Unwelcomed Visitor

Ewww...My heart is still racing after running into this visitor while doing chores earlier this evening!

Yep, I was getting ready to go out the back gate (by the dog kennel - mind you), when I nearly touched him!  Needless to say, the hens didn't get their cracked corn treat tonight.  I was NOT going through that gate.

He wasn't in a hurry to leave because he laid there the entire time I was doing chores, nor did he mind me taking his picture!

Apparently, the cats weren't bothered by his presence either.

Also, I should make it known that Doug is out of town this week (he's pollinating corn in Canada), so he wasn't here to escort him back to the woods.  He was gone the last time a snake decided to visit my house too.  I'm hope this isn't a common trend...

Until next time...

Day 2 with Julianne

Our second day at the hospital brought some more visitors...Aunt Josie, Gram and Pa

Later in the day, Ma-maw returned with the bigger kiddos, and of course, Reba couldn't wait to get her hands on Julianne!

Notice the Santa hat?  Someone else had made and donated the hats for babies born in December; unfortunately, Julianne didn't like the feel of it.

Ma-maw also took Dallas and Reba shopping before coming to the hospital.  They each picked out some clothes, socks, and a blanket for Julianne.  Dallas even made a card for her...

Yes, it is a picture of Julianne wearing her Santa sock hat!

Do you think she looks anything like her big sister?

This hair explains all the heartburn/indigestion I have had for the last 9 months!  I kid you not...I slept last night with absolutely no problems of heartburn.

Until next time...we are scheduled to go home tomorrow!

Welcome Julianne Faith!

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, the doctor offered for us to come in this morning, break my water, and have a baby!  We jumped at the chance, even with the snow storm in the forecast.  Ma-maw came down last night so she could stay with Dallas and Reba while Daddy and Momma went to the hospital.

Just as the weatherman predicted it rained first and then turned to snow after midnight.  Schools were canceled, so we were going to let kiddos sleep in, but they had other plans!  They woke up just a few minutes before we were going to leave, so I got one more picture with them and Baby in my belly.

As Doug and I were driving to the hospital, we were glad we made the choice to induce labor and not have to make an emergency trip with the poor road conditions should I have gone into spontaneous labor.  We also talked about how it was the perfect day to sit in a hospital room and watch the snow fall!

Around 7:30 a.m. the doctor broke my water and labor started.  After an hour or so, the contractions really had not picked up, so my doctor decided to start Pitocin.  That did the trick!  A little before 1 o'clock, I had dilated to 6 cm, and the contractions were very strong, so I decided to get an epidural.  It was roughly 1:30 p.m. when the anesthesiologist finished, and unlike the epidural I received when Reba was born, it helped ease the pain right away!  Between 1:45 and 1:50 p.m., my nurse was explaining that she was going to call my doctor with an update, and she was going to suggest Dr. Alvey come up in an hour or so to check on me.  Just then, Dr. Alvey walked in (her office to see patients is on the second floor of the women's hospital and labor and delivery is on the third floor).  She mentioned to the nurse that she would like to check my progress, and low and behold, I was fully dilated and ready to push!

At 2:14 p.m., we welcomed our new baby girl in the world!

Meet Julianne Faith Bergman

She weighed in at 7 lb 12 oz and was 21 inches long.  She was the quietest newborn ever!  We couldn't hardly get a single cry out of her; she had her eyes wide open, taking everything in around her.

Excuse my red eyes, but there might have been a few tears of joy!

Daddy watching over the nurse getting Julianne's measurements

Proud Daddy and his newest little girl

Gotta have a bow on little girls! (her eyes are wet looking for an ointment the nurse applied)

When we called to let Ma-maw know we had a surprise, the kiddos were just getting up from naps.  Dallas told us that he did not want us to tell if he got a brother or sister, he wanted to wait until he got to the hospital.  Ma-maw then braved the weather (and the worsening road conditions) and brought Dallas and Reba to the hospital.

Our family of five! (side note: I was so excited that the kiddos were able to come to the hospital and meet their new sister; you might remember, Dallas was not allowed at the hospital when Reba was born)

Even though Dallas was convinced he was getting a brother, he quickly fell in love with his new sister.

My little mother hen couldn't get her hands on Julianne fast enough

Because today was St. Nick's Day, someone had donated Christmas stockings filled with goodies for all the babies born today.  Dallas and Reba were more than willing to check out the goodies.

They were then more interested in the stocking while Little Julianne got a few more vital checks from the nurse

Daddy and Ma-maw then took the kiddos to get some supper, while Momma got the chance to get cleaned up and Julianne got her first bath.  She then got to hang out under the warming lights until her body temp got back up to normal.

Shortly after, the group returned and we were all moved the postpartum room.  The kiddos each held Julianne again, and then Ma-maw decided they better start the trek back to the house, and Momma needed to get some sleep!

Until next time...

I'm the Gingerbread Man

A couple weekends ago, when Pa, Gram and Aunt Josie came to visit, Gram brought along a decorating kit.  Dallas and Reba were excited to get to decorate the Gingerbread Man!

 

Getting ready to begin

Dallas and Aunt Josie adding curly hair

 Reba and Gram adding the bow

The finished project!

Until next time...

Baking with Gram

This past weekend, Pa, Gram and Aunt Josie came to visit!  On Saturday, Pa, Daddy and I went to St. Louis for a toy show.  The kiddos stayed home with Gram and Aunt Josie.  Gram brought along a few projects...including baking some Valentine's Day cookies.  I grabbed these pictures from Gram's camera before they left on Sunday.

Getting ready to cut out the heart shapes

Rolling out another batch

Gram also brought along some old magazines and pictures for another project.  The kiddos got to pick out what pictures they wanted and made a collage on construction paper.  They were so proud of their work!

I also grabbed some videos from Gram's camera...I'm working on putting them together to share.

Until next time...

Fun Friday Fotos - Boonville Tractor Show

Last weekend, Gram, Pa and Aunt Josie came to visit for the weekend.  On Saturday we headed to the Boonville Tractor Show.  Luckily, the sun came out and it wasn't too chilly.  Enjoy some pictures from our day.

Yes, we ended up bringing the green lawn mower home!

Until next time...

(Not so) Fun Friday Foto

Yep, that's a snake ... in my basement!  I had an electrician (Bob*) here today to take care of a few "problems" that showed up on the home inspection.  When he went to take the cover off the breaker panel, he saw that thing (it was underneath/behind the softner salt bags).  Needless to say, Bob was more freaked out by it than me!  He called another guy to come get it out of the basement so Bob could do the repairs.  It all ended well because Bob was so embarrassed felt bad that he didn't charge me for the work!  Woo-hoo!

Until next time...

*name has been changed to protect the reputation of the electrician

Moving/Selling Update (and what we've been doin')

I am sorry for not blogging recently. We have been extremely busy in this house. I thought I would give you an update/run-down of what's been going on around here.

• Thursday evening, Gram and Pa Bergman arrived to watch the kiddos for the weekend while Doug and I worked around the house
• Friday, Doug took off work, as it was going to be the only nice day to work outside
• On Friday, I took Reba to the hospital for her complete blood cell count (blood draw). Unfortunately, they drew the blood too slowly the first time and they weren't able to get an accurate count; therefore, they had to draw it again. Poor girl cried and cried...and there wasn't anything I could do help her until it was over. (The doctor's office called Monday afternoon with the results: her hemoglobin level was higher [it was 8.2 at the office on Wed., and it was 11.5 on Friday], but it was still below what they wanted it. Dr. Boelter talked with the pharmacist and worked up a special vitamin supplement to boost Reba's iron levels. They also suggested she eat more meat...which I just started her on this last week.)
• Also, on Friday, I went to get my driver's license renewed. They expired on my birthday this year (July 30!) Luckily, there is a 60 day grace period, so I didn't have to take the written test again.
• Once I got home around noon, Doug had already sprayed off the house and porch with the pressure washer. He was opening the paint to start on the porch. We were able to get the storm windows and most of the porch painted before we had to stop to get ready for Doug's going-away party at work. Bob and Connie also washed and painted the decorative corner pieces on the porch for us. I tell you what, it looks like a brand new porch now!
• Friday night was the party at Fireside Winery. It was a beautiful evening to sit outside, eat supper, and drink a few glasses (or bottles) of wine :) while listening to the live music. Our dear friend, Gema, also surprised us by driving up from St. Louis for the party!
• Saturday morning was a little slow going, but we were able to accomplish a few things. I painted the stairwell (that was a huge task!) Doug and Bob painted the trim for the bathroom.
• I ran out of paint for the stairwell (I had combined left over paint, and thought the gallon would get it, but it didn't), and we needed a few pieces of trim to finish the bathroom; therefore, Doug and I made a trip to Coralville, to Lowes. We were able to match my "custom" paint and find all the pieces we needed.
• Sunday morning started with church and then we stopped for breakfast on the way home.
  Doug and his parents worked on taking down my barn quilt once we were home from church. Luckily, the rain let up for a little bit and they were able to get it done successfully.
• I decided to paint the closet in Reba's bedroom. There was a stain from an old leak in the roof. I got the first coat of primer on, and then Doug and I started on hanging the trim for the bathroom. We were able to get the bathroom finished just in time to watch the Colts!
• Monday morning, I did the flight of the bumble bee cleaning the house because the first of 4 home inspections was to start at 10 am! These inspections are needed in order for us to be able to participate in the home buyout program with Monsanto.
• The first inspection was a general house inspection. I was also able to schedule 2 of the other inspections for Monday late morning (the septic inspection and the structural inspection). As of now, we know that we "failed" the septic inspection, so we are working on lining up someone to come put in a new system for us.
• Before the inspectors arrived, Bob and I were able to get the bushes trimmed up in front of the house. Those poor things hadn't had a trim in almost 2 years!
• Doug's parents left around 11 Monday morning, after the final inspector had left. We were so thankful that they were able to come out and entertain the kiddos while Doug and I worked - there's no way we would have been able to get done what we did if they hadn't been here.
• Monday afternoon, while the kiddos napped, I was able to put another coat of paint on the walls of Reba's closet. Monday evening, once Doug got home, I was able to finish painting the porch.
• Tuesday morning, the 4th inspector, the pest guy, came - completing our first round of inspections!
• Tuesday after lunch, Doug and I (and the kiddos) went and picked up my car from the mechanic. We decided to have Lily fixed so that I can have the car to drive while Doug can take the truck to Indiana to start work (he won't be getting a company vehicle with the new job).
• Tuesday afternoon, while the kiddos napped (again), I was able to put the 3rd and final coat of paint on Reba's closet! Once Doug got home from work, I started painting the trim and doors in the stairwell. I was able to get one coat done before everyone went to bed.
• That brings us to Wednesday...we took it easy this morning. This afternoon, there was another going-away party at the plant (the party Friday evening was just for Doug's group, today's was for the entire plant). I took the kiddos in for this party since they didn't go Friday night.
• I hope to finish the last coat of paint on the stairwell trim tomorrow, as well as get some grocery shopping done.
• Doug leaves on Saturday for Evansville, and begins work on Monday morning - not really looking for that.
• Of course, in all of this mess, Dallas is working on learning to use the potty like a big boy. We have had a couple really successful days, and a few not so good days, but we are getting there. I hope that we can be somewhat established with it before moving. We are also getting ready to move Dallas into a big boy bed! Let's hope that goes smoothly, and he is adjusted before moving.
  

Well, that's our life recently. I am trying my best to keep up on everyone's blogs, but I apologize if I'm not commenting as much as I used to...

Until next time...

We're Busy, Busy, Busy...

Sorry that I have been absent from the blog scene for a while. Doug, the kids, and I got in last night from a mini-vacation to Indiana. We left around noon on Thursday, and we arrived at my parents' house around 10 o'clock. We spent much of the next 3 days in Rushville, at the Pioneer Engineer's Club (aka: the antique tractor show!). I have pictures that I will post sometime - I can't promise when that will be because our month of August is jammed packed with events!

Still to come will be pictures from the Iowa State Fair. My family is coming on Saturday, with the sheep, to stay for a week. Next, it will be back to Indiana for a friend's wedding and my 10 year class reunion! Then, it will be Labor Day weekend - which brings the extended Robertson family to our home for a Rockin' Robertson Reunion!

So, as you can see...we're busy, busy, busy :)

Oh, yeah. I also have pictures to post of Dallas' stay with the grandparents. They all had such a fun time.

Until next time...

UN-invited Guest

This afternoon, Doug, the kiddos and I went to Coralville to make a special purchase (I'll keep you in suspense on that until another post). When we got home, Doug was carrying Dallas and opened the back door to find this:
Doug nearly dropped Dallas and nearly pooped his pants! If it would have been me...there wouldn't be any "nearly" about the latter...I would just plain have.

It was about 3 feet in length.

I'm still getting the chills writing this...ughhh.

Until next time...

Visitors

Wow...here it is Thursday, and I'm finally posting about last weekend! The weather this week has been A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. There has been lots of sunshine and little wind; therefore, we have been spending lots of time enjoying it!

Last weekend, Grandpa, Gram and Aunt Josie came for a visit!
We didn't do anything too special beside enjoy each other's company. Doug did borrow the neighbor's skid loader to finish smoothing out the new gravel in the driveway on Saturday.

We also mowed the yard Saturday afternoon...a job that hadn't been done in almost 2 weeks because of rain. (Thanks to Grandpa and Dallas for picking up the grass cuttings)

Dallas played with his chickens

Sunday started with church. After church, Doug and I went to a pancake breakfast honoring the seniors and first communicants (we were invited because I taught the high school class this year). Grandpa, Gram and Aunt Josie took the kiddos back to the house for us. We then spent the rest of the day playing games and taking tractor rides.

So that was our weekend in a nutshell...Thanks again for coming to visit!

Until next time...

Pella Tulip Time 2010

We once again met up with Aunt Katie to head to Pella for the Tulip Time Festival. Unfortunately, it was very cold the day we went :( We woke up to temps around freezing! But, on a happier note...Dallas and Reba woke up to having Pap-paw and Mam-maw, Aunt Lisa and GG here to visit for the weekend!

I wanted to get Dallas' picture standing in the giant wooden shoes like previous years, but he did not want to do it. This was the best I got.
Reba, on the other hand, sat for the picture (I'm loving the new bow from Mam-maw)

Pap-paw and Mam-maw

There were not too many tulip beds left in bloom, but here are a couple that still looked nice

The big coo-coo clock

My favorite Dutch treat! Poffertjes with strawberries and whipped cream

Plain poffertjes

Dallas liked the whipped cream the best

Aunt Katie and Dallas waiting on the parade to begin

Curb-side seating for the parade

Why wear one hat, when you can wear two?

Apparently, Dallas thought the grass was a souvenir.

The Tulip Queen

Check out the wooden shoe wheels

Mam-maw and Reba (remember - it was cold!)

This year was the 75th Anniversary of Tulip Time. They set the world record for the number of people dancing at the same time in wooden shoes...this was the World Record Committee Float - "Wooden Shoe Rather be Dancing?"

Wyatt Earp and his brothers made an appearance in the parade

The ride home from Pella was rather quite:

Until next time...