He’s here! Dyson Raider Grant

Born May 22, 2008 at 2:45 pm; weighing in at 8lbs, 6oz and 21 inches long.

Sorry for the delay!! With a newborn in the house, blogging quickly fell in priority. We had a wonderful delivery – inducing at 8 AM, breaking my water at 10 AM then STRONG contractions which led to the epidural (literally going from a 2 or 3 on the pain scale to a 9 in a matter of minutes!)… we were pushing for about an hour and had a new baby at 2:45!!

We are very blessed, thank you all for your support and well wishes.

Love,

Daddy Mike, Mommy Kristi and Baby Dyson
(and pups Brutus and Portia)

Whew… few days offline and I’m totally behind!

Where to begin? We had a good doctor’s appointment last Friday. We moved from 0 to 1 cm which doesn’t sound like much, but knowing you have to get to 10 cm, you’ll take just about anything. The doctor said technically we could “go any time” but that he’d be surprised if we didn’t make it to our next appointment, which is tomorrow.

He appears to be right on the money because despite a few contractions that lead no where and a lot of back ache I’m still all belly! So we have another appointment tomorrow and an *induction* scheduled for a week from yesterday – one day after baby D is due… May 22nd is also right between Grandpa Tunila and Grandma Grant’s birthdays…. It’s also a special date because it’s the four year anniversary of Mike and me meeting in North Carolina. We’ll see if we make it that far…

I’m weighing in at plus 33 pounds and have been pretty steady for the last few weeks so I expect this will be it. Just flirting with 200 at 194!

Work’s been good – I’m working from home so eliminating the commute has helped a lot! Mike’s finished the semester yesterday and Crossland is just about done for the year.

We’re ready – everyone’s waiting on baby!!

Grandma and Grandpa Tunila will be in VA visiting for the big arrival!

Another well check up…. 37 weeks!

The doctor said we’re right on track – but again, no progress really. He did give us some “homework” to help speed things along. Basically told us to “get busy” – oh my! :)

Baby D had hiccups for the first time the other night… everything was pulsating down there, but it had this calming rhythm – felt very strange but kind of cool.

We’re less than 20 days away from baby’s arrival! Everything is in it’s place (except for the car seats) and we’ve moved our room around to make room for the baby :)

SO EXCITED!!!

36 week doctor appointment – another great visit

Doctor said we look on track…. Which is good to hear, but I would have welcomed a “looks like we’re going to deliver early” report as well. With the DC heat starting up it’s getting hard to carry these 30 extra pounds around J

Baby D also reacted quickly to the doctor’s poke which he said is a great sign of a healthy baby – passed that test!

Doctor also said we’re on track for a 7 ½ pound baby still, which is great news because Tunila’s are known for big bundles of joy!

We go back to the doctor next week.

The nursery is ready… just waiting for baby!!

Back to School...

Everyone jokes that you have to pass a test to get your driving license but anyone can have a baby. Well we’re taking just about every class there is… first we had childbirth prep, which was great – answered a lot of questions, gave us a better idea of what to expect and let us take a tour of where we’ll be delivering. We both decided we do not want a dula – personal birth coach – to sit with us. We didn’t like how they were all up in the moms face and made the dad take a back seat… awkward. They had a lot of literature and handouts – and a few life size posters depicting dilation/effacement – um yeah, basically a soda bottle to a mayo bottle – WOW!

We also had out baptism prep class… it went well. We enjoyed the tutorial (what it means to baptize your child) and what to expect the day of… the priest said it wouldn’t be a problem to have the class in CA which is great because we’ll be flying home in December and want to do it then at my home church.

Two more classes to go… breastfeeding 101 and baby basics. Not expecting anything too ground breaking, just a little more confidence as we head in to mommy- and daddy-hood!

Laker baby... game one - we win!

I'm watching my favorite NBA team - the Lakers - with my daddy and mommy. It's game one of the series and we won! I like Bryant and Gasol, they are grrr-eat! I'm excited for game two, which will be in LA. My uncle may be at the game - maybe he'll get me some swag. :)

Had my eye on (hint, hint unc) -->

Odom and I have the same hairstyle.. he copied me.

Auntee Lori already got me sippy cups and a bottle so I can show my LA pride!

Up 30 pounds with less than 5 weeks to go!!

Everything is going great… sleeping with the belly is getting creative. With about half a dozen pillows and a fan I can just about get through the night (assuming I’m up 2-3 times for a bathroom break).

But really, I can’t complain – we’re blessed to have a happy and healthy (on track) baby and very pregnant momma… we’re so excited to meet our new addition! Can’t wait till the big day!

Taking the pups to the dog park today – figure we better spoil them as much as possible before baby D arrives and steals all the attention J

No sleep for momma...

I've heard all the jokes - "oh that baby will show you a whole new level of tired when he comes in to the world"... "there is nothing like a 3AM feeding, every night"... - but I'm already loosing sleep and baby D still has 6 weeks until his arrival! There was absolutely NO good way to lay last night... tossing and turning... stuffing pillows, removing pillows.... ugh. I must be an absolute joy to share a bed with (poor Mike). As annoying as it is for me, at least I can toss and turn, Mike just has to lay there and hope I stop shaking the bed...Between my legs feeling like they weigh 100lbs each and my belly all up in the way it's a chore just to get comfortable. Then the sweating starts - awesome. I already feel like the porn star I wish I was (only 30 lbs heavier) but now I'm also sweating like a pig...

No one said it'd be sexy... third trimester is it's own beast - that's for sure!

34 weeks this Thursday, back to the doctor for a well check up

Baby and momma (and daddy) are doing great... there were some grumbles this weekend because I was feeling especially "achy" and sleeping is a chore, what with trying to get comfortable and the heat factor (me and my little oven are about 10 degrees warmer than Mike at all times - but he's a trooper and we opened a window so I could get some relief - of course that meant Mike was bundled up in a sweatshirt, hoodie and all just to keep from freezing)...

This is going to get a bit graphic... so you're warned. All those faint of heart (or anyone that's yet to experience a pregnancy) may not want to keep reading.... this blog is intended to be used as a running journal and keepsake documenting our time before D's arrival *and* my first pregnancy. While the Jenny McCarthy book, Belly Laughs, did a great job confirming all the not cute pregnancy stuff is normal - burnt pancakes on top and blockage in the first trimester - it didn't mention anything about the swelling/bruising feeling downstairs. Walking, sitting, standing anything - when the pressure of baby's weight is right on my pelvis it's like he's pounding away in there. UGH! And the doctor... "completely normal, nothing you can do or not do to avoid it." Sweet. The girls in my prenatal swim class were talking about it too - few of us even got mirrors out, ready to see everything black and blue... but alas, all the trauma must be on the inside because it looks normal as ever. Strange... see baby boy, you're already tricking momma!

according to the experts... we're 33 weeks - what's baby doing?

Your baby weighs about 4.4 pounds at this point. The crown-to-rump length of your baby is approximately 12 inches and the total length is around 19.4 inches. Measuring from the top of your uterus to your bellybutton is 5.2 inches. Total weight gain at this point of pregnancy is usually 22 to 28 pounds. With the exception of crying, your baby is capable of doing everything that a newborn baby will do. Your baby is restricted now inside of the uterus, but still can kick and move. Your baby sleeps alot of the time, just as newborn babies do. Your baby's eyes move in the manner of REM sleep and researchers believe that babies can dream vividly in utero. When your baby is awake, she is listening, feeling and learning. There are billions of neurons in the brain that make trillions of connections. Your baby will probably have settled into the birth position by now and your caregiver can most likely tell which way your baby is presenting. If your baby were to be born now, the lungs would probably be strong enough to function properly, but your baby may still need extra care from specially trained doctors and nurses. During these last few weeks of pregnancy, most women experience an increased urge to urinate. The uterus puts alot of pressure on the bladder and can send you to the restroom frequently. Your uterus has actually grown 500 times throughout your pregnancy! Red blood cell production catches up with the production of plasma and physiological anemia may begin to fade at this time. Your baby's eyes open during alert times and close during sleep. The eye color is usually blue, regardless of the permanent color as pigmentation is not fully developed. The final formation of eye pigmentation requires exposure to light and usually happens a few weeks after birth.

Great check up at the doctor's yesterday!

Clean bill of health! Baby and momma are doing great - we're 32 weeks and baby D is right on track... 4 pounds and about the length of your forearm. Doctor says we're expected to have a 7-7 1/2 lb baby boy - which is great news because it means I avoided the "huge Tunila baby" bug :) I rang in at 10lb 10 oz (ouch - SO sorry momma!!).... We're all set for our next checkup in two weeks :)

A note from daddy...

Arms stretching... we just got back from our spring break trip to Cali. It was a fun trip. Before we went to the airport we had to drop off Brutus and Portia at Camp Connie's. The plane ride was long but okay. (Portia is growling at Brutus right now and it's kind of scary... but that's what happens when Brutus sits on her). On the way to Cali we planned on watching a movie but mommy messed up the download and we were out of luck so we decided to read. Mommy read a Ron White's book and daddy read a basketball book about Bobby Knight. I could tell mommy's book was funny because I jiggled a lot as she laughed. Finally we got to Cali and Grandpa said "Whoa" because he hasn't seen me before. Throughout the week I noticed he kept staring at me.... he's very tall. But he's very laid back because often I heard him say "it is what it is...". Grandma worked hard on mommy and my baby shower. I got a bunch of new clothes and blankets to dirty up :) I got to go visit my Auntie Lori and Uncle Randy & Auntie Lee's houses. On Monday we saw the movie 10,000 BC but the tiger with the big teeth scared me... I think
I poop'ed a little - oops. For the way home mommy fixed the computer and we watched "The Contract" which made it go much faster. I could tell mommy was hungry because even before we took off she asked the flight attendant if they'd be serving snack packets... she ate hers, then daddy's when he fell asleep... then an orange and two candy bars... mommy was hungry.... We finally got home and everything is back to normal.

32 weeks... a few new "things"

So we're 32 weeks in and VERY excited... besides the morning sickness this pregnancy has been a breeze! Lately I've had a little trouble sleeping - mostly because my belly is so big it's hard to find a good spot in bed. I'm tipping the scale at 188 lbs, ugh. But we're still going to the gym and staying pretty active so that helps. My latest issue is an annoying case of acid reflux. Now it's due to the pregnancy so I hope it will stop after baby comes, but it's rough... the articles at WebMD said it's not wise to take meds for it, as they can lead to asthma for our baby later in life. So we're going to keep truck'n :)

Eight more weeks to go!

Wonderful Visit Home to Cali... family, showers and friends - oh my!

Mike and I just got back from California... we had a great visit and stayed with my parents. Mom and dad picked us up and Grandpa was surprised by his little girls SIZE! awesome - "whoa" is exactly what you want to hear when you're 7 1/2 months pregnant and haven't seen your dad in months :)

My having to work remotely in the mornings gave Mike a chance to watch basketball (he loved the time difference - games started at 9 AM!) then it was off to the gym and over to the Irvine Spectrum for a little window shopping. Thursday we went up with dad, mom and Roxy to get the boat for the Man Trip (a.k.a. "Get out of the house while all the women are there for the shower trip"). Mike and I couldn't believe all the boats, campers, cars, etc at the storage place - it's OC Excess to a tee! It was wonderful to be home for momma's home cooking... I enjoy being in the kitchen, but I 100% appreciate being home and being taken care of - especially when it's by my momma!

Friday was more of the same... work/basketball, gym, etc... That night we went up to Lori's with mom and dad and met Ran, Lee and the boys for dinner. It was WONDERFUL all being together - we laughed and ate a lot! Mike and I got to meet Lori's pup - Marley and see Brian (her bf) so it was well overdue. We spent the night and played a little Wii to top of a great day!

Saturday is a blur! We had a wonderful baby shower with family and friends! The house looked great! Mom had food everywhere, a few game stations and baby decor/presents all over! This baby is spoiled from day one - that's for sure. The games were fun and I loved all the spit towels and bibs people decorated... the ribbon around the belly is my favorite shower game (it was a hit!). We opened presents and ate yummy cake (Lee, the cake was great!)... the sangria went fast with 50 plus ladies! :) A big thanks to Aunt Sue as well, thanks for all your help! That night, we all crashed - exhausted.

Sunday we went to church for the longest reading ever... passion of Christ (reenacts how Jesus died). Of course my feet, legs and back were screaming and Mike was all worried - but we hung in there and enjoyed a great mass. I miss our Church. It feels so familiar and I'm happy our baby will have his baptism there as well! :) We went out for breakfast and it was back to the house for some paperwork for dad, more basketball for Mike, and off to Babies R Us for mom and I. We had to return a few things and made the rounds at the mall (for some cute Spring flats - ugh, no heels!). Then it was off to brother and Lee's to visit and have an early dinner. We had a great visit and found out Wilson has a little fetish of his own - belly buttons! Loves them! So mine was fascinating for him :) The boys are getting so big and have plenty of smiles and hugs to share - it was great!

Monday and Tuesday went quick too... we flew out Tuesday afternoon. With the tearful goodbyes behind us we were on our way to VA. Mom and dad will be flying out for our baby boy's arrival - so it's 8 weeks and counting.... so goes the countdown. :)

VA Baby Shower was Great!

What a wonderful weekend!! Jess put together a great shower and I even had a surprise visit from my mom and sister! We had a great spread with tons of food and drinks... chocolate cupcakes to boot! The games were fun - found out I'm 42" round, after about half the party (including my mother in law and sister) guessed closer to 80" with the ribbon game :) Amy Meli rocked everyone in the "name baby related items" game with over 40 items in 4 minutes... I had about 14 - think that means I'm in for a surprise, with how much we need?! All the gifts were perfect - useful, soft and blue, green or yellow... putting them away for baby was even fun!

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who attended and contributed to the party. There were plenty of east coasters we missed but we LOVED hearing from you guys too! Grandma and Grandpa Tunila (my parents) got us the crib so baby's room is officially a nursery and looks AMAZING... I keep walking in and just looking around smiling. Grandma and Grandpa Grant (Mike's parents gave us funds for baby as well - we've earmarked it for another big purchase and are just waiting on the next shower to see what it'll be :)

Next week we're off to Cali for the family baby shower - one spoiled baby that's for sure!

Pictures are up online...

Hey guys,

Our pictures are up on the photographer's website - http://www.joelhoffmanphotography.com/home.php (heads up a few are topless, oh my!) go to Galleries and scroll down to Maternity three.

First Photo Shoot!

We got a teaser from the photographer - here is one of the pictures from out photo shoot last weekend.

Link to find out more about baby - we're 28 weeks this Thursday!

Found a cool site that shows how the baby looks now and how he's doing -
http://www.3dpregnancy.com/calendar/28-weeks-pregnant.html. Our baby boy is about two pounds and just over a foot long :)

First baby pictures for mommy, daddy and me!!

We had a wonderful weekend! A local professional photographer needed a model with a baby bump (and hubby) to help build his portfolio so he waved the sitting fee and gave us a free session for rights to the pictures. We ended up staying for about 3 hours and took over 300 pictures. We should have a full CD soon so I'll be sure to post a few. We took a bunch of artsy types and a few fun "rock and roll" shots which were fun!

A day in the life of mommy and me...

Monday mornings are "rough" mommy says... we had so much fun hanging out with daddy over the weekend that we miss him when the work week rolls around. Daddy leaves early to go help the kids at school so we roll over for another hour or so and get a little more shut eye. Then the alarm goes off at 6:40.... ugh... the puppies wake up and stretch and we get dressed in a hurry, toss on glasses (my mommy is practically blind, hope I get daddy's eyes!), grab the leash, I mean work phone and it's down stairs. Portia always runs in front of us and barges down leaving us in her dust... Brutus follows and we head all the way down to the chilly basement to feed my puppies. Then it's back up stairs to make lunch (and my snacks) for the day and breakfast to go - cereal and a banana. We bundle up and go out to the truck with rolling case in hand (mommy can't carry her laptop anymore because she's busy carrying me already :) well sort of). Off to the slug lines... we stand in line for a ride and finally get in a car to DC. Snuggled up in the backseat we catch a few more zzz's (yeah it takes us a while to wake up for the day)... by the time we get to mommy's office I start to stretch too... kicking and punching away :)

We work, work, work and go to mass at lunch (I like that priest, he said a prayer for me with mommy a few months ago when I was just a little boy). Then it's back to work for a few more hours... and back to the slug lines to go home.

We start dinner and daddy gets home soon... after dinner we watch TV (Brutus and Portia hog the couch... but daddy pushes them off so he can sit with mommy and me)... Daddy always wants to feel me kick so I try real hard and show him how strong I'm getting. He smiles and looks in mommy's belly button to try and see me :)

Tomorrow we get to go to swim class (yippee! Jonah and I love floating around) while our mommies chat it up.

I can't wait to meet everyone! Few more months and I'm making my big arrival :) XOXOXO

26 weeks... getting round!

Finally a full body picture - face and all :) Brutus even got in the picture... getting ready for our photo shoot next weekend (we are SO excited!).

16 weeks... 17lbs... ugh

Today was a little rough... cramping up a bit (which is scarey as h*ll to a soon to be mommy) but I laid down for awhile and everything was fine. We went to the gym today - I know, the weight gain is normal "I'm pregnant, not fat" but 17 pounds in two months is a little much - anyway, it's good motivation to get into the gym for stretching, a little cardio and light weight lifting :)

Lee sent a box of baby goodies so baby Bean is already getting set for his cool duds! (Thanks Lee!!)

Calling all babysitters.... follow this link

Hello all you grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles and close friends... I have a link for you to check out to tone your babysitting skills before baby comes: http://www.wackyarchives.com/offbeat/caring-for-a-baby-101.html

Enjoy and take notes! :)

Love you!!

6 Months Today - Off To The Doctor :) Additions to Baby's Room!

Today we're off to the doctor for our diabeties test... we don't have a family history of diabeties, but the doctor said it's standard at 6 months. I'm currently up 10 pounds and counting... still in the gym and eating as best I can (even though it's non-stop)!

Baby is kicking everyday - letting me know he's okay, I LOVE it! Mike can see/feel it so it's been a lot of fun for both of us.

Grandma and Grandpa (To Be) visited last weekend - Betty and I completed an art project in the nursery. We have sports shadows on the wall to finish off the sporty theme :) Mike and George worked downstairs hanging drywall in the basement... very productive weekend!

Bean's Jumping!! 23 weeks!!

CORRECTION! Mike felt the baby (and saw my belly jump) last night!! It was a very special moment! Bean and I enjoyed watching daddy's face when he finally felt the kick!

Here's a picture from today - 23 weeks :)

Right on Track...

We went to the doctor Monday and everything checked out! We're right on track - baby's size and length (about a pound and length of a large banana)! Baby has been kickin' non stop! Mike can't feel it yet - but we test it out just about every night. :) And the baby's name is..... JUST KIDDING ... you'll have to wait till MAY!

It's a BOY!!!

We're happy to announce that our first born will be a baby boy! We had a wonderful doctor's appointment and loved all the pictures - baby is 13 oz to date. We'll reveal the name in May when the baby comes... suspense! Love you all! Thank you for all your posts.