Another Trip to Grandma and Grandpa's

Dear Baby Bug-

It was another great weekend- we were able to go and visit Grandpa Rand and Grandma Cindy again! Daddy had basketball and couldn't come, so Mommy left right after my blood work on Friday morning and was able to surprise Grandma Cindy at her school in the early afternoon. Since it was a surprise, Grandma Cindy's boss let her leave early and we were able to go back to her house and spend some time together before dinner. Grandma Cindy is waiting on some very important results from some medical tests and Mommy wanted to go home and spend time with her and Grandpa Rand to make the time go faster. We love Grandma Cindy VERY much and just want everything to be OK. Once Grandpa Rand was off of work, we went to Grossman's and ate dinner then visited Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Walter. It was a great Friday evening and Mommy loves being home with her family.

Saturday was a lazy day. We ran some errands and then got ready to go to Aunt Lou and Uncle Bernard's for a birthday party to celebrate January birthdays. Saturday was Uncle Bernard's actual birthday, so it was fun to celebrate with him. We were also there to celebrate with Lindsay, Mattia, and Jadison. Here are some pictures from the fun party!



Here's Jadison with her birthday cake being a little clown- she is such a funny kid!



Happy Birthday to Mattia! I can't believe she is 18 years old- I can still remember the day she was born. :)



Get ready to blow out the candles!!




Make a wish!



Jadison with her extra long Twizzlers- I've never seen Twizzlers that long before and boy did they taste GOOD!


Today we went to church, went to McDonald's with Grandma, Grandpa, Great Grandma, Great Grandpa and Uncle Terry and then headed home. Grandma and Grandpa had plans with some old friends for lunch, so once they left for Michigan Mommy left for home. It was such a fun weekend and everyone is super excited for your arrival. All of my aunts and Sarah plus Aunt Molly are having a shower for us in a few weeks and the invitations started arriving this weekend. I can't wait until we can go back for that shower and see everyone again. That will be the last time Mommy travels to Grandma and Grandpa's before you are born- holy cow!

Here are some new pictures of Mommy's belly. You are now 28 weeks old and continuing to grow! You are kicking like crazy every now and then and even Jadison felt you kick this weekend. Keep growing strong, Bug, and I will talk to you very soon! Hopefully to let you know that Baby Hoyle is here!




28 weeks in front of Grandma and Grandpa's fireplace




You're getting bigger, Bug!!

January 26, 2011...Becky's Birthday Party

Dear Baby Bug-

We had a whole lot of fun tonight and a welcomed break from this busy week- we went to Becky's house to celebrate her birthday! This week has been CRAZY and it was so nice to spend a night with friends and forget about work for awhile. We went to Becky's house and ate pizza, watched Glee, and caught up with friends. Becky and Randy are still anxiously awaiting the arrival of Baby Hoyle and Beth and Matt are getting closer and closer to the time where they will find out if they are having a baby boy or a baby girl. There are so many soon-to-be babies in our lives right now! Above is a picture of "all six of us"...Becky and Baby Hoyle, Mommy and Baby Bug, and Beth and Baby Saliga. :) Such great friends!!!

27 Weeks :)

Dear Baby Bug-

Happy 27 Weeks, Bug! Another week has passed and we are one more closer to meeting you. Not much has changed since last week besides my belly getting a bit bigger and you finding a way to constantly kick me in my ribs. I hope you're having fun in there! No matter where you kick me, it is always a welcomed feeling so although I know you don't feel bad about it, I am officially telling you that there is no need to start feeling bad now.

This week was extremely busy and it's weeks like this that make me wonder how I am surviving my job while being pregnant. It was the beginning of the new semester at school and it seemed like every single student on my caseload found a problem with their new schedule. It is fun to see the students, but this week was just a little too much. Your Mommy really had to practice her patience this week, Bug, but at least it is over now and I am hoping that this coming week will be a bit better. It is still going to be pretty busy, but the busy atmosphere makes the weeks pass fast which is fine by me!

Just a little update on your two potential future suitors Baby Boy Hoyle and Baby Boy Wilking: both are still waiting to be born and we should be seeing Baby Hoyle any day now. Becky had her last day of work on Friday and she is now waiting for that little guy to make an appearance. Mommy and Becky were able to go to a movie today and do some grocery shopping, and it was nice to be able to do those things "one more time" before Baby Hoyle arrives! Becky's birthday is this week and, as long as Baby doesn't come, we are going to hang out with her on Wednesday. As for Baby Wilking, he is giving his family a run for their money the way it sounds. He seems to want to come early but his Mommy Sara is determined to keep him in there for another few weeks! He is due on March 15th (I think) and that is still over a month away! I can't wait for both of these little guys to be born (healthy and on time!) and for you to follow soon after. You will have lots of new friends waiting for you and, once you are born, all we have to do is wait for Baby Saliga in July! It's such an exciting time right now for your parents and for many of our friends...the anticipation is out of control!

Well Bug, it's time for me to get going. Here are some pictures of my belly this week so you can see how much you've grown. Mommy looks a little sleepy in these pictures- please forgive me. It's getting harder and harder to sleep these days because of your kicking and not being able to get comfortable. I am going to go to bed early tonight with the hopes that you will be sleepy, too, and maybe I can get a few good hours of sleep. If you could cooperate, Mommy would appreciate it!

26 Weeks Down, 14 to Go!

Dear Baby Bug-

How are you doing in there? It's been a while since I've had a chance to write- work has been busy this week and there is a lot going on! Daddy had two basketball games this week and he had a really big win against Andrew on Friday. I was able to go and it was a very exciting game! Daddy's team won by only three points which almost gave me a heart attack. It will be fun when you are here to go to games with- I had to sit by myself this time and it will be fun to have a little bit of company.

This weekend has been pretty uneventful. Aside from Daddy's game, the only thing we've done is clean the house and go to dinner last night followed by church today. It's very strange to have "free" weekends- for the first 6 months after we found out about you we did not have one weekend that wasn't packed full with obligations. This gives us plenty of time to rest and to think about what needs to be done for you! You have been moving around A LOT in the last week and every time you kick or roll over it makes me happy. I tried to get your Daddy to feel my tummy to feel you but he told me that it is gross and weird. Don't worry, Bug- just because your Daddy acts like a 10 year old doesn't mean he thinks you're gross. I think he'll change his tune once you're out of there! :)

Here are some new pictures of Mommy with you in my tummy. You've been baking for 26 weeks now- it's hard to believe that there are just 14 weeks left. In a way, it seems like you will be here before you know it. But, with it being the middle of January, April still feels a LONG way away. Pretty soon, your soon-to-be best friend/future husband Baby Hoyle will be here so that will be very exciting! Even though Becky and I have been pregnant together, it seems like it has been a LONG time since we were both just talking about being pregnant. I can't wait until Baby Hoyle is here safe and sound and you follow him in a few months. It is going to be so much fun to have you here, Bug! Please keep on kicking and I will talk to you soon!



Excuse the space heater- our kitchen is EXTREMELY chilly!




A little bit bigger than last time!! I didn't notice before, but Zoey apparently decided to get in on the belly picture action.

Nursery Progress

Dear Baby Bug~

It sure has been a busy week! I thought I would get a chance to write to you after our doctor's appointment on Tuesday but I decided to hold off until I could post pictures of the progress on your room. We saw Dr. Hamburg on Tuesday and he says that everything looks good. Daddy was able to go to the doctor with us for the first time and I was very happy that he was able to meet Dr. Hamburg. Dr. Hamburg let us hear your heartbeat again and it is a strong 145 beats/minute which he says is perfect. This week has been a lot of fun because your kicks and movements are getting stronger so I feel you a lot. Daddy even felt you move for the first time! You roll around in there as much as you want, Bug- it lets me know that you are doing OK.

Mommy and Daddy have been doing a lot of work on your room and I want to post some pictures for you to see. It's hard to believe that just a week ago, your room had no paint and only a dresser in it! It is really coming together and it is the perfect little haven for our little ladybug. There is still a lot of things we want to do with the room, but here is the basic idea. We can't wait until you are here to enjoy it!



Here is Daddy working hard at building your crib. It didn't take him long at all and he wanted to build the crib before painting.



Here is the view from the door of your room. We LOVE the window and the curtains. I searched for a long time for these curtains and finally found them last week. We think we may need to shorten them a little, but you have lots of little friends to watch over you while you sleep!



Here is your completed crib where you will spend many nights getting your beauty sleep. You can't see if very well, but there is a very cute light switch plate that matches your bedding and curtains.



Another view of the window treatment. I had to post another picture because I love it so much!



You already have quite the wardrobe started, Bug. You have so many wonderful people who love you and want to make sure you are the best dressed little lady in town!

Happy New Year, Bug! 24 Weeks and Counting...

Dear Baby Bug-

Happy New Year! It is officially 2011 and officially the year in which you will be born. We are so happy to see the beginning of this year and now have 3 months and 23 days until your due date. I can't believe that you will be here in a few short months. We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our little ladybug and look forward to spending next New Year's with you!

This New Year's Eve was a little different than years past. Daddy and I usually go out with friends or get dressed up for a big New Year's party but this year we decided to stay longer at Grandma and Grandpa's and spend the New Year with family. Last night we went to Aunt Lou and Uncle Bernard's for dinner and to ring in the new year. We had a great time playing games with Grandma Cindy, Grandpa Rand, Uncle Brandon, Daddy, Great Grandpa, Great Grandma, Aunt Lou and Uncle Bernard. Uncle Bernard was a bit under the weather, but he is feeling much better today. We watched the big ball drop in Times Square and then headed home for a nice, long night's sleep. It was wonderful. :)

Today we got up and were very lazy for much of the day. Today was our last day to spend with Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Brandon so we made the most of it by being together. We went to Elmira's for fish this evening and after we were done, it was time for you, me, Daddy, Rudy, and Zoey to hit the road. It was a wonderful two weeks of Christmas vacation and a FANTASTIC week at Grandma and Grandpa's spending time with family. I am very sad to be back home and getting ready to go back to work. The next big break doesn't come until Spring Break in March and by then, we will be weeks away from greeting you! For the time being, we are happy to have reached 24 weeks and continue to keep an eye on my growing belly:




According to our pregnancy tracker, you should be about 13 inches long and weigh about 1 1/4 pounds. I can feel you moving around like crazy and am still waiting for your kicks to be consistent enough for Daddy to feel them. I can feel them on the outside every once in awhile, but by the time I get Daddy's hand there you stop. Could you cooperate for us, please? :) No matter what you do, we love you and I am happy every time I feel one of your little kicks. Our next doctor's appointment is just a couple of days away so until then, Happy New Year and we love you!

December 29, 2010...Happy Birthday to Grandma Cindy!

Dear Baby Bug:

Another day, another birthday! Grandma Cindy's birthday was today and we had a great time celebrating with her. We were all able to sleep in and once we were up, we got around and headed up to Great Grandma and Grandpa Walter's for lunch with the Walter family. We had haystacks, just like the day we told everyone about you. They were SO GOOD and we had a great turnout for Grandma's and Kabrea's birthday lunch. The people in attendance were Grandma Cindy, Uncle Brandon, you, Me, Great Grandma, Great Grandpa, Aunt Lou, Uncle Bernard, Molly, Mattia, Kabrea, Kylee, Jadison, Jess, Uncle Joe, Aunt Lori, Eric, Hannah, Kimberly, Kristen, and Andrew. Hannah and Andrew are the girlfriend of Eric and the boyfriend of Kristen. We had met Hannah before but we met Andrew for the first time today. He drove all the way from Arkansas to surprise Kristen and we were so happy to meet him! We had a lot of fun today playing games and talking. I think Grandma Cindy had a pretty special birthday.

Once Grandpa Rand was done with work, we headed out for Grandma's birthday dinner. We went to Iannarelli's for pizza and it was delicious! After we got home, we had the cake Uncle Brandon and I baked for Grandma's birthday. It was pretty good if we do say so ourselves! All in all, it was a great day and I was so happy to be able to celebrate with Grandma. :)



A beauty shot of the cake we baked- yellow cake with chocolate frosting. Uncle Brandon did most of it, but I mixed it up and added the sprinkles at the end. We managed to bake this cake without Grandma ever knowing- we can be pretty sneaky when it comes to surprises!



Happy Birthday Grandma Cindy! We love you so much!

December 26, 2010...Happy Birthday to Uncle Brandon!

Dear Baby Bug-

Today was a very special day- it is Uncle Brandon's birthday! That's right, Uncle Brandon has a birthday the day after Christmas so we actually get to celebrate with him every year. The day started off like any other Sunday. We went to church and then went to McDonald's with Great Grandpa and Great Grandma Walter and Uncle Terry. Daddy couldn't be here for the day because he had tickets to see the Chicago Bears. After McDonald's we went home, changed clothes, and then headed to Fort Wayne to meet up with Glenn, Sharon, Sarah, Aaron, Kelly, Chase and Taden for dinner at Lonestar. It was so much fun to see everyone and especially to see Chase and Taden. They are SO CUTE and Taden will be about a year older than you once you arrive. Everyone seemed to have a great Christmas and we spent a couple of hours talking and laughing with them before heading back to Grandma and Grandpa's.

Once we got back, Uncle Brandon opened his birthday gifts and we had pieces of his birthday pie. Grandma Cindy has started making Uncle Brandon a black raspberry pie for his birthday every year instead of a cake. Grandma Cindy is an excellent pie maker and we love it when she makes black raspberry! Once we were done with the pie, we watched some TV and went to bed. I think Uncle Brandon had a happy birthday and next year you will be here to tell him Happy Birthday in person!

December 25, 2010...Merry Christmas Bug!! 23 Weeks Today :)

Dear Baby Bug:

Today was Christmas and it was such a fun day! Instead of writing a bunch about it, I am going to post pictures and write about each one instead- I think it will sum things up better than I can write them. We are so excited to have you here next year, Bug. You got so much fun stuff this year without even being born yet, I can only imagine what will happen at your first Christmas next year! Here's how the day went...



Mommy and Santa Rudy on Christmas Day. Rudy wears this Santa suit every year and goes CRAZY when it's time to open presents and stockings. He loves to try and steal peoples' candy, but we are usually too quick for him!



Here is Zoey with all of her gifts. She is a little more relaxed when it comes to Christmas morning. She livened up a little bit later and really enjoyed playing with her new toys!




Grandma Cindy with all of her Christmas gifts! She got a jacket and Pandora bracelet, a custom made Amish jewelry box, and lots of other fun stuff.



Grandpa Rand and Uncle Brandon laughing at Rudy after we opened presents



Mommy and Daddy on Christmas morning- next year you'll be in this picture with us!





Here are some gifts for you from Mommy and Daddy. Mommy picked out the book, but Daddy is responsible for everything else. He sure did some good shopping for you!



Uncle Brandon is already spoiling you- look at all the cute stuff he got you!



Ugg boots for both Mommy and Bug! Daddy got Mommy the big pair and Grandma Cindy and Grandpa Rand got you the little pair. We are going to be quite the pair next winter. :)



Lots of cute stuff from Grandma Cindy and Grandpa Rand. They got you a ladybug onesie, ladybug hair brushes, and lots of other neat things. I can't wait to dress you up in all of your new clothes!



Look at this, Bug! Grandma Cindy and Grandpa Rand got you all of your bedding! Once Daddy gets your room painted and your crib put together, we can see how everything will fit in your bed. I am so excited for your nursery to come together and having your bedding is a big step in the right direction.



A beautiful sweater for "Bernadette Louise" from Aunt Lou and Uncle Bernard. They have given you that name as a combination of their names and Mommy gets a kick out of them calling you that. We were able to spend a lot of time with the whole Walter family on Christmas Day at Aunt Lou and Uncle Bernard's.



Here we are at 23 weeks, Bug! Can you believe that you've been in there for that long? You still have a ways to go, but we can't wait until you get here!