5 Weeks Old!

4 Weeks Old!

3 Weeks Old!

Just Chillin'

2 Weeks Old

Kylie's First Days

As most of you know, Kylie Grace Rietema came on November 23rd at 2:15pm. She was about 35-1/2 weeks along, 5lbs 8oz and 18-3/4". What a wonderful day that was! We had been at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines for almost a week. After she came, we stayed another 4 days because she was dropping weight a little too quickly, and had a bad case of jaundice.

We ended up spending Thanksgiving in Des Moines. Kurt and i ate turkey dinner (hospital turkey dinner...mmm...good...while Kylie layed under the lights to get her biliruben levels down (jaundice). They had to do a blood test everyday...sometimes more than once. Her poor little heals are all bruised from drawing blood so many times. She got used to the blue light bed...she must have a little California in her...she "sun bathed" pretty well. :)

By the time we left Mercy, late on Friday night the 26th, Kylie weighed 4lbs 13oz. We were reluctant to leave because her biliruben levels were still a little high. But, they gave us the boot and told us to check up with our Dr. the following Monday. So, off we went.

On Monday we went in for another biliruben test and weight check...her levels were way too high again. This time we got to stay in Pella. Two nights in the hospital under blue lights again, and then we were sent home. Each morning we go in for a blood test and weight check. Today Kylie is 5lbs 1 oz...Praise the Lord, she is gaining weight! Her jaundice is getting better slowly but surely. Thank you for all your prayers!!!

Our little Cutie! Even some of the Premie clothes are a little big still. :)
We are excited to finally be home with our little bundle of Joy! What a blessing she is!

31 Weeks!

I'm in the 31st week and baby has not come! Praise God! I am still on modified bed rest - which means i don't ever leave the house...and pretty much go from my bed to the couch. :( But it has been a huge blessing to have my parents here. My mom came about 3 weeks ago, and my dad about 1-1/2 weeks ago, to help out and keep me company. We've had some great visiting time. My mom has been cooking, cleaning & shopping for me since the day she got here! They both leave today and are headed to California till December...unless baby comes earlier. A group of friends have gotten together to set up meals to bring over the next couple of weeks, and the church has offered tons of help as well. So, i know i'll be in good hands even though my parents are leaving. Thank you to EVERYONE who has been praying for us and sending such encouraging words. We are blessed to have so many people who care, and who are taking time to come before the Lord on our behalf. We trust that God is still in control and has a plan and a purpose in all of this. Blessings on all of you!

27 Weeks

Here i am, with 24 extra pounds to my name! I heard from a few of you that it was weird not seeing my face in the pictures...so...here you go. :) I had a Dr. Apt. this morning. Everything is coming right along. The heart rate was between 140 and 150...so that's good. I'm measuring about 27-1/2"...just where i should be. The baby continues to move a ton! Such an amazing experience! I have not been sleeping well at all though. Can't seem to get comfortable... everything hurts! hahahah! I laugh b/c i have a ways yet to go. What do ya do?! I'm just thankful for making it this far! I am at the point now where i go to the Dr. every two weeks instead of every four. I like that. Hearing the heart beat is just too much fun!
My grandparents from California are coming tomorrow for a couple days. It'll be fun to see them and let them feel the kicks of their soon-to-be 3rd great-grandchild. :)

24 Weeks

Well, here i am...ever growing...slowly but surely! :) The baby has been moving a lot lately. It seems he/she is getting stronger each day as well. The kicks and such have way more force, so they're easier to feel then they were a couple weeks ago. I had a Dr. apt. last Thursday, everything was good! So thankful and blessed to have made it this far.

21 Weeks

Kurt and i just got back from a week long vacation. It was a lot of fun because i didn't feel sick! :) Praise God! We first went to St. Paul, Minnesota to a friend's wedding...then to Delafield, Wisconsin for a Pastors Retreat...then to Chicago, Illinois to visit a friend and see a Cubs game. The Cubs won! It was baby Rietema's first time to Wrigley Field...mine too!

We had an ultrasound before we left. That went good. It was so much fun to SEE the baby move...to look at the life growing inside me. Wow. What a miracle. God is amazing!

The baby is 12oz at this point, and is growing as he/she should. So far so good! My new due date is December 25th! Merry Christmas! :)

18 Weeks

Well, here I am. Not much bigger than the last picture, but still growing a little. The sickness has yet to pass...but my energy level seems better. I had a Dr. appointment today. The baby's heart rate is still at 150...which is good! Praise God! Kurt and i were amazed yet again to hear the heart beat and the movement of the baby! The Dr. said that everything looked good, and that he was pleased with the progress. Supposedly, I've gained about half of what I'm allowed to gain the whole time...oops! BUT, I'm about half-way through...so, i think it's okay. :)
Next Wednesday we get to have our first ultrasound! yay! So excited for that! I can't wait to post a real picture of the baby for the family to see! It's wierd going through this experience with none of my immediate family around. I'm very thankful for Skype, however, that allows me to talk to my parents in Tanzania, and my brothers on the west coast for free! Love you guys and miss you tons!

Our Flip House

This is mainly for dad and mom to see. Prayerfully we will have this house sold by the time you guys get here! :) Kurt's been working really hard to get this finished and sold!