Norwegian in America

Blog topics

2012-01-12T15:46:00.000-06:00

I have SO many ideas for blogging, but often forget to even jump on here (as you can tell my how often I blog!). So, I am starting a list of things to blog about and tentative dates, with reminders popping up in my calendar. We'll see how long I can put up with that bugging me without turning them off:) If you have any ideas for what I can blog about, feel free to mention them in a comment!!

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-04T07:47:00.000-06:00

Wishing all of you a Happy New Year! It is time for a fresh start, certainly, for all of us. Regardless of how we did last year. We can always improve, and I hope this year will be the greatest! Last year our family had a lot of big changes - me becoming a stay at home mom, buying our dream home, Kevin getting a wonderful new job, selling our old house, new schools for both of the oldest kids...

Catch up!

2011-12-09T12:37:00.000-06:00

Spending the Summer in Norway was a blast, so much of a blast I totally skipped on the blogging! How horrible is that! We spent quality time with so many people, but most importantly with my grandpa, who only 10 weeks after I returned to the US, passed away in the comfort of his him, with many of his loved ones around him. His passing was such a sad thing, but at the same time, we know he is no

Norway - week 1

2011-06-19T13:58:00.000-05:00

Today marks the day we've been in Norway for a whole week. It is very nice to be back, although I miss Kevin a ton already! I hope he is able to come see us later this summer, while at the same time, I know that if he is not able to, it is for a good reason which will pay off in the long run. The two youngest girls are still adjusting to the time difference and the food change, but I think we're

Girls Night Out with two awesome ladies!

2011-06-07T07:47:00.001-05:00

My good friend Eli and her husband Omar came back to town with their little boy this past weekend, and last night my friend Karen and I got to go out to eat with Eli - without kids!It is soo good to be able to go out with two wonderful ladies and just talk while eating a good meal! You know those friends who listen to you when you vent, are always willing to give advice and just be there for you!

Conflict just is not a very fun thing!

2011-06-06T12:29:00.000-05:00

I am NOT good at dealing with conflict, but lately it seems to just flourish around me! This causes stress dreams in which I always fail to keep my kids safe:( Yikes! I have to keep in mind though, that the conflicts I worry about right now, are due to actions made by others, which in turn caused them to be disappointed with the after-effects. I don't have energy to deal with adults who act like

Summer, is here, and summer vacation close behind!

2011-06-02T15:40:00.001-05:00

Spring took a long time coming, but when it did, it brought destruction and horrible weather for major parts of the country. We've been blessed to be spared here in Southern Minnesota (and I thank God he has not made me go through horrible storms yet as I am terrified of the American Storms!!). My prayers are with those people in the areas hit by tornadoes, flooding and any other disaster! Like

Catch-up!

2011-03-31T13:00:00.000-05:00

We're looking April into the eyes and I have not posted since December 20th! Time for some catching up I guess. Morfar og Mormor 2010 My wonderful Grandma Solveig passed away right before Christmas, so Kaia and I flew home for the funeral. This also meant we spent Christmas in Norway with our family there, but not with Kevin, Michael, Victoria and Madde here in the US. It was a weird Christmas

Rest in Peace Mormor

2010-12-20T13:10:00.001-06:00

God looked around his garden and saw an empty space Then he looked down upon this earth And saw your tired face He put his arms around you And lifted you to rest Gods garden must be beautiful He only takes the best My Grandma Solveig passed away Sunday night Norway time. She has been ill off and on this past year and has been so tired. No matter how much we prepare for such passings, I

The Krazy Coupon Lady!

2010-12-09T16:16:00.000-06:00

This is one of the most awesome blogs out there! I am addicted to finding the best deals, and it gives me a high to know I either made money (!) or spend less than half of the original cost on something. Check it out! These days we can all stand to save some money, and this blog pretty much takes the extra work out of couponing!

Next year!

2010-12-09T13:43:00.002-06:00

I am SO making this for next year!!! It is adorable!

Way overdue!

2010-11-15T10:34:00.000-06:00

I have not posted since June 17th! Kaia was only 2 months old and she is not coming up on 7 months! Yikes! Like really did get more busy with two little ones:) I guess I could recap the past few months, but instead, I Will just post what is going on right now. Our house is off the market and we hope to re-list in the Spring. My dream house sold, so I am not in too much of a hurry now:)

Summer is here - and so are the storms and the goodbyes:(

2010-06-17T22:34:00.004-05:00

What a day!With working in the place I do, I get to meet many wonderful families, and since we live in a medical town, many of them don't stay forever. Today I said bye to one of my favorite families and I came to the conclusion that I am not a big fan of the residents leaving season! Me being all hormonal (I blame it on new mommy hormones still!) goodbyes are a sure way to get the waterworks

2010-06-17T22:34:00.001-05:00

Summer is here

2010-06-17T22:19:00.004-05:00

at least the kids are off on Summer break now. It started out cold and rainy, got hot and humid, and stormy! I am hoping for a summer like last year, when we only had the AC on for a few days early on:)Michael is thrilled to be off from school, but not so much about getting up to go to work with me. He participated in a track meet on Tuesday - pictures to come.Victoria wishes school was still in

3 weeks old

2010-05-12T10:01:00.002-05:00

I have yet to take more pictures of Kaia, but wanted to write a little about her growing:)I took her in on Monday (a few days over 3 weeks old) and she weighed in at 8lbs 13 oz (1oz) short of where Madeline was at birth! She was 21 1/2 inches long too, so she is for sure growing! It just feels so funny that she is still not the size her big sis was at birth!She is doing great, eating well

Giveaway

2010-04-21T13:46:00.002-05:00

One of my fellow January 2009 Mommies is having a giveaway on her blog. She is a fabulous mom and a fabulous crafts woman. You should check it out. She has an Etzy account too with pictures of all her beautiful stuff!

Introducing baby girl Kaia Lee

2010-04-21T13:32:00.005-05:00

Baby Kaia was born Saturday April 17th at 7:36pm after I had been on pitocin for 2.5 hours. My water broke the night before, but contractions never kicked in like they should. I had a few here and there and thought they would kick it up a notch, but not so. So we went to the hospital, and eventually they realized I would need the pitocin to get the labor started.They did start soon after the pit

Baby coming REAL soon:)

2010-04-17T10:58:00.002-05:00

All that waiting and not so patiently at that, has finally paid off!Laying in bed last night my water broke - just a small trickle. However, my contractions did not start. Since I don't want to have pitocin we stayed home waiting for them to kick in. They are now slowly but surely starting, so I am hoping that baby will arrive before this evening.And guess what, I feel totally unprepared!! The

New background in honor of upcoming arrival

2010-04-15T20:14:00.002-05:00

Hoping this will encourage the baby to enter our world....or maybe I am just doing it because I have to find things to do too:)Either way, baby better be a girl since the background is all pink:)

Volcano Ashes

2010-04-15T08:16:00.002-05:00

So this evening my mom and dad were supposed to fly in from Norway. Unfortunately, a volcano under the ice in Iceland erupted- sending huge clouds of ashes up in the air causing many Northern European countries to close down all air traffic in their area due to diminished visibility. What are the odds!?We're hoping that they will open for air traffic tomorrow so they can get here. I guess the

Plans

2010-04-14T09:56:00.002-05:00

Today is the day for making plans. That is sure to start labor for real, right?!:)Today's plans are to clean up around the house - kinda need to have it all clean for whenever I go into labor as we could end up with showings at any time. It is hard though with a 15 month old who hates when boxes and drawers have things in them, when we have anything on the able (including tablecloths), loves to

Doctor's appointment

2010-04-13T10:14:00.002-05:00

Had my weekly checkup today and it went well. I am making more progress, had contractions while there (nothing huge though as I could not feel it, the doc told me!). Heartbeat for baby was good, my blood pressure good, and NO weight gain for me! I already passed the weight I was hoping to stay under, but as long as baby is growing we're good. I am measuring behind again by 1 1/2 weeks / cm, which

Cravings

2010-04-12T14:35:00.001-05:00

My cravings have been pretty much under control this pregnancy. I have had more of an issue with food aversion than cravings! It has certainly helped keep my weight gain in check, so that is good:) However, there are 3 things I would love to have as soon as baby is born (or within days at least!). A Big, Ice Cold Diet Coke (I have been drinking diet coke the entire pregnancy, but for some reason

Crunch time! Or maybe not:)

2010-04-12T14:22:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow marks the day when I will be 39 weeks pregnant. I always find it interesting how you can spend so many months preparing, waiting and then not so patiently waiting for baby to come, and when that time is right around the corner and it could happen any day, you find yourself not ready at all! If baby was to come today we'd be ok, but there are still things I would like to have done, shop

How come it is always so expensive?

2010-03-29T15:17:00.003-05:00

So I have a few things on my wish list, and of course, they are not cheap! I am not a diamonds and jewelry kind of person. I prefer things that have a good use, can make my life easier etc.......I think the best gift Kevin ever gave me (I am not counting kids and him marrying me and such, as that is obviously the greatest!) was 1/2 a Tivo! Yeah, 1/2 of one:) He had to keep the other half (that of

Listed today and showing tomorrow!

2010-03-26T23:29:00.002-05:00

We got a call late tonight (9:30PM) from a realtor who has a couple who wants to tour our home tomorrow morning! I know the chances of a sale so fast is very slim, but it makes me excited to know that all the work this past week will be shown to at least one potential buyer.Cross your fingers!!

Our house is listed!!

2010-03-26T15:52:00.002-05:00

All that hard work and late nights have come to and end.....at least in a way. We still have a few things to do around the house, items to move to storage from the garage etc, but our house is now officially on the market! The sign will be put up later today, but we're in the MLS, have the realtor visit sign in sheet and such all in the house! We could get people calling at any time to set up a

Getting there

2010-03-19T17:25:00.002-05:00

Over the past few weeks we've worked hard on the house. That is, Kevin has worked while I have supervised:) We have moved loads of stuff out of the house either to Savers or the storage unit we rented. We have painted the kitchen, girls' bedroom and trim, Michael's room, rejuvenated the wood floor in the living room and hallway. And yet, so much remains to be done! It drives me nuts that I can

Update - kinda late:)

2010-02-25T15:19:00.002-06:00

Last time I posted I was prepping for Madeline's first night without her pacifier. It was a rough night, crying off and on, but we did it! By day 3 she had no issues whatsoever! Yay! The biggest problem from then on was to make sure we found all the stray pacifiers around the house that she seemed to be able to find by smell:)Other than that we've been painting, packing away stuff, finding stuff

Bye Bye Paci!

2010-01-31T20:32:00.004-06:00

Tonight is the night when paci (hopefully) leaves for good.Madeline never really got too hooked on the pacifier (she just used me as one instead), and with baby coming in less than three months, we decided now is the time to get rid of it. We figured the earlier we deal with it, the better. So cross your fingers it will be that easy! Both Michael and Victoria were ok with getting rid of theirs

Countdown!

2010-01-23T08:28:00.002-06:00

Time until Tuesday, April 20, 2010 (Minneapolis time)86 days2078 hoursYIKES!!!!We have less than 90 days until estimated arrival of baby Lucier!At this time with Madeline I was way on top of things, and at the point of scrubbing my walls down. Can you say nesting? This time, sleep is still the only thing on my mind (at least in the forefront of my mind) and probably the only thing I am lacking as

Happy 1st Birthday Madeline!

2010-01-12T16:23:00.002-06:00

My baby turned 1 today! Where did the time go? I can't wrap my head around the fact that one year ago today I was in the hospital holding a brand new baby in my arms. Seems like just a few weeks ago it all happened. Here are some of her first pictures.Over the past year she has grown into a very determined little girl who knows what she wants and is more than willing to show her upset side if she

Expanding again!

2009-11-25T16:32:00.002-06:00

My waistline that is. Add not just because of Thanksgiving either (although, it certainly is going to add to it!)!! My wonderful Kevin and I have been blessed enough to be expecting yet another baby! Baby girl Lucier is due around April 20th, 2010!!!Poor Michael will be overwhelmed I am sure, but he is excited to have another sister!Victoria was mostly upset we waited so long to tell her!I am so

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T09:43:00.003-06:00

Before Trick or Treating. Grandma Lois made Victoria's costume! Thank you so much!Another one before they older two went out to TOT. Madeline stayed home with DaddyAnd while Michael and Victoria pigged out on candy, Madeline ate her "candy"- peas! And she was happy as a clam:)

Picture and some word catch up! WARNING: Picture heavy!

2009-11-01T07:07:00.006-06:00

My attempt at taking cool pictures:) At Kevin's Aunt's lake in AugustThis lake is so peaceful and so beautiful! We love it there!Victoria and her friend, as well as my mom and dad enjoying the lakeMy mom and DadToria and Michael meeting the Timberwolves at the YMCAMy mom with Madeline watching the Timberwolves mascot do tricksMadeline before she sat up unsupported:)

No pictures yet:(

2009-09-27T20:57:00.003-05:00

I got a new (to me) computer, and I do not have a photoprogram (or a sound card for that matter) on it, so I have not downloaded pictures from my camera in forever! I am hoping that this coming week I can get my darling husband to put a sound card in, because youtube movies just are not as much fun without sound! And, hopefully I can get a hold of a good photo program too. I have so many darling

I think I have a biter!

2009-09-14T17:30:00.002-05:00

So Madeline has sprouted two teeth in the last few weeks and she has put them to good use. At least it makes her giggle when they are being used! I tell you, being a nursing mom to a child with teeth - who likes to use those teeth = not comfortable! For the most part she is good and just eats, but every now and then.....say no more!Today, after she as done eating, she crawled (her army crawl)

This summer

2009-08-01T21:51:00.003-05:00

of 2009 has been going so fast! I will try to update a bit, but will mostly post pictures so that you can see all the fun we've done! Pictures will come later though as I am dead on my feet.My last post was on our 10th anniversary. Kevin and I went out to eat and brought Maddypants with us. We ate at Victoria's (love that place!) while most of the people in Rochester were at the Rochesterfest

Married 10 years today!

2009-06-26T08:03:00.003-05:00

Today my lovely husband Kevin and I are celebrating 10 years of marriage!Love you so much Kevin!Din for alltid,Hanne

Swimming

2009-06-16T09:21:00.003-05:00

We went swimming last night at the Y and towards the end decided on letting Maddypants give it a try too. She loved it! She actually perked up as soon as I went through the showers with her. She was all giggling and laughing. It was so much fun! When I put her in the pool (zero depth entry pool) her legs just started going wild - up and down. I wish you all could have seen it. Of course, I did

Last day of school - Summer Vacation!

2009-06-09T10:17:00.002-05:00

The kids went to school today and are very excited it is the last day of school before summer vacation. I bet the majority of the day they will be doing fun stuff!After Michael is done I am planning on picking him up and together with Victoria he'll party with water at the Y. They are having and end of the school year water party in Y-Space. I hope the weather stays nice so that they will get to

Hair Cut!

2009-06-09T10:07:00.003-05:00

Victoria has her hair cut yesterday and she looks so cute! She is always cute, but she loves this haircut so much it makes her even cuter! And just in time for the last day of school too!Here are the pictures - before and after:Look how long it was!AfterLook how cute she is!

Kids Triathlon and an update

2009-05-29T21:21:00.003-05:00

It has been forever since I have taken time to sit down to update this blog. I am sorry!We've been very busy lately, but a good kind of busy.Tomorrow morning both Michael and Victoria are participating in a kids' triathlon here in Rochester. They are so excited!Victoria will swim 50 yards, bike 2.1 miles and run 1/4 mile, while Michael will swim 100 yards, bike 3 miles and run 1/2 mile.Grandma

No more pacifier :(

2009-04-22T16:15:00.002-05:00

So miss Maddypants had to give up her beloved pacifier at the age of 3 months! I took her in to the doctor yesterday as she has been really upset and not her happy-go-lucky self. Result: Ear infection in both ears again:( Poor baby. She was in so much pain! I am guessing we're heading down a well known roads towards tubes, but we're still crossing our fingers that is not the case.The pacifier

Me, smaller, soon

2009-04-18T21:49:00.002-05:00

At least that is my goal.My baby sister and I have decided to be each others coaches/buddies/whatever in order to lose weight. I am so excited!I am NOT going to list my weight here, but I will update with my overall loss each week. Cross your fingers it will go well! I am not going out all the way as I am still nursing, but taking small steps to get to a healthy weight, and to a place where

Rolling over

2009-04-12T10:12:00.002-05:00

Madeline decided to let my dad in on some of her development and rolled over belly to back three times on Friday! Yay! And then, today, while I was getting her bath ready she rolled over back to belly! And all on her 3month birthday! Happy b-day sweetie!She is growing so fast and is such a joy to be around! She is becoming more and me like Michael and Victoria. Talking like Toria and content and

Easter

2009-04-09T13:04:00.002-05:00

We are lucky enough to have my dad visit us for Easter again this year and we love it! Unfortunately, I do not have time off as we just had Spring break. We're trying to make the best of it though.I am doing nursery Friday night, Kevin is ushering Saturday night and Sunday we're invited to brunch at my sister-in-law's mom's house.I am kinda bummed we won't be making an Easter ham or turkey, but

A little bit of spring break

2009-03-31T17:46:00.003-05:00

We decided to get away for a few days with the kids. I am already loving it and we've only been away from home for 3 hours! We're planning on eating out every day, doing only fun stuff (no cooking, cleaning etc) and relaxing. God knows I really need it! Thanks to Kevin for funding this break for us!I will post pictures as we go:) Just need to re-size them since I keep taking pics in RAW mode.

Changes

2009-03-30T12:03:00.002-05:00

Changes are so hard! And to force yourself to change yourself is not fun, but I have high hopes that by making some changes in my life I will be happier, healthier, more relaxed and this more fun to be with:)Being pregnant at the first of the year gave a good excuse not to come up with any new years resolutions. Now though, since adding a member to our family went pretty quick and it was an easy

Spring Break!

2009-03-27T10:56:00.002-05:00

Or, is it winter break? It certainly feels like it! It is so cold! Either way, I have a whole week off from my nanny job,and some days off from the Y. I have major plans, none of which include resting, so we'll see how that goes:)Today is a no school day, but I am working at my nanny job, so most of the day will be spent on the internet I am sure. The kids entertain themselves, Madeline will eat

Thankful and sappy I guess

2009-03-22T14:41:00.002-05:00

I had one of those very emotional days when I just really needed some help a few days ago (nothing serious, just worn out) but enough to make me realize how much I love my friends and family! They are the greatest!So, this post is dedicated to those that I love the most in this world, in no certain order!Kevin - my wonderful and amazing husband! (He won't be reading this, so don't worry about him

Getting back in a routine

2009-03-11T17:37:00.002-05:00

I started back at work last Monday (the 2nd) and man did I pick the wrong day! Work was crazy busy - which from a business standpoint is awesome. I just wish I had picked a slower day to get back into the routine:) It is great to be back though. I have honestly missed all my co-workers and all the members and kids that I see every day.I was still not feeling great when I went back to work, due to

Being sick

2009-02-28T11:51:00.003-06:00

just really sucks! Out house is on the 3rd week now, but different people sick. Right now it is Madeline and I. She has ear infections in both ears and a sinus infection poor baby! Not even 7 weeks old and already dealing with her ears! I have a sinus infection and really should have went in yesterday to get meds, but did I? Nope. So it will be a long weekend! I just pray it will get better on

Norway Visitor

2009-02-18T12:12:00.003-06:00

The kids and I will be heading up to the Cities this afternoon to pick my mom up from the airport. We are all thrilled to have her come visit us! This will be her first time meeting Madeline, so I am sure they will be spending a lot of time cuddling:)Madeline is growing fast, and getting her own little personality. Victoria loves spending time with her and singing for her, and Michael love just

How to tame kids' clutter!

2009-02-05T12:50:00.003-06:00

So on one of my regular blogs that I read I found this link to a link party. At The Shabby Nest you can find links to other blogs where people share their ideas on how to tame the clutter in their house that kids make. Check it out!I am eating my lunch checking each and every one of the blogs out. So many neat ideas! Now, if I could only afford to get all the extra boxes and storage for the

Madeline's announcement - I think :)

2009-02-01T09:12:00.004-06:00

I got this done for free, but I am not sure I am going to use it as I am not satisfied with all the pictures I picked for it. I was kind of rushed. Oh well, here it is :)

Stuffy noses

2009-01-31T08:49:00.003-06:00

are just so much worse when they are in your kids and not you! Madeline started getting a stuffy nose yesterday and last night it was horrible. I feel so bad for her! Especially while trying to eat! She is a champ though and did not complain a lot. I raised her mattress, let her sleep in bed with me (on a wedge) and finally put her in her bouncy seat to sleep. It helped a little, but not a ton.

Forgive me Friends, for I am not keeping up!

2009-01-29T13:11:00.002-06:00

Over two weeks have passed and I am not doing well with keeping the blog going. Sorry!I really have plenty of time. All I do is dork around on facebook, play with the kiddos (which is very important by the way!), drink hot chocolate (my new love), surf the web for a new cell phone, and making my to-do-list grow! Oh, and every now and then I clean a big and do some laundry too. Such busy life I

My cousin is getting married

2009-01-27T13:21:00.003-06:00

on my wedding date! I think it is so awesome! On my 12th anniversary she'll be saying yes to her fiancee. Just wanted to throw that out there! She is an adorable girl and he is a cute looking guy too, although I have never actually met him! I hope we can change that in not too long. If only the economy in this world was better! I'd be racing home to hang with family right away.I know I am behind

Showing off the princess

2009-01-23T17:01:00.002-06:00

I finally got out to go to the Y while Kids Care was open and I got to show Madeline off today! Kevin took the kids to the pool and I just hung with my co-workers. It was great! I really miss working there, but know it is good to have this time off for now too.Kevin's parents came down this afternoon and is loving on the kids. This is their first meeting with Madeline and she is sleeping through

That imaginary wall was hit today

2009-01-22T11:19:00.002-06:00

Man, you know that wall they talk about in "she's going to hit the wall"? Well, I think I hit it! Does not hurt much, but man I am tired! It is not that Madeline was up a lot - she even slept a 4.5hr stretch making me wake up in pain needing to feed her. It is more that Kevin wakes up when she wakes up, and then he can't go back to sleep so he plays computer games until he feels tired enough -

A picture of the kids

2009-01-18T21:23:00.005-06:00

I finally got around to resizing one of the pictures from when I was in the hospital. So here it is:)Now, I will go work on the other ones as well:) I am using handy, dandy paint to re-size them, so it will take me a few minutes:)Here we go:Victoria with baby sister Madeline Can you tell she is proud?!Michael with baby sister. Looks like a pro at holding babies!Some of the pictures taken after we

Just a little something to brighten your day

2009-01-18T16:10:00.003-06:00

My friend Michelle posted this on her blog and I find myself going back to read it over and over. And I laugh each time too! So, I decided to steal her joke and post it here for more people to see since her blog is private.Supposedly this is from the diary of a Pre-School teacher, but I am sure if you search it on the internet you will find many different versions.My five-year old students are

Doctor's appointment update

2009-01-16T16:36:00.003-06:00

Madeline had her first out of the hospital doctor's appointment today and it went very well! I was dreading taking her out in the frigid cold though!She is not jaundice, and the doc said the main reason for that is how well she eats and it helps get rid of the waste produced by her bruises breaking down. Neither is she GBS positive, although we kinda knew that already since the first test came

School is canceled again!

2009-01-15T20:36:00.002-06:00

Due to the cold weather they have canceled school for tomorrow. It actually works out great for me as tomorrow was going to be early release with Victoria being done at 11:20 and Madeline having an appointment at 11:30.Tomorrow is also Michael's Overnight Blast at the Y, so it will be good for him to be able to sleep in and take it easy as I am pretty sure he won't be sleeping a lot Friday night.

Negative 52 F with windchill!

2009-01-15T08:41:00.002-06:00

That is almost negative 47 C! That is cold I tell ya!Last night they canceled school for this morning (usually they wait until the day of) due to the severity of the weather!I guess I picked the right time to go on maternity leave, with no reason to go outside at all!The kids have early release tomorrow, no school Monday and next Friday, so it works out pretty nicely. Kevin has time of too, so he

1st night at home and attempting pictures again

2009-01-14T09:55:00.002-06:00

Our first night at home went great! Madeline only woke up three times to eat (and no crying other than being hungry and when I changed her diaper). We did have a bit of a mess as I apparently did not wait until she was done going in her diaper before starting to change her, but it all worked out:)I slept from the minute I put her in her bed until she woke up hungry, so I had good sleep! I was

Announcing Baby Madeline

2009-01-13T16:24:00.002-06:00

I am so glad to be back home! Yeah, I guess at the hospital I don't have to make my own food - but Kevin makes better food. I had my own room - but with people walking in and out all day and the walls thin enough to hear all the laboring women (sorry to those that I annoyed when I gave birth!). I am SO glad they were willing to let us go home a day early!So, onto announcing our new princess!

Today

2009-01-12T06:33:00.001-06:00

we'll get to meet baby girl Lucier! My water broke at 1am, so now we're off to drop the ids off (in a little bit) and head to the hospital! Contractions have not been too bad, so I was able to doze off a bit in between :) Yay!More to come!

Wondering why I want to rush it!

2009-01-11T16:23:00.002-06:00

So I have been pondering today, Why in the world do I want to rush this pregnancy to end? I am a mean, cleaning machine right now, and it would be nice to keep that going, right?! And I have a feeling it all all stop as soon as baby is here! It is too bad it is winter, or I would have my garage scrubbed down - the on your hands and knees scrubbing in the corners scrubbed down - and organized,

Sending Kevin out tonight

2009-01-10T20:58:00.002-06:00

hoping that is might spur something in the labor department:) Sounds kinda backwards doesn't it?Pastor Paul and some other guys from church are going to see the new Tom Cruise movie (I don't know what it is called) and Kevin was invited. I figured it is good for him to get to do stuff since I will be asking him for a lot of help in the next few weeks!I have had back pain and contractions all day,

Nothing happened

2009-01-10T08:08:00.002-06:00

overnight, and I am kind of happy about that. It is hard to go into labor when you have been up all day trying to get labor going :)We have a busy day ahead of us, trying to get smaller chores done, major grocery shopping, some laundry (I ALWAYS have lots of laundry to do) and some basic cleaning. Yup, that is right, only BASIC cleaning, as I spent the day yesterday purging and scrubbing:) Never

Disappointing appointment

2009-01-09T16:00:00.002-06:00

I went in today for my checkup thinking (since the doc said so last time) I would get a date for an induction, but not so :( I did not have my regular doc and the doc I saw does not induce until 41 weeks 2days in case of prematurity. Did not matter that my other doc had it written in my chart that we were to set up an induction for a few days later. I was so set on knowing it would be set up I

Still here, and Sorry!!!

2009-01-08T14:06:00.002-06:00

Sorry I did not update yesterday. I had the most horrible headache I could not get rid of, and stayed on the couch and in bed as much as I could. Still no baby, so I guess we have to wait until tomorrow to know more:)Kevin is hoping to game with the guys tomorrow, so Saturday am would be a perfect time to head to the hospital to be induced! I would love for baby girl to show up this weekend, but

Still here.....

2009-01-06T17:09:00.003-06:00

I am still at home, or at work that is. I work at my nanny job until 6. then head back to the Y for the second time today do reviews. The kids and Kevin will be swimming. I am not going to the pool as I would feel horrible if my water broke and they had to close the pool just because of me!Short daily updates will be coming!

Last week of work for a while

2009-01-05T20:22:00.002-06:00

Today I started my last week at the Y before baby comes. I was tired though. I did not sleep well, and have felt weird (not sick or anything, just weird) all day. This evening I have been having back pain, but I am not sure it is contractions as they don't really go away. Just kind of there the whole time. So, we'll see I guess if this turns into anything. Just in case, I am heading to bed in a

Last weekend as a family of 4?

2009-01-04T09:49:00.003-06:00

I as up most of the night thinking that this might be our last weekend as a family of 4! It is kind of scary!Michael is off at a sleep over, Victoria was up most of the night not feeling good so I anticipate a long nap for her, Kevin will be watching the Vikings play in the playoffs and I am doing house stuff (just can't seem to stop!). So much for family time, huh:)Oh well, we'll have six weeks

Super Excited!!

2009-01-02T16:21:00.002-06:00

I got an email from my mom letting me know she got tickets to come visit us in February! I am so excited!!I also had my OB appointment today, and that was less fun. I found out I tested positive for Group B Strep, which means I have to have an IV antibiotic when I go trhough labor and delivery. Bummer. I was hoping I could get by without one again! On the brighter side, it does mean that by next

The official count down (waiting) has started!

2009-01-01T10:10:00.002-06:00

Baby girl now has the ok to come any day! I do have an appointment tomorrow, so if she waits until after that it is fine with me.I will find out more about dilation, effacement and possible induction then, so I am pretty excited.Today I am planning on just taking it easy with the kids, watching a movie or playing games with them. Kevin is going gaming with the boys out in Kasson.I guess I should

Just making it through today, then praying for baby to some soon!

2008-12-31T17:55:00.002-06:00

Our better insurance kicks in tomorrow, on January 1st, so first cross your fingers baby won't decide to come today, and then cross them again she comes soon after the clock strikes midnight:)No, I have no feelings she'll be here before the end of next week, but you never know about these babes:)Just wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year before we head out to a New Years party (most likely I

It is now 4:08 am, and I am ready

2008-12-31T04:07:00.003-06:00

for it to cool down in my house!Last night, for some reason, our furnace decided not to start when it got cool. We did some problem shooting for a while, and ended up moving the kids into the same room with a portable heater so they would stay warm overnight. Kevin and I figured we could stay warm with an extra blanket and each other.After a while Kevin turned off the electricity to the furnace

37 weeks - 3 weeks left until D day

2008-12-27T12:56:00.004-06:00

And lots of contractions overnight. I am guessing it is due to not sitting down other than to eat yesterday. They are not consistent, so probably just Braxton Hicks too. They did keep me up a lot of the night though. Although, I think that might have been a combination of caffeine, too warm room as we wanted to heat the basement up enough for the people staying there, and staying on my feet all

Christmas pictures and prep pictures

2008-12-26T13:44:00.002-06:00

Here is my all out picture post. I have not had time to upload them earlier, so here they are, from the 23rd, which us Norwegians call Lille Juleaften - Little Christmas Eve -, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Pictures from the celebration with Kevin's family will be up later today or tomorrow as we have not taken any pictures yet!Hm....For some reason I cannot upload pictures today, so it will

Merry Christmas to all!!

2008-12-24T07:48:00.003-06:00

Last night, after the kids went to bed, I finished up my gifts (I have ONE more to get at the mall today, but I know what and where it is), and if I do not get around to it, it is ok too:)Then Kevin and I were lazy and watched House while lounging in bed. Gotta love Hulu.com!After work , we set up the tree per Norwegian tradition and decorated it while listening to Christmas Music. It was nice!

26 days not counting today - or less!

2008-12-22T09:53:00.002-06:00

Man, less than 30 days left! It just hit me!I better not do anything today. Just sit around, read my book, nap, cuddle with Victoria, watcha movie with the kids and so on......think it will happen? I guess you just have to wait and see:)I remember that there was something very funny I was planing on posting about today - something Victoria said or did - but old age is getting to me and I cannot

How weird is it

2008-12-22T08:23:00.002-06:00

that I am more worried about not getting things done for baby than for Christmas?Kevin and I have some more shopping to do today - anyone interested in watching our kids for a few hours after dinner tonight? But for some reason I am not worried about it. However, the fact that I am still waiting for the piece for baby's crib, stroller and car seat (which we're going to borrow), pump (borrow) and

Freezing cold!

2008-12-21T13:17:00.002-06:00

Looking out the window it does not look bad at all, but it is now a frigid negative 3 degrees Farenheit and negative 23 with the windchill (-19 Celcius with windchill of -34 Celcius) here! It is way too cold! I am so glad I have a house with a working heater! And, I am thankful I don't HAVE to go anywhere today. We're even going to order pizza for dinner so that we don't have to go anywhere:)I am

Belly pics for Elin, and some snow pics also

2008-12-20T16:40:00.003-06:00

Snow storm number 3 coming through Rochester just in December.Victoria chowing into her ginger bread house:)My belly on November 29th.December 14th bellyElin,, bra nok? :)

Change of plans

2008-12-20T16:16:00.002-06:00

So Parents' Day out was canceled due to the impending storm, so once more my plans were changed for me. It was nice though! I got to eat lunch with a friend, and also went shopping for a bit with her.We have not decided if we'll be going to church or not. Depends on if Michael gets home in time, and how the weather looks at the time he does get home.I see Elin wants belly pics, so I am thinking

36 weeks! 4 weeks left, or as little as 3 if they decide to induce me a week early! Yikes!

2008-12-20T08:05:00.003-06:00

I am thinking the next couple of weeks will fly and soon I will be on the doorstep of having another baby in the house!I did not get anything done yesterday, but you know what, it actually felt nice! I even went to bed at 9:30 instead of staying up late making up for not checking anything off of my list! Yay me!Normally this never happens.Today I am going to try to get done the things I had

Snow day part 2

2008-12-19T11:46:00.002-06:00

It is so nice outside! How come I cannot convince the kids they want to play outside in the pretty snow? I am actually pretty upset I did not bring my own snow pants and boots to work!Maybe the kids will want to playoutside after they fry their brains in front of computers and TV a bit longer:)I did take some pictures with Sarah's camera, but found that her memory card cannot be read by my memory

Snow day - again !

2008-12-19T08:13:00.002-06:00

So Wednesday the warning came out that we might have a snow day Friday due to a snow storm coming through late Thursday night. During the day Thursday it went from warning to advisory (good!) so I was not too worried, but then, when I woke up this morning I had emails from the teachers at the kids' school saying school was closed:( All day! Not fun! I had so many plans for today, and was hoping

Dr Appointment and update

2008-12-17T14:52:00.004-06:00

Early this morning I had my 35 week checkup and everything went fine. I did get to talk to a doc instead of a nurse though (I love my nurse!) and got some answers to questions I had. I have not gained any weight!! since last appointment 2 weeks ago, so that is exciting! We also verified that baby girl is head down, although she is still quite high. I am dilated to a small 1cm, so I feel pretty

5 weeks or 35 days (whichever sounds smallest) left!

2008-12-13T10:17:00.003-06:00

I am 35 weeks along today and that leaves only 5 weeks (at the most) left before baby girl is here! I am so excited and scared at the same time!I have decided (I think) to sew her baby bedding, so I better get cracking. I am hoping to head to JoAnns today to find fabric. I am thinking I will do a duvet cover for her blanket rather than a quilt / comforter, just because that is easier to clean and

5 weeks 2 days and prayers for a friend

2008-12-11T21:05:00.003-06:00

I heard from a friend today, who is due with boy/girl twins in February, that her baby girl is not growing like they want her to, so she is now on hospital bed rest at least until nest Thursday when a specialist can come check things out. It just really puts everything in a different perspective for me. Yeah, I have had a "rough" pregnancy - but nothing medically wrong - just stress, more stress,

5 weeks and 6 days!!

2008-12-07T09:28:00.003-06:00

We're down to 5 weeks (ok and 6 days) left! I am so excited! Things seem to be falling into place:)Although, I wish I had more time to prepare for sleepless nights. I had a test for that last night. Victoria and Michael have friends over for sleepovers, and the boys are usually up way too early, so last night I told them no sounds until after 7:30! Never thought to let the girls know since they

Famous Blog Makeover Giveaway

2008-12-07T09:06:00.002-06:00

Kelly at Fabulous K Creative is having a famous blog makeover giveaway!her designs are awesome. Check it out www.fabulouskcreative.blogspot.com for your own chance to win a blog make over!I just started following her blog, after sporadically checking it out before. She is very talented!Good luck all if you head over to try out your chance at winning!Hanne

6 weeks and 2 days until D day

2008-12-04T20:10:00.002-06:00

Getting closer every day:) Duh!yesterday I managed to shovel the driveway and sidewalk, scrub down my kitchen (ceiling to baseboards) clean the bathroom upstairs and do two loads of laundry. Nesting instinct is in full bloom!I also had my doctor's appointment as everything is fine. I was told to take it easy (thus the major cleaning and hard work I am guessing) as my back pain is more of a

Looong night

2008-11-30T09:22:00.002-06:00

Last night I had some Braxton Hicks (BH from now on) earlier in the day, but I figured it was due to cleaning and putting stuff away.In church they kept coming and going and it was hard to concentrate.Then right after the sermon they went away though, so I was relieved. Hoever, when I went to bed around 11:30 they came back. I chugged water to see if they would go away and they kind of faded to