So far, so good

Well, I am happy to report that week one plus Nolan is here. Adam and I feel like we're catching on to this parenting thing pretty well (but ask us that next week and we'll have a different answer, I'm sure!) We came home from the hospital last Monday. The first few nights Nolan slept really well. We have now figured out that his fussy time is between midnight and 2 a.m. With Adam going back to work on Monday, I've taken the night shifts. I like to tell myself I've figured out a couple of things, but I'm sure Nolan will keep me guessing! He sleeps in his crib most of the time, but not during the overnight hours. So, we head downstairs around 1 am and get comfy in the recliner. He falls asleep first, and then I doze on and off until he wakes up, usually between 4 and 4:30. I feed him a bottle and we hang out for about an hour, and then he falls asleep again - and this time I can get him down in his crib. He's been waking up around 8 or 8:30, and then Adam gets up with him so I can sleep a little longer. Of course during the day he sleeps great!

Adam and I keep talking about how this doesn't seem real quite yet - almost like we're "playing" house. But, every time we look at Nolan we realize this is real, and that we are very lucky parents. Nolan has a calm temperment so far, and he lets us know when he needs something. He hasn't cried uncontrollably - yet. His favorite thing to do, other than nap and eat, is to listen to us read books to him.

Today Adam is away from Nolan for the first time. He's at Vine Park Brewery in St. Paul, brewing beer with 5 of his friends. I'm heading down to Nate and Becky's with the little man to hang out with the girls for a kids play date. The boys will be rendezvousing there later this evening for a Pearl Jam rock session on Rock Band. I'm looking forward to my first day out of the house!

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and congratulations. We can't wait for you to meet him (if you haven't already!).

PS Here's a 4th birthday shout out to our neice Emma!

It's a _____

BOY!

We are so happy to announce that Nolan Gregory Bleck was born on March 21st at 3:39 in the afternoon. Both Nolan and Tricia are doing really well. He wieghed 6lbs 2 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. So much for an induction on Monday! Tricia's water broke Saturday morning at 2:45, we were at the hospital by 5:30 and after a day of contractions and an hour of pushing out he came! When you look at him there are so many thoughts that run through your head, but basically he's a huge blessing and truly a miracle! More to come soon, Adam

Due Date . . . plus 2

Just wanted to write a quick update and let everyone know we're doing well as we wait for the arrival of Baby Bleck. Not much happening on the home front - pretty much just hanging out and trying to stay busy! On Saturday we cleaned the house again, but our highlight was attending the now annual St. Patty's Day party with our friends. Justin and Lori hosted, and we had a great meal of corned beef and cabbage. In honor of the annual Irish holiday, Adam and I made German Potato Salad to share with everyone. I know, random. But it tastes so good when it hits your lips! Yesterday we were able to help officially welcome Sasha and Chris' new little boy, Jackson, at their baby shower. It was great to see everyone, and to once again be reminded that babies are awfully little!

We are guaranteed to have this baby in 8 days or less, as the dr. won't let us go more than 10 days past the due date. Thanks to everyone for their well wishes, good lucks and thoughts. We're looking forward to sharing the big news sometime soon!

We wait, and wait, and wait some more...

As Tom Petty once said "The waiting is the hardest part..." So far Tricia and I have gotten just about everything prepped for this little gift that I can imagine. The names are picked out, the car seat and bags are packed and ready to go, the phone and e-mail distribution lists are set-nothing left but to wait for the newest Bleck to show up.
Our families and friends have been telling both of us to get as much sleep now as you can, before our lives do a little oop-de-oop with the baby. As for me, I'm just more anxious than anything (and I'm not the one who has to go through labor)! Tricia has been getting over a nasty cold and she seems confident that we're going to blow past our due-date on Saturday...do I hear a St. Patty's Day baby? So far we're still making plans to go out, like to a fish-fry Friday evening... Boy, do we know how to party or what?
(From Tricia) Adam surprised me with the BEST pedicure EVER on Saturday... Never have my feet needed a little TLC like they have since I've been pregnant. (Note the pic's from a month ago!)
(Adam again) We look forward to updating this more once the baby shows up-hopefully that will be soon! :)

We're ready . . . well, at least Adam is!

This is Adam, my husband and our baby's daddy. As a shower gift he received this handy dandy tool belt from his mom to help him prepare for diaper changing. I think he's ready, don't you?

Although our due date is fast approaching (only 10 days left), I have decided the baby is not going to arrive before or on the due date, but rather at least a week late. I'm not sure why I've decided this, but I have. So for those of you counting down until the 14th, be advised you may have to be a little more patient!

Last week I caught another round of the cold/flu, so I've been laying pretty low. Today I felt the best I have since last Thursday - yeah! I did manage an outing on Saturday afternoon - to Babies R' Us and Target to finish up our last minute baby shopping. I know I've said this before, but how much stuff does a baby really need? Well, a lot, since I'm a sucker. I'm pretty sure Adam would tell you that at least half the stuff I picked up could be returned:) The nursery is completely ready to go, my bag is packed, and Adam packed his last night. Even though I'm sure we're going to go past our due date Adam insisted we get the bags packed. I'm so thankful he's on top of all the last minute details!

Last night we had dinner with our friends Nicky and Scott. After dinner we settled in to play the Wii. We started with Wii Fit. I know I've realized that my center of gravity is a little off, but I didn't realize by how much until we started playing some of the games. Needless to say we all got some good laughs out of me trying to hula hoop and ski jump!