Sunday, December 21, 2008

Tummy Time

Our boy is so strong already at 3 weeks old!  Here is a video of tummy time.  We got the camera out to record after he'd been doing it for awhile so that's why he was a little fussy in the video.  Thought we'd share with everyone.




Thursday, December 4, 2008

Our Little Tiger

Name: Brodie Kai Clemence
Born: Dec 2, 2008 at 22:30 hrs
Weight: 6 lbs. 10 oz.
Length: 19 3/4"

Sunday, November 30, 2008

The Saga Continues

Have you ever had one of those weeks that you would just as well forget about entirely? Well, Jessica and I experienced a doozie this past week. Here goes:

Last Monday, I got home from work around 4 PM. When I went inside the house, I noticed that the door that goes from the kitchen to the garage was open. I figured that Jessica had not shut it all the way that morning, and it had come open. I also noticed that the box in which our new glider lay was open. Again, I figured that she wanted to look at it. At that point, Jessica got home from work. I asked her about the open door and box, and she said that she had opened neither of those things that morning. I thought she was joking, but she reiterated her innocence. That's when it hit me. I ran upstairs and saw that the computer was gone (grr!). And so were my guitars (double grr!). We had been robbed. I called Jessica upstairs, and we went into the bedroom, which had been ransacked. Jessica went to the jewelry box and discovered her engagement and wedding rings were also gone (triple grr!). We later discovered that our cameras were taken, and a few odds and ends of things. The perpetrator had gotten in through a small window in the basement that wasn't quite latched shut. He had then let his buddies in through the back door in the garage, which allowed for them to rob my home in relative secrecy. We of course called the police, and we all agreed that it was probably a group of kids who had broken in, due to the small entry point. I figure it was also kids because of what they didn't take. They took all of my guitars, for instance, but left my Marshall amplifier and the guitar effects pedals that the church had just bought. Thus they left well over $600 of electronics sitting in plain sight. They also left every single baby-related item we had, which was a huge blessing. And, of course, you who have children know how expensive some of those things are! My guess is that they were trained by an adult to take specific items only, and they didn't know enough to take anything else. Anyhow, we did file a police report and an insurance claim, so we will at least be able to replace the items stolen, and at best recover them. And, for the record, all the windows in the basement and first floor are secured with dowel rods now, and the backdoor to the garage is barricaded shut with two-by-fours. So should the perps come back, they will have to be brave enough to break a window or kick in a door, and then they will have to remove our stuff in plain view of the neighborhood.

Now, let's fast-forward to Wednesday. We went in for a baby appointment at the midwifery, and the midwife noticed Jessica had experienced a rapid weight gain from the previous week, she had somewhat high blood pressure, and she had some swelling. These are symptoms of preeclampsia, so she had to send off a blood sample to the lab. Great, more good news! We left the midwifery and continued on our day. Later that night, we got the call to come back to the midwifery--one of her levels came back high. So, at 6:30 PM, we drove back across town so Jessica could give a urine sample. She was also put on bed rest, which meant we could not partake in Thanksgiving festivities with friends as we had planned. This just keeps getting better! Thankfully, the urine results came back negative a few hours later, thus ruling out preeclampsia. We went back to the midwifery on Friday morning, we thought to have Jessica induced as the midwife had indicated on Wednesday night, but then we found out they weren't going to do that, since she was getting better. So we were all prepared to have a baby that day, but that didn't come through. This isn't funny anymore! But, she has been cooped up in the house for four days now. We will go back in tomorrow (Monday) to determine next steps. For now, the swelling (or edema) has subsided, which is good, and as long as she is laying down, her blood pressure is really good.

So that is where we are right now: victims of a robbery who are stuck at home waiting for a baby to be born whom we thought would be here by now. Like I said, ever had one of those weeks? But, in all fairness, the week was not all bad. On Monday, when our small group found out we had been robbed, they took us out to dinner that night, and then one couple let us use their camera and computer to file the insurance claim. Also, on Thursday, the church brought us leftovers so that we could enjoy a real Thanksgiving dinner, even though we were stuck at home. Finally, just this evening yet another couple brought us some really good potato soup, just as a kind gesture. I can't explain the feeling I got to be on the receiving end of a series of simple, kind acts after having such a rough week. They made a huge difference for Jessica and me, to know that no matter what, we have a group of people who care for us. I'm not sure what we would do without them!

So what do we do now, you ask? I guess we move on. There's not much to be done about what has happened other than to accept it and keep on going. For those of you who are the praying type, though, you could do us a favor by praying for the following:
  • We would really like to find Jessica's engagement ring. Everything else is pretty replaceable, but losing that ring really sucks.
  • I would like to be able to get some good deals as I look to replace one or several of my guitars.
  • We want the little guy to come soon!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Nursery Tour

Here is a walk-thru video of our nursery so far.


Jon did a great job of painting it!


Thursday, October 2, 2008

Ultrasound

So we just got back from the ultrasound place.  We had a wonderful tech this time and we got some really good pictures.  We even got a DVD of the whole ultrasound of her explaining what was what.  So it turns out that he is measuring on track so there is nothing to worry about and he have verified indeed that he is a boy!!! (see picture below).
















We also got to see some really good pics of his face and even got to see hair on his head, which would explain all the heartburn.  Below is a picture of him at a 3 quarter view, can see cheek, mouth, nose and eye.  Isn't he cute!  We also think this is in 3-D but she never said she was switching to that. (It would have cost a whole lot extra if we did the whole thing in 3D/4D).  I'm happy with what we got though.




















By the way, we have more pictures on our flickr site if you want to see them (for some reason blogger doesn't want to upload any more today).    



Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Quick Update

So Jon and I just got back from our baby appointment. It looks like our little boy is still measuring big, so we are going in for an ultrasound this Thursday. Our midwife didn't seem too concerned about it, but wanted to have an ultrasound to double check the measurements. I'm actually really excited to have another one since our first wasn't that great. She is even sending me somewhere else and when I called they said to bring a recordable DVD that they'll put all the pictures on so I know already that we'll get more pics this time. (I don't think it's a 3D ultrasound place but it's suppose to be a more high-tech one thought). Hopefully, we can verify that he's still a boy too :-)

Will try to post pictures when we get them.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Maytag...classy

Today I (Jon) learned how to install a new dishwasher. My friend Doug, winner of the 2007 World's Ultimate Handyman competition (well, he would have been if there were such a thing and he subsequently entered the contest), came over and helped me out. It turns out installing a dishwasher is pretty simple; there are only a few hoses and wires to switch out. In fact, it only requires one trip to Lowe's to complete the task.

We got a pretty good deal at the Sear's Outlet Store off I-25 and 6th, ending up with a mid-range Maytag for our troubles. And I must admit, neither Jessica nor I have ever seen such clean dishes. They are almost too clean to eat off of, or at least too clean to go in our cupboards. They should be in a magazine ad or something. "Oh, my, you have not a single spot on any of your glassware." "But of course--we have a Maytag." "Maytag...classy."

It really is the simple things in life...

Monday, September 1, 2008

Busy Labor Day Weekend

Looking back over our labor day weekend, I'd say we had a pretty busy, eventful weekend.  It all started early Friday morning when Jon woke with excruciating pain.  We decided to take him to the ER (which I suggest you know were the closest one is before an emergency is) and found out that he had a kidney stone.  After a few hours there they sent us home with pain pills and was told he'd probably pass it within the next few hours or days.  Let's just say I've never seen Jon in so much pain, and I spent the rest of Friday without leaving his side.  He finally passed the stone Saturday morning, and I praise God he's back to normal now.  Meanwhile all of this is all going on, Jon's parents were coming up from up to visit over the weekend.  Luckily, Jon and I were able to enjoy seeing them and had a wonderful time.  With Jon's dad's help we were even able to work on the house some too.  We got the kitchen fan to work, installed the over-the-stove microwave, and were able to get some odds and ends around the house too.  I'm very thankful for their help and it's great to see the house become more a "home".  I hope you all have a great labor day weekend, and hopefully it wasn't as eventful as ours.


BTY: Pictures of the crib and bedding set that Jon's parents brought up for us.  I love the pattern!  They also brought up a really cool swing/highchair combo and stroller.  Thanks!

Friday, August 8, 2008

Camp Isaiah 2008

I (Jon) just got back from my annual foray into the mountains of Colorado for Camp Isaiah, a week-long Christian camp for high-school distance runners.  My friend Mark is the director, and I serve as the "right-hand man" so to speak.  I also am the spiritual director and chief speaker.  This year, the topic was endurance.  We spent the week discussing how one can endure spiritually through the power of Christ, the renewing of one's mind and appropriate spiritual goal-setting, among other things.  Although it can be hard to tell, I think that this year's topic went over very well.  I know there was a lot of good discussion amongst the campers.  It's hard to know what the long-term harvest will be--I may never know--but I do know that God has used and will continue to use Camp Isaiah to extend His kingdom.

The world-famous game, plungerball!


Who wants Spam and anchovies? (Food relay)


Why does this 100-piece puzzle have 103 pieces?


The morning clouds roll over the mountains.


Daryl and Nick from Sauni's Big Jump perform Sunday night.


Group picture.




Tom breaks an awkward silence with a quick spot for water bottles!



George Moss singing his newest single, "Whoa!", with a little help from me. (Remember, kids, that's g-moss.com)

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

20 week ultrasound



Welcome to our blog of updates. So we just got back from our 20 week ultrasound. The baby is measuring great and is on track. We are 80 % sure it's a boy, which we are very excited about! We are still busy fixing up the house and getting ready for this new bundle of joy. We even went and registered and boy does a baby need a lot of stuff :-). Below are some actual ultrasound pictures. It's facing you so it looks a little weird how you can see the skull and everything. Jon says it looks like "Skeletor", which made me laugh. I personally love the picture of it's little foot. It is so cute!