Three Months To Go . . .

We are finally in the last trimester. I guess the time went by fast, but it felt like it took forever for me to show - I mean show to the point where there was no confusing whether I was pregnant or just fat. I was so glad that I "popped" before school started and kids weren't looking at me wondering if I drank too much beer over the summer. I have to say that going back-to-school was a much easier

transition than I thought it was going to be. I envisioned being so whipped by the end of the day that I would have to race home to take a nap, but surprisingly I've had really great energy. I think there's only been two days so far where I actually "needed" a nap. I haven't been making it to the gym like I was during the summer, but I'm managing to resist eating everything in sight and throwing in a good up-hill walk now and then. The good news is that I'm healthy, Landre's healthy, and my belly's growing at the right rate (even though everyone I talk to says, "Oh, you don't look very big". It always makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong when they say that.)

Landre is becoming more and more active everyday. He's just like his mom,

food improves his spirits. Immediately after I eat he's moving all over the place. It's the most amazing sensation to feel that little guy moving himself around. It's so cool to feel him, but

I love looking down at my belly and actually seeing it move too. Steen's been reading a little Dr. Seuss - Oh Baby the Places You'll Go (thanks Josh and Jenny). Of course Steen has to read in a really ridiculous voice so who knows if Landre will even recognize his voice when he finally comes. I love seeing how excited Steen is about his son. He's always in awe at my growing belly, loves telling me about babies he sees throughout the day and often says, "I can't wait to see what he looks like! I love him so much!"

(Pictures taken by "professional" friend Sarah Collins)

Baby Boy Lundblad is on His Way!

In hindsight it would've been nice if I would would've made routine postings documenting the progress of my pregnancy. Seeing as that I'm now 21 weeks along (over the half way point), I'll have to give a little recap of what's been going on. 

My first trimester was pretty darn near PERFECT. I had NO morning sickness, and although I felt a bit tired from time-to-time, it wasn't anything that compromised my days. My biggest problem during my first trimester was ME. I had misconceptions about being pregnant. I thought I would start "showing" right away, and therefore start gaining weight; I thought I needed to start eating every couple hours . . . I psychologically played a trick on myself and gained 12 lbs during those first 3 months (you're only suppose to gain about 5lbs). Now I know for next time.

During the first few weeks of my second trimester I started to get a pretty   

severe pain in my left butt cheek (everyone says: oh, sciatica). It was so bad for a few days that I couldn't lift my leg. My mom suggested acupuncture, and my doctor approved. After one visit the pain was gone and it hasn't returned yet (I pray it doesn't come back). I was relieved from my pain the day before we left for Hawaii. Praise God! The picture above is Steen and I on our trip. If you look closely you can see the start of my baby bump. Since then, I have had lower back aches and pains that are much less severe. I generally lie on a heat pack for about 20-30 minutes a day. It seems to do the trick. 

I am now 21 weeks along and feeling great. It has been so nice to have the summer off to relax and adjust to being pregnant. I've maintained a regular workout routine consisting of cycling, swimming, and lifting weights. I have now gained a total of 20lbs, but this time it's all in the right places. I have definitely "popped" and now look like I'm pregnant, instead of just looking fat (I hate that awkward in between stage). I haven't really had any cravings yet, but if something sounds good I eat it. 

Here are some pictures of our little boy:

  

After our visit on Monday we our assured that everything is going perfect with the babies development (I was sort of worried because I wasn't feeling any movement). His heart rate is 140bpm, all the measurements were right on target, we saw all four chambers of the heart pumping, identified the two kidneys, and of course, verified that he is in fact a BOY. 

    

A New Decade Begins

Holey-moley I just turned 30!

We went to Las Vegas with our Bible study group (I know, it's an oxymoron or something) and officially closed out one era and seamlessly rolled right into the next. I know age is just a number, but 30 feels different. It feels as though I have legitimized myself in this world. Not that I didn't know who I was, but more that the world still thinks of you as inexperienced, a novice to life's challenges and questions. But 30, now I can be taken seriously. 

Vegas was perfect: 5 couples, money in the pocket, no kids, no problems. Thanks to our friend Tim, we got the royal VIP treatment. Friday night we went to a club at the Hard Rock and pretty much owned the dance floor. Tht is until Bryan moshed his way into spilling something alcoholic on to a guy who was not going for the "wet look" that evening. Saturday I pleasantly surprised the group into a battle-of-the-sexes scavenger hunt. Girls won! But who knew it would be so hard to find midgets and butt cracks in Vegas? 

Following that we went for a "lovely" 2 hour walk to a hotel that, what?, no longer exists. The mission had been to go bull-riding at the Frontier. I guess the search was more literal than we had anticipated; it was a true frontier, nothing but open land. Our mission was accomplished when we made it to Stoney's. Darren won the men's draw with a ride of 11 seconds and Annie won the women's draw with a ride of 27 seconds (granted the operator was much more aggressive with guys). 

Saturday night we headed out for my birthday dinner to eat my favorite - sushi. We made it to the LAX night club at about 11:30, pushed our way through a huge crowd, walked right in, got our VIP wrist bands, were escorted to an elevator that took us down to the VIP lounge  . . . later that evening us girls got major hook-ups from Pennsylvania Mike (thankfully the Mole hadn't found us out yet). We ended the night with a game of craps - we were up, we were down . . . we all know how those games end (no big deal though, Steen won $450 the first night). We tried our hardest to keep the celebration going, but finally, at 5:00am we threw in the towel and called it night. Viva Las Vegas!

Steen's Got a New Show Room

This fall Steen decided to take the next step with his business, South County Window Coverings & Retractable Screen Doors. It is obviously a leap of faith. With a new show room comes increased overhead, a receptionist to keep busy, and longer hours. Both of use relaize that it is a necessary part of a growing business. Thankfully there has been a positive response to this new venture. Steen's website for his company is infinitely better than this "family blog". Check it out and pass along his services to friends and family -SCShades.com

The open house for the show room was November 22nd and 23rd. Here are some picture!