The Preg-o-lantern
Ash the gumball machine & Andrew the SU Basketball player
Showing off all of the gumball 'bling' ... 2 rings, 2 bracelets, necklace & earrings!Sunday, November 1, 2009
Halloween 09
The Preg-o-lanternAsh the gumball machine & Andrew the SU Basketball playerShowing off all of the gumball 'bling' ... 2 rings, 2 bracelets, necklace & earrings!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Pre-Halloween Scare!
This past weekend we had another class at the hospital to help us prepare for the coming of the baby. The class topic… boobs. Ok so it was actually breastfeeding.
Telling friends about the class beforehand produced mixed feedback from guys depending on if they had children or not. From those without, I would get comments about how ‘cool’ it was that my wife wanted me to go to a class with her to look at ‘boobs’ for hours. Those with kids would joke that no matter how hard I try they’re pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to produce milk so I shouldn’t have to go. I have to admit that I had no clue what would happen or what exactly would be covered, but I knew Ashley wanted me there, so I was definitely going to be there for support. This being said, I never could have expected the horror about to ensue. I can only imagine the thoughts running through your head as you read this… has anyone ever done figure drawing? You’re sitting there with your class and someone comes out in a robe and … well… you know. Well that definitely didn’t happen but a ‘live demo’ probably would have been better than what we were exposed to.
‘Lacticia’ the demonstration baby doll. I’ll put a picture of ‘it’ below but wanted to warn you here to look away if you didn’t want to see it. Yes I’m being more than a little dramatic/silly about it but this doll really was freaky yet very funny at the same time. The woman instructing the class warned about the (f)ugliness of the doll before bringing it out, but it really only primed the pump for the laughter that was about to ensue. She said her husband has nightmares about the doll and he took a picture of it and put it on the back of the family Christmas letter as a joke a few years back. She explained that Lacticia may be ugly but she works well for the class since she is easier to pose for demonstration purposes. The picture will speak for itself yet hardly do it justice. She has 1 ear, hip dysplasia, a strange/odd face with her tongue hanging out. The fake fabric breast that accompanied Lacticia completed the cycle of weird.
We did get some good information and truly I was there in support of Ashley and to have another set of ears/eyes listening/learning so that we both may know what is ‘supposed’ to happen (or not happen). One thing is for sure, the ability to add laughter to just about any experience is sure to help us on our journey into and through parenthood.
Telling friends about the class beforehand produced mixed feedback from guys depending on if they had children or not. From those without, I would get comments about how ‘cool’ it was that my wife wanted me to go to a class with her to look at ‘boobs’ for hours. Those with kids would joke that no matter how hard I try they’re pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to produce milk so I shouldn’t have to go. I have to admit that I had no clue what would happen or what exactly would be covered, but I knew Ashley wanted me there, so I was definitely going to be there for support. This being said, I never could have expected the horror about to ensue. I can only imagine the thoughts running through your head as you read this… has anyone ever done figure drawing? You’re sitting there with your class and someone comes out in a robe and … well… you know. Well that definitely didn’t happen but a ‘live demo’ probably would have been better than what we were exposed to.
‘Lacticia’ the demonstration baby doll. I’ll put a picture of ‘it’ below but wanted to warn you here to look away if you didn’t want to see it. Yes I’m being more than a little dramatic/silly about it but this doll really was freaky yet very funny at the same time. The woman instructing the class warned about the (f)ugliness of the doll before bringing it out, but it really only primed the pump for the laughter that was about to ensue. She said her husband has nightmares about the doll and he took a picture of it and put it on the back of the family Christmas letter as a joke a few years back. She explained that Lacticia may be ugly but she works well for the class since she is easier to pose for demonstration purposes. The picture will speak for itself yet hardly do it justice. She has 1 ear, hip dysplasia, a strange/odd face with her tongue hanging out. The fake fabric breast that accompanied Lacticia completed the cycle of weird.
We did get some good information and truly I was there in support of Ashley and to have another set of ears/eyes listening/learning so that we both may know what is ‘supposed’ to happen (or not happen). One thing is for sure, the ability to add laughter to just about any experience is sure to help us on our journey into and through parenthood.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Thankful for a "Thanksgiving" Baby
Each Thanksgiving, the Markovitch-Swistak family has to go around the table and share something for which we are thankful. Though Alekzander may not come on or even close to Thanksgiving, there are many things for which I can give thanks... this list of 35 things - for 35 weeks pregnant and 35 days left - came easier than I thought. The idea is not original, I actually stole it from my friend Lucy's blog, but it is a good exercise in expressing gratitude. I could probably double or triple this list quite easily, but I limited myself to 35 completely random things that have brought me joy or comfort throughout my pregnancy... in no particular order:
1. Orange juice
2. Ice water
3. Flip flops (even on 50 degree mornings)
4. Crocs (ugly, but comfy)
5. My 'new' mom-mobile - small Suzuki SUV
6. Excited friends and family
7. Jehovah Jireh
8. Naps on the couch
9. Body pillow
10. Big sweatpants
11. Belly band
12. Homemade blankets
13. Praying LifeGroup and friends
14. Sweet boys' hand-me-downs
15. Generous family and friends and fun baby showers
16. Pregnant belly laughter
17. Kicks, nudges, hiccups and flips
18. Health
19. Impromptu Saturday adventures with my love
20. Informative hospital classes
21. Alekzander's 'galloping horse' heart beat
22. Mommy advice from wonderful mommies
23. Antique (but newly covered) “nursing” rocker used by my grandmother
24. Ikea furniture and accessories
25. Amazing people who already love Alekzander before he is even born
26. Chocolate Milk
27. Andrew's patience
28. Andrew's handiwork
29. Entertainment and perspective provided by T&R
30. Helpful, friendly strangers
31. Nice/knowledgeable doctors and nurses @ BC
32. Fall fun-days in the neighbor's driveway
33. Worship music and instrumental lullabies
34. Cool weather/no more mosquitoes
35. Getting to meet Alekzander in just a few weeks
We are so thankful for you all - and your love for our son - and for the great gifts and blessings that we receive daily. What brings you great pleasure for which you should give thanks?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
35 weeks
35 weeks... that means that in about 35 days we will finally be meeting Alekzander. These last 34 weeks have truly flown by, but we've certainly come a long way - and I have the belly to prove it. There are still days when I don't even feel pregnant. It seems so natural...and I've really had a great pregnancy. Yet there are other times that I feel like I need a forklift to get me out of bed - or I am very aware of hands, feet, and a head! But, I have loved it all... immensely. And can't even imagine the love I'll have for this little boy in just a short few weeks.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Oh How He Loves Us
Amazing lyrics and amazing truth... though I know it, it is good to be reminded how much He loves me...how much He loves Andrew...and how much He already loves Alekzander.
He is jealous for me
Love's like a hurricane, I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great your affections are for me.
Oh, how He loves us so
Oh, how He loves us
How He loves us so.
We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking
So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way
That he loves us,
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves.
Tonight during church, we took communion. When it was my turn to go up, I went to my sweet friend, Rebecca, who was serving communion. She reminded me that, "Ashley, this is the body of Christ, broken just for you..." and then she added, "...and Alekzander." Even before he is born, God knows Alekzander (Psalm 139: 13-16 The Message) - and already all of Alekzander's sins are forgiven. This fact, verbalized by Rebecca, brought me to tears and gave me further 'proof' of how much God loves us.
He is jealous for me
Love's like a hurricane, I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great your affections are for me.
Oh, how He loves us so
Oh, how He loves us
How He loves us so.
We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking
So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way
That he loves us,
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves.
Tonight during church, we took communion. When it was my turn to go up, I went to my sweet friend, Rebecca, who was serving communion. She reminded me that, "Ashley, this is the body of Christ, broken just for you..." and then she added, "...and Alekzander." Even before he is born, God knows Alekzander (Psalm 139: 13-16 The Message) - and already all of Alekzander's sins are forgiven. This fact, verbalized by Rebecca, brought me to tears and gave me further 'proof' of how much God loves us.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Awaiting Finishing Touches...
Diaper Cake a la Jenny
Cyrus con su jirafa
Alekzander's Storage Unit
View from hallway
View from Jack&Jill bathroomMonday, September 28, 2009
Rich in Laughter and Love at 32 Weeks
Here are some of my favorite parts of the weekend: watching a grandpa freak out after he saw me on the elevator at the hospital; he thought I was in labor (Andrew had bag full of our pillows and a blanket) and apologized for making us stop on the 7th floor instead of going up to the 8th floor at Presby Main... laughing through breathing exercises in childbirth class...bottling Alekzander's beer... "playing baby clothes" with Mom and Tessa.
After about 8 hours of childbirth preparation class, I guess Andrew and I are "ready" to have our baby. For me, knowledge is power - so even though I may not remember or use half of what I learned in class, I am glad that I know it now. We did leave the class with confidence in ourselves considering we could actually watch "the" videos without squirming in our seats or covering our eyes - which was better than the rest of the class! I did commit a major relaxation faux pas; during a breathing exercise with the lights off and music on, I started belly laughing uncontrollably. No reason at all, but my sense of humor has been heightened during pregnancy! I love it, but felt the need to apologize to the teacher after the class for being disruptive.
When we got home, we bottled Alekzander's Cranberry Wheat beer... though he won't be able to drink it for a long time, Andrew decided to brew a batch in celebration of Alekzander's nearing birth which should be close to Thanksgiving. Its hard to believe that in about 2 months, we'll be a family of 3!
Sunday we had a family lunch with my dad's great cooking...straight from the mountains. While the boys watched football and prepared lunch, Mom, Tessa, and I folded and organized baby clothes. My mom got nervous that I was nesting, but I just want Alekzander's world to be a little more organized than mine has been in the past!!
Today we had our 32 week appointment. We got to hear Alekzander's heartbeat -which continues to be amazing. Contrary to many people's opinions, I am measuring right on track (32 cm at 32 weeks). We did also learn that the cute little round bump that is camped out over my belly button/below my rib cage is not Alekzander's little butt... instead its a uterine fibroid - which is apparently relatively normal (and hormone related). I would have preferred to continue to think it was babe's bum, but now that I do know what it is and have had time to process/pray about it, I am comforted by the fact that God obviously wanted me to have THIS baby at THIS time and He is in control - giving us hope and a future. I know my family's future is rich in love.
After about 8 hours of childbirth preparation class, I guess Andrew and I are "ready" to have our baby. For me, knowledge is power - so even though I may not remember or use half of what I learned in class, I am glad that I know it now. We did leave the class with confidence in ourselves considering we could actually watch "the" videos without squirming in our seats or covering our eyes - which was better than the rest of the class! I did commit a major relaxation faux pas; during a breathing exercise with the lights off and music on, I started belly laughing uncontrollably. No reason at all, but my sense of humor has been heightened during pregnancy! I love it, but felt the need to apologize to the teacher after the class for being disruptive.
When we got home, we bottled Alekzander's Cranberry Wheat beer... though he won't be able to drink it for a long time, Andrew decided to brew a batch in celebration of Alekzander's nearing birth which should be close to Thanksgiving. Its hard to believe that in about 2 months, we'll be a family of 3!
Sunday we had a family lunch with my dad's great cooking...straight from the mountains. While the boys watched football and prepared lunch, Mom, Tessa, and I folded and organized baby clothes. My mom got nervous that I was nesting, but I just want Alekzander's world to be a little more organized than mine has been in the past!!
Today we had our 32 week appointment. We got to hear Alekzander's heartbeat -which continues to be amazing. Contrary to many people's opinions, I am measuring right on track (32 cm at 32 weeks). We did also learn that the cute little round bump that is camped out over my belly button/below my rib cage is not Alekzander's little butt... instead its a uterine fibroid - which is apparently relatively normal (and hormone related). I would have preferred to continue to think it was babe's bum, but now that I do know what it is and have had time to process/pray about it, I am comforted by the fact that God obviously wanted me to have THIS baby at THIS time and He is in control - giving us hope and a future. I know my family's future is rich in love.
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