Upstairs Bathroom Remodel

We got new marble counter tops(Rainforest), hardware, lighting, paint color, fixtures, and different shower curtain in the bathroom upstairs. It is just shy of completion...Aaron is going to frame the mirror with stained trim. A far cry from the old look!
Old Look:

New Look:

Latest News on Brooklyn and Mommy

We had our third trimester sonogram yesterday and a check-up appointment today. Brooklyn is doing wonderfully!! We are so very blessed. All of her organs and body parts are developing and functioning as they should. The margin of error is only 4 days, which means: the growth of Brooklyn to where I am in my pregnancy is right on. Most people have a range of 10-14 days, resulting in a later delivery date than stated. She is now measuring at 3 pounds, 15 ounces and is in the 35th percentile. The technician estimated that with her growth continuing at this rate she will be in the high 6 pound-low 7 pound range at birth (thank goodness)! Brooklyn is still a girl, no unwanted surprises...we even got to see her "hamburger bun." This was the term used by the technician to describe her vaginal area, which, Aaron and I thought was hilarious! Her heart rate is still in the low 130's. She is also head-down, another plus. We had a chance to see her feet and toes and they do resemble toes, rather than fingers like her Daddy has! Aaron is completely convinced that she has my chubby nose and big lips....we shall see soon.
On a not-so-exciting note: I have jumped in weight in the last 2 weeks. The doctor said that I am probably retaining more water weight, hence my slightly more swollen feet and ankles.
Goodbye skinniness and comfort; Hello HUGE preggo :(
We discussed labor and delivery topics and the likelihood of him inducing is pretty good. He said if Brooklyn is ready and he is available, he would like to make it a scheduled occasion.
So, everyone keep your fingers crossed for 09-09-09!

My Baby Shower

Thank you friends and family!

My baby shower was fantastic! Aaron and I are just in awe at the generosity and thoughtfulness of all our friends and family. We received tons of wonderful gifts and Brooklyn's book collection is overflowing her bookshelf! Aaron could not believe his eyes when he arrived home late last night at all the things we had gotten. From shampoo to gift cards to strollers to outfits, it was amazing! I could not have asked for a more perfect occasion.

Some more details about the actual shower besides how blessed we are.....
Food: chicken salad sandwiches, stuffed mushrooms, deviled eggs, fresh fruit and assorted nuts, macaroni salad, and over-sized chocolate and vanilla cupcakes
Games: baby shower word scramble (Amanda Hein, winner), naming the offspring of various animals (Colleen Hein, winner), string estimation of my baby belly (Amber Bennett, winner)
Favors: handmade and decorated giraffe shaped shortbread cookies (Debbie de Wolfe) and personalized memory tins filled with gummy bears (Pam Sanders)
Decor: various zoo animals (mostly giraffes!!) with yellow, green, and pink, a baby frame for everyone to sign as a memento, fresh flowers, and a miniature crib with puppets inside as a centerpiece
Special People: Pam Sanders (Jennifer de Wolfe's mom) hosted this wonderful shower at her home with beautiful decorations and tasty food. Kelli Sanders (Pam's daughter-in-law) co-hosted and aided in every aspect. Debbie de Wolfe (my mom) co-hosted with outstanding desserts and decorations.

I am so grateful to Pam, Kelli, and my mom for making this such a special shower and for everyone who attended and gave gifts from near and far. I was blown away and still am by every one's graciousness.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.......from Aaron, Erin and Brooklyn Hein



(even Chip was overwhelmed by all the gifts!)

Preparation

So, with some time on my hands, I have made a few checklists and "must do" in preparation of Brooklyn's arrival.

1) We have chosen a pediatrician.
2) We have toured and registered with the hospital. (paperwork completed too!)
3) I am currently clearing out a large cabinet in the kitchen for all the necessary feeding items to be stored in.
4) I have made a "when I go into labor" and "when she arrives" call/text list of people.
5) I am halfway through the list of dinners I am going to precook and freeze for 2-3 weeks postpartum.
6) Of course, I have a list of questions/topics to discuss with my OBGYN for my final sonogram.
7) Finally, I have made a checklist for all the things needed for the hospital. (these will be in the Explorer 3-4 weeks prior to due date, just in case)
But I need help from some experienced mommy's out there to make sure there is nothing I have left out or haven't thought of on this list of things as well as my checklist below......

side note: Yes, I am aware that I am a freak and as overly prepared as I am for everything (including this), I'm sure all this planning will fall apart just like my body will during delivery!

Explorer Preparation:
1. Car seat securely in place
2. Towels
3. Suitcase and hospital items

Hospital Check List:
(Mommy and daddy’s suitcase)
o Robe
o 5 pairs of socks
o 5 pairs of underwear
o 3 night outfits
o 3 daytime outfits
o Slippers and shoes
o Toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrush, lip balm, brush, shampoo, body wash, face wash, hair ties, lotion, hair dryer
o Nursing bras and pads
o Panty liners/pads
o Blanket
o Wallet and purse

(Mommy and daddy’s other)
o Ipod
o All paperwork: registration info, my lists, helpful tips, phone #’s
o Pregnancy/parenting books (necessary)
o Phones and charger
o Camera and charger
o Video camera and charger
o Reading material/games
o Stopwatch
o Extra pillows
o Dollars and coins
o Various snacks

(Brooklyn’s diaper bag)
o 5 bodysuits
o 3 various outfits (going home)
o Blanket
o Burp cloths
o Pacifier
o Memory Book (footprints)

Time to Slowwww Dowwwwn

As Aaron and I headed home from Houston on Sunday, he decided he was going to go golfing that afternoon. I had gotten very little sleep over the wedding weekend, but decided I would go with and get some more practice. I barely lasted 9 holes. With the temperature rising to around 102 degrees, I was whipped. I ended up driving home, showering and returning to pick up Aaron and his dad after they finished the 18. Oh boy!
For the past few months, Brooklyn has stayed uncomfortably in my ribs, causing a lot of pressure in my upper abdomen (like when you completely overeat and you feel super full). Tolerable majority of the time, but in the past recent weeks, it has become problematic for this mommy-to-be. I seem more worn down, can barely finish even kid portion-sized meals and can not handle sitting or standing for long periods of time. At my last appointment with the doctor, I asked him about some of the pressure-like pains I was having in 30-45 second intervals when I was running...."minor contractions" he told me, advising me to stop running and just keep to walking and using the elliptical. And this outrageous Texas heat is not making any type activities easier. Such is life, I guess.
Anyhow, all this to say.....Aaron put it to me the best on Sunday, "I think it is time you start acting like your 7-8 months pregnant." Bummer :(
I am looking forward to acting preggo during my first baby shower this Sunday!!

Brittany's Wedding!

Jonathan and Brittany Kasischke!

My final college roommate had her wedding on July 11th and it was a fabulous ceremony and reception! It was an honor to be one of her bridesmaids as well! No more weddings for Aaron and I for as far as we can see :) Enjoy the newlywed life!
http://picasaweb.google.com/erin.hein/BrittanySWedding#

Thoughts that keep me up at night...

After cleaning the house and mowing the lawn tonight while Aaron worked and attended class, I began thinking again about my "soon-to-be" effectiveness as a wife, professional, and mommy. How will I ever continue this same regimen?? This overwhelming new "item" on my plate is beginning to become quiet prevalent in my mind and occasionally has caused serious doubts/concerns in my personal ability to achieve. I remember my sister-in-law telling me once that she felt as though she was failing at being a wife, mom and teacher because she no longer could give 100% to each one. She, of course, is an extremely devoted wife, a phenomenal teacher and an outstanding mother; I now am arising upon the same thought process. Scary to think about.
I have always tried to do everything and do them ALL well. I have not always been the best wife, but have been consistent about doing the house duties and helping Aaron around the house with projects as much as I possibly can. As a teacher, I usually go above and beyond as often as possible...yes, I make numerous mistakes, but its the effort, right???
With a mommy role approaching with speed, how will I ever add this factor to my life and do it with the intensity and dedication that it deserves and that I strive for? The sheer idea of failure in any of these areas is absolutely devastating to consider. Parenting book after book, I read to educate myself on the most unpredictable and mind-boggling event to happen to oneself that is an ongoing process for years and years to come. WOW!! How about that food for thought?
As these thoughts run through my head night after night, I ask myself, "What is going to give? How will I ever do it ALL?" The "What if..." list of questions is endless. I don't want to be that person who is known as a slacker at work or bitch of a wife or the mother that can't control her child.
I guess all you can do is continue to stay focused, try your best and search for guidance in all positive directions.

TO DO...Find Pediatrician: Check!

I went and visited with another pediatrician this morning and it went really well! The facility was very clean and super kiddo friendly (which most are, I would think). I spent about 20 minutes with Dr. Fikkert and she was "the one." We joked about the stress of being a parent and chatted about marathon running because she trains and I brought up Aaron. I, of course, had my list with the essentials listed to ask and we ran through those. But it was just so comfortable and with such ease we were able to talk about things and discuss some of her philosophies and so forth: All and all, a GREAT VIBE!! The only con to this facility that the other one had was no on-site pharmacy. However, this practice is housed within a general hospital, so if there is an emergency, I am headed to the same place and the Dr office is just on the opposite end of the hospital. She works very closely with the hospital I will be delivering at and will be seeing Brooklyn immediately there. All of her partners within the practice come highly recommended just like she is. And she knows my OBGYN. (I will visit with him about her tomorrow and see what he has to say.)
YIPPEEE, I have found Brooklyn's new doctor! All other appointments have been cancelled at this point :)

Pediatrician #1

Aaron and I met with one of Brooklyn's prospective pediatricians yesterday. The doctor was very sweet and knowledgeable. She was down to earth and we both liked her; very pleased. She works closely with the hospital we are delivering at and would be there within 12-24 hours to meet Brooklyn and examine her immediately. The facility was ok, not top of the line, but also not intolerable. The "well" child area was just newly remodeled and was really cute, but the "sick" child area was a little dated. The staff was friendly and well equipped with miniature laptops (it holds all the patients information, they no longer use pencil/paper recordings....kinda cool). And one of the best features was :)the fact that they had a pharmacy on-site, so you wouldn't have to worry about waiting to call your prescription into Walgreen's or where ever and pick up the medication 3 hours later. Definitely a lot of pros and some cons.
Aaron and I are obviously still getting our feet wet when it comes to all of this, so we are not ready to jump on anything just yet. I am meeting with pediatrician #2 on Monday morning and that will give us a better basis for comparison.