...just in time for her to move to Germany! We will certainly miss her stateside but there are adventures to be had in foreign lands! I think she has a natural momminess about her. Willem totally dug the introduction... Smiling from tickles! And I must say, smelling lovely from the wonderful Burt's (Baby) Bees gifts. Did you all know that talc (our Baby Powder from way back) is actually a carcinogen!? The midwives suggested corn starch. Luckily, Burt's Bees makes a nice smelling non-talc powder for baby.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Monday, August 28, 2006
Tummy Time
Tummy Time, I am discovering, is valuable for three main reasons: 1.) baby learns how to hold head up, use arms and legs; 2.) baby wears himself out in a productive manner rather than kicking and arm flinging as you hold him; and 3.) mommy can get things done while watching baby but not while negotiating the world with only one hand!!
Ah yes, and it provides PHOTO OPS!!!!
Ah yes, and it provides PHOTO OPS!!!!
Budding Friendship
Misha is getting quite attached to little Willem. This weekend we caught him napping with Willem. Hopefully this love will mean that the crawling and hair pulling phase will go smoothly! Until then we will all enjoy the fur baby and human puppy friendship.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
One Month Already
I can't believe Wiley is already a month old! Everyday he is doing something new and growing, growing, growing! Todd fed him his first bottle which he took to like a duck in water. Evidently there is no "nipple confusion." It was wild to watch Todd feed Willem... I thought my heart was going to burst out!
Willem had his first check up with his new pediatrician. It was great- he is now 11.88 lbs., 22.5 inches and his head grew about 2 cm! He is in the 96th percentile for weight! Whoa! Looks like we got an eater on our hands!
Willem had his first check up with his new pediatrician. It was great- he is now 11.88 lbs., 22.5 inches and his head grew about 2 cm! He is in the 96th percentile for weight! Whoa! Looks like we got an eater on our hands!
Family Picture
We have our new family picture... only missing Poushy. This was taken a few blocks away at the yard of our local scrap metal sculptor, Mike Roig.
One day we will own one of his sculptures!
One day we will own one of his sculptures!
Meet the Family
What a wonderful three weeks!! We had LOTS of family here (staying with Mom and Dad Bush... not our little place) to meet little Willem for the first time! They came from the far reaches of the Earth... from Florida to Montana to China. Little Zain is going to be a super big cousin (and big brother). He is already demonstrating his baby care skills including putting "Baby Michael" (play baby) into the car seat... baby may be upside down in the car seat but its a better job than Brittany Spears could do :)
Mom and Dad Sandvik came from Montana, Aunt Pat, Uncle Jud, and Tracy came from Florida, Grandmama and Charles from Florida, and Nate, Mindy, and Zain win the distance award for coming from CHINA!
It was wonderful to visit with everyone, to hear family baby stories (Aunt Pat told of her brother who was 20 pounds at BIRTH!!), to celebrate all sorts of events (Tracy's birthday, Nate and Mindy's anticipated baby boy, a respite from killer heat, etc., etc.).
The time also taught me (new mom) that it IS possible to DO things while caring for new born! Nice lesson!
Mom and Dad Sandvik came from Montana, Aunt Pat, Uncle Jud, and Tracy came from Florida, Grandmama and Charles from Florida, and Nate, Mindy, and Zain win the distance award for coming from CHINA!
It was wonderful to visit with everyone, to hear family baby stories (Aunt Pat told of her brother who was 20 pounds at BIRTH!!), to celebrate all sorts of events (Tracy's birthday, Nate and Mindy's anticipated baby boy, a respite from killer heat, etc., etc.).
The time also taught me (new mom) that it IS possible to DO things while caring for new born! Nice lesson!
Friday, August 04, 2006
Week 2 Check-up
here is a one handed post to update you all on little wiley's status: he is super. midwife jenny said he is big and beautiful... and so calm! he weighed in at 10lbs 4oz! Wow! 22 and 1/2 cm long. well... need to get him fed and to bed, maybe a nap for mommy too.
le nom
The only Willem that Todd and I have ever known of is the master actor, Willem Dafoe. After we brought little Willem home on July 22 we poked around on-line after talking with my sister, Judith, to discover who else shares his birthday... and surprise, surprise WILLEM DAFOE'S BIRTHDAY IS ALSO JULY 22!! Now people, we obviously could not have planned this. But how amazing, no? Is it a sign? Hmmm... what is in the stars for our little man?
Todd and I had a lot of fun picking out Willem's (Willem, pronounced almost like "William" but with the "em" versus "iam" at the end, with a "will" not a "vill"... heck... just like Willem Dafoe) name. We had a HUGE list of names we gathered. We spent many an hour knocking names around. Seeing what the initials ended up as, crossing out names that had possibilities for horrible name calling from meanies in school, and writing them out to see how they looked together. The manes were all of scando origin more or less... I mean the Vikings, Celts, etc. all really got around... why draw lines?
Willem Mikkel ended up striking both Todd and I very well. On March 16th we settled on it! And happily the name could accomodate a nickname that we both love... Wiley. And yes, we saw the name Wiley at the Wright Brother's museum on our honeymoon. Wiley Post was a pilot and inventor and led a pretty wild life all in all. http://www.acepilots.com/post.html
Willem is the Dutch version of William (From the Germanic name Wilhelm, which was composed of the elements wil "will, desire" and helm "helmet, protection". The name was introduced to Britain by the Normans. It has belonged to several rulers of England, Prussia, and Germany, including William the Conqueror, the first Norman king of England. Another famous bearer was William Tell, a legendary 14th-century hero from Switzerland. In the literary world it has been borne by dramatist William Shakespeare and poet William Blake, as well as contemporary authors William Faulkner and William S. Burroughs.)
Mikkel is the Scandinavian form of Michael (From the Hebrew name מִיכָאֵל (Mika'el) which meant "who is like God". This is the name of one of the seven archangels in Hebrew tradition and the only one identified as an archangel in the Bible. In the Book of Revelation in the New Testament he is portrayed as the leader of heaven's armies, and thus is considered the patron saint of soldiers. This was also the name of nine Byzantine emperors and a czar of Russia. Other more modern bearers of this name include the 19th-century chemist/physicist Michael Faraday and basketball player Michael Jordan.) The name can also be derived from the Scandinavian root mikill meaning "enormous".
Ekk... have to go! TIme for our two week check-up at the Birth Center. Look for news on how much weight he has gained... and I have lost!
Todd and I had a lot of fun picking out Willem's (Willem, pronounced almost like "William" but with the "em" versus "iam" at the end, with a "will" not a "vill"... heck... just like Willem Dafoe) name. We had a HUGE list of names we gathered. We spent many an hour knocking names around. Seeing what the initials ended up as, crossing out names that had possibilities for horrible name calling from meanies in school, and writing them out to see how they looked together. The manes were all of scando origin more or less... I mean the Vikings, Celts, etc. all really got around... why draw lines?
Willem Mikkel ended up striking both Todd and I very well. On March 16th we settled on it! And happily the name could accomodate a nickname that we both love... Wiley. And yes, we saw the name Wiley at the Wright Brother's museum on our honeymoon. Wiley Post was a pilot and inventor and led a pretty wild life all in all. http://www.acepilots.com/post.html
Willem is the Dutch version of William (From the Germanic name Wilhelm, which was composed of the elements wil "will, desire" and helm "helmet, protection". The name was introduced to Britain by the Normans. It has belonged to several rulers of England, Prussia, and Germany, including William the Conqueror, the first Norman king of England. Another famous bearer was William Tell, a legendary 14th-century hero from Switzerland. In the literary world it has been borne by dramatist William Shakespeare and poet William Blake, as well as contemporary authors William Faulkner and William S. Burroughs.)
Mikkel is the Scandinavian form of Michael (From the Hebrew name מִיכָאֵל (Mika'el) which meant "who is like God". This is the name of one of the seven archangels in Hebrew tradition and the only one identified as an archangel in the Bible. In the Book of Revelation in the New Testament he is portrayed as the leader of heaven's armies, and thus is considered the patron saint of soldiers. This was also the name of nine Byzantine emperors and a czar of Russia. Other more modern bearers of this name include the 19th-century chemist/physicist Michael Faraday and basketball player Michael Jordan.) The name can also be derived from the Scandinavian root mikill meaning "enormous".
Ekk... have to go! TIme for our two week check-up at the Birth Center. Look for news on how much weight he has gained... and I have lost!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Welcome Sadie!
Chris and Vicky Vitiello's baby girl, Sadie Catherine, was born yesterday afternoon! YEAH!!! She is just beautiful, too! Congrats, congrats! Willem's friends keep growing!
Happy Anniversary!
What a perfect anniversary gift. They can't get any better! Today we celebrate our second wedding anniversary with little Wiley. Mom Bush made us a beautiful little cake with the same wheat, butterfly, and wildflower decorations that were on our wedding cake! When Todd gets home from work we will take a family stroll down to Weaver Street for a nice dinner out. The joy continues!
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Saturday Morning
Little Wiley is one week old ALREADY! Time is flying by. Todd and I made our first run for diaper reinforcements... let's see how long 210 diapers last. Willem continues to amaze us and warm our hearts. He is getting stronger and chubbier every day! I posted more photos on our Flickr.com page too. Ciao!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandvikpix/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandvikpix/
Thursday, July 27, 2006
The Bun is Done!
Saturday July 22nd at 12:50AM Willem "Wiley" Mikkel Sandvik was born at the Women's Birth and Wellness Center in Chapel Hill, NC.
9 lbs. 2 oz.
21 1/2 inches
35cm head
100% pure love
I had no idea that you could physically hold love in your arms but you can. The labor and delivery were beautiful. Todd was my inspiration to stay focused and calm... he never left my side. And after an hour of actual pushing, I was able to reach down and deliver Willem into this world with my own two hands!
My folks and my dear friend Christina were also there to witness the birth. They all did a wonderful job documenting this part of the journey. All the photos are a real gift for me because the only thing I was focusing on was Todd's voice.
Our midwife, Maureen, was amazing as was the attending nurse, Ellen. They helped make the experience peaceful and just as beautiful as a birth should be. It was a glorious reception!
Well, little Wiley needs lunch part ii now. Todd has had the week off so the three of us have been having a great vacation... getting to know one another. JOY!!
There are more Willem pictures on our Flickr.com page for those interested!http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandvikpix/
9 lbs. 2 oz.
21 1/2 inches
35cm head
100% pure love
I had no idea that you could physically hold love in your arms but you can. The labor and delivery were beautiful. Todd was my inspiration to stay focused and calm... he never left my side. And after an hour of actual pushing, I was able to reach down and deliver Willem into this world with my own two hands!
My folks and my dear friend Christina were also there to witness the birth. They all did a wonderful job documenting this part of the journey. All the photos are a real gift for me because the only thing I was focusing on was Todd's voice.
Our midwife, Maureen, was amazing as was the attending nurse, Ellen. They helped make the experience peaceful and just as beautiful as a birth should be. It was a glorious reception!
Well, little Wiley needs lunch part ii now. Todd has had the week off so the three of us have been having a great vacation... getting to know one another. JOY!!
There are more Willem pictures on our Flickr.com page for those interested!http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandvikpix/
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
"Estimated" Due Date
Well, the 12th has come and gone... the Baby Pool at the office has about fizzled (Evidently, people actually thought I would deliver on time). I am trying to keep my cool. At our check-up this Monday, after poking around a while, Midwife Maureen came out with this dousy: "I think there may have been a miscalculation of timing here..." ACK! I asked how "off" she thought we might have been... she held up two fingers... meaning WEEKS not days. DEAR JOHOVA!
All I can say is that this little guy better get here before the 22nd. Todd and I bought a very cute Astrological onsie with all the Cancer traits and a little crab on it.
So as can be expected I am now having lovely emotional highs and lows... had a complete breakdown on Sunday which included a good cry in the shower. Is there anything more pathetic than crying in the shower? Thank God for Todd.
For everyone wondering when the baby is going to show up - I have no idea. Believe me if I knew I would be telling people. The only fun part to waiting is that Mom and Dad Sandvik and Nate, Mindy, and Zain may actually BE here for the birth!
I have a non-stress test scheduled for tomorrow and then an ultrasound for Monday. Whoohooo.
All I can say is that this little guy better get here before the 22nd. Todd and I bought a very cute Astrological onsie with all the Cancer traits and a little crab on it.
So as can be expected I am now having lovely emotional highs and lows... had a complete breakdown on Sunday which included a good cry in the shower. Is there anything more pathetic than crying in the shower? Thank God for Todd.
For everyone wondering when the baby is going to show up - I have no idea. Believe me if I knew I would be telling people. The only fun part to waiting is that Mom and Dad Sandvik and Nate, Mindy, and Zain may actually BE here for the birth!
I have a non-stress test scheduled for tomorrow and then an ultrasound for Monday. Whoohooo.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Can the Compost Pile Take it??
Oh watermelon
how I love you...
Like one of the eight
glasses I am supposed to drink
except MUCH better.
My only question:
Can the compost pile
take one more rind?
Hehe.
Todd and I had our Week 39 (and two days) check-up today. We were advised to enjoy every day like it was our last... day of peace. Midwife Maureen guesstimated we would be looking at a 7.5 to 8 pounder. She seemed to be under the impression that I should just be thankful he isn't going to be a 10 pounder! WHOA! Mindy just told me her friend delivered a 9.5 pounder... whew! I will be in the corner counting my blessings.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
The Interloper
So Poushy brought this little guy INTO the house. I am guessing she got bored and let him run off... I rediscovered him as I was settling down to take a nap. ACK!! Poushy and I then tag-team hunted it. I am a better hunter than the silly cat. Poor little thing was about to have a heart attack- I guess I would too if I was his size with a giant hungry looking pregnant woman and a cat chasing me around.
Rocker
I just have to slip in this picture of Todd. We have been having a great time getting ready for baby... including some relaxing on the weekends! Baby likes Todd's playing just like his momma does.
Two Years Ago...
This is our "serious faces" wedding portrait. What fun! To think that just two years ago this month we were enjoying Duck Island with our families after our wedding. And now we are going to have a baby boy for our second anniversary! YEAH!
Baby's Buds
Some of them look relaxed, some a little nervous... perhaps they know more about baby habits than the others. My parent's neighbor, Deb, got him the big blue "Octotunes"- he is AWESOME! Each of his eight legs is a horn in a different key. So far I can play "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and "Old McDonald."
Nursery Troll
Everyone knows that Scando Babes have a nursery troll to keep them company, right? This is Bjorndolt, jokey little fella.
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