Josie's Baby Shower

Josie (aka Mama to be!) opening up her gift from Devri, Cinda, Maddy, Kim, and Liza

Bennett Sackmann is about to make his debut into the world... we can't wait to meet him! On Saturday we celebrated Bennett's pending arrival with Josie at her baby shower. For me it was another learning experience taking Rowen out and about! He was an angel... I was so proud. It was fun to get out and have the chance to introduce (or show off :)) Rowen to more people.

Baby Shower at Daddy's Work

Eric's boss, Mike and Rowen

Eric, Rowen and some of his colleagues

On Friday Eric's co-workers threw us a baby shower. We had a delicious lunch (Chinese food) and then we opened gifts. Eric is so fortunate to work with such kind and generous people! We love the gifts they gave to us and truly enjoyed our time with them.
Thank you Micheal R. Bell and Co.!

Baby Massage

Liza and Rowen, Rachel and Kariya, Olivia and Emery

Last week I was invited by a friend (Rachel) to attend a private lesson on baby massage from a professional massage therapist. Rowen lasted about 30 seconds into the message and then was crying... so we walked around and watched the rest of the lesson. I had a great time learning something new that hopefully Rowen will enjoy soon but mostly I enjoyed having an opportunity to talk with other women about thier challenges and successes as new moms!

Rowen is 5 weeks

Our little Rowen is growing oh so quickly. Mama would like him to stay small forever. However, little Rowen has differnt plans. Rowen is up to 8 and 1/2 pounds. Today (1/30/08) is Rowen's due date. We feel lucky that little Rowen came early because we have enjoyed the extra 5 weeks that we have got to spend with him. Take a look at some of these glamour shots.

Rowen is 2 weeks old and growing, growing, growing!

Precious :)

Well, our little Rowen is growing up already! He has already gained 10 ounces since we left the hospital- passing up his birth weight and is now 20 1/4 inches long! However, as you can see from the photo above he has a long way to go before he is as big as his Daddy! He is getting better at breastfeeding and is showing sure signs that he is already a little piggy... a double chin is in the works and chubby cheeks are more and more kissable each day! We are learning about our little boy each moment of each day and night. Here are a few of the things he is teaching us about being parents and about his personality...

Rowen wakes up grouchy- like his mom :).

Rowen likes to be as close to mom as possible for as many hours of the day and night as possible.

Rowen makes lots of noises in his sleep and as he eats (Eric says he gets this from his mom as well).

Rowen makes lots of funny faces that crack us up even in the middle of the night when we can hardly keep our eyes open.

Rowen turns towards his mommy and daddy when he hears our voices.

Rowen loves to eat- I think he could eat all day long with no breaks at all if it were possible.

Rowen has stolen our hearts... we are just so in love with him.
Rowen has made our house a home.

Rowen is here!

Rowen Leslie Thomas Volk

Born on December 27th at 6:15 am

6 lbs and 18.5 inches long

YES! Our baby boy is here- early! To make a long story short I had HELLP syndrome and we had to have an emergency induction at 35 weeks. I had been feeling pretty awful off and on for a few weeks but it really got to its worst the week of Christmas. Both Rowen and I are doing great- healthy and growing stronger each day. Eric and I are madly in love with our baby boy... we think he is so beautiful and sweet. Please go to volkbaby.com if you haven't already to check out photos of Rowen. We have many more to add but can't seem to keep up- so stayed tuned for many more photos.

Our sweet Rowen

Mama and Rowen

Daddy and his little helper

Bath time!

6 weeks to go!

I realized this weekend that I haven't updated the blog in weeks... we have been so busy that time has just flown by. I have also been dealing with pregnancy induced carpel tunnel- I know, it sounds weird but is actually quite common in pregnant women (http://www.babycenter.com/0_carpal-tunnel-syndrome-during-pregnancy_234.bc). It is very uncomfortable and unfortunately I think I have a pretty bad case of it. At this point I am just trying to do anything I can to relieve the pain- acupuncture, physical therapy, wrist braces, ice, heat, yoga, sleeping with arms/hands elevated, and avoiding activities that aggravate it even more. Eric has been very helpful, taking care of me and listening to me complain on a daily basis. My mom has also been very supportive. She has been taking me to appointments and listening to me complain as well.

At 8.5 months pregnant I am ready to not be pregnant anymore- I don't want this baby to come before he is ready of course but I am just really excited to be a mom and have a family with Eric- we want to finally be able to hold our baby boy. I remember how great I felt only a few months ago. I thought I would feel that way the entire pregnancy and never get to the point where I was sick of being pregnant-well I was wrong!

I hope this pregnancy continues to go quickly as Eric and I are both getting more and more anxious to meet our baby boy. On the other hand, I don't think either of us really feel "ready"- there is still so much to do... finishing touches on the nursery, baby items we still need to purchase, books to read (like they will give us all the answers, right? :)), a few more date nights, and the list goes on and on. Fortunately, I am only 2 days away from winter vacation. I am hoping to rest, relax, and get a few "to do" items crossed off the list before I go back to work for my last 3.5 weeks for the rest of the school year.

This is 33 weeks/8 months... grow baby, grow!