I really don't have much to share tonight! Just wanted to get these pictures up! Not only am I excited to hold my baby, I am even more excited to not take weekly pictures of myself anymore!
This picture was a little easier to smile for-with my sweater covering my belly!
I am lucky enough to be having two baby showers in the next few weeks! My good friends Katie and Kristen are throwing me a Baby Shower in two weeks and the girls at work are having a little party for me in three weeks! It turns out I have made a few friends in Switzerland! (Although, a lot of these friends are leaving or will leave in the near future.)
Guess that's all! I get to go take Miss Arwen on a walk now! I wish there weren't so many hills . . .
{As I was reading this later, I realized every sentence but one or two had an exclamation mark. Who knew I could be this excited in the evening, after work without much sleep the night before . . . }
So, of course nothing is easy. We thought we would be able to update my computer lickity split and buy a new photo editing system over the weekend. Nope, it's not that easy. I'm back to the old way until we find some time to actually go to a store (gasp!) and pick up what we need.
Here is my huge tummy at Week 33! I still can't believe that I am actually comfortable. Work is still easy, although I'm usually VERY tired by the time I get home. *4 weeks left of work!
And this one was Thomas' idea. I'm not loving it but what are ya gonna do?
And here is our baby right now!
The man upstairs must have been listening to me moan and complain about a rocking chair. He sent me one via e-mail today! A friend of mine had an e-mail from an Ex-Pat Mother's group she is in with someone selling her rocking chair! When I got home from work, the e-mail was there and an hour later it was mine! Finally! I can't believe how difficult it was to find a rocking chair! We are going to pick it up this Saturday. She lives near Zurich, which is about an hour away. We are going to stop at Subway for lunch on the way!!! Even more exciting now!
Maternity pictures are set up for this weekend! I am really excited for that also! We are going to take pictures here at our house on Sunday. I am thinking Arwen needs to be in a few pictures . . . Duke was in my senior pictures so it only makes sense that Arwen be in my maternity pictures, right? Right.
I'm still waiting for Thomas to get me his pictures from his ski race weekend! Once he gets those sent my way, I'll translate his English into better English and we'll have a good post!
Oh, I have another story about that same little student. I must have been having a really bad pregnancy brain today because he said, Mrs. Haas, you need a new brain!" I didn't respond because I think he's probably right.
Guess that's all! Week 34 pictures will be coming soon since I'm a week behind!
Thomas has completed step one with my computer. He backed up all one million plus files onto a hard drive. I am safe if anything happens to my computer, everything is on a little black box.
I used to think the world was over when I had problems with my computer, now I know better. Now I know my world would explode and be over if something happened to this computer. :-)
So, step two is to get an updated computer. Huh? He is going to download something off the Internet so my "old" computer is like new again. THEN he can download something else for my pictures. Finally I will be able to add pictures to the blog again. It's nice knowing people who know so much about computers! (Thanks Craiger and thanks Thomas!!!!)
I am learning how to upload pictures a different way onto this blog, so there won't be any pictures this time around. I was starting to feel uncomfortable with my big belly pictures floating around Flickr for everyone to see. Everyone's pictures can pop up on everyone elses Flickr page, I don't really love that idea! So, Craiger has changed some things for me, but now I need to get a new program. That is Thomas' goal for the weekend.
So, things to look forward to once I have the new programs!
1. Week 33 picture! Coming soon.
Onto other baby news: I have finally contacted a professional photographer to take some maternity pictures of me and then some photos of our little blessing! The end is so close, I can see the light and I am so excited!
I am actually feeling a little bit better than I was in Nebraska. I actually feel rested every morning when I wake up and pretty comfortable. I think I have started to waddle a bit but that's ok! My coat is on the last week or so. Soon I won't be able to button it up! It has lasted me a long time though for not being a maternity coat. It has been weird for me to only wear one coat this whole winter though! You know, I do love Kohtz! Sorry about that one!
Let's see, what else. Bending down is a big struggle. The kids at work know the drill by now. I have been very prone to dropping EVERYTHING so they are always right there to help me! I really have a sweet group of students. Couldn't have asked for a better group while I was learning the ropes at this new school.
The same little boy who didn't want the Christmas gift had a pretty funny thing to say about my baby this last week. He said something along the lines that my baby is too big and if we don't take her out now she was going to die. I assured him that she isn't too big and still needs to grow a little! He's always good for a laugh!
2. You can also look forward to seeing pictures from Thomas' trip to the downhill ski races last weekend. After asking about this race for almost a year, he was finally able to get us two VIP tickets!! Then, I realized me on top of a mountain, in the snow would not be such a good idea since I can't even see my feet anymore. Sadly, he went without me. He did, however, take some great pictures and videos so once I get that new program, I will upload those as well! Thomas said there were times that were pretty dangerous for him! He and David decided to walk down the mountain, which took about three hours. He said they were dodging skiers and walking along some edges so I am doubly happy that I didn't go.
I guess that's all for this update. Check back soon for those pictures. I really hope we can get this taken care of this weekend!
After an amazing two weeks off of work, I am back at work. It's hard now. I hope I'm still recovering from jet lag but part of me thinks I just better get used to this feeling.
I had a doctor's appointment on Monday and things went pretty well. My weight was a small issue though. I just converted the amount from my last two visits and I gained 14 pounds in one month! AAAHHHHH! I can't believe it! I got a little talking to from the doctor but she seemed to calm down a little once she remembered that I went home for the holidays . . . I just hope I don't gain any by my next appointment!
Onto the baby. The doctor did an ultrasound and the baby looked great! She had a strong heartbeat and was also measuring on the bigger side (makes me a little more nervous!). She weighs around 1800 grams or 3.9 lbs and measures around 40 cm or 15.75 inches.
I was told by a few parents (around 5+) how big I am now on Monday. I didn't enjoy hearing that all day and then today another parent mentioned that my face is bigger. When I sighed and grumbled, she said it must be because I got my hair cut. Oh thanks, that helps. I'm definitely learning what not to do or say to the next pregnant woman I see.
So, I have 8 weeks of this pregnancy left and only 6 weeks until I am done working, if everything continues to progress smoothly. If I were to go into labor within the next two weeks, we would have to go to the University hospital because they are better equipped for early pregnancies, but after that I'm good to go at the regular hospital! Do I dare say, I'm finally in the clear and can stop worrying that something bad will happen? I think I'll wait a few more weeks until I am holding her in my arms.
I have decided to stop working on February 27tth. We have a week off of school beginning February 20th for Sports Week, so families can go skiing. I will stop working then, although my maternity leave begins the following week. There begins my 14 weeks of leave. That will take me to the beginning of June where I will work for one month and then be done for two months! Not bad, right? :-)
During the month of June, we will be using family to watch the baby. Thomas' parents will help out one week, his grandparents another week and my fabulous parents have agreed to come back for two weeks!!
I hope that me, baby and my parents can all travel back to the U.S. together in July. Thomas will come a week later. While we were Nebraska, we also set up a baptismal date! Thomas and I have decided to have her baptized in Columbus on July 29th. We are HOPING that Thomas' parents will be able to come again. Fingers crossed!
Now, here is a picture of our baby. I am trying not to spend too much time looking at this picture, it's kind of spooky looking! It's her face, head on. The two black holes are her eyes then her nose and what looks like some big lips!
I missed taking a picture of Week 31, but here is Week 32. Please don't comment on how big I am! :-) And sorry about the undies showing! It's hard to get an ok picture, so I couldn't be picky about that!
Onto other things, remember that little boy that did not want my Christmas present? Well, I ran across his apology letter to me yesterday and thought I would share. The next morning after the incident, he came into school with a letter for me. I opened it and saw this-
I asked him why he was sorry and he said, "I don't know." So I asked, why did you write me this letter? He said, "because I broke your heart!" If only you could hear his Brazilian accent with a slight speech impediment; it's soo much sweeter.
Some other good news in the Haas family, Thomas' sister, Yvonne, is pregnant! Their baby is due near the end of June! We are very excited for them both!
I guess that's all for this one!
Happy New Year!!
Thomas and I are still enjoying our time in Nebraska but since we are having so much fun relaxing and being lazy, I thought I could update the blog with a bombardment of pictures! Here they are!
After arriving in Columbus on the 23rd, the whole family came to Columbus to celebrate Christmas Eve. Here are the Kohtz Grandkids (Ryan wouldn't let me include my tummy in the picture even though she is a Kohtz grandkid . . . )
And the whole family!
This broke a rule my mom always lived by but she had a cake for my Birthday before we opened presents. (She always tried to keep Christmas and my birthday separate.)
Then came time for presents!
Even Hadley joined in the fun!
Then it was LOVE those babies time!!! Thomas hasn't seen the twins since they were newborns so he had fun with them!
*It was supposed to be nap time but Hadley had other plans . . .
Hadley and her sponsors!
Look at these two ready for church! Aren't the cuties!! I wish we could have spent more time with them. Lauren and Brayden, can we come to your house in July for a few days?
Craig and family left on Christmas Eve and Ryan and family left on Christmas day. Can't get rid of Thomas and I that easily!
We went to Norfolk to see my grandma on Christmas day! She always gives Thomas a stern warning to take good care of me. He always listens to you grandma!
Since Christmas we have done some shopping, Thomas has been working, we have snuggled those babies some more and relaxed.
We met up with Jess and Nate during our Omaha shopping trip-usually Jenn and Robin join us but I guess they had better things to do. (Hee hee)
My super awesome friend Linsdey came to visit! We got pedicures and made up for lost time by talking for about 5 hours.
And I was at 30 weeks.
I think I have hit the time in the pregnancy when it's no longer comfortable. If I could have it my way, I would make pregnancy last 7 months instead of 9. Only two months left to go! I still love being pregnant but it's just not very comfortable any more!
So, that's our week in a nutshell. I better go get ready because the Huskers are playing soon!! Woo Hoo! Go Big Red!!
Here's to a healthy, happy, wonderful, safe, peaceful 2012!
I can't believe that I am starting this at post at 10:45. To most it is not late, but for me it is too late! I will regret this in the morning when my eyes are swollen with the biggest, blackest bags under them. I think I can get through one more day though, then rest and relaxation follows (after I pack, clean a little and finish some laundry!).
I better get started. I think it's best if I let the pictures speak this time. Here is me at Week 29! I swear, I don't look this scary in life. I was outside in the rain/snow tonight for a while, Thomas is asleep so I had the camera on timer looking up at me, etc. You know the deal, don't look too close at me.
Today is also my 30th Birthday! Gulp. I guess it went better than I expected. My students were super nice today, they really cared that it was my birthday and treated me well. Thomas spoiled me as usual, my in-laws are AMAZING, surprising me with pearl earrings (thanks Yvonne and Marcel) and a pearl necklace (thanks Walter and Lucie!) and my fantastic parents actually surprised me with a gift, which they sent to Lucie and Walter's house! I don't usually like surprises, but that was a nice one. Thomas and I went out to eat and then went to a Christmas Market stand for some Gluwein (I had apple punch!). Katie and Jeremy met us for drinks!
An update on the Christmas gifts I made for the kids. I gave them out to the students today and all but one of the kids really liked them. As I handed "B's" ornament to him he said, "I don't want this! It's not a toy!" So, I took it back from him. I said that hurt my feelings, blah, blah, blah. I continued to hand out the presents. When I was finished, I asked if he wanted it and he said, "I don't want a ball!" Geesh! Looks like I get to keep his. I spoke to his mom after school and I think it's safe to say she was MORTIFIED. Now, I have a funny story for the books though!
The Haas Pre-Christmas went great! My roast was good (I think) and besides from the snowballs being thrown at our house all night, things went off without a hitch! Not sure what happened to the pictures we took, but not many turned out . . .
*Grandma Lucie made these for our baby girl! They are too cute!!
Arwen attacked her gift!
And a few minutes later . . .
She actually opened her gift the day before when Thomas and I were gone. Thomas found the evidence but he said it looked like she had realized what she had done was wrong and left the crime scene. He found it half-way unwrapped and she was up, up stairs hiding! I guess she's like her mom!
So, that is it for this update. It is now 11:00 and I must go to bed. We are leaving for "The Good Life" on Friday so you won't hear from me until we return! Hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year!
*Sorry for the typos! I'm too tired and bored to go back and reread!
Wow. I am so looking forward to my vacation at home. My brain and body needs a little rest. Life is just so busy right now! Guess I better get used to it, I have a feeling that a new little person in my life will keep me busy! (Bring it on!!)
This weekend I had the Christmas Bazaar at school. We raised money for doctors that travel to Africa and perform heart surgery on children. I'm not sure how much money was raised, but I'm sure it was a good amount! There were a lot of families, lots of prizes and games to be won and the most exciting there was t alcohol free Gluwein!! Yippee!! I had my gluwein this winter! My job may have been the hardest at this bazaar. I had to sit and sell hot dogs. It was tough. :-) It was a fun morning, but the whole time I was thinking of all the other things I needed to be doing. . .
Today Thomas and I are hosting the Haas Christmas. Well, sort of. His family will get together on Christmas Eve still, but without us. Maybe it's turning into a tradition to get together before we leave so Thomas and I can give our gifts to the family. There will be 10 of us and we'll have to bring our outside table in for the "kids" to sit at and the adults can sit at a separate table. I just don't have room for 10 people! (Mom, I don't even have 10 red wine glasses!!!!)
Yesterday I spent some time preparing. I made my first roast, which I think turned out pretty good! Thomas was my taster and he enjoyed it!! (I wouldn't even touch it before it was cooked, let alone eat it afterwards!) I also made a trifle dessert with homemade brownies, pudding, whipped cream and Oreos. (Thanks for the recipe and dish Katie!!) Potatoes and salads are the only thing left for today. Feeling pretty relaxed about it.
It is funny how Thomas and I have to figure out how to serve everything. Customs are so different from the the U.S. to Switzerland. I'm used to all the food being on the table OR set up like a buffet (which we will have to do today since we are sitting at two tables!). Here, it's common for the hostess to fill each plate with food and hand it to each individual person. {I should add that it's not like that ALL the time } I'm not good at that, I think that takes too long and being a picky eater, I like to choose what and how much food I take for myself! Have I mentioned that it's customary to eat everything on your plate?? That's hard to do when you don't like something . . . (Leave a comment if you are Swiss and I'm not right!!) So, I feel like I'm treading on thin ice, trying not offend but wanting to get my point across, let me move on.
Here I go, moving on. I've also been working on Christmas gifts for my students. I've been trying to think of something cheap (difficult) and easy. I decided on ornaments. I hope those students who do not do Christmas aren't offended.
I have at least two students like that so I did not write "Merry Christmas." I bit my tongue and wrote "Happy Holidays." Thomas helped me make the card! It's so cute! (The lights and border were my idea!! Thomas just made it come together). My co-teacher is in Australia so she I asked if I would add her name to any gift I did and the other name is the substitute teacher. (Am I bad for being a little peturbed about sharing the gift and glory when I did everything???) Forget I said that. . .
So, I have a million things to do today and I actually slept in so I better get to work! Maybe I'll take some pictures of dinner tonight to share!
We leave for Nebraska on Friday!
Oh, baby is still doing great and I feel 100%!
Here I am! I am feeling very large and in charge but I still love every minute of it!
The funny thing is, I don't feel pregnant most of the time! At night, I feel pregnant when I'm trying to sleep or when I am trying to get out of bed (that's a struggle!). But I still feel light and agile, so I guess that's a good thing! I have gained around 20 pounds thus far, my doctor says I'm doing good. I actually gained everything pretty early and I have been at the same weight for a while now.
Our little miss is the size of a head of cauliflower. Huh? That one doesn't make sense to me but whatever. She is supposed to be 16 inches and 2.5 pounds. I have 12 weeks and 4 days until my due date and my third and final trimester is under way. I still can't believe this is happening to me!!!!
So, there you go. We'll be flying to Nebraska in nine days!!
Saturday was a busy day for Thomas and I! We took a two hour train to Colmar France for the afternoon. We decided to leave Bern around 1:00 p.m. so we could see the market at night. Good choice on our part. Colmar was incredibly beautiful. After doing a little research, Colmar was virtually left untouched by the wars. Some of the buildings looked like movie sets. It was really neat.
So, this is what Colmar looked like when we arrived!
No, not really. This was just a little display. It is still too warm around here to get snow!
At these markets you can find everything, from candles to hats, from ornaments to cheese. I don't usually buy anything but I do enjoy the experience.
First things first. We had to get some Gluwein. Since I cannot partake in mulled wine, I had some hot apple cider! It was just as yummy!
We walked around the markets and took a look at everything. Actually, it was more like we were pushed and shoved around while looking at everything. There were so many people.
I guess we walked around for a few hours with a break in the middle to get some pizza and warm up. We made a good choice to go later in the day because the lights were gorgeous!
So, after seeing all the markets and booths, we decided to head home. We hopped back on the train.
We always enjoy the train ride!
We decided to stop in Basel, Switzerland to check out their market. Sadly, we only had about 30 minutes before it closed, but I was very impressed by what we saw. We only made it to one of the five markets but this one was by far the best Christmas Market! I didn't take many pictures though. If only we had another empty weekend we would head back to Basel for an evening. . .
Here is the first thing we saw though!
And here is what Thomas is getting me for my 30th Birthday!
Again, not really.
We made it back to Bern around 9:30. We had to take a bus to our car and then we were on our way home. Too bad Thomas was pulled over by the police! Actually, it was a checkpoint and we weren't the only ones who had to stop. I was pretty happy not to be driving, I get nervous enough when I've been pulled over in Nebraska!
So, that was our day in a nutshell!
