The Kranendonks: A Year In Review.

Wow! It's been a looong hiatus from our family blog. Let me apologize for that. This post comes at a time when our family is embarking upon another change. You see Lucy will soon be a year old. which means she will be transitioning from infancy to toddlerhood. It also means mommy is preparing to go back to work and daddy is trying to help mom prepare. But wait, I'm getting ahead of myself here. Lets take a step back and review the past year.

February 8th, 2011- Lucille Pearl Kranendonk was born. She was a shiny and brand new baby for Lisa and I to take home, however, due to some unforeseen complications we had to stay in the hospital for what was close to a full week. I won't go into too many deets, but by the end of the week both Lisa and Lucy were healthy and ready to go home.

The first ride home - we live 1 block if even that from the doors of the hospital. However, with Lucy in tote I made it my duty to make sure we got home safely. I was literally shaking as i put the car into reverse and pulled out of the parking lot of the hospital. My eyes were pealed for any jack ass who might harm our new baby girl and 10 mins later we were home. Yes, I am certain it took us that long to make it there as I felt it was necessary to drive like an old man on a Sunday afternoon coming home from church. We were welcomed home by our family and when they left we were left like "holy shit!! we have to take care of a baby now".

Breastfeeding - It's a beautiful thing. It really is, mom and baby cozy and close bonding it really is a sight to be seen. However, noone tells you that it takes about 3-4 months to get to that point. You see not all babies are patient. Some are like "wahhh give me milk...wahhh give it to me now!" but it doesn't happen like that. It takes work. Well Lucy was one of those impatient kind of babies which made breastfeeding not so glamorous. It's at this time that I would like to give huge kudos to my wife who never wavered on her decision to breastfeed. She is truly strong as it would have been easy to give up at any point. But eventually they both caught on and it was wonderful and the bond that it built between them is amazing! Note to future dads: Be available and be ready to get your wifey things at a moments notice. In early months breastfeeding time is not the time to be playing videogames, playing on your cellphone (oops!), or doing any other activity that may make you hesitate your woman's needs. Tread lightly during these times.

Other Stuff- So it was also during these first few months that i found the worlds greatest weightloss plan (mind you I wasn't trying) But somehow in Lucy's first months alive i managed to lose around 50 lbs. This was not good. It was the result of a hyperactive thyroid which eventually needed to be radiated (which made for fun times crossing the Canadian/American border). In short, thyroidisms are easy to treat so all is well.

So after about 3 months after Lucy was born Lisa began training for a half marathon. She ran a lot and seemed to enjoy the time she was able to get away (like all mommies should -its much needed). We even went on a short family vacation to Kentucky during her training and she still ran in lovely hot humid Lake Cumberland state park.  The vacation was also fun too (Thanks rents!!). All in all Lisa ran the half marathon on September 24th and finished in 2:44. Lucy and I were at the finish line to cheer her on. We were proud of Mommy.

Holiday's - Went by like a blur. I barely remember them. I know that Lucy had a wonderful x-mas thanks to all our family and friends.

Present day- So now that we kinda know what happened over the past year what's in-store for the Kranendonk family this year. First up, after all the holiday binging on food and drink, our family has decided to embark upon eating Paleo/primal. For thoes of you who do not know what that means here is a link Yummy! I have dabbled around with it some over the course of the past 3-4 years, and Lisa has decided that we should go full on. Nothing wrong with being healthy right?

So once Lisa has to go back to work Lucy will have to go to daycare. This is a scary thought for a parent as not all daycare settings are awesome and have trustworthy people. But we did find a place and hopefully it will be a good fit for her. The good news, however, is I am fortunate enough to work at a place where I can have a 3 day weekend. So Lucy and I will get to spend Friday's together. This should be fun. Navigating Sault Ste. Marie. Trying to find activities for a 1 year old and her dad to do. I am looking forward to this time to continue bonding and sharing new experiences with my daughter.

In closing I'd like to say that I will post more often (can't promise, but I will try). Thanks for letting us share with you.

Sheldon, Lisa & Lucy Kranendonk (and Molly too!)

10 Days left! The Count Down is On

Well Go! time is almost upon us. So we wanted to take a few moments to update all of our friends and family on the ongoings of our family. Lisa is doing great and is feeling just as great. She is uncomfortable at times and has been having some Braxton Hicks Contractions which are her body's way of preparing for birth of the baby.

We have had some baby showers and have been blessed with many generous family members and friends who wanted us to have all thing things that baby might need. We have prepared the baby's room and have it ready to go. Which in retrospect is kind of a funny idea given that she probably won't be sleeping in her room for "fingers crossed" 6 months or so.  Also, we have been on the hospital tours, birthing classes (We learned about this and this ) and lets not forget about breastfeeding classes.

I have to say this whole pregnancy journey has been quite the learning experience for us. We have watched and learned about the development of our child while in the womb and have learned a lot about each other as well. As many people have told us I am sure we will learn much more about each other and will surely learn more about our daughter as she grows. While this will probably be our last post until after the baby is born I want to thank everyone for being supportive of our family and being so generous and caring. 

Diapers and baby powder with love,

The Kranendonks

PS. Pics of preggo Lisa

Sorry So Long...Baby making is busy.

Hello all!

Sorry for the long delay, life has been busy for the Kranendonks. During the time since our last post we traveled 4000 miles across the U.S. and Canada, we found out that we are having a baby girl, and Daddy (me) has started a new job. Another reason for the delay in post is well, not a whole lot happens during that 2nd trimester and to be honest Lisa was feeling well so we took advantage of the energy and good feelings.

So what have we been doing with the energy you ask? Hiking!...yes you heard right, lots of hiking. Our weekends have been filled with exploring the EUP and finding special places to bond with our developing child. She (the baby) has taken a liking to all the activity and likes to roll around, punch and kick, and as Lisa explains jumping around.

Our lives are rapidly changing and that point hits more and more each day. We have begun to acquire tons of baby stuff that is quickly filling our house. Crib is here, dresser, swings, clothes etc. are filling up every corner of our house. Now let me tell you, Lisa would not like this as much if it were my stuff, but she seems to be content with it being baby stuff. And I have to admit seeing little girl shoes, dresses, and hats has me thinking about how great being a dad is going to be. We are getting very excited about meeting our little one we can't wait to meet her.

More to come soon (Pics will be included).

Fetus Kranendonks first pic.

Here is a picture of our fetus. He is a mere 12 weeks old. At this time her ears and eyes are starting to develop more fully and he is able to open and close his fist. Her umbilical cord is starting to circulate blood through her body and kidneys start to produce urine!! From this point on development happens very quickly we will continue to update as the baby grows.

We have a heart beat!

So it has been a while since our last post and I must say that baby developing takes much longer than we could imagine. With all the morning sickness, headaches, and funny food cravings you would think that the baby would be huge by now. But alas our fetus is a fetus and is about the size of a oh so exotic Brazilian nut, which is about 1 1/2 inches long. It has discernible fingers and toes and its tadpole tale has gone away by now.  Oh and about the heart beat, Lisa got to hear it today that makes dad jealous, It just means that I will have to not miss any more of the prenatal appointments.

Telling of The Parents and Morning Sickness.

Today Lisa and I are traveling down to the bustling metropolis of Lincoln. Today we are going to break the news to my parents (Mom if you are reading this that means you too....you just get to do it phone :( ). Word on the street is that all parties involved will be excited about this. And really quite honestly, I'm excited to tell them about the baby.

The bad news in this is that Lisa has been suffering with constant nausea. Who ever named it morning sickness apparently couldn't tell time as Lisa has been sick all day everyday for the last week. We have taken to buying stock in all things ginger as things like ginger ale, ginger candy, and well ginger seem to help. Stay tuned to find out what is happening in Lisa's belly during the next few weeks...I'm hearing heart beats and protruding limbs are developing as I type.

First of Many

So today the first of many baby books arrived. It's called The Pregnancy Instruction Manual. It was recommended by some friends of ours who are also expecting. I'm sure it will be an interesting and learning read. The Book.