Tomorrow will mark two weeks since Adam and I headed into the hospital to begin the process of welcoming this little guy into our lives.  I can't believe how fast the time has gone, but it's also hard to think about how I filled the days without him.  It's still so surreal to me that I'm a mom.  It's come pretty easy and naturally to me (we'll see if that's still the case once he does more), but somehow, I can't believe that he's ours.  

In the past couple days, Max has been awake and alert more than in the past.  Granted, he still sleeps a TON, but it is nice to see his eyes open, every now and then.  I think he's starting to look a little more like his dad, now, too.  He doesn't really say much either way, but I'm pretty sure that Adam likes hearing that :).  

We've had a lot of visitors, and more coming today, since Max arrived.  I have to admit that I like people coming to me (well, who are we kidding...they're here to see Max :)).  It'll be nice when we're able to venture out of the house a bit more, but I think taking it easy has been for the best.  Adam and I decided that we'd stick around the house as much as possible at least until Max's 2 week checkup (Monday).  I'm also trying to take it easy so I don't have any fall backs on my recovery.  It's hard, especially now that Adam's back at work, not to want to try to get a bunch of stuff accomplished.  However, somehow nursing and changing diapers takes up a good chunk of the day and the majority of my energy.  I guess that's nature's way of making new moms relax.  I am looking forward to being a little more active, though.  I've missed walking with Kim and Becky and am anxious to get rid of the last 8 pounds or so of pregnancy weight I've acquired. 

We had a busy week, last week.  We had some newborn pictures taken by Susie Sincock at Catchlight Photography.  We also brought him in to the thrift shop on base and had him baptized all in the same day.  Since then, we've slowed down a bit.  We went on our first long road trip with Adam to bring my mom to the airport, Tuesday, and we've stayed home other than that since then.  Like I said, while it doesn't sound like much, eating, sleeping, and pooping take up most of our day :).

All in all, parenthood has been fun.  I think it's brought Adam and I closer together, made us appreciate the little things more, and helped us to cherish moments.  I am sort of nervous about how life is going to play out when "real life" kicks back in.  I like spending time at home with Max, and right now, we have no set schedule, so art lessons and things of that nature are sure to prove interesting.  I'm sure everyone involved will understand, but we'll see how life plays out when we come to that, I guess.

Thank you to everyone that's showered us with support, gifts, dinner, and company.  I am beyond appreciative for all of you (and your food was/is delicious :)).  We can't wait to bring Max into our world so more of you can meet him and be blessed by him.  

Our sweet little Max is five days old today.  That being said, I decided that it was time to give you an update on our new family life.

I guess you could say that our delivery was fairly under the radar.  Since I was induced, we decided not to tell people until he actually arrived.  This was both because we had no idea how long it would take, but also because I didn't want to add stress to the situation with any unsolicited opinions on inductions and didn't want to keep people waiting and anxious for an unnecessarily long amount of time.  I think we made the right decision.  It was nice having the time to ourselves and being able to focus on the task at hand.

Max arrived at 2:17 p.m. Sunday, April 22nd.  I had heard a million horror stories and had no idea what to expect.  To be quite honest, I was kind of afraid of what was to come.  However, the delivery itself was actually pretty easy.  Our nurse was taken aback at the progress I made and had to tell the nursing student that was observing how abnormal our delivery was and how it isn't a good example of what the average delivery would be like.  When it came to pushing, the nurse asked me to do a practice push.  She kind of laughed at me when I asked what would happen if I was an amazing pusher and he started to come out before the doctor came in.  After the practice push she said, "Okay...you were right.  No more pushing."  Once the doctor came in, I pushed through 3 contractions (Adam says it was about 5 minutes) before Baby Max was all the way here.

Recovery was and has been equally easy.  I had very minimal discomfort afterwards and was up and out of bed within a couple hours of delivery.  Max has been a great sleeper, too, so we haven't even been all that tired.  He still sleeps through most of the day and night.  We usually have to wake him up for feedings.  He does usually wake up to poop, but it's a rarity, so far, to see his eyes open.  If I had a dollar for every time someone told me to "enjoy it while you can" or "sleep when he sleeps" I think I could probably start a good college fund for Max.  However, if I did follow that advice, I'd A. be dreading him being awake (which I'm actually rather looking forward to so we can interact more) and B. would only be awake for an hour a day.  He's been a great baby and a great sleeper.  We've been able to take plenty of time to relax, nap, adjust, and ease into family life.  My mom is here helping, but in all honesty, there really hasn't even been all that much to help out with.  I feel kinda bad that we haven't had more for her to do, but at least she got a vacation and rest out of the deal.

So that pretty much sums up life, at the moment.  We've had several visits from good friends and people have been more than generous with gifts, meals, and offers to help.  My mom doesn't want to leave her grandson, but is more than confident that we have things under control and that we have made and will make an adjustment into family life smoothly.  Adam's going back to work on Monday.  He's been super helpful, and you can tell by watching him how much he loves his son...but like I said, there's not much to do at the moment, so it'll be nice for him to feel like he's being productive at work and all that much more rewarding to come home and see his boy.  It'll be interesting to see how things go once I'm on my own, but I'm looking forward to starting our new life and day to day together, too.

All in all, it's been a huge blessing having Max in our family (and not just because he was 8 lbs. 10 oz. :)).  It has already made me appreciate the little things more than I did before, and put less importance on things that don't really matter.  I feel very lucky that everything has been so easy for us.  I don't at all take for granted that we have had such a smooth ride from start of pregnancy to now.  I'm trying to take the horror stories with a grain of salt, and am somewhat grateful for them, in a way, because I know how lucky we have it because of them.  Thank you to all of you who have been completely and utterly supportive of us and our decisions.  We are confident that we are doing what's right for our us, Max, and our family, and your support of that means a lot to us.  We'll do our best to keep everyone updated with pictures, milestones, and blessings.  We look forward to sharing Max with all of you.

-Erin, Adam, and Maxwell

Time for a quick update.  I had my doctor's appointment today...and have pretty much nothing to report :-p.  The end.

Just kidding...about the "the end" part, anyway.  I went to my appointment today expecting that they'd at least check to see if I'm dilated, and possibly even schedule an induction considering they said I was due this Saturday.  Neither happened.  The doctor said that they don't usually start checking to see if you're dilated until after your due date.  Then he asked me what mine was.  I told him that I didn't really know.  I said that I thought it was the 20th, but was told last week that it was the 14th.  He was confused as to why it would've changed when it was less than 6 days difference.  Then he saw that the original date written down was the 21st (which was the date not accounting for the leap year) and since that's 7 days difference, they changed it.  But ultimately, he said because of the confusion, nobody really knows.  Gotta love when the doctor is as confused as you are. That's fine, except it somewhat complicates the schedule of things as far as when they check, schedule induction, etc.  

So basically, since it could be this weekend and could be next weekend, we're somewhat splitting the difference.  If he's not here by next Wednesday, I'm doing a non-stress test followed by a doctor's visit where they will check me and then schedule an induction (though I have no idea for when).  My mom is convinced he's coming on his own (which I hope is the case, as I'd rather not be induced).  She's kinda glad I don't have any labor signs because she wants to be here when it happens.  I'm kinda convinced he might need a little coaxing, but we'll see what happens, I guess.  

Anyway, it's still a waiting game...with no definite end point other than he'll be here before May :-p.  I guess I'll just have to keep walking a lot and hope I walk him out :-p.

More Wednesday (but hopefully before that).

As most of you are aware, by now, I'm apparently due in about 4 or 5 days according to the doctor.  They apparently decided this in December, but I just found out last week.  Initially, as anyone I talked to is aware, I was (as Adam put it) freaking out.  I don't feel like this was all that unjustified since our house was kind of a mess and Adam was unavailable for me to contact at work for 5-6 hours at a time all week.  This combined with me thinking he'd be late for the April 20th due date, but realizing they expected him to come much sooner just sent me into a minor panic :-p.  


Once Friday rolled around, though, and I got the call from Adam that he was on his way home, my mind was put a little more at ease.  Adam started a new project at work, this week, and should be pretty accessible from now until Baby Kuester comes.  I have only 1 or 2 art lessons left (if I don't go into labor before Thursday) and have canceled the rest until a couple months after the baby arrives.  Adam and I both got a lot of work done around the house on Saturday, so if something happens, we can come home to a clean house instead of feeling more stressed.  So, things seem to be falling more into place.


My mom, however, booked her flight before we found out that the due date had been changed. She planned to be in town a few days before said due date...so she booked her flight to arrive next Monday (a week from today).  Because the odds of him being late, and the cost of changing tickets is high (not like the tickets themselves aren't enough as it is), she's still planning on coming next week.  I think she's kind of on pins and needles, though, hoping that he holds out until after her arrival.  At this point, I'd be okay with him coming whenever, because I don't like waiting for things...especially when there is no definite end point :-p.  Regardless, I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday, so we'll see what, if anything, new they have to say then.


Other than that, people have started to pretty consistently ask when the baby is coming.  To that answer, all I can give is a wholehearted "I don't know."  What really bugs them, though, is the follow up question of "Well, when is your due date?" which I also respond with "I don't know." If they stick around long enough for an explanation, I give them what I know about when and why it was changed (apparently, both me and the baby measure a week ahead of schedule), and tell them a brief background of how confusing this whole pregnancy experience has been as far as numbers, dates, etc. go.


In any case, I'm pretty sure that all that them changing the due date did was to push up the potential induction date.  If anything, I'll probably get induced pretty close to, if not on, my initial due date.  So, I guess that it's just effectively making the day we get to meet our son that much sooner.  Adam's feeling is that he'll come sometime next week...which would be "most convenient" for him and my mom since he just started a new gig and my mom would be here.  I really have no idea and am trying my hardest not to care :-p.  


In the meantime, I'm doing my best to chip away at anything left I can do around the house before he comes (and if you're a homeowner, you know that is endless) without expending all my energy.  Perhaps this is as close to nesting as I'm going to get :-p.  


So...Adam and I will keep you posted when something significant happens.  Fair warning, though: I've heard wifi at the hospital sucks, so we'll do our best.  Facebook will probably be your best bet, but I'll post on here someday once I feel up to it and have time.


Thanks for all your support and prayers.  Keep them coming.  ___________ will be here soon!

I'm 35 weeks, tomorrow...which I checked and double checked before I typed that since I have told people incorrect dates at least three times in the past week.  I keep having crazy dreams, and am very anxious in real life to meet our little guy.  I had a baby shower last weekend that some friends from church threw for me.  Kim is throwing another one this weekend for my non-church friends.  It's so fun to get stuff for our baby and feel more and more prepared for his arrival.  I've washed all the clothes I got from our showers and hung them up.  I put together one of our strollers yesterday.  When I have the motivation and energy (as short as the spurts of it may be), I've tried to make ever so small dents in cleaning, dusting, and organizing things to get ready.  


Last night, Adam and I had class two of four of our birthing class.  There is nothing about that class that relaxes me or makes me sure of what our decisions would be.  One thing is clear, though...the doula that teaches it definitely has an agenda.  I guess it works, since at least one of the other couples hired her, last night.  If I were going to hire a doula (which I'm not) I definitely wouldn't choose her.  While she has some good information, it seems like there has to be more calming and comforting ways to present it.  I almost cried when she told us about how they screw the internal heart monitor into your babies scalp if they can't find his heartbeat with the external one...sigh.  I am very anxious, though, to get the labor and delivery part out of the way and get to enjoy our baby on the outside.  


So far, things pregnancy-wise have still be fairly easy for me.  The heat got to me again yesterday when we were walking.  This is the first time it's been a problem for me while pregnant since my mom and I went to Conan.  I didn't bring my water with, this time, so that may have made a difference.  Regardless, I'm very grateful that I haven't been pregnant during the summer.  If that ever happens, I guess I'm going to be spending a lot of time indoors.


Not much else is new.  I have had a pretty easy pregnancy so far.  People keep telling me it will probably get more uncomfortable in this last month or so.  I do feel him more, and on a few instances, he hasn't been so pleased with the positions I chose to sit in, but all in all, I'm feeling good, still.  I have been getting tired more easily, again, but I guess it's better to ease into that than get hit with it all at once, when he's here :).


All in all, I'm getting really excited to be a mom and can't wait for our son to arrive.  I'm looking forward to seeing what/who he looks like and getting to know his personality.  I can't wait for you all to meet him :).

I'm officially 33 weeks along now.  I starting going back through all my pregnancy related Facebook posts today and writing them all down in one place so I can do something with them eventually.  It's interesting, anyway, reading all the crazy dreams and emotions I've been through.  I only made it through December, but that's a good start (especially considering I've been meaning to do it for a while, now.).


Today's struggles are motivation related, I guess.  I'm feeling a little lonely, today...which happens when I feel like I need to cut myself off a bit to spare others from getting sick and keep myself from overdoing it.  I feel better oay than I have for the past several, but still haven't quite kicked this bug.  At least this time around, the doctor told me I could take Benadryl...though I haven't yet, today, 'cause I'm feeling drowsy enough without the extra help.  


We celebrated Adam's 26th birthday, yesterday.  He made dinner (his request...and a hard one to argue with).  We had burgers from scratch on homemade buns, and waffle fry nachos.  We also had cake and ice cream for dessert and then just relaxed and watched TV.  He says it was a good birthday and it was nice just to chill out.  I hope that he really enjoyed it.  It's hard to muster up much celebration when you are not only pregnant, but sick, too.


Anyway, today I'm feeling in limbo.  I feel like I should be doing something, but don't know where to start.  I don't know how to get ready for the baby...but feel like I should be.  I also am feeling motivated mentally to do something in order to kick the restlessness, but my body isn't agreeing with me.  It's a conundrum when you feel lazy because you're not doing much but doing anything will make you feel more worn out.  I also wouldn't mind some company, but like I said, I don't want to get anyone else sick...and I don't really feel like going anywhere.  It's hard to have people over when you don't feel up to entertaining.


Well...I just thought I'd flesh my thoughts out.  I guess that's all I've got for now.  Back to chipping away at the to do list (which doesn't actually exist for fear that it would never end :-P).


Happy Friday.

11 weeks later, I'm finally getting around to (i.e. feeling motivated to) post in our blog again.  I guess I haven't had too much to say.  The standard question I get is, "How are you feeling?"  My answer, though, is pretty boring and not really worth blogging about :-p.  I haven't had any of the dreaded pregnancy symptoms...you know...the heartburn, stretch marks, nausea, etc.  I almost feel guilty, sometimes, admitting that.  And sometimes, my answer includes, "I'm starting to get uncomfortable," but I often wonder if I really am or if I'm just saying that so that I feel more like I "fit in" and am not upsetting people :-p.  

To be honest, I LOVE feeling him move.  I admit, though, that every once in a while, he gives my ribs a good jab or moves in a funny way that "hurts."  It isn't that painful, though.  It's really more startling than anything.  I think this morning may have been the first time something he did actually hurt.  The level of pain was very minimal, but it definitely made my mind shift more towards the epidural side of things :-p.  

While we're on that topic, I've been fighting back and forth between having a natural birth and the epidural option.  I've heard pros and cons of both...but really a lot more pros on the epidural end of things.  Adam and I are signed up for a Lamaze class next month (March), so maybe that will seal the deal one way or the other.  Our next door neighbor had a baby in December.  Her husband told me that she was going to go natural until she heard the lady next door who had made that decision.  The agony she seemed to be in convinced Shelvy otherwise.  I think I might just embrace my inner wuss and go for the drugs.

In other news, Adam and I have decided to follow in our friends Paul and Bethany's footsteps and try out "Elimination Communication" (or EC) with our son.  It's kind of a hard concept to explain...especially since most people are skeptical at first (I admit that I was, but I'm pretty sold on it, now).  Here's a website with a very brief explanation.  WhatisEC.com  It has a link to diaperfreebaby.org, too, which has more information.  We actually bought the book "Diaper Free Baby."  After both of us reading it, we're looking forward to seeing how it plays out with our little one.  Paul and Bethany's sons were both pooping on the potty before they were a year old, so we have hope personally knowing people it's worked for.  We're both looking forward to the possibility of less dirty diapers to deal with (especially Adam.)

A couple of my friends are throwing baby showers for us in the coming weeks.  I'm really excited to get things ready for Baby K. and honored that so many people want to celebrate him and help out with that.  It's also exciting that my best friend Kim has finally publicly announced her pregnancy.  It's been fun getting to relate to someone going through it at the same time (even though she's 18 weeks behind me).  Her being behind me though is also fun in the sense that I can now relate in the "been there" mindset instead of me just being naive and asking tons of questions :).  Regardless, I'm really excited for her.  I can't wait to find out if our son is going to acquire a default best friend or wife ;).

Since the last time I wrote, we had some friends come and help us get our nursery painted.  I can't wait to see it all pull together when we get the bedding and such.  I really like how the paint job turned out (see my photos on Facebook).  I'm really blessed to have such good people surrounding me here that would take time out of their lives to paint...something I doubt any of them were that terribly excited about :).  Thanks Alex, Jamie, Becky, and Michelle!  

Well, I think that's enough to tide you over for now.  I've been fighting a lot of emotions (I'm blaming them on the hormones)...some of which I've shared with some people...and some of which nobody and/or just Adam know about.  Right now, I'm feeling pretty excited to meet our son and fighting with patience and knowing that he needs a couple more months before he should come out.  It'll be interesting to see how much bigger and more uncomfortable I get.  


Anyway, as usual, thanks for all your support and encouragement.  It's easy to feel isolated when we live so far away from family, but I'm so grateful for the CA family we've acquired along the way, and all the love and support from friends and family both near and far.  I'm excited to share this adventure with all of you.