Megan, Ivan and Anton's Great Adventures!!!

It's time to start again!

2011-12-31T03:33:00.003+01:00

Aww... it's been too long way too long... Anton is almost 2 1/2 years old and WILD and CRAZY but also super fun and loving. He has an imagination to boot!! He loves nothing more than going outside to run and play and jump!! For Christmas we got him an indoor trampoline and it's getting used about a bajillion times a day!!! I love it, a few of his favorite games to role play with us are, iron man, robot, chasing game and all around wrestling and fighting :) He is all boy this one!! Except when Aunt Bridgette puts him in Gretals dress or when he sees that Gretal gets to wear pretties in her hair and he wants one too!! I can't say no because he looks so dang cute in them and I love it!!! We have been spending the holidays with family which has been such a fun blessing and a little crazy! My mom always has me going somewhere to a blessing, a missionary send off, visiting grandparents... I really can't complain though I love being able to see all of my extended family and am so excited that in April we'll be moving to North Carolina so we'll at least be stateside and the flights will at least be a little shorter :) I guess I'll have to keep a look out for some cheap airline tickets!! I think Ivan is sad to leave his 2nd motherland... and I'm super sad too... I know we'll have to try to go back someday because we have loved living there so much and getting to enjoy and experience the culture! Ivan does love to experience new things and really likes to hunt and fish and from what we hear he can do both in North Carolina... so it looks like our freezer and our walls will be full!! Well now it's time to give 2, 2 year olds a bath... look out this is going to be crazy :)

Trying something...

2011-12-20T03:34:00.000+01:00

The biggest Regret...

2011-03-15T22:19:00.003+01:00

I've put off writing this for SOOOOOO long, and it seems kinda silly that this should be my first post back in a LONG time but, I feel that tonight it is right. I know a few of you are going to support me in this post, a few are going think I'm freaking weird, a few more are going to think I should not be discussing such things in a public forum, some might take it like I'm judging them... but mostly this is not for anyone but me, and my soul, and maybe for Anton when he's older.

I chose to circumcise my son, not knowing anything about foreskin and the functions of it and not even thinking to research this procedure I choose to cut off a piece of my sons organ. The main reason so he didn't get made fun of in the locker room, and because this is what we do in America. I didn't know then that this would turn out to be the single most regret of my life.

When Anton was two weeks old Ivan and I took him to the clinic on base to have him circumcised, we filled out the paperwork and signed the consent forms, which said things like your baby might not want to eat after, might be fussy not sleep well, have some bleeding. And like any person who trusts Dr. explicitly I just didn't think, it was almost like reading your prescription medicine bottle, it can cause dry mouth, anal discharge, loss of vision etc. you just pop the pill in your mouth thinking that your Dr prescribed these for you so their safe. You don't question you just keep your head down and do what you *thought was for the best. We took Anton back to the room where they showed us the board that they strap him down arms and legs, spread eagle of course. Talk a little about the procedure then explain that you should leave the building for 30 min while they circumcise your baby because they are so loud that the parents can hear them in the waiting room and it tends to "upset" the parents. So we hand Anton over to the Dr, walk out and take a walk. While Ivan and I were walking I got the worst sinking feeling in my stomach, I tell Ivan I feel so weird not having Anton in my arms, I feel like he's in danger and I need to go and get him. Ivan tells me everything is ok, and we start to walk back. We come into the waiting room, and he's brought out to us with a pacifier in his mouth, bundled in a blanket. They hand him to me and immediately he starts screaming. I try to soothe him, nothing works, I hand him to Ivan and he quiets down. We are asked to wait for about 10-15 min in the waiting room so that a nurse can check his wound to make sure he's not bleeding too much and to go over how to care for the wound. About every 5 min now Anton bursts into screaming fits... not crying fits mind you SCREAMING fits. He refuses to nurse. They call us back open the diaper, it is red swollen bleeding he's crying again because he's laying down again spread eagle and having ointment put on. We take him home and every diaper change is pain and torture, his open wound is being touched by urine and feces, we try to be as gentle as possible, screams of pain wail out of him and not just at diaper changes. He doesn't want to nurse, or be held by me, he's ok with Ivan but still cried a lot. We both decided that we never want to ever do this again, if we have another boy. Of course the wound "healed" eventually like most wounds do. About six months later I read an article on circumcision, there were quite a number of things that HIT me.

Number one it was a NON MEDICAL procedure... it was essentially COSMETIC surgery. When I read this, my heart sunk... I basically put my child thru hell during the first weeks of his new life here on earth when he was the most dependent and defenseless, he counted on me to protect him and keep him safe from any kind of harm and I did the opposite I sought this COSMETIC surgery, the surgery that has NO medical benefits.

When I saw a picture of a baby in shock from having a circumcision I knew with out a shadow of a doubt that this happened to my son, he went in a calm and happy baby, and came out a baby who had fits of terrorizing screams, a baby who was dependent on a pacifier. He had that same glassy look when I first held him that I recognized in the picture of the baby in shock. Now as a toddler, anytime Anton gets hurt or feels abandoned he holds his breath until he literally convulses and passes out. I thought he had grown out of it as he hadn't done it in a while, but when he had a seizure and had to be taken to the ER and went thru the hole being poked and prodded, I think it set off an alarm in him. Because since we've come home he now passes out at least 2-3 times a week. Which we had it down to maybe once every two weeks. I know this behavior stems from his circumcision where he passed out due to the tremendous pain of having one of the most sensitive body parts literally RIPPED from him. And this is something I CHOSE for him.

There is an ACTUAL purpose for the foreskin!!! It is an amazing and miraculous purpose, it does exactly what God designed it for. Every male mammal was born with a foreskin, it's not useless, it's also not just a piece of skin the clip off. (which is what I thought, I compared it in my head to a skin tag being removed by scissors so NOT the case) The foreskin is FUSED to the glans (head) of the penis, like your finger nail is fused to your finger, in order to remove the foreskin you literally have to RIP it from the glans. Rip it, those words just play over and over in my head... I didn't know at the time that the foreskin is fused to keep out all debris, and to help PREVENT children from getting UTI's and infections as long as the skin is not forcibly retracted ( this is why there is SO much mis information out there, boys were being forcibly retracted, the foreskin pulled back and being ripped from the glans before it naturally retracted which causes a lot of problems such as UTI's and um PAIN!!) In fact little girls are way more likely to get a UTI than an intact boy. But we just treat them with antibiotics. There are A LOT more functions of the foreskin, I encourage you to look them up!! This is just the one that struck me the most!!!

There were warning signs that I just didn't see until 6 months later when I had clarity... I had a friend and we were both having boys and she said she was leaving her son intact. Why didn't I ask why? Why didn't I ask my German pediatrician why they didn't circumcise in Europe? Why would I even think it's ok to take a newborn who likes to be bundled and swaddled and held and strap him down spread eagle? Right there that is the most unnatural thing for a baby who has just spent 10 months warm and cozy inside his mommy, and now his arms and legs are being strapped down? When a consent form says it's normal for a baby, a 2 week old baby mind you, to not want to eat you have to ask yourself WHY?? Why is this normal, what is making a baby who usually wants to eat every 30 min or so, not want to eat at all?? Why is it ok for a baby to have problems sleeping after the procedure? Why did I not wonder why they had given my son a pacifier, how much pain was he in that they decided to stick something in his mouth to suck on to help alleviate it and WHY WHY WHY is this OK. Why did I not question any of those things? Why did I not listen to that voice that was telling me that my baby was NOT OK? Why didn't I listen to my motherly instinct? I had little nudges here and there, small hints left for me to ask why, and find the answers BEFORE anything ever happened but I failed to heed those little nudges and hear those little murmurings of motherly love that told me my baby was being harmed. WHY?? Why did I take this perfect little human, someone whom God entrusted with me to protect and love and cherish ALWAYS. God gave him to me perfect, in his image and I forever altered him. I'm sorry, so so so sorry.

A lot of people won't ever understand where I'm coming from, and I honestly hope they NEVER have to understand where I'm coming from. Sometimes I very selfishly wish I could go back to those first 6 months when I didn't realize what horror I inflicted upon my perfect little guy, but I know that I can't. I think about this at least every day. Yes I can laugh and go on play dates, but when I hear of a friend or family member that is having a boy all I can think about is helping or saving that boy, because I didn't protect my son and I feel like I have to atone for that horrible mistake I freely choose to make, for another human being. A choice I had no right to make. Nothing anything anybody says will make it go away or hurt less, I fear the day that I have to sit Anton down and tell him what we choose to do to him, and the frivolous reason why. All I can hope is that he realizes that I do love him and I am more truly sorry than I have ever been of anything in my entire life, and that I hope one day he will forgive me. I can't be silent, I'm not trying to step on anyone I'm not trying to stick my nose in, I'm just trying to atone for the mistake that keeps me up at night and wakes me up with bad dreams. I would feel sick if someone I know ever went through this, and I had a chance to say or share with them and I didn't because of fear, fear of not being liked or loved or thought of as a good patient, the same fear that lead me to not question WHY and that ultimately lead me to circumcise my son.

So I hope this is coherent as it is very late for me anyway. I just couldn't sleep until I wrote some of this down... I know there will be more over the next few years as I sort thru my feelings and as I purge other feelings and thoughts, just a warning I guess, that this isn't the last post.

Please if your having a boy, please please do your research... a great website is DrMomma.org

Amendment... This is Uncle Pero :)

2010-07-07T22:07:00.002+02:00

Pics for Memorial Day Post!!

2010-07-07T21:47:00.003+02:00

I rode in the very back and read Anton the same story over and over and over... I think I read it at least 20 times, I have it memorized now :) But that was the only thing that would keep him from screaming the entire car ride so Janja kept handing me the book every time he started crying it was pretty cute :)
This Door with Anton's name on it is a Bathroom :) How cute!!

Part of Pero's routine to get people to come watch the show is to ride his indian bike and a little tiny motorcycle on these roller balls, he swerves, puts on a blind fold and does this thing with no hands or feet!! It was pretty amazing to watch!!

Memorial Day Weekend!

2010-07-04T22:49:00.002+02:00

For Memorial Day weekend we went to Ivan's Aunt's house up near Hanover, Germany. We had lots of fun and Anton did pretty well! We went and watched Ivan's uncle perform at the fair in East Germany. It was waaayy scary but he did it with his eyes closed LITERALLY!!! here are a few pics! We of course ate Great food since his aunt did all the cooking, and had a great time with his cousins watching Germany win the euro vision... we couldn't get Lena's song out of our heads for the whole weekend :( All in all it was a great trip... needless to say Jajna loves, adores, and spoils Anton she call him her sunshine... we love visisting them and can't wait until we get to go back and actually see the town they live in!!!

Happy First Fathers Day!!

2010-06-20T17:07:00.006+02:00

In honor of my Father and Anton's Daddy, I just wanted to say Happy Fathers Day!! Ivan is such a wonderful and loving father. Showering Anton with kisses, attention, praise and teaching him how to pet the cats nicely, how to yell during a soccer game, and mostly how to be a good person! I feel so lucky that my partner is willing to help with Anton any time of day no matter how his day was!! Thanks Babe, I love you and want you to know that you are truly a great dad!! Here are some pics of him and Anton that I love!! They show you just how much Anton admires his daddy and how they are truly are two peas in a pod :)

Fun Pics!

2010-06-18T22:54:00.003+02:00

So my sister's friend totally gave me the greatest idea to make some of our pics B&W and antique them!! So here are a few that I've edited and tweaked!! I love this... oh no... poor Ivan I've been doing this for waaayyy over an hour now :)

Hanging around Town

2010-06-18T21:51:00.005+02:00

I have found out that the more I get the baby out of the house the happier he seems... that is as long as getting him out means going to the park and not in the car! So we have a park within walking distance and we hit it up about three times a week that is when it's not RAINING! Anton loves it!! He loves to swing, and slide and just move around in general! I catch him staring at the trees and leaves, trying to eat flowers and just enjoying the sun (with proper sun block of course) and world around him!! I think the only thing he loves more is going to the park with his DADDY! Maybe because mom is not such a daredevil like dad is or maybe because they are two peas in a pod? I didn't want to go back to the house one evening so I made Anton and Ivan walk around town so I could take pictures of them in front of Orsfeld things!! We all had a good time ( you wouldn't have thought that from Anton's face) and it was nice to spend some time together as a family!!

More Utah Pics!!

2010-05-10T13:30:00.002+02:00

UTAH!

2010-05-10T12:30:00.004+02:00

After Spokane we went and stayed with Bridge for two weeks and had a BLAST!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE my little Gretal. It was so great to see those two interact, and by interact I mean to see Anton beat on poor Gretal. She is such a good little girl who can sit and play for hours! We did and saw a lot while we were there I don't think we ever had time to even miss Ivan the Harris' kept us busy! We went to the bean museum where they have all sorts of taxidermy animals from the zoo and forest... it was a don't touch museum but Gretal and Anton couldn't help themselves!! We ate at A LOT of good and yummy places! We went to the Zoo the Aquarium it was soo much fun! I see why people like to live in big cities you have everything at your fingertips!! I did A LOT of shopping and I think spent waaayyyy more than I should have but what are you going to do?!? I really enjoyed getting to see my sister in her element of being a mom and a wife she makes it look easy, she's a great cook and baker... she made us some strawberry rhubarb pie that was DELICIOUS Anton had a first here too... he went swimming for the very first time and LOVED it! We almost died when I took him down the slide and couldn't get my footing but we made it... he went under the water and came back up we looked at him thinking he was going to cry... but nothing just looked at us like what it was like going home for me!! Unfortunately Anton didn't realize that going to visit The Harris' would mean having to dress up like a girl sometimes but that's what happens when your mom doesn't bring enough jammies and you pee through all of yours... he ended up wearing Gretal's pink jammies to bed one night and we all thought he looked too stinking cute in PINK!!! I can't wait to go back, hopefully with Ivan next time!

More Spokane Pics!

2010-05-10T10:07:00.002+02:00

SPOKANE!

2010-05-10T09:29:00.003+02:00

I was so glad to head home and see my parents and little brother! Anton had grown up sooo much since being there last. We had such a blast visiting with our old neighbors and seeing Grandma and Grandpa Vance! My parents have a foreign exchange student from Ecuador named Santy... he was a lot of fun and Anton just loved him... in fact him and Grandpa Tony were the only boys that Anton warmed up to instantly... Uncle T.J. scared him a little bit at the beginning but he's like a giant to this little guy!! We had lots of fun we went to Riverfront park and rode on the Carousel and Anton rode with Grandma Jackie on the one and only goat!! We went down the big red wagon, fed the ducks and the metal goat!! We also got to go to the park by my mom's house and we flew a kite which was A LOT of work for me and my mom!! I saw a friend from high school there and got to catch up! We went to Coeur d Alene and played in the water a little bit and went to the Cd'A hotel and had ooey gooey's!! YUM!! Anton ate pretty much all of Grandpa Tony's Huckleberry Sorbet!! Anton had a few firsts while we were there... he started clapping his hands and started to wave a little bit... I know he's going to miss his G&G sooo much... I can't wait to see them in June for T.J. and Bailey's wedding. It was such a fun trip and I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to go there!!

SO MUCH FUN!!

2010-05-10T09:06:00.004+02:00

We've been doing so much lately, Anton and I took a month long trip to the states and had a blast visiting our family!! We went hiking in Moab, UT at the Arches National Park! There was A LOT of complaining had by me... but hey give me a break, I flew 15 hours with a 7 month old all by myself who slept maybe 5 hours and then woke up and drove 3 hours to Moab... I was Kaput!! I'm sure Anton was too!! He has been crawling since about 5 1/2 months and HATES to be tied down so being on a plane with no where to really crawl, and a car seat, and a hikers pack... I'm surprised this little guy didn't cry more than he did!! Our first hike was a long semi flat hike we saw a few arches and Anton did pretty good, until of course he got hungry!! It was really windy and kinda cold... which I wasn't expecting at all I thought I was headed to the warm desert... ha ha... Our second hike the next day was straight up a rock... it wasn't as long and we saw the Arch that is on all the Utah license plates... It was CRAZY windy once we got up there and I didn't feel very safe with Anton up in the hiking pack and me on the steep rock so we headed to a flat spot down the rock a little bit... once we got there I smelled a ROTTEN smell... yep, Anton had a HUGE poopy diaper and I HAD to change him on a flat rock... so there is a rock in Moab that has an Anton butt print... thank goodness he didn't get any on his clothes!! We saw lots of fun stuff... but I must say my favorite part of the Moab trip was when Anton was in the grass and stood up by himself for a few seconds!! Also getting to see all my Welcker cousins and their babies was soo fun!! I can't wait until all our little ones are older so they can actually play together!! Oh and hike on their own!!

My Loves

2010-02-15T11:03:00.003+01:00

As it is the day after Valentines day I thought a post about love is best fitting for getting back in the saddle of blogging!

My two loves: Daddy and Baby.

I never thought we'd make it this far... Anton is almost 6 months I remember back to the first few months thinking I'll never make it he'll never grow out of crying all the time and needing to be held 24/7... but he did. He's doing soo good. Today I had him in his crib and he entertained himself for almost 30 min... and then I brought him to our bed and the laundry basket entertained him long enough for me to fold and put away clothes!! I guess this means no more excuses on how I have the baby and so I can't get something done :) But with a Dad like Ivan it wouldn't matter anyway. Ivan is such a great dad and great husband. Anton LOVES his daddy and can't wait to see him. He gives Ivan his HUGE smiles and holds his hands up for Ivan to pick him up! They are two peas in a pod! I remember when Anton would scream if anyone else but mommy would hold him even daddy and how it hurt Ivan to think his baby might not know him... but again we've all grown and now daddy is our prized possession at the end of the long day with mommy!

Anton has started crawling a little bit well at least he's learning to he's been belly crawling and actually using his hands instead of his face to move forward!! Sigh... I can't wait for him to grow and learn new things as long as he stays my cute little snuggle bug forever!

Hello Good Friend!

2009-12-15T12:22:00.007+01:00

So it's been a while since I've sat down to write something on here... we've had a lot going on and seems like more and more everyday. In November we went and visited my parents and sister in Spokane... We rode over Space A which was a huge C- 17? Ivan will probably correct me on this later... Any who... It was very loud and cold but we were able to lay down and walk around! Anton and Daddy even got to meet the pilots!! Once we got to Spokane we had a blast we got to see our little niece Gretal and she was such a little cu-tie. I think she is a mini Bridge I just loved getting to hold her and snuggle with her! Anton had a great trip he adjusted to the time change going over perfectly... but coming back took about 2 1/2 weeks to get back on schedule! He was always surronded by family and good friends who wanted to hold and cuddle him! He did great except at night when he only wanted Mommy... which drove Grandma crazy! He got sooo many cute outfits and an amazing quilt from the neighbor and good friend Beth! But mostly he got to meet his family! Bridge and John just ate him up... Uncle T.J. was a little unsure what to do as most children run and attack him the moment they see him!! Soon hopefully! And he got to see his grandparents again!! Grandma hardly ever put him down we have pictures to prove it!! It was just an all around great trip!! On our way home we flew into Maryland and we rented a car to drive down to Delaware to get on another plane that would take us home... so we very quickly stopped and took pics of Washington Monument! When we drove by them on the Highway we were like WOW we are in our Nations Capital and I got some major goosebumps... then Anton started crying and were like back to reality! We can't wait to see our family again... hopefully next time we go we can go and see Ivan's family too!!

HARD

2009-10-14T11:06:00.002+02:00

This mom thing is harder than any other job I have ever had. At least when I started a new job I got either hands on training or I got a manual. No one gave me a book or prepared me for litterally exausting nights, no "ME" time...even the cats want to sit on me or want me to hold them. The only thing I am ever lonely for now is adult conversation. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't trade being Anton's mom for the whole world he's the cutest little boy and so much fun when he's not screaming bloody murder! Sometimes I don't feel like I'm doing anything right or I feel like I can't do anything right I'm not sure which one. Forget a schedule I don't remember which breast he ate on last let alone how long he's been asleep or what time I changed his diaper last...was that one poopy or was it the one before that?? I feel bad for Ivan I know he's not getting much sleep either and every time he trys to complain a little bit I come back with...Oh your not getting enough sleep?? I have decided to not do that anymore...sleep means different things for different ppl...I'm ok with waking up during the night...but the hardest parts for me is when I'm tired at night and want to go to bed and Mr Anton wants to be wide awake and cry...or in the morning I need a slow wake up process crying is not slow...it's very loud and abrupt....This whole thing of sleep when he sleeps that in theroy sounds great but I have in-laws coming and my house is literally a disaster area what excuse do I give them...oh I had a baby 2 months ago. Ivan says just let him cry and get done what you need to get done...this sounds great and I have done it twice...this is really hard for me crying at night when it's sleepy time is all well and fine but when I'm awake and can be there to play with him and interact with him I feel guilty for putting anything above his needs...what can you do?? I'm sure I'll get the hang of this mommy thing eventually but until then I thought I'd just vent into my blog...gotta go he's crying....I know why am I on the computer when I could be cleaning the bathroom???

All Smiles!

2009-10-03T20:50:00.003+02:00

Our Big BOY!!
So Anton is now 6 weeks old and he's giving us a run for our money!! He defenitly knows how to make his mommy and daddy's heart melt though...he has started smiling...and not just smiling for any old thing...he smiles when we talk to him and look at him it is so wonderful...Also he's been taking naps with mommy and daddy...were pretty sure the mommy and daddy enjoy them more than him...but don't tell Anton!!!

It's my turn....I'm an Aunt!!!

2009-09-12T09:06:00.003+02:00

I'm so excited to be an Aunt...Look how beautiful Gretal Amelia Harris is!!! Look at that black hair just like mommy...and she has already latched on to Bridge's breast so we know she's going to be really smart like her daddy (no pun's intended!) She is the most beautiful little baby girl I have ever seen!!! I can't wait to get to meet her and to hold and snuggle her!! Now for the nitty gritty...She arrived 8 days early on 09/10/09 at 10:30 pm...she weighed 6 lbs and 9 oz and was 20.5 inches long!! Bridge went to the hospital at 9 am on the 10th and she had her precious Gretal at 10:30pm that night!! We are wishing the Harris family a full and fast recovery! We love you guys!!!!

First hours!!!

2009-09-11T17:34:00.003+02:00

Baby Anton only a few minutes old...he got to do skin to skin with daddy while mommy was getting stitched back up! Ivan and I are both firm believers in skin to skin and we've seen the power it holds ...Anton is a huge daddy's boy and he even tried eating from daddy which left a few hickeys on Ivan's chest! For the first few times Ivan held him he would root looking for food...and with me he wouldn't know what to do...however we have the roles corrected now and if he hears, sees or smells me now he immediately thinks he's hungry!! Wow we are so blessed to have this perfect little guy in our lives!! Oh and the other picture is him getting his first diaper change...he made sure to poop for the nurse!! he he What a good little boy!!!

Anton's first Photo shoot!!

2009-09-11T17:30:00.003+02:00

This is our little muscle man...just like daddy always showing off the muscles!!!! He did so good for this photo shoot. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful friends who are talented and are willing to take our pictures!! We hope you all enjoy them as much as we do!!!

Our Birth Story

2009-09-03T20:48:00.003+02:00

Ok so here is our story....
Wednesday August 19th 7:40 am as my mom and Ivan were getting ready to go and pick up my dad and grandma from the airport (which is 2 hrs away) I was sitting in our computer chair and my water broke...so plans changed my mom was going to go and pick up my dad and grandma from the airport and Ivan and I were going to the hospital. Since we only had one car my mom dropped us off on base so that a friend could take us to the hosptial. So we got to the hospital around 9:30 am and checked in they did a test to make sure that my water broke and to test to see if I had an infection...my water had broken and I did have a slight infection so I was admitted and started on antibiotics. So we spent all day walking stairs, walking halls, taking naps and just haning out....no contractions had started and so around 4 pm they gave me a champange cocktail to try and induce me. No such luck...so we stayed that night and the next morning they gave me a pill to try and induce me the first one didn't work but the next dose started some contractions...so around 3 pm we started some "good" ones they were about every 5 min...we started walking the halls and stairs and hoping it would make me progress...after walking what seems like forever...I was only dialted to 2 cm....so more walking and stairs....then the contractions started to get stronger and were coming on every 90 seconds...more walking and stairs...went back in to check my progress and I was at 3 cm... and that's the way I stayed for the next 6 hours...I stayed at 3 cm for over 6 hours and so they said I needed to relax and gave me an epidural...which was supposed to help...but I still felt the contractions...not as strong but I still felt them!! Then after still being at 3 cm...the Dr and the midwife came in and started watching the baby monitor...they had me lay on my sides to see if there was a difference in the baby's heart rate...finally they had me lay back down on my back and they left the room...a few minutes later they came back and the midwife started prepping me for a c-section saying she was still waiting to hear if the Dr thinks the baby was in stress and needed to come out ASAP or not. By the time she was done prepping me the Dr came back in watched the monitor for a few more minutes and said we need to have an emergency c-section. They immedieatly started wheeling me to the O R. My mom came with me into the operating room as we didn't think Ivan would bbe able to handle the sounds/smells...and about 20 min later at 00:28 Mr Anton Marijan Alandzak was born!!! Dad got to hold the baby skin to skin until I was done in the operating room...Ivan also cut the umbilibcal cord!!!! While dad was holding Mr Anton he tried to latch on to Ivans chest...we got some pics of the hickies dad got!!! So there's the story of how our little guy came into this world!!!

Stats:
Born: August 21st at 00:28 at 7lbs 6 oz and 20.6 inches long

2009-08-21T19:49:00.001+02:00

Our Boy

Anton Marijan Alandzak
Born on 21 Aug 2009 at 00:28
7.6 pounds
20.27 inches

Baby Room

2009-08-15T15:54:00.002+02:00

Here is the baby room!!! No baby as of yet...August 15th...which I may say is one day past his due date!!! But The funny story about the baby room is that at first it was supposed to be green with a brown stripe...so we went to the store and bought green and brown paint...we had the green done and then started in on the brown...we did a small section to make sure that it would look good...dang good thing we did cuz after that spot dried it looked plum purple...so it was back to the store to try a different brown...so we came back home with 1 liter of a paint we choose and had mixed ourselves more of a cow brown and painted a small area with that...ugh...that was defenitly poop brown...so back to the store again...this time we bought a tiny little bottle of brown...and it was the best brown so far but when we painted a larger spot it clashed so badly with the crib we knew it wasn't going to work...so...we decided to take a break from painting and to tape up the walls so that when we did find the right brown we could just paint it on and pull the tape....after taping one wall I changed my mind and we decided to change colors to green and blue!!! So we went back to Toom and took the painters tape with us got blue paint that matched the painters tape and voila...This is our baby's room!! I owe a very huge and special thanks to my mom who after 4 trips to Toom ( not all paint related) was still chipper and had a good attitude...which is more than I could say about me (this was week 39 in pregnacny...so I was almost in tears after the last 2 failed paints and to put the tape line up I had to walk away about 5 times so I didn't punch a hole in our concrete walls) But we did it...we love it and now I just can't wait until our little guy gets to sleep in here!!!

Last of the Maternity Photos

2009-07-23T07:57:00.003+02:00

On Sunday our friend Cass took some maternity pics of us! She did a fantastic job and I love them!! We both loved this old school look where the color is tweaked a little bit! But my favorite is the one of Ivan looking at the camera...I call this Mr Blue Eyes...and hope when our little one comes he has his daddy's eyes and eyelashes for that matter!!! Ivan was such a good sport thru it all I love him very much and hopefully that translated into the pics!! We also love the heart on the belly pic!! We went to Wittlich, Germany to take these photos and had a blast walking around the walkplatz looking for one special door...which we didn't find but we did find the famous pig!!! Then we came to this park and walked around for bit and then got right to it!! Cass is also going to come and do newborn pics for us as well...I can't wait!! We both feel very blessed to have such great friends with such great talents in our lives!! Hope you all like them!!!

Maternity Photo Shoot

2009-07-23T07:49:00.002+02:00

2009-07-15T15:07:00.003+02:00

Belly Pics....here they are for all of those who were harassing me about more pics...The only one I can remember the actual weeks on is the white w/ gray sweater that is me at 35 weeks!

More of Eifel Wildlife Park

2009-07-15T14:36:00.003+02:00

So here are some more pics of the Eifel wildlife park! Ivan wanted his pic taken with one of the baby goats...thats why he's bending down!
These are the wolves they were feeding them when we got done with the walk around so we headed back over to watch them eat! It was amazing...These are the boars and deer from the last post...we had tons of fun but I was dripping wet with sweat by the time we walked the whole park!! Ivan almost got his head bit off and not from an angry wild animal...but from his wife cuz he wouldn't let her sit down when she wanted too!!! he he he!!!

Eifel park

2009-07-15T14:21:00.002+02:00

This is me feeding the goats, and bears at the wildlife park!! It was sooo much fun! Even though one of the goats headbutted me right in the behind! We also fed some boars and deer too! Ivan tried telling me not to hand feed the deer...but I was like whatever I do what I want!! he he he!! This was July 2nd...Ivan got the day off to go and explore the Eifel for work! I'll post more pics...cuz there's some of Ivan feeding these little goats too and those are great!!!

Yoga??

2009-07-08T08:35:00.003+02:00

Ok so yesterday I did yoga...and anyone who knows me knows that I'm not well lets just say balanced or strechy at all!! I had a great time and had to modify a few moves but over all I think it helped me to strengthen my legs!! However, my back is killing me now!! How weird that sitting up straight can hurt your back...and by hurt I just mean that I feel muscles that I wasn't using while slouching...This week has been pretty fun for me so far...Monday I went swimming with a prego friend and we just talked about all things baby!! Tuesday was yoga..breakfast burrito and nap...today is the first day of the week that I didn't get the car and as of right now I'm kinda glad...I need some rest the heartburn has hit me everynight this week and so I've been sleeping sitting up...which is not very comfortable!! Tomorrow/Thursday I'm taking our friends cat into the vet he thinks she's pregnant and so she's got to get checked out!! That's going to be fun...a huge prego lady taking in a huge prego cat!!! he he he!! Then as of Friday no plans....Ivan is supposed to be going go karting again this weekend...however I told him that he can't go until my cupporads are up and functioning!!! He might try and get them done tonight!! he he he...so There's our update...I have also been flip flopping on baby names...we have three now and can't decide so were going to take all three with us and decide when we see the little guy!!

Washed and ready to wear

2009-06-23T12:47:00.002+02:00

So this is just a silly little post to say that I just did 10 loads of baby laundry...man oh man this little guy has ALOT of clothes!! we filled his dresser to the max! Lots of fun and soft blankets too!! I know this is just a prelude to what it's going to be like when he gets here...throwing up, peeing up, and pooping up into everything!! I can't wait!!! His ears must be burning cuz he's rolling around in my tummy now as I type!! I can't wait for friday cuz we are buying a bed for my Grandma to sleep in when she comes in August...not only is it for that but it has a dresser built in under the bed so we can finally get all of Ivan's stuff put away!! I'll actually have most of the rooms done after that!! yeah!! It is such a relief...and Ivan hooked up the dishwasher yesterday...a little leakage but he fixed that and so today I get to wash dishes...but not by hand!!! I'm sooooooooooo excited!!! It's getting closer and closer to the day where we can finally see our little guy!! Oh last night Ivan had his hand on the belly and of course like always nothing happend...so Ivan took his other hand and tapped the other side of the belly and was like you better move for me...and what happened he moved...Ivan did this 3 times and he would only move if Ivan told him too!! It was way cute...but I have a feeling that he might be one of those that only listens to daddy...we'll have to change that right quick! he he!!

Austria Trip Part One!!

2009-06-08T18:48:00.001+02:00

RE: Castle Adventures

2009-06-08T18:42:00.002+02:00

So this is the very first Castle we saw in Germany...it was only about an half hour drive from the base! It wasn't open yet but the grounds around were open for hiking and walking around...so the steam and the pic of the Eagle were all found on our little hike around the castle! The stream photo was taken about 15 min after I fell...I was walking then all of a sudden I was on the ground..no sounds, scream just on the ground...Ivan and his friend turned around to see what the thump was and I was just laying there like what happened...kinda funny, kinda embarassing...but this is where I would say the first signs of pregnancy clumsiness happened!!! We hope to visit this castle sometime when it's open...but we'll see...We might just take another walk and see where else I can fall down!
Oh we went here in March 2009! So I was about 17-18 weeks prego!

Castle Adventures!!

2009-06-08T18:22:00.001+02:00

Order of the Ultrasounds!!!

2009-06-04T11:49:00.003+02:00

Ok starting from the top

29 weeks (face)

22-23 weeks (penis)

next 4 are 13 weeks

next 3 are 11 weeks

and last is my very first ultrasound at 9 weeks!!

more ultasound pics

2009-06-04T11:46:00.000+02:00

Ultrasound pictures

2009-06-04T11:42:00.000+02:00

Belly pics

2009-06-04T11:07:00.001+02:00

So those are all the belly pics I have so far...Starting from the top it's goes

28 weeks

24 weeks

22 weeks

21 weeks

18 weeks

Belly Pics

2009-06-04T10:49:00.003+02:00

May 28th

2009-05-28T15:31:00.002+02:00

Today arrived a package from my mom!! I love packages even if it's stuff you requested it's still fun getting mail!! The great thing about my mom is that she always puts more stuff then what you just requested in the package which makes it even better...because it's always exciting opening it up not knowing what's in there!! Thanks Mom!!

Last night Ivan his buddies and I all went to a sports pub to watch the European Soccer finals...or something like that...it was so much fun!! Even though we ended up driving the kids home only to realize 2 miles from base we only had enough gas to go 4 miles...so we had to stop and fuel up to make it home...which we did but not until 12:30 am...needless to say I was exausted. This also marked i believe the first time I've driven in Germany at night!! I did really well even though I almost missed a turn and a stop sign!! Thanks boys!

So over the last weekend Ivan and I have been cleaning up our house and making it Megan ready!! We weeded out the backyard where we found trash from the early 90's, and I think from the 70's as well!!! I don't know if that area has seen a rake for at least 20 years!!! We also power washed the front of our house...which the next day our neighbor did the same thing!! It was such a great weekend and I feel so accomplished!!

Tomorrow I have a Dr's appt. to see if the ambilcule cord is still sitting too high...I guess if it is I'll have to have weekly appts to watch the baby more closely...All I know is this baby is a mover and a shaker...he's going to be one wiggly worm when he comes out!! Well that's all for now I think I'll take a nap!!

Oops!!

2009-05-13T15:14:00.001+02:00

I didn't even realize that my last post before catch up was about us still not getting our car...so Ivan being the sneaky little devil that he is on the very same day I wrote the post about us not getting our car...he drove home in guess what OUR CAR!!! So we finally did get our car!!!

Catch up!

2009-05-13T14:55:00.004+02:00

I of course have to play catch up again!! I'm super bad at this writing all the time...the computer is Ivan's domain not mine!! But I'll still do my best to keep it up!! So a few weeks ago now my mom and sister came to visit us all the way over here in Germany!! They also had two fellow travlers...our cats Monster and Chevy...lets just say that they are not good travlers...sorry sis and mom...we will be forever gratefull to you guys for bringing us two more members of our family!! They have really helped me adjust to my surrondings a lot more than I would have ever thought they would...yet they still don't kill the spiders on my command yet...we'll get there I'm sure...of course I'm talking about my cats!!

Now back to the human family!! We had such a great time while they were here it was a lot of just the Wilson girls doing crazy things...or maybe just me being a crazy driver and doing crazy things...they just lauged with me of course!! I don't think I've ever almost peed my pants so many times in just 10 days!! It was excatly what I needed since moving half way across the world to a place where no one understands what I'm saying...As anyone who knows me can imagine i'm sure they got sick of me talking their ears off beacuse I had to catch up on all my well talking!!

Anyways...We went to Trier, Germany 3 times and loved it every single time!! I think that would be voted most favorite place and not just because it's the oldest city in Germany...they had the best shops, food, entertainment, and national monuments!!! We also traveled to Luxembourg...where they speak French...we brought along our German phrase book...but needless to say it didn't do us much good!! However we made the best of it and went to see a Great Castle!! We also traveled down to Austria so we could see where they filmed The Sound of Music...lets just say that Ivan was way sick of us singing...the hills are alive....We also got to see this cool castle that looked out over the city of Salzburg!!! The first night we stayed in a great hotel that cost us an arm and a leg but it was worth it!! Especially for breakfast the next morning which I think we can all conclude was the best breakfast of the trip!! We also visited Bitburg, Germany which was 85% destroyed in WWII. So that was some great history...this is where most of the shopping took place..it was a great time and I had a blast exploring with My mom and my sister.

While we (the pregos) were realxing at home my mom was out planting me flowers and caluking my bathrooms down stairs!!! Once again I'm indebted to her...because these are things I would never have done...not just because I'm prego and can't inhale the fumes but because they were both areas that were spider infested and she cleaned them up for me and made our house a home!! She's always done that for us no matter where we live she will come by for a visit and by the time she has left she's done half of our to do list and made the house look a billion times better and make us feel like we could actually live here!! So THANKS X A BILLION MOM!!!

Ok so hopefully that's all the catch up...like I said I'll try and be better about this blogging...Some day I'll even get Ivan to put the pictures on the computer so that I can showcase the BELLY!!

Still waiting for our car!!!!!

2009-04-14T14:30:00.003+02:00

So we were supposed to get our car last week...but due to the Easter holiday it was post ponned to this week...When we dropped off the car they told us that the date of arrival was April 14th....well today is April 14th and so far...since it's 2:45 pm...no car!!! This is getting ridiculous!!! I wonder if they know what kind of stress they are putting us through...we have no way of getting away for a while...we had to spend our Anniversary with Ivan's co-workers because we didn't have a car so he could take me out to a new resturant!! There's no way for us to just run to the store...if there's an emergency there's no way for us to get to the hospital...I wish there was a program that would give families a temporary car until there's comes in!!! I can't wait for a car...I can't wait for the freedom it will bring to us.

Happy Anniversary

2009-04-09T22:12:00.003+02:00

So Yesterday was our fourth anniversary!! Four years can anyone else believe it? It seems like ti's been soo long since the wedding but it doesn't seem that long!!! Four years and were expecting our first baby which is a boy!!! For our anniversary since we didn't have a car still...I got up and made Ivan breakfast...spam and egg biscuits...he'd been craving spam and fried eggs for a while so I figured what a good gift right??? Then he took me out for dinner...of course we went with two of the guys from his shop because we didn't have a car yet...but it was a good time!!! I think the best part was just having Ivan here with me on this anniversary...because our third anniversary he was in Iraq so it was a blessing just being with him!!!

So today...I did a little cleaning and we had the same two guys over for dinner...I made Green Chile beef enchiladas they weren't too bad...with avocado, re fried beans, salad and fruit!! All in all it was good.... every single enchilada was eaten except one!!! That was 12 enchiladas!!! man those boys sure can eat!!! Now I'm blogging while Ivan and one of his buddies are playing Call of duty...it's 10:20 pm and I'm wondering if they are ever going to quit so I can get some one on one time with my hubby before he crashes for the night!!! Oh I think were getting a couch tomorrow....fingers crossed that everything goes according to plan!!! Well sea pony keeps kicking me in the bladder I think he wants me to empty it!!! So I'll end by saying....I hate spiders!!!!

Baby Alandzak

2009-04-07T16:17:00.002+02:00

So today was our first German Dr's appointment!! We both really like our Dr. he was very funny and extremely informative!!! He literally spent the whole time with us!! He even did the ultrasound...he cracked us up when he jiggled my belly to get sea pony to move!! And he took the ultrasound wand and made sea pony wave to us!!! But most important is what he told us....Sea pony is A BOY!!! We are officially having a baby BOY!! Sorry Grandma...but just remember...the first one to have a grand baby gets the Mustang!!! he he he!!! Dr told us that sea pony was not shy in hiding his penis, he was flashing it all over!!! So it looks like were going to have a T.J. on our hands!!! Well that's all from us...were just so glad to know for sure so we can start playing the name game and come up with the perfect name for our little guy!!! So Bridge and John we got a Bratwurst...what are you bringing to the table??

Oops! Ivan your going to get it!!

2009-04-06T12:22:00.002+02:00

So my last post which was titled Happy Easter is all Ivan's fault!!! He told me that it was Easter that Sunday and I just believed him!! However I looked it up on the Internet and guess what Ivan was wrong!!!! Easter is April 12th!!!! You dork Ivan...and I guess I'm a dork for posting something that I didn't research first!!!

On a separate note...sea pony has been kicking all morning!!! It's GREAT!!! I love feeling sea pony inside me!!! Well that's all I got for today!!

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-05T21:01:00.002+02:00

So I guess I'd better get a little better about this whole blog thing and at least write something every month or so!!! So the last week or so has been..well quite boring to say the least. I have literally done nothing but dishes the last few weeks we have been unpacking our kitchen and so we literally washed every single dish we owned!! lets just say I HATE DISHES!!! Not to mention over here in Germany they don't make double sinks...like literally don't make them we've checked!! It's a single sink...so I pile the dishes next to the sink and wash them all...change the water to rinse them all and then hand dry them all and put them away in our 2 kitchen cabinets!!! Lets just say that I can't wait to get back to America so I can have a regular sized kitchen!! We finished the kitchen Saturday so yeah now we are just going room by room and vacuuming the ceilings..floors...walls...heaters...to get rid of all the cob webs and such!!! The only other thing of note out of the last 2 weeks is that I took a fall down three of our stairs...it was painful, I'm not going to lie...however the only injuries we could find was a big bruise on my back where I fell on the edge of the step!!! So other than pain when I sit, lay down, lay on my side... I'm doing good!!! Well so far that's what we got...We are supposed to get our car sometime next week so stay tuned hopefully when we have some wheels we will get a life again!!! Oh, I forgot Ivan went to his first beer fest last night...he had a great time...but did suffer some minor scratches when he jumped a fence to go to the bathroom! But no worries...they weren't deep and he did NOT urinate himself so all in all it went well!!! Until next time!!!

A long time coming!!!

2009-03-24T10:05:00.004+01:00

So i know this is a long long time coming...let me get everyone up to speed...
Sept 17th I started a new job at the Great Falls clinic...this is also the day that Ivan finds out that we are getting stationed in Spangdahlem, Germany!! So it was a day full of positives!!!
November was just Turkey and sleeping...nothing too exciting happened in November!
December...the 8th to be exact I took a home pregnancy test and it showed up positive...Ivan being the practical person he is suggested that we get a different brand of pregnancy test just to be sure..you know in case this one was broken or something! So that night we went to Walgreen's and picked up another brand of test...That one also proved to be positive!!! So Ivan being practical says we should wait until we get a test at the clinic before we get too excited! So on December 11th we found out from the clinic that we were indeed pregnant...FINALLY I can celebrate!!!

So since it was sooo close to Christmas time we decided to wait until Christmas to tell my parents that we were expecting the first grand baby!! So we bought a little outfit that said " Who needs Santa when i have grandparents" and we wrapped it up and hid it until all the presents were done being opened! Our plan was to have my mom open the gift...but she was too involved in the gift she had just got so my dad got to open it...Bridgette was the first one to catch on...she started to give me a hug and then my mom looked over to see what was going on...she uh....freaked out a little..she sorta jumped up and down and shoved Bridge out of the way so she could tackle me...It was such a great Christmas...hun Bridge..wink...wink...

January...this was a month full of trying to get our next 3 years of lives fit into little packages! My first Dr appt was January 15th..we got to see our little sea pony for the first time also we found out that our due date is Aug. 14th !! Seapony was very little and looked just like a sea horse...hence the nickname seapony!!! Then towards the end of January my sister threw me a baby shower in Great Falls...I think we had a great turn out of friends and family...I felt so blessed for having all those people in our lives...it truly makes you feel like your cared about!!!

February....dun dun dun....The first week of February all of our stuff got packed up and shipped over to Germany...due to arrive there in March and April....So we lived out of a hotel from Feb 2nd - Feb. 13th... which was my last day at the Great Falls Clinic!! Then on Feb. 13th we packed up all our junk and headed to Spokane to visit my family!! We stayed there a little over 2 weeks...and found out some of the best news ever...My sister and John were going to have a BABY too!!! Bridge is due Sept. 18th...so she is only a month behind me which is super exciting!!! We are going to be two huge prego fools together!!! Then on Feb 27th we flew to Boston to visit Ivan's family!! I was really great being able to see them again!

March....so on March 4th we departed from Boston to Baltimore...where we had an 8 hour layover until our plane departed for Ramestein, Germany...so after we spent an hour and a half loading the airplane we finally started moving...then we got deiced..then we had mechanical trouble so we went back to the gate so they could fix it!! so two hours later we were finally on our way to our new home in Spangdahlem, Germany!! The flight wasn't too bad they fed us and hydrated us very well!!! I had stomach cramps pretty much the whole flight and was worried...but as soon as we landed I figured out what it was....Gas!! how silly is that??? We made the flight just fine and was greeted by Ivan's boss Sargent Evanovich who took us from Ramstein AFB, to Spangdahlem AFB...Once there i thought great lets sleep!!! But they had other plans for us...we got started on house hunting, getting phones, getting schedules of different briefings...so finally i think we arrived at 10:00...we got to go to our room at 4:30 pm and SLEEP...which is now my favorite hobby ever!!! So for the first week we were here we were literally running around trying to get a house, get our Germans drivers license and just trying to get settled...so from March 5th - March 20th we lived in a hotel on base...but on March 20th we moved into our home off base in a teeny village called Orsfeld! It smells like horse crap... and has spiders galore...but after we clean it...spray for bugs and get all of our old familiar stuff in the house i know we'll be happy here!!! So today is March 24th, and I'm just doing laundry with our German washer and dryer...which is just about as small as our stove and sink in the kitchen...so far i figured out that the washer takes 2 times as long as the dryer...which is strange?? Ne ways ...my next Dr's appt with a German Dr is April 7th, and we are hoping to find out what the sex of the baby is at that appt....so stay tuned!!!!

NEW!

2008-10-19T17:43:00.001+02:00

Hey so this is my first blog ever...I thought that since were moving to Germany that we needed a way to stay in contact with all of our friends and family back in the states...so hopefully I can learn how to work this thing before we leave!!!!