Bye Bye Crib!

We knew this day was coming. In fact, we held out longer making this transition than we had with Elliana. After all, Maya is our baby! Our last born! But, we could hold out no longer....we have a trip quickly approaching and Maya simply won't fit into a pack and play any longer. She needed to get ready for a big kid bed!!

In traditional Berndsen family tradition, we took a photo documenting Maya's last night in her crib. We had already given her room a fresh coat of paint changing it from a "nursery" to a "big kid room" with just the removal of brown and the addition of gray. Disassembling the crib and making the move to her new bed was the last step.

The next morning we began taking apart the crib that has been a part of our house the last 6 years! I was determined to not cry, as this was a good thing. But, a bitter sweet reminder of just how quickly the time goes.

Practicing in her new bed...

Comfy and Cozy with her new bedding

Currently we have her bed on the ground to make it as low to the ground as possible, and get her comfortable with her new big kid bed!

Big Kid room in the making, with a few friends to join her!

The first night...Maya went to bed like a champ! She crawled right into bed, fell right asleep! It was hard to believe it was that easy!! Well, it was until 2:00 when a bad dream awoke her and kept her awake most of the night.

Night #2, was MUCH better. Pre-bed time, Daddy removed all "scariness" that Maya was concerned about and tucked her in tight. Just look at those cuties smiling so proudly. Maya slept all night long and even slept in until 8:30 am! Whew! What a big girl!!

And tonight marks night number three. We officially have a big girl on our hands. Maya, we are so very proud of you and all that you have accomplished! 

4 months...

As always, I am tardy in posting the monthly update on Miss Maya. But, I like to think that 3 weeks after the actual 4-month day is acceptable in the long term scheme of life.

Back to Maya. Wow, what fun we had in the month of July. At Maya's 4 month appointment, she was a champ with her vaccines, with just a few tears shed. She weighed in at a healthy 15.75 lbs (87%) and measured 26" (94%). The doctor literally described her as "perfect" and I couldn't agree more!

Maya experienced many firsts in July, including her first trip to the Smoky Mountains National Park, thus entering the state of Tennessee for the first time. While in TN, she had her first trip to an aquarium, where she was enthralled by the fish in between cat-naps. Maya stayed up way past bedtime to enjoy in her first fireworks display for the fourth of July. I feared the noise and late night would make for a grumpy baby, but the only time Maya showed her unhappiness was when someone stood in her viewing area or when the fireworks were taking too long to light up the night sky. I have a feeling I have another adventurer on my hands.

Maya also learned how to roll from her back to her belly this month! She had been trying so hard for over a month and now she is a rolling machine, literally rolling from back to belly within a few seconds of being laid down.

Maya continues to stare down our food at each meal and normally cries to be held, and a part of our family at the table, during mealtimes. I think meal times won't be an issue for this little munchkin, and that her first solid food could be just around the corner.

Maya is such a happy baby, loving to giggle out loud with this deep belly laugh that makes me laugh too. When belly laughs aren't audible, Maya opens her big gummy grin in a silent open mouth smile. Her communication skills are increasing and she loves to shriek in conversation. I get teary eyed just thinking of how quickly my baby girl is growing, and so incredibly proud of her growing accomplishments.

Roly Poly Maya

This week, Maya learned how to roll over! She has been trying so hard for more than a month now, and Tuesday...she did it! Maya has hardly stopped rolling since Tuesday, and given she hasn't yet mastered the belly to back roll, she cries in frustration when left on her belly too long...only to have me roll her to her back where she immediately flips over again. :)

In the video below, watch as Maya gracefully shows off her roly poly skills.

I am so proud of my littlest munchkin!

3 Months

How is it possible my baby girl is already 3 months old? I feel like just yesterday I was downing Blizzards from the local dairy queen, indulging in my very frequent pregnancy cravings. Now I am the momma of a smiley, go with the flow, happy little girl.

Maya is weighing about 15 lbs, trying hard to roll over and learning to roll onto her side and flop back to her back. Giggles are rare, but smiles are plentiful and a smile always lights up Maya's face when her big sister is around. Maya is a great little sleeper, laying down about 9 at night and sleeping most days until 6:30 or 7 with no feedings. Oh what an amazing baby I have been blessed with!! Happy 3 months Maya!

First time in her Jumperoo

Bumble Bee Baby

On our recent beach vacation, Maya was well protected from the sun. She played in her sun tent, napped in her bed while we were outdoors and didn't get to participate in the water time fun. Maya did however model for me in her adorable bumble bee swimsuit. And model she did!! Oh how I love this sweet bumble bee!! 

Welcome Maya Grace Berndsen

She came at 3:57pm. 21 inches, 8lb 9.4oz. Here are a few pics.

Let the Pushing Begin

We will beginning to push in the very near future. Wish Ashley a safe, quick active labor. Next time I write, I hope to have a picture.

No News is . . . No News

Not much new to report. Ashley is relaxed and sleeping. The epidural is doing its thing, so the pain is gone and I think we are just in a holding pattern as her body continues to do what it needs to do.

If I'm not writing after this post either nothing changed or everything did. Will update as I can.

The Mountains are Getting Steeper

When contractions come, so do little mountains coming from the machine. I can tell you, these mountains are getting steeper and as with all steep mountains, the pain is getting worse. Keep up the good work Ashley.

Progress Already

She went from 55 to 126. Whatever that is, it sounds good. They called her an over achiever.

Let the Games Begin

We've arrived and Ashley is all hooked up and still smiling.

The Night Before

Well here we sit, waiting for our new little girl to arrive. The house is ready and calm and the parents are trying to be. Tomorrow is the day we meet her. Daddy plans to keep updates on this site as much as he can. We look forward to bringing her home. Check back tomorrow for "play by play" updates.

2 more days

Last week, I entered my 38th week of pregnancy. I was feeling great, and getting excited to meet my little girl in just a few weeks. I went in for my weekly check-up with T.J. and Elliana in tow, a nice safety net this late in pregnancy.

Little did I know how odd my 38 week appointment would be! Before I knew it, I was being wheeled in a wheelchair to the hospital with bleeding and contractions. Elliana loved riding in the wheelchair and considered it all a grand adventure.

The contractions continued to get stronger and I was hooked on a monitor to track the baby's heartbeat while I waited for an ultrasound to determine why and where the bleeding was coming from. Being in the maternity triage unit, hooked up to machines while my daughter runs in circles and my husband felt ill, was what could be considered a stressful situation. I found myself laughing. Perhaps it was self preservation or the fact that I couldn't stop thinking of all the things I hadn't yet packed in my hospital bag if indeed I was staying.

Finally we went for the ultrasound, where luckily no cause for the bleeding was found. The technician did find a healthy, 8 lb baby girl, with a head of hair, in a breech position. A COMPLETE SURPRISE! Contractions and bleeding continued as I was wheeled back to triage where my mom was waiting to pick up Elliana, a fabulous blessing on such short notice!!! The nurse gave me a shot to stop the contractions as they didn't want me going into labor with a breech baby. I was sent home and put on modified bedrest until I could see my doctor again on Friday.

And so, I was on bed rest for 2.5 days and it isn't as fun as it sounds like it would be. I am so grateful for my mom and friends, and of course my hubby who all stepped up and helped with Elliana, waited on me, provided food and encouragement.

Friday evening I was released from bed rest, and was encouraged to go live an active life, as the baby had flipped back into proper position! The more active I was the more likely she would stay that way, but to ensure they scheduled an induction for this week, in hopes of having her arrive naturally and not a c-section.

We are just a couple of days until our newest little girl will officially be in our family. I am excited, anxious, thrilled, nervous and a bit terrified. But most of all, I am grateful.

A Year Ago

A year ago this week, our lives were quite different. In fact, it was not a pretty picture in our family. I had just had unexpected surgery for an ectopic pregnancy, was healing physically and wondering if I would ever heal emotionally after the loss of our pregnancy. As the "anniversary" of our loss approached, I had apprehension about the actual day we lost our baby. Frantic thoughts that the baby I am currently carrying would have a problem, irrational fears of horror stories that I never want anyone to endure, especially not my family.

Parts of the past year, ectopic pregnancy just a part of it, challenged our family in ways we hadn't before experienced. We grew in our faith. We grew in our love. We grew in our gratitude and appreciation for one another, our friends and family.

Through faith, we gained the courage to try again for a baby, in spite of the risk of it all happening again. Through grace we are currently being blessed with a healthy pregnancy. Through love, we are a stronger, healthier family than we were before.

Rather than being sad this week, I am praising God. I am praising Him for watching over my little baby in heaven, when I wasn't able to do so here on Earth. I am praising God for this tiny baby currently kicking me, growing and developing within. I am praising God for a healthy husband and little girl, who fill my days with happiness and laughter, even when circumstances or reminders try to fill me with sadness. I am abundantly grateful and blissfully happy.

Less than 2 weeks and counting...

Well, it is officially less than 2 weeks until Elliana is due to arrive. At our appointment on Friday, we learned that still no progress has been made, but at a little under 38 weeks, the doctor was guestimating that she was already weighing in at approximately 7.5 lbs! T.J. is a bit doubtful that she is that big, given the doctor also followed that statement with "But, I have been known to be off by a few pounds in the past." Given the previous week estimate by another doctor of a high 6 lbs to low 7 lbs, the 7.5 lb estimate sounded pretty accurate and on track.

As the doctor said, contractions are the word of the week, and although the contractions are few and far between, we are eagerly awaiting her arrival for whenever she is ready to appear.

Until then, I am continuing to learn patience and count down the days until estimated arrival. :)

Baby Berndsen Update

No, our daughter has not yet made her appearance into the world, but after our first weekly appt last week, I think it is safe to say that we are more excited than ever about meeting her in the next few weeks.

Last Friday, we met with my doctor who is currently estimating that Elliana is already weighing in at approximately upper 6 to a low 7 pounds. I think this pretty impressive given that at that time she still had a little bit more than 3 weeks left "to cook" where weight gain will continue these last few weeks.

We have now reached just 19 days until she is due, and we believe we have everything ready for her arrival! The hospital bag and diaper bag are packed and ready to go. Her room is complete and appears to be ready for a princess. The clothes have been cleaned and organized by size. The car seat has been installed and is enjoying its new home in the backseat of my car.

On my way to work each day, it is so much fun to see that little car seat and imagine our daughter in it in just a few weeks. Until then, we will continue to wait and pray for the health and safety of our little girl. We know she is in good hands.

Almost ready for arrival...

With just 41 days to spare before our daughter is due to arrive, we are proud to say that we have completed her room!

Although T.J. quickly finished painting the room for his little girl, we were waiting on all of the furniture to arrive, the bedding to be washed, and then the polka dots to be hung. This past weekend, we are thrilled that we were able to complete those outstanding items.


We can already imagine Elliana enjoying her room as much as we have enjoyed preparing it for her. I can already imagine spending hours in that recliner gently rocking her and reading to her. Talking to her about the love that Mommy & Daddy have for her and how we have been looking forward to being her parents all of our lives.

As you can tell, there are many clothes that are already awaiting her. Each outfit is a symbol of the many people that already love her and are looking forward to meeting her. Because believe it or not, her mommy has bought only one or two of those outfits, and the rest have been gifts for our little girl! What an incredible blessing and abundance of love, and I know that she will apprecaite it as much as I do...even if it takes her a little while :)

Those Darn Watermelon Seeds

Well last time I wrote about Ashley, I had thought maybe she was just carrying a deflated basketball under her shirt. Now, however, I’ve abandoned that idea and think I’ve figured out what is really happening.

We all remember those hot summers at the pool, right? At some point, someone decides to mix swimming with a watermelon. But it isn’t the swimming and watermelon I’m focused on here, but rather the point after swimming with the watermelon where the watermelon is cut up and everyone takes a slice.

I think every kid thinks, while eating this slice of watermelon, “What happens if I swallow a seed?” Well kids, this is what you get :

I know what your thinking, mom and dad said that wasn’t possible, but I now have proof. So kids, take it from me and my beautiful wife, DON'T EAT THOSE DARN WATERMELON SEEDS!

Our Little Girl

On Monday we went for another ultrasound and were amazed at how big our little girl has become all of a sudden! It was just 5 weeks since our last glimpse inside my belly, and it was truly amazing to see the little face and cheeks that have formed on our daughter. We got a kick out of seeing her stick her tongue out at us as we watched her dance and move within me.

In this picture you can see her face, eyes, and little cheeks as she lay on her side in my belly. It's incredible how just a few weeks ago she looked so much like a skeleton, and now she looks like a newborn. I am already looking forward to holding her in my arms and looking into those eyes that show themselves for the first time in this picture.

The past few weeks she has been very active and loves to kick her Mommy throughout the day and night. I love her little kicks and look forward to each and every one! Though I must admit I like it most when she kicks her Daddy's hand as he talks to her. There is just something about seeing them interact, even at this young stage of life, that warms my heart and fills me with excitement and joy over everything that parenthood will bring.

We are quickly approaching the 100 day mark until our little girl is due to arrive. Until then, we will eagerly await meeting her and continue to take care of in every way we can think of.

I guess it is true what our parents always said..."You can't understand the love a parent has for their child until you are a parent yourself." I think it is safe to say, that T.J. & I now understand and are loving this new love.

Gender Prediction?

Okay, so I know I am getting ahead of myself given the ultrasound to "reveal the goods" is in just about 2 weeks, but I was curious if any of my friends/family had any gut reactions as to the sex of our baby.

I have probably spent more time than I should have on gender prediction tests, especially since I have received such mixed results on each. After all, does it really just come down to wait and see, or is there validity in any of the crazy wives' tales that are available today?

So, I thought I would share the results of the various tests now just to see how accurate they are once we know the sex for sure. After all, this waiting and guessing period is part of the fun, right? :)

Test # 1 - Pencil Test
Performed by Uncle Nick two weeks ago, he was quite certain we would have first a GIRL and then a BOY. For those less versed in this "scientific" approach, a string is thread through a needle and the needle is then stuck into the eraser of the pencil. Depending on how the pencil swings or sways, supposedly determines the gender of the baby.

Test # 2 - Chinese Gender Chart
Legend states that the Chinese Gender Chart was buried in a royal tomb near Beijing over 700 years ago. The original is allegedly currently in the Institute of Science in Beijing. To sum it up...this is a chart which measures the mothers age at conception and the month in which she conceives to deliver the truly scientific results of the gender. So...Given I was 27 and Baby was created in April, I am predicted to have a BOY.

Test # 3 - Heartbeat Prediction
If the heartbeat during ultrasounds is over 150, then it is supposed to be a girl, whereas all heartbeats 100-150 are in the range of baby boy. So, given we have now heard heartbeats (in order) at 145, 170, 150, 148...I have no idea what gender that leaves us with.

Regardless of the results in just a few weeks, I can guarantee that T.J. & I are ready and excited to welcome this baby into our lives!