A little Vaca to Nebraska...

We arrived home yesterday from a little vacation back home in Nebraska. Since it will probably take me a while to get this whole post written because of the continuous breaking to take care of Emma, keep the 9 loads of laundry going and cleaning, I will just recap each day we were gone:

Friday, the 11th - Shane, Emma and I drove all the way home. Emma only slept an hour the entire 10+ hour trip! It was a challenge to keep her entertained! We stopped in Lincoln and spent a little time with Shane's sister, Janice, and let Emma run some energy off with her 2 cousins, Mady and Parker. We also made a quick stop to say hello to Heather (who was still very pregnant at the time!) The trip went well, but as soon as we passed the Paxton exit and only had 12 miles to go, I told Shane that this was gonna be the worst part of the journey as I begun to feel sick, sure enough I spent the last 15 minutes of our drive throwing up!
Brad, Britni and the girls were down for Ashton's wedding the next day. So Emma, Zoe and Haley played during the evening, while I worked on a set up for my craft show the next day.

Saturday, the 12th - My mom and I were up and out the door by 6 am and headed to Palisade for my first craft show. Shane and Emma slept a while longer, then headed out to spend the day with Shane's parents at the farm.

Me sitting at my table.
I would say my first craft show was a success and a lot of fun. I made sales, took a custom order, had many business cards picked up and got lots of great feedback. Since the craft show, I have also received 2 more emails for diaper bags. I am trying to decide on a craft show in Iowa now.

I also got to see my brother and his family (they live in Palisade)

My nephew, Luke, carrying around his 'man bag' which happens to be a denim purse I made for my mom a few years back. He asked if he could have it a while back, and she told him yes, apparently he carries it around a lot....so cute!

After the craft show, we loaded up and headed home, we had a wedding to get to! My cousin Ashton married Dell Simmerman.

Brother-in-law Brad and girls, Zoe and Haley

My aunt Sara and her family

Me and Emma...she just woke up and wasn't very smiley yet

Shane, Me and Emma...this was also our 6 year wedding anniversary! Ashton was so kind to announce it during the middle of the dance and have our first dance song played...it was so fun to celebrate our anniversary dancing to 'the way you look tonight' by Frank Sinatra.

Emma and Sophie doll sporting pigtails!

Finally a family picture with everyone smiling!

Emma and Zoe

Catchin' bubbles

Sunday, the 13th - No pics from this day. Shane got up early and headed back to Iowa. He had to work the next week. Emma and I stayed behind. It was hard to let him go, it always is!

We spent the day relaxing. Brad, Brit and the girls stayed til afternoon, so the girls could play. My brother, Jared and Jacob came up for the day, Jared needed to do some work, so Jacob stayed at the house and played.

Monday, the 14th - My mom, Emma and I went to town. We got donuts then went to my Gramma Cena's while my mom headed to do the church deposits. After that, we headed to the grocery store then home. Papa came bringing us some turtles he found along side the road for Emma to check out...

Emma didn't quite know what to think at first, but soon warmed up to them.

We later released them in my mom's garden.

Around 2pm, friends Codi and Tonya showed up for a visit! It is always a must to see them every time I am home. They stayed for supper and didn't have to leave til after 8pm...it was great!

These girls always make me feel short!!!
My brother ended up coming back up to do some more work, this time he brought my niece Kenna and nephew Nathan. They all stayed the night and part of the next day.

Tuesday, the 15th - We had the weekly lunch at the Sandwich Shoppe, there was quite a few of us: Me, my mom, Emma, Kenna, Nathan, Gramma Cena, Grandpa Bud, Aunt T, Jayden, Jillian, Aunt Becky, Kris, and my Aunt Sara (i think i got everyone). After lunch, Jared and kids headed home, and my mom, Emma and I headed to Valentine, NE (3 hour drive) to see my sister and check out her new place. She just moved a few weeks before. We enjoyed supper, playtime for the girls, chatting and stayed the night. Britni has a beautiful new home in an amazing location! Its just outside of town with a view of the Niobrara River, and the stars at night look like they are just sitting in her backyard.
I also stayed close to my phone, as my best friend Heather was induced in the morning, and I was awaiting the news of the arrival of their baby (I will share details and pics of our visit with them below).

Wednesday, the 16th - We spent the morning with Britni and the girls. Brit showed us around town, and where their new business is. We then ate lunch and headed back home to Roscoe.

Thursday, the 17th - Emma and I got up and made a quick trip to town for some donuts, as I knew Jared was on his way up again to do work and he was bringing Matthew and Nathan to stay with us for the day and all night. My friend, Tonya stopped by again to drop off some jeans that she gave me to have for my business (my friend Codi had also brought me some, and my cousin Tracy mailed me some too, so I am now restocked! What a blessing it was, because I was down to 1 pair, and have quite a few orders to fill) Anyway, Tonya arrived just in time to join us for donuts (I insisted she stay) She ended up staying til noon, we took the kids outside to play and just enjoyed being able to visit some more! That afternoon, I headed into town to get my hair done while the kids stayed with Nana.
Emma, one very sleepy girl. She skipped a nap this day and was out like a light at 7pm...it didn't make for a very good night tho, she was up from 1am to 5am!!!


Friday, the 18th - Emma, Matthew and Nathan played in the morning. Emma really loved Matthew! She would take his hand and lead him around (he is 4, almost 5). Emma really kept up with the boys well! She has many bruises and a few scraps on her legs to prove it!!!

Nathan, Matthew and Emma

Around lunch time we headed to town to run errands and eat lunch. We ended up passing Jared on the way there, so he turned around and picked up the boys to head home. We then went and picked up my Gramma Cena, and we ran our errands then stopped at A&W for lunch. Ashton ended up walking in while we were there, so we were able to chat a bit and say good bye. We dropped my Gramma Cena off and said good bye, came home and did some laundry and packed. We also spent some time down at my parents new house they are redoing, watering flowers and the garden.

Saturday, the 19th - My mom, dad, Emma, and I headed to Lincoln in the morning. We stopped at Kearney and ate Red Lobster (my dad's fav, and something I have been craving since I got pregnant, but Shane doesn't like to eat there)! We then made our way to Grand Island and stopped at Kohl's and Home Depot. When we finally made it to Lincoln, we checked into our hotel and my mom, Emma and I headed over to Heather and Jon Hughes' to meet their new son, Nolan William Hughes!!!

Mr. Nolan William Hughes (isn't he just precious!)

Me, Nolan and the new mom, Heather!
Doesn't she look great! I remember how terrible I looked after having Emma, pale and huge circles under my eyes, etc!

The beautiful new Hughes family!

Baby Nolan sleeping with his hands in his pockets!

Heather, Nolan, Emma and I

My mom, Heather, Nolan, Emma, Me and Jon

We were able to stay a few hours and hear the birth story and just share in the joy of what a blessing it is to be able to bring life into this world! Heather and I have been friends for many, many years (since 6th grade) and have been able to share many stages of our lives together, and I am excited to now be able to share the experiences of being moms!
Congrats Jon and Heather...Nolan is just beautiful and we look forward to watching him grow up and come to know Christ thru you both! He is very blessed to have you as his parents!

After we left the Hughes', we made a quick stop at Bed Bath & Beyond, grabbed Emma some supper and headed back to the hotel. There we ordered mom and I some chinese, and my dad some pizza and enjoyed our last evening together for a few months.

Emma being tickled by her Nana!

Emma and her Nana!

Sunday, the 20th -Happy Father's Day! We loaded up the suburban and headed to Iowa! Shane met us in Stuart, where we had lunch together, then said good bye. We made it home around 4:30pm, unloaded the car and then ran and got a few groceries and a movie. We spent the evening just relaxing and being together!
We plan to make it back to Nebraska for Labor Day weekend, and then that will be it for the year. We are not going to take our usual 2 weeks off over Christmas to go home, since the baby will just have been born.

Today has been a busy day trying to unpack and put everything away. I have laundry to catch up on and a huge pile of receipts to enter in my budget! I also need to get my sewing room put back together, take inventory of what supplies I am low on and get that ordered. I have several custom orders that I need to work on now.

As far as a baby update, I am feeling better than I was a few weeks ago. Not throwing up as much. The headaches have started tho and occur daily! I am also beginning to show more. I will have Shane take a picture sometime this week and get that posted!
Well, that is all for now!

14+ Week OB Appointment...

We had our monthly OB appointment today. Emma even came with Shane and I, and she did very well. It was a quick appointment. Here is a picture from today and my current stats:

14 Weeks, 3 Days Pregnant
(my shirt isn't very form fitting, so doesn't show the 'pop' in the belly I experienced this week very well)
Baby's Heart Rate: 162
Weight: 117 (down a few from last month)
They scheduled us our big ultrasound for next time, 7/7/10! And yes, we are still waiting to find out the gender til this little one arrives!

Happy Memorial Day!

Wow, the 3-day weekend went way too fast! I thought I would post a few pics from the last couple of weeks and catch you up on what has been happening here.
Shane has been busy with work and usually comes home exhausted...as for me, I am, well, exhausted 24/7! However, I continue to keep pluggin away at my sewing. Today, Shane and Emma went to Menards and True Value and were gone for 2 1/2 hours, so I got lots done! Shane even brought back lunch! I spent all day cutting binding and minky for blankets, and fabric for burp cloths. I have tons more blankets and burp cloths to make, and 2 more diaper bags, then I am set for my first craft show! Realistically, I don't think I am gonna get it all done, but I will give it my best shot. I have also been making sales and have been able to put a nice dent in paying back my 'investment'. I really want to thank those who have bought stuff and spread the word (you all know who you are!)...your support and encouragement is much appreciated!

I am so happy to report that are garden is finally in, thanks to Shane! He did most of the work, Emma and I helped put in the plants (and our neighbor was nice enough to come rototill the garden to give it its first work-up, since our small one can't quite do that). It was Taylor's Market last day being open for the season so we got all of our plants 40% off and were able to find all that we needed, except pickling cucumbers, but scored the last two 6-pks from Orschlen's. I don't think I ever planted our garden for under $8.00 before! We only planted 2 bigger tomatoes, 1 cherry tomato, zucchini, summer squash, pickling cucumbers and dill.

We also checked out a couple of minvans this weekend. Didn't find the 'one', but I have a better idea of what I do want! Funny story, I emailed the Dave Ramsey Radio show this week, and asked if he had any tips when shopping for a car (paying cash of course) and dealing with dealers and private party owners...well, I usually listen to his show in the afternoon while Emma naps and I sew, and on Friday's show, Dave answered my email on air! ha, it was pretty funny!

Ok, now on to some pictures:

For weeks now, Emma has boycotted the high chair and insists on sitting in a chair like mommy and daddy, so I picked her up a booster and she has really been enjoying sitting like a big girl at the table!

Emma loves to play the piano. She has a toy one, but we thought we would let her try out the big keyboard (it was a garage sale find from a few years ago, so she can't really hurt it). She thought it was the coolest thing!

She even sat Sophie up to it (thats another thing Emma started the last few weeks, wanting her Sophie doll to do everything with her and she even needs it when she lays down for bed, she even wants her tucked in under her blanket with her...I made her that doll when she was like 6 months old! I hope to make Sophie some friends after I am done with the craft show.)

Emma playing her alligator thing, she just loves music, she now plays with her fingers and doesn't just bang on things!

Emma sitting on our 'new' double stroller we scored off craigslist...she calls it her car.

Emma reading to Sophie

The smallest deer I have ever seen! This baby deer was no bigger than Bella! It was so cute and sweet. Shane found it in our backyard while he was dumping grass clippings. It must of been nursing cuz the mama deer got up and ran off, and Shane about stepped on the baby laying there. It got up and walked a little bit, we then left it alone so its mama could come back.

And I will finish up this post with a baby update:

13 weeks, 1 day pregnant

Can't report that I am feeling better yet, but hopefully I will be able to in a few more weeks! The puking is more frequent, but I feel better for a while if I do, so its a trade off. I felt the baby for the first time a week ago in bed. And most mornings when I first wake up and roll on to my back, I can feel and see a hard bump, which I am assuming the baby is stretching. I remember Emma always doing that in the mornings.

Well, thats it for now! Hope you all enjoyed your long weekend! Love and prayers!

Baby Update

Friday, May 7th, we had our 10 week appointment. Everything looks good. I am down 4 lbs. We had an ultrasound. I posted our first ultrasound picture from our 6 week appointment so you can see how much this baby has grown...it really is amazing to see how fast they go from being a little bean to looking like a little human being! The doctor didn't do the heartbeat since we could see it beating on the ultrasound. So next appointment I will let you know what it is and how it compares to what Emma's was.

6 weeks

10 weeks
The baby was kicking and moving, and 'waved' at us!

11 week belly pic
I am starting to show a little, you can't tell as much with the clothes on. The cute shirt is courtesy of my best friend, Heather...we are sharing maternity wardrobes and it sure is fun to get some new stuff to wear. She has a lot of cool weather clothes, which I don't since I didn't need any while pregnant with Emma, but will for sure with this pregnancy.
Like I have said in previous posts, I haven't been feeling well, and I have been getting headaches, but thankfully, I don't feel as though I am as sick as I was with Emma, and haven't gotten the migraines that I did with her. I am trying to keep a positive attitude and just go with the flow! I am so blessed to have such a great hubby, I couldn't do this without him!

Lincoln Trip for Tanner's Graduation

May 8th weekend we headed to Lincoln for Shane's little brother, Tanner's graduation from UNL! Way to go Tanner!
I wasn't feeling the best, but by the grace of God, He blessed me with enough energy to go! I really wanted to for Shane's sake, work has been crazy and I knew he could use a break and some family time. We stayed with friends, Jon and Heather Hughes again (thanks guys!) Saturday we got up and around and headed over to Target to pick out some stuff to organize Emma's toys, then headed to Shane's grandma's place. That is where we celebrated Tanner's graduation with some lunch and cake. We then spent the afternoon moving Shane's grandma into a different apartment in her retirement place.
We then spent the evening with Shane's family at his parents hotel and attempted to go swimming but found poop in the pool (my father-in-law would probably say something if I didn't mention the poop in the pool!) A couple hours later, the poop was cleaned up and lots of chemicals added to the pool and so the kids could swim (I did no swimming).

Tanner the grad!

Shane's family: Front - Lindsey, Janice, Sharon. Back - Tom, Tanner and Shane

The whole Struckman clan: Front - Phyllis, Krista (well, she isnt family just yet, she is Tanner's girlfriend, and we have no doubt she will be an official Struckman sometime in the future), Lindsey, Sharon, Janice, Emma, Me. Back - Tom, Tanner, Parker, Jared, Madysen, Stacey and Shane.

Cousins playing!

Emma ready to go swimming!

Since it was late when we got in on Friday and Saturday, we didn't get to spend much time with Heather and Jon except a few hours on Saturday. We usually take a few pictures before we say goodbye, but we didn't get to say goodbye Sunday morning, because Heather woke me up after midnight with some severe pain (she was 35 weeks pregnant) and needed to go into labor and delivery. She had to stay until late Sunday afternoon. Everything was ok, they stopped her labor and then treated her pain. Thankfully, she is feeling much better for now.
So Sunday morning, we got up and around and went and had breakfast with Shane's parents, then headed for home. I didn't throw up at all during the trip, but as soon as we got home was a different story.
We did enjoy our weekend though with Shane's family and were happy to be able to celebrate with Tanner!

Catching up again...

Wow, I have been slacking on my blogging...but my mom has been going thru withdrawals, so I thought I better get some pics posted!
Last time I posted I left you with our big exciting news that we are expecting baby #2! Well, I am not gonna lie, these last few weeks have been really, really rough. I may not look that pregnant yet, but I am definitely feeling it. Its been a struggle to try and feed myself, let alone my family, but I have an amazing husband who has shown much love and support. My house is messier than I like, but I am learning to just let it go and just tackle it when I have spurts of energy, especially since I have SO much sewing that needs to be done in order to have my inventory done for my first craft show in June. I can't wait to share all the pictures of the stuff that I have completed, but that won't be for a few weeks yet!
So to start the update, on April 23rd, my cousin Tracy and her husband and daughter, along with my Aunt Teresa and her husband, Jarv all stopped by on their way thru moving Tracy and family to Ohio. It was great to see them, we hung out a little while and let the girls play and then ate supper downtown at an Italian restaurant.

Belly pic with Tracy (we are pregnant together again!) Our daughters are about a month apart, and these next babies will be about a week apart!
Tracy, Taya, Me and Emma

On April 24th, Shane and I celebrated being together for 11 years! Crazy, huh?!

I don't even know where to begin to update you on Emma! She is growing and learning so much! She has started counting now, she repeats most anything we say, she is getting better with her colors and is saying more sentences. She has been teething some molars I think for a few weeks now, and that has interrupted her good sleeping patterns and has made her more of a mommy's girl (but I don't mind the extra cuddles!) She loves to be outside and cries when she has to come in. She refuses to sit in her high chair, and wants to sit in a chair like mommy and daddy when she eats. She has been showing a more stubborn side lately, and is becoming more independent. She always makes us laugh, and we are just amazed at how beautiful and loving she is! She has such a sweet personality! Below are some pics of her showing off her different 'faces'!

Emma and Me!

Fascinated by the banana!

Emma feels so big when I let her sit on the counter!

Well, that is all for this post. Coming up is our trip to Lincoln for Tanner's graduation and the update on our latest baby appointment with ultrasound and latest belly pics!