First Halloween

Audrey is a little too young to go trick-or-treating, but we did get a chance to drag out the photo gear and take this.

She did help answer the door for a record 31 little ghouls and goblins (yes, we kept count). I tried to talk her into shutting off the lights and hiding in the back room so we would have some leftover candy, but she liked the costumes so much that we nearly gave out every last piece.

Cousin Emma

Audrey has a very special cousin who sent her a very special note after she was born. Even though they live very far apart, they get to see each other this Christmas at Grammy and Papa's house in Washington. Aunt Kelly, Uncle Mike, and Cousin Audrey can't wait to see Emma in just a few short months!

Dr. Swensen

Audrey had her first doctor's appointment on 10/22. She gained three ounces since she was born - up to 7lbs 12oz. Not bad for six days old. Dr. Swensen was very nice and didn't even make her cry once.

However, drawing her blood in the lab for a jaundice test was a different story. I don't know if it was cold, or if the lady didn't know what she was doing, or if Audrey's blood is super-clotting, but it was a good 20 minutes of screaming. Sucking on my finger both kept her quiet for a few seconds and gave me a new appreciation for what Kelly has to deal with! A few minutes nursing in the women's restroom and all was right with the world again.

Later, Audrey told me the lab tech is no longer invited to her first birthday party.

Audrey Elisabeth Steffen

Audrey Elisabeth Steffen arrived at 4:31am on 10/16/2009. She was 7lbs 9oz and 19.5in long. Audrey and Kelly are doing great. We feel so blessed.

Hurry Up and Wait

Since we got everyone excited last night, we thought it would be worth posting an update. The big news is...there isn't any!

Kelly slept well, I slept well, and I'm off to work. We'll definitely keep everyone who usually reads this informed if things change. In the meantime, it might be time for Eggplant Parmigiana Alla Scalini's tonight.

Leftovers

Mission accomplished!!! Our freezer is completely and totally full.

In the weeks after the little one arrives we'll have a lovely selection of frozen ravioli, turkey chili, stovetop chicken, a pan of chicken enchiladas, frozen breaded cod, and enough Costco lasagna to feed a small army. Yum.

No News is Good News?

Kelly and I feel a little stupid...

We go for our checkup and the doctor says: "Oh yeah, she's definitely head down."

We read our books and they say: "You should be able to tell if it is a knee, or an elbow, or a foot you are feeling." In fact, the book said we should have been able to figure it out a few months ago.

We still have no clue what we are feeling. We just know it is freaky!!! At least, that's my opinion of it. I think Kelly is used to it by now.

Tomorrow is Kelly's first official day off work while we wait for the little one to arrive. Finally, she'll realize how hard it is to stay home and slack during the work day. We have hundreds of channels on the TV, and it takes some serious effort to find anything worth watching between 10am and 4pm. Hopefully I'll start getting some sympathy around here!

In the meantime, she'll be giving the Yoga ball a test run. Bouncing on the ball was the one sure thing to keep my nephew happy when he was little. As it has been in storage for a number of years, we wanted to make sure it still "worked" before we have a baby in our arms. (And yes, I sat on it before I let Kelly give it a go.)

Wall Art

We are well into our 37th week, which means we're just twiddling our thumbs and waiting for the big day now. In the meantime, some new wall decorations went up. The room is definitely turning out to be Tiggerific.

Baby Steffen had a great day. She loves pancakes. Actually, I think she just loves syrup. She also was thrilled that the Broncos won and was happy the Eagles didn't play this week, so she wouldn't have to pretend to root for them.

It was also a good day for Kelly. The euphoria from her massage on Saturday had yet to wear off. My Indian food experiment seemed to actually be edible this time (don't ask about last time). But most of all, it was her last day before her last week of work. Starting Friday evening, she'll get to kick her feet up and relax until the little one arrives. Hopefully she savors every relaxing moment, because we all know those will be few and far between for a while!