April 30, 2011

• DJ & April's twins, Zachary & Maya, turned 3 on April 4th.  They had a very nice Birthday Brunch at their place in Lewiston.  
• Had my 36 week prenatal appointment (April 6th).
• I found myself doing dishes sideways (April 8th).
• Ella requested to 'read'  ME two books and sing ME two songs (complete with head strokes) before bed (April 9th).  It was a one time thing, but very cute and 'grown up.'
• My Kindergarten Team hosted a dinner shower for me on Monday, April 11th.  It was at Maria's house who had the fine china out - even for Ella! 
• Had my 37 week prenatal appointment (April 14th).
• I finished working on Friday, April 15th.  The parents and children threw a Baby Party for me complete with cute cupcakes, onesie cookies, and gifts!  My substitute, Marissa, will take over after break on Monday, April 25th.  There were some days I didn't know if I'd make it until the 15th.  My body was just exhausted by Thurs/Fri of each week while I was working.  But now that I am home, I feel more relaxed and rested than I have in months!
• Had my 38 week prenatal appointment (April 18th).  Unfortunately, my fundal height (length of my uterus) had not increased at all over the past three appointments so they suggested I have a sonogram at Millard Suburban on the 19th just to make sure all is well.  Well everything checked out just fine and they think that it was just because the baby had dropped.  
• Ella had a Developmental appointment at Children's on Wednesday, April 20th.  She is at or above age level in all areas except for gross motor skills, which is no surprise as she still receives PT.  However, she is getting much stronger - able to jump and now jumps off a step too!! 
• Ella also had a Hematology/Oncology appointment with Dr. Ambrusko at Children's on Thursday, April 21st.  Everything checked out a-okay there too, which means we hit another major milestone.  With everyday that passes, her odds of getting sick again decreases!!!  I didn't realize until after the fact that April 21st would have been his son's 7th birthday.  For those who don't remember, both his children were tragically killed in a car accident when he passed out (they're thinking from a seizure) while driving on the 90 coming from Erie.  
• Ella turned THREE on Friday, April 22nd. 
• On Saturday, April 23rd we celebrated Ella's birthday with Todd's family and my dad.  Ella has in her glory singing Happy Birthday and blowing out birthday candles!!
• On Easter (Sunday, April 24th), we celebrated Ella's birthday at my mom's house with my family. 
• I had my 39 week prenatal appointment (April 25th).
• Ella had her 3 year appointment at the pediatrician.  She weighs 26 pounds and is 34.5" tall.  That's somewhere around the 10th percentile...still our little peanut!
• On my birthday (April 28th), Ella and I stopped into school so my students could meet her.  She loves going there and they loved having her.  She is SO ready for school - sat with them during circle and story time.  We were taking a walk around the school and about halfway around she said she wanted to go back to her school (my classroom)!!
• Alysia came home on my birthday as well.  We celebrated all together at Mom & John's house.  It was the first time in who knows how many years that I celebrated my birthday with both my sister and brother!! 
• I officially feel as one of the kids from Dav Pilkey's 'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving when they each stuffed a turkey up their shirts to save them from Farmer MacNugget (April 30th).  With three days to go, it's been weird going to bed each night thinking that by the morning, I could be ready or actually have a baby in my hands!!  Sometimes I go to bed nervous other nights I go to bed excited.  We'll be sure to keep you all posted!!! 

March 31, 2011

ELLA

• After a smooth first week or so in her 'big girl bed' at the end of last month, Ella found yet another way to exercise her independence.  This included getting up between 5:15 & 5:45am, getting out of bed, turning off her sound machine, turning off her monitor, closing all the doors upstairs, and coming into our room.  This was cute for exactly one morning.  After about a week or so of even less sleep than I was getting before, we installed a gate in her doorway.  I told her if she gets up and the lights are still off, then it's too early to be up.  I knew I wouldn't be able to stop her from getting up and out of her bed, but at least now I have peace of mind knowing that when she gets up before we do she can't get into any trouble (it mostly made me nervous she was walking around in the pitch black).  Since the gate went up, she is now sleeping in until 6:15 and just stands at the gate very quiet and patient.  
• Ella put her head totally under water at Aquatic Therapy while diving for fish.  See uploaded video for the proof!

NICOLE & TODD

• About 36 weeks pregnant.  Feeling well but sore, tired, and feeling huge by Friday.  At my last  appointment (34 weeks) with my midwives, it was noted that it looks like I have 'dropped.'  Therefore, it was suggested that I get my feet up as often as possible.  Most nights I am able to sleep through with only 1 wake up; however, turning from side to side can prove to be a task in itself.
• Wrapping up my last weeks at school.  My official last day will be Friday, April 15th.
• Continuing to prep the baby's room.  Gender neutral baby clothes have been re-hung, infant cloth diapers and covers have been unpacked along with nursing accessories and such.

1-1/2 Years Later...We're Back

Oh my! Where has the time gone?? So how do I re-start a blog and cover 18 months at the same time, in which so much has changed? As you may have noticed, I did start by adding a ton new videos and pictures to the right. Ok, so a brief summary before I go into the specifics.

ELLA

• A month away from turning 3 years old (and still has a clean bill of health!!!!)
  
• Now in her new big girl room sleeping in her new big girl bed
• Was approved for continued PT through our school district!!
  
• Officially registered to attend preschool next September

TODD

• Just made a batch of Imperial Stout beer last weekend (yes, that's as exciting as it gets around here these days!)
  
• Welcomed Baby Kayla (Jeff & Kim) into the Rassman family in June 2010
  
• Has been working for M&T downtown since February 2010

NICOLE

• Eight weeks away from welcoming Baby Rassman #2
• DJ, April, Zach, & Maya moved from CA to the Buffalo area in October 2010
  
• Went back to teaching in January 2010

HOUSE (Finished Phase 2 of our remodeling)

• Converted the living room into a playroom
  
• Installed new baseboard, window molding, and fireplace mantel and surround in family room
  
• Re-carpeted & painted the family room and both children's bedrooms
  
• Had closet systems installed in both children's bedrooms
• Installed window treatments in the playroom, dining room, and both children's bedrooms

So that's it in a nutshell. I will now attempt to add the specifics in the below posts. Excuse the bullets, but that's the only way I can think of updating without overwhelming myself.

Welcome back!

February 2011

• We finished Ella's big girl room. For furniture we're using the top bunk bed frame from the bed Alysia & I grew up with as well as the matching dresser. The top bunk is great because it's about a foot off the ground and has a rail too. Papa fixed up the dresser so the drawers are secure. Yia-Yia found some cute bedding for us to use. Daddy and Grandpa installed the new curtain rod and bright pink curtains (to match her bedding). Grandma picked up our NaturaKids mattress (made from all natural-based foam and made in Canada) we ordered from Advanced Furniture.
• (2/20 - 2 Years 10 Months) Ella officially transitioned to a big girl bed in her new big girl bedroom. She's doing GREAT! (see picture)
  
• Ella's first dental appointment - NO cavities! However, couldn't get a picture since she wanted me to snuggle in the dental chair with her.
  
• Ella is 34 months or 2 years 10 months old!
  
• Closet systems installed in both children's rooms.
• Window treatments installed in both children's rooms, playroom, and dining room.
• Ella had all her CPSE (Committee on Special Education) evaluations to see if she will qualify for continued PT through our school district.
  

January 2011

• Spent New Years Eve at Bridgetop with Mom & Dad Rassman
• Ella went sledding downhill for the first time (see video)
• Ella began Aquatic Physical Therapy (see video). She now received PT twice a week - once on 'land' and once in the water. She still is not jumping, running, or climbing stairs on her own, so that's why there's a continued need for PT.
  
• (24 weeks) Had prenatal appointment and measuring more like 27 weeks. I always measured small with Ella (hence she was 5# 5 oz). What does this mean for this baby? Fortunately, my glucose test was negative!
• (25 weeks) Feeling even more 'powerful' movements than before - much more powerful than I can remember with Ella. Although they can be gut-wrenching kicks sometimes, I love this part of pregnancy. Todd thinks it's totally weird...alien-like. From his point of view, that actually makes sense.
• Ella is 33 months or 2 years 9 months old!
  
• Up until now (for personal & medical reasons), I have continued to nurse Ella before bed just about each night. But in preparation for Baby #2, Todd and I began alternating the nights we put Ella down in December. As part of the preparation, January 30th was the last night I nursed Ella before putting her down. She really wasn't taking that much and it was becoming more of a habit than a need. Therefore, with a little pep talk beforehand she did just fine, which was just a sign that we were both ready. She has asked for some 'milk' here and there since, but I just tell her that we're saving it for the new baby and she seems to accept it.
  

Seventeen to Twenty-two Weeks Pregnant

• (17 weeks) Told the parents in my class (had to do it a month earlier this time as I couldn't 'hide' the belly anymore!)
• (20 weeks) Really starting to show (about 4-6 weeks earlier than I did with Ella)
• (21 weeks) Had a sonogram with a perinatologist - all looks VERY well!!!
• (21 weeks) Feeling more 'powerful' kicks
• Both Ella and Todd sick with the stomach bug - thankfully I did not get it!
  

Two Years Six Months Old & Thirteen to Sixteen Weeks Pregnant

• (13 weeks) Heard Baby Rassman's heartbeat
• (13 weeks) Feeling the need to hide my belly when in front of those who do not know
• (14 weeks) Beginning to feel 'fluttering' here and there
• Visited the preschool Ella will attend next fall. Ella was SO at home.