Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Her name is BABY MILLIE!!!
Over the weekend Amelia and I headed south again while Wade was out of town. While there we had lunch at my grandma's. My sister, mom, Shelby and Macie also attended. After lunch my grandma was holding Amelia and decided that a good nickname for her would be squeaky. Macie looks up and yells seriously "No! Her name is Baby Millie!" It was the cutest thing ever. Macie (who refers to herself as Mae-Mae) is a very loving and funny cousin. Millie is her little baby!!
Carson Paul is here!!
Another Coug Baby is here!! Congratulations to Becki and Paul to the birth of their son Carson Paul. He was born March 23rd to a C-section after mom pushed for 3 hours!! Mom and baby are doing great. It was so wonderful for Amelia and I to be able to see them both just hours after his arrival!! We LOVE you!! and can't wait for us to start our Tuesday playdates :).
Amelia and Carson's first picture together. Many more to come. I cannot believe how big Amelia is compared to him. She was a pound smaller then him when she was born. It just amazes me how much she has grown (milk does a body good). It is a little bitter sweet. I loved my little new born, but I am really enjoying seeing all the new skills she is developing.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
My "MOM" Top Ten
Last weekend I had lunch with my expecting friend Tiff. While there she asked me what was the best thing about having a baby and what is the hardest. Well, this got me thinking about things I could tell someone who is pregnant. In David Letterman style, I started to categorize things I wanted to pass on in a Top Ten List. These are things I can't live without, but also things that I find fun. Most were recommended to me by other mothers.
10) Mustela Post Partum Body Restructuring Gel: Don't ask me if it really works, but I like to think it does. Megan gave me this product because she had a C-section and couldn't use it. I think this with the power of the Secret it will give me an even better body then I had before I got pregnant.
9) Swaddlers: Swaddling a baby makes them feel like they are still in the womb. If that is the case it sure does work for Amelia. Every night we swaddle her and it relaxes her for a good sleep. They also keep her warm and you don't have to put on blankets that could cause suffication.
8) Easy Entree: This is a company in Bellingham where you can pre-make meals and freeze them until your ready to use them. A lot like the chain Dream Dinners (I try to buy local). A couple weeks before my due date, Sarah and I went and spent a night putting meals together that I could use later. It has been great grabbing a meal from the freezer and having it ready to cook by dinner time. I don't have to think about cooking when times get a little hectic. I HIGHLY suggest doing this!!
7) On Demand: Okay, so I do watch a lot of TV, but what I want to highlight about On Demand is that they have Exercise TV where you can get different workout shows (from Yoga to Dance Aerobics). While Amelia is sleeping I will try to watch a show or two. I started out with Yoga, but I am slowing moving to more high impact exercises.
6) Gripe Water: A couple different mothers recommended this before I gave birth. It is a "water" made from fennel and ginger. What is so great about it is how fast it can get rid of the hick-ups (and ease Colic). Just a spoonful and they are gone. It is made for babies, but you might be able to try it for yourself. Let me know how it works.
5) B.O.B.: This stroller literally is a BEAST. A couple friends had it, so with a little research and product testing we were sold. We had to have one. It is a great stroller that can go anywhere. Being an active family we needed that. We have already used it a ton with walks around Lake Padden and it will help me train to do the 9 mile running leg of Ski to Sea in May. We have the orange one :).
4) Burt's Bees: These are great products for babies and adults. I used them before and during pregnancy. The baby line is just as good as the adults. They can be a little more spendy, but worth the extra cash. My sister also highly recommends them too! I daily use their lotion on Amelia and the diaper rash cream can do wonders. It smells so good.
3) Little Giraffe Chenille Items: This is a line that is sold at Nordstroms. A couple friends gave me some of their products and I have loved how soft they are. Amelia loves her little lovey and will snuggle right up to it. She also enjoys being wrapped in the towel after a bath. Makes for a good night routine.
2) Itzbeen: My friend Megan swore by this product and let me use it with Amelia. I now swear by it. It is a timer that helps me know when the last time I feed, changed, baby napped,... It has been a great resource to help me stay somewhat on track. Having "baby brain" you need all the help you can get.
1) Living in Bellingham!: Being an active family, living in Bellingham has all the resources we need to stay happy and healthy. As a new mom, I highly recommend trying to get out of the house at least once a day. Daily, Amelia and I utilize the parks, trails and Bellingham attractions. If you have never visited Bellingham or it has been a while, you need to make a trip soon!!
10) Mustela Post Partum Body Restructuring Gel: Don't ask me if it really works, but I like to think it does. Megan gave me this product because she had a C-section and couldn't use it. I think this with the power of the Secret it will give me an even better body then I had before I got pregnant.
9) Swaddlers: Swaddling a baby makes them feel like they are still in the womb. If that is the case it sure does work for Amelia. Every night we swaddle her and it relaxes her for a good sleep. They also keep her warm and you don't have to put on blankets that could cause suffication.
8) Easy Entree: This is a company in Bellingham where you can pre-make meals and freeze them until your ready to use them. A lot like the chain Dream Dinners (I try to buy local). A couple weeks before my due date, Sarah and I went and spent a night putting meals together that I could use later. It has been great grabbing a meal from the freezer and having it ready to cook by dinner time. I don't have to think about cooking when times get a little hectic. I HIGHLY suggest doing this!!
7) On Demand: Okay, so I do watch a lot of TV, but what I want to highlight about On Demand is that they have Exercise TV where you can get different workout shows (from Yoga to Dance Aerobics). While Amelia is sleeping I will try to watch a show or two. I started out with Yoga, but I am slowing moving to more high impact exercises.
6) Gripe Water: A couple different mothers recommended this before I gave birth. It is a "water" made from fennel and ginger. What is so great about it is how fast it can get rid of the hick-ups (and ease Colic). Just a spoonful and they are gone. It is made for babies, but you might be able to try it for yourself. Let me know how it works.
5) B.O.B.: This stroller literally is a BEAST. A couple friends had it, so with a little research and product testing we were sold. We had to have one. It is a great stroller that can go anywhere. Being an active family we needed that. We have already used it a ton with walks around Lake Padden and it will help me train to do the 9 mile running leg of Ski to Sea in May. We have the orange one :).
4) Burt's Bees: These are great products for babies and adults. I used them before and during pregnancy. The baby line is just as good as the adults. They can be a little more spendy, but worth the extra cash. My sister also highly recommends them too! I daily use their lotion on Amelia and the diaper rash cream can do wonders. It smells so good.
3) Little Giraffe Chenille Items: This is a line that is sold at Nordstroms. A couple friends gave me some of their products and I have loved how soft they are. Amelia loves her little lovey and will snuggle right up to it. She also enjoys being wrapped in the towel after a bath. Makes for a good night routine.
2) Itzbeen: My friend Megan swore by this product and let me use it with Amelia. I now swear by it. It is a timer that helps me know when the last time I feed, changed, baby napped,... It has been a great resource to help me stay somewhat on track. Having "baby brain" you need all the help you can get.
1) Living in Bellingham!: Being an active family, living in Bellingham has all the resources we need to stay happy and healthy. As a new mom, I highly recommend trying to get out of the house at least once a day. Daily, Amelia and I utilize the parks, trails and Bellingham attractions. If you have never visited Bellingham or it has been a while, you need to make a trip soon!!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
One Month
It is almost impossible to think about how fast time has flown by and Amelia is now one month old. I guess the saying is true that time flies when you are having fun. This past month it has been amazing watching each new development Amelia has. She is now starting to focus more on objects and faces, as well as becoming more aware of the surroundings around her. She seems to be putting weight on like crazy and growing at a rapid rate (Just don't ask me her weight because it is something I keep meaning to do. My dad thinks 1o lbs.). I am excited to watch her grow, but also trying to cherish the small moments now.
This past week Amelia and I moved back to Kirkland while Wade was in Dubai (picture is of Wade is front of the world's only 7 star hotel). I don't know if my parents knew what they were in for when we showed up at their door, bags in hand. It was so great to spend the quality time with them and family, as well have the opportunity for Amelia to meet friends who couldn't make the trip north. We had a lot of fun cruising around my old stomping grounds and relaxing at home.
While at home Amelia was part of her first photo shoot. A friend from WSU, Erin, is a VERY talented photographer (along with her new husband Steve). One day while looking at her blog I saw some of her pictures and HAD to have her take some for us. On Saturday she came to my parents for the photo session. I am so excited with what I saw and it is going to be very hard to decide which ones to frame. I may have a whole wall covered!!! Amelia was a natural model and Erin was able to get some great pictures of her awake and asleep. I am looking forward to having her capture more moments as time goes by.
This past week Amelia and I moved back to Kirkland while Wade was in Dubai (picture is of Wade is front of the world's only 7 star hotel). I don't know if my parents knew what they were in for when we showed up at their door, bags in hand. It was so great to spend the quality time with them and family, as well have the opportunity for Amelia to meet friends who couldn't make the trip north. We had a lot of fun cruising around my old stomping grounds and relaxing at home. While at home Amelia was part of her first photo shoot. A friend from WSU, Erin, is a VERY talented photographer (along with her new husband Steve). One day while looking at her blog I saw some of her pictures and HAD to have her take some for us. On Saturday she came to my parents for the photo session. I am so excited with what I saw and it is going to be very hard to decide which ones to frame. I may have a whole wall covered!!! Amelia was a natural model and Erin was able to get some great pictures of her awake and asleep. I am looking forward to having her capture more moments as time goes by.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Family
Over the long weekend, Amelia had the oppertunity to meet some of her family. My sister and Kyle brought up the girls for Valentine's Day. Amelia got to meet her only 1st cousins Shelby and Macie. Even though the two girls were a little more interested in playing with the toys and swirling chair we have, I am sure they all will grow-up being close friends. Shelby is going to be a great baby sitter and Macie is going to teach her how to have some fun. On Sunday we took Amelia on a walk to Padden before heading out to Lynden to meet the great grandparents and wish grandma a happy birthday. While on our walk we ran into Wade's Uncle Bruce and Aunt Shirley. It was nice to see them and also get some fresh air.
Once out in Lynden Amelia got to meet her great grandparents Kornelis and her great grandmother Van Dorn. Wade is blessed with a big family and we were also lucky to have Aunt Louis, Uncle Sid, Daniel and Uncle Ray there too. These are just a few of his aunts, uncles and cousins. Here are some other pictures of family. We can't forget all the grandparents!!
Happy Birthday Grandma!! (A little late). Wade's mom. 
Grandpa. Wade's dad. 
Mimi and Papa. Karli's Parents.
Friday, February 13, 2009
One week old.
Last night while talking to my mom she reminded me that a week ago I was starting to go into labor. It then hit me that a week has already flown by. It has only felt like a couple days due to it being full of firsts. This week has been very eventful. Amelia went to the doctors for the first time, she met many new friends for the first time, she went on her first walk to Lake Padden,..... This week has also been firsts for Wade and me. We have really been enjoying being parents and can't thank all the people who have been giving us support, dinners, gifts and advice. It just confirms that it does take a village to raise a child. Bring on the village!!!
Wade has also shown to be a natural father. He has not only shown to be an awesome dad, but has shown to be a SUPER awesome dad to a little girl. He is very hands on and nurturing. I can already tell it will be a special relationship for a lifetime (she already has him wrapped around her little finger. I love it!!).
Getting ready for her first car ride home. Katie bought her this outfit and I thought it was the cutest thing ever! The drive home was a little intimidating due to it carrying something so small. Wade said he felt like he was taking his drivers license test again.
Meeting Tracker! Long before Amelia came, Wade and I talked about how our first baby was going to handle a new baby. This was a moment we have been looking forward to and thinking about a lot. After excitedly greeting us home, we introduced them. Tracker was a little timid at first, but licked her and went back to greeting us with excitement. Since then he has adjusted well to her. He'll come and give her random kisses and now instead of running away when she cries, he'll come and run to her. The other night he also slept in the bed between me and her bassinet. With each whimper he would look in and check on her, then back to bed. Best friends already!!
Meeting Uncle Derek. Derek and Kaitlin drove up from Seattle to meet Amelia. They were able to stay for a couple hours and visit. "D" was a little scared to hold her at first, but as you can see he got more comfortable.
My mom and dad drove up here with my grandma and Aunt Shelby. It was great to have 4 generations in the room. Just think, for me to be like my grandmother, Amelia's kids will have to be having kids! My grandma held her for about an hour while she slept.
Once Wade looked and said "it's a girl" one of the first things that I thought was about the special relationship Lyla and Amelia will have. This is a very special meeting because they are "god" sisters. They are the 4th generation of the "god" family. This relationship goes back to Megan's and my grandparents. What makes it even more meant to be is that Wade and Brett are fraternity brothers. They knew each other before Megan and Brett even met. We aren't even the reason they did meet!
Wade has also shown to be a natural father. He has not only shown to be an awesome dad, but has shown to be a SUPER awesome dad to a little girl. He is very hands on and nurturing. I can already tell it will be a special relationship for a lifetime (she already has him wrapped around her little finger. I love it!!).
Getting ready for her first car ride home. Katie bought her this outfit and I thought it was the cutest thing ever! The drive home was a little intimidating due to it carrying something so small. Wade said he felt like he was taking his drivers license test again. 
Meeting Tracker! Long before Amelia came, Wade and I talked about how our first baby was going to handle a new baby. This was a moment we have been looking forward to and thinking about a lot. After excitedly greeting us home, we introduced them. Tracker was a little timid at first, but licked her and went back to greeting us with excitement. Since then he has adjusted well to her. He'll come and give her random kisses and now instead of running away when she cries, he'll come and run to her. The other night he also slept in the bed between me and her bassinet. With each whimper he would look in and check on her, then back to bed. Best friends already!!
Meeting Uncle Derek. Derek and Kaitlin drove up from Seattle to meet Amelia. They were able to stay for a couple hours and visit. "D" was a little scared to hold her at first, but as you can see he got more comfortable. 
My mom and dad drove up here with my grandma and Aunt Shelby. It was great to have 4 generations in the room. Just think, for me to be like my grandmother, Amelia's kids will have to be having kids! My grandma held her for about an hour while she slept. 
Once Wade looked and said "it's a girl" one of the first things that I thought was about the special relationship Lyla and Amelia will have. This is a very special meeting because they are "god" sisters. They are the 4th generation of the "god" family. This relationship goes back to Megan's and my grandparents. What makes it even more meant to be is that Wade and Brett are fraternity brothers. They knew each other before Megan and Brett even met. We aren't even the reason they did meet!
Monday, February 9, 2009
On the day you were born...
Over the weekend Wade and I welcomed Amelia Ann Koning into our family. She was born at 10:34 Friday night, weighing 7.5 lbs, 21 inches long and all 10 fingers and toes accounted for. The day February 6th has been changed in our lives forever. While going through the process of labor and delivery, Wade and I talked about how each year on this day we will have to tell Amelia her birth story:
"One the day you were born, I was in labor for 28 hours. It started the night before while out to Mexican with friends. I came home and started tracking the contractions. Around 11 that night I decided they were far enough apart that it was time to go to the hospital. We arrived around midnight and they sent us home around 1:30 with two Ambiem due to not enough progress from my weekly check-up with the doctor. I was told I would either sleep or be up all night. I was up all night. With each hour the contractions got worse and worse. Finally, in the morning I couldn't take it any longer and called the doctor and asked if I could go in NOW! They said yes. At 9:00, February 6th, we were back at the Childbirth Center at St Joesph's Hospital. I was admitted. I was supposed to get an epidural right away, but due to the arrival of an emergency C-section I was the last priority. I waited for 3 more hours feeling it all!! Around 11 I had the epi and life was good. We hung around for the day. Sleeping, talking and visiting with family. At 7 that night it was time to start the pushing. However, during this time a "window" of pain opened up. I couldn't get it fixed because every time I moved to have the epi even out you didn't like it. I had to stay on my right side. So my right leg was REALLY numb and the feeling in my left came back. After pushing for 3 hours and you still weren't here. At this point they called the doctor in to see what the next step was. He watched a couple pushes and decided to bring on the vacuum. He said we would give it three more contractions and then it was off to get a c-section. Again, I could still feel my right side. They strapped me in, got the vacuum attached and did a snip here and a cut there. Contraction 1: nope. Contraction 2: nope. Contraction 3: nope. But, a 4th contraction started right away...the doctor reached in (literally reached in) and was determined this was going to be it! He got the head out and saw that you were sunny side up. The contraction stopped and the doctor had to move your whole body around and cut the umbilical cord that was around your neck. This combo was what was making you not able to get through that final part. Once done and one more push we welcomed you to this world 10:35pm. You didn't really cry, you just sat and looked around. We were all very tired, but extremely HAPPY!"
The Koning Family: Wade, Karli and Amelia. Right after delivery.
Dad and his new girl. Wade has shown to be an awesome father. He does 90% of the diaper changes, has done all her baths, and is taking great care of me. He also is all about Title 9. 
All cleaned up and ready for some rest after the big day.
"One the day you were born, I was in labor for 28 hours. It started the night before while out to Mexican with friends. I came home and started tracking the contractions. Around 11 that night I decided they were far enough apart that it was time to go to the hospital. We arrived around midnight and they sent us home around 1:30 with two Ambiem due to not enough progress from my weekly check-up with the doctor. I was told I would either sleep or be up all night. I was up all night. With each hour the contractions got worse and worse. Finally, in the morning I couldn't take it any longer and called the doctor and asked if I could go in NOW! They said yes. At 9:00, February 6th, we were back at the Childbirth Center at St Joesph's Hospital. I was admitted. I was supposed to get an epidural right away, but due to the arrival of an emergency C-section I was the last priority. I waited for 3 more hours feeling it all!! Around 11 I had the epi and life was good. We hung around for the day. Sleeping, talking and visiting with family. At 7 that night it was time to start the pushing. However, during this time a "window" of pain opened up. I couldn't get it fixed because every time I moved to have the epi even out you didn't like it. I had to stay on my right side. So my right leg was REALLY numb and the feeling in my left came back. After pushing for 3 hours and you still weren't here. At this point they called the doctor in to see what the next step was. He watched a couple pushes and decided to bring on the vacuum. He said we would give it three more contractions and then it was off to get a c-section. Again, I could still feel my right side. They strapped me in, got the vacuum attached and did a snip here and a cut there. Contraction 1: nope. Contraction 2: nope. Contraction 3: nope. But, a 4th contraction started right away...the doctor reached in (literally reached in) and was determined this was going to be it! He got the head out and saw that you were sunny side up. The contraction stopped and the doctor had to move your whole body around and cut the umbilical cord that was around your neck. This combo was what was making you not able to get through that final part. Once done and one more push we welcomed you to this world 10:35pm. You didn't really cry, you just sat and looked around. We were all very tired, but extremely HAPPY!"
The Koning Family: Wade, Karli and Amelia. Right after delivery. 
Dad and his new girl. Wade has shown to be an awesome father. He does 90% of the diaper changes, has done all her baths, and is taking great care of me. He also is all about Title 9. 
All cleaned up and ready for some rest after the big day.
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