Mama Bec

10 Months!

2012-01-25T19:14:00.000-08:00

Hi Sweet Boy-

You are ten months old today! Where is the time going? You have made some changes this month; this is what you are up to:

You say "mama" anytime you want anything. If you want more food, if you are hungry, thirsty, or want something that we have you say "mama" over and over and over. It's adorable.
You want to walk EVERYWHERE. This would be fine, except it is KILLING my back! Daddy had a bright idea to scoot around in the office chair to let you walk... He is one smart cookie.
You are cruising on furniture and pulling yourself up very well.

You still do not crawl. We still think you might skip it!
You wave hi and bye all the time.
You are eating almost everything we eat. You can sign "all done" and when you are done, you mean it. :-) You LOVE apples, green beans, shredded cheese, and water.
You are sleeping okay... you still wake up to nurse 1-2 times a night. (Yes, I am tired! But, I wouldn't change anything!) You wake up around 645 am and nap from 9-1030 and 1-230. Lately you have been taking three-one hour naps. I haven't been napping with you, so you don't tend to sleep as long in the afternoon.
You are a total mama's boy. You want me 99% of the time and you throw a mini fit until you get me. We are working on this...
You are pretty easy going and calm and quiet.
People stop us when we are out and about and ALWAYS comment on your hair! It sticks straight up and we love it!
You wear 12 months Carters clothes now and 6-12 month Old Navy clothes. You wear a size three diaper. You are nursing 4-5 times a day and eating breakfast, lunch and dinner and a snack.

My heart still explodes daily because I love you so much. You are the sweetest thing!

9 Months!

2012-01-01T20:07:00.001-08:00

Luke,

You are NINE MONTHS old! Honestly, I cannot believe you are almost ONE YEAR OLD! It seems like you are just doing more and more each week and you are picking up skills so quickly. Here are some stats from your 9 month well check:

You weigh 18 pounds 3.5 ounces (15th percentile)
You are 27.75 inches long (30th percentile)
You are babbling a ton; you say baba baba all day with a few mama's. We think you might call balls baba because whenever you have a ball you say that sound. You also LOVE balls!
You are sleeping better! You wake up once a night and I nurse you... sometimes you wake up twice.
You take a morning nap at 9am (usually for like an hour and 15 minutes), and an afternoon nap from 1-3pm. The only hitch with this nap is I have to sleep with you in order for you to sleep two hours... Most of the time, I don't mind this... I love cuddling!
You go to sleep around 7pm and wake up around 7am.

You still wear a size 3 diaper and 9 month Carters clothes. You are in 6-12 month Old Navy clothes. They are starting to get a little tight!
You have started really wanting mama most of the time. You want to be held a lot and if you see me, you really want me. It's a little hard to get things done, but I am not complaining... The floors and bathrooms can wait!

We think you might start walking before you crawl. You have not started pulling up on furniture or your crib yet. If we would walk with you, you would walk ALL DAY LONG!
You just started clapping your hands together!
You still nurse 4-5 times a day and eat three meals and oatmeal at night. We have started giving you tiny pieces of food in your highchair. You really love cheese and bread... (Your daddy LOVES cheese and I love bread... maybe it's genetic?) You also have tried french fries thanks to your daddy... you love them.
You love to drink water out of a straw.
Bath time is your favorite time of day hands down. Sometimes if you are fussy in the evenings, we go to bath early. You are content to stay there for an hour!
I now am basically staying home with you. My dream come true! We are making sacrifices and they are SO worth it! We know this is the right decision for you and our family!

Seriously, you are such a sweet boy. We fall in love with you more and more each day!

8 Months!

2011-12-01T21:08:00.001-08:00

Luke,

Time is flying by! You are 8 months old as of 11/25/11. You have changed so much in this last month!

You wear size 3 Target brand diapers
You are in 9 month Carter's clothes
You have gotten TWO teeth on the bottom, but you refuse to let us look at them.
You love to stand up on our ottomans, you are so proud of yourself!
You put your paci in like it is just no big deal! Such a BIG boy!

You were sleeping horribly... we went to Bend for Thanksgiving and you were up a lot. We did a modified cry it out (let you cry for 10 minutes, reassure you, do it again and again. Finally you put yourself to sleep and slept until 4am. I nursed you and you slept again till 7am.
You generally take two 1.5 hour naps a day in your CRIB!! Sometimes, you will take a 45 minute nap in your swing in the late afternoon.
You are nurse 5 times during the day and 1 time in the night. You eat 3-4 solid meals a day. You love drinking water out of a sippy cup with a straw!

You started eating puffs! Cutest. Thing. Ever!!
You have started to wave hi and bye!

Halloween-I'm a tiger!!

2011-11-10T16:56:00.001-08:00

First Halloween!

We ended up unexpectedly being in Bend for Halloween. It's a good thing I packed the costume! Luke was a tiger. So ferocious!

The benefit of being in Bend... is a horsey ride on Grandpa!

7 Months!

2011-11-10T16:41:00.000-08:00

Luke-

You are 7 months old (a few weeks ago... I am a little late!)

I think you weigh around 16.5 pounds or a little more. I am not sure how long you are, but you have grown out of your six month pants!
We stopped using Fuzzi Bunz. The one sizes were leaking. I am watching for sales for the mediums and we may try again. You leak out of every diaper! Right now, we are using the Target brand (size 3).
You wear 9 mo Carter's clothes, 6-12 month Gap clothes.
You had your first round of antibiotics due to a strep infection in your hand. You poor thing!
You eat solids 3-4 times a day and nurse every four hours. (You also eat about two times at night...)
You are taking three naps a day, some in the swing, some in the crib. Each nap generally is 1.5 hours but some are 45 minutes.
You have started standing while holding on to our ottoman and on the wood floors you can kind of slide backwards. You are no where near crawling, and I am really ok with that!
You are so content!
You have started reaching your arms up to me. It is the sweetest thing ever. (It reminds me that the wake up calls in the middle of the night are totally worth it!!)
You like playing peek a boo.
You now laugh at random things, sometimes at yourself!
You are such a joy! We love you SO MUCH!

6 Months

2011-09-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

Sweet Luke,

You are six months old! Each month gets better and better but here is what you have been up to this last month:

You weigh 16 lbs 2.5 ounces and are 26 inches long (about the 40th percentile for both).
You now wear a size 3 diaper and are almost too big for the size small Fuzzi Bunz.
You wear Carter's 9 month onesies and 6 month pants.
You eat solids 1-2 times per day and nurse about every 4 hours.
You stayed in the church nursery for the first time when I went to my mom's group.
You generally go to bed around 7pm and wake up around 7am (sometimes at 6am). You were sleeping awesome, but we took a trip to Bend and your great sleeping went OUT the window. In Bend, you were waking up every hour. Things are getting better... last night you nursed once and daddy rocked you once.
Naps are all over the board. Sometimes you take awesome naps (2-2 hour naps a day!) and then some days you take 4-45 minute naps.
You love Hannah and Charlie. You like to rub your face in their backs.
You still love the bath. You now sit in the tub all by yourself (no more baby bath!)
You love being outside and on the move.
You sit up independently.
You still only roll to the left to your tummy. You cannot roll from tummy to back yet.
You LOVE your paci!

Fuss-It-Out

2011-09-11T17:19:00.000-07:00

It has been quite the experience learning how to sleep with Luke. So many people advocated for crying-it-out, but it was something that I was just not comfortable with. I was, however, going in to his room at night after Luke was fussing for not very long because I was so tired and wanted him to go right back to sleep (nursing would do this for him).

I committed to letting him FIO (Fuss It Out) for five nights, giving up my precious, broken up sleep (and also kicking my husband out of the bed to go and get Luke to go back to sleep). There were two pretty long nights. One night, Luke fussed for 45 minutes (never cried) and put him back to sleep. Then he woke up thirty minutes later fussing and fussing and then crying. Erik woke up and rocked him three times in 2 hours to get him to go back to sleep.

Then, last Saturday night, he slept. He slept from 7pm-530am, then I nursed him, and he slept till 715am. I was shocked. I didn't sleep because I kept waking up thinking something was wrong (or waking up out of habit).

Sunday night, he did it again. He slept from 7pm-5am, nursed, and went back to sleep. Luckily, this night I did sleep and it felt incredible.

Monday night, he slept from 7pm and I didn't feel like pumping (so I tried a "dreamfeed" and nursed him at 10pm) He slept till SIX! He did not want to go back to sleep, but I was okay with that.

So I am finally becoming myself again. Praise God.

Retraction

2011-09-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I posted how incredible Luke's weekend was in regards to sleeping. Last night did not go so well. Hopefully it was because he was adjusting to being home. Just so I can remember the looooong nights, this was last night:

6:45pm-in crib, went to sleep on his own

11:45pm-fussing, made Erik try to pacify him

12:00am-still upset, go into nurse (of course he goes right back to sleep)

1:45am-fussing; Erik goes in again... I am exhausted.

4:00am-fussing/crying; it has been four hours so I go in and nurse him (again, he goes right back to sleep)

6:00am-really, Luke??? You are up AGAIN??? Usually if I nurse you at four, you sleep till AT LEAST SEVEN.

Obviously you would think that Luke would want to nap a lot today. But every single book I have read says: sleep begets sleep. Clearly, he did not want to nap.

This is what we looked like when Luke woke up forty five minutes into his nap, but he was soooo tired, so I held him. (I sat like this for an HOUR)

Let's be honest... I am exhausted. Last night was pretty typical of the last two months. I have not slept more than 3 hours in a stretch for months. Even though we are in a rough patch, I cannot help but to smile when I see this little cutie:
Luke, even in the exhaustion, you melt my heart!!!

5 Months!

2011-09-05T19:40:00.000-07:00

5 Months!

August 25, 2011

Technically, you have been five months for a couple weeks now... but the charger to the computer broke, leaving me with no blogging capabilities.

Highlights:

You wear 6 months Carter's clothes, but starting to wear 9 month onesies
You wear size 2 Pampers diapers (only at night) you wear cloth during the day
You found your feet in the bathtub!
You are so ticklish, I can just barely touch your feet and you giggle!
You now have eaten: avacados, apples, carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, green beans, prunes and now bananas. The only thing you really do not like are green beans.
You are generally a very happy baby; you get fussy when you get tired.
You still exclusively nurse and unfortunately stopped taking a bottle, so we are working on that.

Each month this is going to get a little harder; you are a wiggle worm!

Sleeping at night: you have had a rough patch in this area... You wake up often after 45 minutes of going to sleep around 7. Then you started rolling over from your back to your tummy and getting stuck and frustrated. One night, I woke up NINE times to flip you over. I think you were going through a growth spurt the last couple weeks because you were waking up to eat 3 ish times a night to eat. You ate A LOT. This last weekend, we went to Bend, and you slept AWESOME! So, hopefully you just turned a new leaf.
Napping: you usually take three naps a day. It is hard for you to get past 45 minutes (your sleep cycle), but when you do you can take a 2.5 hour nap.

This is us this last weekend in Bend:

We love you so very much! Seriously, my heart continues to melt whenever I see you!

Hair EVERYWHERE!!!!!!

2011-08-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

I am about five months postpartum. My hair is falling out in clumps. When on earth does this stop? Please don't tell me I have to get pregnant again...

Jumpin Jumpin...

2011-08-13T20:46:00.000-07:00

The kid loves the jumperoo! He likes to turn himself around to ~~look at~~ talk to the bookshelves. Those are obviously more exciting than the cool bird and frog hanging in front of him. He does pretty well for about fifteen minutes! (In fifteen minutes, I can clean the bathroom, empty the dishwasher, wipe down the kitchen... this is precious time!)

Goodbye Swing...

2011-08-13T20:33:00.000-07:00

Dear My Little Sung-a-Bunny Fisher Price Swing,

I have deeply appreciated the long naps you have given Luke. Your warm embrace is priceless. We moved you out of Luke's room yesterday. I almost cried. Mostly, I was fearful of not having you part of our everyday life. Our first day without you was actually really rough. I was a bit edgy all day, doubting whether or not we could nap without you. The first three naps were horrible. There were lots of tears (no, we did not let Luke cry it out, but he were upset after every nap!) In the late afternoon, the heavens opened, and Luke slept for TWO HOURS in his crib. I was praising God for this milestone. So, Snug-a-Bunny, we say farewell. You will not be in the closet for too long (but don't worry, long enough), because the next little one will most likely find you just as comfortable. Except, we probably won't let our next child sleep in you several hours a day...

Love,

Becca

4 Month Update

2011-08-01T19:49:00.000-07:00

FOUR MONTHS!!!

Luke, you are getting so big! Here are your stats from your well check up on 7/29/11:

You weigh 14 lbs 4.5 oz and are 24.5 inches long.

You still nurse exclusively (except for the occasional bottle that daddy gives you so I can sleep!) every three hours during the day. You have gone through a bit of a bump in the road in regards to sleeping. You get up twice a night to eat... although you really are not that hungry the second time I come in so we will be trying to eliminate that feeding. You sleep 7pm-7am with two night wakings.

Just this last weekend we decided it was time for you to stop napping in your swing. (ouch!) Up until this point you have only taken a 45 minute nap in your crib (you wake up in between sleep cycles). Saturday, you took an hour and 15 minute nap in your crib and today you took an hour and a half nap in it!

We got the okay from Dr. M to start solids! We started with rice cereal... you were not that big of fan.

Even though you didn't love it, we still got a smile out of you!

After two nights of rice cereal, I decided to add in some avacado. You liked this a lot better. I will stick with avacado for 4 days or so to make sure you do not have a reaction. You look a little silly being only in a diaper in your highchair!

You still wear Fuzzi Bunz cloth diapers, but they are giving you diaper rash. I am trying to stick it out and continue them... We have resorted to a disposable at night.

BIG CHANGES THIS MONTH:

-you laughed for the first time... adorable!

-you are alert and notice everything around you.

-you think clapping is really funny!

-I started working from home (10 hours a week)

-I stopped napping all the time :-)

-You are now in a convertible car seat (Britax Advocate CS)

-You are working on rolling over; you get to your side pretty easily!

Honestly, as each month goes by I fall more and more in love with you. I am so grateful that God chose me to be your mama! You are such a joy!! We are in a good rhythm and I am getting back into the swing of things with working out, devotionals, cleaning, and cooking :-)

Charlie and Chicken

2011-07-14T19:23:00.001-07:00

We have two adorable dogs, Hannah and Charlie. Hannah is quiet, sweet, well mannered, and not the brightest crayon in the box. Charlie is hyper, crazy, cuddly, and crazy. We adopted Hannah first and never needed to crate her while we were away. Charlie on the other hand, needs to be locked up every time we leave! We learned the hard way in the beginning when we came home to our laptop computer (while we were in college) and all the keys had been eaten off. Charlie has done a host of crazy things, but yesterday topped it off.

Yesterday morning, I put three frozen chicken breasts on the counter in a dish to defrost for a bit (I was trying to be super prepared and have dinner all ready when Erik came home). Usually we make sure all the food is off the counter because Charlie has the ability to JUMP on the barstools and UP on the counter. I was upstairs feeding Luke and we were on our way to run an errand. I noticed that the dish I left the chicken in was empty. I thought for a second that Erik had put them in the fridge or something (sleep deprived!) Then, I looked at Charlie, his wet beard, and his drooping tail and figured it out. HE ATE THREE FROZEN CHICKEN BREASTS!

I put the dogs in their crates and ran out the door to pick up Erik to go run an errand. As I told Erik, he suggested I called the vet, just in case. I called our vet and she said that dogs with digestive issues are prescribed a chicken diet and well... Charlie clearly had enough chicken (for a lifetime). She said to bring him in and they could induce vomiting. The $$$ in my head were flashing. Our vet is 20 minutes away... 1 tired baby during nap time + 1 sick dog=NO FUN. I called another vet (2 minutes from our house) and the receptionist was shocked that we had a 20 pound dog and not a lab! The vet she spoke with was cracking up. She said to just watch him throughout the day...

Good news is Charlie is doing much better than yesterday (view the video below), bad news is... he made a MESS in the office today from being sick.

Oh Charlie.

Am I Normal?

2011-07-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

How much sleep do you all need? I feel a bit ridiculous... I have a three month old, who most nights only wakes up ONCE for a quick feed! Although I do have issues falling asleep (takes me a while), I go to bed at a reasonable time (Between 9 and 10) and wake up at 7. It is really hard for me to fall BACK asleep after I feed Luke. This SHOULD be enough sleep for your average person, right?? I have been taking TWO naps a day while Luke naps. Can I blame this on nursing? The interrupted sleep? Could I still just be REALLY behind from an exhausting birth experience? HELP!

How many of you mamas nap when you kids nap? I am not complaining, but it makes weekends so hard because I want to spend all my awake time with my dear hubby. I have always needed a lot of sleep... I just want to LIVE LIFE and not sleep it away!

Luke, two days old in the hospital... sleeping...

Strawberry Pizza (with NO picture!)

2011-07-03T21:29:00.000-07:00

I am sorry, there is no picture of this... Maybe I will have to make it AGAIN just to take a picture :-) Honestly, it gets eaten so quickly there is no time for a picture!

Ingredients:

-a package of sugar cookie dough

-8 oz cream cheese

-1 cup powdered sugar

-8 oz cool whip

-1 T. vanilla

-a pint of strawberries

-strawberry glaze

Directions:

Spread out cookie dough on cookie sheet. (I like it a little thick so it is soft and NOT crunchy!) Mix together cream cheese, powdered sugar, cool whip and vanilla. Spread on cooled cookie crust. Slice up strawberries and add to a little bit of glaze. Spread the strawberries over the whipped topping evenly. YUMMY!!!

Commenting Challenge

2011-07-03T21:12:00.001-07:00

I am doing a commenting challenge from Jenna's Journey... Link up!

I am fairly new to the blog world, so hopefully this way I can meet some fellow bloggers!

A little bit about me...

* I was born and raised in Central Oregon.

* I married my high school sweetheart in college, when I was 21. We just had our first baby, Luke, after struggling with infertility for a year.

*I am still on maternity leave; planning on dabbling in the work at home world...

*We have two sweet dogs, Charlie and Hannah.

* I LOVE Target and Starbucks.

* I have one sweet sister, Katy.

Hop on over to Jenna's Journey to participate!

Luke Laughs for the First Time!!

2011-07-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

This is the cutest video... Ever! Blake, one of Luke's best buds was tickling his feet and Luke had his first full on laugh! This is sweet sweet music to my ears! He is 14 weeks old.

Meeting Great Grandparents

2011-07-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago we made the trek to Bend to do two things: have Luke meet his great grandparents Chan and Nancy and throw a small surprise birthday party for my sister, Katy! Chan and Nancy were here from Boise, so we took the opportunity to come see them! We left during Luke's morning nap Saturday morning (which, worked great!!! He didn't cry once!) and made it to Chuck and Debbies by 10:30am. Debbie and I whipped up a strawberry pizza for Katy's surprise party! We left Sunday during Luke's afternoon nap. He broke down as we pulled into Corvallis. We are so blessed!!

Four generations of Hammagren men!

The whole Hammagren family!

Katy is surprised at Ten Barrel!

Bath time at Grammy and Grandpas!

Loving my sweet boy!

3 Months!

2011-07-03T20:33:00.001-07:00

This post is a little late (I am WAY behind on blogging!)

Luke, you are THREE months old!

You are starting to wear 3-6 months Old Navy Clothes, 6 months in Carters. We started using Fuzzi Bunz cloth diapers, and they are going really well! Your bum is super cute :0)

You have been sleeping great at night. You go to sleep around 7pm and wake up between 4am and 530 to eat and then back to sleep till 7-730am ish. Some nights you are rocked to sleep, some nights you nurse to sleep, and some nights we put you in your crib wide awake and you put yourself to sleep!

You are holding onto toys and batting at them while you are on your activity mat. You are doing awesome in the Bumbo.

During the day, you take great naps in your swing. I know we need to get you to nap in your crib, but you will sleep for 2.5 hours in your swing and only an hour in your crib. Hopefully you will grow out of the swing (not just physically!!)

We are seriously loving every minute with you! I cannot believe how much I love being a mama. I am exhausted but have so much joy; it is indescribable.

I had to go to some meetings for work and Grammy (Debbie) and Aunt Lisa drove ALL the way from Bend to watch you. You are a blessed little boy! It was a good introduction to go back to work. Thankfully, I will be able to do most of it from home while you nap.

You and your buddy Blake... He made you laugh for the first time... Will post on that soon!

Meeting Great Grandma and Portland Shower

2011-04-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday was our first day trip out of the house! It went really well, but we were all exhausted by the time we got home. I am sure that will get easier as we do it more often.

Grammy and Grandpa came on Friday to hang out with Luke. I got a nap in the afternoon (YAY!) We went to Flat Tail Brewing in downtown Corvallis for dinner. We all decided we do not need to go back :-)

Saturday we left early so we could meet my Grandma Wheeler (my dad's mom). She was in love with Luke and held him for an hour! He also got to meet my cousin John and Aunt Pam. It was sweet to see her interact with him. A memory I will always remember :-)

Then, Luke pooped... and Grandma Wheeler felt it.

Cousin John holding Luke:

Then we headed out to a family shower that Erik's family had for us. His aunts, uncles and cousins were all there to welcome and meet Luke. It was so great to see everyone and for Luke to get lots of holding from friends and family.

We then took him to his most important outing... T-A-C-O H-O-U-S-E!!! We haven't been there since a week before he was born. The waiter that is always there greeted us and remembered that I was pregnant and was excited to see Luke. We must drive to Portland to go to Taco House a little too often...

Thank you to everyone who showered Luke with gifts and love!!! We are so blessed!

One Month!

2011-04-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

Friday, April 22

Luke is one month old today, or four weeks old?! Oh. my. gosh. Where did the last four weeks go?! We are trying to settle in to life as a family of three. I am still healing and anxious to be all better so I can be 100% for Luke. I am still going to physical therapy for my silly tail bone.

Here is what you are up to Luke!

You are 9lbs 8 oz as of Wednesday, April 20.

We call you our little froggy.

You wear some Carter's newborn clothes and three month jammies. Old Navy clothes 0-3 months fit you pretty well.

You are wearing Pampers Newborn size diapers.

You have put yourself on a semi-schedule for eating. You ea

t at 7am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm, then daddy gives you a bottle between 10pm-11pm, then you wake up between 2am and 3am to eat. This gives me a nice stretch of sleep in the beginning of the night and daddy sleeps well from 10pm- 7am.

Last night you slept from 9:30pm (we put you down TOO late!! OOPS!) until 4am (with a feed from dad at 1am. His alarm didn't wake him up at 11pm)

You love your paci as you fall asleep. You are a content and sweet baby. You get fussy when you get tired or need to burp (or poop!) You LOVE the bath every night and being dried by the hairdryer :-)

Today you smiled at me for the very first time intentionally (I think!) We were in bed and you were in the Boppy and I was kissing your little hands and you looked at me with your bright eyes and let out a BIG grin!! Maybe it was gas, but I am going to pretend it was real :-) You are starting to coo a teeny bit.

Your bedtime routine is:

7 pm you eat, then get a bath with a blow dry, then some naked tummy time, then we pray with you, then we put you down and you usually fall asleep on your own with your paci.

We LOVE you SO very much! We love watching you grow!

Life at home with Luke

2011-04-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

Luke is 3 weeks old tomorrow. THREE WEEKS! Where did the last three weeks go? Besides changing diapers, feeding, cuddling, and trying to sleep in between, I am not sure three weeks have ever gone by so fast. (Although at two o'clock in the morning it doesn't necessarily seem that fast!)

At Luke's two week appt he weighed 8 lbs 8 oz (passed up his birth weight of 8 lbs 2 oz! Go Luke!) and grew 3/4 of an inch. He is in the 50th percentile for weight and 75th percentile for height.

This is at his dr. appointment:

He is doing well with tummy time and LOVES his baths. Daddy loves coming home at lunch to hold him and is with him most of the evening. The last few days we have started a routine where we give him a bath around 8 and then I go to sleep around 830 and Erik brings him in to eat at 10. This helps me get a kick start on the nights...

Grammy (Debbie) left yesterday. We are so thankful for all her help! She cooked and cleaned and had lots of cuddle time with Luke.

Now we are trying to figure it out on our own, but still REALLY thankful for all the dinners that are coming the end of the week and part of next week. What an incredible blessing!!

Newborn Pictures

2011-04-08T20:52:00.001-07:00

She caught Luke giving off a precious smile!

We had newborn pictures taken when Luke was one week old. We really wanted to capture him being so tiny and are SO glad we made the investment. Marci, the photographer, is a mama to seven kids herself, so she knew exactly how to take great pictures of Luke. She stayed with us for a few hours (I even fed Luke in the middle of the shoot!)

Seeing these pictures gives me the chills! He is so precious! If you ever need an awesome photographer, look up Marci at www.marcib.com.

We had to include the other furry family members Charlie and Hannah (by the way, they have been AWESOME with Luke!!):

My Birth Story

2011-04-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

Luke Charles Hammagren's Birth Story

I will spare you the long version (I am not even done writing it in my journal-and am at 12 pages :)) I cannot believe this is the SHORT version!!

Ten months ago, when finding out we were pregnant, I wanted a scheduled c-section with my OB Doctor. At the practice I go to, there are of course the doctors who assist in any complicated births, surgeries, etc., but also certified nurse midwives. I was very hesitant to have a midwife so I saw my OB for the first half of pregnancy. I was scared of our baby's shoulder getting stuck, being posterior, or not fitting through my pelvis. (I was only four pounds and we knew this baby might be on the larger side) I seriously was fearful of giving birth and only heard horror birth stories. I had no idea that it would be a transformational experience. After I relaxed a bit, I started seeing the midwives (there are now three at Samaritan OBGYN-Clare, Katie, and Susan) and fell. in. love. I began to research late in pregnancy the benefits to natural childbirth and decided it was something I wanted to try. I also fell in love with the midwives and prayed I would have an uncomplicated labor and delivery so one of them could share in the experience. I started reading (at the suggestion of Susan) "Ina Mays Guide to Childbirth." It is all about natural childbirth. Kinda out there for some, but I fell in love with the idea of allowing my body, how God made it, to do what it was supposed to do. We hired a doula (a childbirth coach kind of for the mom and dad-not a medical provider). Her name is Jenney. I decided this around 38 weeks-pretty late in the game. Jenney spent a few evenings with us writing a birth plan, practicing breathing and relaxation techniques. All the midwives and my OB doctor were shocked at my change of heart; but celebrated my newfound desire.

At my 40 week appointment, I saw one of my favorite midwifes, Katie. I was 2 cm dilated and 80% effaced. She stripped my membranes and everyone told me it wouldn't be long until I would really go into labor. I started having contractions Monday afternoon pretty regularly but nothing excruciating. I had an appointment on Thursday, March 24 (the day after my due date) for her to just strip my membranes again. I did NOT want to be induced but was getting tired of being pregnant. I had regular contractions all week and each night got minimal sleep due to the contractions.

Thursday, March 24, my appointment was at 10am. Erik picked me up from the house (which, of course was a mess!) and we went to see Katie. I was 3 cm dilated and 90% effaced. I broke down in the appointment and said I didn't want to go through the weekend because I just wanted to make sure he was okay. Thankfully, Katie takes all those comments very seriously and wanted to hook me up for a non -stress test to monitor Luke. I was hooked up in the office for 30 minutes and Katie came in to tell us Luke's heart rate was dipping into the sixties and thought everything was okay but wanted us to go to the hospital for further monitoring.

We checked into the hospital at 11:30 am and I was hooked up to another NST. By 1pm, Katie came in and said his heart rate was still having decelerations and that we were not going home. I was so excited at the thought that I was actually going to have a baby, but nervous that I needed to be induced. She was going to break my water to induce labor to have Luke arrive safely. Out the window went my birth plan :-) We called our parents who jumped in the car from Bend and called Jenney, who came to the hospital.

At 4:30, Katie broke my water. Intense contractions started within an hour. (Katie warned me about being induced this way and the intensity of contractions are very different than spontaneously going into labor). I wanted to get into the bathtub, but Katie wanted me to wait till I was 5 cm so it would not slow labor. By 8:30pm I was 5-6 cm and ready to go in the tub. Contractions were "coupling" (one right after another) and I was having a ton of back pain. I asked that no one say the "e" word (epidural) because I knew I would take it if offered. By the time I got into the tub, I knew I needed relief and was exhausted. I now wanted the epidural immediately. Luckily, the anesthesiologist was on the OB floor and by 10:15 pm I was all hooked up. The anesthesiologist did a great job because I could still feel pressure of contractions and move my legs. The epidural did not take in my low back. When Katie came in, she felt the baby and said he was posterior (sunny side up) and that is what was causing the severe back pain and coupling contractions. They tried to rotate me in lots of positions to turn the baby. I did not want a c-section, but knew it could happen with a posterior baby.

Jenney and Erik encouraged me through the night, massaged my neck and arms, and just stayed with me. The night was long and exhausting. At 4am, Katie checked me and I was complete. I started pushing and pushing and pushing. For three long hours, I pushed. I developed a fever at the end, requiring an extra night in the hospital and antibiotics. Towards the end, Katie brought up using a vacuum because I was literally exhausted. I had been up for 48 hours with no sleep. Katie said I had to have three more contractions and then we would talk about the vacuum. Susan (my other favorite midwife) walked in and held my hand and encouraged me through the next contraction. She was kissing my forehead and everyone was telling me that he was almost there. On the second contraction, at 7:06 am, on March 25, Luke Charles Hammagren was born. Erik helped deliver him and put him on my chest. He was perfect and beautiful. 8 pounds 2 ounces, 21.5 inches long. I believe it was because of people praying that Luke turned and ended up not being posterior.

Katie, Erik, Luke and I shortly after birth

As I look back on Luke's birth story, I am amazed at God's provision. It was not at all as I had planned or even thought I wanted, but it was absolutely perfect. Yes, I had an epidural, an IV, an induction, and even a bit of pitocin. My birth plan was thrown out the window early in the process. I have no regrets on the hours of research or hiring a doula because my birth story is exactly what God had planned. Katie made an incredible call to get Luke here safely. The midwives, nurses, and Jenney were the most incredibly kind and wonderful women. I felt so strong and empowered. This was the best day of my life. Erik's strength and encouragement carried me through the long night, and continues today. I am married to an incredible, loving man who is a compassionate, wonderful daddy (who has changed more diapers than I have!!)

Luke is one week old today and I can say that I wish it were last Thursday so I could do it all over again. Giving birth was one of the most incredible, emotional, powerful experiences of my life. I received an email from Susan (the midwife who brought in fresh energy after a LONG night) that said she felt she needed to be there because of her connection to Erik and I (way to make a new mama ball like a baby!) I have spent the week processing this incredible experience and am so thankful for every piece of it. My fear has vanished and I cannot believe I am already saying I would do it again in a heart beat.

Luke is amazing and so is Erik. He is a fabulous daddy who loves Luke more than life. We have had a great week bonding together as a family.

The 10 Most Annoying Things People Say to Pregnant Women

2011-03-10T21:36:00.000-08:00

I am the lamest blogger of all time. Here is what I have copied and pasted :-)

The 10 Most Annoying Things People Say to Pregnant Women:

1. Old wives tales as gospel. As scientific as it is, it's annoying when people tell you with certainty what sex the baby will be based on how you're carrying.

2. Manhandling. Suddenly your globe of a stomach becomes public domain. Old women and customers in grocery stores suddenly flock to molest your belly as if it is the most accepted and natural thing in the world. More common than a handshake.

3. Horror stories. While pregnancy brings kinship between women who otherwise had nothing in common, it also brings out their burning desire to regale you with stories of their horrific stories of birth. Never will you hear more about botched episiotomies and days of fruitless labor and stopped baby heartbeats. Why anyone thinks someone with labor on the horizon would want to hear this is beyond me.

4. The just wait until...syndrome. Nothing is less pleasing than to have your current station in pregnancy belittled with just wait until... (insert anecdote here). Sometimes it is only limited to how much worse your pregnancy will get (as if it hasn't been bad in different ways throughout) but it can also extend to just wait until you get no sleep when the baby is here. When does this end? When I have a baby I guarantee I will start hearing about the terrible twos...when I have a 5 year old it will be "Just wait until you have a tween" and then just wait until you have a teenager. Thank you harbingers of doom, but I think I will take my torture one day at a time.

5. The belly reactions. Pregnant women are hormonal; they are seldom happy with their expanding waistline and are self-conscious in regards to their looks. Why do people feel the need to point out how big they are? "Oh my god! You're huge" are NEVER words a woman wants to hear. Similarly, "Are you sure you aren't having twins?" should have a moratorium slapped on it.

6. Unsolicited opinions on birth plans and breast feeding. The debates between no drugs vs. drugs in labor and breastfeeding vs. not breast feeding can be hot ones...but it should be relegated to the no talk zone along with religion and politics. I am sure that everyone feels like their information is true and correct, but it is a personal choice.

7. Ingestion Nazis. The people that watch you like a hawk just waiting for you to eat or drink something that they think is on the no no list. Pregnancy is hard enough without people commenting on nitrates or caffeine. What self respecting pregnant person isn't going to be aware of the do not eat or drink items and the risk associated with each? Everyone's Dr. is different and new information is being uncovered every day.

8. Unsolicited name advice. A name choice is a privilege bestowed upon people carrying and raising the child. Yet, despite varying tastes, everyone wants to weigh in on name choices. Even the most well meaning person offering up names puts the pregnant couple in the uncomfortable position of having to shoot down names. One man's Bertha is another man's treasure.

9. The “expert” syndrome. It seems that some women who have been pregnant, even forty years ago, feel like they know everything there is to know about all pregnancies. Even though all pregnancies are different they feel the need to weigh in of what is normal or not normal in a pregnancy. Even if they are directly contradicting scores of baby books and professionally trained medical workers, they toil on, spreading misinformation and causing panic or feelings of abnormality.

10. Unhelpful weight advice. Yes I know it is better not to gain too much weight. Yes I am aware of how hard it is to take off weight. Yes I know that breast feeding will not melt away my fat. Yes I’m aware that stretch marks are no fun to have. Enough said.

2010 Recap:

2011-01-09T19:54:00.001-08:00

Honestly, I am not sure how long I will be able to keep up with this-but I want to try to remember everything with this pregnancy as well as our new adventure with our son being born in 10 weeks. That is surreal to say!

A quick update in pictures:

We bought our first home in January 2010:

Erik graduated from Oregon State University and had a big party with a whole bunch of family and friends:

In May 2010 we went on an incredible vacation to Maui:

My best friend Sara and her hubby Russ had a perfect baby boy Blake (He is now SEVEN months old!):

We found out we were expecting a precious baby on July 15, 2010: This is the first ultrasound in August where we saw the heartbeat for the first time.

We landscaped our yard with our incredible friends Noele, Brandon, Krista and Brandon.

We celebrated Thanksgiving with both sides of the family in our new home:

This was before my company Christmas party in early December (around 25 weeks?):

There are many more events in 2010 and of course there are overviews of 2008 and 2009... All in time.

So Long Since an Update...

2008-04-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

Well we have moved in and settled all down in our new apartment. There is so much that has happened the past month and a half I do not know where to start!!

Erik is having a great time at Boeing. He is now working programming a part a bull gear which is a gear that runs a plane's engines. (A 747). That is all I really know or understand how to explain! He has met a friend there, Lane. Lane and his wife, Ashley live in the same apartment complex. We seem to have dinner together at least once a week, so that has been fun.

He is going to Seattle in two weeks for training for a week. He has a company credit card, company car, etc. etc. etc. He is loving not being school. We both have to get up pretty early, but I think our bodies are getting used to it. We are young but go to bed at 8:30 and wake up around 5:30. It's the only way to not fall asleep during the day!

I am in a first grade classroom full time and have been teaching everyday. I get along with my teacher and all the other staff members. I enjoy going to "work" everyday, although 24 seven-year olds really wear you out by 2:20. : ) I have been interviewing for jobs in Lebanon and Corvallis. I am going to the final interview for Corvallis next Wednesday. You interview, then teach a reading lesson to a group of 1st graders. YIKES. It is going well, but somedays it is very hard dealing with all the kids. 99% of them live below the poverty line. Most live in apartments.

I have been getting lidocaine injections in my neck and head for my neck issues and head aches. It is starting to help a bit, which is a blessing. It is not fun getting the injections, ouch. Then, I got a cortisone shot in my knee which has reduced the pain 75%. Now, in physical therapy we will start building back my quad muscle. So, God has been good to us, showing both of us that my body will heal. I still have a long recovery, but seeing little improvements is very encouraging. Counting my headaches and knowing it is one less each day is very good! Bless Erik, he drives 45 minutes with me to Physical Therapy and then drives all the way home (another 45 minutes). He is so supportive.

We have been here for four weeks I think and have gone to a couple different churches. One had many thousand. It is so interesting to see what church is like in a big city. In Corvallis, we do not have the range of choices.

Just a quick update for those interested. Send me anyone's email address so I can send them the link for this blog, I set it as private. Katie, Debbie, and whoever send me your emails!!! : )

Hope all is well!!!

4 Days to Go...

2008-03-17T12:56:00.000-07:00

Well, we are moving on Friday... Our bed is now in the living room because boxes have slowly overtaken our bedroom. it is a bit of a treat because we get to watch TV or a movie in bed, that is always fun.

Yesterday, my boss at the coffee shop had a going away party for me. That was fun... It is always interesting when work people hang out outside of work. Hmmm.

Everything is basically packed (just all the odds and ends that you have to wait for).

Erik is in a final right now and has another one tonight at 6. Then one more on Thursday at 9:30. I do not have finals but am in the library trying to do my work sample for next term. I am teaching a unit on poetry. OH boy.

We are antsy, stressed, and tired! We just want to be up in Gresham unpacking our massive amounts of boxes and have a few days of "spring break."

I will post some pictures of the tornado that came to visit... : )

Have a great great week!

Odd Things About Me... : )

2008-03-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

Tarah and Katie tagged me to write about ten weird/odd/random things or facts/habits about myself. I don't know if I have ten, and there are only a handful of people reading this but here it goes:

1. Erik refers to my toes as "bottle openers" I admit that they are a little weird but they curve up just a bit.

2. When I was little, my sister and I were painting a huge pumpkin on a cardboard box for a carnival at school. My mom left us in the kitchen to paint and came back and we managed to take off all our clothes and cover ourselves from head to toe in black and orange.

3. When I was 6, my best friend dared me to take an m & m out of the bulk candy in Safeway. Then she turned around and told my mom. My mom made me go PAY for the thing and the lady said I needed to pay 1/2 a cent. I was so confused.

4. I have Terrien's Marginal Corneal Degeneration. Its an eye condition that happens to men over 45. Its where one of my eye's cornea degenerates over time. Yes, I know...

5. When I was in middle school, my friend and I flew by ourselves to California. In the Burbank airport, we met and took a picture with Bruce Vilanche, he was the rather large guy on Hollywood Squares with blond curly hair and red glasses.

6. My mom wanted to instill good financial habits in me when I was young, so she signed me up for a credit card at 10 years old. She would wait in the car and I would grocery shop. We both loved it. I went to the bank the first time when I was 5 to get my first savings account.

7. I started working in my family's toy store (The Zoo) in Sunriver when I was 7 years old. I stocked all the toys and did the cash register.

8. I had Lasik eye surgery two years ago. I don't have to wear glasses or contacts anymore, YAY!!!!!!

9. When I was 14 I got my belly button pierced with a friend. We drove to Salem with her older sister. We were so rebellious.

10. I ice skated competitively for several years when I was young. My mom made all my outfits and I would go to practice before elementary school and after school until bed. I loved it.

I have no one to tag because I only read Tarah and Katie's blogs. So, girls, wanna do it again!? : ) Just kidding!

Moving part 2...

2008-03-08T11:11:00.001-08:00

I realized that I have not written for three weeks... (Thanks Katie!)

We are moving in two weeks from yesterday (Friday). We went to Gresham two weeks ago and found apartments. It was an odd process because we drove through the down over 10 times going from place to place. We were so defeated by the end of the day so we went to Outback for dinner. We decided to drive around a little more that night (it was SO dark!) and stumbled upon these great apartments that were in our price range and had more than what we were looking for. There is a pool, hot tub, and fitness center. We found a one bedroom on the third floor which is great because we won't have anyone above us. I realized it is not so great because I struggle horribly with stairs because of my knee. Oops.

If you are interested in where we are living... the website is www.carlaprop.com and then on the left hand side you click on Aspen Highlands and it shows pictures, etc... ;)

Erik found out his hours are M-F from 6 am to 2:30pm which I was thrilled about, but he is a night person! I am slowly converting him (devious, I know). If he is not out studying until the wee hours of the morning, he is in bed with me around 9:30. Yes, I am only 21 and go to bed at 9:30. I need lots of beauty rest!

The drive for Erik will be 10-15 minutes (no traffic at 5:45 AM!) For me, it will be about the same. Yesterday we drove back up to Gresham so that I could find a teacher that I can student teach with full-time. I more or less "interviewed" two different teachers. One is a male, who I really liked and one was a female. I got along really well with the lady and found out half way through our conversation that she is a Christian and she even invited Erik and I to church when we move up there... (whole other post). I have thought and prayed and thought and I think I am going to go with the man. I think I will learn more from him, and he is pretty organized (I am crazy organized).

Katie asked the difference between student teaching and a work sample here is the scoop...

Student teaching- I have spent this whole year in the classroom. I teach lessons, do things with the kids, etc. It is the hardest experience because I am always being critiqued. Starting March 31, I will be in the classroom ALL DAY long every day of the week. I will teach full-time for three weeks (so, I teach all day everyday, which at this point is a big deal). Then for the rest of the term I teach at least half-days... During these 11 weeks, I will teach my second work sample.

Work Sample- A compilation of ten related lessons on the same topic (not necessarily same subject) You can integrate math, PE, writing, etc. You have to assess the students in the beginning (pre-test) and at the end to show learning gains (post-test). I just finished my first one, which took hours and hours and it is now 75 pages. I will do another one of these next term.

I graduate on June 15 which only a hop, skip, and jump away! Who Hoo!!

Other news... I go to the surgeon again (who did my knee surgery) on Monday to figure out what is next in the knee saga. I have more pain now than before surgery and it is continually swollen. The physical therapist can't figure out why. Hopefully the doctor will have some answers.

Our house is a disaster with boxes. We had to buy them, unfortunately. My mom got us several free ones in Bend and Chuck and Debbie brought them over when we saw them two weekends ago. Then we found some for sale on Craigslist. It doesn't matter if they all say "Cat Food" right? : ) I am so happy that we will be unpacking them in just two short weeks.

Okay, obviously I should post more because this is a novel.

I will try and be better. : )

Have a great weekend everyone! Happy Birthday Chuck!!!! We love you!

Moving!!

2008-02-14T19:06:00.001-08:00

Well we finally know the next six months of our future!! Erik found out today that his internship for Mechanical Engineering will be at Boeing in Portland. This is great news for both of us. He is very excited as he will be doing more of the manufacturing and designing aspect of the company. He does not know full details but will find out soon. He receives benefits and paid time off. Praise God!

Tomorrow is my last day teaching my work sample, which is required to become a teacher in Oregon. It is a long process and becomes a 90-100 page book. Yikes.

Another high point of this week is that I found out that I passed my Praxis test for my ESOL endorsement. This means that I can teach kids who do not speak English as their first language. YAHOO!!!

We are reminded this week of God's faithfulness and blessings...

This weekend we will be going to search for the perfect apartment. I have to find a student teaching placement in Gresham or Fairview. It will be interesting!!

My Life in Weeks...Week 3

2008-01-23T14:56:00.000-08:00

Our terms at OSU are divided by weeks. We know when is due what week, what tests are what week, etc. This is week three, we are almost 1/3 done! (Yes that does not seem like much, but believe me, it is a milestone!)

I decided to post today because today is the first day at physical therapy since surgery that I made it through without a tear! YAHOO!!! Hopefully I only have three more weeks of physical therapy (this is week 6). I just had to tell you all the good news, because I have been so down about it lately. There is even some muscle contraction in my quads... (you would think there would be after SIX WEEKS!) Anyways, that is all good news...

My days are insane! I feel like I run around most of the day like a chicken with my head cut off! I run to spend mornings with the third graders, grab some sort of a lunch, take Erik to school and sit at the library, go to physical therapy or chiropractor, back to the library (where I am right now NEEDING to be doing lesson plans), get Erik, make dinner, then do homework as late as I can stand! Then I go to bed but most nights don't sleep well (I hear that most teachers have trouble with this in the beginning :) ).

Anyways, compared to last term things are already improving. Erik is happy that I am becoming more myself and am able to actually do things. I often think of myself (selfishly) and then think of others like Bill who have such a long road of recovery, but still have a great attitude. I have struggled with letting it all go and giving it to the Lord, but when I FINALLY do everything seems so much more simple and there is WAY less heartache!

Be blessed this week!

Winter Term

2008-01-12T21:07:00.000-08:00

I realized that I have not posted for nearly a month! So here are the updates....

We are going into our second week of Winter term. Erik is taking all mechanical engineering classes once again. Although his classes are very challenging he does not have class on Tuesdays and only two hours of class on Thursday. He is able to spend those days doing homework and studying...

He was accepted into an internship program which consists of two six-month internships in different locations around Oregon. The first one starts the end of March. We find out where we will move (or stay) the middle of February. Most likely we will move to the Portland area. Hopefully, I will find a new student teaching placement for the Spring term (my LAST term of COLLEGE!!)

My classes are also crazy. I remember the great days of being a freshman. I am in a third grade classroom this term. It is a bilingual class (Spanish) so I am only there when they speak mostly in English. Most of the kids are below the poverty line... you can imagine. It is very challenging but I am reminded daily of the rewards. Although it is more work I have ever done in my life, my heart gravitates to the kids.

Job fairs for me start next month (AHHH!). I have not decided what to do next year, as Erik will have another internship next spring. I want to move with him and not break a contract. Hard position to be in but something will work out, it always does.

We went to Bend for two weeks. It was so fun to see family and friends. I was in a good friend's wedding and Erik got to spend a lot of time with his good buddies Robby and Scott.

We are very happy to be back home, not so happy about school... : )

My knee is doing great. I am still in physical therapy two times per week, but I am seeing so many improvements and so much less pain. Praise God! Now the pain is in the recovery, not the previous pain before surgery. YES! I am still going to a chiropractor and massage therapy every week. Although it is a lot of time, I know it will be worth it in the end.

Well that is enough blabbering for now, my posts do not even compare with Tarah's or Katie's!!

Swollen Toes... : )

2007-12-14T10:12:00.001-08:00

Surgery is over! The picture is of my fat little toes (well, fat BIG toes). I am in a considerable amount of pain today. Taking pain pills every four hours.

Anyway, it went well and hopefully I will be back to normal within a few months. I will find out more next Wednesday at my post-op appointment.

Okay I'll post again when I am feeling a bit better.

Thanks for the prayers, I appreciate it!

Prayer Request...

2007-12-10T17:12:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

I (Becca) am having surgery on Thursday, and was wondering if any of you could please pray for me!! I am not sure who knows and who does not know, but I was in an accident the beginning of October... I was riding my bike home from class and was hit by a car. My knee is still having problems and they are not sure what they will find.... There is for sure cartilidge damage, so they will fix all that. The recovery could be anywhere from three weeks to three months, depending on what they do... My meniscus, ACL, another ligament are all things they are going to fix.

I would really appreciate any prayers! I feel so fortunate that I am able to get fixed, and am praying for God's peace to surround me.

That's all! : ) Thanks!!!!!

--Becca

Thanksgiving...

2007-11-24T20:27:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving was very very good. My mom, sister, her boyfriend, Debbie, Chuck, and Lisa all made the trek from Bend on Thursday. We had a great few days eating good food and having good company.

Erik and I made:

Turkey
Green bean casserole
sweet potatoes
mashed potatoes
homemade rolls
stuffing
jello with fruit in it
berry punch

I am so thankful for all of my wonderful and amazing family. I feel so incredibly blessed. Erik and I were a great team. : )

Hope everyone had a wonderful time with family and friends!

Home to Bend for the Weekend

2007-11-04T10:14:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

We went to Bend this weekend and had a great time. I had a orthodontics appt. on Saturday. I have only had my braces on for three months and he said they are about ready to come off! YAY~ I am in a wedding the first weekend of January, so I really hope they will be off by then.

We had so much fun spending time with my mom and Erik's family. We went to Outback (YUMMMMM!) on Saturday night for dinner...

Halloween was not as interesting as the "Blue's Clue's Family" : ) I ended up falling asleep at 8:45!!! That is the record for me.

We only have four more weeks of classes, then one week of finals and then a very deserved four weeks off... I cannot wait to be done with this term and do NOTHING over Christmas.

Tonight we are putting up our Christmas decorations, so I will have to post those pictures. I know, it is really early...BUT we will end up taking them down mid-December to bring them back to Bend. I think I might be a little more excited than Erik, but he is a trooper. (even if he is pretending to be overjoyed just to make me happy!) : )

This begins my favorite time of year... Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Have a great week! : )

Becca

My Friends are Becoming MOTHERS!

2007-10-20T20:54:00.000-07:00

One of my good friends just had her first baby girl last week! She is so happy but exhausted. Erik and I are going to Eugene next weekend (where she lives) to take them some dinner. I have to admit it is a little selfish because I also want to go because I want to hold the little one... : ) Erik's plan is to get to eat at Chili's. We all have a great deal! Erik gets his favorite food, I get to hold a newborn, and a new family gets a good dinner (I hope!) : )

It is weird that my friends are really starting to get married and have children. For now, Erik and I feel very blessed to be able to spend these few years learning about each other and growing together. Of course, God has a plan for the future that hopefully includes some kiddos.

Anyways, we are busier than ever! This week, Erik has to build a prototype of his robot. He is asking for lots of cardboard... : ) I will take a picture and post it this week. It is crazy to think that our term is almost half way over ALREADY! I feel like I am in need of Christmas break already... one month of heaven. I realized that this is the last year that I will have a one-month break! College feels safe and secure, the real world (a real job) seems very scary at this point...

Cannot wait for Shauna and Coby's wedding... Something VERY fun to look forward to!

Have a great week!

THANKSGIVING!!

2007-10-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

I know it is a bit early to post on Thanksgiving, but it really is my favorite time of year. (Christmas songs, decorations, etc.) They will all go up by Thanksgiving.... : )

I am thinking about preparing dinner and am wondering:

What is your favorite Thanksgiving dinner dish?

That is all for now, I will be back later to write a longer post!! : )

have a great week everyone!!

1 week down, 9 to go!

2007-09-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

Well we are officially through our first week of school! Erik is taking some pretty tough classes this term, so he has already started in on the homework... His junior project is to build a robot that can clean a window. It is called Winrobo. He is in a group with three other guys. The prof. decided on the groups by having everyone in the class take personality tests. So she grouped them up by who would work best together... Interesting... I am not even sure how they will begin the process of creating this robot, I would have no idea where to start!

I have class till 7 on Monday and Tuesdays. Those I would have to say are long days. I work at Java II, a coffee shop on campus at 8 in the morning then I go all day. Thursday's I student teach, and praise the Lord on Friday I do not have class or anything! I am so thankful for Fridays! Now that I am in all the senior education classes it is the same 25 people in all my classes. That is actually a blessing. Easy to get in touch for projects and homework questions.

Erik also has the same several people in all of his classes. It is really great for him because he has such challenging work.

We had a busy busy weekend! Saturday we both worked at the coffee shop until 1:30, then had lunch with some friends, then went to the Beaver game. (we lost pretty bad...) We all left at half time and came back to our house to watch the rest of the game.''

School and being married are better than I could have ever expected. Even though we are busy, I am so thankful I get to wake up next to my best friend every morning. I had high hopes for being married and living together, and so far it has been even better than expected. God is very good to us. We are continually thanking Him for bringing us together and blessing us with such a deep friendship with each other.

Have a great great week everyone! : )

Aparment pictures!

2007-09-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures from our new apartment!

All Moved!

2007-09-11T20:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

It has been a bit since I posted. Well, we are all moved in! I will post pictures later in the week (I am way too tired to get off the couch tonight). Our apartment looks fabulous. Chuck, Debbie, and Lisa all came two weekends ago and helped us make the trek from the parking lot up an elevator down a really long hallway into our one bedroom apartment. It looks so great. Lisa unpacked most of the kitchen, the men did the manly things, and Debbie did a great great great job at decorating! It looks like a professional has been here!

Last weekend was my best friend's wedding. Erik was the best man for Eddie and I was a bridesmaid for Laura. The ceremony was beautiful. They are in Maui this week celebrating their honeymoon. I cannot wait till I can hear all their wonderful stories! They are actually moving in one door down from our apartment.

Last week I also started my student teaching in a first grade classrooom. I have almost completed 40 hours. That experience has made me think hard about what I am supposed to do, called to do, and truly want to do in life. I think I am trying to make myself like teaching because of all the benefits. Oh my gosh, I knew it was hard, but it is HARD. I am not sure where I am called. This year at OSU kind of seems wasteful if I am not going to be a teacher.

I already have a degree a B.S. in Human Services but I am not really sure where that will get me...

Does anyone have any advice about this? : )

How did you all decide what to do before all those babies came along? Or if you dont have kids, how did you know what to do??

Okay, I promise to post the pictures, they are SOOO cute!

Chuck and Debbie are coming this weekend, and I think (hoping!!) Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Chan will come the next weekend!?!?!?!?!

Night!

Some Wedding Pictures!!

2007-08-26T15:33:00.000-07:00

Mooooving!

2007-08-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

So we have an official countdown of when we get to move into our apartment... SEVEN DAYS!! We are both so excited to move in together and get the year off to a great start. Chuck and Debbie's garage is very full of wedding gifts that will fill up our apartment, probably overfill it!

Today was my last day of work, which will be a nice break. I have one week before I start my student teaching. Erik is going to have a great relaxing three weeks, while I am at school!! Hopefully I will not have to go for too long!!!

I will post pictures next weekend of moving... it will be such a blast. Then our best friends, Laura and Eddie will be getting married on Sept. 7th and we are both in the wedding, so we will go up to Portland for that.

: )

Marrried : )

2007-08-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

Well we are back from our honeymoon and back to real life. Erik went to work for the first time today. I have my first day tomorrow...

Everything was amazing. The food, the hotel, the room, the sun, the weather, everything was perfect.

The only bummer of news is the part where I got braces on today. This is the third time I have had braces. It is because i went to an orthodontist that made me a bite splint (I grind my teeth) and anyway it created an open bite. So the only place I bite down is the last two teeth. i cannot eat artichokes, which I love.

I will spare you all the pictures, but I guarantee that I have a huge metal mouth!!! I have the whole sh-bang... I have rubber bands, a thick wire, and teal braces.......

Well I am off to sleep...Have to wake up at 5, welcome to the real world!!

Honeymooooooon!!!!

2007-07-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures so far of our honeymoon... everything has been beautiful!
Will write more later!!

I am GETTTING MARRRIED

2007-07-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

Okay so I really could not sleep. I think it will be adrenaline all day long. Last night went so well. I was surrounded by so many people who loved both me and Erik.

Cannot wait for tonight.... My hair is a little bit of a disaster, but i am going to the salon in just a bit. Today is more than just my hair, I must remember!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

6 days!!

2007-07-22T07:50:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone!

Well I see that I have not posted since last weekend... I guess I have been kinda busy... Erik went camping this weekend with his two good friends, Robby and Scott. They are both in the wedding and Robby is his best man. I am so happy that he has the chance to go have some gooooood "guy" time... He called me a few times and let me know that he has not showered in three days. I was very nice and asked him to shower before he came to my house today : ) haha.

Today, my friend Kristen is taking me to the spa! I am having an organic facial or something. They do extractions (freaky?!) and then a chemical peel that takes off some of your skin. I will have to post on that one... Then this afternoon we are meeting MIchelle and Pat to talk about our pictures. Pat is doing our photography and Michelle is playing the piano.

This week I have a few appointments but not many... I have to drop off my ring either tomorrow or Tuesday, I already got waxed (**OUCH**) and had my hair highlighted. So then I have a manicure/pedicure on Thursday...

Tomorrow night we are "interviewing" for a ten day housesitting position.... hopefully they will let us do the job! What a BLESSING!!

Things are going very very well!! Cannot wait to see everyone who will be there!

This is the website to the resort we are going to for our honeymoon. I thought some of you might want to look : ) It is pretty sweet.
http://palaceresorts.com/Resorts/AventuraSpaPalace/Index.asp

Pictures of Last Night!

2007-07-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from last night!! I will post later, but here are the pictures...

Bachelorette Party!!

2007-07-11T20:59:00.000-07:00

SO this Friday, my sister is planning a party for me. It is a surprise, which is very hard to do for me. I think nine of my closest girlfriends are coming, and three of them are driving from Portland, which is so amazing.

I am so blessed with such wonderful friends, and such a great and caring sister. Katy (my sister) has been so good to me with all this wedding stuff..

The only thing I know is that it is Friday at 6:45. It is a lingerie party, so I cannot even imagine what it will be like!! : )

I will post pictures on Saturday and tell you guys ALL about it!!

21!!!

2007-07-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

So I turned 21 on Saturday (7-7-07) that was pretty special. I had such a great birthday... My mom took me, Erik, my sister Katy, and friend, Kristen all out to breakfast--yummy! Then Erik and I went to the pool for a couple hours. My sister gave me a pair of Citizen of Humanity jeans (fancy jeans) and a dress that I will wear to my bachelorette party this Friday!! So I wore the dress to dinner and then went to a wedding with Erik after dinner.

My mom gave me a Coach purse which was very nice and Debbie, Chuck, and Lisa gave me some Lancome makeup. Erik gave me a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses that happen to be identical to Debbie's!! : ) Dinner was so much fun. I had such a hard time ordering my first alcoholic beverage. I was not impressed in the least bit, so it got passed around the table quite a few times (neither of our families really drink). My mom, sister, Erik, Chuck, Debbie, Lisa, and myself all went to Johnny Carino's. It was a great great time. I could not imagine it anyother way!!

I will keep everyone posted on my party this Friday. THREE of my good girlfriends are driving from Portland, which is such an honor!

Also, I GOT MY PASSPORT!! Praise the LORD!!

Life is Good, GOD IS GREAT : )

Night!

Happy Fourth!

2007-07-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July Everybody!!

I hope everyone has great, fun plans for today..... good food and fireworks?!

I now have two weeks off from work, PRAISE THE LORD!! Then I work two days and then have the week and a half off before the wedding. Such such such a blessing!!

I am hanging out with some girlfriends, one was a very good friend in high school that I have not seen in a year! We are going to go lay out at the pool this afternoong. Erik has to work till at least 8 tonight : (

Last night we went to Erik's at about nine and took some stuff to show Debbie (flowers, etc.). They wanted to go to Red Robin so we all went down and had some fries and sat outside till 1030. Then Chuck said he wanted to play cards... This would normally be my bedtime or past it but we said what the heck.

We ended up playing cards till one in the morning. It was a blast! We always have so much fun when we are together, but I say some pretty stupid things ; )

The story with the flowers... My mom found some spirea (I dont know how to spell it) in the shopping center that she manages. So she brings a bunch of it home and creates a beautiful bouquet for the wedding. Since the spirea looks so pretty she wants to go pick it the day before the wedding. (she can do this because she knows the owner and has asked him) But the funny part is whenever we go around town and she sees a bunch of flowers she wants she always talks about creating a magnetic sign that sticks to her car that reads, "Ann's Landscaping." That way, no one would stop her!! I think that is soooooo funny!!!!!!! : )

24 days from today...

Have a safe and fun 4th!!

Passport...

2007-06-27T17:26:00.000-07:00

So I went to the post office yesterday and applied for my passport. I got there and realized I did not have my drivers license (my mom was driving)... So they sent me away and we drove back home. We go back to the post office and I hand her my passport pictures. She looks at them and says, "these won't work. you cannot have anything on your head." So, back to Costco we run so I can have them taken again. I had to go to work yesterday at 5:30 so i was a bit worn out by this point.

So, passport is now taken care of. Then I went to Phagans (my sister is in beauty school and this is the name, yes awful name). My sister gave me a facial which felt wonderful, I feel asleep on the table. Then she trimmed my hair and wanted to practice what she would do for the wedding. not only the wedding but also the rehearsal dinner. So I sat in Phagan's for four hours.

I felt so bad because my hair did not turn out very well and I was absolutely exhausted. I only got a few hours of sleep so last night I went to bed really early. Erik goes to Robby's house every night, so he tucked me in at 9:30.

My mom said I need to not work as much (even though I am only working 25 hours/week). She thinks I am going to have a melt down. Once I get some sleep, I will be splendid.

We are now wrapping the silverware. My mom embossed every napkin and folded them really nicely and tied a ribbon around the whole thing. Now we have to put the silverware in. The things she comes up with are incredible. She is an amazing woman.

Thank you Shauna for all your advice and help! : )

31 days!! : ) : )

Well, we are off to dinner at Erik's house! Have a great night

Passport Frenzy

2007-06-26T05:21:00.000-07:00

Erik and I went to apply for our marriage license yesterday. That was an interesting process. It only took like ten minutes and we are among many other young couples doing the same thing. When we went to pay the $55 we were talking about changing my last name. I got a passport when I was 16 to go on the many mission trips to Mexico. The lady was telling me to just wait and renew my passport and change my name instead of buying a whole new one. She asked me what my expiration date on my passport was so I pulled it out (thinking you might need another source of ID to get married, but just need your license) and it said FEBRUARY 17, 2007. In the middle of the county offices, I started crying. I cried hard enough to make Erik finish the talking. She was so sweet but told me I probably would have to drive to Seattle to get one because the normal time is 10-12 weeks. We are leaving in 4 1/2...

Erik said he is happy to smuggle me into the country if that makes it possible for him to attend his honeymoon. : ) So after work today, I will check on expediting it (possibly TWO weeks).

Let's pray that works...

At least this is the only malfunction thus far!!!!

Showers, Roommate, Christmas Time, Best Friends!

2007-06-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of a shower that was thrown for me. It goes a friend named Shelby, Me, Debbie, Lisa

This is my roommate from the past two years, Kristen! She is a bridesmaid in my wedding.

Our best friends are getting married this summer as well! We are all in each others wedding. Laura is one of my bestest friends in the world!

This is back in September with Laura and Eddie before a home football game, Go Beavs!

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend

2007-06-21T19:07:00.000-07:00

How do I post a bunch of pictures? This is confusing...

Blogging

2007-06-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I feel really comfortable reading other's blogs, mainly Katie's and Tarah's, but it is kinda weird to think that people will be reading this. I am not really sure what to say!! I love love love reading others but I just do not know what to say! The biggest thing that is going on in my life at this point is that I get to go back to Bend tomorrow. All my family and friends are in Bend or went home for the summer from college...

Also, I am getting married in 36 days, turning 21 in three weeks... So many great things are happening in my life, I could not leave Jesus out of my amazing time of life right now, PRAISE HIM!

Well I think I shall try to post some pictures of Erik and I...

Have a GREAT night : )