Iowa and SNOW!!!

It snowed a bunch in Iowa before we got there. I think it snowed a few inches in Chicago while Richard was there, but there was much more in Iowa. It was such a great time being with my entire family before moving to Hawaii. Rich had a chance to meet them all. I didn't get a chance to take a ton of pics, but the ones below are so much fun. We went SLEDDING!!!

Here I am riding down Bowman Woods Hill in a saucer. It was such a nice day. The sun was shining and the kids were having a blast...big kids too.



Here's Eric walking back up the hill with a sled. There's no other way to get back to the top.



Below is Brian with Sean. I think Sean had enough by this time. He was getting a little tired.



I loved taking this picture. Nick is making a snow angel. He was also eating snow, but I didn't post that one. (You know you did it too)



We were at our elementary school, so there are swings, jungle gyms, and merry-go-rounds to have fun on. Below are David and Nick playing on the merry-go-round.



I can't really remember what David was doing here...



Richard had never held a baby until spending time with my family. He had a chance to hold both Lauren, 3 months (my mom has that picture so I couldn't post it), and Sabra (below), 7 months. In just a few short months, he'll get a lot of practice and I can't wait.



Here I am with Sabra, spending a little time before I leave. They grow up so fast, I just got a new picture of her and she has changed so much. I wish I had a few of Lauren, but they're on Mom's camera.



I know I didn't put these in order. So, here's a few more sledding. Here's Brian pulling David and Nick up the hill. What a workout!



We knew we wouldn't see snow for quite a while. We had to take advantage of it. I love this picture!



And here's Mom...taking a break from all the fun.



Richard and I had a great time. We can't wait until we are all back together again. And next time, there will be another baby to join in the fun. Like they say...the more the merrier. :)

Leaving Chicago

We started the drive to Iowa with a fantastic breakfast at this tiny diner a block from my apartment. We drugged the animals, packed them into the Uhaul, and were on our way. I said goodbye to the city as we drove West on I55.



Isabelle and Jaxson were high on meds to help them cope with the drive. It was kind of like animal Xanax. They sat on my lap most of the way. How cute, huh?



A lot of the scenary along the way on I80 through Illinois and Iowa is farm land. Rich took a bunch of pictures of the farm houses. He's never been West of Indiana. I think it's the most country he's ever seen. Below is one in IL. I still think it's pretty...open land, gorgeous.



We crossed the Mississippi River to get into Iowa.

"The people of Iowa welcome you" We were now in Iowa, good ole IA. It's a great place. You all should visit some day.

Now here's something to boast about...the largest truck stop is on I80 in Iowa. And it is huge! What a landmark.

Ah...another farm...I kinda miss seeing these.

Then we finally get into downtown CR. It's about a 4.5 hour drive from Chicago to Cedar Rapids. It's a blue collar town and it's called the City of Five Seasons, but my dad likes to call it the City of Five Smells because of the 5 factories in town.

Here's one of the factories...Quaker Oats. I always loved when they were making Peanut Butter Captain Crunch...YUMMY!!!!

Here I am drivin' gansta style...almost home...

Richard in Chicago...Feb 2008

Richard flew from HI to Chicago to help me move. We spent a few days in Chicago driving around town to see some of the sites, spent some time with friends, and of course...PACKED. I didn't want to bore anyone with nonsense photos. So, we start with our night at the John Hancock. The picture above is from the Signature Room looking South. I think it's one of the most beautiful views in Chicago.

Below is Dana and Marcum. Two of my good friends in IL. Dana and I worked together for Ventana. These two were in town to say goodbye and to take my car back to Monmouth to try and sell. And I think everyone knows that didn't quite happen. I now have my Uli in Hawaii with me. But a huge THANKS to these two for helping me out!




Ah, look at these two...aren't they cute? We had a great time that night with Dana and Marcum. It will always be a great memory for me.



Me and my girl. I think we have a million pictures like this. Ah, the memories...






The following photos are from our drive around Chicago. Most of them are from driving up Michigan Ave, but I do believe there is one from Lake Shore Drive...you'll know which one.

This one is of the John Hancock Building when we were going over the river.




So simple, but so profound. The Michigan Ave. sign...




I'm not quite sure of this sculpture. It's down on Michigan Ave. at Roosevelt, but it looks like bodies, but only the legs. Interesting huh?




And last, but definitely not least, Da Bears!!!! Soldier Field isn't the most gorgeous stadium at all, especially since it now looks like a spaceship landed in old Soldier. But even so, I love this stadium. I'm hoping my Bears pull it together this year and have a decent season. I guess only time will tell.




Well, that's the jist of Richard's time in Chicago. We're looking forward to visiting again soon...

Yeah for the INTERNET!!!!

Ok, I can finally say that we have internet at home. Thank God!! So, that means I get to go back 6 months and post blogs from way back then. I know things won't be in order since I'll probably keep adding new stuff while updating the old, but I'll try to get as much of the old done as fast as I can. It'll be fun, that's all that matters. And, please remember to post a comment. We REALLY like to see who's reading the blog. Well then, let's get started...

22 WEEKS...

I was trying to take these pictures every month, but that just hasn't happened. And all I can say is...WOW, all of a sudden my belly popped. At 22 weeks, she is about 15 ounces and 11 inches long. (I'm a little sad that I no longer get to say "crown to rump")

I just ate lunch before this picture was taken, which makes my belly a little bigger than normal. She is still laying pretty low and across my belly. She isn't moving too much. When she does, it feels pretty strange, but I can't wait until Richard can feel her moving.

We go back to Honolulu to meet with the doctors next Friday. We get to have another ultrasound and meet with the OBGYN. I'm hoping we get a few more pictures. We'll let you know how it goes...

ULTRASOUND and such...

Well, we've had some stress over the last few weeks. Here in Hawaii, they automatically have you do the quad screen which is a blood test that looks at levels of proteins to help determine if the baby is at risk for Down's Syndrome, neural tube defects, and Edward's Syndrome. It has a really high false positivity rate and my mom and sister in-laws don't agree with having it if you aren't at risk...I feel exactly the same. And it's so true, the stress is crazy. We had an abnormal test and had to go meet with a genetic counselor and have the ultasound done at the Fetal Diagnostic Center. The test was abnormal for Down's, so we decided to have an amniocentesis since it's the only way to determine if the baby does have Down's.


With that said...the ultrasound was amazing! The baby was moving so much! It was so surreal seeing all the fingers and toes, and that little body. We can't wait until the baby is here.


So, that was last week. Today was probably the happiest day of our lives. The center called and the baby is fine!!! What a relief! Plus, we also confirmed that we are having a girl. A baby girl! Below is a picture from the ultrasound. I know it's not the best, but it's as good as I could get it. It's the baby's head, chest and arm.








I also started a blog for the baby. Take a look at it, babykibitlewski.blogspot.com. This is where I'll post things that are only for the baby. Take care, and I hope to blog again soon.

Baby at 17 weeks

Wow! I'm in my 2nd trimester. It's amazing how fast things are going. So, at 17 weeks, the baby is now about 5 inches crown to rump and weighs about 5 ounces. I have felt the baby move, but nothing distinctive. It's like feeling the baby move in a big circle, it's really a strange feeling.

For those of you who don't know...the blanket is from Richard's high school. The Lyndhurst Golden Bears and from now on this will be the photo you see, but with an ever growing belly. We will be going for an ultrasound on Aug. 28th and will let you know all about that.

Take care...love Lisa, Richard & baby

Baby at 13 weeks

Finally...

Here's the first picture of my belly. This is at 13 weeks, so the baby is about 3 inches from head to rump....I love that word...rump. I haven't felt any movement yet, but I'm sure that will happen before I know it. I decided to take these pictures in the same "outfit" throughout the pregnancy so it will be easier to see the changes.

I'll keep you all posted as things go on. I hope everyone is well.