23 weeks . . . or 25 weeks?!

I have always speculated about our due date.  Needless to say I have been looking into it a little bit more.  I have been following a site that tells you how things are going in your pregnancy, and what things you should be experiencing.  I have started to get really tired again, and at first I thought it was just due to the heat.  Then I read that once you enter your seventh month that the tiredness starts to kick in again.  I wasn't so excited for that, because I thought I would make it through May first, now it doesn't seem like that is so. I looked at our ultra sound pictures again too, and there is one picture that has all of the baby's measurements.  I didn't really pay attention the first time, because we were just so excited to see Brandon.  On the picture though, it shows that due to his development, they estimate his due date to be August 24!!  That is a whole week ahead of our estimated due date, and three days before my parents will be here!

No idea what the numbers mean, but up top you can see the differences in our due dates!

Other than thinking about our different due dates, things have been going really well.  Tyler has finished his grad work for now, so he is really excited to be done with that.  We have finished painting Brandon's room too!!  We now have one green wall, and three tan walls.  Next weekend we'll probably put the furniture together to start setting up his room even more!  Plus it will give us some room back in our office so we can start moving other things around.

We love the green!!

We have bought shelving for our garage so that way we can start moving everything out of these two bedrooms that we have expanded into over the last two years.  It's amazing the amount of stuff we have, even though I know Tyler will say it is all my stuff!!  I'm just excited for my mom to come, and bring even more scrapbooking stuff with her so that way we can buckle down and get to work!!  I really want to finish my pregnancy album before Brandon comes, because I know once we get here the next 18 years are going to be a whirlwind!!

Tyler only has 12 days of school left, and I have 15.  We are both excited to start our summer vacations. So far we don't have too much planned, a trip to Orange County and then Tahoe with my family, and a two night stay in Sedona.  We are excited to be able to watch Criminal Minds, and read a lot this summer!!  Thanks to my mom and dad we are the proud owners of the first five seasons of Criminal Minds, so that is how we plan on spending at least a week this summer!  Plus I want to read all of the Harry Potter books again to get ready for our big night out in late July!!  :)

We hope that you all have a great Mother's Day tomorrow, and we both love our moms and all of the moms in our lives so much!  Thank you to all of you who help support us, and pray for us!!  We love you all!

Crazy Coupons

So my friend Katie and I stayed home Friday night, while the boys went to the baseball game, and we watched TLC's new show Extreme Couponing.  We were both inspired, and now we want to be those crazy coupon women.  Granted we will never have stock piles of stuff, we just don't have room in our house, but we both love to get a good deal.  Needless to say, if you read this blog, and want to help us, please mail us your coupons!!  Please go through your coupons and take out what you want first, but if you have coupons left over, please send them our way.  We would love to get really good at this, and if we can, eventually get on the show.  We are not that crazy yet, but we would love to be!!  If you don't already have my address, send me your email and I will send it to you that way.  Hopefully I'll be able to report later what a great job we did!!  Thank you all for your help in this!!

22 Weeks

A lot has been going on, as we are nearing the end of our school years.  Tyler only has three weeks left of school from this Tuesday, and I have four weeks left of school from yesterday.  We are so excited to be finishing the years, as they have been fun but challenging years for the both of us.  A lot has happened this year, in the classroom, and out, and has affected each of us differently.  I love my kids, and wouldn't trade them for the world, but I can't wait for summer vacation!

This week is the first time I actually felt Brandon kick, and knew that he was kicking, or moving!  It is such a crazy experience.  I'll just be sitting here, and all of a sudden, BAM!!  :)  I love this little kid, but I wish he would find a comfortable position.  The kicking I don't mind so much, but I have this muscle below my ribs that I think has been stretched out, or has moved, and it isn't always too comfortable.

22 weeks

We have made a lot of progress in Brandon's room so far.  Last Monday we decided how we are going to lay out our loft, and looked at buying some shelving for the garage for the things we can't part with.  We also bought paint, and Tyler will be painting Brandon's room today!!  I would love to be able to help, but because of the fumes, I must stay away.  We have decided to do a green wall, with the other walls a cream/tan color.  We also already have the crib, and dresser, so once Tyler is done painting, he will be assembling!!  I can't wait to see what the nursery will look like in the beginning stages!!

We are using the top colors on both walls, as the other ones we are afraid would be too dark

21 weeks...

We went to the doctor's again yesterday.  We just had to go in for our monthly check up.  There we discovered that our doctor will be out next month because she is having a baby.  Tyler said he knew, but I had no idea!!  Now I guess I shouldn't feel as bad when people say I don't look pregnant.  Then again the last couple of times I have seen the doctor it has only been for about five minutes.

We met the doctor that will take care of us next month, since our doctor is only taking four weeks for maternity leave!!  That's crazy!!  Anyways, the guy was really funny, and answered lots of questions for us.  During our ultra sound last week the guy scared us, and told us we might have concerns about the baby.  Our doctor told us to be more worried about global warming, or a nuclear holocaust.  Obviously there are still things to be concerned about, and I want to make sure I'm staying healthy.  Brandon is doing great though, and he had a strong heart beat once again.

We went back to Target last night to try and finish our registry.  We have now registered at both places, and if any thing I just feel even more overwhelmed then before.  There are just so many things to think about, and figure out.  I know we'll get what we need, and that God will provide, but it's still crazy to think that in 19 weeks we'll be coming home with a baby!!

Tyler had a rough week this week, as he got an abscess on his tailbone.  He was in a lot of pain last weekend, and he finally went to the doctor on Wednesday.  My mom asked what is in the water here, since Tyler and I have both gotten weird things since we've been married.  I had to remind her that mine was in Orange County, before we came here!  She is safe, nothing weird in the water here.  (Besides it probably comes from Northern California anyways!)

Tyler spoke at the Good Friday service yesterday at church as well.  Our friend Chelsea came to join us, and it was nice to take that break in the middle of the day to be reminded of the greatest gift we have.  Jesus gave up His life, so that way He could SAVE our lives.  It is amazing that He would do that for us, knowing that we are going to continue to sin day after day.

Today we are just relaxing, and then tonight Tyler's mom and dad are coming over for some BBQ dinner.  Tomorrow we're going to their house for Easter lunch/dinner since it is Tyler's dad's birthday.  It will be fun, and we are even going to try and get them to do a puzzle with us.  (They don't play games like my family does.)  I'm a little sad we didn't make it home since today everyone will be at Aunt Michelle's house for Brooke's birthday, but now Tyler and I get to start making our own traditions, especially with Brandon joining us in the fall.  It will be strange not to be at my parent's house for Christmas this year, but then again, they may not even have a house.

20 weeks

It's been quite a week.  We celebrated Tyler's birthday last Saturday by having a bunch of people come over.  Tyler really just wanted to have fun, so we played some board games, and ate some good food.  Then on Sunday night we went out to dinner with some dear friends of ours here.  It has always been a tradition for Tyler's birthday to take out just a few very special people to us to let them know how much we appreciate their friendship.

Monday we celebrated Tyler's birthday by babysitting CJ for a little bit, while we waited for Katie to get home.  It was a blast, and just reminded me how much I am looking forward to coming home at night and getting to play with my baby.

Wednesday was our big day, the day we went to the doctors!!  It turns out our sweet bundle of joy is a boy!!  Brandon Keith will be joining our family in just a short twenty weeks.  It's so crazy to think that we are already half way through the pregnancy, and that now we get to start buying stuff for our sweet baby boy!!

Brandon didn't want his picture taken (he takes after daddy already!)

Last night at bible study Tyler held CJ, so Katie had to take a picture to celebrate the festivities!  We are pretty sure this is the first time that Tyler has held CJ, and CJ is now over 3 months old!!

Tyler and CJ  (What a great dad he'll be!)

It's been amazing how some people still don't realize I'm pregnant.  I know people say I don't look like I'm pregnant, or that I'm not showing that much, but goodness I feel like I am already!  Last night it felt like my stomach couldn't get any bigger, because the skin already feels so tight.  I know I have a long way to go though, so at the same time I'm grateful I'm not too big already.

Tomorrow night we will both go to our auctions, to raise money for our school.  Tyler never buys anything at his, but I'm pretty excited about some of the things I saw for our auction.  There are a couple of awesome looking baskets for Brandon and for me!!  Plus, I get to make Tyler go register on Sunday, so I'm even more excited for that!!

19 weeks ... almost 20

Things keep going in this crazy world.  Tyler and I have been working really hard at work to make sure we stay on top of things, and I'm trying to get ahead a little bit.  It's nice to finally have some energy back, so I'm taking advantage of it!

Right now I'm coaching volleyball three days a week, and thankfully it was cooler this week.  Last week it was SUPER hot though, already in the 90s.  I can't imagine how I'm going to survive the whole summer!!

Coaching has been so much fun though, and I am reminded every day how much I love my fifth grade girls!  They are more than just my students.  I know teachers don't normally have friendships with 10 year olds, but I would do anything for any one of those girls.  For those of you who know the story, or remember Tia is on my team.  I love her, and her new nickname is Skittles.  Anyways she has really been beating herself up because she knows she's not where she was when we stopped playing last spring.  I keep telling her she is doing an amazing job, and that if we keep working she will be able to serve by the beginning of our fall season.  Well Tia doesn't like to just do what people think, she likes to prove them wrong, and do way more than you ever imagined.  At practice this Wednesday Tia served the ball over the net!!!  We were all so happy and proud for her I even picked her up and swung her around!!!  (Tyler wasn't too happy when he found out, but you know what, she weighs like 50 pounds, no big deal, I'm sure the baby is fine!!)

I know what an influence my second grade teacher had in my life, and I go back to visit her constantly.  I invited her to my high school graduation, college graduation, wedding, and you know she will be invited to my baby shower this summer.  Teachers have such an impact on children, and I love knowing that I get to help these girls grow and become the beautiful young women they are turning in to.  I just pray that as they go through those awkward teenage years we all love, they remember that I love them!!

Enough about my girls, now on to Tyler!!

Monday is his birthday, so he decided he wanted to have everyone over this weekend!!  He's pretty excited to just be able to relax and enjoy some drinks and food with his friends.  I can't believe he will be 29 this year.  It's crazy to imagine how fast time is flying!  I remember the first year we celebrated Tyler's birthday together, falling in love at where else, Disneyland!!  :)

This wasn't our first Disney date, but proof of how much Disney meant to us dating!

Now it is time to go clean my house, and get ready for our friends to come over and celebrate with the old man!  Next year we'll have a huge party, he already informed with, me kegs and everything.  My mom already volunteered to watch all of the babies at the Fischers for us!!  So crazy to think how much our life will be changing!!

17 weeks...almost 18

I know it's been a while, and I apologize for not keeping you updated more.  It has been a whirlwind of a month.

President's Day Weekend CJ (baby Fischer) was baptized, and it was awesome.  We were able to help Matt and Katie get ready by setting up the food, so that way they didn't have to rush home after church.  Then that Sunday night, Christie was supposed to fly in.  Now I say supposed to, because due to weather in Detroit she didn't actually make it in until Tuesday night.  It ended up working out though, because then she was here until Friday afternoon.  It was great to see her, and be able to catch up with some other friends for dinner on Wednesday and Thursday night.

A week after Christie left Breeann and Kevin came!!  I love when they come because it is always an adventure, and we never get to spend enough time with them.  Once my parents move here, we will be able to make trips up there just to see them, but it's so hard to go up there, and spend all of our time with them when I love spending time with my parents too!  The four of us ate a lot of course, but we also went to a Spring Training game.  Kevin loves the Giants, so we went to a Giant's game.  Now, before you get too excited, we didn't get to go to their home field though, we drove all the way over to the West Side to the Dodger's stadium.  It was still a lot of fun, and the best part was probably our pit stop at Denny's for the boys!!

Top Shelf didn't have a Pink Cadillac so this margarita had to do.

Kevin and Beautiful in our amazing seats at the game!

Our "normal" picture.  Apparently I have to say that now!

On Saturday our friends the Hulkes flew in so that way Andrew could interview at Christ.  We met Andrew two years ago when he was student teaching at Christ and Valley.  Emily and him got married that spring, and now they have been living in Denver.  We are so excited to find out if they are going to be coming out, but we are waiting just like everyone else, and praying for them.  The six of us went to eat at Oregano's, Tyler's new favorite place, and then we went out to play some mini golf.  The boys did awesome, and us girls had some fun!!

Our updated picture!!

On Sunday Tyler and I had to go to church for the beginning of Lutheran School's Week.  When we got home we took Bree and Kevin to breakfast at another one of Tyler's new favorites, Chompies.  Of course then we went to the bakery and spent $25 on cookies, brownies, and chocolate covered strawberries.  Well worth it!!  Sunday afternoon the boys played some video games, and Bree and I did some shopping. :)  It was nice to be able to go out and get some new clothes with a friend who would tell me if it didn't look good!!  We just stayed home Sunday night, BBQ some steaks and enjoying talking.

Monday morning came way too early of course, and it was time to say goodbye.  I hate leaving those I love, or having those I love leave, but at least this time it is only until June.  If only plane tickets weren't so much!!

Breeann and Kevin left right at the beginning of one of the busiest weeks of school for Tyler and I.  Lutheran School's Week!!  It is a week full of activities such as teacher vs. 8th grade volleyball, talent shows, reading days, dress up days, field day and grandparents day.  Throw in the fact that I was in charge of the Talent Show, and my kids were in charge of chapel that day, and needless to say it was a very stressful week for me!!  I tried to keep it light by dressing up to our theme days every day, but Tyler made fun of me.  He made me take a picture so that way everyone else could see how ridiculous I looked!

Monday - Crazy accessories day

Tuesday - 80s Day

Wednesday - PJ Day (my favorite)

Thursday - Field Day (Go Orange Team!)

For the Talent Show the teachers decided to do a flash mob to Black Eyed Peas, I've got a feeling.  If you haven't seen it before you should check it out!!  It was a lot of fun, and thanks to Chelsea and Lori it was easy to learn, and the kids loved it!!

Friday we had to wear normal clothes, since it was Grandparent's Day, hence the reason for no weird picture.  :)  Friday night we went to dinner with our friends Jeff and Carlee and it was nice to be able to relax after such a long week.

15 weeks

Saturday morning we headed out to Orange County to spend the week with my parents at Disneyland.  I was looking forward to this trip from the day that we planned it.  I was so excited to be able to see my parents, and to spend some time at Disney!!  For those of you who don't know, Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth.  We met up with my parents Saturday night and were able to of course, go and eat.  :)  Sunday we headed over to Disneyland Hotel, and Uncle Jay came down from LA to meet up with us!  Monday morning I woke up, and started not to feel well, but we pushed through the day.  We were able to get tickets to see World of Color, thanks to staying at the Disneyland hotel, so we had plans to see it that night.  I was so excited because it had opened the year before when Tyler and I were there, but it has always been so crazy to get tickets that we hadn't seen it yet.  It was an awesome show, due to us standing there and waiting for an hour and a half, but I loved it.  It's not as good as Fantasmic at Disney World, but I would see it again for sure!

 On the Jungle Cruise

My parents wanted to celebrate Tyler's birthday with us! 

We love the Toy Story Ride!

Breakfast at the Grand California

 Tyler is ready for take off

The baby wanted to play too! 

At least I beat him in accuracy 

 We were playing cards downstairs, and Goofy wanted to play with us!

The cool headboards in our rooms!

Tuesday morning I woke up not feeling so well, so we didn't a half day at Disney.  We went and played a little in the morning, took a nap, and then after dinner with Nicole, went back in for Toy Story.  Wednesday morning I woke up and was awful.  I didn't get to go in the park at all.  After breakfast we played Catan, and then I went back to bed.  Tyler worked on some homework, and my parents went shopping in the park.  We played some more cards, and then Tyler went to go see Dustin and Julie.  I was sad that I wasn't able to go and see them, but it was nice to be able to have down time when you don't feel well.  My parents were real troopers and hung out with me all day, even though I kept telling them they could go back into the park.

Thursday morning we all woke up up the lovely hour before 5 am to get ready to go home.  For those of you who don't know, LA traffic is awful, and none of us wanted to sit in it.  We were both home before noon, so it paid off.  Thursday morning was our only whole group picture too, but on my dad's camera, so I don't have it yet.  When I do, I will upload it!

When we got home I went to the doctor and it turned out I had an ear infection!!  What!? I haven't had one of those in FOREVER!!  I was really surprised, but it prompted my need to find an ear doctor here.  Friday I went to the dentist, and that was so much fun.  Saturday night I was able to coach my girls in a volleyball game, and we WON!!  It was a blast, and it reminded me how much I love these girls and missed them over the week.

This past week at school has been busy, as I have been trying to get caught up on everything.  I have let things get behind with Lutheran School's week, and then not feeling well.  Plus I didn't have my aid this week due to her traveling with her son for his hockey tournament.  I am looking forward to getting caught up today, as well as going to a cheer competition to cheer on my girls!!

I went to the doctor on Thursday and everything still looks great.  The baby's heart beat was 153, which others (not the doctor) then tell me means we're having a girl!!  We would be so excited to find out the bean is a girl, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up.  Someone in Tyler's class even bought him a picture frame that says "What a Whirl, It's a Girl" because that is how much she believes it's a girl, and she hasn't even seen me!!  We find out next month what the bean is, and we are so excited!!

I promise to update more often, and to start posting more belly pictures.  I know there aren't many on here, but before last night I kept thinking I just look bigger than normal, not pregnant.  When I was in the bathroom last night though, I turned sideways and I could say baby, not "fat" so that was a breakthrough for me.  I know Baby Bean is growing strong in there, but for those who know me, waiting is not one of my strong suits!!