White Trash Bash '09

This year's outfits didn't cost a thing! Unfortunately we had ALL of this on hand.
The host and hostess- Nate and Jamie Sommer. Our garage is so small so the Sommer's volunteered their garage for the evening. It was just right! She bought this ensemble at a garage sale- but the kicker is... the shirt was already made that way! Some one did that for a family reunion!!

Jamie, Michelle and Katherine Stay. They looked great! And Michelle got 2nd place in the Trashiest Outfit contest!

The Norstads and another guy. I think they picked him up on the way. Zoey was watching Annabelle for the night. P. S. Justing rented this wig. Rented. We told him how gross that was.
Ben's cousin Alli in a cat shirt, white-washed demin jacket and her Firebird. Totally awesome. Oh- and this is her mom's wig. It was great!

The rents. Another outfit that didn't cost them a dime. Had it all on hand! "Jolene" walked into the party yelling at Dad that "they weren't gonna be stayin' late!"

Ben's cousin Louie and his new haircut. The night before, Ben cut his mullet. I think he had done that before...

The Newlyweds! Grandpa Willard would be so proud of Jeff in this picture.

The three girls- in style. Mom was proud.
Zach and Josie Hays

Kurt and Allie Ronningen

Katie after winning the "Most White Trash" award. A tackle box of course!

Group picture! A nice lookin bunch.

Maternity Pics

Our maternity pictures are up! Click on the Abbie Flom Photography link and scroll down to the Bakken box. Our password is Bakken (capital B). She's a great photographer and a big thank you to my sisters who bought me the session!! It was a lot of fun- glad I did it.

Hooray!!!!!

Our baby FLIPPED!!! It's head down!! I had my 36 1/2 week appointment today and sometime in the last month, kiddo turned around. I didn't even notice. What a blessing! I REALLY didn't want a C-section, so this is really great news. I'll post new pictures tomorrow.

Pictures

On Sunday, Ben and I went to get maternity pictures taken by Abbie Flom. It was a fun hour and I'm SOOO excited to see how they turned out. Katie and Casey gave me a gift certificate for this at the Lindell shower. I wasn't planning on getting them taken, but now I'm glad we did. It will be fun to remember what I looked like at this point in my pregnancy.

I have another doctor's appointment in a week, and he'll do an ultrasound to check if the baby is still breech. I think it is- I don't feel/look any different than I have before. I'll let you know what happens in a week!

Our second annual white trash party is this Friday- so I need to get an outfit together!! I'll post pictures then.

35 Weeks

5 Weeks left!

The baby is still breech, and I feel like I can't breathe. I've been trying different tricks to try and naturally turn the baby, but nothing's happening yet. I have my 36 week appointment in a week and a half, and my doctor will do another ultrasound to see if it has turned, and if it's still breech, we'll discuss our "options." I'm not excited about doing a version, but I guess it's better than a c-section. We'll see what happens!

Ben is off to a golf tournament today at Cannon Golf Course. He traded his old irons in this week and got some different ones. He's hitting them well, but not like his other ones, so he's nervous to play today. He'll do fine- he's a great golfer.

The weather is supposed to be really nice this weekend, so I'm hoping to be outside as much as I can! Talk to you in a week and a half!

Railing and Ben's Birthday- 33 1/2 weeks.

We're getting a railing!! We have really steep stairs in our house, and there hasn't been a railing for them since we remodeled. It's been fine until now. It's getting scary walking up and down the stairs without something to hold on to. So Jeff came over last Saturday and helped Ben start the railing. It looks really nice, and makes me feel so much safer. Thanks boys!
This is Ben's Godmother Olive- she's a doll. This was taken on Easter after church. Ben and I pick her up every Sunday from the nursing home to go to church. She was never married, or had any children, so she considers Ben to be her Grandson- that's what she tells everyone at the nursing home.

Last week, we had some friends over for Juicy Lucies- Ben's new fav! It's two hamburger patties with the cheese in the MIDDLE of the two patties- not on top. Well, Ben still put cheese on top too. Anyway, they were really good but the highlight was getting Katherine and Noah to kiss. IT WAS ADORABLE! Noah kept getting shot down by Katherine, although he really wanted to kiss her.

33 1/2 weeks.

Yesterday, April 20, Ben turned 27 years old. After he got home from work, we drove to Rochester and did some shopping at Dick's Sporting Goods for some golf clothes. Then we went to Newt's- a great burger joint in Rochester. It was good, but we were both way too full when we got home. It was a low-key night, but we enjoyed spending some time together. Happy Birthday Ben.

Almost 33 weeks

I had my 32 week appointment yesterday with Dr. Mitchell, whom I adore. He is always so willing to answer my questions and never rushes through the appointment. This was an especially fun one because Ben was able to come with me. He hadn't been at an appointment since the very first one in November, so I was really glad to have him there. We were Dr. Mitchell's last appointment of the day, (which was nearly 30 minutes late) but he wheeled the ultrasound machine into the room and we got to see kiddo again. I LOVE THAT! The last two days, this little baby living inside my has NOT STOPPED MOVING!! It feels like it has been constant. It's very reassuring to feel it move, just not all day long. The bad news from doing the ultrasound was that we found out baby is breech. I'll be 33 weeks tomorrow (Friday), so there is still plenty of time for kiddo to flip, or so he says. Baby is sitting very high still, and making me a little uncomfortable. I've been having a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions lately too. Nothing regular or painful, just tight. All in all- I'm still feeling really good, just getting more and more tired again. I'm really excited for this baby to come out.

Other good news is Ben got a new sales route at work. He had been in Burnsville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Shokopee region for many months and was offered the Owatonna route two weeks ago. He took it and is really enjoying it. The bad thing is it may not be permanant. We won't know if he gets to keep this route for another two weeks at least. He's doing a really good job, and accounts seem to like him, so I hope he gets to keep it. We'll see.

We are LOVING the nice weather the last two days. I wish I had more energy to go out and do bunch of yard work and play ball etc. I guess I'll have all summer to be more active. Ben is golfing tonight- it's Wednesday you know! So he's soaking up in the sun, and I've enjoyed a quiet night at home alone. I'll update again in a week or so. Take care family!!

30 Weeks!!!! Only 10 To Go!

Well, another milestone- 30 weeks! Still feeling really good, just getting tired again. Kiddo has been moving like crazy! Some days I feel like it doesn't stop moving! I have noticed if I have a cup of coffee at work- it goes NUTS!! The caffine really effects it, so I stay away from it, sometimes.

We are starting to plan for baby showers, which I am SO excited for. We have nothing, absolutely nothing for this kid. Just a used crib, used pack n' play, borrowed bassinette and dressers. No clothes,bottles etc. I am getting really excited for garage sale season to start too! Hopefully I can find some goodies there too.
Ben and I are going to his parent's house tonight for his Dad's 75th Birthday.
Happy Birthday Don!!! We love you.

28 weeks

Ben's 28 week belly picture. He had just returned home from a golf weekend with this buddies to Illinois. They had a lot of fun together and hopefully worked out the "golf bug" for a few weeks so he can finish the house before the baby comes!!!
28 weeks. When I got home from work Sunday eve, I took off my scrubs and Ben said, "Wow, you've grown over the weekend!" I had my doctors appointment last Thursday and all is going well!! I'm growing right on track and my weight gain is just right. I am nervous to see what the scale says each month at my appointments. I didn't think gaining weight would bother me so much, but it does! It made me feel much better when my doctor reassured me I wasn't gaining too much and it was healthy. I better get used to it, because this won't be the last time!

Noah LOVES vacuums. He'll point and squeal when he sees one. So we thought, let' give him a ride on it-- he'll love it! Not so much. It made him very nervous to ride on it, and it wasn't made for kids in mind. He barely could get his little legs around it. The "new toy" was short lived.

The first weekend in March, some friends went up to the cabin. These are my best friends from high school- Molly Sjoquist and Josie (Louis) Hayes. We spent the weekend playing cards and games, drinking and laughing. We all had stomach aches from laughing ALL weekend.

Ben and the boys went ice fishing on Saturday while the girls went shopping. This is Ryan Olson and Zach Hayes. The boys didn't even get a bite, but sat out on the ice for 4 hours. They all came in giggling- they must have had fun together. All the world's problems were solved that afternoon- according to them.

It was a fabulous weekend spent with really good friends. Even though we don't get together as often as we would like, we pick up where we left off from the last time. We are really blessed to have such great friends in our lives.

24 Weeks and more!

Ben and I went to visit Annabelle Jo on Sunday. She is PERFECT!! Looks like a Norstad, with some Mandy mixed in. She was so fun to hold, and Justin and Mandy are great parents.
Getting bigger. 24 weeks.

Benjamin enjoying a piece of chocolate cake up North... "Do I have something in my teeth?"

Noah and Grandpa playing on the new stairs! Grandpa got a workout.

The new, and nearly finished staircase at the cabin. The boys worked ALL weekend on it. It looks sooo nice, and it's much easier to climb.
We all went out for supper at Old Milwaukee Club on Saturday night for Casey's 30th birthday. Happy Birthday Sissy!!

Taking time to relax for a picture.

I have the BEST husband!! In less than 60 minutes, he put up shelving in TWO closets!! I have waited 3 long, messy, unorganized years to get shelving in the two closets upstairs and it only took an hour. Huh. But it's done!!!!!

Here's the closet in kiddos room!! I have managed to find more things to put into this closet since this picture.

23 weeks

I cannot wait for this weekend! All 7 of us are heading up to the cabin to try and finish the remodel. Jeff and Dad drove up last night (Thursday), and Ben, Mom, and Katie are driving up after work around 5 and Casey and I both work evening shift, so we'll head up about 12:30 tonight. Not looking forward to the tired drive, but at least we won't be alone. I'll post pictures from the weekend after we get home.

I've been working the 3-11:30 this week, so Ben and I haven't seen much of each other except when I crawl into our warm bed after he's been sleeping for 3 hours. I'm 23 weeks today and getting bigger. I went to Katie's this morning to watch Noah while she gave a massage and she noticed right away that I've grown. Still feeling awesome. I don't really feel any different other than small things like bending over is getting harder. Oh yeah- and feeling the baby kick. That's new. Other than that, life is grand.

Oh- this was the nicest thing. I came home from work last night about 12:15 in the morning and I noticed the front porch light and baby's room light was still on. That's weird. And there were no shoes on the rug- that NEVER happens. I walk in and there sits our kitchen stool with a note on it saying Ben had put up the shoe shelf, and top shelf in the front porch closet and put the crib together in the baby's room. What a guy. And he chipped all the ice off the driveway and sidewalk. I guess he was in the fixin' mood! I'll take it! It was such a nice surprise to have those small projects done. Well, I have to get ready for work and finish packing for the cabin. Take care!!

Ultrasound Pictures

At nearly 20 weeks, this is our baby! They guessed it was about 11 ounces. Can't wait to meet him/her in person!

FINALLY!!!! And 21 weeks prego

I have finally felt our baby move!!! Oh, I have been waiting and waiting for it. I had today off, so I was lounging in the recliner when I felt something, then again, and again! YEAH!! I knew it was what I had been waiting for. Well, 21 weeks today and feeling great. Our 3 year anniversary was on Wednesday, so Ben and I went to Area 57 Cafe in Wanamingo (where we had our rehersal dinner) and had supper. It was nice and relaxing. Then came home, put our pajamas on and caught up on our recoreded TV shows. Wild. I've got band practice tonight at 7 and still have to make supper. Stay warm this weekend!! Ben and I really get sick of the super-old days. Ready for Spring. Talk to you next week!

Baby's Room and 20 Week Update

Can you say skinny?!?! Almost! From how big this little boy was when he was a baby, he is almost skinny. There are still a few rolls on his legs keeping him warm this Winter, but how cute is he?? An aunt just has to brag a little.
20 3/7 weeks.

I feel like I've really grown in the last week or two. Keep in mind- this picture was taken after eating a big ham dinner (thanks Mom!!).

Katie helped me pain the baby's room last week. We went from a burnt orange to...

Green! I wasn't crazy about the color at first because I was painting over such a different color, but I like the way it turned out. I also painted Ben's old dressers white. They were a 1950's tan "wood" look. So with some sanding, primer, three coats of paint and new pulls- I think they turned out very nicely! Then last night, Jeff came over and helped Ben put up the baseboard trim so the dressers could get out of the garage. I appreciate their work!

We had our ultrasound last Wednesday, and everything looks awesome!! No issues at all. It was so comforting knowing our baby is growing as it should and it seems healthy. I have pictures that I need to post this week of that.

19 Weeks

This is an exciting week for us because on Wednesday, we have our anatomy ultrasound to check out the baby. I know Ben is excited to see how big kiddo has gotten since the first ultrasound. Ben will work a nearly full day, but leave a little early to come to the appointment. I was feeling some big changes today. All day I was having this ache in my lower right pelvis area. I'm assuming there was some stretching going on. I just couldnt get a comfortable position that gave me relief. But after a few hours at work, it went away. I stayed 8 extra hours tonight. They were short on night shift, so I stayed and made some extra money. I work nights this weekend, so it will get me ready for those. The nice part is that I have a carpool buddy from Zumbrota. We carpooled together when we were in nursing school together so it's nice to have someone keep me awake after a 12 hour night shift. Oh, another things happening this week is on Tuesday, Katie is coming over to help me paint the baby's room! I'm very excited about it because I don't really like the color that's in there. As soon as it's painted, we can move the furniture into the room!!!! It's been in the garage for the last two or three months being painted. I need to get back to work. Remeber to pray for the Benson's. It's a pretty rough time for their whole family. Much love to you all.

I forgot to tell that I've only gained 4 pounds from my first appointment. I was curious to see what it was since I've been so hungry all the time and it was the holidays in between appointments. I was really proud of myself! But I ate 4 of the 5 cinnamon rolls that got from Mindi. Oops! Ben said he was surprised that I didn't gain more!

18 weeks

I had another appointment today and everything looks great!! They drew blood a week ago to test for Trisome 18, Down's Syndrome and any neural tube defects. Well, I received a call this morning when I was getting ready for my appointment that the test results were normal! Yeah! I was relieved to hear that. Then I went to my appointment and I got to hear the heart beat again and it was in the 150's. A bonus was my doctor did a quick ultrasound to check the baby too since we had some extra time!!! What an unexpected surprise! I couldn't belived how much bigger kiddo was than the first ultrasound. It looked like a baby, not a blob with arms. Ben was a little upset that I got to see the baby again, and he didn't. But next Wednesday, we have the big anatomy ultrasound where they check the growth of the baby. We are so excited for that. Well, I'm at work and have to get my assignment. I'll write next week if not sooner! Happy New Year!