AMY MELISSA

Week 38 - and rewind a bit

2011-05-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

Here is an ultrasound pictures from a week and a half ago. My doctor wanted to check to see if everything was okay because I was measuring a little small. Everything is fine, we just have a littler baby, measuring in the 41st percentile - that number being inflated a bit due to the large size of baby's head :) Malachi also has a big head. Baby's head is down and so his or her face is a little squished. These pictures make me really excited to hold our little one soon!

Week 37 - My Watermelon

2011-05-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

The last couple weeks, my doctor has said our baby is measuring a bit small. So, he scheduled an ultrasound for me for this morning. I was a little apprehensive because of his mild concern, but was also excited to see our baby again today. He or she measured in at about 6lbs 5oz, which falls into the low side of normal, but still normal. My doctor and the technician both suggested that because I have a longer torso, that may also contribute to me measuring small. Hard to believe seeing how I weigh 30ish lbs more than I did before I was pregnant! I don't think I'm all that photogenic lately, so I haven't many profile shots of late! I'll try to have one taken again soon.

Here are a few pictures of baby's freshly painted room in Benjamin Moore's Dill Pickle. I've been wanting to use this color for a long long time and love how it turned out! We are seriously looking to have carpet installed upstairs which will make the upper floor much more inviting to spend time in. Right now it's old, ugly, cold, cracked and bubbling laminate. Throw rugs have helped a little.

I'm now officially full term. If you recall, I went into labor the day I was 37 weeks with Malachi. In effect, I'm much more prepared this time for our baby to come early. The only thing I have left to do is pack an overnight bag and (this is a big one) pick a girl's name with KC. We have a boy name. We took a refresher childbirth class at Metro a few weeks ago. I'm pre-registered at the hospital. We have baby's room freshly painted, the crib set up and made with clean linens. We have the pack n play set up in our room with it's coordinating bassinet, changing pad and mobile all in place. My Boppy pillow is ready. I have a baby boy and girl outfit purchased for bringing baby home in. The car seat and base are clean and ready to install in the car. Newborn diapers are bought, washed newborn clothes are folded or hanging in the dresser or closet by size. Prepared well enough at the office to go on leave. Am I missing anything?

Week 31 - Oh a Squash

2011-03-30T20:22:00.000-07:00

Here I am at 31 weeks. I still feel 10 times bigger everywhere than I think I look in this picture. (scroll down - a lot)

Being pregnant makes me want to knit. I just finished a scarf for KC's mom and I finished a simple cowl scarf for myself shortly before that. Now that my winter knitting is complete, I'm doing little things that will make welcoming a new baby as smooth as possible. I think I may have learned my lesson when Malachi came 3 weeks early and we hadn't bought a car seat yet and hadn't finalized baby names either. If we had a girl instead of Malachi, I'm pretty sure she wouldn't have had a name when she was born. I think boys names are much easier than girls ones.

1. I've set up the pack n play in a corner of our bedroom in it's bassinet form with the changing station, mobile and organizer that it came with all attached and in place.

2. We got a toddler bed and mattress from some dear church friends for Malachi - so I set that up in his room. KC disassembled the crib and reassembled it upstairs in a room that we haven't been using and now appears to be kindof a proper nursery. I bought another mattress pad, washed all the sheets and a small blanket and folded a few matching blankets for swaddling inside. The room upstairs will be used mostly for baby napping during the day as it will be much quieter upstairs than it will be on the main level with Malachi running around at times.

3. I brought two boxes of bottles upstairs, ran them through the wash and cleaned out a cupboard in the kitchen to make room for baby bottles and cleaning tools.

4. I broke out the pump, cleaned all the parts, put the ice pack in the freezer.

5. I bought two going home outfits - one for a boy and one for a girl. I still want to get hats for each on Etsy.

6. I organized one side of Malachi's closet for new baby clothes. Half the rack on that side is made up of 0-3 months items for boys and half for girls. These are mostly items I found on sale and too hard to pass up even though I didn't need them at that time.

7. We are assembling an Ikea dresser to put in Malachi's room (the puppet theatre will move upstairs to make room for the dresser). Until now, we've been using bins on the changing table and closet space to store Ki's clothes, but the dresser will really simplify things by having designated drawers and extra storage space to accomodate two little ones.

8. The Boppy is setting in the bassinet with a clean cover and another cover for back-up in the organizer.

9. I set up a course for KC and I to get a refresher on birthing on a Saturday morning. I found this really helpful before we had Malachi and think we'll just feel better prepared being reminded of some things I'm sure we've forgotten in the last 2 years.

10. KC and I set a deadline to have a final girl and boy name by the end of April. We have two of each that we both quite like - now we just need to make a decision.

11. I have daycare set up for Malachi and the new baby at CCLC. I have been very seriously looking for an alternative option, however, as CCLC with two kids will be quite a lot more expensive than I'm really comfortable with. If anyone has any good recommendations for someone in the Grandville/Jenison area - please let me know!

12. I haven't really been looking for a double stroller. Malachi really only likes to be in a stroller when it's moving. I also don't really want to spend hundreds of dollars on another stroller. If anyone has one they're interested in lending or selling inexpensively, I might consider - otherwise, I think I might try to go without and see what happens.

13. I'm probably missing something. Perhaps I'll start packing my hospital bag. Until then, I'll just keep reading in library books, magazines, blogs or just talking with friends to figure out what other things I can do to prepare. In some ways, I think having had one will make a world of difference in simply knowing what to expect - at least a little - the second time around. Here's praying we can skip the ICU this time (God willing)! I'd much prefer to walk my little ones to the farmers market and spend some summery days outside rather than managing medical paperwork between naps during my maternity leave.

"Nice Doctor"

2011-03-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

Malachi went to see Dr. Hofman today for his two year check-up - following are my notes in no particular order on what we discussed:

Eyes
We noted that Malachi is inconsistent with identifying his colors. Hofman said by age 4 he ought to have them straight. I didn't realize we were so progressive practicing colors already!

Ears
One ear looks a bit gunky, like one of the tubes may be falling out. The other is clear and looks great.

Nose, Mouth, Back, Reflexes, Privates - check, check, check, check, check

Autism Screening
Clear

Language
Hofman asked if he is using 50 words or more. I'm pretty sure he has 4x or more that many - he's such a singer and chatty little boy! Now it's time to work on the 3 P's - pronouns, plurals, and prepositions. We were encouraged to speak with Malachi like Mr. Rogers would have.

Potty
2 years and 4 months is average for boys. We have a little training potty that we ask if he wants to use. He usually says no. Hofman suggested we don't ask, but state- and to go straight for sitting on the big potty.

Sleeping
No problems there at all. Malachi likes going down for naps and going to bed at night.

Pacifier
He can keep it. At times, he'll give it to me or KC if he doesn't want or need it. We only really give it to him when he asks for it and also when he goes to sleep.

TV
None before 2 (we broke that a little at around 21 months). Now that he's 2, I guess 1 hour a day is the accepted maximum, but I'm not really comfortable with even that much - probably because with both KC and I working nearly all week, our time with him is limited and precious. A couple times a week he gets a 15-20 minute music video time - usually with KC. Sometimes it's Justin Beiber with Ludacris - other times it's Will-I-am with Elmo.

Percentiles
Malachi is just a bit on the thin side of average (43rd). He has a rather big head (82nd). He's not nearly as tall as he used to be (28th).

Arms
I discovered recently that Ki has Keratosis pilaris or "chicken skin" on the backs of his upper arms. I was actually rather pleased to find this, because it is something that I remember my brother Michael had and must have somehow been passed down genetically for Malachi to have it. It's completely harmless (little red bumps) and will probably never go away. If Ki were to ever itch at it, we could just apply some 1% hydrocortisone cream.

Eating
Time to start watching fats, taking extra care to avoid/moderate trans fats and high fructose corn syrup. Time to switch from 2% to skim milk. Also time for KC and I to get our cholestoral checked... It's a bit tricky coordinating Malachi's appetite with dinner time, particulary since KC and I don't get home until after 5:30pm typically to start preparing a meal. This probably means improved meal planning on my part and also working to not feed the hungry boy until dinner is ready (so long as it isn't much after 6pm). The goal of course is to sit down together for dinner as a family, even if it's just me and Ki.

Immunizations
Malachi had his 2nd round of HepA today - remedied with a few tears, a Garfield bandaid, a turtle sticker and a little toy frog to take home. Next will be a visit to the flu clinic this fall - now that he's two, he can have the mist instead of a shot. I keep an Excel file to track the whats and whens of all his immunizations. I like having it all in one place that I can find easily if needed.

Swimming
Though we are more confident in Malachi to do many things on his own, Hofman strongly encouraged us to take special precautions with him around water at this age.

Big Brother
Keep it casual. Hofman shared that Malachi may regress a bit with a new sibling, but the less we draw extra or forced attention to the event, the easier the transition will be. Hofman of course was delighted with the news of new patient.

Glasses for KC

2011-03-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

KC mentioned to me a week or so ago that he really needs a new contact lens prescription. Seeing as how I have had nearly perfect vision my whole life, I didn't really know where to start. My plan right now is to schedule him with the independent optometrist at Costco to get a new contact lens prescription. If I understand correctly, there is a separate cost for an eyeglass prescription. I guess I'll find out for sure when I call to set up his appointment. In the meantime, I was looking into free glasses at Coastal Contacts and found this really easy and fun virtual mirror (KC will love me for this). So, I picked out 4 pairs of glasses for him that I like. I discovered in the process that I'm a big fan of the black rim frame trend. Which are your favorite? If I'm really lucky, I might win a free pair for him.
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Week 30 - A Large Cabbage

2011-03-21T22:46:00.000-07:00

KC and I went away for the weekend to Grand Haven. Last quiet weekend together before the baby comes. Friday night we stopped at Meijer for jelly beans and I found this awesome Sooners T-Shirt for $1.99. Just think of all the money we're saving to get a camera that doesn't take fuzzy pictures!!

Here I am at 30 weeks when I was pregnant with Malachi.

Week 28 - Nearly a Squash

2011-03-05T18:43:00.000-08:00

Cannot believe I'm going on month 7 next week already!

Baby weights about 2 pounds now and is about 14 inches. This is the last week baby is eggplant-sized.

Malachi is crying because daddy is taking my picture and not playing blocks with him. In other dialogue with Malachi today:
A - Hi hunny! Did you miss me?
M - No
A - You didn't really mean that did you Ki?
M - No
Sometimes when he sees me he says, "Hi peanut!". I didn't realize I used that phrase with him so much.

Week 24 - Nearly an Eggplant

2011-02-12T18:43:00.000-08:00

Here I am at the end of week 24. I think the pictures make me appear smaller than I actually am. I have done very little to get ready for this baby. We really have everything we need - though I guess I could use some newborn size diapers. Without knowing the gender, I've really resisted buying any baby clothes. I do want to find a going home outfit and hat, however. Maybe that will help to satisfy a bit of my need to nest. Fortunately, I don't think we'll be picking baby names in the hospital this time around.

Here I am between 20 and 25 weeks along two years ago when I was pregnant with Malachi. Here I am on Valentine's day two years ago. I would have been about 32 weeks pregnant then.

HEART THROB

2011-02-05T10:17:00.000-08:00

I had one hour to make a Meijer run. The Saturday before the Super Bowl turns out to be not great timing for this, however, there were plenty of nice Meijer people planted around the store to hand out smiles, hellos and loads of free samples today (all of which I declined despite the hearty appetite I've developed in the last couple months).

Since I was headed to Meijer, I figured I ought to buy the things Aldi doesn't typically carry such as dried ancho chiles and masa harina for the tamales I've been craving since New Years Eve with the Elgersmas. Actually, I wonder if Aldi does carry masa harina? I had a coupon for Tabasco green pepper sauce, but somehow I missed it when I scaled the condiment aisle. Garden Fresh chips and salsa were buy one get one free. The only salsa better than their garlic artichoke, is when its made fresh at home. I recently discovered the most authentic enchilada sauce that comes in a can by La Victoria, so I had to pick up one of those, and one arms reach away was the last can of chopped green chilies, also hard to come by at Aldi. On the bottom shelf were the dried corn husks for tamales. Apparently, only some Costcos carries tamales in the winter, and Grandville isn't one of them so I've resolved to make my own. I finally bought the Meijer Gold european sparkling limeade that appeals to me every time I see on the top shelf in the juice aisle. It truly is a virgin Mojito in a bottle. Add some mint leaves and raw sugar cane, you'd never know the difference!

Costco tamales

masa harina to make my own

Other than what might seem a craving for spicy latin american cuisine (not a new craving, only one pronounced by a growing baby), I was also ridiculously excited when I found two boxes of Quaker Crunchy Corn Bran pushed way to the back just peeking out from behind the Oatmeal Squares. QCCB is my absolute favorite cereal. I've looked and looked for it at Meijer before with no success. It makes perfect sense though that I would find it when I wasn't looking for it. And though even on sale, they're still a fortune, I bought blackberries. If only I could afford to eat them everyday.

To top it all off, it's Valentines Day which means I am savoring some Brach's Conversation Hearts right now. This one says, HEART THROB!

Week 22

2011-01-29T18:28:00.000-08:00

22 weeks and 5 days - and love that I can still wear this low cut pair of non-maternity pants. I have one pair of black dress pants with a high belly band that are comfortable. My Liz Lange and Motherhood jeans are big and slouchy still, I'm constantly pulling them up when I wear them.

Here I am at 22 weeks when I was pregnant with Malachi. I'm pretty sure I'm wearing my Motherhood jeans that I had bought on the way to the Living Desert in Palm Desert in this picture. I think this was Thanksgiving 2008.

Week 21

2011-01-29T18:20:00.000-08:00

This sweet baby is a little shy. Here's baby at 21 weeks and 1 day gestation.

Here I am - 21 weeks and 1 day along. These are my Motherhood khaki's. I've rolled them, because they are still a bit too big and slouchy - though my regular jeans are so uncomfortable now, even with a Bella Band.

I was a little camera shy today too. Must have been my really crazy hat hair!

A Muppet Christmas Carol

2010-10-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

I realize it's not even Halloween, but this was all I could find to watch other than The Deadliest Catch. The holidays are coming, and I have no shame in scoping out Christmas gifts at Costco already. I also bought Halloween candy on that same trip, and am more than equally excited about Thanksgiving this year because my mom and dad are staying with us. I've had my pilgrims out since the end of September, and pumpkins on the doorstep that already have traces of gnawing squirrels. My Christmas wreath (that also happens to be appropriate for fall) has been hanging proudly on our front door since September too. The holiday baking is in full effect, and might be narrowing my closet options a bit earlier than I had hoped.

I do still roll down my windows when driving and refuse to wear socks unless I risk losing toes (I nearly did this once in Beijing, much to my husband and parents chagrin). I've tried to buy dressier boots that I can wear in the snow and in the office two winters in a row, but haven't found the perfect (and affordable) pair. So, I wear my furry faux Uggs (typically with socks) then shed the socks and swap into heels or flats when I get to the office. I nearly lost a shoe this way once.

Papaya Skirt

2010-04-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

I wore my bright papaya skirt to the library today. Ki wore his yellow IZOD onesie.

The windows are open, the neighbors are out, some of the trees have little red berries, others have spring yellow buds.

I have chicken thawing for a grilled corn tequila chicken.

This week I am borrowing
Freakonomics audio book - Because I haven't taken the time to read the real book yet
Hushaby Lullabies CD - For Ki
Bon Appetit magazine - For cooking ideas and because Melanie's boyfriend Nate subscribes
Country Home magazine - For decorating on a dime
Vanity Fair magazine - Grace Kelly
Organic Gardening magazine - Because I'd love to have a green thumb
Parents magazine- I' m apprehensive
Better Homes and Gardens magazine - Tiny budgets, big results
The Photography Bible book - For so many reasons
Digital Family Photography book - For Photoshop tips
Domino The book of Decorating - Because I miss Domino the magazine and I love decora
Handmade Home book - For repurposing ideas

I usually have to recheck out a book or two because I don't have time to "read" them all in one week. I just find so much I want to borrow every week, it's hard for me to limit myself to just a few.

This Old House

2010-03-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

KC and I go to the Grandville Libary every Tuesday. I absolutely love being able to put Ki in the stroller and walk a few blocks to our local library. I did register him for Baby Time but haven't been yet. The first week I had a dentist appointment that I had already rescheduled twice and then last week, Ki had an awful cough. This Tuesday, KC and I are planning to go to Ikea in Chicago to buy a bed for a guest room. So we'll be missing Baby Time again. Everything in it's right time. Although we've missed Baby Time, we've still been to the library every Tuesday and I'm forever borrowing books about home design, landscaping, furniture, organization, painting, artwork and framing, beading and crafting.

As a result of moving into a project house, I am constantly thinking of renovation projects. Although I am a very project-driven type of person, I am easily overwhelmed by my own ambitions. I am constantly reminding myself to take things in stride, start small, one-at-a-time. In the meantime, I am always dreaming and sharing extravagent design ideas with KC that I usually preface by saying, "I know we may never do this, but, I had this great idea..." My latest idea was to open the wall between the living room and kitchen from countertop height to the door head. That way we could give our charming little 1948 house a little more openness. This is just the beginning of my great ideas for home improvement.

The trick to having a project house is prioritizing projects. When we bought the house, it was clear what our no. 1 priority was. The bathroom. Other than the fact that it didn't really have a shower, it was in desperate need of a makeover. Priority no. 2. Pull up carpet to expose beautiful pine wood floors and finish as needed. We were fortunate we didn't really need to refinish the floors because they are in such good shape. Priority no. 3. Paint. After renting for about 10 years, I was not living in a house of white walls

All for now. Time for a little Project Runway.

And to leave you with a little gem I hope to add to our home decor someday: This Lacquer Tray in Tumeric. I love the bigger 24" diameter. It would be a great on our oversized tufted ottoman in the living room for setting drinks and snacks or whatever I happen to be reading. Today - How to Paint Just About Anything by Better Homes and Gardens.

Double Trouble

2010-02-20T13:17:00.000-08:00

My little rock star has been in all kinds of mischief today. I guess not any more than usual really. Now that he's crawling, he discovers treasures all over the house. Today he was curious to see what was in the toilet. His dexterity also amazes me. While I was flipping through a Benjamin Moore fan deck, he grabbed both the remote and the mouse and took the batteries out! He was very pleased with himself and battled with me for the battery. Somehow, he also discovered my frilliest pair of underwear in my pile of folded laundry. Silly Ki!

Oh I feel faint

2010-02-02T18:29:00.000-08:00

The past few days have been full of surprises. Starting with Friday, Cottonwood called me at work to let me know Ki had a 101 fever and that we needed to come pick him up. KC brought him to his pediatrician and was diagnosed with a bronchial virus that was contagious! And, he's still taking meds for his ear infections. He's such a trooper! His fever came down and he was back at Cottonwood on Monday.

Over the weekend, my ongoing battle with my sinuses worsened. I really needed to go into the office Monday morning, so I thought I would stick it out. Around noon I was meeting with a coworker going over some open items on the Trinity Christian College project I'm working on. Suddenly I got really warm and started to shed my scarf. I told Andrew I needed to go sit down - so I'm walking toward the couches and collapsed in the doorway, briefly blacking out. I was relieved it wasn't as dramatic as it has been in the past when I pass out. Anyway, so Lydia took me home and I slept for 3 hours.

I went to the doctor today. She gave me something for a sinus infection (again). She also did an EKG to make sure my heart looked good, and it does. And, she's doing some blood testing to check my thyroid and to make sure I'm not anemic. I was not really expecting all that, but I'm grateful she's the doctor and not me.

The rest of the day was so relaxing. KC drove me downtown to get the Focus. Lydia and Peter weren't about to let me drive home on Monday. At first Peter asked if I had eaten anything, had anything to drink - and then he asked me if I was pregnant! I thought that was funny - and no, I'm not. And yes, I had a bagel, but not much to drink. After dropping off the Focus at the shop... we stopped at the Grandville library for CD's, DVD's and books. I adore the Grandville library. I can't wait for Spring so I can walk there with Ki and get fresh produce from the farmer's market.

And, here's a sweet picture of my baby in my new Puj Go Sling. I look pretty ridiculous, but I love how cuddly Ki is.

Love, Amy

Pajama Squid

2010-01-23T05:10:00.000-08:00

I found this darling little jumper on Pajama Squid and then discovered they are having a Giveaway through Grosgrain, that I couldn't help but enter for.

Pajama Squid Three Prize Guest Giveaway

Crossing my fingers

Gigglebug

2010-01-15T17:43:00.001-08:00

Someone's got the giggles!

Michael Jason

2010-01-12T11:45:00.001-08:00

Today is my brother's 8th heaven birthday. KC, Ki and I bought 3 stems of roses from Hudsonville floral and brought them to his tree outside Beets/Veenstra at Calvin. KC and I talked about our last memories of him on the way there. I can't wait to see him again someday. His plaque has Lamentations 3: 22-23 written on it.

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

I went through my little Mike box and found this birthday card that he gave me when I turned 21. A true Calvinist. I don't know why Blogger is rotating this?!

I love you Michael!

Giddyup

2010-01-10T11:27:00.001-08:00

Aqua Dot

2010-01-07T10:57:00.000-08:00

This Tie Chair would be really handy for traveling. I love the aqua/brown and green/white ones with polka dots. There are no retailers in Michigan though - next sewing project?! I'm thinking about sewing window treatments sometime this year too, so since I'll have the sewing machine out... Just the beginning of my great sewing ambitions for 2010.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2009-12-27T10:08:00.000-08:00

peace on earth
love kc, amy and malachi

Love a Lion

2009-11-01T18:18:00.000-08:00

KC's mom bought this lion costume for Ki. We thought it would be way too big because it's sized 2T. I'm still trying to figure out how kid's shoes and clothes are sized, but I'm pretty sure 2T is 2 year old toddler. Although it was very roomy, it fit well enough - both in size and in character for my very charismatic baby Ki. I'm not joking when I say he roared all day in his little lion outfit.

Messy Desk!

2009-10-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

I live here.

Here is my little station at the office. I like it because it is tucked around the corner and I have a great view of the city from the third floor. It's a little drafty, but I just keep a scarf and hot tea nearby. I have a very comfy and pretty red chair that I love.

I have four sticky notes on my monitor. A pile of marketing that keeps getting higher. This is as cluttered as my desk gets. I'm ready to clear it off! On display is Charlie's Ice Cream and an old model of a residence we designed in Ada. You can't see my mini bamboo too well, but it's growing. KC gave it to me a year or two ago. I'm working on some floor finish diagrams for Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School on the computer in between my everyday everyweek job on Trinity Christian College. It's hard to believe I've been working on that project for over a year already!

I start working MWF next week, and a few hours from home on T/TH. I'm really looking forward to spending T/TH with Ki.

Kozi Ki

2009-10-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

This adorable little cozy was made by KC's mom. She started it for KC, and finished it for Brian. It was perfect for our fall walk today. Brisk weather, a little sunshine and the crunch of fall leaves was the perfect setting for a baby nap in the stroller.

So much fun rolling in the leaves.

All bundled up and on the brink of falling asleep.

Piles of Maple Leaves

2009-10-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

Such a sweet little white house. The interior needs a little work. Hopefully there will be some before and after pictures to come! First on the list is the main floor bath, painting, and hopefully revealing some wood floors! Until then, we have some lovely pink and aqua carpet in the bedrooms!

The leaves on our maples are turning yellow.

It's so Grand-ville

2009-10-10T19:48:00.001-07:00

Third times a charm.

House 1: 40th Hudsonville
Someone else offered above list and offered to pay closing costs.

House 2: 38th Grandville
Turned out to be pending already when we made an offer.

House 3: Carmel Grandville
An estate house. 4 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, unfinished basement, shed roof, beautiful wooded lot. We're excited to do some updating inside. Love the location. Inspections this week Tuesday. More pictures to come.

Water Bug

2009-09-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

Just Another Manic Sunday

2009-08-16T18:38:00.000-07:00

Our neighbor Lydia stopped by today to see Ki. She found his bottle and attempted to feed him. She was just the sweetest!

One hand

Two hands

All done

1:00am - KC up with Ki!

3:00am - Amy up with Ki!!

5:00am - Amy paci for Ki!!! set up pack n' play in living room, late night conversation with KC planning approach to get Ki to sleep through the night

8:00am - Ki up, Amy feeds Ki, KC feeds Ki oatmeal

9:00am - clean up for church, iron skirt and shirt, shower, give Ki ESPN magazine while blow dry hair, pack

10:00am - church

10:30am - Ki to church foyer

11:00am - chat with church friends about Ki and friend's college plans

11:30am - speed read GR Press, set table, check real estate listings

12:00pm - roast, smashed potatoes, summer squash, green beans, Ki naps

12:30pm - Ki up too soon

1:00pm - Settlers with fish,

2:00pm - Ki back to sleep in grandpa's arms

3:00pm - Ki up, walk through Rivertown Park homes

4:00pm - drive home, discuss house, budget, condo?

4:30pm - collage for KC

5:00pm - make list of goals for week, chardonnay

5:30pm - thank yous

6:00pm - leftover pork loin

6:30pm - Albert, Lydia, Jada visit, Lydia plays with Ki's toys

7:00pm - Ki crabby

7:30pm - KC takes Ki on walk

8:30pm - Amy feeds Ki

9:00 - Ki coos, KC plays computer game, Amy Trulia/Zillow, upload pictures

9:30pm - swaddle, Ki crashes

10:00pm - post, pick-up, Mad Men

10:30pm - wash face, brush teeth, book, bed, pray Ki sleeps past 3am

Hats for Sale! Hats for Sale! 50 Cents a Hat!

2009-07-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

It's not quite finished, I still need to add tassels to the end of the ties. I'm about half way done with KC's. Although KC didn't want ear flaps.

Ann Arbor Street Art Fair

2009-07-17T09:29:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, KC and I went for a walk and discovered the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair. It was such a beautiful day and it was fun to walk through the white tents of handmade pottery, paintings, and lemonade stands. KC found a Michigan football t-shirt for $5. I found a COSI that I'd love to go back to sometime this week. Urban Outfitters was having a huge sidewalk sale, but we had to get back to the hospital, so I didn't even browse.

Ki is looking so much better today. It's post-op day four now and he seems half as puffy as he did two days ago. You can see the relief around his eyes and the creases in his fingers and toes.

Malachi Moves

2009-07-16T17:19:00.000-07:00

Here you can see where Ki's incision was made from his TOF (Tetralogy of Fallot) repair. The stitches are covered with little strips of tape. It's a little black and blue at the top.

Ki was moved to another room in the PCTU today, so we would be out of the way of new and sicker patients. We saw several new patients come in and out over the past three days at his old station. We're set up here with the laptop on his bed while we watch a re-run of The Office (the Willy Wonka episode).

It's Day Three and we expect Malachi to be in the PCTU (Pediatric Cardio-Thoracic Intensive Care Unit) for two more days still. He needs to do some sprinting which means he'll breathe on his own for short periods of time about three separate times in the course of one day before he can come off the ventilator and breathe totally on his own. He still needs to be weaned from a few fluids and meds and needs to have some other tubes removed. He's on course now, the only slow down being due to an arrhythmia on Day One which has since been corrected.

Then he'll be moved to Moderate Care. I'm not sure how long he'll be there for, maybe three or four days. I'm looking forward to holding him, feeding him, hearing his coos and giggling together again. I'm looking forward to going outside with him - he adores being outside. Until then, he is receiving great care and love and prayers and is doing so so well.

So much happens everyday with his little body, it's hard to explain, much less understand. I take notes everyday in a notebook with more details that may be of interest to him later in life. I take pictures everyday to track his progress and so Malachi will one day be able to see what being at Mott Children's Hospital has been like.

With love from the bottom of our three hearts,
KC, Amy and Malachi

Malachi's Heart

2009-07-15T16:34:00.001-07:00

Ki looks like he's about to smuggle some Tootsie Rolls and Lemonheads at the Holland Peanut Store.

Such a happy family. You can't see it, but Ki's onesie says Property of Mom.

Loves his daddy!

The carousel at Rivertown was playing Amazing Grace. Only in West Michigan!

Right before surgery, although he had been fasting for four hours at this point, Ki was as content and happy as ever.

Shortly after surgery with his friend Chipper.

Glowing monitors for all his fluids, meds, etc.

All tied up.

A bright reminder at the end of the hall.

AMDG Newsletter

2009-07-10T19:30:00.000-07:00

AMDG Welcomes

our newest & tiniest team members

At AMDG we strive to make people, relationships, and family a priority. Some of our greatest achievements have nothing to do with architecture, but rather with the special people in our lives, both at work and at home. We have recently been blessed with the miracle of children, and invite you to meet the latest (and smallest) additions to the AMDG family.

kevin malachi vande streek

Kevin Malachi Vande Streek also made his debut on March 8th! Welcomed by parents KC & Amy VandeStreek, he weighed in at 6lbs, 12oz, and stretched out to 20 inches long. Kevin shares a first name with his dad and grandpa, though he goes by Malachi or "Ki". Ki is the first child for KC & Amy, and the first grandchild for both sets of doting grandparents! At 90th percentile for height, Ki is already being groomed to join the basketball team at Calvin College, where Grandpa Vande Streek coaches the men's team. In the meantime, he enjoys "talking" to mom with giggles and coos.

Amy has been part of AMDG's team since 2006, while KC completed his studies at Calvin Theological Seminary this summer. KC's recent graduation has led him to begin exploring employment options in churches across the country.

josie sue kuipers

Joselyn Sue Kuipers was born on June 15th, to Kyle & Rachel Kuipers. Josie weighed 8lbs, 2oz, and also makes her mark at 20 inches long. Josie is the second child for Kyle and Rachel, and is a spitting image of her big brother Caleb. At only four weeks old, Josie's interests primarily consist of eating, sleeping, and dirtying diapers. She enjoys trips to the cottage with her family, and will soon join her brother in his ongoing attempts to pick on the family's beagle, Frankie. Dad has high hopes for Josie, and foresees a future of dunking basketballs and hitting 300 yard drives on the golf course.

Kyle began working at AMDG in 2006, and Rachel is a high school math teacher at South Christian High School. Caleb is two years old, and enjoys playtime with mom and dad, as well as learning the ins and outs of his big brother duties.

joysan rose funk
On March 8th, Joysan Rose Funk became the first new arrival for the AMDG family. 7lbs, 7oz and 20 inches long, Joysan greeted mom and dad Lynnelle & Nathan Funk, punctually - at 10:00am on the dot, on her due date! Joysan arrived with blue eyes and a head of red hair, and Dad says she inherited Mom's good looks! While her red hair is a mystery, she already has some spunk to go along with it. Joysan is the first daughter for Nathan and Lynelle, and the first baby girl grandchild. She formed a quick bond with her big brother Noah, and already perks up when she hears his voice!

Nathan joined AMDG's team in 2007, and Lynnelle teaches middle school at Kelloggsville Public School. Noah is three years old, and attends the "Big Steps, Little Feet" program during the school year.

dandelions

2009-06-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

KC, Ki and I drove back to Chatham, Ontario this weekend. When we got in to town, we stopped at Chatham Christian to stretch. KC found a good shade tree to let Malachi lay under. He looked so adorable in the dandelions gazing up into the leafy green tree. More on our trip coming soon...

So we'll Skype

2009-06-24T17:36:00.000-07:00

KC and I bought a webcam that just arrived today. It comes in a cute little case that will be perfect for traveling. I figured, since our chances of living close to my family are small this would be a good way for them to have a little bit of us in living color. And for us to see them too.

K and I head back to Chatham this weekend. Our car's air conditioning is not working very well anymore, which has made for some uncomfortable drives to and from work this week. I'm hoping we can keep the car cool for our drive this weekend - somehow. Then almost as soon as we get back we turn around and head for Ann Arbor. It would be nice to use the webcam while we're away. Now I just have to get our Skype account set up again.

Wiffle Ball Legacy

2009-06-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

KC played his last wiffle ball game of the year. I so loved bringing Ki and socializing with seminary student wives while cheering on. Malachi loves being outside. Here he is looking on and enjoying the warm summer air in his sweet ride. I pushed him through the snow globe of cottonwood in our neighborhood across the street to the wiffle ball hill. Somehow this picture of the cotton covered ground feels like something I would take a picture of in Beijing.

So now that we've reached another transition point in our lives, I've been doing a lot of daydreaming. I'm really good at this. In fact, I was once voted biggest daydreamer - which may or may not have been a compliment. Regardless, I take pride in being a dreamer. Some of my dreams, in no particular order, big and small 1. going on a mini-cation this summer 2. getting an Etsy site going for my jewelry business 3. buying a house 4. organizing my home office 5. picking paint colors 6. Big Star 7. giving more gifts 8. carving out time to do devotions 9. getting a mani pedi 10. a nursery for Malachi 11. J.Crew sales 12. white cotton sateen Editor pants. 13. writing more letters 14. blogging 15. web cam 16. more dreaming 17. swimming and getting a tan 18. simplifying my life with less stuff 19. 6 month pictures of Ki 20. California

This weekend, KC and I go back to Chatham, Ontario. He will meet the youth and preach on Sunday. The idea of a small town intrigues me. And, there's an Ikea nearby! Sadly, no tax credit for first time homebuyers in Canada (that I know of). K will likely be interviewing at our home church soon as well. I'm excited to see where God leads.

Today turned out much differently than I expected. I thought we would be up really early tomorrow leaving for Ann Arbor, packing up tonight, Malachi fasting for 3 hours in the morning. Now, that's all postponed a week and a half, and instead I'm thinking about what I need to do to prepare for a Tuesday night meeting for work. I'm not looking forward to surgery, and I am. I'm not looking forward to 5 hours of waiting during surgery. I'm looking forward to a better heart and no more banana medicine.

Random picture of Uncle Matt holding Ki on Matt's 17th birthday this past week.

Bebe Bubbles

2009-06-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

Bebe Ki

2009-05-15T16:03:00.000-07:00

Lifting his head during some precious tummy time.

First Mother's Day. His onesie says Mommy loves me.

Tummy time and eating the quilt.

Sleeping in a collared shirt all scrunched up.

Malachi in his little lamb. He recently discovered the lambby toy and watches it dangle.

Bebe Ki has been talking a lot lately. It's amazing how happy he is after he eats - just like his daddy! He has been growing so much and is 11 lbs 4 oz now. I already packed away his newborn clothes (strange to think I might need those for another bebe). He fits best in clothes labeled 3 months. Maybe this is normal. How can a 3 month old not be a newborn anymore. Good thing he's still only 10 weeks old.

2009-05-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

2009-04-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

2009-03-22T19:09:00.000-07:00

Say hi to grandma and grandpa Malachi! This is Ki's daily tummy time. The outfit he is wearing is one KC wore when he was a baby. I brought Ki in for his weekly weigh-in today. He gained 4oz. this past week and is now 6lbs 15oz.

2009-03-16T18:02:00.000-07:00

Squirrels

2009-02-28T19:12:00.000-08:00

Per Laura's last comment, I have to give it up for the boy layette I love right now. I haven't found as many boy outfits that I like as I have girl ones. Nonetheless, this yellow onesie with squirrel by Ergoriginals is adorable. The matching brown hat is by American Apparel.

And here is my favorite paper cut by Emiart for a boy.

I started packing my hospital bag today. It's more or less the same as packing to stay any other place for a night or two, with a few exceptions like nursing bras, nursing pads, the other kind of pads, a receiving blanket and a few outfits for baby. Right now I just have a few neutral onesies packed, but they may be getting replaced if I actually decide on a going home outfit. I did buy some super cute slippers today at Target that will be really cozy for laboring in.

Poppies

2009-02-28T02:47:00.001-08:00

I have found some of the sweetest artwork and layette for girls on Etsy. These paper cut images by Emiart are so charming.

I am also a huge fan of poppies. Other than being California's state flower, they are really just stunning. I love the sweet tulle and beading detail on these onesies from Empress to Design. The outfit with the coordinating skirt also comes with a custom matching hangar and pretty packaging.

K and I are going to the doctor every week now. Yesterday, the doctor said that I'm already 3cm dilated and 80% effaced! I'm 36 weeks now, due March 29, but my doctor thinks the baby will come before then. He said probably not next week, but anytime after that! Baby's head is down and will probably weigh around upper six pounds to lower seven. I'm really excited. A lot of people ask if I'm ready. I'm not totally ready, but I feel like I'm ready. I'm as ready as I need to be. All we really need still is a carseat to bring baby home.

I am also really excited about our pediatrician. We are going with Alger Pediatrics. I had several people recommend a few of the doctors there and they are so close to home. If K and I stay in Grand Rapids next year, I seriously would love to live in Alger Heights again.

Kick Pleats and Flip Flops

2009-02-22T13:55:00.001-08:00

5 weeks to go and I couldn't be more excited. I'm ready for this new life; perfect for Spring.

This picture is from Valentine's Day - It's a little funny there's no snow. I don't have any pink clothes that fit my belly right now, so I went with a pink J.Crew headband and purse instead. K and I went to Palace of India on Fulton, right next to E. Fulton Arts and Antiques - which is possibly the most awesome store in Eastown. We had the most fabulous garlic naan and my chicken masala was amazing!

Until then, my mind looks like a mess of all this: calling a pediatrician, finding the best deals on nursing bras and maternity underwear, practicing Kegels, scheduling a setting with a photographer the week after baby is born, going on walks with the baby and family/friends in April and May, 8-9 weeks of maternity leave, 30 hours a week at AMDG post-maternity leave (10 of which will be at home), getting taxes done before baby arrives, KC being in school during my maternity leave, KC being done with school after my maternity leave, moving this summer, KC finding a job, girl names for baby, wall art I'm painting for baby, going home outfit for baby...

I changed my background to match my baby theme. The bedding we like is a soft green and white. I actually found two I like, one with bittersweet chocolate brown trim. If we had a baby room, I would definitely pick a baby green color from the Benjamin Moore fan for the room. I registered for some white and green accents like shelves, frames, hooks and bins that will be fun to hang in baby's corner of our room. I'm thinking when we move in July, even if it is to another apartment, we'll have a separate room for baby that we can decorate a little. It may be a while before I get to pick paint colors.

50 Days!

2009-02-07T06:10:00.000-08:00

There I am! This was two weeks ago. Baby is about 4 pounds now and has completely occupied my mind.

Gotta go!

Crib and Snow

2008-12-22T18:40:00.000-08:00

Here's an Amber-esque following of my belly from early on. I'm 26 weeks along now. Less than 100 days left to go. The baby weighs about 2 lbs and is almost 12 inches long! I get lots of kicks. They feel really strange when I'm kicked in the direction of my guts. It's fun when the baby kicks outward - you can kinda see it from the outside sometimes.

10 weeks to 15 weeks

20 weeks to 25 weeks

KC and I bought a crib and mattress this past weekend. We got stuck in the snow on the way to pick them up. Good thing I love all the snow! We found them on Craig's List for a super good deal. It's only two years old and was maybe used for a year and a half.

I'm getting closer on names and strollers I think. I want to work on the big things first. The little things can come a little later. At my last doctor's appointment, I asked about childbirth classes. The form said to sign up during your 4th or 5th month - so I was thinking that I was right on track, when I started to count how many months I was... I'm going on 7! I was expecting my baby books to warn me about these kind of things. I guess I should read ahead. I plan to sign up for Monday night classes for the month of January (if there is still room).

I'm also looking into cloth diapers. I had a couple friends recommend BumGenious. I think I could totally handle these - and they come in really cute colors like blossom and butternut, grasshopper and twilight.

Christmas Time is Here

2008-11-29T06:45:00.001-08:00

Our first outing with my family was to The Living Desert in Palm Desert. My favorite animals we saw were two baby Arabian Oryx that were 2 and 3 days old. They looked like Bambi.

Wildlife at The Living Desert and a very friendly goat in the petting area.

There I am - 22 weeks! My belly is actually bigger than it looks here.

Yesterday, we went to Casazza Christmas Tree Farm in Rancho Cucamonga. The farm was circled by a grove of eucalyptus trees that smelled amazing! They served coffee, hot chocolate and peanuts. We named our tree Andrew after the boy that helped us take our family picture and cut down our tree for us.

Rancho Cucamonga - Casazza

We ended up taking home a Leyland Cypress, but this Charlie Brown tree was a runner up. My family was really out of control - I think that's the most fun we've had together on our trip so far. That and playing Five Crowns with the entire family. The game's not over till the kings go wild!

I thought I would be elated and really I'm just totally relieved.

2008-11-14T20:32:00.000-08:00

I crammed my brain so full I thought it would explode this morning. Now that I've exhausted all I stuffed it with, I feel positively relieved. As much as I expected to either cry or laugh after seeing my score results appear, I actually was suprisingly unemotional. I am officially a LEED AP (Leadership in Enivornmental and Energy Design Accredited Professional). I now understand those proud people who have plaques of honor littering their walls? I seriously want to frame it and boast it! Well, maybe not boast it, but definitely reward myself for it.

I immediately headed to DSW where I think I finally found a pair of boots I like and put them on hold. I have to decide whether to get black or grey. Then I proceeded to buy a Yo Yo Ma Christmas CD at Barnes and Noble with some gift cards I've been carrying around for a year. Then to Woodland where I continued my endless search for shoes this winter. I actually found two pairs at Payless that I think will work perfectly. One is a fun glimmery brown that looks a little like a pretty loafer and the other is a dainty gold kitten heel flat that I'm really excited about. It was really time for me to put away the open toed heels and moved my feet into something a little more protective and structurally sound!

KC took me to Pietro's for dinner. It was my first time, and I really liked it. I reminded me of my childhood Friday night's out for pizza, although my childhood waitress was way better. Her name started with a 'Z'; I could never pronounce it, but I'm sure my mom remembers. K and I just finished watching Shooter - he's really into Mark Whalberg lately - and we felt the baby kick for the first time together.

It really couldn't have been a better day!