Her First Thanksgiving

The last 7 weeks of my life have been full of feedings, changing diapers, baths, and lots of hugs and kisses. Being a mom has been wonderful so far, and I look forward to so many more days with her, watching her change, and learning her personality. But because of my new duties, I have neglected my blog.

On Saturday, November 21, Lee and I hosted the Lee family Thanksgiving. We had the dinner early since one of my sisters was going to be in Ft. Myers and the other and my niece would be in Plymouth, MA. We had a wonderful time, and we successfully cooked our 2nd turkey ever. Amelia was barely put down as her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins loved all over her. We took this picture of her and Taylor once everyone left. It was very impromptu, but it is my favorite picture of the two of them!

On Thanksgiving day, we attended the Lawmaster Thanksgiving at Basswood clubhouse, the apartments where we used to live. We've gone there every year, and it is great to see the family. Then Lee's mom came and spent the night with us for the first time. I think she enjoyed having her own suite in our new basement.

All in all, Amelia had a great first Thanksgiving with lots of love and attention showering her. Thanksgiving is about being thankful for what you have in your life, and this year it has a new and special meaning for me. She really is the light of my life, and she completes me as a person. I'm no longer Rachel; I'm Amelia's mommy. And, I couldn't be happier about that!

A Death Always Changes Your Perception of Reality - Part 4

Yes, unfortunately, Part 3 and Part 4 of this blog are being posted very close together. Last Tuesday, October 27, my Uncle Frank passed away, only 7 weeks after our last family death. My Uncle Frank was my dad's only living sibling. Not only did he look like my dad, but he talked like my dad, acted like my dad, dressed like my dad, etc. For being 4 years apart, they were more like fraternal twins :-). At my aunt's funeral several years ago, my Uncle Frank told me, "Well, I ran out of vacation days this year, so I decided to retire." I swore I could have been talking to my father :-). Even my nieces could see the similarities!

My dad was one of 5 children born to his parents between the years of 1938 and 1944. A sister, born before my father, died in infancy. One of his brothers was killed in a car accident in 1985. His younger sister died in 2003 after a surgery. And, Frank passed away last Tuesday in his sleep due to a heart attack - the same way my Uncle Max died several weeks prior.

We spent quite a bit of time at my Uncle Frank's house growing up, and I have many fond childhood memories of he and my Aunt Faye. I will miss him dearly, and again, this causes me to reflect on my own life and that of my loved ones. Again, always take the time to tell your family that you love them. You never know when they will be taken from you.

Since Amelia was just two weeks old, it was her first trip to my parent's home. She also got to meet many members of the extended family that she may not have normally met for months or years down the road. She was very popular, and unfortunately it was such a sad time to meet everyone.

I hope this is the last post like this that I write for quite some time. May all of those who lost family members find peace in their passing.

Frank Lee
5/24/38 - 10/27/09
May you find eternal rest!

I'm A Mommy!!

On Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 8:30 a.m., I became a mommy to a beautiful baby girl, Amelia Josephine. Amelia weighed in at 9 lbs. 10 ozs. and was delivered via c-section. She is the light of my life.

While motherhood so far has been challenging and a practice in patience, I wouldn't have it any other way. Amelia is actually a very good baby overall. She generally does not cry unless something is wrong - hunger, dirty diaper, gas. She also sleeps fairly well at night - usually 3-4 hours at a time.

Her first moments on earth were fairly eventful, at least according to a new mommy. Since she was born via c-section, her body didn't get squeezed through the birth canal, and there were some breathing problems. They put her on oxygen for about an hour, and she was well. Her mommy had a little bit of bleeding since she delivered such a big girl. But again, nothing that wasn't fixed quickly.

We were in the hospital for 3 1/2 days and were released Friday afternoon. I was nervous about bringing her home and being responsible for her completely, but so far so good. I feel as though I get nothing done during the day except watching her and answering email. But she usually sleeps for a few hours at a time, so if I tried, I could get something done. I just wait to see when she'll wake up - silly mommy!

Lee went back to work on Wednesday this week and is working 1/2 days for this week. He did that so he could readjust to a schedule and so I could adjust to him not being here all day with me. We've been doing good so far. Last night, he also had class, so Amelia and I spent 9 hours alone together, and we did just fine. Hopefully it always goes that well.

Also yesterday her umbilical cord fell off during a feeding. Wow! What a milestone for my little girl! We have been avoiding onesies or anything that would touch the belly button area, so now we get to explore wearing most of our wardrobe. Today is our first "onesie" day, and so far so good.

I'll try to keep this updated with milestones. Right now my angel is sleeping beside me, so I am able to take time to write this. I look forward to each day with her, but I also consider each day a victory - we get through them together! I can't believe she is already 10 days old! The time really does fly by, and it will only get faster. I'm trying to enjoy every minute I can!!

A Death Always Changes Your Perception of Reality - Part 3

Over two weeks ago on September 10, my uncle passed away unexpectedly. This wasn't just any uncle. My mom is one of 6 children, and my father was one of 5 children (although one passed away as an infant). I had many aunts and uncles growing up, but again, this wasn't just any uncle.

My uncle Max was my mom's brother-in-law. My parents have lived next door to he and my aunt Janice for over 37 years. I spent many days in my childhood at their house. In fact, my aunt babysat me after school for many years. I have many good memories of Max and Janice, and this death came as quite a shock - a heart attack in the early morning hours. I wasn't prepared to go to a funeral while 8 months pregnant, but life doesn't give you such choices.

Of course, my uncle was well-known in the community. He was very involved in many organizations. But beyond that he was one of the kindest, caring men I ever knew. He gave so much of himself to others. He was always there if someone needed him, and I have never known anyone with his heart. He will be surely missed by many, as could be seen from his funeral - one of the largest I have been to in my hometown.

It is hard to believe he won't be outside mowing the next time I go to my parent's house. We would wave, and I regret not taking more time to talk with him when I was home. The last conversation I remember having with him was nearly 1 year ago at my niece's district marching band contest. How sad! I lived next door to him every day for years and years, and the last time I spoke to him was over 1 year ago. The things you realize and regret once someone has passed away.

Again, a death always changes your perception of reality - things you could have done or should have done differently. Time heals all wounds, and people get complacent back in their "normal" lives. Let's not forget who we love, who we respect, and who we wish to be a part of our lives. Life is too short to have regrets.

RIP Uncle Max - I will miss you, and I have been a better person having known you!

Max Kreilein
10/15/40-9/10/09
May you have eternal rest!

Happy 5th Annivesary

Yesterday was our 5th anniversary!!! I must say I love my husband more than I did the day we were married. He is my best friend, my greatest confidant, and the father of my baby girl! As we close the chapter on our first 5 years, we begin a new adventure of being parents together. Each day our bond gets stronger, and I can't imagine taking this journey through life with anyone else!

With that being said, we decided to spend the night at the French Lick Springs Hotel for our anniversary. Ever since I was about 13, I have been driving through French Lick - first to visit my sister who moved to Indianapolis and then to visit my parents once I moved to Bloomington. The French Lick Resort consists of a $500 million renovation of two old-world hotels and a casino. While we visited the West Baden Springs Hotel in 2005 before it was a "hotel" again, we had never been in the French Lick Springs Hotel.

We decided that this trip was our gift to each other, but as is normal, my husband decided to not conform. We have slowly been collecting Willow People over the years - most as gifts. Since wood is the traditional 5 year gift, he bought me the "Anniversary" Willow People set. It is very sweet!!!

Once we arrived and checked in, we had reservations at the 1875 Steakhouse for our anniversary dinner. It was the most expensive meal we have ever eaten, but it was wonderful. We were sat next to a floor-to-ceiling old mirror off by ourselves, and it was very romantic. We then went to explore the hotel including the Pluto Spring, which is what we are pictured in front of, and the gardens.

This morning after we checked out of the hotel, we had fun in the casino. Of course, we lost money, but it was a nice break away from our world that is about to get crazier. We soon realized that this may be the last time we are in a casino for quite some time. Before heading back home, we drove around French Lick and stopped at a historical marker in Orleans.

All in all, it was a wonderful time away. As you can see from the picture, I am now very close to giving birth - 7 weeks from our due date. So, as our lives are about to change forever, we stopped to remember our time alone.

4th of July Weekend

So as I mentioned in my previous post, Lee's family from Oklahoma came to spend the 4th of July with us. His uncle Larry from Michigan also came down for a couple of days. Lee's aunt Beth and Larry had not seen each other in nearly 30 years!!

Beth, Ed, and their son Alex came in on Friday night. We had a cookout and just enjoyed the time together. We set off our own fireworks and attacked the neighbors who typically send fireworks over our house all the time. We stayed up way too late, but it was great reconnecting. We hadn't seen them since last 4th of July on our trip to Oklahoma.

Saturday (July 4th) was very wet here in south-central Indiana. We took Beth, Ed, and Alex on a tour of Bloomington, showed them where John Mellencamp lives (Beth is a big fan!), and took them to Lake Monroe. Unfortunately, the weather never did clear up, so we couldn't get out of the car and explore. We went back to the house for another cookout, and after a little while decided that we needed to get out of the house.

The fireworks in Bloomington were not cancelled, but we also didn't want to sit in the rain. So instead, we went glow bowling. Never in a million years did I think we would go bowling on July 4th, but we actually had a great time. Taylor and I also got to see some of the big fireworks from the bowling alley's front door.

On Sunday, Larry went home, and we spent the day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway - touring the track, museum, media center, gasoline alley, victory podium, timing and scoring, etc. The above picture was taken of all of us there along the start/finish line - Alex, Beth, Ed, Taylor, Richard, Lee, and pregnant me :-).

His family left early Monday morning, and we were already missing them greatly. If only we lived closer or they lived closer :-(. But, it was an all-around great visit!!!!

99 days and counting……….

My official due date is now 99 days away. I can’t believe how quickly this is all happening. At times it feels as though it is standing still, and other times, it seems as though we can’t get enough done quick enough. We know that she can really come at any time in September or October, so 99 days is just the projected number. But, it certainly puts things into perspective.

Also, tomorrow is the 3rd anniversary of our home ownership. Time certainly does fly. And, oh, how life has changed in those 3 years.

Lee has been working on the basement renovation since mid-March. We intending on renovating our basement at some point in the future, but when we found out that we were expecting our little girl, the renovations became a top priority. Lee has been using our new nursery as his office for the past 3 years. Seeing as we now need that bedroom, his office needed to be moved downstairs. We also created a “den” area in the basement. It took 3 months, but the basement is now complete (see above) and furniture is continuing to be moved in, so we can begin work on the nursery.

At the end of May, we found out that Lee’s aunt, uncle, and cousin will be visiting over the July 4th weekend. They, as a family, have never been to Indiana, so we are so excited to have them come!!!! Finishing the basement became even more important, so they had a place to stay. With that, Lee installed a shower in the basement bathroom so that any guests we have would feel more at-home. As of today it is still without plumbing, but that will get fixed before the end of the week.

And, in other news, Lee and I purchased a new (used) vehicle this weekend (see above). Lee’s truck was a 1997 S-10, and my Kia was a 2001. Both were certainly showing their age, and neither was a good “family” car. So, this weekend we purchased a 2007 HHR. It only had 15,500 miles on it, great options (leather seats, seat warmers, remote start, tinted back windows, etc.), and we got it for a good, fair price. Unfortunately, this means that Lee’s truck was officially traded-in. He has put his heart and soul into that truck and modifications for it, but it was not conducive to having a family in it. The “new” vehicle is great and was desperately needed!

Baby Girl Lawmaster (Part 2)

Well I had my final ultrasound yesterday afternoon. Baby Girl Lawmaster is doing wonderfully. Her heart has four chambers, and everything else looks healthy.

My actual doctor's appointment was today, and I learned that she is measuring big - very big. She is in the 97% for 24 weeks, and I am only at 23 weeks. So, I am measuring big as well, but I still haven't gained too much weight, which is the positive. She is now 1 pound 9 ounces, and she has long legs! They will keep an eye on her and see how big she gets.

It was great to get to see her again, especially since I know I can't see her again until she is born. But that time will be here before we know it!

Baby Girl Lawmaster

Yesterday, May 13, Lee and I discovered that we would be welcoming a daughter this fall! Lee is concerned because he is very protective of his little girls, but I know she will make a great addition to our family.

The ultrasound went fairly well. She co-operated enough to tell us she was a girl. However, we believe she was sleeping and didn't move around enough to see some important vital parts - including her heart. Next month I will have another ultrasound so the doctor can analyze those things.

Baby Girl Lawmaster is measuring a little big right now. Her due date is October 6, but she is measuring as though she is due September 29. Her organs seemed to be fine including her umbilical cord, kidneys, brain, etc. She had herself in a "U" position where her feet and her head were beside each other. I don't know where she gets that flexibility from!

Lee and I are struggling with names at the current time. We've had a boy's name picked out for 1 1/2 years, so it makes sense that we would have a girl :-). We'll be asking Taylor for her ideas as well. At least we have 4 1/2 months to make up our minds :-)

NAGAP Conference and NYC

Last week Lee and I took a trip to NYC. It was fabulous! We did a lot of things and were exhausted, but the trip was one for the books.

We arrived in New York last Wednesday on April 22. I had a NAGAP (National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals) conference. The conference was at the Marriott Marquis Times Square, which is also where we stayed. We were right in the heart of Times Square and could even see part of the ball outside our window.

The conference was wonderful. I saw several people from IU there, and it was nice to meet admissions professionals from all over the United States. Sessions were Wednesday night, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning. It was quite exhausting, but I feel that I learned a lot as well.

After my conference sessions were over for the day, Lee and I took to the streets. While I was in sessions, he explored NYC on his own. Since we arrived in the evening on Wednesday, we didn't do too much that night. We ate out and turned in early.

On Thursday, Lee walked down to Washington Square Park to see the Arch and take pictures. He loved Greenwich Village! When I got done with sessions, we decided to explore lower Manhatten. We first went to Ground Zero where there is a covered fence surrounding the area due to construction of the new building. We then walked down to Battery Park and took the State Island Ferry. This way we could get close to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty for free. We then walked up to the Brooklyn Bridge, took the Subway back to Greenwich Village, and toured Grand Central Terminal. What a busy afternoon/evening.

On Friday, Lee ventured down to the Today Show and got to see Meredith Viera up close. While we don't think he got on TV, he had a great time. After my sessions were done, Lee took me back to Rockefeller Plaza, and we stopped in St. Patrick's Cathedral. We also had to stand in line FOREVER to go up in the Empire State Building. It was line after line after line, and we were there for hours. We also got to go to the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) for free later that evening.

By Saturday we were exhausted, but we knew it would be our last day in the city for quite some time. After the conference session was complete, we took the subway up to Grant's Tomb, which is the largest tomb in the U.S. It was amazing! We also spent some time in Central Park after passing by The Dakota, where John Lennon was killed. On Sunday, we flew home.

All in all, it was a great trip!!! I'm glad that we went, but it certainly passed by way too quickly!

Home Remodel

It has been quite some time since I posted a blog. As always, we have been pretty busy. Not only do we both work full-time, but Lee has class two nights a week; I sit on a local non-profit board of directors; and I am pregnant. But, because of impending arrivals, we are also remodeling our basement.

Now it isn't what you think as a typical remodel, but it is a huge undertaking nonetheless that Lee has pretty much taken on. We have stripped all the walls of paneling to find out exactly what is underneath those walls. It turns out that things are in much better shape than I anticipated. The insulation looks good. The foundation walls look good. The first major concern we encountered was a wall full of ants. However, they were immediately killed, sprayed for internally, and sprayed for externally.

Lee has replaced both light fixtures downstairs with our old standbys we love. We started buying them when we first bought the house and replaced the upstairs light fixtures. They are beautiful! He has also wired the basement for phone, cable, LAN, and redid the outlets. He also installed new sound-proofing insulation for the wall between the utility room and the soon-to-be office to deaden the sound of the heat pump and washer/dryer. He is currently finishing some concrete work.

The one half of the basement is done except for new paneling, painting, and floor staining. This half will be Lee's new office.

The other half is currently being worked on and should be easier to deal with considering there is much less wall space. This area will be the new guest area/sitting room. But once it is complete, it will also need new paneling, painting, and floor staining.

So far, we are on budget, and I hope we stay that way! I am the budget police :-). Of course, once the basement gets done, the office will move downstairs, and the work on the baby's room will begin. My overall goal is to get everything done by/in August. I don't want us rushing at the end with baby only days away. I'll keep you updated!

30 years + 1 Day

Yep, I survived my 30th birthday. I must say that my 29th birthday was much worse than my 30th, but at the same time, I had other things to preoccupy me this year.

My husband was wonderful for my birthday. He asked all the women in my life that are close to me and over 30 to write me advice, words of encouragement, etc. on scrapbook pages. He then put all the pages into a scrapbook for me. Needless to say, I cried my eyes out when I read it. What a wonderful present that I will cherish forever!!!

In the afternoon, he took me to Cheeseburger in Paradise and had a surprise party waiting on me with about 25 people in attendance. My family, close friends, and co-workers all came out to surprise me. I was also given a collage of pictures of me from all stages of life. It was wonderful!!!

Then our good friends from Evansville surprised me and spent the night. We hadn't seen them since November, so that was a great present as well. All in all, it was a fabulous day!

Thank you, Lee, for being a great hubby and planning such a wonderful day for me!!! I will never forget it!!!!

My Little Peanut

Yes, I'm going to be a mommy!!!! Lee and I found out we were expecting in late-January, but we decided to keep the secret until our first appointment, which was yesterday. In the early morning, we got to see our baby on the screen for the first time. Little Peanut is growing well and has a good heartbeat. We can expect to meet him/her around October 6! Getting to see my little angel was a great birthday present for me!!!!! I'll keep you updated as the pregnancy moves forward. I am also keeping a written journal for the baby to have one day. Happy growing little one!!

Valentine's 2009

Valentine's Day is always special for Lee and me, more so than just a holiday. February 14 happens to be our 1/2 anniversary. Yesterday we celebrated 4 1/2 years of marriage. Honestly, we wouldn't celebrate a 1/2 anniversary if it wasn't on a holiday, but nevertheless, it is an important day for us.


We had a wonderful day yesterday! In the early afternoon, we drove up to Indianapolis to see To Kill A Mockingbird performed at the IRT (Indiana Repertory Theater). It was a wonderful production!


We then came back to Bloomington to celebrate Valentine's evening with Sharla and Brad. This was the first double-date Valentine's we had ever had. We ate at Lennie's, a local pub, and then we went back to our house to play Scene It Friends edition! It was a good night of laughs with good friends. I won both games!!!


All in all, it was a great Valentine's Day. It was a nice day with my hubby and my best friend. YEAH! Thanks for the memories - Lee, Sharla, and Brad :-).

Snow Storm '09

January 27 and 28, 2009 will be remembered for near record snowfall here in Bloomington, Indiana. In places like Kentucky, it was a record ice storm and power will not be restored for weeks.

The snow began falling late on the night of Monday, January 26. By Tuesday morning, January 27, we had 4 inches of snow on the ground. The roads were a little bad but it was still okay to drive. But late in the day Tuesday, the ice came and then snow. By Wednesday morning, there was a foot of snow on the ground - something Lee and I haven't seen since we were teenagers.

We knew getting out of our driveway was going to be impossible, but shoveling a foot of snow off a 150 foot driveway was also not an option. After trying and failing with Richard's snowblower, we asked the neighbors for use of theirs. Thank goodness!!! It took us only an hour to free our driveway. However, Monroe County was under a snow emergency and IU closed for an entire day for the first time in 30 years. It was a nice, quiet day at home, but now I am suffering for my time outside - a heck of a cold.

This one will definitely go down in my memory. My parents and sister that live near Jasper were without power for quite some time. When their power came back on, my sister's furnace quit! My friends in Evansville were also without power for some time, but they are lucky. Others in Evansville are still without power nearly 1 week later! Kentucky residents may be off for weeks. Lee's aunt Beth in Oklahoma is in the same boat. The ice storm hit her before it hit Kentucky.

What a way for 2009 to begin!