tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317375115934978422024-03-05T05:54:59.157-08:00Three Bears BloggingKevin and Mackenzie just added Baby Eliana (AKA Baby Bear) to our family. We're blogging our way on the journey through parenthood.Mackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-78349178024614525532010-11-26T17:23:00.000-08:002010-11-26T17:27:39.830-08:00Look what I made for my grandparents today!<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width: 425px; height: 494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height: 482px; padding: 0pt 6px; background-image: url("http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif"); background-repeat: repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height: 350px; text-align: center; padding: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0AbNmrNy0cN2Vg/0AbNmrNy0cN2VuLA/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1290820869000/0/" /></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height: 55px; background-color: rgb(244, 244, 233); text-align: center; padding: 15px 0pt; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial,sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;"><span>Most Wonderful Time Christmas Card</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial,sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span>Shop Shutterfly for elegant <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);">custom Christmas photo cards</a>.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial,sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);">collection</a> of cards.</span></div></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height: 6px; background-image: url("http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif");"></div><br />I thought this turned out really well. :) <a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AbNmrNy0cN2Tlw">http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AbNmrNy0cN2Tlw</a><br /><br />Mackenzie<br /></div>Mackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-49567641304487775932010-09-30T09:14:00.000-07:002010-09-30T09:20:38.281-07:00What my daughter knowsI find that Ellie knows more about stress and time management than I do. A few minutes ago while I was working on the computer, I found a teapot and teacup suddenly dumped into the crook of my arm.<br /><br />It took me a minute to realize what had happened. Then I looked up and saw Ellie's expectant face in front of me. <br /><br />"Are you telling me it's time for a tea party?" I asked.<br /><br />"Yes." Ellie nodded confidently.<br /><br />We proceeded to have several cups of tea, and the computer didn't mind at all.<br /><br />MackenzieMackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-76665045056102378852010-09-28T21:54:00.000-07:002010-09-28T21:57:39.772-07:00Back on the road with Baby BearI am going to start updating this again. <br /><br />It's about time to start updating you on the growth of Baby Bear. She's almost 20 months old now, and changing every day. <br /><br />Tonight she's discovered Halloween costumes and refused to take off her lion costume before bed. It's pretty cute to see my little lion curled up with her two stuffed cats. <br /><br />We're navigating the land between school, work, and life now. It's much more complicated than I expected when we were waiting for her to come. However, I think it is actually more rewarding too.<br /><br />More coming soon...<br /><br />MackenzieMackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-61220123902860110162009-05-27T09:09:00.000-07:002009-05-27T09:11:47.980-07:00Take A Baby to Work dayI love that Ellie is at work with me. Sure, it takes longer to get stuff done, but I am more productive during her naps than I usually am during the day. Also, she keeps me in line when she's awake.<br /><br />We talk about all the things I'm doing. It's all good. <br /><br />Besides, Daddy is out making sure if I stopped breathing in public, more people would know how to resuscitate me. Yea for CPR/First Aid classes!!!Mackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-33894246508161785912009-05-22T12:51:00.000-07:002009-05-22T12:54:35.383-07:00New Ellie Tummy Time Pictures!<div id="{17F2B63C-CF24-4639-B83C-0CB8D576A8AE}" style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkD8EpCdq8XqN96k538ZrpZZLj4B7XwhPneCyAuRP5xxRRD7FAE7QuarYhXlP1cFaBdwbzThPLnmWAn4wIuNZy2XEaEmZ2Apssj1IMipbQyMv_qozv7YTnyTLoHIVatbWKaaf8pXRIrg/s1600-h/EllieTummyTimeMay22-3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkD8EpCdq8XqN96k538ZrpZZLj4B7XwhPneCyAuRP5xxRRD7FAE7QuarYhXlP1cFaBdwbzThPLnmWAn4wIuNZy2XEaEmZ2Apssj1IMipbQyMv_qozv7YTnyTLoHIVatbWKaaf8pXRIrg/s200/EllieTummyTimeMay22-3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338738798901702082" border="0" /></a>Can I eat the camera?<br /><br /></div><div id="{B6BD80A3-713A-42E3-BD81-75A72F38C8A9}" style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mDxqIQKoenyMgMP8Gcvt_LsRz7pq5VLsgF3K0oQeH4uLPaQiUbT_jVHEdcTq5axcWIhDLJSI7J3awfWS2IKbRL0_onlVaqd7iFuUsNMFUcqGyJK4mKEjX1RdaKcXNTvjZE3Sisd9o4g/s1600-h/EllieTummyTimeMay22-2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mDxqIQKoenyMgMP8Gcvt_LsRz7pq5VLsgF3K0oQeH4uLPaQiUbT_jVHEdcTq5axcWIhDLJSI7J3awfWS2IKbRL0_onlVaqd7iFuUsNMFUcqGyJK4mKEjX1RdaKcXNTvjZE3Sisd9o4g/s200/EllieTummyTimeMay22-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338738792857735842" border="0" /></a><br />What do you mean Mark was in town and didn't come to see me???<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRh3_U8Vk_cIHPrnnrV0WmcJ0ieU_BDrL8ZM8mYjEsZyhqTKRXrXbW1OK9H7yN-b8SbH6jJaqoKZbuMjoSEoqyP93skx3r76tnI79VUC-7zFzoPaU2xRZwP4vO0nRn81MkmDe_E4BFzP8/s1600-h/EllieTummyTimeMay22.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRh3_U8Vk_cIHPrnnrV0WmcJ0ieU_BDrL8ZM8mYjEsZyhqTKRXrXbW1OK9H7yN-b8SbH6jJaqoKZbuMjoSEoqyP93skx3r76tnI79VUC-7zFzoPaU2xRZwP4vO0nRn81MkmDe_E4BFzP8/s200/EllieTummyTimeMay22.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338738791770706898" border="0" /></a><br /><div id="{1C4C29CC-1E64-4402-AD67-A672930B893E}" style="text-align: center;">Hey, there's a mirror there!<br /></div>Mackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-17596560909538200102009-05-15T14:43:00.000-07:002009-05-15T14:48:07.694-07:00Things to look forward to later in life...Hi, gang.<br /><br />I'm almost glad that this last week happened when it did. For those of you who haven't heard, my Grandpa Archie died last Saturday night. We just got done holding services for him Thursday morning. <br /><br />Why am I glad about the timing? I'm not as talented as my sister is at explaining things like death to small children. Ellie is a baby, hence no need to explain things yet. However, my niece and nephew are old enough to get it. My sister did a good job, and kids made it through the visitation, funeral, and burial just fine. Better than I did for my Great-grandpa Tony when I was their age.<br /><br />Oh, well. I know explaining complex, abstract ideas to small children comes with being a parent. I'm just glad it hasn't come yet.Mackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-23809468295790765082009-05-07T14:46:00.000-07:002009-05-07T14:49:50.166-07:00Ellie was baptized!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWzqhSSP8vRFeoJ87hQplRCC93MGN9fNmZNuKwu6ZxOKs5zgCS6GboiUgw9F_vyyCASaD2JfUQl3oMHtqvhlD9-zMgFXXsoOcYAWgMUMW2hHs3FnATkU8DNUdbWy4rtxOvXENL7LZQu4/s1600-h/With+the+Grandparents.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 112px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWzqhSSP8vRFeoJ87hQplRCC93MGN9fNmZNuKwu6ZxOKs5zgCS6GboiUgw9F_vyyCASaD2JfUQl3oMHtqvhlD9-zMgFXXsoOcYAWgMUMW2hHs3FnATkU8DNUdbWy4rtxOvXENL7LZQu4/s200/With+the+Grandparents.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333202464752286530" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-A2Y5eZ4vIbWoHaQiG0PiX9CbeNMyPnSeKci61rv1tDUPOhsMqtR2wXxvabMx8yPPbRWfkteGEgzADvcAJSDd8l4IcPMJUjQOfIgTHJu8oEDmW5SVtStOweHE6lvDg5j88KimrkRFaY/s1600-h/With+the+Godparents.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-A2Y5eZ4vIbWoHaQiG0PiX9CbeNMyPnSeKci61rv1tDUPOhsMqtR2wXxvabMx8yPPbRWfkteGEgzADvcAJSDd8l4IcPMJUjQOfIgTHJu8oEDmW5SVtStOweHE6lvDg5j88KimrkRFaY/s200/With+the+Godparents.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333202459550468194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSX9e9db1vQdT38kP4R2jy7lmXSYLMV9CfUPB9OKtYTxdRtidQiI6FUFECpBD8ktaal3OzgYN7wtRVk5UT_9wxf4vSHVGyV6w89HzB1GWmIg83gdaqUvui9JXnhy-_RUsetB26AWkgHk/s1600-h/Putting+on+Ellie%27s+dress.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSX9e9db1vQdT38kP4R2jy7lmXSYLMV9CfUPB9OKtYTxdRtidQiI6FUFECpBD8ktaal3OzgYN7wtRVk5UT_9wxf4vSHVGyV6w89HzB1GWmIg83gdaqUvui9JXnhy-_RUsetB26AWkgHk/s200/Putting+on+Ellie%27s+dress.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333202458799313506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedxGqQ6bjcENDKtKZFuUed25Srz8OvaRA45SlT8sAijG0nOA6QFFYYHI4eKB0mru0cwvUfTkOMYcF97nh5ANJG6RT7WjOm2V83aapUGF8o3ykJSer4t4IgG0QGGSiXOO-0aUNX7P1CL8/s1600-h/Grondahls+and+Emma+and+Gabe.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedxGqQ6bjcENDKtKZFuUed25Srz8OvaRA45SlT8sAijG0nOA6QFFYYHI4eKB0mru0cwvUfTkOMYcF97nh5ANJG6RT7WjOm2V83aapUGF8o3ykJSer4t4IgG0QGGSiXOO-0aUNX7P1CL8/s200/Grondahls+and+Emma+and+Gabe.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333202456292293890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbMg1dSf5egHDBccqb2CDYls5rW876t0bAkyTSx5mkqT7wgTUYLxWpXceebgBApDU2cBtEyyUtLTZgg_OYjbQ0hSglCXzrBS3B-oLDjVpkt3cA6KlEP_0khoUjEHkR87Ld66qb3eLQiU/s1600-h/Emma+and+Ellie.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbMg1dSf5egHDBccqb2CDYls5rW876t0bAkyTSx5mkqT7wgTUYLxWpXceebgBApDU2cBtEyyUtLTZgg_OYjbQ0hSglCXzrBS3B-oLDjVpkt3cA6KlEP_0khoUjEHkR87Ld66qb3eLQiU/s200/Emma+and+Ellie.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333202455970422466" border="0" /></a><br />Pictures of the little girl's big day! By the way, T, she wore the dress you sent us that day after the antique baptism gown was put away.<br /><br />Thanks to all who made it so special!Mackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-9187171259746792352009-02-25T11:36:00.000-08:002009-02-25T11:39:05.537-08:00Will back in two more weeks...<div id="ms__id419">Sorry that I haven't been blogging at all. We've been having problems with my breastmilk supply and Ellie not gaining weight. Basically, this mom thing is all consuming. </div><div id="ms__id420"> </div><div id="ms__id421">I will start blogging again regularly in two weeks when I go back to work. I'll need the break when I'm homesick and missing Ellie and Kevin.</div><div id="ms__id422"> </div><div id="ms__id423">Thanks again for your continuing prayers. Ellie's weight is finally above her birth weight and we are on track again. </div><div id="ms__id424"> </div><div id="ms__id425">We look forward to seeing everyone on my side at the shower this weekend. </div><div id="ms__id426"> </div><div id="ms__id427">Mackenzie - the tired, but happy mom</div>Mackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-25404884216425756212009-02-06T14:50:00.000-08:002009-02-06T14:59:41.360-08:00Mommy sings the blues...<div id="ms__id201">To be perfectly honest, I love my little girl more than anything. Kevin's parents are here (and taking great care of us by the way - Julie is cooking up a storm!). I am sharing her well, but I find I'm becoming one of those moms who want to grab her back and say, "Mine." :)</div><div id="ms__id202"> </div><div id="ms__id200">However, it's been a week of crying for me too. I've found that so much change and sleep deprivation has taken its toll on me. They try to explain to you before hand that grief will be a part of the process, but I didn't believe it until it happened.</div><div id="ms__id203"> </div><div id="ms__id204">I'll try to post more pictures at the start of next week - when we don't have company and need a new distraction. </div><div id="ms__id207"> </div><div id="ms__id208">Mackenzie</div><div id="ms__id205"> </div><div id="ms__id206"> </div>Mackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-71539974112054447172009-02-05T13:05:00.000-08:002009-02-05T13:18:49.426-08:00A few new pictures...<div id="ms__id78">I thought that I would add some more photos today!</div><div id="ms__id87"> </div><div id="ms__id88"> </div><div id="ms__id82" align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuWbBl-wwbjytKizzUfQR97vjfkGsQnlVsCs95MxM4_BxvB_6eiqrteOUw7etQDA8MKYTgP1ViKLsgLH11VVxx7LT0RgwCSFRcyCQ7poued4ovNJsJsMZy-Ue7EpEQJwNRSeStLUlyzk/s1600-h/DSCN0226.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299424263982282418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuWbBl-wwbjytKizzUfQR97vjfkGsQnlVsCs95MxM4_BxvB_6eiqrteOUw7etQDA8MKYTgP1ViKLsgLH11VVxx7LT0RgwCSFRcyCQ7poued4ovNJsJsMZy-Ue7EpEQJwNRSeStLUlyzk/s320/DSCN0226.jpg" border="0" /></a> Cousins Emma and Gabe show Ellie her birthday cards.</div><div id="ms__id89" align="center"><br /><div id="ms__id81"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdA4XfvLUMnK7rqm79pTheuH7p9i0OEMkMcbZvipI09715yu-SViLV9aUp5A911F9bK_KI-cVJcAZLb8RfC7AsQZDN4k7vDDD63jPSUceRN1gLzrUbpPQmh9FIOJsY_nk-AU1gfsi0xIw/s1600-h/DSCN0214.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299424258449574514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdA4XfvLUMnK7rqm79pTheuH7p9i0OEMkMcbZvipI09715yu-SViLV9aUp5A911F9bK_KI-cVJcAZLb8RfC7AsQZDN4k7vDDD63jPSUceRN1gLzrUbpPQmh9FIOJsY_nk-AU1gfsi0xIw/s320/DSCN0214.jpg" border="0" /></a> Emma and Gabe putting hearts in "Elliebear", Ellie's first teddy.<br /><br /><div id="ms__id80"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v-mYlPJ_A9RJPRV06VNRNozuP5LmyLQFFs-RNyBG5eHT4oGyYMhlnP9T-dNrJBALjgYfGBuyfDbNZng5HCKjZxJcdXh13kKTue6CW6d49d3jvp0X1jpy0BmDDOqy_C5ol61n_ChtYBY/s1600-h/DSCN0213.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299424254603680242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v-mYlPJ_A9RJPRV06VNRNozuP5LmyLQFFs-RNyBG5eHT4oGyYMhlnP9T-dNrJBALjgYfGBuyfDbNZng5HCKjZxJcdXh13kKTue6CW6d49d3jvp0X1jpy0BmDDOqy_C5ol61n_ChtYBY/s320/DSCN0213.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div id="ms__id90">Emma and Gabe whispering wishes into Elliebear's hearts.</div><br /><br /><div id="ms__id79"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69cjINUkOiaWd8q34roIso81fD5jPdOhoVaKEpsbSzzfug0OVLyVBR1NixgKx36KtPFU8vYeDGyfm3xVd5IMdUeMhcZu-pBsJI9PzP6zmMOMOmJ_HQ1j_WWBAeYQF4EXDOWDYm2hcmv8/s1600-h/IMG_2520.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299424250487152594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 179px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69cjINUkOiaWd8q34roIso81fD5jPdOhoVaKEpsbSzzfug0OVLyVBR1NixgKx36KtPFU8vYeDGyfm3xVd5IMdUeMhcZu-pBsJI9PzP6zmMOMOmJ_HQ1j_WWBAeYQF4EXDOWDYm2hcmv8/s320/IMG_2520.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Ellie's pilates routine! :)</div><div id="ms__id91"> </div><div id="ms__id92" align="left"><br /><br /><br /></div><div id="ms__id76"></div><div id="ms__id93"><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div id="ms__id75"></div></div></div>Mackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-64724212899705599102009-02-04T09:40:00.000-08:002009-02-04T09:59:25.758-08:00Welcoming...Eliana Marguerite!<div id="ms__id380" align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFq-MeDXt-3UZQIwosCdbCuO1JEtZc56crnA-YpGqUxT76fSFQPhyzff2Lysg9RqqnLXP5D1h2oPa3AVWNTSkf3MFaWKdCh8KY3TzsGhU3Xkv5LhA0Qg2ehCHCS9vZP6HMHmWIzhBKps/s1600-h/IMG_2527.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299001725086662162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 179px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFq-MeDXt-3UZQIwosCdbCuO1JEtZc56crnA-YpGqUxT76fSFQPhyzff2Lysg9RqqnLXP5D1h2oPa3AVWNTSkf3MFaWKdCh8KY3TzsGhU3Xkv5LhA0Qg2ehCHCS9vZP6HMHmWIzhBKps/s320/IMG_2527.JPG" border="0" /></a> Ellie's first sponge bath at home.</div><div id="ms__id399" align="center"><br /><div id="ms__id381" align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg02WdSKkRNTipr8xtssILSngdPyxTGLSs8LnjzynoBHtSFrQbbiAsVleDBzi3E20qVprQ3TIYFzS8_zeXk0HkogdEDsfGc4dA2AQ-Lm5h6xec9W6iMxCITXREOefMFpQbsQoTKsT1Rfw/s1600-h/IMG_2494.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299001725287257042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 179px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg02WdSKkRNTipr8xtssILSngdPyxTGLSs8LnjzynoBHtSFrQbbiAsVleDBzi3E20qVprQ3TIYFzS8_zeXk0HkogdEDsfGc4dA2AQ-Lm5h6xec9W6iMxCITXREOefMFpQbsQoTKsT1Rfw/s320/IMG_2494.JPG" border="0" /></a> Kevin and Ellie rocking in the postpartum room.<br /><br /><div id="ms__id382" align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KaBd4NHZIdcnCAuCgcz6NxKCgmV_IEygUOGpd1xaRVNcaQBL17u0dBJ020xRQS_ubEWRHw5MO7rREBqW8g6PV-MhHZEiXLJtjpTQfw-fWdDfTbv0O2mxqliXmYAVkRzyTAmix-DuiLY/s1600-h/IMG_2449.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299001720017173154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 179px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KaBd4NHZIdcnCAuCgcz6NxKCgmV_IEygUOGpd1xaRVNcaQBL17u0dBJ020xRQS_ubEWRHw5MO7rREBqW8g6PV-MhHZEiXLJtjpTQfw-fWdDfTbv0O2mxqliXmYAVkRzyTAmix-DuiLY/s320/IMG_2449.JPG" border="0" /></a> Ellie gets her APGAR tests. Two 9s!<br /><br /><br /><div id="ms__id383" align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8NHUYeeX0NlGBxETztvrD3crXVxZBUHERFqruVPpG7vsqfWFQYUA3iPnor-zjguml9RDVwmA3oB6BoKeM_c-UdW4a2p_cM7vz7CzpcJt4dy7DwKEzIM6zvVmFB_w-lGzZkGj2DG3ZpKY/s1600-h/IMG_2446.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299001718583187330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 179px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8NHUYeeX0NlGBxETztvrD3crXVxZBUHERFqruVPpG7vsqfWFQYUA3iPnor-zjguml9RDVwmA3oB6BoKeM_c-UdW4a2p_cM7vz7CzpcJt4dy7DwKEzIM6zvVmFB_w-lGzZkGj2DG3ZpKY/s320/IMG_2446.JPG" border="0" /></a> Mackenzie meets Baby EllieBear<br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="ms__id392" align="left">Hello, Friends!<br /></div><div id="ms__id394" align="left"> </div><div id="ms__id398" align="left">It is my great pleasure to introduce Baby Bear to the world! Please meet Miss Eliana Marguerite Grondahl, born on January 30, 2009.<br /></div><div id="ms__id396" align="left">She is adorable and very strong. She has been lifting her head and looking at the world since she was first on Mama's belly.<br /></div><div id="ms__id376" align="left"> </div><div id="ms__id397" align="left">Thank you for your prayers and well wishes. We will be blogging more in the coming days. Right now, we are trying to adjust to our new life as the Three Bears, instead of Two Bears with One on the way.</div><div id="ms__id391"> </div><div id="ms__id390" align="left">Love to you all, </div><br /><div id="ms__id389"></div><div id="ms__id388" align="left">Mackenzie, Kevin, and Ellie</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="ms__id387"></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="ms__id386"></div></div></div></div></div>Mackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-68834809573967833562009-01-29T08:01:00.000-08:002009-01-29T08:05:55.786-08:00Getting closer...Good morning!<br /><br />I'm happy to report that I am miserable having contractions 7-10 minutes apart. So far, it has shown all the signs of real labor, and we are moving into our labor plan of action. I will be working at home until I reach the magic 3-5 minutes interval, and then we'll call the doc. <br /><br />Please keep us in your prayers!<br /><br />MackenzieMackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-58324625865353099062009-01-28T09:43:00.001-08:002009-01-28T09:47:49.544-08:00My longest day of the weekThis is my longest day of the week. I'm at work until at least 7 with my night class. <br /><br />It's pretty nice in the middle time between when people go home and class. It's nice and quiet here. I can get some creative work done. I think my brain needs the psychic room to play. <br /><br />I'm very glad I can get home in time to see Lost, too. <br /><br />Today is kinda fun. I'm having stronger contractions, and I'm actually able to practice my breathing exercises. It's easy to do that with an actual contraction than using sense memory. However, I've got to say that the practice we did in class made it pretty easy to kick in the skills automatically. It's the fact that I know what the contraction feels like now, and know that it works, and I can tweak my practice.<br /><br />Back to work.<br /><br />MackenzieMackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-33227981309523193272009-01-27T12:45:00.000-08:002009-01-27T12:49:37.776-08:00The second postJust to update everyone:<br /><br />The doctor didn't send me to the hospital. It's ok. My cervix is still at the same dilation it was two weeks ago. I guess there are some finishing touches that still need to be done on Baby Bear.<br /><br />Next week's appt: on Monday, they'll do an ultrasound and non-stress test to make sure that Baby Bear is still doing well. There isn't concern at this point. It's just standard orders.<br /><br />So more walking at the mall tonight...<br /><br />MackenzieMackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-22370380128582227302009-01-27T08:25:00.001-08:002009-01-27T08:29:26.954-08:00Today will be a double post dayThings are changing. I was having actual contractions last night. I'm still at work, but we have achieved show. (If you don't know what that is, you can look it up. I need to be oblique so that my brother-in-law will feel comfortable reading this.)<br /><br />I'm just excited that I know I am dilating and, oddly, that the pain is "real" labor.<br /><br />Now if it just gets more regular and progresses...<br /><br />I have the weekly OB appt in less than an hour. So, you will probably get an update after that - unless they send me straight to the hospital. Yeah, I know... like that ever happens.<br /><br />MackenzieMackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-8352180618573634702009-01-26T12:18:00.000-08:002009-01-26T12:21:26.080-08:00Can you get the bends on land?Seriously, I have been getting charlie horses all over my body. I think I have the bends. <br /><br />On the other hand, it hasn't been a contraction day. Bummer, dude.<br /><br />We're heading to the mall after work to walk again. I'm also nauseous. Hopefully, I'm not getting flu-ish again.<br /><br />Back to work.<br /><br />MackenzieMackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-22968366854800313012009-01-25T20:12:00.001-08:002009-01-25T20:20:45.650-08:00One more day<div id="ms__id141">It was great to have Mom and Dad here today. We walked around the mall for a couple of hours. I've been having some kind of contractions around every hour. They last about a minute, but they haven't sped up at all.</div><div id="ms__id142"> </div><div id="ms__id143">So it looks like I'll be at work tomorrow. </div><div id="ms__id144"> </div><div id="ms__id145">Kevin read me the last entry in the week by week calendar that he gets on e-mail. It reminded us that this could go on for weeks. </div><div id="ms__id146"> </div><div id="ms__id147">Well, I guess I should go down and check on our mattress pad. I washed it today, but I'm nervous it won't be try. I had never washed a waterproof mattress pad before. It made a lake under its place on the line. </div><div id="ms__id148"> </div><div id="ms__id149">Good to know before we start washing the baby's mattress pad.</div><div id="ms__id150"> </div>MackenzieMackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-14233176519595882322009-01-24T17:23:00.000-08:002009-01-24T17:29:49.978-08:00The random contractions are stronger...Well, false labor is getting stronger. I think that's good in the sense that it's like I'm in training. I am getting used to feeling of having my stomach get all tensed up. <br /><div id="ms__id168"> </div><div id="ms__id169">However, it's only really the top of my uterus that's doing the tensing. Everything else is the same. We walked around Wal-Mart today to keep working the baby down. It's the best we can do when the temperature is dropping back into the freezer.</div><br /><div id="ms__id170">Tomorrow will be a good distraction. My mom and dad are coming down for the day. :) It's better than hanging around the house or the office pretending that I'm not impatient. I can do something!</div><div id="ms__id171"> </div>MackenzieMackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-24080529985454798972009-01-23T08:03:00.000-08:002009-01-23T08:10:34.462-08:00Skipping around today...,I had a post all planned out in my head this morning with a metaphor and everything. It's lost now. I've been listening to my peppy labor playlist that I put together for my iPod. I'm just kinda dancing in my chair. <br /><br />I told a couple people this yesterday, but I stood up after a meeting yesterday afternoon, and I felt like if I took another step the baby was going to fall out! Then it happened again once last night and again this morning when I was getting ready. It's a slightly wiggy experience. It goes away pretty quickly, but still. It's good that my brain gets that the baby can't just fall out. Cause I would have just panicked otherwise.<br /><br />Can I just stop to say that Dolly Parton rocks? I've got "Here You Come Again" playing right now, and I love it. Great beat and amazing arrangement that just pulls you through the song. <br /><br />Back to what I was saying, I'm thinking my body must be slow jamming on the whole early labor phase. I can feel things happening, but just not drastic changes. So, who knows? Maybe it'll take a little longer to get to the final delivery, but that part will just be slick, because the long part was done in little bits and pieces.<br /><br />OK, back to work... "Carry On, My Wayward Son" just started. This is a great start to my morning. :)Mackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-50958226217820994332009-01-22T07:35:00.001-08:002009-01-22T07:39:07.769-08:00I like backrubsThe positive side of still being pregnant is that Kevin gives me backrubs with this great Omniball - it's ball set into a base that can roll any direction. Kinda like a caster. But it feels great.<br /><br />So, I do enjoy sitting on my birth ball getting backrubs. In fact, I could use one right now. :) Too bad it won't be until tonight. <br /><br />By the way, Happy Iowa is in the 40s Day! Enjoy it while it lasts!<br /><br />MackenzieMackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-29681164083300729022009-01-21T09:55:00.000-08:002009-01-21T10:00:58.323-08:00The One Where Mackenzie Waits...You'd think that I would be happy for each extra day I get in the office with all the important things I need to finish, but it is really disappointing to wake up in the morning, and not be in labor. I keep hoping that the full day of Baby Bear pushing on my pelvis and minor contractions will actually translate into something, but nope.<br /><br />Technically, it has. Like Kevin mentioned, we went from 0% effaced to 80% and Zero Station over the week. So there is work being done. And slow, gentle progress is good for the baby and me. <br /><br />I'm just impatient not knowing when its going to happen for sure. <br /><br />Best way to deal is to get back to work. I've got a night class tonight I didn't think I would attend, so I have to prepare for that on top of everything else today.<br /><br />MackenzieMackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-78685924877528978382009-01-20T13:02:00.000-08:002009-01-20T13:13:41.183-08:00Getting closer...<div id="ms__id36">Mackenzie and I just finished visiting the doctor once again. We are happy to say we are offically at zero station and 80% effacement. What this means, for those who might not understand, is we are REALLY close! One day very soon we will be off to the hospital!</div><div id="ms__id50"></div><div id="ms__id51"></div><div id="ms__id37"></div><div id="ms__id38">Lately I have entered the world of car seats, and I didn't realize how much of an enigeering marvel thet truely are. I mean with the straps, attachements, clips, and covers it makes me wonder how I as a child of the dates with out one survived car trips! I am glad to say we are prepared for our trip home with a really nice car seat, AND I know how to put it properly in the car.</div><div id="ms__id39"></div><div id="ms__id40"></div><div id="ms__id52"></div><div id="ms__id53">Have a wonderful day :) </div><div id="ms__id54"></div>KevinMackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-68859963617235118512009-01-19T13:05:00.000-08:002009-01-19T13:10:23.413-08:00Looks like we made it...In the immortal words of Barry Manilow, looks like we've made it. I have been hoping to make it through the Big Planning Meeting at work today without going into labor. We have done it. The meeting is over. I am still pregnant. :)<br /><br />Now commence labor. Wait... that didn't work. OK, now I'm on to being afraid Baby Bear is going to be late. Glad my childbirth educator gave us some things to try. We also have an OB appt. tomorrow. We're a week away from the due date. <br /><br />Please pray for sooner rather than later. I want to be back to work part time in early March. <br /><br />Back to work for an hour. Then home to sit on my birth ball.<br /><br />MackenzieMackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-19518411067942057532009-01-18T16:03:00.001-08:002009-01-18T16:11:40.045-08:00Sorry it took so long...I'm sorry that it took so long to post. I overdid it on Friday at work, so I slept most of the day on Saturday. So I'm finally getting to it tonight.<br /><div id="ms__id15"> </div><div id="ms__id16">Not much is happening. Baby Bear is squirrelly at regular intervals. I am uncomfortable when I sit in chairs. However, I found a sweet spot in the bed that seems to put me right to sleep. I like it.</div><div id="ms__id17"> </div><div id="ms__id18">Tomorrow is the big meeting that I've been hoping I would make. After 3 pm tomorrow, I'll be completely relaxed and ready to give birth whenever. Not that it's any of my choice, but I hope I make it that far. :)</div><div id="ms__id19"> </div><div id="ms__id20">OK, I actually need to eat dinner now. Food seems to be very important to me these days. </div><div id="ms__id21"> </div><div id="ms__id22">Mackenzie</div>Mackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431737511593497842.post-59198591821005283902009-01-15T13:23:00.000-08:002009-01-15T13:36:31.563-08:00Pregnancy for Dummies video was SCARY!!I am really glad that things have changed in the years since Pregnancy for Dummies was filmed. I thought I was going to hide under the bed and refuse to come out during the delivery section. One woman had a pretty easy labor to that point, and from all indications handled the pain pretty well. (Albeit she had an epidural that was so good that she had to be told it was time to push - and she was pretty surprised.) When she got into delivery, the narrator calmly says, "Well, things aren't going as well as the doctors would like, so they need to use a common tool: forceps." And then there is a shot of a set of metal forceps that make them look huge and it seems like the shot should have been accompanied by the "dun, dun, duuuuuuun" soundtrack. <br /><br />When they cut back to this woman, she is <span style="font-weight: bold;">screaming</span> in pain. The kind of screaming that sounds like someone is being ripped apart or tortured. <br /><br />Now, after the delivery, she seems much better - aside from when she delivers the afterbirth and she is in pain again (not screaming pain THANK GOD). However, considering all three of the women they showed had epidurals, labored flat on their backs, and one of the remaining women had a C-section after 24 hours of labor including 2 hours of pushing; I did not feel comforted at all. <br /><br />So, now I'm working on mentally undoing those images. Fortunately, the "what to expect in the 1st 3 months of life" wasn't as scary. <br /><br />To be fair, the section on how to tell if you are in labor was great. When they did a true or false quiz, Kevin and I reflexively knew all the right answers. Yea us!<br /><br />Back to work. <br /><br />MackenzieMackenzie, Kevin and Elianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783695222298789641noreply@blogger.com0