Merry Christmas

It is the day of Christmas and I am working. I did have a fun time last night with the Bazen side of the family. We had our gift exchange and Breann was able to open some presents from the family. The only bummer part is that Jeff and I had to leave early so I can get to work. It kind of made the whole situation and bitter sweet event. I think it put me in a bitter mood to for the most part, one because I was tired and two I knew I wasn't going to sleep after laughing my head off with my family. I usually don't mind not getting any sleep but it is much harder now that I have a child. I am very excited though that I have Christmas night off and will get to relax and enjoy with my family. Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Years!!

Camping

So a lot has happened in the last few weeks. The Alcorn and Bazen families went on a camping trip to Silent Valley. The camp site is located in the San Jucinto mountains and it is a nice place to have a group camping trip. The down side is that you can't have camp fires at your site and in order to stay there you have to be a member or know a member. Anyways . . . it was a lot of fun, my sisters were there, my parents were there, my grandparents were there, and I was only sick one night. The weather was beautiful and we walked around the camp grounds looking at the stuff that they changed (I haven't been there in 6 years). The only bummer was that the weekend we went there was suppose to be a Thanksgiving/Christmas parade were you can ride your bikes and be a part of the parade if you wish. They changed that to a later date and I know I wasn't the only one bummed out about that. Still it was a very relaxing weekend and Breann had a good time. I wish it could have last longer and hopefully next more people can go, maybe another camping trip in the spring. . . Maybe. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, I love it when my birthday falls on that holiday. Nothing like some good turkey, stuffing, and granny beans. Happy Birthday to Amanda, hope the shopping was good. I love the Holidays!!

Up-Date

This is from a neighborhood by my condo

Hello I thought I would give everyone an up-date on the baby and myself.

** First off we were only affected a little bit by the fires in Yorba Linda. Jeff and I evacuated our home as the fire was less then a mile away and at that time you can't help but realize what is truly important that you need to bring with you. Thank God that there was no damage to our place or any one around us.

** Breann is doing OK, she gets a cough here and there but it doesn't last long. She is starting to hitch as well and soon will be crawling.

** Thanksgiving is coming and so is my birthday I love it when it lands on turkey day and then afterwards we go camping. Good times.

** I had to have some blood work done because I was going through some serious problems with sleeping all the time, feeling tired, loosing a lot of hair and some other things. Come to find out I have a thyroid problem that is hereditary in my family and it didn't start affecting me until I had the baby. All is well now I am on some medication that will help regulate it.

Vote!

I am taking a moment to express the thought that it is election day and even though this should be the biggest turn out of voters in history. I telling you to make sure and vote today. Who and what you vote for is your business just make sure you go and vote. That is all, enjoy your day.

Six Months

Breann is a little over six months and I can't believe how much she has grown in that time. I was looking back at video when we were in the hospital and seeing her now I am just amazed. She talks to us in her own little language and rolls over like no bodies business. She eats her mushy food and has yet to throw it back in my face. She can almost sit up on her own and the crawling is just around the corner for her. I know I am a mom that envies her child but every new mom has a right and I am taking full advantage of it I love it.

Now a word from our Sponsor

Back To School Night

So yesterday I went to Back to School Night at Breann's preschool. This was very fun for me because I got to go as a parent but also talk with the teacher on a more one-on-one bases. For a little while I was the only one from the infant room who showed up. Later by the time I was leaving other parents came and we talked for a little bit but I found out that those parent were only going to have their little ones there for one more week. They were moving. I found out that the school was being criticize for not having computer and high tech gadgets for the little ones to play with. Their thought, which I agree with, is that the children should have minimal time with the TV and computer. It is notice that there is a large speech problems because children are watching more things on TV and the computer and not their own parents. Anyways . . . I enjoyed what I saw at the school and I know that Bree is in good hands when I leave her there for the day.

Breann is eating solids

So this past week Jeff and I started feeding Breann some solid food. She loves her oatmeal but is not to excited on the green beans right now. She loves to grab the spoon and force it into her mouth. Well that was until I started to give her the green beans. It is a fun time for the both of us and she loves it because when it is night time that means she is going to get a bath afterwards. Oh this is a fun video of Bree playing with the keyboard.

Hello, Open Window.

There is always a moment in everyone's life that makes us take a step back a try to view everything as a whole. We view a problem, look and try to find the source of that problem and from there think of solutions to fix it. Now people say that the grass is always greener on the other side but there will always be problems. I guess the thought is that If the solution is to go to the other grass then the problems there have other solutions then looking for a better patch of grass (I hope that made sense).

The thing is I haven't been honest with everyone because I feel that if I was totally honest that I would have failed the people who have supported me from the very beginning. At first I felt that God put me in a certain position but now as I look back it was an opportunity for me to do what I love to do. Now God needs for me to move on and do his work. For those of you who don't know I went to school to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. I finish the classes, graduated and took the state test. I FAILED the state test. Now this was very frustrating because there were so many people that I've worked with that I've given them help to study and they passed the test. For me to fail the test not once, or twice but three times was very embarrassing. I was really disappointed in myself, I mean I didn't know what else I could do other then take the test for a fourth time. I did decide that I was going to take the test as many times as it needed to until I passed. Unfortunately the state board decided to raise the price of taking the test to $250.00. That is a $175.00 difference. I am thankful for the experience that I was given but I feel that I need to move in a different direction that God has intended for me. I am still looking for that open window but I know it is there and the support from my close friends and family have been a tremdous help. Thanks!

On My Mind

Well lets get the crap out of the way so I can talk about fun stuff. Work has officially become my burden. I still love working with animals but when you feel unappreciated and since I have come back I feel that my status as a tech is more like a tech assistant I can't help but to get mad. Not to mention the organization has gone out the window. Anyways I am praying for a change on my life whether it is with Yorba or not.

Now for the fun news, Breann is starting to giggle a lot. I will do a little laugh for her and she will giggle and laugh too. she is so cute and her feeding time with the spoon is just special. Now I am just waiting for her roll-overs to be more constant.

New Things

Well Yesterday I did a lot, I worked the wee hours of the morning, then on my list to do was to take a nap, then drop Bree at Daycare for a few hours, then go to Disneyland for Sara's birthday. Happy Birthday Sara!! Anyways everything went to plan except for the nap. Which is a first since the I went back to work the nap was always a must on my list and the first to get accomplished. Anyways Bree had a fun time at day-care and I had fun getting a hair cut. Afterwards we went to D-land which it was very hot and really put Bree in a grumpy mood. I do have to say she did get a Pluto doll out of it from Amy. Lets face it my daughter is 4 months and she already knows how to work the system to get a present. She is so cute.

Need Something

Lately I have been going through some changes. Some highs to extreme lows and I might know what it is. I do plan on going to see the doctor and getting checked out not just for the emotional state but for a physical one too. I really don't think my iron levels are correct and if so I need some advice then on sleep because it seems like no matter what I do I am still very tired. Now I know that having a baby is not easy and that sleep is sacrificed but when I get a good amount of sleep I should feel somewhat rejuvenated. I think it will help with my emotional state as well.

Sunday Services

Many things go on in a life. Jeff and I find that most of our catch up time happens at church on Sunday. We also find that if we are serving during the service then we really don’t see and enjoy the service. Last weekend was a great example. Jeff and I usually take the first 10 minutes of service to make sure there are no last minute duties that need to be done or people to be seated. I really needed to talk with my friend Sara about a certain situation and was not able to stay in the service. During that time people who were walking around joined us in our discussion. Now not realizing it but Mike was walking around because he was done preaching and asked the few of us if we go to church. Not thinking I just say yes and left it at that. A little later in the day I was talking with Jeff and we realize that most of the time people see us at church either running around or talking with someone whether it is during the service or after and not actually see us sit in service. At that point Jeff and I decided to attend church either before or after the service we are helping at. We feel that people need to know that we listen and participate with the service and not just show up to help. This will mean Breann will stay in the nursery longer but I am sure she doesn’t mind since they have more toys then she knows what to do with.

My Rights!!!

So I am a little mad at the moment. Yesterday I came into work and notice a hand written letter to me from the supervisors. It proceeds to say that my hours are going to be cut do to another worker coming back from medical leave. First I was mad because they tell me in a letter and it wasn't even typed, it was hand written at the bottom of the schedule log. Secondly I have been a full-time employee for over two years and to only cut my hours no one else, that is not right. Now I left a letter with our HR lady and she did leave a message (I was sleeping when she called) apologizing for the rudeness of the staff. She said she would work with me in making sure that I have shifts to work. I just feel so blind sided with this and Jeff has been looking into employee rights. We are keeping all our documents that I have received and hopefully everything will work out in the end. Any advice would be good right about now, so please let me know if I should do anything different or make sure I am covering all my bases.

Bad Kitchen

Sunday was not Jeff's and mine day. I was late getting off work and when I called Jeff to tell him that I would pick him up and change at church, he said he just woke up. This is at 9am, we have to be at church at 9:30am. Anyways Breann was sick and kept Jeff up all night, so one of us would have to stay home with Breann and the other one would go to church. I told Jeff to stay home and I would find someone else to help with ushering at church. I finally get to church at a little after 9:30am (not bad for driving 70 on the freeway from Yorba Linda to Long Beach) and set everything up which Deb Moulton did a huge part in helping me. Was able to find one of our other volunteers who had off this month to help us during service and touch base with my sister for a little bit. Then I received a phone call from Jeff, he said that the day just got worse. The dog vomited a couple of times and that our dish washer broke and water was leaking everywhere. Now I have had dishwashers break on me before so I wasn't to worried until we later realized it leaked through the floor boards of our kitchen and into our garage. (we live above our garage). Now our kitchen is blocked off and there are huge heat fans that are made to dry out the water before it does anymore damage. So we don't have a kitchen for 3 days and I have to say . . .I miss my kitchen. Breann is feeling much better now and is almost ready to roll over (just to give you some good news).

Teeth, Drool and Crys

Now Breann isn't feeling to well and we do think it is because she is teething. Yet at the same time she sounds congested so I get to calm her down (or at least try)when she crys tonight. She is only sleeping for a half hour to 40 minutes at a time at the moment so I do know that this is going to be a long night ahead of me. The good thing is that I don't have to work until Wednesday night and that gives Jeff a chance to rest tonight since he was up with her all last night. So lets recap Breann is congested, tired and teething and Jeff gets to finally sleep. Now I know a whole new meaning to the phrase the mother's job is never done. Oh and Breann is 4 months tomorrow, Happy 4 month Birthday Bree.

Bazen Reunion

I have to say I never realize how long it has been since I have seen some one until I go to a family reunion. I don't realize that it has been almost two years since I have seen my cousins and that is because the last time I saw them was at my wedding. And for those of you that know when the Bazen's come out to play it is crazy fun. We all had a great time even in the heat and i have to say that my cousin Tim is looking good. Jake and Jenna we so need to hang out more, and Jake your friends are awesome. To the rest of the family same time next year sounds good. Or for the girls Christmas is around the corner we can make the ginger bread houses again. I love you all.

Back to Work

So this past week I went back to work at Yorba Regional. The first night back there was major construction going on because the earthquake knocked down some of the ceiling panels in the lobby. Which gave us the major discovery that there never was any insulation put in the lobby. This made us realize why the lobby was so HOT in the summer and so COLD in the winter. Anyways . . . I am glad to be going back to work especially at night because I know my daughter is sleeping and I am not missing out on anything. I do have with drawls sometimes, mostly when I know I only have an hour left before I have to go into work. That is when I want to hold her the most and pray for time to stop. We have been pretty busy at work and that is a good thing for me because then I don't have down time to really think about her and realize she is not with me. The funny thing is when people start coming in for the morning shift I get excited because I will soon be off and get to go home to her smiles.

3 Months

So a last weekend was the 3 month mark for Breann. I can't believe how much she has grown in just three months. She is sleeping through the night for the most part and tries to turn over but hasn't quite got the hang of it yet. It is definite to say that she has her mommy's lungs and that is why we don't need a baby monitor right now. Izzy is still trying to gather Jeff's and mine attention by peeing in places she is not suppose too. Still working on the jealousy factor with that one. Bree goes and sees the doctor in a couple of weeks for her 4Th month check up and next round of shots. I am preparing myself now.

San Diego

This past weekend Jeff and I went to San Diego to see the Wild Animal Park and San Diego Zoo. At the last minute we dropped Breann off with my parents and went down there ourselves. The whole time I felt with drawls because I would see parents with there kids and I would wish Bree was with us. There were many reasons why Jeff and I decided to leave Bree with the grandparents but the main reason was because my parents were throwing a birthday party for my grandma (last minute thing otherwise Jeff and I would have picked a different weekend to go to the Zoo). Anyways we told my grandma and my aunt that was coming up to my parents house from San Diego that the family wouldn't be there and will see them next time. My grandma kept saying that we should just leave the little one with my mom and dad so then they can at least see her. I told them no not this time but it was my grandma's birthday and at the last minute thought it would be a nice surprise for them. So I called my mom and she said that would would love to watch Bree for the weekend. I'd asked if they could video taped their reactions when they brought the little one out. In the end Jeff and I had a nice weekend to ourselves and my grandma and aunt got to spend time with Breann. I love my family. Hopefully I will have the video of it up soon.

All coming together

I was worried that I would not have a job (or at least the hours)when I went back to work. From what I heard from co-workers that there were some cut backs at work. After talking with my scheduler at work they do plan on having me back and not a moment to soon because another employee is taking a month off to bee with his woman and there new little one. In the mean time Jeff and I are trying to budget our finances and I am preparing to go back to school. I decided to change my major from Animal Science to Liberal Studies. My decision comes because I want to be home with my family at night and for dinner time. Also to continue in the animal field would mean I have to change to a research animal care position. Now I support the animal research and all that they do but I like to help the animals get better and not to mention when I have down-time at work I can pet the animals.

I have been looking at different schools and have narrowed it down to three schools and will be talking to the counselors and taking tours of the campus over the next couple of weeks. I am kind of excited to be going back to school, it makes me feel like I have more energy. Don't ask me why, it just does.

Tired

Since Thursday night I have been really tired. I played a game of softball that made me realized how out of shape I really am still. I don't know if I am losing sleep because I know I am going to have to go back to work and I don't think I am ready to put Bree into a daycare. I know Jeff would love for me to stay at home and not worry about work but we live in California and stay at home mom is a career that is hard to get going in. For those who have establish this career, you are so lucky. I am a little excited to go back to work, I do miss working on the animals and seeing my peeps there. I just want to be with my little one at the same time.

Good Devotional

A little over a week ago I went to a bridal shower for my good friend Heather. During that time we had a little devotional from another friend Brittney and it made me realize that I miss devotional time. What she brought to the party was very intriguing and a reminder of how a little devotion can go a long way. Not to mention her devotional was an awesome message to everyone who is married.

4th of July

I learned a lot of things yesterday. That I can add a slide show to my blog site, that is so cool. Also Breann doesn't mind the fireworks, in fact she actually started crying when they stopped. The only thing she really didn't like was the heat. Jeff and I spoiled her by having a central air and heating to the condo so when she goes to another place that doesn't have it she gets really uncomfortable. But at night we all had a fun time lighting off fireworks in Chino and as you can tell I got a little camera happy and took too many pictures of the fireworks. No one got hurt and only a few people in the neighborhood had illegal fireworks.

No Work

I don't want to go back to work. I love working with animals and taking care of them but I like being with my family for dinner and evening events even more. The count down has begun because I am eligible to go back to work on July 29Th. I have 26 days left to enjoy being with Bree before I have to go back. Jeff and I found a day care center right by my work but we would rather pay someone we knew to watch her. I am still working the evenings so I will be able to be with her during the day more.

Bath Time

Bath time is a fun time for Breann. She enjoys it and it is so cute because she gets the biggest smile on her face and giggles a little. Jeff is a pro at giving her baths and I just stick to washing her hair. She crys at the end of the bath time because we wrap her in a towel and she is no longer in the warm water. I am thankful for that being our only problem.

OK . . . quick moment . . . I just turned to see how Bree was doing and she is asleep in her swing but she is dreaming because her hands and feet are just moving a little bit. Kind of like a dog sleeping and they are chasing a cat.

Sleeping Bree

OK . . .so when we left last weekend to go to Jamestown we took the bassinet because it was smaller then the travel crib. Well the travel crib is in our room replacing the bassinet for the time being. The travel crib is huge for Breann, it is so big that she turns 180 degrees in it while she sleeps. It is quite entertaining to watch. She is also starting to suck on her thumbs once in a while. It is either the thumb or the pacifier. Bree would prefer the paci over the thumbs.

Jeff's Birthday

Jeff and I went out to Islands with our friends for his birthday yesterday. It was very nice and the baby slept the whole time. His friends made him a Wall-E cake to go with his theme of Wall-E movie Friday. This Friday we are going to go see the movie Wall-E and if anyone would like to go, let me know.

Cool Baby

Jamestown

Well this last weekend we drove up to Jamestown in Sonora county to visit my grandparents. Everyone was excited to see each other and I wish we could have stayed there a little longer. The drive up there and back was long but Breann did well. Jeff and I took a different route from everybody else and tested out new roads. Lets just say that the 395 and the 58 are long drives with very little rest stops. On the way up we left at night time so there wasn't much to see except these blinking blue lights off in the distance. On the way back we realized that it was a hill full of energy wind mills. My family and I drove around the Jamestown area to see what has changed in the past few years and it is sad to say that a lot of businesses were closed. We all had fun hanging out with each other and my grandma, mom and I cried when we had to leave. I wish they lived closer but their land is so pretty and nice up there.

RVT Test

Yesterday I received a notice in the mail from the state boards that the price to take the RVT test has jumped from $75.00 to $250.00. That is a huge jump and Jeff and I can't afford me taking the test right now. It is funny when I took the test last time and didn't pass I was talking to Sara and Jeff and we all thought that maybe this is a sign and I am not suppose to be a Registered Vet Tech. I was determined though to at least try one more time. Well I am taking this as a sign that God wants me to go in a different direction. I just wish that I know what direction He would like me to go. At least for now and I am going to visit my grandparents this weekend and do a little searching during that time too.

Poor Bree

Late yesterday afternoon Bree had a fever off 100.5 so we went to CVS and bought some infant aspirin. She slept from 4pm until 9pm, she is usually awake around 6pm for dinner. I have to say that it was interesting going to the store because she usually will look around the room to see what is going on but yesterday she put her head on my shoulder and closed her eyes. Poor Bree, not feeling well and wanted to be close to her mommy (I loved it).

2 Months Already

Breann is going to be 2 months tomorrow and today she had her visit with the doctor. The doctor says she is doing great and is healthy for a 2 month old. Then it was time for the shots. Now I felt like I was going to cry before the nurse even came in to give the shots but I wasn't tearing up because I know she was going to cry or because it was going to hurt. I was crying and praying that the shots were going to do there job and not cause her to become autistic. The doctor reassured me that the studies are still inconclusive and it is better to have the shots then not too. I guess this is called a mother's worry when people tell you good news and you still think about the bad. She is doing well and after the appointment we went shopping, which made us both feel better.

Random thoughts

Just to catch people up on myself and the baby.

* Breann is holding her head up more and more. She is 7 weeks now and is making little baby noise's that is so cute.

* I was given an extra 2 weeks of disability. For reason's with the body no woman should have to experience and the requirements of my job gave me extra time off.

* My family gave me a belated baby shower this last weekend and my sister's and my mom did a great job. Most of the family was able to greet Breann for the first time and welcome her to the family. Oh my, Bree is going to be one styling little baby.

* My friend Nicole is awesome, I was thinking that I needed to get some shirts for myself. Nicole gave me a little gift which was this cool shirt from Toes on the Nose (a great surf shop for those who didn't know). Also she got a cute little onsie for Breann.

* Jeff's softball team from church won the championship game this weekend.

* Ever wonder if you acted rude after the fact. I feel that sometimes I have pregnancy brain and I am not realizing my words or actions until after the fact. So if I have offended you, act or said something rude to you please forgive me and accept my apologies. I am trying to get back on the track and remember that I am not the only important person in this world.

* Also thank you Rita for taking pictures at the baby shower; they look great
Here is the link for those who wish to view them. http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=224567501/a=42364403_47944713/t_=42364403

Clothes

So I have lost weight but I am not back to my normal weight before the baby was born. This is a problem because as of right now I have graduations and one more baby shower to attend too. I am hoping that I can find something in my closet that is cute and will fit. I had a rude awakening last Saturday when the outfit I was going to wear to a wedding didn't fit. Now I don't want to go out and just buy something right now because I plan to work off the rest of the weight and don't want to buy something I am only going to wear for a few months. Now the funny thing is I tried on one of my maternity dresses and it actually fit pretty well. Of course this was after the wedding.

Now for those who are wondering why I have a picture of Breann on this blog, it is because Amy took a cute picture and I wanted to share.

Six weeks

So last night was the first night that Breann slept a full five hours between feedings. I got to sleep the whole five hours too. She fell asleep around 11pm and woke me up around 4am. After the feeding she was looking around, making baby noise and ginving me little smiles here and there. Haven't quite captured one on camera yet but hopefully soon. I can't wait tell she starts kooing at me but I love the facial expressions she makes. She lifts her head up when it is tummy time and loves sleeping on her daddy's belly (I have a picture of the two but Jeff won't let me put it up). She is getting so big and strong and I can't believe she is already six weeks. I plan on her making her first church apperance this Sunday.

Sleep Little One

I can't believe that Breann is a month old. I was looking back at some of the pictures Sara and Amy took the first week she was home and she looked so tiny and small. Now she looks like my niece Lexi when she was born (Lexi was a big baby). Jeff and I are still fighting our nights with the little one, for some reason she thinks it is a great time to fuss and cry. We have learned other soothing ways to calm her down but figuring which one will work that night is becoming a challenge. But in the morning Breann and I will lay on the couch and watch Deadliest Catch and try to beat the heat.

Mother's Day Weekend

So I had a great Mother's Day weekend. Saturday morning Jeff and I were suppose to go to LA for the Revlon Walk for Women's Cancer but I was really tired and we also had plans to go to San Diego for Mother's Day with my family. My aunt and uncle were down from Seattle and they were able to see Breann before having to leave. Sunday morning Jeff and I went over to my parents house to celebrate Mother's Day with them and later that afternoon we celebrated with Jeff's side of the family. Very busy but fun weekend. Happy Be-lated Mother's Day to all the moms out there.

Journaling

I am trying to get a blog in while the little one is sleeping. Not many people know this but beside the blog I am keeping a little journal for Breann. I try to write in it at least once a week and each time I write a prayer for her. Now my hope is later in life she can look back on this book and read when her first smile was, how her bath times went and eventually her first steps and so on. I am not sure really why I got the notion to do this but I do find it relaxing and comforting when I sit in the room with her while she sleeps and write to her in her journal. Then I read to her for the children's Bible and sing to her before going to sleep. It is funny how your life changes when you focus on something other then yourself.

Catching-up

So I haven't been on the computer that much because I would rather spend time with my new little one. Who could blame me. Jeff and I are still getting use to the late night feedings and diaper changing. Breann is starting to sleep longer through out the night which means I have to set my alarm to wake-up and feed her. She is so precious and I love the way she looks around when she is awake. I have to say thank you to all the people who have helped Jeff and I by making dinner for us and for coming over and watching Breann while I take a nap or run around town. It has helped us out a lot and Jeff and I are bless to know such great people.

What has been going on around here other then the baby, not much really. Jeff had his car towed by accident. I guess the mustang is too cool to be parked anywhere other then our garage. I found out that my social security number has been used by another person for disability. That scared Jeff and I so we checked my credit report and then signed up for Life Lock. Izzy is taking to Breann really well, we just need to teach her not to spaz out when friends and family come over.

The Baby is HERE!!!

Yes, on Friday April 18th, 2008 baby Alcorn came into the world and we all found out that she was a healthy baby girl. Breann Kathleen Alcorn was 7 lbs. and 2 oz., 20inches long. The labor story is one to tell but not at this time because I am recovery from the delivery and I want to make this blog short. I want to thank everyone who stuck it out in the lobby of the hospital, I know that is not an easy thing to do. Also a special thanks to Jeff and my mom for all their encouragement and support during the process. I will see you all in a couple of weeks once the little one is allowed to go out into a public place. I will up-date the blog as much as I can during that time and invite anyone who wants to hang out to just call and let me know when you plan on visiting. Love you all.

Jennie

What a Weekend

Much went on this weekend with Jeff and I. Izzy graduated from puppy training with flying colors. In fact this was the best she has ever done for Jeff and I when we asked her to do something (that is saying a lot if you know our dog). On Saturday night I went over to my parents house to help my sisters decorate for my parents
35th wedding anniversary. If you notice in the pictures we decorated the only way the Bazen girls know how. Yes that is toilet paper, Tee Hee! The next morning Jeff and I went to church and shortly there after went to the hospital because I thought my water broke but it was a false alarm. After the hospital Jeff and I went back to the Parkcrest softball game in Lakewood, which our team won. Now it was time for a good hearty lunch at Farmer Bros. (great hamburgers)Jeff and I came home, finished lunch, I took a nap and Jeff took his mid-term. The power went out on us a couple of times during the evening because many people still had to many lights and the A/C running at 8pm in the evening. I think it freaked out Izzy a little bit, she was acting really weird. Jeff was thinking we were going to have an Earth quake at that point. Hope everyone else had a great weekend and try to stay cool the rest of the week.

New Photo!!

I figure since I am almost 39 weeks that I should take another photo of the belly before the baby comes. I have to say I have never felt so heavy during the pregnancy until now. I know the baby has dropped because my bodily actions are telling me that it is (don't want to go into details). The funny thing is that Jeff says I have baby pimples on my belly (little red dots that some women get during their pregnancy) which has nothing to do with the baby dropping. The baby is ready to come out at least I hope it is with all the movement it has been doing the last couple of days. I keep telling it that it is much roomier outside of my belly then inside but the little peanut will not listen. Is this a sign of what I can expect to come in our future. HMMMM.

The Waiting Game

To all my adoring fans out there, no baby yet. Jeff and I went to the doctor on Monday and she said that I am still 2 cm dialated and there has been only a little bit of change. Jeff and I love to hear how the advice changes through out the whole pregnancy, from what to eat to what you need to do to put yourself into labor. The best advice I like right now is that a lot of women have told me that their will be no question in my mind on when the contractions start. I just worry a little about the water breaking because I have to get to the hospital fairly quickly to be started on antibiotics (those who have been pregnant know why). So my hope is that the contractions come first and the water breaks at the hospital.
Jeff and I are playing the waiting game and have relaxed a little since we saw the doctor. Most likely when the baby comes Jeff will be writing the blog at that time while I either recover from the delivery or I am taking care of the baby. Until then please pray for a healthy baby and a safe delivery.

Jenn-I

No Baby Yet.

Well I won't tell you all the gross stuff but I will tell you that I am still at home with mild contractions coming and going through out the day. I have an appointment with my doctor on Monday if I last that long according to the NST nurse I was talking too. I have been walking a lot and trying to get some last minute stuff down just to keep me busy. Nothing to extreme just taking out the trash, washing clothes, making sure the dishes are clean that sort of stuff. Yes, you can say I am nesting but I can say that if I leave for the hospital right now I wouldn't care how clean the house is. I would care more about Izzy being home by herself for how ever long it takes for the baby to come. Jeff is excited about the situation, he has been helping make sure that the house is pick-ed up and every so often he will ask how I am doing. It is so cute.

BIG NEWS!!!

So I was working on a blog that explained how my first weekend on leave was and how awesome Drue, Oscar and Jose are for coming to a baby shower to keep Jeff company. Anyways . . .the blog was long and I really didn't finish it but was planning to come back and finish it today. Well I have bigger news to tell people at this time, I have been going to the hospital for non-stress test for the paper. Today I went for my appointment and the doctor asked to do an exam because I was 37 weeks along. After the exam she said that I was 2cm dialated, 80% efface and -1 stage. She said that the baby could come in a couple of days to weeks still but I am farther along then most first time mothers. This is exciting and yet shocking because I really haven't felt any contractions at this point. Well at least nothing I would considered as a contract but I am not the doctor and she said the little tension I have been feeling in my back are contractions. So the count down has begun and I will keep everyone up-dated on how the week is progressing. All I need to do is call a couple of volunteers to cover on Sunday in case Jeff and I can't make it.

Things I'll miss and won't miss.

So I have to say I didn't understand at first when ladies would tell that they miss feeling the baby kick them. I would think to myself why would you miss it, a big jab here and there in the middle of the night or in my case while I am holding an animal. I understand now since my first pregnancy is slowly coming to an end that I am too going to miss the cute little foot pushing out the side of my tummy. Or when the baby has his/her little hick-ups and I can feel it. What I won't miss is the occasional push against the bladder or rib. That does not tickle at all. I know I will miss Izzy barking at my tummy because she felt the baby kick or push while she was laying on me. I will miss Jeff putting his hand on my tummy to feel for the baby, but I will not miss him trying to touch my belly button. A few things I will miss and won't miss but all in all I can't wait to meet my little one. Say, Hello, for the first time to him/her. Hold them in my arms and have Jeff and I welcome them to the world.
Also for those who don't know Jeff and I have picked out names for the baby.

For a boy - Luke Edward Alcorn
for a girl - Breann Kathleen Alcorn

No More Belly Button

Yes . . . I have reached the point where the belly button is flat now. It has not turned into an outy yet but it is definiatly flat tummy now. Jeff thinks this gives him promission to touch the belly button now. I saw no, because my belly button is mine and he can put his hand anywhere on the belly except the belly button. I don't know it just freaks me out to have my belly button touch, whether I am pregnant or not. The tummy is getting big and the baby's movements are feeling non-stop now. Only 5 and a half weeks to go.


For the Izzy lovers . . . Izzy is mad at me at this moment because I had her spayed this morning. She will let me hold her but is not happy that I made her have surgery. I am sorry Izzy but you are not going to have puppies and your were almost at that age to start wanting them.

Jennie

Pregnancy Brain and Body

Well I am at that point were peeing might be an issue now. I never had to pee so many times during a Sunday service then I did last weekend. Thank you Gene for stepping in to cover when I wasn't there to do communion. I feel like I am acting so weird during this part of my pregnancy, I feel disorganized and really out of it. I am having a hard time explaining things at to my co-workers about cases and clients that makes me step back a think to myself, "What did I just say?" Sorry to anyone that can not understand what I am saying or trying to do. Hopefully this will all end soon and I will be my normal self with a little one in a couple of months.

Cute moment . . . Jeff and I signed up for the Revlon Walk/Run that helps fight women cancer. Well when Lexi (my niece) was born my sister made a bib number for her that was so cute and made her part of the walk even though she really wasn't registered. I plan to continue that tradition this year with our little one. More details to come for those people who would like to donate to the cause.

Jennie

I have the need for speed.

Almost time for count down and all I am thinking about is the fact that I really can't do anything yet. My family went to a new indoor go-cart arena and I couldn't go and play because I have a baby in me and that would be unsafe. I went to Disneyland for my niece's 5Th birthday and could only go on a few rides, why . . . because the other rides don't recommend mom's to-be to ride them. Jeff and I want to go on a trip but can't because I am so close to my due date that I should stay in the area of my hospital that I am going to have the baby at. Now don't get me wrong I enjoy certain parts of the pregnancy and can't wait to have the baby. I think it is the idea that the baby will be here soon and I am so close to being able to go on fast rides again or have Jeff and I go on a family camping trips or something. 33 weeks down, about 7 more to go.

Jennie

8 MONTHS!!!

I am eight months now and still can't believe that a little on will be here in a short time. Jeff and I have started preparing the condo for the little one. We rented a storage spot to hold some of our wedding items that we wanted to keep but can't not use until we have a bigger place and are starting to look at rearranging the room to accommodate the baby stuff. Today I started putting some of our items in storage, don't worry it was nothing heavier then 20 pounds. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we will finish putting the rest of the stuff in storage and modify the room. I guess the next question is when is it time for me to let go of the past. I have been going through some of my high school and even elementary school stuff and can't seem to let go of it. I mean they are just here for memory not for any use or anything I would hang on my wall anymore. It is hard to let go of the past especially when I find so many nice and funny memories from the artifacts.

Jennie

Just Touch the Belly!!!

HAHAHA!!! Now I don't have a problem with people touching or even talking to the belly. In the beginning I thought I would (OK . . . Kevin, you were the first person other then Jeff and my parents to touch the belly at two months, which did freak me out a little). Besides that, I am OK with people coming up and putting there hand on the belly and saying Hi to the baby. I think the funny thing is that people will come up and start rubbing the belly and without realizing it I will start rubbing their belly. I have yet had a stranger come up to me and start rubbing or touch the belly, now that might freak me out a little since I don't know them. If anyone is wondering people are allow to touch the belly and let the baby know your there because trust me the baby lets me know that he/she is there all the time.

Our puppy is so BIG

So she is not big like a great dane or even a golden retriever but looking back at the pictures from when we first brought her home she has grown so much. Izzy is now 5 months and yesterday got her first grooming. The groomers said she was a little terror because she was not use to clippers and scissors. I told that is why I what her to start her grooming now so she gets use to it. Next week for Izzy is puppy training class, this should be fun since we are still having a hard time teaching her to come on command. More details to come . . .

Weekends and Energy

The last few months I have been working nothing but weekends and I must say that it hasn't been to bad working them. I mean weekends are more crazy with clients coming in and cases that are at the hospital but I really thought that the pressure of not seeing my loved ones and trying to fit in the time to make appearances would be to much, especially when I am pregnant. In all actuality I have used my energy wisely so far and I am able to still help out in a lot of areas at work. Now what I can't help is knowing that March is almost here and my weekends are for me to fill with activities. Not like I don't have enough of my weekends planned out to begin with. I hope that the energy stays with me until the very end of the pregnancy and I do have to thank Allison Goldsworthy for the Fit Mama video she let me barrow because I believe it is helping me keep my body in shape and helping me through these last couple of months of the pregnancy. Salsa dancing when pregnant is so much fun.

Jennie

Many Thoughts

OK . . . so in the very beginning Jeff and I kept asking the question, Are we really ready for this little one that is going to be coming in our lives? We ponder the thought of being parents and both know that even though people thought we were ready and that we would make great parents, we really felt unprepared to be parents. My one true fear in life is that I would not be a parent that my child needed. That is the one thing that scared me the most is that my one failure in life is not raising my child to respect others and be their own person at the same time. Would my child follow in Gods footsteps? All these questions that go through my head and work there way into scaring me at night sometimes. Jeff and I at one point thought we had a handle on this emotion but the other day we went baby registering at Babies-R-Us and found our selfs scared out of our minds. Not to mention overwhelmed in the thought of what we need to prepare the house and our selves with for the baby. Jeff and I had some sort of practice with Lexi, Kyle and Jacob sometimes but we were hoping for more practice moments before we even thought of having a little one of our own. I know Jeff and I will be fine and I thank those people who were willing to listen to us and give us some helpful pointers. So this message is more of a ramble session then anything else. Thanks for your time.

Jennie

Already 7 months

I can't believe that I am seven months and in a short time Jeff and I are going to have a little one crying, pooping and peeing every so often, oh wait we do her name is Izzy. Anyways . . . I am so excited but yet I feel so behind because we don't have the little ones room set up, or even have it ready for us to put stuff in it. Jeff and I are just getting around to registering for the little one and I look at the room and tell myself I want to move stuff and organinze it but I really need Jeff and Leslie there because it is their stuff too. I think it would be rude of me just to rearrange things without them there. I want to paint the room but haven't had a chance to ask Leslie if that was ok, figuring this is her office right now and I don't want to step on toes. This is what happens when you have to work weekends and have the days during the week off. Everyone works and my mind starts to wonder. Anyway. . . enjoy the new shot of the belly and I will give you an up-date in the next blog.

Jennie

Rest in Peace Dauber

Well it is a sad day for the Bazen family. Last night our dog Dauber had to go to the hospital for bleeding out of the nose really bad. The bleeding was so bad that we couldn't get it to stop and after running some test it was concluded by the family that there was a large mass in his right nostril. Unfortunately there was no other options for us in treating him and that any treatment will just make him suffer more and delay the inevitable. So last night my family and I gathered around Dauber said our goodbyes and watched him go into the never ending sleep. For a dog that was only suppose to have lived for only a few year my family had 9 wonderful years with him. My sister and our other dog Rizzo are taking this the hardest and I can only pray that God will ease their pain. For those who might not have seen the pets I will have a picture of him up soon and please just keep my family in prayer for the next couple of days.

Jennie

LET THE KICKING BEGIN!

So I know that the kicking gets more intense as the months continue but I did not think that the little one would wake me up in the wee hours of the morning to say, Hello, and then keep me up through out the day. Izzy is glad because she has more time to play with me when I get up but I really do miss my sleep at that point. So I will go out and read a book or if it is rainy or windy I will listen to the noise in hopes it will sooth me back to sleep.

I am grateful though, a co-workers sister was six months pregnant and went to the doctor to find that the babies heart was not beating and that she had a miscarriage. That worries me sometimes to know even though I am past my first trimester that my baby is still fragile and I need to make sure everything is going well with it. So I give the baby permission to kick all he/she wants.

Jennie

6 Months Belly

I hope no one is really expecting me to show off the belly without a shirt covering it. Yeah right. I am not against those girls who do show off the belly, that is them and not me. I figure that people can see just as much with a shirt on then without. Now as for the baby in the belly, I never thought I would feel so much movement this early. I mean the other day my mom, aunt and I were walking around the swap meet and the baby kicked so hard that it stopped me in my tracks. My mom and aunt were excited because they wanted to feel the kicks so they put their hands on the belly and the baby gave two, "Hello", kicks. Hopefully this means no more cold soda attacks from my mom.

Prayer

So this has nothing to do with the pregnancy or the baby. This is more for my friends Sara, Amy and Judy Naluai. I got a message last night the Bob Naluai (Sara and Amy's dad) was admitted to the hospital for having an irregular heart beat. I can so relate to this because my family went through the same thing a little over a year and a half ago. So please pray for Bob to get better and become a healthy, strong man and for the family to stay strong and to find support in their friends and family around them.

Jennie