Saddest Face Ever.

Doesn't that just break your heart!?

It's Official. I'm a Maternal Basketcase.

What happened to me? I used to have a good head on my shoulders and emotions that were, for the most part, controllable. Now I'm flighty and mildly paranoid, interspersed with random weeping and clumsiness. Such is motherhood.

I locked my darling baby in the car. I had my hands full, and prior to loading her infant seat in the car, I placed all other belonging- including keys- on the front seat. Somewhere between closing the back door and proceeding to the driver's side, the auto locks kicked in. I don't think I've ever felt my heart race so fast. It didn't help that Kendall was ready for lunch and was screaming in the car. Before heading to a neighbor's house to frantically call for help, I recalled Chris saying something about changing the code on the driver-door keypad...and, fortunately, I'm a good listener. It opened on the first try and I slowly regained sanity.

Later, I intended to feed the baby while at my church meeting since I'm not a huge fan of breast-feeding in public. With Kendall still fussy, I put together a bottle of formula. However, I neglected to include the oh-so-necessary nipple for said bottle. Plan B- whip out the boob. Awkward, but it worked. Too bad I also forgot the burp-rag.

It's unbelievable how much this little baby has rocked my world; namely, my sanity. I know I'm not the only one- many friends have retorted that they, too, have had the same experiences. They say that brain cells die during pregnancy and you never really get them back...I, apparently, won't be disproving this theory.

Basketcase or not, I'm loving every minute of it.

Winter Thanks

It's wintertime. Literally and figuratively. Literally, as subzero temperatures lurk just outside this warm house. Figuratively in the midst of sadness in our family. Both give good reason to stop and reflect on life's blessings, large and small. Here's my list:

*For Kendall, who has filled up my long, boring days with new challenges and new joys.
*For my husband, who keeps me sane.
*For telephones and Skype.
*For grocery shopping. Used to hate it. Now, it's a welcomed retreat from the routine, and time to myself.
*For drive-up grocery loading at aforementioned grocery store.
*For a great church with a great coffee bar.
*For friends who care enough about me that they would visit Duluth in the heart of winter. (Thanks, Steph and Beth!!!)
*For hot chocolate (which I forgot I made half an hour ago. Oops!)
*For some great new pictures of our family.
*For warm slippers (thanks, mom!)
*For the new Bachelor...he's a treat for the eyes :)
*For grandmas that have been such a huge help around the house.
*For random memories of my brother that make me smile.
*For snowfall that I can enjoy from inside.
*For baby smiles and sparkling eyes.

First Photo Shoot!

When scoping out suitable photographers for Kendall's first photo session, I found the best right at our church! We had Lyndsey from On3Design visit our home to snap a few shots of the babe (3 weeks old) and, well, they turned out amazing! Check out a few of the faves at the On3Design blog, or delve in to the whole gallery! (Instructions below)


To view or order pictures:

1. Go to http://on3design.org
2. Click "Ordering" on the top bar.
3. Type in password "KendallS"
4. Order by clicking on thumbnail and entering size.

Getting To Know You

We've been living with this tiny person now for one month, and have yet to experience the full realm of her personality. However, we have been taking note of little quirks that surface from time to time, and love getting to know our baby girl! Just a few observations at this point in time:

*Fascinated by light. Will fall asleep staring at the bright window.

*Mesmerized by the blueberry wreath above her changing table...and does not like being disturbed while in this blueberry trance!

*Always has her little feet crossed. Cuteness.

*As seen in the video, has a bit of trouble keeping her eyes closed when she's sleepy...

*Must be a Niner fan, as she pooped all over my Vikings shirt ON game day.

*Finds burp rags a personal challenge- will avoid at all costs. This usually means the last minute head-turn or (my personal favorite) the over-the-burp-rag spew. Bonus points if she spits up all over mommy at church.

*Formula for instant sleep: A full tummy, a binky, and mom or dad's chest to rest against.

*Looks like she's going to be a water bug...she enjoys bath time with daddy!

*Becomes a human squeak-toy when hiccups come...and they come often!


I got Kendall out of bed to feed her a few nights ago, and she looked up and smiled at me. I'm not convinced this was intentional, but it gave me a glimpse of what is to come, and I can't wait!

Happy one month birthday, my sweetie!

It's Never Too Early...

...for a Starbucks date with mom! I don't know how many times in the last week I have sat down to blog these pictures, but here they are- a little late. Little Miss K visited St. Arbucks twice in her first 20 days. Lucky mommy!

Our first trip was with my wonderful Irish gal pal, Edeanne.

Crazy Sleepy Eyes

Yes, I guess I'm going to be one of those moms who posts embarrassing videos of her kids. This one features Kendall's (somewhat freakish) sleepy-eyed wake up routine. I think it's the sweetest- and captures a couple cameo smiles.

Dear Derek,

Dear Derek,

I miss you. Our family just isn't the same without you. We talk about you often, and are determined to keep you as a big part of our lives, even in the midst of your physical absence. We trust that God is passing along the hugs we send up daily, and that you are smiling down upon all the new joys we are experiencing here.

Your niece is beautiful. Kendall is a big girl with a wonderfully calm demeanor, something we prayed would be much like her Uncle Dizzle. She reminds me of you from time to time...the way she looks at me with funky eyes, the hiccups that she gets, the way she purses her lips when she's concentrating...

The holidays have come and gone, and it's odd beginning a new year without you. As I look ahead, I wonder who I'll call for the latest movie review, or who will hook me up with the latest music and technology. I'll miss calling you to debrief the last episode of "Idol" or "24", and miss the updates on Crosswalk each Sunday. I know your absence has left a mark on that congregation as well.

I just wanted to write a simple note to let you know that you are missed, and definitely not forgotten. I will be working hard to make memories of you come alive for our little girl, and to remind us of what a great blessing you were in our lives. You still make me smile.

Love,
Your proud sister.

Baby Face

Wonderment.

Apprehension.

Hunger.

Inquisitive.

Done.

A New Season...of Television!

Don't know how the mom's of yesteryear endured all their midnight feedings without the luxury of the television or iPhone for entertainment! I also can't imagine enduring a long winter indoors without some good programming to view. While the baby's on the boob, this mom enjoys the boob tube...and January is going to supply some good entertainment (finally! It's been a long hiatis!).

Here are some programs we are looking forward to at the Stavenger home:

American Idol. This is a favorite in the Petersen family- Chris and I watched our first season together this past year. Introducing Ellen as judge #4 will be an interesting (and likely entertaining) twist this season! The downside of this show: fear that it may produce another Adam Lambert.

Survivor- Heroes and Villains. We don't usually watch Survivor, but my parents continue to tune in every season with friends. We watched the last couple episodes with them here in Duluth, and were enthralled with one of the characters. Since he will be making an encore appearance in next season's game, we may have to tune in! Downside: Just one more show to TiVo on Thursday nights....sigh....

The Bachelor. I wasn't religious about tuning in the past few seasons, but tuned in enough last season's "The Bachelorette" to know that I really liked Jake, the pilot. Now, Jake is in the "pilot's seat" as the new bachelor, and so far he seems to be a nice guy. The downside of this show: hottubs and skimpy suits abound needlessly.

24. Why this is so far down on my list, I don't know. Of course, it's the most highly anticipated around here. And with rumors swirling that this is the final season, we're intrigued. Jack Bauer was on his death bed at the end of last season...yet he looks just fine in the previews. We may have to make some pork butt for dinner to remember Derek and kick off the new season! There is no downside to Jack Bauer.

Brace for Impact. TLC's special this Sunday night is about the airplane incident in the Hudson river, narrated by Harrison Ford and honoring Chris' man-crush, Captain Sully. It's been on our calendar for a while now.

How about you? Any favorites we should check out?

Have a Cuddly New Year!

It's a new year, and I've spent most of it either a) at the doctor's office, or b) in my comfy home with my comfy blankets, comfy slippers, warm hot chocolate and cuddly baby. Trips out have been sparse (thank you, subzero weather!), so it's important that home is a cozy place to hang out all day. Prior to Christmas, I discovered Restoration Hardware Baby & Child (via Catalog...we don't get cool stores like that in Minnesota). Having always been a big fan of the Restoration Hardware store, the Baby & Child version was like a wonderland to me! I went a little crazy, first ordering the sweet cuddle plush rocker (above) for Kendall's first Christmas present. When it arrived, it was SO much softer than I could have imagined! So soft, in fact, that we collected several more items from the cuddle plush collection.

So often with baby toys/clothing we say to ourselves, "I wish they made those for grown-ups"...well, in this case, I got lucky! For Christmas, my mom (who was fortunate enough to visit the actual store in Sacramento) surprised me with cuddle plush SLIPPERS. I have worn them EVERY night during late night feedings, and they are magical.

Enough gushing...check out the sites for yourselves!
Restoration Hardware
Restoration Hardware Baby & Child

Kendall's rabbit accompanied me during labor.

Her cute playmat is fuzzy soft, and does NOT say "Morgan".

These slippers are amazing...and on sale right now!

That's Not Mommy.

Desperate times call for desperate measures...that is, when you're a hungry infant, you'll latch on to just about anything. Case in point, this is what happened when Daddy went to give K-bear kisses...


Yum!

Virtual Hugs

Technology- can't live with it, can't live without it. The latter has been more true for us lately, relying on SKYPE to keep in touch with distant friends and family, and the iPhone to keep me busy during those late night feedings. I'm so glad we live in a day and age where this kind of communication is possible...it makes the distance a LITTLE more bearable (although it's quite a teaser when this baby is so huggable!). We checked in with the New Years Eve party going on in Stockton, and they snapped a couple screenshots of us. :)

Kendall is a Skype pro already.

Cheers!

I'll Be Home For Christmas

Our Christmas plans to travel to Moorhead were thwarted by Kendall's late arrival, so in a whirlwind change of plans, Moorhead came to us! Chris' mom, Marcia, and sister, Carrie, arrived in time for all the hospital action, while dad, Jeff, and brother, Eric, dropped by to visit day-old Kendall. We were discharged from the hospital around noon on Christmas day, in time for Kendall to spend her first Christmas at home. The moms put together a delicious dinner and we enjoyed a time of gift opening and spiced cider. A memorable Christmas, if I do say so myself!

All kinds of sweetness!

Petersen grandparents

Aunt Carrie and Kendall

Stavenger grandparents

Christmas kisses from mommy and daddy!

Playing Dress-Up

The onslaught of photos continues...
It won't always be practical, but for the time being, we are having lots of fun dressing Kendall up in lots of cute outfits- this one is a personal favorite of mine. Uncle Derek gave her the cute boots she is sporting. Since she came out a little "riper" than we expected, we have to use her newborn clothes quickly! Ohhh, little girls are so much fun!

Santa Baby...

Spending Christmas at the hospital wasn't in our original plans, but it ended up being a neat experience. The birthing center was quite festive in decor and Christmas cheer, with Santa Claus making the rounds on Christmas Eve to visit the new babies. The newborns in the nursery were all wrapped in Christmas stockings, and nurses brought around Christmas cards made by children to brighten our day. Outside, the blizzard ruled the roads and unfriendly winds blew, but the snow was pretty to watch from our warm room as we ushered in the Christmas holiday with our newest gift.

How I Became Un-Pregnant!

According to my last blog, I should have a two-week-old baby by now. Lots has happened since then! Here's the deluxe version of our labor and delivery story for you curious folk. Read if you'd like...or just skip to the good stuff (PICTURES!).

INDUCTION FAIL

Chris and I packed up for the hospital for our scheduled induction appointment on Dec. 16th. I grimaced through the IV pokes and lab work as the pitocin drip was started. Contractions went from slow-going to intense and back to slow-going throughout the day...so slow, in fact, they decided to stop for the night and start again in the morning. After making little progress in the morning hours, we decided to pack it in and let it happen naturally. Our induction was postponed at that time until Christmas Eve...and it seemed like an eternity away.

THUMB-TWIDDLING

The days after the induction were the worst. My parents were here and Chris' family had come and gone. We were all expecting to be holding a baby by this point. Aside from the mental duress of waiting, physically I was a disaster. At almost 9 1/2 months pregnant, sitting on the couch was pretty much my only option. I think we were all experiencing a degree of cabin fever, and did our best to bide our time with games, movies and naps.

I'VE GOT SOME CRAZY BAD GAS!

On Tuesday morning (Dec. 22), I woke up with some unusual lower back pain. Staying in bed for a while, I wrote it off as constipation. Unable to get comfortable anymore, I relocated to the couch where I noticed that this gas pain came and went in semi-regular intervals. Not expecting contractions to appear solely as back pain, I was suspicious but began timing the pain anyway. Like clockwork, it would resurface every 6-7 minutes. After monitoring this for a few hours, I called Chris, who rushed home from work despite my warnings that it may just be gas. (After the last hospital disappointment, I did not want to get my hopes up just yet.) Building in intensity, I decided it was time to get an expert opinion...and off to the hospital we went. Again.

GOD BLESS THE EPIDURAL

Confirming what surely was contractions by this point, the doctor reported that we were making progress...already to four centimeters when we checked in! As we steadily approached 5 centimeters, I made the smartest decision I have ever made...I ordered an epidural. Though the pain was not unbearable at this point, the relief was sweet and I would NEED it in the hours to come! This, however, made the contractions slow down- so much so that we were briefed on the possibility of a c-section if they didn't start again. Chris and I used the following couple hours to rest up while the pitocin went to work, and I became worried because I was in no physical discomfort- surely it wasn't working.

I'M WHAT!?

The nurse disrupted our naps to check me again, and to our GREAT surprise, announced that I was 9 1/2 centimeters! I was more than pleased that the pain of active labor had taken place as I slept! We shifted mental gears and prepared for the big moment, which was coming soon. Now well after midnight, our baby would be born on December 23rd! The next hour and a half was spent pushing- and I was again surprised by the ease of this part of the process. It was hard work, but completely manageable. I didn't even break a sweat!

THIS IS A BIG BABY!

4:27 a.m. "You'll have a baby on the next push...I promise!" The doctor kept her promise, and with a little help from the good ol' vacuum, Kendall Rae Stavenger made her way into the world with the most precious cry I've ever heard. The doctor observed that she seemed like a big baby, followed by weight guesses flying around the room. After most estimated between 8.6 and 8.12, there were audible shrieks when the nurse weighed her in at 9 POUNDS, 14 OUNCES! I proudly accepted all the extra brownie points I was awarded from the staff and my husband. :)

WORTH THE WAIT

All that extra baking in my belly meant Miss Kendall popped out nice and healthy-looking, with beautiful big cheeks and adorable tummy. She was promptly visited by the troopers who waited out this long labor at the hospital: Grandma Marcia and Aunt Carrie (from Moorhead) and Grandpa Keith and Grandma Donna (from California). The experience was better than I could have ever expected, and the recent anticipation only made her arrival sweeter.


The Stats!
Kendall Rae Stavenger
Born December 23rd, 2009 at 4:27 a.m.
9 lbs, 14 oz.
19.9 inches long

Baby Kendall with her tired mommy and daddy.

Merry Christmas from Luna

...now the "overlooked child" in the house.

This is just a holdover post until the REAL update...soon!
Hope your Christmas was merry and bright!

One Way Out...

My Youth Pastor taught me to ski. I spent several ski trips honing my novice skills on the bunny hills in Tahoe, focusing on getting off the lift without biting it big time. On an earlier trip, Pastor Jeff asked me if I wanted to try something a little harder, assuring me it would be a breeze and he would ski down with me.

Youth Pastors lie.

I should have known when I had to have a special pass just to get on the lift. On the way up the hill, I interrogated him about my top-of-the-hill options. I'm not the thrill-seeker sort, so I hoped for a casual, scenic trail to cruise down. That is NOT what greeted me at the top of the hill- it was so steep it practically curled under. While Jeff giggled mischievously, I looked at the big black diamond staring at me and then to the photographer taking pictures of skiers at the summit. It would, no doubt, be my LAST picture should I attempt this hill. I pleaded with the man, "is there ANY other way down?" His answer confirmed my worst fear- the ONLY way was straight down.

It was a pee-my-pants terrifying moment in my life, but the fact that I am blogging now is testimony to the fact that I did it (albeit, sloooowly) and survived.

Tomorrow is another such moment in my life. A doctor appointment today set us on the path of induction, so Chris and I report to the hospital at 5:30 a.m. to get the party started. There's only one way for this baby to exit my body, and I hear it's....uh....not pleasant. But, I suppose much like the final exams many of my friends are undergoing, the unpleasantness will be followed by great relief- and greater joy.

Thank you for taking this journey with me and for sharing your insights and encouragement. I look forward to reporting from the next phase of life!

Farewell from pre-motherhood!

(The paparazzi followed us to our last doctor appointment.)

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

...and still no baby. But have some patience, ye of little patience. We have yet to reach our due date. It's after that passes that we can stomp and whine. Meanwhile, the Duluth Stavengers are ready for Christmas...and have been for a while. We caved this year and purchased an artificial tree, which turned out as beautiful as a real one (and as fragrant, thanks to Bath and Body Works Scentports).

Winter ambience.

Representing Biola here in the Northland!

The stockings were hung by the...television...with care. I know- hard to believe we don't have a fireplace here in Antarctica. But, in this digital age, I don't see why Santa couldn't somehow molecularly transport himself through our screen.

Yep...there's one for you.

Moorhead Maternity Mayhem

Before I pop this kid out, I should probably finish blogging about my baby showers! Just a quickie...My sisters-in-greatness, Carrie and Alissa, threw me a baby shower at the beginning of November. I was a little nervous to drive across the state by myself (Chris was on call that weekend and had to stay in Duluth), but said a prayer and did it anyway. It was worth the long drive, being greeted at home by all the Stavenger ladies AND my mother! She and friend Patty conspired to surprise me with her attendance at the shower, and I got a BONUS three days with her back in Duluth! Such a great time for both of us to turn our attention toward preparing for baby.

The hostesses had a great idea...all shower attendees included their favorite children's book with their gift. We now have a great library (in addition to my book from teaching days) to get our little girl started!

Auntie Carrie and Auntie Alissa- lovely shower hostesses.


Checking out one of baby's new books.

Important ladies in my life!

Beware the Wrath...

Dog hair. It is the bane of my existence.
And if you thought I was neurotic about it before pregnancy, just watch me freak out about it now.
Luna is shedding...just in time for the baby to arrive.
Just as my nesting/cleaning urges are kicking into full gear.

Chris promised, with the adoption of Luna, that he would take responsibility for cleaning up after her. And, to his credit, he's done a great job keeping the floor vacuumed.
That would be great if her hair was ONLY on the floor.
Unfortunately, most of it ends up stuck to the couch, blankets, pillows, furniture...anything she walks by or touches.

Because our lives are not broadcast on a reality show, let me sum up the last couple weeks for you:

(week of Thanksgiving)
Jamie: You really need to lint roll the sofas. There is hair everywhere.
Chris: Ok.

(Day before Thanksgiving)
Jamie: I have company coming on Monday. Can you please lint roll the sofas soon?
Chris: Yeah.

(Thanksgiving Day- total meltdown in the car)
Jamie: THERE IS DOG HAIR ALL OVER MY BLACK COAT!! UGHHHGHHHGH!!!
Chris: (silence)
Jamie: I CAN'T SIT DOWN ANYWHERE WITHOUT BEING COVERED IN DOG HAIR!! (Tears) You NEED TO LINT ROLL THE SOFAS!!! (More tears)
Chris: Okay sweetie- don't cry. I'll do it.

(Post Thanksgiving)
Jamie: The lint roller is right there.
Chris: Okay. Thanks.

(Day before company comes)
Jamie: Chris...look at the couch. There are HUGE globs of hair all along the bottom. I don't want our company leaving with white hair all over them. Lint roll, please.
Chris: (warning: fatal mistake) It doesn't look like it needs it.
Jamie: (INSERT EVIL STARE/SMOKING EARS)
Chris: (insert look of pure fear) I'll do it right now.

Thankful.

• For God's provision in my life. Food. Home. Warmth. Love.
• For the hope and peace that Jesus brings.
  
• For family, near and far.
  
• For my parents and the strength they demonstrate.
• For amazing and supportive in-laws.
  
• For the quality time I had with my brother this year.
  
• For the tearless feast he is now enjoying in Heaven.
• For my husband's endless hugs.
• For a healthy pregnancy.
• For the joy this baby girl has already brought to our lives.
• For the support of friends.
• For many ways to stay in touch across the miles.
• For a wonderful church that's beginning to feel like home.
• For the troops that sacrifice to keep us safe.
• For a hot coffee on a cold winter day.
• For blessings great and small.

Happy Thanksgiving, one and all.
Thank you for being a part of my life.

State of the Pregnancy Address

We are 19 (nineteen. N-I-N-E-T-E-E-N.) days away from the anticipated birth of our first child.

And I haven't peed myself (yet), so I'd say month eight is going fairly well.

The hospital bag is packed and the nursery is finished- that's the easy, external stuff. Baby has been a great motivator to get Christmas shopping and decorating out of the way early, and I'm happy to report I can check the shopping (and wrapping) off my list! (Don't expect efficiency like this every year.)

My weekly checkups at the doctor assure us that everything is fine with baby...measurements, activity, position and heart rate are all normal. Also normal are the increasingly intense back pains, restless nights, and grunting noises that emanate from me when I stand...or move. At our last office visit, our nurse exclaimed that her head is "right there!"...locked and loaded for the big moment. Now, it's just a waiting game.

Baby has fallen in to a predictable pattern of activity. Like clockwork, she starts jabbing at my ribs around 10 p.m. More subtle activity occurs during the daytime. She also has a little water fetish...and will do cartwheels in my belly after I consume liquids. Her feet poke out regularly on my left side, opposite the huge bulge on my right side that causes a very lopsided tummy.

Mommy has been taking it easy, working sporadically for repeat classrooms. The flexibility in my work schedule has been a GODSEND the last 9 months. Meanwhile, Daddy has been stepping it up both at work and home, pulling some extra "on-call" weeks and putting dishes away on the bottom shelves :) I don't know how anyone does pregnancy, let alone motherhood, on their own! My husband is the best...though he is more than worried my opinion of him will change during labor. I have assured him he is in no physical danger- unless I hear him chewing.

The countdown to December 14th is on!

Rock-a-Bye Baby.

It's getting close...we're three weeks away from our due date and now considered full term! This info is a little easier to swallow now that the nursery is nearly finished. Only one task is left, and due to secrecy issues surrounding her name, we can't finish it until closer to her arrival. I believe I posted "before" pictures a while ago...so, without further ado, here are the "afters"!

Our furniture is a dark espresso color, and the nursery colors include various creams, neutrals, celery green and dusty blue.


The rocking bunny pictured above will be baby's first Christmas present from mommy and daddy.

The shelf above the rocker features baby pictures of Chris and me, with a special spot in the middle for baby Stavenger.


And, of course, Uncle Dizzle will be with us every day!