Evolution of a Sneeze

God Bless you!

You mean there is life outside of our house walls?

It's amazing how the days and nights since returning home from the hospital blur together and go by at such a rapid pace that it leads us to question, "What day is it?", let alone to contemplate venturing out into the vast blue yonder with this new being (I have to nurse where?!?). But I've made it my mission to attempt (key word here) to get out of the house with Logan each day. And if I can't make it outside with him, I try to see if I can make it out without him. It gives me motivation to shower, put on some makeup (to hide my still vampire-like complexion (can't wait 'till the color returns to my face!)), and dress in something other than workout outfits.

This goal was made much easier with the return of Gram Kvidahl. David had three chaotic weeks of covering March Madness, some of which required him to be out of town. Upon hearing that Logan and I would be left alone, Gram didn't hesitate to book the next flight out to help!

One of our family outings when David had a little free time was visiting "where it all began" -- Saint Louis University. Logan slept through much of the campus tour and didn't particularly seem interested in the details of where mommy and daddy met, where they had their first date, OR where daddy proposed to mommy (that's not gonna stop us from telling him the story and showing him the spots each and every time we go to campus though!). He woke up just in time to have his first "outdoor picnic" in the campus gazebo! Here are some pictures from our trip out and about...

Thanks for those who've gone before us...

It was no surprise that, upon hearing that Logan had made it safe and sound into the world, grandparents were dying to fly / drive in to meet him. Grandma and Grandpa von Wahlde visited the weekend we were back from the hospital. Grandpa V was eager to see how Logan liked the cradle he had made for him (okay, and maybe to hold Logan, too!). Grandma V did one of the things she does best -- introducing Logan to all of the songs she used to sing to Lisa. With soothing songs she lulled him to sleep many times during their stay with us.

Shortly after Grandma and Grandpa V's visit, Gram and Grandpa Kvidahl flew in to meet their very first grandchild. They too couldn't get enough of our "snugglesaurus". Grandpa cooked all kinds of delicious meals to help get some color back in Lisa's face (evidently it takes about 3 months to replenish a unit of blood) and Gram baked some delicious treats to keep spirits (and Lisa's caloric intake for nursing) up.

Having moral and physical support from both sides of the family made all the difference in David and I figuring out how to survive this new version of our lives (or at least the first 3 months of it anyway). And for that we can't thank them enough!

Who needs sleep anyway?

The beginning of our journey as a family has been exhausting (which is probably no surprise to any of you parents out there). Between recovering from delivery and feeding a newborn the size of a three month old, Logan keeps us on our toes (or in the case of this first photo, in bed napping whenever he gives us the opportunity!). But he's a good little boy and only fusses when he needs us - be it because he's hungry, tired, in need of a diaper change or cuddles. He's the only thing in this world worth being sleep deprived over!

And then there were three....Welcome Logan David Kvidahl!

Most of you know by now that Logan David Kvidahl arrived (as predicted by his Daddy) on Super Bowl Sunday (of course!), February 7, 2010 at 11:19pm. Weighing in at 9lbs. 4oz and almost 21 inches long, Lisa finally now understood why the last trimester she was waddling so. Once her water broke during the beginning of "Baba O'Riley" by the Who, Logan was quick to make his entrance. From the water breaking 'till Logan's first appearance it was approximately 4 hours. Although in all fairness to those women who might be cursing at a 4hr. labor, we now realize that what we believed to be Braxton Hicks contractions (that had Lisa crawling on the floor most of the afternoon...literally!), were the real deal contractions. Thank goodness the water broke, otherwise Logan might have been born at home as we waited for "evenly spaced out and increasingly intense" contractions (so much for what the books say about 4-5 minutes apart)! Lisa was able to deliver Logan naturally and without any medications. However, Logan's big size meant that Mom had some substantial and immediate reconstruction (look out Housewives of Orange County!). She also lost about a unit of blood which means that we are still waiting for the color to return to her cheeks. But it won her the title of "One Tough Mother" by her OB!

Our little family made it home on a cold and snowy Tuesday night (after David battled with and won a fight with the car seat). Although the adjustment to parenthood and sleep deprivation hasn't been easy, there is no doubt in our minds that Logan is well worth it. We've also been fortunate to have the help and support of both sets of grandparents, who each came to stay for a while shortly after Logan came home. Their expertise, reassurance, and help doing the simple everyday tasks that no longer seem so simple has made all the difference in our confidence and sanity as we begin this new adventure.

So, without further adieu....Here's our special little guy!!!

Logan, seconds old

Proud Poppa

Logan's favorite hangout -- the changing pad (no kidding!)

Logan's first stroller ride with mom

Logan's Winnie the Pooh Bunting

Logan's facial expression when he isn't being heldThe amazing cradle that Grandpa von Wahlde made especially for his grandson.

Logan sleeps in it each night!

And so our journey through parenthood begins...Stay tuned!

Waiting for...Godot?

Don't worry, we won't be naming Little Kvidahl "Godot". But we are definitely playing the waiting game. The nursery is complete, the bag has been packed (and unpacked...and packed again...), the car seat has been conquered (it was a heated battle but David was victorious), and I've even begun dilating (4cm!). With extremely limited space, Baby probably doesn't have room for a calendar in there. So it begins -- we're on Baby time. At almost 38 weeks, doctor reassures us that our little butterball is pretty much cooked. However, if baby takes after mom and dad, Little One's gonna to come into the world when baby darn well pleases (thank you very much)! As mother used to say, "good things come to those who wait." There's no doubt that the waiting will be well worth it!


"Let us not waste our time in idle discourse! (Pause. Vehemently.) Let us do something, while we have the chance! It is not every day that we are needed. But at this place, at this moment of time, all mankind is us, whether we like it or not. Let us make the most of it, before it is too late!"- Samuel Beckett, Waiting for Godot

Showered with Love

Watch out Santa Clause! There's a belly that might be a contender! Christmas is always fun in the Windy City, but this year it was even better, sharing the excitement of the ever growing belly (and baby!) with my family. In addition to participating in the family's Christmas traditions, my mom, Jen (my sister-in-law), Jen's mom and sister threw us a fabulous baby shower that even 6 inches of snow couldn't stop! As much fun as it was to get the most adorable baby gifts and baby essentials (no wonder we get baby fever! Everything is so darn cute!), it was even better being surrounded by women who have known me since I was a little girl.