Cousins and Ice Cream

Kristy and I took Colin and Dylan out tonight at Baskin Robbins and talked about cousins. Dylan didn't really understand, he's almost two and was more interested in his ice cream, but Colin did understand and is excited for a baby in the family. He smiled and pointed to my belly and said he hopes I'm having a dinosaur.

My nephews are the most amazing little dudes I know and I can't wait for the chaos to begin when we add another kid to the mix!

Here's a picture of me and Colin celebrating the news! Although you can't see the bump, I'm in my 13th week- hooray!

Lemonade and Dinosaurs

Making Lemonade from Lemons today.

I got a last minute appointment from the Doctors today to check on Elvis. I had to wait 45 minutes in the waiting room......watching the clock........listening to screaming kids.......waiting.....watching the clock again. I was so anxious to hear Elvis was safe.

The Ultrasound tech called me in and as soon as she started, I got to see him. He was happy today, flipping, and his heart was strong and healthy. I think he was having a great day and seeing him happy make me relieved, happy, and excited again.

And to make things super exciting, she flipped the screen to 3D so that she could see all of him and his happiness. It was incredible to see the details! And speaking of details, she said we shouldn't pick out paint for the nursery just yet, but she found what she thought was a wee-wee! Elvis was a little shy and kept placing his hands over his parts, so we'll confirm everything in a few weeks!

I called Kristy right afterwards and she said she was JUST talking to Colin (my nephew) about boys and girls. Just last night, she asked him what the difference was between boys and girls. His response, "Dinosaurs. Boys like Dinosaurs." I think it's a valid response! Kristy told me that if I think my baby will like Dinosaurs, there's a good chance it's a boy.

I think there's a lot you can learn from a learn 4-year old boy and I know it's just the beginning of me learning a little something from a smart kiddo.

Good Days and Bad Days

Eric mentioned that he wanted to start a blog about himself. Maybe it will inspire him to be at the beginning of my blog!

Kairee, Kyle, Kimbo and Elvis. Happy Family.

Pam with the Preggers.

Alicia's baby is already taller than I am.

I'm sure any woman that's been through pregnancy will tell you the same thing I am tonight. There are good days and there are bad days. This weekend, Kyle and I had a range of both.

On Saturday morning, I woke up not feeling well at all. Fortunately, we had two great appointments last week, so although we were scared, we felt assured this was just a minor set back. After talking with our Doctor, she determined I had a low placenta and although this isn't 'normal', it's not totally uncommon. She told us there's nothing to be concerned about, as many women that are diagnosed find their placentas move before delivery go on to have healthy babies. I had never heard of this before, and it was truly scary, but the good news is that I'm feeling better and Kyle has been very helpful and supportive while I rest this weekend. I'll be seeing the Doctor tomorrow just to make sure there wasn't harm to baby. There are two good sides to this story:

1. I have Kyle to help support me physically while I rest and emotionally while I recover.

2. There's always a new day tomorrow.

Sunday was a fresh start. I slept well and we spent the afternoon at the Tormoehlen's to celebrate the April Birthdays (Adam, Alicia, and Pam). I bet it's funny as an outsider to see our family, all talking at the same time, all poking fun at Dave, and the three brothers competing. I bet it looks a little crazy, but it's fun to be a part of it, get in on some laughs, eat some great food, and feel supported when you had a bad Saturday.

And there was the weekend. I'm new to the world of pregnancy, but I'm sure the good days and bad days are just the start to motherhood. And even on the bad days, it's nice to be around family that loves you.

"Welcome To The Weeks Club"

Kimbo is even giving his profile shot.

A little wave to the Ladies.

We had our First Trimester screening for Down's Syndrome. Elvis looks healthy, so it's a nice relief to see a strong heart and count the correct amount of appendages. We also learned a few things:

1. Confirmed. We are NOT having twins.

2. Elvis likes naps like me. I think he was tired today.

3. Kyle is still anxiously awaiting any sign of a boy.

4. Based on measurement, I'm now due November 1.

It's a nice feeling to know we're almost out of my first trimester. I remember when I told Kristy I was pregnant and worried about miscarriage, she assured me the weeks would go by fast. She was right and it's getting more real every week. She also told me, "Welcome to the Weeks Club", as I would now be referred to in weeks and so will the baby until he/she is two. This Club seems to be a group of fabulous gals right now, I just wish we could all laugh about it over a large glass of red wine.

Happy Birthday Elvis and Tormoehlen Family. I couldn't be happier to be a part of your club too.

Betting on the Under

So, there's an old wives tail about discovering the gender of your baby based on the heart rate. Apparently, if you're over 140 bpm, it's a girl and under, it's a boy.

We clocked in at 156.

I'm a bit suspicious about this considering the weekly sugary cupcakes. Our Doctor said this is not a fact, but it's still fun to wonder.

My Father reminded me their Doctor told my parents both my sister and I were boys, so there's no 100% way to tell until it's 100%.

And Kyle is still betting on the 'under'.

Double Trouble

We have our BIG appointment today.....the heartbeat. I've been nervous all week and my dream sure reflected the fears. I had a SUPER vivid dream the Doctor discovered TWIN GIRLS. (Keep in mind, we're hoping for ONE boy).

I told Kyle about the dream in detail this morning and he said, "It would be ok Kairee. We would just have to make sure we keep them away from Hugh Hefner."

I'm so thankful I have Kyle to keep me laughing through all of this.

TGIF

Uuuugh. I'm having trouble dressing for work....and it's only the beginning. My closet is a war zone every morning and I feel like I'm losing the battle. Hiding this belly is getting to be a challenge.

Go Shorty, It's Your (11th Week) Birthday

You know what time it is.....time to celebrate. I've read in many books to watch your nutrition and don't eat junk food. I think I've done a fine job of exercising and eating well, but if I were a little baby in a warm happy place, I think I'd be pumped if someone threw me a treat every now and then. I say, "lets celebrate little baby." And celebrate we did this afternoon at Kyle's office. He bought me a pink cupcake today.

I've been feeling well lately. After I gave in to stretchy pants, I have experienced a more comfortable workday experience. I still get a lot of stares, which makes me smile, as many are just waiting for me to tell the truth.

There's one craving I can't stop thinking about......Indian food. I'm not sure if you've ventured into this cuisine, but I totally recommend it. Kyle introduced me when we first started dating and it's a vegetarian's dream come true! Kyle mentioned that all of talk about Indian food is rubbing on him and that he would take me this weekend- YES!

Other fun news- Kyle's cousins in China, Joel and Trixy, are expecting their first in November. Just two days before us to be exact. It's all super exciting. Babies are everywhere! I'm thankful we have family and friends to share this experience with and I'm looking forward to more fun times to come!

So, Happy Birthday Elvis. Cheers to you and to our family at 11 weeks. I hope we still remember to celebrate the little things when you're 30.

Happy Birthaween!

Kyle and I had a fun thought this weekend. We got excited about the possibility we would have our baby on (or just before) Halloween. The baby would have to be a few days early, but I'm sure we'd all be ready by then.

We think it would be a lot of fun to have everyone play dress-up and there would certainly be no shortage of candy and treats on your day!

Kyle and I love to dress up for Halloween. Check out the photo of us trick-or-treating with Colin two years ago.

Giving In

I've had it. I'm trading in my power yoga skinny jeans, pencil skirts, and fitted black pants. I'm giving in to elastic and there's no going back.

I read in some books that most women can make it well in to their fourth month without these elastic pants, but I have to remember that most women aren't as short as me and lacking a key body part for this job......a torso.

My first stop lead me to Kohl's with a 15% off coupon. I found my way to the back of the store only to find three sad racks of polka dotted tent-like tops. I'm ready to give in to elastic, but not ready to give in to teddy bears on my shirt. SIDE NOTE: I've NEVER been in to this store without seeing droves of women with their 15% off coupons and screaming children. How is it that this monster department store only holds THREE sad racks for these crazed women? Additionally, a man certainly thought of the layout of this store, as the Maternity section is conveniently located right next to sheer lingerie. As a woman with growing hips and a watermelon in my stomach, the last items I'd like to see while seeking out the coveted elastic pants is skimpy lingerie.

And then I see them.......the elastic pants. I took a few slow steps toward my new future. I grabbed a pair, took a deep sigh and headed in to the dressing room to check myself out.

I'll be the first to tell you ladies, this was one of the most terrifying yet gratifying experiences I've had in awhile. It's like wearing your most comfortable PJ's to work. I bought them in every color they carried. My new elastic pants are the new found happiness in my life. THINK: Elastic pants=Happy Kairee.

Watch out Corporate America. I'm comin' with my stretchy, professional pants with a vengeance. And writing a friendly suggestion to Kohls.

(Here is a picture of me in my last pair of skinn(ier) jeans.)

Happy Birthday Elvis

Kyle has named our baby Elvis. This is our code word at work since not many know of our news.

Today, Elvis is 10 weeks old. Call it an excuse, or call it a fabulous idea, but I celebrate the weekly occasion with a cupcake. Elvis prefers dark chocolate.....with lots of frosting.

I'm truly lucky to have a very 'mild' first trimester. I'm queasy and totally exhausted, but this experience is pretty incredible and well worth the naps. Apparently, I'm already starting to show (even though I don't have a photo, Lisa will confirm), and it's fun and silly to hear the rumors at work flying. I catch many people staring at my belly and I respond "I'm on a work-out strike". Let's see how long I can keep up the wild stories!

We told both parents and both are excited and happy for Kyle and I. For the Sawyers, it will be grand baby #3, so they are pro's and excited to have another set of small feet running on their tile. My sweet nephews are the love of my mother's life, so I'm excited for her to teach and love our child just as much.

When we shared our news with Pam, she smiled and said she already knew. Call it being a nurse, or call it a super in-tune mother, but she was happy we officially told her. Pam and Dave will have a granddaughter in August with Eric and Alicia. The Tormoehlen Christmas will be very loud and there will be no shortage of bellies when we take our trip to Florida in May.

Last and most exciting- my amazing friend Cara and her husband Ryan will be having their first just a week before our baby is due. I've always had a very close connection to Cara and even though she moved to California years ago, the distance has made our friendship even closer. It's incredible to be going through this experience with my best friend and a woman that I admire dearly. It's also fun to call at random to ask ,"Is this normal? Did this happen to you?". These are only the kind of questions I would ask to Cara and know I'd not only get a factual response from one of her 20 pregnancy books, but a personal suggestion on how to manage the symptom that will make me laugh all day. I wouldn't be surprised if we delivered on the same day.

Lovely Friends, Lovely News

There's really nothing better than telling friends you're pregnant! Kyle and I are so lucky to have friends that are over the moon about us becoming parents. Cassandra was in town for Easter and we were able to celebrate with her family as well as Lisa and Joe. The Hansen's even gave a toast in our honor! What incredible people. We are blessed.

Kyle Opening His Special Gift!!!

Is this REALLY happening???!!

For Inquiring Minds: Kyle's Nickname from College is "The Sizzler". Don't ask. I don't have an answer for this.

There were actually FIVE test taken until it started to sink in...

Happy Birthday Kyle! February 25, 2010

Kyle was traveling for his birthday when I found out I was pregnant. When he returned home, I had wrapped him a present with photos of the FIVE pregnancy test I took earlier that day.

When he opened his gift, he was certainly caught off guard! To his surprise, we were going to be adding a birthday celebration to our family this year.

Kyle and Kairee

Kyle and I met in January at Mike Witty's Birthday Bash and have been in love ever since. We were married in July, 2008 and love living in Denver and close to our family.

In November 2008, we adopted Kimbo, a lovable mutt and he's been a great addition to our family.

We love to spend time with our nephews and are excited to introduce them to their new cousin this November!