Time for Updating...

yes, I need to update...just wanted all to know that this will be coming soon. Lazy Momma Bear needs to upload some pics, but let me recap the past 7 weeks in 7 key statments (yes, I am a marketer who uses powerpoint presentations):

1. Bliss of having a little baby, quickly switches to freak out of "what did we do??" Ha.
2. Get into a groove, milk is in, feel like we're getting the hang of it...she gains nearly 2lbs, tubby!
3. First growth spurt, are you kidding, how can you eat this much, you're still just a munchkin
4. Aww yeah, she is a fun little bugger we take everywhere: Wash Park Tavern, Il Posto, you name it, she's been there
5. We spread our wings to Broncos Tailgate and feel like she's the best baby ever!
6. Calm before the storm...growth spurt #2 (OMG, is there an imprint of my butt on the couch? Waiter, I need lunch and water please...) coupled with a cold...A-W-E...S-O-M-E...awesome, awesome, like Totally. Yes, that cheer was done with complete sarcasm
7. We made it through the storm, but then introduced formula as miss piggy is in need of more than mommy can handle...and then the mice came marching in...Oh when the mice, Oh when the mice, Oh when the mice came marching in. Yes, some new moms hit the wall with colic, I have an afternoon colic baby plus mice running around, can you say FREAK OUT! Ha...this will all be funny someday when I tell the story at her wedding, right? It will be worth it - in 30 years!

Ok, so the bullets got much longer and less succinct, but let me tell you, when I upload imagery to support these, I won't need more than the images!

I hope all are well, we are en route to Chicago for our first plane trip, God help us that it's not a wailing good time, just a good time will do!!

Love, Molly, Nick, Abby and, of course, Molson

She's Here!!

We are so excited to welcome our newest addition to the family, miss Abigail Katherine Lazzara. She is perfect. She was born on Monday, August 16 at 4:48pm weighing in at 7lbs 2oz and 20 inches long...watch out world, here she comes!

We had a great experience at the hospital, but it was certainly nerve racking waiting to go in on Sunday night as I was scheduled to be induced. It was a tough day just sitting and waiting. Once we got there, we settled in a bit and just "let it happen". As it turned out, my water broke on its own and I did not need to do the initial petocin drip, so I was able to move around for the first few hours. Then, I had to wave the white flag of mercy and get my man Dr. Scott in to give me my epidural. I do have to say, he was pretty funny...though, I did want funny man to move faster than lightening, rather than comment on the movie we were watching "Best in Show". Dr. Scott: "Oh, you have a dog?" Me: "Yes, Dr. Scott, we do and I'll be happy to show you all of my pictures and tell you all about him AFTER YOU STICK THAT NEEDLE IN MY SPINE!". Dr. Scott: "I have a golden too, they are the best. I love all of these movies by this guy, they are so funny..." Me: "WHATEVER, DO IT ALREADY!"... Then, the part that he finds really funny...the part where your leg reflexes to a shock, my left leg shot up from Nick's lap and Dr. Scott so cooly asks the nurse "Did she get him?", Nick's face was priceless...yes, anesethesiologist humor. And, no, I did not get him, at least not where he was intending, I may have hit a rib, though, ha.

Ok, so after that, it was pretty boring, just waiting and beating Nick at gin rummy...I rule. Took a nap, let the body do the work. I did have to get my petocin then but who cares at that point, I was in blissful ignorance of any contractions.

Then, it was time for our little pumpkin to arrive and promptly at cocktail time, well done Abby! I pushed for 30 minutes and here she was.

We will continue to share pictures and adventures, but the first week has been tiring, wonderful, emotional, a roller coaster, all the things they tell you. She has a sweet personality, loves her daddy (who has already entered and signed up for a frequent shopper card at Gymboree!...on his own!) Ha. She has him wrapped around his finger and she hasn't even said "dada" yet, I can't wait!

D-Day Approaching...

Well, many have asked, what's the news...the news is no news...I had a doctor appointment today and all is going well so far. Baby seems normal and healthy and happy, in the womb. Not really showing signs of coming out just yet, but the head is down, it's moved down, and we wait...and wait...ha. Only week 39 so technically baby Lazzy Bear has not overstayed it's welcome just yet. I am not showing any signs of dialation quite yet so induction is not an option that's really on the table so long as I can get around.

Baby is still resting oh so lovingly on my nerve so getting around is still a pain. Sadly, I've really started to lose my mind and my doctor made fun of me as I "could not find my crutches" so I hobbled in to the office today. She kindly told me that that is like losing a wheel chair...they're not small and they are my main mode of transportation. Thank you very little, they are sitting in the front hallway where they should be, I just somehow completely overlooked them...four or five times in my frantic exit to the doc. Oh well, at least I found them :)

So, here we are week 39 and wondering whose day baby Lazz will share or if he/she will find one of its own. It's getting tougher...tomorrow is my parents wedding anniversary, the 10th is my birthday, 15th is Brandon's birthday, 20th Tommy's birthday...and there is a "Friday the 13th" coming up...oh no, does that mean my baby is Freddy Krueger? Holy cow, for any of you that know my family and some Long Lake history, that would be WAAAAY too freaky. I'd have a Freddy baby that likes to hunt snipes and sings Wisconsin badger songs while jumping off a pier. for those who don't know those stories, we'll save them for when we've all had too many drinks for you to remember as it may explain a lot as to why I am the way I am...and I sort of like you all just thinking I am a quirky funny person. Ha!!

Ok, tangent. So, no news to report yet, but will certainly keep everyone posted. I am working from home and enjoying a little less stress here, though it is damn hot without air conditioning. Hopefully it will chill out soon, not get cold, just chill from the 95+ heat. Can't wait to walk again and enjoy the outdoors again, I feel like a prisoner...ugghs.

More later!

Nerves of Steel While Nesting

Nesting is fun...especially when you can't walk! Torture is maybe another word for it. Yes, my little hip/nerve issue has gotten worse and I am now officially on crutches. Pathetic is another word for it. Baby has dropped and is oh so kindly sitting on my nerve which shoots pain and pressure down the front of my leg. I know it's a loving gesture and I am sure it's just its way of hugging and loving on me, right? OMG, some one get me a vodka and vicodin! What?

Couple that with the fact that I have some work to do yet on the house/nursery. We don't have a changing pad...minor issue. I have no furniture yet (still waiting), not that worried, but may need to check on that to see if we're 4 weeks out or a year out (at this rate, anything is possible). A hospital bag, some call it critical, I say bring on the free gowns and 10 cent soaps. OMG...I should be freaking out more, but as I sit here and stare at the stairs that come between me and my packing, I can't face going up them again today until I absolutely have to.

Nick is out of town for the week, so it's been interesting trying to be my independent self and having to ask for help. I have had help, Chip walked the dog Mon night (I can't walk the poor dog...he hates me right now). My mom and brother were here Tues/Tues night and they walked the dog, dropped food off for our church (it was sitting in my car for 3 days since I couldn't lift it), had my car washed and detailed (a task that had been on my list for nearly 2 months), and helped me buy dog food!

So, for those that are pregs now or becoming pregs in the future, word to the wise...get it all done by month 8 and coast to the end!!! I am hobbling proof that you cannot count on that last 6 weeks to be productive :)

80 year old in a 30 year old body

OMG, have I been so lucky and naive that the pains I feel are sudden and severe to bring me to my knees. Yes, it's finally hit me. I have officially gained 25 lbs (putting on about 0.5 lb a week of baby) and I am in pain. Baby has been on my right side nearly the entire time, that I can feel...and it has therefore finally taken its toll on my right nerves, particularly my hip and knee.

I groan when I get out of bed. I groan when I get out of my chair at work. I ache as I handle the stairs, what has happened. I have suddenly gotten a glimpse of the future and dare I say I am not above the Rascal scooters...sign me up for one now, in fact, as I can't wait! I can't imagine women who have felt this for longer periods of time or were put on bed rest, God love you because I only have a month of this and it's bad enough :)

Yes, I am a whiner, so let's all take it with a grain of salt, but I was also convinced I'd be running marathons until I gave birth, so my expectations may have been slightly out of whack. And, I may also be somewhat guilty of bringing on some of it...I wore 4 inch heels to a wedding in June and stayed up at our college 10 year reunion until 3am, in flats. But, what the heck, you can't roll around in bubble wrap for 9 months either, so what can you do? Just grin and bear it, I say. That, and beg to work from home a few days a week now that it's getting close to time, Molson will take care of me!

So, that is all from the old lady. I now have appreciation for all those that have trouble walking or getting around, it's certainly inconvenient and I feel for ya as I'm with ya now.

Nick My Hero

Last week was a long one, I travelled to Tampa, Chicago and Denver in 3 days time. All flights were either delayed or cancelled and 1 of 2 hotels were overbooked so there were issues...then, my car did not start when I got home. Needless to say I tried to stay calm and collected, but lost it when I heard the slight click of the car.

Now, I was late for a haircut appointment, very important, so that made this all the more difficult and made my already idiot brain completely irrational. Instead of trying to find the parking people to help me, I call Nick...as if he's going to be able to help me from 30 miles away while at work. I end up cabbing to my haircut...suitcase and all, and then waste both of our time as we drive back out to the airport to rescue my car.

I am feeling much better after the haircut, even laughing about the whole freaking scenario (which, to my own credit, I laughed off every cancelled flight and hotel room...it wasn't until the car thing that I really lost it). Nick informed me he had a surprise for me when I got home...so I naturally thought he had bought another shirt or just a little something for the baby while I was gone. No. He went WAY OVERBOARD...he had stayed up until 3am Monday and Tuesday nights clearing out the office and painting it for the baby. OMG, I lost it...in a much happier way.

It looks amazing and I feel so much better about the house scenario, about being somewhat ready and prepared, just about it all. He even put the pack 'n play together and founds a cute table and deocrations to give the room the real "feel". He is my true hero.

Construction Drama

Most of you are aware that we've been working to re-model our house. Well, I finally received the most expensive pieces of paper I have ever purchased...the blue prints. Yes, we made it to that stage, wahoo. The bad news is that we likely have 4-6 weeks...or probably more of bank paperwork and permitting. So...the long and short, we are going to postpone a bit until after baby is born.

Yeah, decision made. Crap...I wasn't counting on having to put a nursery together myself, so there literally is NO WHERE for baby to sleep right now. His/her room is a repository for boxes and crap at this time, ha. We ordered the crib and rocker, but it's 50/50 if they make it in time. Poor baby, haaa, it's just too comical. Hopefully we'll have time to get the room ready in July as June is already gone with travel and work for us...pathetic.

Am I a bit too laid back here, I really have no idea what is coming my way, but I figure I can either stress out and freak out or I can just do what I can and realize it will all work out in the end. We are also housing 3 dogs this weekend, so we have a zoo going on...it's difficult to pet and give attention to 3 dogs at once, I suggest you try it. I hope baby is a dog lover or we're in big trouble :)

Ah, the joys...

Oh Canada

Finally I get around to sharing a few adventures from our final trip as just the two of us, beautiful Canada. How did we choose Canada, in May, you ask...well, it's simple, follow the clearly defined Lazzara logic we have:

1. What weekends do we have free? Narrow to a nice window.

2. Where have we both never been but want to go? This helped narrow the focus a bit, though there are still quite a few destinations on this list as it turns out

3. Of those, and knowing our time window, what is still appealing? The NE we decided to put on hold for summer/fall for example

4. Where can we get a good full trip in and only take 2 days off work?

5. Where can we go for free on United and utilize Molly's infinite miles?

BAM...Vancouver area comes up! We didn't want to do a city trip, so we researched and the Gulf Islands looked fun. We chose Galiano island, population 1,000 if they're lucky. We rented a gorgeous house on an inlet cove, very cool. And, we had an adventure trip with me 6 months pregnant: hiking (even in Vancouver, saw Stanley Park), golf (9 holes), exploring the art scene (ok this was mostly driving, but some walking...), and sea kayaking (I even paddled most of the time!). We saw tons of wildlife from otters in our cove every day to bald eagles to deer to seals swimming with us kayaking to snakes (2, we each almost stepped on one at different times, omg freaked me out) to killer whales (defs the highlight).

Very fun trip, we highly recommend the area. One thing we did not think about was if I were to have needed medical attention. Given that there was "a" cop on the whole island, the firemen were volunteer, and the EMT was on strike (we saw his sign and assume there is 1), we may have been hard pressed to find something we needed. Fortunately, that was not needed, but interesting as you change your life around how you actually should think of things like that...sorry little lazzy bear, we still love you though.

So, our little lazzy bear has gone way international now having covered off the 3 major countries in North America...as we were in Mexico before we told you all, but he/she was there with us! Well traveled little bugger....my passport hasn't been out in years and suddenly I've had the urge, maybe we have an explorer on our hands, hmm...I'll attach a couple pictures for your viewing pleasure. Love, us

Dreams Part 2

Yes, more dreams. Last night I was going back to college. Yes, that is right. But, I didn't register for classes, had no materials and was feeling frantically unprepared. Indication of how I feel now? Very possible.

In addition, I somehow ended up near a river thing that was about 12 feet or more below the bridge I was on. I slipped and was hanging from the bridge. No, I did not fall immediately, but did fall eventually and floated down the river. Hmm...

Then, in my room, Nick and I shared a room with my old roommate from freshman year. He and I rolled out a double bed and she somehow thought she was going to share with us as she did not have a bed. We put a Ki-bash on that, but then we somehow ended up driving her home to get her belongings. Her home was in Ohio (though in reality she was from Speedway, IN), and looked strangely like the adjascent neighborhood to where I lived in Minnesota growing up. Weird. The family had a big party going on that we participated in, but I was anxious to leave as I had also realized that I didn't tell my office (here in Colorado) that I was going back to school. So I was scared they were going to fire me. Yes, more realistic fears of disappointing my current workplace by being pregnant. Rational, no; touches of reality, yes.

Very strange...love these dreams...keep 'em coming :)

The F ate the DD

Just when you thought the ladies could not get any larger, you go and get an F. Yes, you read this correctly, F. Fortunately, if you are willing to spend enough money, they will still make them in cute colors, nice straps that can be seen in summer, and lace...but I repeat, if you are willing to spend a pretty penny. Target isn't going to do and the anorexic ladies from Vickies just don't have the size to warrant me entering that store anymore. I need reinforcements here.

I think I have finally hit a point where the belly is exceeding the girls, but barely. Add in my round face and any photo taken from waist up will yield orca Molly...watch out, keep all small children away as I look like I'm capable of eating them! Ha.

After all the kids are popped out and we can laugh about this, I'll host a pregnant bra party, bet I win for most costly material ever purchased for a 4-month lifespan...or so I hope it's only 4 months! (they hit you up for the extra sewing and lace when you get into the land of extraneous letters...probably could make 3 A cups in the time it takes them to craft and figure out how to run all that material through the sewing machine for F). Maybe I'll even frame my F in some wayto display it as modern art!

F! I have no idea why Heidi Montaug felt the necessity to hit H, F is bad enough. Although H with fakies and lifts might not be as bad as real F with fat and heavy weight. I may get top heavy here toward the end, watch out below!!

I want to poke my eyes out over day care

There are things that are not so cute or pleasant about having a child...day care is one of them. I have been searching and searching and am now on the pleading path to my colleagues of "what do I do???" ugghs. It's part that we live in a city so everything is questionable, it's part that most people in this area do nanny shares, so maybe I need to just do that, and it's part that my entire pay check will go to this so why am I even bothering? Since when does my kid need an $18000 education at age 0? OMG...hyperventilating. And, I totally had this guy at the office say "not to scare you, but we're still on waiting lists and our son is almost 2...", yeah, well, good for you. I guess my kid won't go to Harvard since his parents f'd up his life at age 0-3 with a crappy education...ahhhhhhh....thanks for the vent! Feel much better...and there is nothing wrong with a bar rat at a state school, afterall, most CEOs did not go to Ivy League schools...so there!

Dream Catcher version 1

So they say that dreaming becomes vivid and weird when pregnant. I have found that to be all too true this past week. I have been having incredible dreams, most are hilarious and I've started to write them down...that said, here is round 1, hope you enjoy as much as I do:

I am getting a hug from a friend of my mom's...non-descript, not sure who she is, but she was a friend. Anyway, she was so excited for us that she gave me a huge hug...so big, in fact, that she knocked me over and fell on top of me. Thus, she smooshed my belly and I got very concerned for the baby. I got up, brushed myself off and left for a party I was late for.

Fortunately, I had VIP status, so I skipped the long line outside the party entrance and walked right in...tyipcal if you ask me :) I enter and the room looks and feels like a fancy country club with big leather furniture, darker walls and wood work, etc. I sit in an oversized chair that is next to a couch and start to complain to my friends about the hug and how concerned I am that the baby is dead because it got smooshed. "It will be just fine, you'll feel it kick again and then you'll know it's fine." my friend says. "Yeah, don't worry, just relax, put your feet up and enjoy yourself." the other friend says.

All normal, you say...well, I turn and look at my friends to say "thanks" and realize that my friends are Tiger and Elin Woods...huh.

Athletic Weekend

An eventful and athletic weekend is behind us. While my athletics were limited to actual walking and such, Nick was also able to squeeze in some libation events...which suited him well on his birthday weekend. We started slow on Friday night with a BBQ for the two of us by the fire pit, nice, relaxing and just what we needed.

Saturday, a whirlwind of events, starting with 9 holes of golf. I am very proud to tell everyone that I shot a 56, not a good score, but, it was a strong 56 with a lot of bad chips and 3-putts, so I was quite pleased. However, birthday boy was not so fortunate with his power being a bit more than he could handle. Baby was a bit awake during the round, but I am sure he/she appreciated the exercise and getting out in the wonderful weather.

We went from there to a going away BBQ where Nick was getting some practice in with the 6-month old baby that was there...fortunately, he gave him to another person before that child vomited all over. Just his luck, hopefully he is on the receiving end of that come our child, and not just me, ha! Then, to cap the day off we went to a baby shower for our friends the Malias. Yep, Nick capped his 32nd birthday off strong with an exciting game of baby charades. I'm not sure how one is to act out amniotic fluid, but somehow, it was done. (Nick passed on this as he has "not read the book" so he opted out on any scientific terms and stuck to "2nd trimester" or "high chair"). It was comedic to watch.

Finally, yesterday we had an eventful day of brunch and Rockies game with a large group of folks. So, baby is tired, mom is tired and we're off to another busy week of working our a$$es off, yeah! Is there such thing as bed rest for the brain whereby you don't need to go to work because your brain hurts and you are too tired??? There should be!

Easter Eggs

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! We had beautiful weather and a day filled with friends and food, what more can you ask for. Little Lazzybear is coming along well, finally starting to show a bit and get welcomed into the world. It is a bit strange to have a tummy jutting out, but also nice that I no longer look like I just ate too many donuts...well, I still might have eaten too many but I have an excuse!

Yesterday morning, Nick very endearingly told me I looked like an Easter egg...because my shirt had "fruffles" on it; well, that and my belly in the fruffles. Now, I know his brothers like to tease him that he'll be surrounded by girls in his family, after the fruffle comment, I sure hope not as he's got a long way to go into princess land.

The first shop

Well, I've officially started shopping for baby. Yes, it's true. My mom was here this weekend and we headed out into the sea of baby "essentials". I made a list of places we had to go and we managed to hit every single one on Saturday!

While Friday was a snow storm, we had great shopping weather Saturday. And, every pregnant woman on the planet was out and about! We started easy with a local shop and really focused on strollers there. I was overwhelmed and they only had about 6 choices! Needless to say, I decided Nick needs to fold it, mold it, break it, bend it...basically he needs to show me how to use it, ha! One essential down, a million to go.

We headed to the scariest place ever, Babies 'R Us. Yes, it was scary. Maybe it's cute when you're not shopping for yourself, but wow, talk about overwhelming. I did find it hilarious when you're in the Pack 'n Play section and find all the other new moms-to-be look as confused as you do...why is this $20 more than that; what features does that one have; do I need that feature? OMG it was like that throughout the whole store. I am happy to say, though, we poked, prodded, looked and, I think, narrowed...so now Nick only has to look at 2-3 choices per section and won't have to go through the mayhem...aren't I nice? I think so :)

We ended at PB Kids, the cutest place and more of a true shopping experience amongst things you definitely do not need, don't need to spend that kind of money on, and are just plain superfulous...I was at home! My kind of shopping! So, we ended on the high note. I have not fully decided, but did float the idea of Elephants by Nick and he seemed up for it. So, we may have a big goofy animal type room: elephants, whales, those types of things, ha. We'll see.

So, the initial shop is over, hopefully the registry creation will be smooth sailing from here...well, at least here's hoping!

I hope this finds everyone well!

Love, Molly & Nick

Getting Caught Up

Welcome to our baby blog! Yes, I have finally set this up. And, in plenty of time, as there is not much to report yet. I'll get you caught up, though...

In early December, after an evening of sushi and sake, Nick and I received a phone call from my doctor alerting us that we were expecting. This was truly exciting, but also a bit ironic given our choice of evening the night before. Needless to say, I am quite confident my flip flopping stomach was due to sake and not the baby quite yet, ha.

We immediately called our parents, but did hold them to secrecy, much to all of their dismay. And while it was difficult for them (yes, dad, I know it was hard :) ), I lived a lie for 3 months, even adopting a new year's resolution to "not drink in January". That worked quite well, especially with work...keep that in mind all you gals out there, January can be a great buffer month, as can lent!

I digress. The holidays were wonderful, though, we were in our lie and I drank wonderfully delicious things like sparkling cider..."Do I have to keep drinking this crap? It's awful." - Jack Rennels. Thank you Jack, that is my life for the next 9 months! O'Doull's and virgin Mary's were also on the menu. Thankfully, Nick has agreed to drink for 2, so he was instrumental in my hiding the non-drinking, lovingly taking down my glass of wine and replacing it with his empty. What a team!

After much anticipation, we were finally able to spill the beans when we heard the heartbeat at 12 weeks. It was quite exciting. Though, it is pretty difficult to hear with all the noise going on, but we were able to hear it...well, at least I was...Doctor: "Do you hear that, it's the fast beats, not the slower beats."; Nick: "Uh huh..." Ten minutes later, Nick to me: "I don't think I heard it..." Hilarious.

Fast forward to no: not much has changed. I don't have any cravings or real food aversions. I don't like to eat large amounts of protein at night and full meals are difficult to eat in one sitting. I have been blessed by no morning sickness and a relatively easy first trimester. I have been tired, that is the big thing. So far, I've gained about 8 lbs or so, so not too much, though I do feel that I am rapidly fanning out and getting much wider! For those that recognize that I am a fat skinny girl in pictures, it's worse now! Ha. I will post some, if you can't laugh at the horror of it, you'd die crying, so may as well enjoy my twinkie state.

Nick has been the best soon-to-be baby daddy ever. He even shopped, with the help of his female friends at work, for maternity clothes and jeans for me...such a wonderful surprise! And, impressive he'd even think of it! Though, he did spend an evening in the hospital this week due to a hockey injury. Thankfully tough guy isn't going to take a break, it's playoffs after all. So, like all good hockey men, he is going to play through it, even with 6 stitches in his knee. I do wish, though, we had all been there to see him in his underwear and white tee-shirt...bleeding...waiting in the emergency room...at 11pm. Quite a sight I can imagine! The good news with hockey is that he gets home around 12 or 1am, just in time for baby to be waking up, so he has a natural shift built in, wahoo!

Molson is quite excited to be a big brother. He has a sudden need to cuddle and lay on my stomach, something he is now doing almost daily. Or, he just runs his head into my stomach and listens. I don't know that he can hear anything, but he certainly knows something is going on in there. We hear he is also a bit emotional around babies and gets quite concerned when a baby cries, so we'll see how he takes to his responsibilities as big bro!

Ok, long enough, but had to get caught up on 4.5 months of festivities and fun! We'll keep updating with news, feelings, any kicking, etc.

Love you all,

Molly & Nick