Introducing William Thomas Sorenson (Will)!!!!

I know that many people have been waiting patiently for news and photos of the new addition to the Sorenson family. We JUST got home from the hospital today, after a labor that was fruitful, but could not be described as smooth or easy. But, none of that matters now, as Will is here and we couldn't be happier. But, for those interested, I will post the story of labor and delivery soon.

So, here are the stats/important information:

William Thomas Sorenson (named after Justin's dad and Erin's dad, respectively)

Born Monday, July 28th @ 11:33 a.m. (due date was August 3rd--LOVE the early arrival!)

Hours in labor=32.5
Weight= 7 pounds, 4 ounces
Length= 21.5 inches

He is gorgeous, if I do say so myself! I would like to take some time to do a slideshow and post video, but here are some photos to tide you over...

39 weeks...with some NEWS!

Hi everyone! Well, it's 5 am and I've been up since 3 am, because my water broke! But, no strong contractions yet. From what I read, labor should begin within the next 12 hours. Active labor, that is. I really didn't think it'd happen like this. I thought the water would break along with painful contractions...but I'm new to this and everyone is different.

Funny thing is, just about 6 hours ago I was at a dinner party at our friends' house (Colleen and Matt) and I was sitting on a birthing ball to try to help get things moving. Maybe it worked?!?! So I am in a bit of shock right now...Justin was able to go back to sleep since this really isn't active labor yet and I am in no pain currently. But it is now definite that we will have a JULY BABY!

This blog is about to get a lot more exciting!!!!

Turn, baby, turn!

So, I am now at 38+ weeks. I had an ultrasound yesterday and learned that the baby is in the posterior position. This means he is head down (good) but face up (not so good). Well, his head is turned towards the front of my belly. Justin says he must be a beach bum like us and wants to see the sun too! So, I have to try some positions to get him to turn his head towards my spine. This will make labor much easier for both of us!

I need to post some pictures of our latest "nesting" activities--the finished backsplash in the kitchen, the almost completed deck, and the nursery. I promise to get going on that today...stay tuned, as I will post those online ASAP. Oh, and maybe a picture of me in one of those baby turning positions! :-)

Almost 38 weeks!!!

Hi everyone! I went to the doctor yesterday. I'm measuring between 36 and 37 weeks and she told me the baby seems very comfortable and relaxed in the womb. Very steady heartrate in the 120s and he's wedged in there in a very cozy position. She tells me everything is looking great! I'm thinking he's not going to want to leave his posh digs anytime soon! I'll have an ultrasound and an internal exam next week--to check his position and for any dilation.

So after the appointment I did a little shopping. One of my stops was Pottery Barn (they have some fun summer stuff on sale--FYI!). A very nice (and presumably gay) man with a lovely Australian accent waited on me. He was extremely friendly. At the end of my transaction at the register he said [insert lovely Australian accent here], "May I just say, you look absolutely fantastic?" He made my day. Every woman who is 9 months pregnant should hear that at least once per day! Thanks, Pottery Barn guy!

37 weeks and counting...

So today marks the day that I am officially "full term." They say that the baby is fully developed and can now be born without worry anytime between now and 42 weeks. But, if I have to go to 42 weeks, I'm going to need Justin to push me around in a wheelbarrow! I'm just really tired, that's all!

We went to the doc last Thursday. She said I was measuring at about 35 weeks (smaller than the week before), which means that the baby's head has probably dropped down further into my pelvis. That's a good sign! She estimated that he weighs about 6 pounds at this point and will be about 7.5 lbs at birth--if I give birth in 3 weeks, as "planned." Sounds fine to me! We're getting REALLY close to choosing a name, but nothing will be revealed until the big day!

Here's a cute picture of Justin, our niece Elliott (almost 3 months old in this pic), and Bill (Justin's dad...although you can't really see him in this pic). Justin will be an OUTSTANDING father, I just know it! And then there's a picture of me with Elliott. She's crying, which doesn't exactly instill a lot of confidence in my parenting skills, does it?!?

Week 36!

As of today, I'm 36 weeks pregnant! Wow! I can't wait to meet the little guy. Four weeks to go!

OK, so I have to explain this photo (below). I know Peso should not be in the crib. But, he looked cute so I took his picture. I am now taking measures to keep him out of the crib so that he won't think the baby is intruding on "his" space. I will wash the bedding (again) and keep him out. But isn't the crib bedding cute? Thanks, Nana Maria! :-) And safety fiends--don't worry, I know that bumpers can be dangerous, but I'm putting it in there for now...
This is our house! The flowers are really looking good right now! I think it'll be the perfect place to raise Baby Sorenson!

This is the view from our neighborhood common land--a great place to walk to with the new baby!

Happy 4th of July!

I am sitting here in our sunny screened-in porch, drinking my decaf, and thinking about how things are really going to be different next summer! Justin and I live in a family-oriented neighborhood--manicured lawns, sidewalks, kids playing, two-car garages, the whole nine yards. In about 3o minutes, we will walk outside to cheer on the kids in the neighborhood bike parade and then will go to our lakeside community land for a BBQ. Next year, events like this will take on a whole new meaning...we'll be creating traditions with our new little one! It will be fun to have those good ol' 4th of July events like parades, BBQs, and firework displays be really exciting again. Alright, time to make my deviled eggs for the BBQ! Happy 4th, everyone!

Video Clip from Lake Michigan, Pentwater--Week 34

If you are morally and ethically opposed to seeing a very pregnant woman in a bikini, do not watch this clip! :-) I am practicing all the elements I'll want to put on this blog once the baby is born. Video of the baby will be MUCH more appropriate!

Latest Doctor Appointment

Justin and I went to my latest ob/gyn appointment yesterday. My fundal height shows that the baby is measuring completely average for 35-1/2 weeks. Next week she'll check to see if I've dilated at all. Dr. Lowell's first comment during the exam was, "Wow, you're all belly, aren't you!?" I'll take that as a compliment. I wonder if she ever says to anyone, "Wow, you're really gaining massive amounts of weight everywhere, aren't you?!" Probably not. The baby's heartbeat was in the 130s, which is perfect. He is positioned a bit crookedly in my belly--on the diagonal, but his head is facing downward, which is good. Today Justin and I were laughing at how much more my belly is sticking out on the left side than the right. His head and back are on the left, and it's very easy to tell!

Family Baby Shower-June 28, 2008

We have such great families! My mom, Kerry (sister-in-law), and Mary (mother-in-law) hosted a baby shower for us last Saturday. It was fantastic! I really wanted Justin to be a part of the whole baby shower thing, so it was an event for both men and women. We had lots of people from both sides of the family there, and some great family friends too. Thank you to everyone for the wonderful gifts--you are so generous. It was great to see everyone!!!

Weeks 33 and 34--Another great trip to Michigan!

Although it's a bit hard to don a bikini when 8 months pregnant, I decided that beach time is just too precious to miss! Justin and I managed to get quite a few great beach days on Lake Michigan, as you'll see in this slide show!

29 weeks pregnant! Memorial Day 2008

Justin ran the marathon and did a GREAT job! I cheered him on!

A post-marathon belly photo session...

In our almost done kitchen!

25 weeks pregnant in Michigan--April 2008

In Empire, Michigan--where we were married on August 3, 2002!

Kiss the baby!

Some high school and college friends held a shower for me in Lansing, Michigan!

Four college roommates, one child just born with three more on the way!

17 weeks pregnant in Zihuatanejo, Mexico! February 2008

We took a "babymoon" to Zihuatanejo, Mexico in February. Wow! What a place--we could definitely live there in our retirement (many years down the road). I was just starting to show...and I had TONS of energy. Baby Sorenson must like traveling--I didn't get sick and felt great the whole time. Looks like he'll be a traveler just like his mom and dad!