life with liam

Wow, it's hard to believe that little Liam is almost 2 weeks old!! Even though we've had him home for a short time, it seems like he's been a part of our lives forever. We are just in love with our little guy. I can't help but stare at him, still not believing that he is ours.

Our days are busy, filled with dirty diapers, feedings, naps, and more dirty diapers. He is really good at all of the things a baby should be good at and we are starting to recognize his signs- when he's hungry, sleepy, needs to be changed, or just plain uncomfortable.

Last Friday we went on our first outing with Liam since bringing him home. Liam had a doctor's appointment, and I talked Phil into venturing to the mall and Target. Of course I had to buy a few things at Baby Gap!! Phil even picked out a shirt for Liam- one with a collar so he would look just like daddy!!

On Saturday we went to Rochester so Phil could golf and Liam could spend a little time with Grandma and Grandpa Berndt. We also visited Great Grandma Berndt at the Charter House. She is very taken with little Liam (but who can blame her!). Other outings include dinner at Granite City Brewery, a trip to the grocery store, a walk with the doggies, and daddy's kickball game. We figured it was best to start getting out, otherwise we would get too comfortable being in the house!

Like father, like son

Cousins Elias and Liam

Mommy and me

Liam and Great Grandma Berndt

introducing...liam daniel berndt

Born on 5/17/08 at 1:13am, 7lbs 2oz 19 in
Jenn has been bugging me to write a post in the blog for awhile now, but I couldn't think of anything to say. Now I have a lot to say, but most of it I can't put into words. We have sent text messages and e-mails to pretty much everybody we know spreading the word about Liam being born, now I figured we'd add it to the blog as well. Liam and Jenn are both doing great, and sitting here watching her hold him, and having him stare at her is just amazing. He was crying really hard when he was born, but the minute he heard Jenn's voice he quieted down and just looked at her. We are very proud parents now, and still getting used to the routine of being awake every couple hours to feed him and change his diapers, but that's okay, I think we're running on adrenaline at this point. We had some visitors in the hospital, which has been nice since we are here longer than expected due to Jenn having to have a c-section to get the little guy to come out. We will be heading home on Tuesday, and Liam will get to meet Hank and Piccolo, we are really hoping that this goes well and that they get along.

grandma kathleen

Well Mother's Day has come and gone and still no Baby B. Which, as frustrating as the wait can be, is okay. I have the rest of my life to celebrate motherhood:) I was thinking about how this one particular day of the year for me has been more of a day of rememberance than celebration, at least for the last 17.5 years since my mom passed away. Of course there are other mothers in my life and I am thankful to have them, but my heart always feels a little more empty on this day.

As I prepare to be a mom, my thoughts always wander to my own mom. What was she thinking in the days before her babies arrived? How did her labor go? What advice would she give me? Who am I going to call at 2am when my baby is crying or sick? There are so many times that I have said to myself "I wish my mom was here" but this really is the hardest. Dad has been good about sharing his recollections of what being a new parent is all about (thank you!!!) but it's different than hearing it from your mom. It is unfair, but this is what God has chosen for our family. And I accept that now.

Enough dwelling on the bad. We have reason to celebrate as another new baby is about to arrive. Which traits will my baby inherit from Grandma Kathleen? Perhaps it will be her calm, gentle nature. Or her patience (this I was not blessed with). Her quirky sense of humor. Her ability to love unconditionally. Her beautiful red hair and blue eyes. Her youthful skin or slender fingers or the freckles. The list could go on forever for those that did not have the pleasure of knowing her. But I digress. Because for as long as mom has been physically gone, I still so many years of memories that just don't seem to fade. And I will make sure that Baby B knows all about what a wonderful woman Grandma Kathleen was.

baby b, please come out and play!

Here we are 5 days from my due date, and I am still at work. We are as ready as we'll ever be: nursery is done, house is clean, baby's clothes are washed and put away, the freezer is full of food and my bags are packed. Now we just need the BABY! He/she is in my belly dancing up a storm, but no signs of labor so far. This is one stubborn baby. Not sure where that comes from? HA! Dr. B. says worst case I will be induced on May 16, so that is my drop dead date. Of course, we hope that we won't have to wait that long!

We had a fun weekend...figured we better get out while we can since we will be homebound for a while. The Markwald- Herrara's had their annual Cinco de Mayo party on Friday. The spicy salsa didn't help bring on labor. On Saturday Amy and Jason stopped over to pick up the bed from what is now the nursery. Thought maybe lifting a mattress would help, but I wasn't allowed to carry anyting. Phil's mom and dad came up to take us out for lunch. Saturday night we went out on a "date" to PF Changs and I had a major craving for a Chang Mai Tai...they looked sooooooo good! Spicy food still no help. Yesterday we thought about playing golf, but I realized that I would not make it through two holes without a porta-potty, so we went to Canterbury instead. It was so nice out, and not very crowded since the Kentucky Derby was the day before. It's a very kid-friendly place, so Baby B will probably know all about horse racing by the time he/she is 1. And that brings us to today- still at work, still can't think about anything else, still WAITING!

That's it for now...we'll keep you posted!