Thank goodness for cute cousins

Look at how cute cousin Ethan and cousin Madison are... don't you just wanna eat um' up.
We love you guys!!!

Mommy & Daddy photos- 37 weeks

This past Sunday, March 15th, our friend Diane took pregnancy pictures for us. We went up to the Getty Museum (who would have thought it was going to be so busy on a Sunday) to take some photos. Although the museum and grounds were full of people, it was a good spot to go take some photographs, especially since that's where Diane works so it had significance too. At the time of these shots, we had only 19 days left until our due date, although we're hoping baby comes early.

Doctors Visit

LA crowd- Game Night Style

On Saturday night, March 14th, we had a baby celebration- Game Night Style. Our friend Diane (man, she's all over our blog) hosted this exceptionally fun evening here at "the compound". Thanks again Diane!!!

The girls "partied" in the front house with appetizers, mocktails (virgin cocktails) and dessert. With myself included, there was 8 total persons. We were small in numbers but we had a fab time. We played Bunco and ended with Candy Land (infamous child's game).

The men on the other hand partied in the back house. Their eats were pizza, beer and brownies. They played a round of pocker. The buy-in for the poker game was $10 plus a package of diapers.

Ironically, I was the biggest losser at Bunco and Sonje lost his money too at Poker. I guess that's okay since you really shouldn't win at your own party.

me & Diane

From left: Kirsten, me, Amy, Carol, Melissa, Jenna, Diane & Heather

Berg Family Shower

On Sunday, March 8th, my mother-in-law Chris, with sister-in-laws Kirsten and Kajsa, threw a Berg family shower for baby and I. We had so much fun. Kirsten organized a personality trait game and it had us absolutely rolling. Guests brought a book to start the baby's library. We got a ton of great books. My moms book(s) were not only awesome, but sentimentel. My mom brought a series of books she's been saving for me for 20 years. She purchased them 20 years ago and was waiting till I have a baby to give them to me. Isn't that amazing? On top of throwing a wonderful shower, my mother-in-law got us our stroller...yay!!!! Guests were also able to choose a "time of day" for baby Berg. Robyn, for memory time, gave us this awesome trunk that had 21 letters inside. Each year, we are to write a letter to our child and put it in the trunk along with other things that are of memorabilia or significance from the year. Once the child turns 21, you gift them with the trunk. How cool huh. Don't know that I'll be able to give the trunk away but nice idea. :) My aunt choose Play Time as her time of day. Guess what she gave for play time...lingerie. Auntie Joy is always good for a laugh. It was a lot of fun!!!!

Lunchtime Love from Chiro Office

Dr C reading the book, " to us" . Amazing blanket Valerie made. She does it all I tell ya.

Yesterday, Monday the 2nd, the chiropractic office I've been working at over the past 2 years throw a lunch party for me. Between the morning and afternoon patients, we gathered together in the patient waiting room and had our own party. They brought in Rascals for lunch (terriyaki chicken, white rice and Chinese chicken salad). We had so much fun hanging out because what other time do we all get together to "hang out" and gab. After lunch, I was given all sorts of nice gifts from a sleep positioner, light weight stroller, sling, gift card, car mirror, onesies, books, etc. Valerie, Dr. Starr's wife, even knitted the most beautiful blanket. Gosh only knows the amount of hours she put into it. I'll be sad to leave the office. I've enjoyed everyone there so much and I've loved getting to know the patients. I wish there was a way I could do both because it's a great group of people who have become such dear friends. I plan on working up to the very end. Who knows, maybe my water will break one Monday while I'm there.

Love my A-Chi-O girls

Out of the 8 of us, two other friends are also pregnant. Michelle Duncan is due just 4 days before me, March 31st and Angela Armen is due in May. Aren't we cute mammas.

This past Saturday, 8 of my dear friends from my college sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, joined together to throw me a baby shower. What was originally supposed to be just a low-key luncheon where everyone pays their way, morphed into a lovely party at my friend Kristi's home with lunch, decorations, favors, etc. I should've known they would go all out. Everything was adorable. They did a whole theme with baby blocks and primary colors. Food was yummy and they even bought my favorite for dessert, Sprinkles cupcakes (red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting)- have no idea how Jen remembered that was my favorite. I have the greatest friends! Enjoy some of the pictures. Thank you girls for making this past Saturday a special and memorable day! LITB...

Car Seat Safety

This morning I scheduled my appointment with the CHP officer to get my car seat checked. Last Saturday at my baby shower my mom gave us our car seat. In our childbirth classes, it was recommended that we install or car seat but have a local CHP officer check that the car seat was installed correctly. I tried our local Torrance office but their first availability wasn't until March 26th. That's cutting it pretty close. In fact, I sort of have a feeling this baby might come a tad bit early so I definitely didn't want to do that. I then called the Culver City office and their first availability was March 16th. Who knew you needed to get on the books so early. I guess I should have called a few weeks back. Luckily though, the Culver City office had a cancellation and so I am down for my appointment for Friday, March 6th at 1o:00am. That means, this Sunday Sonje and I will be installing our babies car seat. If that's not a sign that baby is on the way, I don't know what is....

Speaking of baby on the way, my doctor said that babies can come, on average, up to 2 weeks early. I don't think my baby will be that early but let's just say he or she DID make their grand appearance 2 weeks early, that means that I could realistically have a baby in just 21 days time. Isn't that a scary thought. I've got a lot to do around this house to get ready if that's the case. Sonje and I are no where near ready for that. So, this weekend we are packing our hospital bags too.

2nd Breastfeeding Class Completed!

Last night was our second breastfeeding class. Seriously, this class was so awesome. Sure, I bet everyone is wondering why do the dads needs to be at a breastfeeding class and what in the heck can you talk about for 6 hours (6:30-9:30pm each session). We'll, both nights we went beyond 9:30 and I think we could have even added a third class session. It was soooo informative. I loved the class, loved the teacher! Not that I expect myself of my baby to be a pro because its obviously a new skill for both mother and baby to learn together but I definitely feel more prepared for what is in store and I am convinced that no matter how tough, I will not give up. Sonje and I really learned so much. It really says something when my husband got a lot out of the class too.

On another little note, it was really special last night. Towards the middle of our class one of the dads was getting up from his chair. The teacher asked if he was leaving and he said, yes. At first I thought it was sort of rude from them to leave in the middle but just after I had that thought the teacher asked the man if she can tell the class why they were leaving. The dad said yes. The teacher told us that his wife's water just broke and that they would have their baby within the next 24 hours. It was soooo neat!!! Everyone starting cheering and clapping for this couple. The dad looked like he'd been hit by a truck. He couldn't gather up his things. He was such a mess scrambling to get all their papers, water bottles and such and he kept dropping things. It was so funny. He was totally beside himself. But, it was neat and very touching. Of course, I got teary-eyed. Hearing the teacher say that they would have their baby in 24 hours time or so painted such an amazing picture. Who knows, perhaps that couple has had their baby already.

Baby Shower by Grandma Haven & Auntie Joy

This morning was my shower hosted by Grandma Haven & Auntie Joy. It was a wonderful day. I feel very lucky and blessed to have such special friends and family. Eighteen women celebrated Baby Berg's soon arrival. Orange with polka dots were the theme and the cake coordinated perfectly (see pic of adorable cake). The most sentimental moment was when I was surprised with a mother's ring from Sonje. We got beautiful gifts- all of which are useful and much needed for us first-time parents. Thanks to everyone for their generosity. Thanks to my mom and aunt who worked really hard..I loved my special day.

"Breast is Best"...

at least that was our motto for our first breastfeeding class last night. We knew you could talk 3 hours just about breastfeeding- and that's just one of 3 classes. Our class started at 6:30 and ended at 9:30. It was VERY imformative. The teacher is a great speaker, funny, entertaining, etc. We learned a lot and it was so interesting. I enjoyed this class so much more than the childbirth classes. Of course, a classroom setting is much different than trying to feed in real life but it was great for Sonje and I to hear the information together so we can do everything in our power to have a successful breastfeeding experience when the baby arrives.

more moon pics...

Of course we had to stop in the small town of Cambria on our way south. Is our baby a little girl? If so, Cambria is the chosen name for our little one.While in Cambria, we went to Moonstone Winery. Of course I didn't drink. For me, water and crackers were my treats but I still had fun. In Paso Robles at Eagle Castle Winery. I was on a mission to collect my marble winery coasters. All we did was drive around to about 9 wineries, stopping only to purchase my coasters. Next trip we'll have to come back to try a few selections.Summerwood Winery. They even have a goregous little Inn next store. Maybe next time we visit Paso we'll have to stay there. With a baby coming, who knows when that will be...

Babymoon- 33 weeks, forty-something days left

That's right... our last little vacation with just the two of us for awhile was this past holiday weekend. We left Friday, February 13th and went north to Solvang. On Saturday we headed further north and stayed in Monterey which of course was Valentine's Day! Sunday we made our way back down the coast and stayed in Paso Robles. Today, Monday, Feb. 16th we drove home. Just a short trip with a lot of driving but it was really nice (weather excluded). It was a wonderful babymoon, Valentine's, President's Day 3-day weekend, etc. Here's a (small) bunch of pics from our trip.


Although I really haven't had cravings during my pregnancy, I think I may be enjoying the taste of chocolate more.

Solvang is a cute Danish town- lots of yummy pastries and every building looks like something out of a movie.

Valentine's Day at the aquarium. We got sucked into a clam shell.

Happy Valentine's Day Daddy! (Baby at 32.5 weeks)

Pic 1: Smiling and Pic 2: Face Scrunch

Pic 3: Sleeping

Today for a little surprise Valentine's present to Sonje, I went and had a 4-D ultrasound. They were having Valentine's Day specials so the pricing had come down a bit and I thought it would be fun to surprise him on Saturday with some more photos of our baby. The baby didn't exactly cooperate as well as I had hoped (possibly a sign of what is to come) but it was still neat. The baby keep smiling and the technician said we have a happy baby. In fact, whenever I'd laugh, the baby would smile. One time I even accidently burped and the baby smiled at that too. A few times the baby scruned its face. I watched the baby on the monitor open/close its eyes, pucker its lips, yawn, take its little hand and rub its eye, swallow, etc. Unforunately the baby consistently had one of its little hands up to its face so it was hard to get images. Plus, the way the baby is positioned, the placenta is in almost every shot. The placenta is in the left side of the picture. The technician said the ultrasound machine can't depict from the placenta and the baby itself since its using sound waves. The way the baby is positioned the poor little guy or girl is basically kissing the placenta so that's why the left side of the face isn't visible. The good news...for now.. the baby is already down so hopefully he/she will stay there at this point. The technician said the baby appears to have fuller lips so I think it has daddy's mouth. Also, we were told our baby has a ton of hair....guess it runs in the family. Eric's babies were born with a ton of hair and Sonje's sisters little girl was also born with a nice head of hair.

Completion Certificate

Tonight was our last lamaze class. We were awarded our completion certificate. We've been going to this class for the last four Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:00ish. Can't belive the month has already gone by. Our homework is to practice our breathing techniques until the baby arrives. We met some interesting couples and learned a few things. It wasn't quite what we had in mind or hoped for but it was good we took the class nonetheless. Next week we begin our breastfeeding class. We'll keep you posted on that...

Hiccups- poor baby

Our baby has hiccups ALL THE TIME! So much so that I was worried and asked my doctor about it. She said that everything is fine and it can be very normal for some fetuses to get hiccups often. I feel bad for my baby though because it has to be so annoying for him/her since it happens so regularly and lasts for such a long period of time. The doctor told me that hiccups are likely caused from the baby swallowing the amniotic fluid. When I did a little reading about it online it said that mature fetuses hiccup in the womb because their central nervous system is adequately developed in order to allow this to happen...hmmm maybe it's no so bad then. I have to admit though, the feeling can be a little annoying for me too (if I'm allowed to say that). Such a weird sensation. Chances are if our baby hiccups a lot inside the womb, we'll have a hiccuper once the baby arrives.

Prepared Childbirth

As they call it in today's world but we all know it as LAMAZE. Yes, Sonje and I started our classes last night, Wednesday, January 21st. Its a four-week long series. Not sure that we really learned anything of value last night but it was the first class so I give it the benefit of the doubt. Seems so crazy that we're already at the point in the pregnancy where we need to take our classes, pack our hospital bag in case of an early baby arrival, etc. It's gone by so fast. Yikes!! Next week I'll turn in my pre-registration paperwork. Holy goodness, this baby is going to be here before we know it.

Creative Beach Photo

Oh.... Diane and I also did some beach photos too but I didn't want to upload a gillion photos of me- that would be a bit much. But, this photo was pretty creative so I thought this was neat to include. I'm walking on the pier and my shadow is casting down on the sand.

Pregnancy Photos

As a nice little break from everything that is going on this week, my friend Diane Huseby spent yesterday morning with me taking a bunch of pregnancy pictures. There's no doubt I've got the belly thing going on. Here's just a little sampling of the photos Diane took around our town. In about another month, she's going to take more pictures and Sonje will be coming along for those too.

Grandma Florence Speer

My grandma is one of the most important persons in my life. We have a bond that is indescribable. We've always been super close. I've had the opportunity to live with her on and off throughout my life. This holiday season was rough. At the beginning of December, she went into the hospital. Due to my pregnancy, I wasn't able to visit her in the ICU. Not seeing her, talking with her, holding her hand, was very difficult. She was too ill for me to be around her. While normally the holidays bring peace and joy, this holiday was filled with prayer requests, tears, hope and fear (combined), etc. After the new year, my mom and aunt were advised that there was nothing the doctors could do. They made an agnoizing decision to take her off her support. Although most patients pass on within 24 hours, grandma's poor body kept her going for 5 days. I can't begin to tell you how difficult it was for my mom and aunt to watch my grandma's body change in ways I don't even want to describe here. Its awful!!! On Saturday morning, 12:10am, grandma Florence Speer went home in peace. I don't know that I've ever experienced this much pain before. I know Sonje and I are blessed to bring this baby into the world but my heart achs. I can't imagine my grandma not holding or seeing me with my baby. This Sunday is her closed casket viewing and Monday morning she'll be laid to rest. Please keep me and our family in your prayers.

I'm so sorry baby that you didn't get to meet your great grandma speer. I hope i'll be able to share her memory with you and that you'll know just how special she was to me. I know she had prayed for your existence.

In loving memory of Florence Speer. All my love!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas Belly 2007

I don't know why but I have been horrible about taking belly shots. I thought I was going to keep a photo record of my progress and yet, I have no pics. Here's one picture that was taken Christmas morning. Bella (my niece) and I are showing off our big bellies. Wish the photo was a little clearer. This picture was taken with our new video camera rather than our digital camera so unfortunately, the only photo I have thus far is hard to see. My pregnancy isn't over yet and I already feel guilty for not taking more pictures during my pregnancy.

Another Cousin Born

On Monday, Nov. 10th, Ryah Moshier was born. She is such a cute little chunkster. Since the Moshier family lives in Florida we'll have to wait to meet her until this summer. Mom and baby are doing well and we send our love.

Daddy Feels Baby for the 1st Time

On Wednesday, November 5th (same day as our big doc appointment) Sonje and I were getting ready to go to sleep when I told him to put his hand on my tummy. I had previously asked him to do this several times before but the movements weren't strong enough for him to feel, only me.

But... this time when he put his hand on my belly, sure enough he felt the baby "kick". It was so neat. He kept his hand there for a little bit and felt a few more movements. It was so exciting for us since we could both feel the baby inside now.

As my mother-in-law said, we'll have to wait to see if it was a football kicker kick or a chorus line kick.

The BIG appointment- Nov. 5th

Okay, so I'm a little behind on my blogging.

Last Wednesday, we had our big doctor's appointment. Sonje took a half day from work so he could go with me. Besides our normal doctor's appointments, he hasn't been able to be there for the last few ultrasound visits. This was the 18-week appointment where they do all sorts of measurements on the baby, test vitals, etc. It's also the anatomy appointment but we told the doctor we didn't want to find out the sex. So far baby is looking good. We got to see the baby swallow on the video monitor and he/she was kicking its little feet like crazy. At one point, the baby even crossed its feet. So cute to watch the screen. Sonje and I could sit and do that all day long. Quite fascinating. Since the doctor left the gender of the baby out of his report, there's no turning back now. We have to wait on the sex of the baby at this point no matter what.

Berg version of MTV Cribs

That's right, check out my crib yo! Today we put together Baby Berg's crib. It only took maybe 20-30 minutes to put it together but by the time the crib was finished, daddy and Bergie needed a nap. What Sunday afternoon lazy butts. The monkey in the crib is baby's first stuffed animal given by Grandma & Grandpa Taggart. It was purchased from the little diner where we had breakfast and gifted to us after the big announcement.