"About Your Pregnancy"

A couple months ago, my close friend Sarah Wolfe sent me "The Pregnancy Journal" and at the beginning, they had questions for you to answer and fill out. So, I actually filled this out in February (a couple months ago) but thought I would add it here as it is kind of fun. Granted, this is me answering..... dad had no input!

1. Was your pregnancy planned or a surprise?

Planned - but I was still surprise it happened on the first try :)

2. When did you begin to think about having this baby?

Ha Ha - on my honeymoon - I remember thinking I wanted to be pregnant within the first year.

3. When did you first suspect you were pregnant?

I was a couple days late on the month but we were coming home from vacation and I think I was in denial as to not get my hopes up!

4. When your pregnancy was confirmed, how did you react?

Shock - JOY - I was really quiet, early morning in the bathroom & just stunned. I quietly walked into the bedroom and was like, "Honey, are you awake?" I was so EXCITED but waiting to see how he would react. I left the digital preg test on the bathroom counter and walked by and checked it at least 20 times before it finally died - just to be sure!

5. How long did it take to become pregnant? Did it seem quick or slow?

First real try but it was a 100% effort - I had been reading anything I could, calculated my fertile days & taken an ovulation predictor kit.

6. What is the best thing about being pregnant?

The excitement of knowing that Bradley and I have a little life we've created that I know will be precious & change our lives!

7. What challenge do you foresee with this pregnancy?

* Dealing with my changing growing body - being uncomfortable in my clothes and body.
* Limiting vacations, activities & things I love to do
* Caffeine and alcohol withdrawal
* The cost of daycare!

8. Who were the first to know you were pregnant and what were their reactions?

* My husband - quiet at first (still half asleep?) but excited
* My mom and dad - SUPER EXCITED for us
* My Sister Sara and her kids - the kids started cheering
* My brother Robert and Brooke - Robert's first question was to ask if we were still coming camping in August
* Bradley's mom & dad - Very excited and surprised

9. What hopes and dreams do you have for your baby?

Wow... most importantly that they grow to love and trust in God above everything. I also hope they find happiness in life - joy in family, a career, relationships, and experiences - that they are positive & can focus on the joys in life..... and my blue eyes :)

10. What are the most important qualities you can nurture as a parent?

* Trust in God and a personal relationship with Him
* Compassion for other people
* Honesty & integrity
* To laugh and be able to laugh

11. What were the best things about your parents as parents?

My parents were amazing role models as Christian parents and raising us in a Christian household - talk and actions. My mom was able to stay home with us and was very nurturing - spent a lot of time with us. We also had fun as a family - waterskiing, camping, fishing, and time with extended family.

12. What role do you see your family playing in your baby's life?

I want my family to play a very large & important role in my child's life because I know how wonderful it is to have amazing grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins!

13. Have you picked out any names? What names would you consider?

Girl - Ava, Kendall, Tabitha, Samantha, Lauren, Audrey, Reese, Sidney
Boy - Owen, Trevor, Samuel, Matthew, Joshua, Nathan, Gavin, Aiden

14. Are there any names to which you would say "Absolutely not!"

Logan - HA! - Because my husband loves it and I say it is a "Mormon Name"

15. Do you want to know as soon as you can if it's a boy or girl? Why or why not?

YES! Because I'm impatient and can't wait to find out! I want to be able to make fun things and be prepared for the arrival

16. What one thing do you want for your baby to be sure to have that you didn't?

I can't think of anything...... I feel I had it all!


17. Whose facial and physical characteristics do you want your baby to inherit?

My eyes :) - Both of our height (tall!) - Bradley's smile and hair - blonde like me

18. Whose emotional and personality characteristics do you want your baby to inherit?

A lot of Bradley's personality - easy going, and laid back, sense of humor, people person, and compassion for others

My emotional characteristics - strong will/determination, level-headed, determined and resilient

19. What tasks do you need to accomplish before this baby is born?

Wow - where the baby will sleep and live in a 950 sq ft one bedroom condo! We also need everything - we have no baby stuff at all and are starting from scratch

THE END

Baby boy!

The Ultrasound... finally we get to see you! The ultrasound was so neat to see you actually are in there and to see you move around! I felt like I was holding my breath the whole time - just overwhelmed. I also know why i can't feel you move as much as I thought I would - the placenta is out in front and cushioning all of your movements! Until you get bigger, I won't feel your acrobatics. To be honest... I can't wait! I also loved seeing your little heart beat - so small yet so perfect.





They kept trying to get a profile picture but you would not cooperate! Every time we tried to get a picture of your face, you would turn away. So... no great views of your profile or face :)



The best part - we finally know we are having a boy! You were shy to show your face but thankfully you opened your legs so we could see the gender! When we found out, it was very cool! I admit I was trying not to cry.... just so happy and excited! Your dad was holding my hand and squeezing it - very cool moment.



After the appointment, we called our parents and family! What fun news to share - everyone was so excited - especially the Backstroms to add a grandson to their two granddaughters.

So, these are the first pictures of you with many MANY more to come I'm sure! I have a feeling we will document your life well with the help of your grandparents!

19 weeks (hopefully!) until we get to hold you in our arms! Can't wait!

Mom

Shrimpy is a........

BOY!

On Tuesday April 20th at 1pm, Katie and I heard the news that Shrimpy is a BOY! He was not shy in showing his manhood confirming all of our speculation. Mom and baby are healthy on course for an early September delivery.

Papa Backstrom and Great G-ma are excited that our last name will carry on to yet another generation. MeMa Backstrom is already out shopping for the baby blues.

We are both overwhelmed with Joy and cannot wait to celebrate the gift of life in our lives!

Love proud Papa,
Bradley

The countdown to the ultrasound

Shrimpy....

I can hardly STAND it - I'm so excited to know if we are having a boy or girl! And don't worry, I have names picked out for both as well as strong veto power over my husband :) The Ultrasound is tomorrow at 12:30 and it will be the first time Bradley comes with me so he'll get to hear the heartbeat and as well as the first time for us both to see the baby. As always, excited for the progress and dreading the weigh-in. Bradley was a bad influence and DRAGGED me to Dairy Queen for a blizzard last night... the fun will definitely end once the baby is here!

I love hearing Bradley talk to the baby - he calls you "Shrimples" and "Shrimpaluffagus" - I promise I won't let these all stick! ..Especially not into young adulthood!

So, until tomorrow.... all I can do is wait.... :)

Week 20 and the day before....

Morning Shrimpy,

We just celebrated week 20 of momma being pregnant. So far so good. Momma is still very active doing step class and even riding bike around the lakes. She was even talking about going kayaking over the weekend. She's a trooper I tell ya!

So tomorrow, Tuesday April 20th, is the big day for your first Ultrasound. No matter the results we anticipate your arrival sometime in early September.

Lastly, this week’s pregnancy email compares you to the size of a banana. At this point I vote to keep your nickname, Shrimpy!

We can't wait to see you tomorrow!!
Love,
Dad

Boy or Girl?????

Yesterday, we had a vendor come in proposing a Gender prediction test to go in our stores as an Equaline new item.

Being pregnant and responsible for testing all new items, the team was excited for me to try! So, this morning after reading online reviews, tips, and procedures, i took the test to see if we are having a boy or girl and - IT'S A BOY!!!! (According to this seemingly unscientific test!).

Bradley said this means for sure we are having a girl. So... I guess in 5 days we will know if it is right!

See for yourself!

Almost Halfway!

Expecting our first child with the love of my life :)

Well, my first post and we are at the halfway point already - 20 weeks this Saturday! How to even sum up the first 4 1/2 months....

1. The "Get it Done" Plan - no one read more info on the internet about how to get it done and get it done efficiently in month 1. With digital ovulation predictor in one hand and the calendar in the other..... I shouldn't be so shocked we were 1 for 1 - but I was - and excited!

2. Keeping it a secret for 10 WEEKS!!! So hard.... It's some of the most exciting news in your life - like getting engaged - but you don't jump on the phone and call everyone you know! It was fun to be "our little secret" for awhile and to get used to the idea! Calling my parents and family was such an exciting and emotional night! Telling my mom... and then hearing all of Sara's kids break out in cheers in the background to the point she couldn't hear - priceless!

3. Timing... We found out on New years day morning... at least I could explain turning down alcohol and caffeine, etc.. as my very ambitious "New Years Resolution!" Talk about the world's biggest caffeine withdrawal headache on New Years day... might as well as had a hangover!

4. January - some rough days at work - tired, bloated, slightly nauseous, clothes getting tighter. When you haven't told anyone you are pregnant, you just go with the Mantra "Suck it up!" (Except Bradley may disagree....) There were some rough Saturdays in there and only him to take the brunt of it!

5. Lifesaver - Colace - enough said - Thank you Kari!

6. Highlight - Week 12 - Hearing the heartbeat - seriously, brought tears of joy and excitement - proof there is a little life inside.

7. First visit to the clinic for lab tests - Passed out COLD during the blood draw requiring two vials to revive me - quite traumatic! I scared the nurses more than myself.

8. What i didn't expect - My boobs to grow so much faster than my "bump" although it is finally catching up....

9. Challenge - One bedroom condo - do you decorate the corner of the dining room?

10. The best thing so far - Bradley! I'm a lucky girl!

11. Biggest question? Will i ever feel sexy again?? Ever???

12. 1$ Gender bets - Bradley's family has put down money against the gender of our first born - 3 (Bradley, Tom, Bryan) on boy and 6 (Bev, Steph, Jessie, Katie, Svea, and Bryn) on girl. We find out April 20!

13. Maternity clothes - I pretty much hate them all... Seriously, trying to find LONG pants with an inseam I can lengthen, empire waists that actually come down over my boobs, tie back waists, and the list goes on. Every morning is a wardrobe challenge before work - EVERY one! (Ask my husband!)

So, there are some things to sum up this pregnancy so far..... it's been a journey and we are only halfway there! Sometimes I am just blown away by the fact we will be parents and holding a tiny baby (our baby!) in less than 5 months - it seems so surreal but makes everything about pregnancy seem worthwhile - I can hardly wait to hold you, Shrimpy!

Dear Shrimpy!

Hi Shrimpy,
This is your dad, Bradley. Today I started this blog to capture the evolution of your being, from momma's belly and beyond! As we near your first Ultrasound on April 20th, we are getting more and more excited to welcome you to the world!

On January 1st, 2010 your mother awoke me with the wonderful news! The night before, we had just celebrated New Years Eve with a quiet game of Scrabble (which I won for the record). I remember Katie and I conversing on what a blessing of a year 2009 was for us and how we were going to top it. That Friday morning January 1st when Katie asked me, "Bradley, are you awake?"...I said "I am now!"...."I'm Pregnant" she exclaimed in Joy! We knew our prayers had been answered!

Why Shrimpy? Well, the nickname started from the weekly pregnancy emails that Katie gets to keep us posted on your growth and other information about your progress. For week 13, "Your baby is almost 3 inches long (the size of a medium shrimp) and weighs nearly an ounce." When you mother shared this with me, well, the name just stuck.

I want to say that Katie and I are so excited for your arrival! We have both vowed that we will do everything in our power to be the very best parents one could ask for. For that, we thank both our families for setting such an amazing example of what family love is!

Love,
Dad