he can hear his furry little friend, Monte, barking.

24 Weeks

There's not a whole lot going on this week besides the baby is kicking alot more now. It seems like he kicks alot more when Shannon lays down. So he may be sleeping when Shannon's walking around. We have seen no change in his sleeping habits since we had to turn our clocks ahead...due to Daylight Savings time.

Saturday Night I sat in a local Bar (The Ale House) with two of my friends talking and laughing as they were both giving me first father advice...funny stuff.

Week 23.5

We'll be hanging pictures on the baby's room walls this week! We've added a colorful area rug and a painted metal table. So cute . . . We have to work on shades and valances for the windows next!

Shannon's health is great; her 'not so good' pregnancy symptoms have diminished (nausea, headaches, etc.) We've set up our first pediatrician visit on March 26th, just to interview... We also scheduled our birthing classes or Lamaze classes will be held at Rochester General Hospital, the same hospital Mini Muisus will be delivered. I will post those dates when they're available to me....

Week 23 News

Shannon and I finished our baby registries at Target, Pottery Barn Kids, and Babies 'R' Us. I got to use the scanner gun... Wow! That's probably the the most fun about this registering thing! I kept getting yelled at for registering for things that are foolish and not necessary to have for the baby. So needless to say, there was a lot of deleting of items. We ate a quick lunch at PF Changs, and shopped a little more. I picked up a tri-pod for the digital camera for pictures and video shooting when our little boy is delivered. There's an updated picture of Shannon's belly at 23 weeks. More updates to come....

This video may be a little hard to decipher, but you can see why we know it's a boy!!!

Everything is Wonderful

Shannon and I had the appt with the specialist... the 23rd week ultrasound is posted below... Everything turned out absolutely normal! Nothing to worry about, a healthy baby will be born.

Week 23

Thursday, February 28, 2008
Shannon goes for a third ultrasound... We have to meet with a specialist. Ultrasound technicians saw something that they wanted a specialist to check out.
We are both so very nervous but are trying to be positive that everything is normal.At 11:30 am we will be having another ultrasound. More updates to come.

20 Week Ultrasound Video

9 week Ultrasound Video

Week 22...News

22 Weeks has been special, on Sunday,Feb.24th, 2008, I felt the first INTENSE baby kick... He's been kicking all day. This may be a wake up call that he'll make one good place kicker in the NFL years to come. Training has already begun... Stay tuned...

Narrowing down baby names...

Week 21...News

Well another week and the morning sickness has struck again... so far the baby has given her a run for her money as far as sickness goes... that could just mean that our little boy's hormones are clashing with Shannon's.

Use of our cell phones had increased... me, wanting to know how she is feeling, and she wanting or needing something!

Week 20..Continued

I finished painting the baby's room, we had the carpet cleaned, furniture is in, bedding is here... Wow!

We're in good shape as far as timing goes..... Shanon and I started to plan out where we want to register for one of the baby showers, which is March 29th, 2008.

Let me tell you about "making runs"....my version of making runs is going to the store multiple times throughout a day... nothing stands in the way of a pregnant woman and her cravings... and when she has a craving, you need to be on call! Shannon's latest craving was Flintstone's push pops! Then I just have to have one too....

Weeks 13-20

It's a feeling of relief to reach the time period in our pregnancy where the danger of something going wrong is less or practically nil . It was a milestone to reach the 2nd tri-mester at 16 weeks although resources stated that most women's morning sickness goes away, Shannon is not in that group! She still maintains some form of nausea....sometimes in the morning and/or sometimes in the early evening.

At week 19, I am almost at the end of a book titled "My Wife is Pregnant, and I'm Having a Breakdown" My buddy Kyle let me borrow it, It's a great book, as it is based on a man's experience. It is very funny, yet there is key information included as well... "you know, like tell your wife how beautiful she is, and to play the hero throughout this whole pregnancy experience" actually every guy should know that already.

We had our 20 week ultrasound appt. "It just keeps getting better and better", I was thinking to myself. Being able to actually see a life that we have created - moving it's hands, legs, seeing a 4-dimensional picture of our soon to be baby is just too awesome for words...

Week 9-12

We're still in the first trimester now and everyhing is going well. We started looking at baby furniture and thinking of colors for the baby's room... another project for Jared. Shannon's morning sickness has not gone away... yet. Both of our appetites have started to change; she gets weird cravings and I seem to get them too! One night she was craving fish and chocolate and I was craving chicken gizzards. She's not showing physically that she's carrying a baby.

Weeks 5-8

Well, we couldn't keep quiet any longer. . . the morning of week 5, I let out the wonderful news to my dad at 6:15 am in his office. After that, it was phone call after phone call to all of our family members. We told them just to be conservative in their spreading the news because we knew it was still very, very early in the pregnancy and that things can happen...

Well, as week 7 & 8 came, the word was out! We were still in a caution zone at this time so we tried not to be crazy excited, which was so hard to do!

Shannon's morning sickness had kicked into high gear now....running to the bathroom, not just in the morning, but after work as well... our baby was definitely letting us know he's here doing his thing!

Weeks 1-4 News

Shannon's pregnant! The morning we found out Shannon was pregnant is still fresh in our minds. When the test read "Pregnant" .... we couldn't wait to tell our families..... but we thought it was a little too early yet.... Seems like many of our friends are starting families too!

Beginning of a Family

Early September of 2008, we both agreed that we were ready for a baby.....more updates to come.....