Matthias: 3 months

Our infrequency in posting is an indication of how busy things are here. We both went back to work/school at the end of August, and bewteen that and Matthias, we don't have much time for anything else. Things are going well, though. Matthias is getting big and developing more abilities all the time. He is generally a happy guy, but he has had some colic, which we think is due to sensitivity to dairy and soy. He has been feeling better since Amy cut those ingredients out of her diet.

We are trying a new method of sharing photos, through Walgreens Photo. Let us know what you think.

Matthias (21 photos), by Amy Hansen

I'd like to share my Walgreens Photo Center photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.

"It's About Time"--More photos of Matthias!

The requests have indeed been heard. Here in FOMLF&Z-land, we've been inundated with demands, pleas, and threats for more pics of Matthias Lee. Well, everyone, this here post is chock-full of heart-warming images. So sit back, keep your finger on the scroll button, and enjoy!

Fussin' with Grandpa Buster

Hangin' out with Dad while he drinks his morning cup o' java.

(Not in picture: Miles Davis on the hi-fi.)

The obligatory almost-naked baby picture

In his cool farm outfit from Mom & Dad's cool PDX friends, Jason & Amber

Gearing up for the exciting close of the 2009 MLB season

"100% Fun"--Indeed

The shirt says it all

Smiley Dude Picture #1

Smiley Dude Picture #2

Smiley Dude Picture #3

First-Week Photos

Mom and Dad giving Matthias his bath before the big hospital photo shoot. He doesn't appear to like this particular portion of the bathing process.

The shirt's words are sufficient.

"Yeah, I know I'm a cutey."

"I'm about ready to start eating my hand. Yum!"

Just relaxin'

His favorite place to sleep right now

Nursery

Painting the nursery was a bigger job than we anticipated, but we have had it done for a while and are pleased with how it turned out. My mom made the beautiful quilt. Now I just have to make some new curtains--we have never liked those lace ones, anyway!

Zora tries out baby gear

Zora has been enjoying exploring all of the things we have purchased or received for the baby. We wonder if she will have trouble with the realization that this stuff is not for her! This week, she discovered how comfy the crib and changing table are, and we are trying to break her of the habit of napping on the baby's stuff. It's hard to yell at her when she's so cute, though.

Flannery and Zora enjoying the Diaper Genie box

Zora in the Diaper Genie

38 weeks

The due date is close, and the doctor says the baby could come any time now. I am feeling relatively well. Everything is pretty much ready for his arrival, except for some housecleaning projects that we would like to get accomplished. Nate has been able to do a lot around the house since he got done teaching his summer class. I am working in my office instead of traveling for now, and I will take 6 weeks or so off after the birth.

35 weeks

Things are beginning to come together for Baby's arrival. This week, Nate put the crib and stroller together, and Amy's coworkers showered her with more baby things. We also toured the birthing center at the hospital. Amy is still feeling pretty well. We are getting excited to meet our little guy in about 30 days!

33 weeks

feeling a little bigger, but still pretty well

more cute cats

31 weeks--still feeling fine!

27 weeks

I had routine blood tests (for gestational diabetes and anemia) on April 17. They turned out fine, and the nurse said my weight gain is appropriate and my blood pressure is good. I continue to feel well, but I notice a few more aches and pains lately.

Pregnancy: 25 weeks

The pregnancy is still going well. We had another ultrasound on March 20 because the doctor couldn't see all 4 chambers of baby's heart at the previous appointment. This time, they were able to see everything, and they said it all looked good. We asked the sonographer to check the sex again, and of course they will never say they're 100% sure, but it is almost undeniably a boy. Amy is still feeling well, and is getting bigger.

From a card sent by Amy's aunt: "For nine months, you get to eat and cry and complain and sleep and be completely and totally unreasonable.

And then it's your baby's turn."

Catching up with Flannery and Zora

Zora is growing up! She is about 11 months old now, and is getting more mature in some ways. She still has that kittenish penchant for trouble, though. Her latest antic is getting into an off-limits basement room through one of two holes in the wall near the ceiling. We hadn't paid attention to those holes (don't even know why a previous owner cut them) and we don't know how long she was using that hiding spot before we caught her. She and Flannery get along pretty well now that Flannery has gotten used to her.

They're buddies sometimes.

Zora loves to play in plastic bags.

Flannery helps Nate with his schoolwork.

Albuquerque

In late February, we enjoyed a few days in Albuquerque, New Mexico while Nate was reading one of his short stories at a conference there. We had a great time exploring the city and soaking up some sun and warmer temperatures. (Back in South Dakota, they were having an ice storm). We stayed in a motel right on historic Route 66. We visited the aquarium, the zoo, and Old Town.

Baby's First Pictures

The top picture is the head (on the right) and stomach (on the left).
In the bottom picture, you can see a hand giving a "thumbs up."

We had our first ultrasound on Feb. 20, and the sonographer said everything looked good. Because of the way the baby was positioned, the sonographer was not able to see all four chambers of the heart, so she would like to do another ultrasound in 4 weeks. She's pretty sure it's a boy!

Pregnancy Photos

not showing yet...about 10 weeks?



Feb. 7, almost 18 weeks

The pregnancy is going well, as far as we know. We are looking forward to our ultrasound appointment on Feb. 20, and are hoping to find out the sex of the baby. You can see that Amy's body is going through some changes.

Hobbits

I (Amy) recently realized that I eat like a hobbit. That is, I eat about seven meals a day. An hour or two after breakfast, I need a second breakfast, and I also typically have elevenses between second breakfast and lunch. When I head out for a long day of work, I carry a lunch bag plus an extra plastic bag of food to get me through the day.

These strange eating habits are due to what Nate and I affectionately refer to as "the little hobbit." Yes, in case you haven't heard, I'm pregnant. Fortunately, I have not had much nausea and have been able to enjoy food a great deal. As of today, I am at 12 weeks, 6 days, with a due date of July 13. Nate and I are very excited! We heard the heartbeat on Dec. 19, and we are looking forward to more milestones in future weeks.