Christian is One!

Happy Birthday to our sweet baby boy, who was born 1 year ago today! I cannot get over how incredibly fast the time has gone. Is he really One? Was he truly this small? It seems like just yesterday that we were anticipating Christian's arrival (which came as a big surprise) but here we are! And what a busy 12 months it has been with traveling across the country and living in 3 states (CA, CO, SC.) It has been such an adventure and we have enjoyed every part of C's life- we look forward to whatever may lie ahead. We love you buddy! Thank you for the indescribable joy that you have brought into our lives.In a letter I wrote to Steve about a month ago:

"Did you ever dream that you would love him this much? Must be just a glimpse of what our heavenly Father feels for us."

What a gift indeed.

One Year Ago Today...

...we found out that we were expecting!

Today is our 6 year dating anniversary....as in, the date that Steve and I became an "official" couple. We actually began dating in December 2003, but that is not the real purpose of this post.

One year ago today my in-home pregnancy test tested positive. (You can imagine my excitement!) I took the test while Steve was at work and decorated our home office with a heart of Hershey Kisses (a favorite in our relationship.) On the garage door that led into our house I posted a sign that said "Happy 5th Anniversary!" so that when Steve pulled into the garage he would see the sign. I think he may have been a little confused as he unloaded his wallet and gear from the workday in the office. We are not really the couple that celebrates every single big moment in our relationship (ex. our engagement, dating anniversary, etc.) so I think he may have thought that I was a little silly...or maybe just sentimental. Then I greeted Steve with a big hug and kiss and said: "Congratulations! You are going to be a daddy!" It was a good day :)

40 Weeks/ Christian is 3.5 Weeks Old

So today was my actual due date, which is a little hard to believe that we would have had to wait another three weeks to meet our sweet little guy. He is sleeping better through the night now, waking about every 3 hours, but that is okay because I know then that I can at least expect 2+ hours of sleep between feedings. I am sure that he will begin to sleep longer stretches as he gets bigger and can hold more food in his little tummy. On Thursday he weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz. at the pediatrician.

He is a little more alert during the day now, and I adore his little baby coos and sounds. Again, we are so thankful for Christian - truly a bundle of joy!

Christian was concerned while watching the Denver Broncos game with his daddy

37 Weeks/ Christian is 1 Week Old!

What a difference a week makes!

Our Baby Story~ A Surprise Arrival

Well....looks like my contractions on Thursday were true labor after all. I began having consistent contractions that morning until 4pm when they suddenly became more intense and I called Steve at work, telling him we needed to drive to the hospital (40 minutes away.) I still wasn't sure at this point if it was false labor because while the contractions were consistently 4-6 minutes apart, they still only lasted about 20 sec. When we got to the hospital around 5pm, I was already 5 cm dilated (I had been 1.5 cm that morning at 10am.) At 6pm I was 7 cm dilated. (Barely in time for an epidural, which by the way, is the most amazing thing ever!) I didn't progress to 10 cm until 10:30pm and was in labor for about 40 minutes pushing.

Christian Isaac Raymer ("Little Stevie"- he looks so much like him) was born September 17, 2009 at 11:28pm. He was 6 lbs. 7 oz. and 19.5 inches long. Because he was born at 36 weeks, he is considered a late-term premature baby. They did lots of tests, was on antibiotics (so sad to see an IV in his little hand) and had to stay an extra day in the nursery for jaundice. Fortunately, we were able to take him home with us Sunday afternoon and he was on in-home photo therapy until just yesterday when his pediatrician gave us the okay to take him off. We were definitely surprised by Christian's early and very unexpected arrival, and feel so thankful that he is healthy.

Leaving the hospital...

Poor baby, barely fits in his carseat.

At-home photo therapy bili lights. So thankful that we had this option!

Overall, Christian is doing well. He is so sweet and cuddly, and we are in awe of God's miracle and this amazing little gift! Thank you all for your love, support, and prayers! We truly appreciate everyone's kindness and encouragement!

36 Weeks

Another drs. appointment today and I am still 1.5 cm dilated, but am now 70% effaced. I had some difficulties driving the 40 minutes into town because I have been having contractions all morning. (Going on 6 hours now.) They are coming every 4-6 minutes but only last for about 20 seconds. Waiting to see if they become more intense before going to Labor and Delivery. Maybe baby Raymer will come early after all? I will keep you updated...

This picture was taken this morning (36 weeks.) I had a little difficulty smiling...

Baby Update - 35.5 weeks

I went to the OB doctor yesterday afternoon and my belly is measuring right on target. I am also 1.5 cm dilated and 50% effaced. Everything is looking good, and I am feeling good! I can hardly believe that we are going to meet this little guy in only 4 weeks! Again, if he wants to come sooner, that is okay too. :o) My mom has made travel plans to come out to California hopefully for the delivery and to help for a couple of weeks. Please pray that the labor and delivery go smoothly and that everything will work out accordingly. So excited!

Labor Day in San Diego

This past Labor Day weekend Steve's parents kindly drove from Colorado to meet us for a fun long weekend in San Diego. I LOVE San Diego, by the way! There is always so much to do and beautiful cooler weather! (We are still averaging upper 90's here, so it was very nice to have a break from the heat.)

We kept busy in San Diego and went to the La Jolla Shores, Gas Lamp District (yummy Ghirardelli ice cream shop,) World Famous San Diego Zoo, Seaport Village, Coronado Island AND Balboa Park. Whew- a busy and very fun vacation!

This will probably be our last "hurrah" before our little guy comes along in ONLY 4.5 weeks now! (Maybe even a little earlier *hint hint*) Spending time with Steve's parents in San Diego was a wonderful escape and a great way to end the summer- although summer temps will probably stick around here for awhile longer. Thank you guys for a great time!

33 Weeks

I am 33 weeks along this week! Getting closer! I am still feeling pretty well, although my feet and ankles are swelling some (which is not attractive) and I get heartburn quite frequently. I am slowly but surely getting the baby's room ready, organizing, washing clothes and blankets, etc. I just want to do it all, but am trying to pace myself a little :)

I wore this same shirt at 26 weeks...do you see a difference?

Rewind...31 Weeks

Here is a picture taken at 31 weeks (on August 9)...I will post a new, more updated picture soon!

Free Nursing Cover

"Udder Covers" is once again offering a free nursing cover with promotional code: "backorder1" Applies to both solids and patterned nursing covers. All you have to do is pay shipping. Great for any nursing or soon-to-be mama. Click here for website.

Thanks Kim for the original tip. :)

Baby Gear 101

When Steve arrived back home he had a few baby gear projects waiting for him. You would think these things would be simple- it's just baby stuff right? While Steve was in NC (before my 2nd trip to CO) I had ordered a stroller online and because there was only a 30-day money back guarantee (and Steve would still be gone longer than those 30 days) I decided I would open the box, make sure everything was there, etc. I looked at the instruction booklet and thought "how hard could this be?" Everything was pretty much pre-assembled, but I literally only made it to Step 2 and fidgeted with the thing the entire evening before giving up in frustration and deciding the stroller would have to wait 7+ weeks for Steve's return. I called my brother that night because they have a similar stroller and hoped that he could give me some pointers. He told me to plan on any baby gear assembly project to take a couple of hours. The truth is, they make these manuals with extremely unclear black and white illustrations and arrows pointing to places that may not even exist on your model. If you're lucky there will be a phrase of actual text telling you what to do. They should have classes on this stuff. I seriously went to youtube.com hoping that there would be someone else who had posted an instructional video on how to put together this particular stroller. So annoying...but one thing is for sure, Steve will be heading up all future baby gear and toy assembly projects.

My hero!

Busy Weekend: Birthing Class, Citywalk, Star Trek, & BJ's

This past weekend was certainly eventful as it began with an all-day birthing class at my doctor's office. We decided it might be best to complete the class in 1 day as it would be difficult to attend multiple classes during week nights when we live 45 minutes away from Lancaster and Steve's work schedule has been unpredictable and hectic with ever-changing flight schedules. So there you have it, we spent the day learning all about labor, relaxation techniques, delivery, etc. etc. Steve's favorite part (haha) was watching the labor videos...he's not really feeling the whole blood and gore aspect. :) Overall, the training was beneficial and informative and answered most of the questions that I had. Really at this point I think I am more anxious about all the silly Tricare procedures that we have to go through with the military than the actual delivery itself. I guess as it gets closer that may change....

After the class, we headed down to the Universal Studios Citywalk in Hollywood where we met up with Steve's Aunt Linda and cousin, Amy. They decided to take a girl's weekend getaway trip to California before school starts up again for Amy at the end of the month. We enjoyed a fun dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and then checked out some of the shops and entertainment.

Aunt Linda and Amy at City Walk

Steve and I. (Me at almost 31 weeks)

Sunday was fun as we hit the cheap theatres and saw Star Trek in the afternoon, which was definitely a great movie, and then shared a yummy BJ's pizza and cookies n' cream Oreo pizookie. (If you have visited us in California, chances are we have taken you to BJ's on maybe one or more occasion.) Ahhh, fun times!

How delicious does that look!? If you won't come visit us for the beautiful desert landscape, consider visiting for this delicious warm dessert! (The rest of the food is good too!)

29 Weeks

Steve is home!! I picked him up at LAX Thursday at midnight, after a long day of travel. This weekend we relaxed, shopped a little (Steve has been in a strange shopping mood,) ate out, saw "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" (excellent movie by the way,) and enjoyed each others company...it is SO nice to have him back! Today he is back to the grind--where he has a LOT of work waiting for him.

On another note, this week I am 29 weeks along in my pregnancy! I am feeling pretty good, and the baby is extremely active. Sometimes I just sit on the couch and watch my belly as it morphs into funny positions when the baby stretches and kicks in all sorts of directions. Its like I have a little alien in my tummy. :) My prenatal appointments are every 2 weeks now instead of every 4. We're getting closer!

Coming Down the Home Stretch

I cannot believe it! Steve is almost done with his 15 week training at Fort Bragg, NC. (I haven't seen him since Easter.) He was supposed to come home this Friday, but they changed his graduation to Thursday and he booked a flight back to California for late Thursday night. Hooray!

These 15 weeks have been interesting.... It has been good for our marriage in terms of communication and appreciation for each other. I also enjoyed taking two long trips to Colorado to visit family and would not have had that opportunity if Steve had not gone. On the other hand, it has been difficult as Steve has missed some big moments in my pregnancy and will return when I am 7 months along. (Of course, he will be here for the BEST part!) There were some hard moments when I was alone at Edwards and felt overwhelmed. Fortunately I have some good friends that were supportive and kept me occupied. So overall, the TDY to NC has had its pros and cons. It was nice knowing that Steve was in a safe place and not overseas, but obviously I would rather have him here with me. :o)

Colorado Visit #2: Baby Shower

My SIL Kristi and MIL Joann hosted a beautiful baby shower for me and our baby with extra help from my mom, SIL Kim, and even my brother who made the delicious desserts! There was a great turnout of family and friends and we enjoyed yummy food, silly games, and loads of gifts! Our baby boy was certainly spoiled and I am still overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone. Thank you to all!

I wasn't able to take too many pictures, so I am using a few from my mom's camera...

The hostesses, Kristi and Joann

Some of the guests

Diapers galore!

Just SOME of the baby gifts!

26 Weeks

My belly is growing a little more rapidly these days, I can definitely see a difference from my last picture at 24 weeks. I am also noticing that I become winded a little faster and that it is quite difficult to bend. :)

I am enjoying my last few days in Colorado before heading back to California with my MIL and SIL on Sunday. My best friend Emily is getting married on Friday so lots going on in these last few days! I cannot believe how quickly these past few weeks have gone. My family and friends have kept me very busy with Ryan and Linden's birthdays, Grandma E's visit, Father's Day activities, my baby shower, my cousin's baby shower, 4th of July activities, and now Emily's Big Day! So glad that I have had the opportunity to come home twice this summer for lengthy trips while Steve is in North Carolina, but oh-so sad that they are coming to a close. :( I guess this just means that we are that much closer to Steve's return back to California, where he will be greeted by a big prego wife! (Only 2 1/2 weeks now until his return!)

My niece, Linden and I

24 Weeks

Currently I am back in Colorado for my second trip this summer while Steve is in North Carolina. I have been very spoiled since I have been home and it has been nice to be in a house with people to talk to, not just a cat. :) I have many pictures to share but will do so when I return to California (it will give me something to do the week and a half before Steve returns!) Here is a current picture taken last week of me at 24 weeks! Now I am beginning to look soccer ball size. :) So fun, and still feeling really good!

21 Weeks

Week 21 and feeling great! Our baby has been doing some kickboxing lately- hopefully this is not an indicator of what he will be doing later in the pregnancy (or that he will be crazy hyperactive as a child.) I am finally wearing a few maternity tops- I had been putting if off as long as possible. :)

Halfway there and We're having a...

I'm nearing the end of week 20, and had an ultrasound on Wednesday morning. The baby was a little difficult at first, between crossing it's legs and facing the wrong direction...but as soon as we got it to move around a little it was clear to see (at least for the nurse practitioner) that we will be having a little BOY!! We couldn't be more thrilled and are excited to begin planning and imagining what our little guy is going to be like. What a blessing! (The top picture is his head straight on, right arm raised, left arm across his chest, and his big belly. The bottom picture is a profile shot.)