36 Weeks!

36 weeks....36 weeks.

Really.

Some days I feel like I have been pregnant for 10 years and some days I think its went by fast.

Either way I'm 36 weeks :)

I'm feeling good for the most part. I wish I could breath and my vision for some reason seems to be a bit off. Maybe that's because I'm getting old and has nothing to do with being pregnant.

Brad and Allie are really ready for me to have this baby. Im thinking my mood swings are starting to wear on them. They are such an evil thing.

I go to the doctor again in a week and then start my weekly appointments. Last time I was there he did check me and said I was dilated 1 cm (which you could be for months) but my cervix is softening so that's a concern that she might be here before her due date. He told me to hold her in until the 27 of this month and he'd be more comfortable with things. See when I first found out we were pregnant I had to wait until I was 9 weeks to go to the doctor. When I got there he did an ultrasound and he said I was only 7 weeks. Now I'm starting to think I was right and he was wrong (who's the doctor here) it would just make me feel more comfortable knowing that if she came soon she would be 2 weeks stronger then we thought. Only time will tell when baby girl is going to come.



36 weeks, she clearly has favored one side!



I say I can't wait for things to get back to normal but my "normal" wont be normal ever again. How could it be? New baby, big sister, another member of The Soderblom's. Brad's going to be coming and going for weeks at a time until April when he'll be gone for over 9 months. My new normal isn't something I can even grasp at this point. But God is on our side and this is going to make us stronger! And I'm just going to stop at that and save this for another post :)



This is one letter I made for that babies name. Each letter has a different look.





Allie sleeping. **Just because she is the cutiest thing ever**



Baby blom is a girl!!!!

Just wanted to share our great news!!! Allie will be a big sister!!!
Baby girl has all the things she needs, her heart beat is strong, her body is growing right, and she is right on track!!

This was the only ultra sound well get from now on. Before Allie was born they didn't do the 3D ultra sounds so this was really cool for us to see her like this. I love that you can see her like that. You can't tell who she'll look like but the way things go in my family the babies always look like their dads. Allie is Brad's twin and is so cute I'm fine if she turns out the same way....I wont say I'll be upset if she gets dark hair like me :)

The last pic below is the "gender" photo, Im not sure how well you can make it out but the tech said the three dots mean girl.

Were so excited for our new additon to come along. I wont have to gather many things since we kept most of Allie's things.

August



August has been a pretty crazy month! I'm sad that its almost over because that means the pools will close but well be on to nicer weather and new adventures. Im going to apologize in advance for how many pic will be in this post. Since this will most likely be the only one for August I have to get it all in. There were hair cuts, carnivals, petting zoos, growing bellies, gardening, playground, birthdays, and so much more this month.

Well start with the hair cut. Allie has had her hair trimmed a few times before but this was the first **hair cut**. It was just time. I loved those long golden locks but after fighting with a 4 year old on a nightly bases it just became too much. Some had to go. If I would have let them go an inch shorter we could have gave to locks of love...now looking back I should have done it. I have a sister and a mother in law who both do hair but when we are around them there are too many distractions to sit and stay still to have this serious project to take place. I pick up Allie from school, tell her what we are going to do. "No WAY mom" she wanted nothing to do with it. She loves her long hair. She forgets the fights. I tell her she can pick what she wants and after we'll go to Target and she can pick out something for being so good. That sealed the deal. Off we go.....

She did great. Better then I. She sat up there like a big girl and talked to the lady like she goes all the time. I sat off to the side trying not to be a distraction. I was sad. Sad that my baby is so grown and talks like she is 16. It gave me a moment to reflect on how beautiful of a women she is going to be someday. (ok Im emotional I can't help it). Aftar all was done. She looked great and was excited about how good she did and a Dora movie was the prize.

Off to the Carnival and petting zoo. I met my sisters and mom for breakfast knowing what we were going to do that day. We called it the "C" word because you can't tell Allie anything in advance or she wont stop talking about it. After breakfast we went back to my moms to swim and a nap. Allie said "MOM I want to go to the C!" It was so funny. She had no idea what the C was but she wanted to do it! And she wanted to do it NOW! She knew from the way we talked it would be something fun and exciting.

She got a little more then she bargained for. See that Camel, he loved Allie's hair. He was so tall his neck could reach her and he wanted to eat her hair, it freaked Allie out. Next we rode the swings....see how much fun she had? Her pregnant mother had to sit next to her...not so much fun.

It was all worth it for that smile!



18 Weeks



My belly is growing...faster then I thought possible. I feel the baby move alot. Just like a popcorn machine right now. Allie loves to whisper to the baby and tells it to come out all the time. She is really hoping for a sister of corse dad wants a boy. We find out what we are having on September 9th...our 5 year anniversary. I had a really exciting date planed for us and it started with finding out the sex but the Army stepped in and is taking Brad the week before so he'll miss the appointment. We get to record all of it and I'll have the nurse write down the sex and I'll wait for Brad to get home to open it. I don't want to know the surprise with out him.

So August has been great, summer has been fun but Im SO looking forward to cooler temps, turning leaves, and pumpkins!!!!


***And here are 2 other pic I want to add just because***

one of my fav ever of her!

loves the dirt!















Girls weekend 2011

Girls weekend 2011 was the 12th time we have done girls weekend!!!

Its a nice relaxing way for all the women in my family to get away from the stress of everyday life and just have fun. No men, children, or pets are allowed. We eat lots of food, drink lots of beer (expect me this time), and have fun! There is usually never a dull moment with most of the ladies that come. My family is a rare bread of women. I think most of them are proud to be called a hoosier but they make it the most fun!

The pic is not the best of me or of most of us but it shows how much we don't care while we are there and how much sun and fun we had most of the weekend. I'm so happy to have a family that continues to stay together and support each other. I was pretty much treated like a baby for the most part all weekend because of being pregnant. I didn't mind since most of the time it was a 100*!

This is such a short post because "What happens at girls weekend....stays at girls weekend"

Allie turns 4

Sunday was Allie's 4th birthday.

I spent most of the weekend preparing for family dinner that was not going to be a party. I woke up early on Saturday and cut the grass, hosed off the patio, driveway, and carport, trimmed the tree, washed my car, Spring cleaned the house, and went shopping. That was all before 3 when Brad got home from drill. When he got home they took a nap and I continued to clean. After the woke up we went to Chuck E Cheese. She always has such an amazing time there. She loves all the excitement, kids, and tickets! When we got home a few friends of ours came over and Allie was full of energy. Normally by 10 if she isn't sleeping were doing what we can to get her to go to sleep. This time since it was her birthday weekend we let her have her fun. Once midnight came around and we sang happy birthday to her it was time for bed.

Waking up on Sunday was exciting. She already thought her birthday was over because at school on Friday they sang to her and we went to Chuck E Cheese the night before. Must be confusing for a 4 year old to have so many celebrations. After finally convincing her that TODAY was her birthday she made me sing happy birthday to her over and over and over. We went to the store and bought food for dinner. Came home and filled up her pool that she wasn't allowed to get in until later (torture I know).

Family and Friends arrived around 4. I didn't want to BBQ because it was already 97* outside so I though it would be smart to bake 2 pans of lasagna and garlic cheese bread! Thankfully it wasn't too bad because my house is the size of a matchbox and its not hard to keep cool. Allie was so super excited for everyone to be there for her. She owned it too. She kept saying "OK everybody its time to eat" "Okay everybody I'm going to open my presents now". She was in no way shy to show that it was HER party. She got clothes, shoes, jewelry, barbies, puzzles, money, and gum. She couldn't wait to open it all and play.

I had a hard time keeping my pregnant emotions in check for most of the day. I kept reflecting on what time it was and what we were doing 4 years before. It is just so amazing how time moves so fast. In these 4 years I have learned more then I ever thought possible. My sweet baby has taught me how to grow up, to love, to nurture, to be me. I never knew my heart could hold so much love and pride for someone. I think God everyday for her and I'm so glad she chose me to be her mommy.


Here are a few pic of Allie wearing some new things she received on her birthday....

Feeling good!!!

Today is the first day in 3 weeks that I have really felt good. It didn't start off so good but with a good mind set and determination I feel good now! :)

This pregnancy is so much different then the first. I remember being so tired with Allie and feeling sick but not to this degree. This time I can't sleep and I feel like crap all the time!

I went to the doctor last Friday and I was thinking I was 9 weeks according to my cycle but the baby was only measuring 7 weeks. Baby Blom had a strong little flashing heart beat. My cycle was so off before I got pregnant the doctor said that he was sure that I ovulated later then I thought I did. My due date as of now is January 25, 2012.

So with my new attitude and banana muffins I will try and have a good day every day! I'm looking forward to my second trimester so these days will be gone.

Struggling!

This week has been a struggle. I'm sick. I'm tired. I'm sick of being sick and tired! I'm not sure if I'm thankful or not to not be hugging the toilet all the time but I feel like at any second I could be. Sometimes I wish I would just so I could feel better but I'm not sure if it will or not.

Heading in to week 8 in a few days so hopefully I only have 4 more weeks of this. I can't imagine feeling like this for 9 months.

Our first doctors appointment in June 10th. If things go the same way they did with Allie I will get to see Baby Blom. I know s/he will only be a little bean but it will be exciting to see along with the flashing heart beat. Allie also has a doctor's appointment that morning so I took the day off.

After were all done and everything is fine we are heading to the water park. I hope that the weather will be nice for us that day so we can enjoy it together.

Finally

Drum roll please....

We are pregnant!!!! WHOOP WHOOP! After 10 L...O...N...G months of trying, tracking, and let down God has blessed us with a Baby Blom!!

Right now I am 6 weeks and 3 days with only 237 days to go (thank you count down widget). My due date is January 15, 2012 (unconfirmed).

So far I am feeling good with only a bit of heart burn but that's nothing a little tums can't help. I'm looking forward to the months ahead and a growing belly. Allie really doesn't understand what is going on and I think until I have big belly she wont get it. I know she will be a great big sister but I'm sure she will be jealous.

So our hearts are overflowing with joy at this time. It kinda seems unreal even to me since as of now I still feel normal.

My last post 'why why why'...was about why wasn't I pregnant when it seemed everyone else around me was...some with out trying. I know God has a plan for me and my family and I just have to trust in Him. As soon as I stop my plan His plan took over.
Good things come to those who wait...and those who lay it down and trust in God get what He has in HIS plan.

Why

Why do they have it and I don't?
Why was it so easy for her but is a continued struggle for me?
Why can't it be simple and just happen?
WHY WHY WHY???

Instincts....

Trust them.

It took me weeks for my "motherly instincts" to kick in when I had Allie. Before she was born women always told me "As soon as you see your baby you'll be so in love." That my friends did not happen to me. Don't get me wrong...I loved her. But the rich, deep, I'll die for you love didn't happen right off the bat. I remember the day we were leaving the hospital a nurse came in to check on us and noticed Allie had a dirty diaper. Who would have thought...I needed to check her diaper more then a few times a day to check for poop. HA...At that moment I knew I was in trouble.

A few weeks go by and it hit me. How could this little human mean more to me then my next breath? How is possible to hold so much love in a little blanket? God is good! Even though I felt more love then I ever though possible the mother thing didn't come easy. Allie wasn't a easy newborn. She never slept (still doesn't), she had acid reflux, and she screamed all the time. It wasn't until she was about one that things really started getting better in the Soderblom house.

Anyway back to the reason for this blog. Instincts. With the love I got the instinct. It's hard to explain how they work but its just you know. You know before they take a step they are going to trip, you know the bite they are going to take is too big. You just get that feeling. Something isn't right or even better something IS right! I often tell Brad I think I have like a 6th sense because it happens to me so often. He looks at me like I'm a nut case and moves on with what he was doing lol. It took me a long time to learn to trust this. I could have saved may falls or bumped heads if I would have just trusted it more.

This trust was tested more then it ever had been last night. I wont go in to great detail because who knows who well read this but Allie and I were visiting friends and a situation came up where I was being pressured to something I didn't feel comfortable with. Our friends wanted Allie to stay the night and hang out the next day and skip school (tisk tisk). I was okay with the skipping school part because shoot its only pre-school and I'm paying either way. Allie has never stayed at a "friends" house. Grandparents and Aunts as far as we have taken it. So I was just not comfortable with the situation. I said no 20 times but my words were not being taken seriously. I finally gave in and left my baby with her friend. Now I trust these people. Its not that I just left her with unknown people here. They have been a part of Allie's life for years and she loves these people. I love these people but my instincts were telling me something was just not right.

So I go home... I pace... I call Brad, no answer... So I call the person who I can rely on at any time...boy did she come through. After rambling off my story at a rate that she would only understand (because she talks just as fast). She says "Jenn this is YOUR baby. You can not let anyone make you feel like this and you have to take control." I had the same conversation with her just a week before about something totally different. Man it is so much easier to give someone advice then to take it!!! So after a 10 minute lashing from her (yes I'm being totally dramatic) I get off the phone and...text the friend. I didn't even have the courage to call. After 20 minutes and no text back. I call. No answer. call again...no answer. Ok HIGH ALERT SOMEONE HAS STOLEN MY BABY! Now I'm putting on my jacket and shoes and walken out the door! Third phone call..."Hello"...oh...hi. (crap now what) "Hi, Its Jenn. I've changed my mind and I'm going to come and get Allie. I just really would prefer to have her home tonight and she can come back tomorrow and hang out."

I went and got my baby...she slept with me last night because I felt for a split second that she was missing (again I'm a drama queen). And nothing happened. Now I know what you are thinking...okay so what was the big deal?!?!?! Nothing happened. EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nothing happened...but I don't know what would have happened, what could have happened. But what I do know is that something just wasn't right. I learned to trust my motherly instincts and because I did she woke up safe in my arms and is okay.

So thank you motherly instincts and thank you to my special friend who kicked me in my ass and got me in gear!

(Please note that I am not an overbearing mother who doesn't let their child do anything or let her out of my site. I do. Allie is such a free spirit and talks to everyone. I encourage her to spread her love and let her voice be heard. But this time it was just different)

Unexpected day off...

Today Allie's school is closed again because it has no power. So little bear and I are spending the day together. It wont be an exciting day but it will be a day filled with the smiles and laughter from Allie. The sun has come out for the first time in days so we are going to go out and try to soak it up. The laundry will be done, the floors will be clean, and Brad will have a good dinner to eat at "dinner time" tonight.

I needed a day like this...just a down day just to be with my baby girl. I am blessed to have a great job but some times I sure wish I could be spending my time at home with her. I miss so much everyday!

So today is a day for momma and little bear.

Bragging rights

I'm so excited that the weather is getting better everyday. We are spending more time outside and at the park. The dogs love it and we love it.

Allie has started soccer and T-ball will be next. She loves being outside and now she has 3 friends that come over every time she is outside. My big girl!! They all play dolls or ride bikes, color, their little minds are just amazing. Allie is the youngest of the three but if you didn't know any better you would think she was one of the older ones. Since she is the only child and mostly around adults she can carry on a fully adult conversations. Her favorite questions are...What's your name? Who's your mom? What's your favorite color? (Her's is of corse green)

Just wanted to share with how smart my little bear is...I'm her mother and I can brag if I want... Allie knows her full address including City, and State. Were working on her phone number. She knows how to spell her name, Jenn, Brad, mommy, mom, dad, and daddy. She can write her own name. She can count to 10 in Spanish, 30 in English. She says a prayer before each meal. She knows a few colors in Spanish and she might know more if I did. She ask and I don't have the answers. She knows her right from her left. And she can work a computer, camera, or phone just about as well as I can. Oh one more thing...she can bowl like a champ on the Wii.

She' pretty much is the most amazing, smart, beautiful, talented, 3 year old I know! Yes I'm her mom and yes I would think those things no matter what but this child is going to change the world! First women president....we shall see!!!

Just be thankful!!!

Some times I have to step back and reflect on how thankful I need to be for things. I get in such fits where I feel like nothing is going right or my way. No one listens to me and my voice is never heard. I feel sorry for myself and think oh poor me. When really I have so much to be thankful for and so many reasons to be happy!!!!

Take Allie....she is THE most amazing 3 year old! Everyday she just wows me. They silly things that come out of her mouth, the expressions on her face, the laugh that is so high pitched. She is so random and comes up with the craziest questions and sayings. She still loves to cuddle with her dad and I and gives the best hugs and kisses. I hear I love you momma about 100 times a day and each time she says it my heart swells. She may repeat herself over and over even after you answer or give her what she wants but that's her. I use to say "I can't wait" or "I wish" for this or that but I have learned to stop saying those things because I can wait and I don't want to wish away the present. She is growing so fast that I feel like just yesterday I was carrying her in my belly or feeding her baby food. Time just flies by SO fast. So today...right now...is the reason I need to be more thankful for my little bear. She makes her daddy and my heart melt each day. I need to learn to be more patient with her and stop and listen to her sweet voice more often because soon I'll have a door slammed in my face when she is 16 and her say she never wants to speak to me again....now those days I can wait for!!!

Bradley...(sigh) my man, my best friend, my hubby, my core. He holds me together. He's my rock. I get so annoyed that when he comes home the first thing he doesn't do is unload and load the dishwasher or take the trash out but really I need to stop and think...he just got home from work...is that the first thing I do when I come in?? ...well no. Even though he is taking two classes at school, switching units in the Army, trying to get his trainer licence for the gym, plays on a hockey league, and works full time.... he still makes time for us. He still has tickle time with Allie 10 times a day, still makes me feel important, we still watch movies together, were still a couple. I need to be nicer to him....

My parents...If I do half as good as they did I'll be on the right track. My dad has always been there for us and has always supported us no matter if he really liked it or not. My mom, I almost have no words for how great she is. I love this women more then anything, she means the world to me. She is so caring and has so much love in her heart for her family especially her grandkids. She is the women I want to be.

My Sisters...When we were growing up like most sisters we really didn't like each other. Poor Tammy had to watch us all the time and care for us, we kinda robbed her of some of her teenage years. Shanon was always looking for ways to hurt me or blame her mess ups on me lol. The older we get the closer we get. We share ideas with each other and have so much fun together. More like best friends then sisters.

There are many more things that I am thankful for. So from today on I will try and be more thankful for what I have and have a positive attitude and not be so grumpy.

Sunshine!!!!

The anticipation for today has been building. When Glen Zimmerman said last week that today was going to be the prettiest day of the week I was hoping he was right. Boy did he come through!!!! High today upper 70's??? I'm super excited!!! I have been longing for the days of 70 degree weather!! The grass is turning green, the birds are out, the kids are filling the streets. This is why this is my favorite season.

Allie has been begging to take her new bike out and hit the pavement. We've been able to a few times but for her its just a tease because the next day their is snow back on the ground! Daddy has been getting her from school early so she can ride her bike and Jeep. She loves it. The dogs love it, I love it!!! What's not to love!

So with a big smile and open arms The Blom's welcome you and please stick around as long as you want!

FRG

Yesterday was family day at Brad's unit. They had a fun pirate themed party!The kids had a treasure hunt and had karaoke. They showed a slide show of the things they did the past two weeks that he was gone. It was explained to the families that this is what they will be doing when they are deployed next year. Its not a high risk dangerous job (thank God), there is always a risk of combat but for the most part they are safe. It was pretty cool to see all the things they do and how important their job is in the war and what place they have.

Seeing the pixs my heart swelled with pride for Brad. He is so amazing. He leaves his family for weeks at a time and will be gone for a year starting next year. All by choice...by choice...how amazing is that??? He is willing to give up time, days, weeks, months, a year to serve for his country. To make our homes safe, to make freedom free. Pretty cool hu? I'm proud!!

After the slide show they talked about what as families we could do to make things better for our soldiers before they leave and how we can help others. They asked for spouses if they would like to volunteer for the Family Readiness Group (FRG). For anyone who watches Army Wives like I do...I was super excited. Sitting there picturing myself like Claudia Joy Holden lol. Now I'm sure it wont be like that but I'm ready for the challenge. They need a President, Vise President, Treasure, all the way down the line. I'm ready to take any spot offered!! What the FRG does is puts together care packages for the unit, organizes outings for the families, notifies the families of where they are and how they are doing, sends out pic and videos of the soldiers, helps the families in need, things like that. I can't wait till we get started!! If this is the one thing I can do to give back and say thanks (and keep my mind busy) I'll do it with a happy heart and a smile

Sick little baby

My little bear has been sick again the past week. Sickness something I'll never get use to!!! Why do babies have to get sick? Its the saddest most pitiful ever! I love the extra snuggles I get but the fevers, meds, whimpers, etc are just not worth it!!! I feel so bad for her when she is sick and it happens way to often....we were on a pretty good streak before February hit. I keep thinking its the change in weather and hope that it doesn't last and we get over the hump once again.

Missing my love

Being an Army wife you would think at some point you would get use to them leaving. So far that has yet to happen to me. Don't get me wrong, those first few days I get the remote to myself and get to watch all the junk TV I want...so its exciting. But after you watch everything you have saved on the DVR and its night time its not so much fun any more.

This year will be the most he has been gone since we have been together. I guess its God's way of preparing me for what is to come next year. The dark word....deployment...terrible word isn't it??? But I have faith that this will make our family stronger and bring us together more then ever!

Saturday will be here in no time and I get to snuggle up with my love and enjoy him. The best part of him coming home is seeing how excited Allie gets...she runs to him at the airport and leaps in his arms. That will melt your heart!

2 more days!