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Friday, May 11, 2012 3:00 PM German Time

Below is a summary of the Facebook entries regarding the birth:

May 5th, 2012 - 41 weeks
1.30 am: first contractions
1.44 am: Rikki gets up to clean the house (again)
2.50 am: Rikki lays down again
3.15 am: contractions are 9 minutes apart
 Shelley Bull Bennett: Yippee! Wish I was there. I loved helping meg bring Kate, wishing I could be rubbing rikki’s lower back right now. Kisses!
 Nancy Wagaman Morton: Yay
 Melissa Lundsgaard: She did wait for Meg! Sending love and strength vibrations. Xoxo
 Sue Bull: Go rikki
 Ali Foliart: Thanks for the updates! Can’t wait to see Samuel’s pictures.
 Anne Numrich Murray: Surrounding Rikki with Positive Energy!!!
 StevenAnna VanderSchee: Ahhhh….this is soo exciting!!!! Looking forward to updates ;). Loads of prayers headed your way!!! Xoxoxoxo
 Nancy Wagaman Morton: You are so strong Rikki, I love you!
 Amy Rademaker: Yahoo!!!
 StevenAnna VanderSchee: Pretend I’m there rubbing your feet, your back, your belly….and doing whatever I could to make this the most enjoyable birth ever 
 Sue McDowell McGrath: Sending all of my love and support. I am going to be glued to facebook now for updates!!! Xox
 Casey Murray: 5/5 seems like a perfect birthday. Go Rikki, love you!
 Debbie Bull: Baby de mayo!
 Paul McNutt: She’s scrubbing the house? Sure signal. Primeval stuff. Remember it well.
 Debbie Ewald: FINALLY – can’t wait to see pictures!!!
 Cindy Hinman: Great
 Kate Hamman: YAA!YY!!

4:00 am: Cupcakes are done
4:30 am: Birthpool is up (not yet filled)
4:45 am: David Mourning's favourite cake is in the oven

I forgot to mention our doula Barbara Klein-Jahns is here as well.
Meg Pageler Mourning & Kate are finally sleeping
 Anne Numrich Murray: Wonderful visual and a Wonderful time for a Birthday Cake !!!!
 Jen Pageler: Stefan and Rikki, Mark and I are having a fabulous Anniversary sushi dinner and now the whole kitchen and all the staff know you are Having Your Baby (in Germany, and we have to leave soon to Skype you). Everyone is stopping by our table checking on your status. Greetings and Go Baby Go! From everyone in Seattle!
 StevenAnna VanderSchee: Mmmmm….cupcakes….cake….baby birthing…Man am I ever in the wrong country right now!!!!!

May 5th, 2012 - Ready for the birth
 John Pageler: From Grandma Margaret – Jen and I, with Mark and the three grand dogs, will dial in on Skype and cheer you along! All my love - Mom
 StevenAnna VanderSchee: Cool set up! Yay Rikki!!!!!!!! You can do all things thru Christ who strengthens you 
 Melissa Lundsgaard: OK…I’m envious. Looks like an aerial gym. ;-)
 John Pageler: Melissa, Rikki says she’s thinking of you and wonders if you can shoot her some aerial moves instructions online (!)
 Laurra Mosillo: Awesome setup!!

5:10 am: contractions are still 10 minutes apart, Jack is putting on the second pot of coffee & the cat wanted out
 StevenAnna VanderSchee: I feel like I’ve had the first pot of coffee…I’m so wired right now!!!! Keep the updates coming!!!
 Kate Aseron: Wish I was there. So so much.

6:10 am: David Mourning’s cake just came out of the oven, Grandpa John Pageler is sleeping in the living room, our doula Barbara Klein-Jahns is waiting for something to happen and everybody else is asleep …
 Melissa Dean: You should be too Stefan!!

6:40 am: Olivia woke up
 Nancy Wagamann Morton: Thank you for keeping us up to date! Go Rikki go!
 Sue Bull: Would love to see her face when she sees the PaglerMournings!!!
 Amy Rademaker: Good morning Livi, give your little brother a big kiss for me when he comes

Melissa Dean: Oh my goodness!!! I want to be there!!
 Melissa Dean: Sending love and prayers for a beautiful birth!

Jeanne Marie Guerin: Exciting!! Prayers and happiness for you!

Meg Pageler Mourning: Hi friends. Some of you told me you really enjoyed the virtual play-by-play of my labor and Kate’s birth (provided by my BIL Stefan watching via Skype in Germany). Well, I’m here for my sister Rikki’s labor and birth and early contractions started a few hours ago. If you friend my BIL, you can follow along on his wall.
 Katherine Torres Lin: Talk about returning the favor! How exciting! This is a family thing! Sooooo, how do you explain this to the kids when they are older? “on the day you were born aunt meg updated a play by play of your birth/delivery on a platform called Facebook… Here is a look at these status updates…!
 Amy Stuckey: What great timing! You just got there!
 Megan Annand: I enjoyed the birth of Kate, too bad it’s so late here now. Happy birthing, Rikki, friends and family.
 Marie Huggins: Yes, what a cooperative baby! Thinking speedy thoughts!
 Meg Pageler Mourning: Sent the doula home. Maybe tonight …
 Kathlyn Albright Lewis: Yay! He’s on his was (eventually)!!

Gerhard Boehmer: Das war ja eine unruhige Nacht – und wird wahrscheinlich ein unruhiger Tag. Wir wünschen euch alles Gute! P.S. Perfektes Timing.

8:00 am Update: Contractions are still 10 minutes apart, otherwise nothing new

9:00 am Update:
- some of us had breakfast, Olivia two runny eggs (we caught them before they run away), Rikki a bacon-egg-sandwhich with creamcheese and GPa eggs and bacon …
- Olivia is playing Uno with Barbara (the doula)
- The Mourning family is still downstairs after an eventful night (first Bella did not want to sleep, then Kate …)
- So far it did not stop raining once today
 Ingeborg Hardin: You don’t have a boring life …

Melissa Dean: Well, it looks like your baby may share his birthday with another little boy!

11.30 am Update
- Rikki’s contractions slowed down
- Rikki sent the doula home and will call her when it speeds up again
- I took a 1 ½ hour long nap which felt good
- Nele is here from across the stree and plays with Olivia

11.35 am Update:
- no hot water. Rikki took a warm bath and Dave a colder shower. Investigating the topic lrad to the conclusion that somebody switched the emergency shut off for the heater (and water)
 David Mourning: Perhaps someone hit the switch at 2 AM trying to figure out how to get out of the basement with a crying baby?
 Martha Pennington Mourning: Dave, always carry a small flashlight when you travel – unknown houses are VERY dark!
 David Mourning: Don’t tell me…
 Stefan Boehmer: That's in the family. Jack turned it off in Oakville once and we had to wait for the electrician up to 11.30pm just to disciver it was a simple switch ...

1:00 pm Update:
- Rikki is sleeping on the couch in the living room
- Kate & Bella are up. Meg is not feeling good (hopefully only jet lag and no sleep)
- we had a yummy pasta with meatsauce

3:00 pm Update:
- nothing new, Meg is sleeping downstairs, GPa on the couch. Olivia is in a bad mood due to too little sleep last night

3:30 pm Update:
- contractions are a little bit more. Livi and Nele need to get out of the house. Kate is sleeping and Bella watching a movie
 John Pageler: Jen and Grandma wanna Skype you!
 Susan Hoffman Gannon: Best of luck!!!!!!
 Marie-Philine Laufer: Und? Wird es mehr?:) zum abend hin stehen die chancen immer gut…
 Diane Ramey: Oh Wow!!! Praying!

Rebecca Rechkemmer: so exciting....can't wait to "hear" when ur little one comes to meet us

Chloe Lium: So glad its finally happening! Im so happy for you guys! Keep the updates coming(: I love you guys!

5:00 pm Update
Dave, Stefan, Livi & Bella went to Downtown Ratingen. Rikki is taking a bath with contractions on and off. David Mourning just finished the pizza dough while Meg Pageler Mourning finally woke up and enjoys the pasta and meatsauce. It's all about food!
 Joshua Hesterberg: We will go out for pizza now as well. Just drop a qick sms and Andrea will be right there!!!
 Stefan Böhmer: Come by for pizza!!
 Juju Hillis: Jordyn Micah Hillis arrived today. Perhaps they will share a birthday? .
 Stefan Boehmer: Congratulations!!
 Kate Hamman: UUHHHHH!!!! This is so exciting!!!

Andrea Maria Henkel: Hey Baby Böhmer.... go ahead ! I hope you feel all good. We are looking on Facebook every hour and we are with you !
 Stefan Boehmer: that looks reasonable …maybe icecream/cake ??
 Jeanne Marie Guerin: Checking in for baby news! I think I may share this photo. :)

7.45 PM Update:
It is getting slowly a challenge to have a Cinquo de Mayo baby. Contractions continue to be on and off (like with Naomi or Olivia). We had a fabolous pizza for dinner (Rikki had ham, salami, mushrooms, kalamata olives as well as mozarella and gouda cheese) followed by cupcakes in anticipation of the baby.
 Paushali Lass: Love the fact that with you guys its all about food:) reminds me so much of my own family! Tried calling both of you. Have some indian chickpeas for you guys...will bring it over sometme. Maybe my guess for sunday baby will turn out to be right!!
 Stefan Boehmer: Chickpeas? Indian? ... Calling? Both of us?? Feel free to bring it anytime ...
 Paushali Lass: It is indian chickpeas curry...lecker:) i tried callng you guys...didnt you see missed call? We'll be there tomorrow. Praying for the baby boy to come at the right time. Give a big hug to your beautiful wife
 Stefan Boehmer: Thanks! I just realized I had a few missed calls ... guess I never checked during the day and when it rang I assumed somebody else's phone was ringing ... I believe we will be home tomorrow.
 Diane Ramey: Oh yikes! I didn't see this entry! Eeeehawwww! Yes Yes Yes! Baby is knocking on the door!!! I'm praying! How exciting! Keep us posted Stefan! Go Rikki!!!!

8:30 pm Update:
- Rikki brought Livi to bed and lays down again
- Contractions continue to be irregular
- Rikki asked us to vaccum and mop (is this a sign?)
 Diane Ramey: Nah! When SHE gets up and does the vacuuming and mopping....then you'll know something is up! LOL! She's a smart lady!@

9.30 pm Update:
This is hopefully the last update for today. This means we most likely will not have a Cinco de Mayo baby (at least not German time).
We skyped Jen Pageler earlier and just now Uncle John in Bahrain. This leads to a note on the side. You can reach Rikki via SMS. I most likely will not check my SMS's. As I do not have saved any phone numbers please sign your SMS if you send me any. Otherwise I have no clue from whom it is.
The following friends have guessed 5/5 as a birth date: Anne Numrich Murray, Laurra Mosillo and myself. Tomorrow's date was submitted by Paushali Lass. This could be a clear winner!
We will follow on our doula's (Barbara Klein-Jahns) as well as Melissa Dean's advice and will try to get some sleep.
 Andrea Maria Henkel: We wish you all will have a good night !!!


May 6, 2012 - 41 weeks and 1 day
0:50 am: contractions became stronger, Rikki went into the bathtub
1:03 am: Olivia came to our bed as she was cold
1:20 am: contractions slowed down again
 Liz Poppe Steppe: I am going to vote for a May 7th birthday now. My daughter Gabrielle was born on the 7th, and turns 4 on Monday. But I hope for Rikki's sake the baby comes sooner, since I am sure is is "done" with all of this and just wants to hold her baby now.
 Nancy Wagaman Morton: Laurra lost…
 Dusti Bowling: Come on baby Boehmer! Your parents can’t wait to meet you!
 Shelley Bull Bennett: Oh come on baby boy boehmer! We want to meet you now! Rikki, do jumping jacks every hour! Love you.
 John Pageler: Grandma Margaret says: I love you Rikki and your little bambino. Thanks, Stefan, for sharing each event with us.
 Melissa Dean: Tell Rik that the tub should be saved for the last part, it often slows labor if you get in too early.
 Randi Punteney: Walk! Walk! Hands and knees! Walk!!

6:00 am Update
Contractions are stronger now, still 9-10 minutes apart.
Rikki and GPa slept for a few hours on the deck. Now Rikki is again in the bathtub. It is quiet in the apartment, so hopefully the Mournings had a good night with lots of sleep.
 Meg Pageler Mourning: Three of them did – me, not a wink.
 Ali Foliart: Oh Meg! Sending you best wishes for a good nap
 StevenAnna VanderSchee: Praying for you all

6:20 am: Contractions are approx 7 minutes apart. Meg says they seem to last a long time. Bella and Dave are awake and are coming upstairs.
 Randi Punteney: You go Mama!! Birth it!!

Katherine Torres Lin: I have no idea why I am such a softie for birthing journey's. Maybe it's the R.N. in me.
But i am excited to read all of Meg's & her family's Germany home birth FB statuses in the hrs to come! :-) yay for babies & family being together for such a precious event!

7:00 am Update:
As there is nothing new with Rikki, we'll talk about .... food. While Grandpa (outside), Kate (downstairs) and Olivia (upstairs) are still sleeping we had some breakfast. Meg had soft pretzels (3 so far, going for 4), Dave is making scrambled eggs with cream cheese (luckily we bought 50 eggs for the weekend!) and I had some French baguette with jam. So far nobody touched Dave's favourite cake.
 Jenny Springer: The huge full moon just rose over Hood Canal – hope it is doing something for you all…or is that just an old wives’ tale?
 Sylvia Matthes: We are watching your progress with great anticipation. So exciting!

7.15 am: Contractions are 5 minutes apart. We just called Marie-Philine Laufer (our midwife) and Barbara Klein-Jahns (our doula). GPa John Pageler is putting the birth tub up
 Randi Punteney: Oh geez…you are going to make me stay up all night for updates!?! LOL
 Diane Ramey: Wahoooo! Looks like she's finally listened to me! :) Thinking and praying for all of you there! May your labor and delivery be overshadowed with The Almighty's Presence. It IS a full moon. We should've known!

7:45 am: Marie-Philine Laufer is here. Baby's heartrate is very healthy (slightly over 120/minute). Meg Pageler Mourning started to videotape Rikki.
 Melissa Dean: He’s coming!!
 Gerhard Boehmer: spannend!

7:50 am: Rikki is now downstairs in the living room. Marie checked her and Rikki is 3 cm. Rikki will go for a walk in the valley after Livi had her poached (runny!) eggs.

8.20 am: Ready for a walk. Kate is still sleeping

Meg Pageler Mourning: 8:45 am in Germany. Rikki was disappointed to discover she's only 3 cm dilated. The whole crew is off on a walk, while I'll try to join Kate in sleeping and make up for my totally sleepless night.
If you are interested in the labor/birth play-by-play, send a friend request to my BIL:

9:30 am:
I guess we will miss church today. The walk went well. Rikki has pretty strong contractions every 3 to 4 minutes. Right now ... Rikki is talking another bath (she must be very clean after all the baths she is taking - comment from Dave), GPa is making another pot of coffee (No 2 or 3 we lost count), Meg is posting on Facebook (while she is trying to sleep) and Dave is reading all the posts and we are thinking about lunch!
 Shelley Bull Bennett: 12.37am we are going to bed. Hoping to wake up to news of new baby. Good luck and lots of love.
 Casey Murray: Go Rikki! Staying up until we have a baby!! =)

Melissa Dean: Well it seems the California baby may want to be born some time soon as well! I’m off to see!
 Stefan Boehmer: Good Luck!! We miss you!

10:00 am: Rikki sleeps in the bathtub to recover from the strong contractions. Barbara Klein-Jahns and Olivia are playing in the bathroom.
 Barbara Del Prince: Hi Stefan, I am in the munich airport transiting from Sao Paulo to Seoul. So excited things are moving along! Baby Boehmer will likely arrive during my flight. I am sending you all love and happiness! I will look forward to the news on landing...
 Stefan Boehmer: Have a safe flight. Next time you are in Düsseldorf (Medica??) let us know ...

10:10 am: I am not supposed to tell but Grandpa Jack has his first serving of meat sauce. We also decided on enchilada and tacos for lunch in case anybody is hungry.
 Andrea Hesterberg: I just came for the birth but I have to say, food was excellent! Thank you Stefan!

10:50 am: Rikki continues to lay in the bathtub. Our Doula is supporting her. Olivia made sure she had some breakfast and fed her two cupcakes (only after she made sure there are more left for her). Meg is finally trying to sleep.

11:25 am: Rikki got out of the tub, lays down in the living room for another vaginal check. She is now 4cm dilated. Go Rikki, go!
 Malia Ansberry: Praying and cheering for you!

11:45 am: Rikki is getting ready for another walk. This brings back memories of Cupertino, CA. Rikki back then went for a walk with Melissa Dean. As it was so hot back then (compared to today) they went to a mall with air conditioning and sipped Starbucks Cappuccino. Last night brought back memories of David Lium and GPa Jack sleeping on the deck. This time it was Rikki and GPa.

12:30 pm: Rikki thinks it's getting close

12.40 pm: Rikki's contractions are heavy and in short sequences. Babies heart beat is at 130 (good). Here comes another contraction...

12:41 pm: The contraction is over. Jack comes in with the laptop and Jenny & Margaret via Skype. Marie is doing another check.

12:43 pm: Rikki is laying down on the bed for the vaginal exam. She turns over on all four for the next contraction. They come 2-3 minutes apart, really heavy. Grandma is watching on Skype.

12:44 pm: Marie is performing the check. Rikki is 7-8 cm dialated. Nice progress!! She is getting up again leaning over the footboard of the bed. The next contraction is coming.

12:45 pm: The contraction is still going. Olivia is pading Rikki's face with a towel. Now the contraction is over.

12:46 pm: Rikki wants to go in the birth tub! They get ready to go downstairs.

12:53: Babies heart rate continues to be good. Paushali Lass and Andrea Hesterberg are just coming. GMa Margaret and Sister Jenny are watching on Skype. The contractions are coming and coming.

12:55: Baby Boehmer was born
 Andrea Maria Henkel: jaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!HERZLICHEN Glückwunsch! GUT gemacht !!! Willkommen Baby !
 Anette Peretz: Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Baby!!!
 Malia Ansberry: welcome, little one!!!
 Mareike von Beschwitz: YAY!!! Welcom little boy! Can’t wait to meet you!!! So what’s the name of the baby now?
 Karin Knopf: Wunderbar!! Herzliche Glückwünsche von uns allen!
 Robin Dexter: Gkückwünsche
 Sarah Marple Hubbell: Congratulations!!!
 Susan Hoffman Gannon: Congrats!!!! So excited for you Stefan.
 Andre Rameil Green: Way to go!!
 Laurra Mosillo: Congratulations ! Wish we could be there with all of you!
 Markus Bock: Herzlichen Glückwunsch! :o)
 Jochen Böhmer: meinen Glückwunsch
 Mark Rechkemmer: Eureka, at last! Congratulations
 StevenAnna VanderSchee: Yay!!!!! God has increased your family with a very handsome little man!! Can’t wait to meet hin!
 Joshua Hesterberg: Awesome! Congratulations!!!! Praise God!
 Marie-Luise Vanza: Congratulations and a big welcome to Joshua! The Vanza Family is very happy that everything went well. Hugs from all of us ))
 Gerhard Boehmer: !A new baby is like the beginning of all things – Wonder, Hope, a dream of endless possibilities.” Author: Edna J. Le Shan
 Martha Pennington Mourning: Congratulations Stefan and Rikki (& big sister, Olivia, too) Mike & I are so happy for you!
 Debbie Ewald: CONGRATULATIONS Rikki & Stefan!!! I am so happy for all of you!! Love you guys!
 Sue McDowell McGrath: Congrats! He is absolutely gorgeous!!! Can’t wait to meet him! Xox
 Shannon Spaulding Pemberton: Welcome little angel……
 Anayo Okoye: Glory be to GOD!!!
 Margaret Day: What nice news to wake up to on a gorgeous day in Seattle. Congratulations and welcome Joshua.
 Kate Ngene: YEAHHHHH!!!!!!!!! He is born Congrats!!!! Welcome Joshua Michael John ,you are loved and blessed:-) Good job guys! hope Rikki is doing great! love you
 Sue Bull: So happy to hear your special delivery arrived!
 Cindy Kegley Smith: Congrats! You have such a wonderful, loving family. This is a lucky little boy. Welcome to the world, Joshua!
 Kate Hamman: Congrats!!! From the WHOLE family!! Lots of love

1:00 pm: Natalie Maree Green came a few minutes to late. Rikki is with the baby in the birthtub, everybody standing around her.

1:07 pm: The placenta came out

1.11 pm: "Rather good looking for a newborn, I need to say" – Rikki
 Gerhard Boehmer: That’s right!

Rebecca Rechkemmer: yeah!!!! Awesome that the baby finally came. Rest up well Rikki… and now, the stats on the baby are???
 Stefan Boehmer: no stats yet. Rikki has not given up JJ yet.
 Rebecca Rechkemmer: JJ for? Boy or girl though? JJ can go either way

The winner of the birthdate is Paushali Lass! The winner for the correct guesses of length and weight remains still open ...
 Paushali Lass: yoohoo!! you still haven't told me what gift I get (other than the placenta please:))

Joshua Michael John, born on May 6, 2012 (Sunday) at 12.55pm. Weight is 3680 gram (8 lbs, 2 oz), length is 52,0 cm (20,5 inch).
Olivia was 8 lbs 9 oz (3884 gram) and 19,0 inch (48,3 cm).
Naomi was 6 lbs 7 oz (2920 gram)
 Joshua Hesterberg: Great Name! ;-)
 Susanne Okoye: Congratulations!!!!
 Andrea Maria Henkel: Great ! 3.680 g !!!!! WHOW….. Good job, Rikki !
 Rebecca Rechkemmer: Great Name – love it. Thanks Rikki for giving him up for the rest of the stats …….what a great bundle of love to share. Hoping to meet the little guy sometime in the near future.
 Susan Hoffman Gannon: Beautiful name! Hope to meet this little guy one day when you’re here in the states
 Laurie Bull: Welcome and love beautiful boy!!!
 Liz Saville: Congratulations Stefan and Rikki! Welcome little Joshua.
 StevenAnna VanderSchee: Welcome sweet Joshua!!!! Xoxoxo. Can’t wait I meet you!
 Jeanne Marie Guerin: Congratulations to all of you! God bless you!
 Katrina Hebron-Goerke: Wonderful news!
 Marc Rose: Alles Güte Euch! Vielle Grüsse von der Ostsee
 Cheri Moxley: Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!
 Debbie Ewald: GREAT NEWS!!! Great name, too!! We are so happy for you!
 Gudrun Roehrenbeck: Congratulations!!!!
 Debbie Bull: HOORAY!! Congratulations!
 Victoria Doyle: Congrats to your sweet family – hugs and kisses for everyone!
 Maria Benjamin: Congratulations dear friends on this newest addition to your family! I can't wait to meet Joshua! I think a visit is in order!
 Amy Rademaker: Congratulations! Sending love to all of you!
 Diane Coyne: Congratulations!!!! Welcome to the world Joshua! Having a big sister 5 years older than her little brother is great. :) Congrats to Olivia on becoming a big sister! Hooray! Love, Di, Shane, Casey & Devlin
 Andy Roost: Congratulations family Boehmer on the new addition. Regards the Roosts Downunder.
 Tina Schermer Sellers: Congratulations!!! Joshua shares his birthday with other famous fotogians like Sheila Beth Collins!! Sending you guys lots and lots of love!!
 Jannekah Rosser Guya: Praise God! Congratulations Beohmer family!!!! Welcome sweet baby Joshua.

And the winners are:
Birthdate: Paushali Lass
Length: Kate Hamman, Meg Mourning, Anne Murray
Weight: Laurra Mosillo & Sue McDowell McGrath came the closest with 8 lbs and 1 oz
 Susan Hoffman Gannon: Yeah Laura ;)
 Laurra Mosillo: Yay! I wish I could fly right over and give him a big snuggle!!!
 Kate Hamman: Awesome!!!!!!!!!! :D hahaha.

StevenAnna VanderSchee: From Bobbi-Jo … “well done!!!”!!! I agree! You have been blessed yet again 

Melissa Dean: Congratulations!! My baby beat yours by 30 min. Love to you all!!

Casey Murray: Coangratulations!!!

3:45 pm: We got some cake to celebrate Joshua Michael John. Rikki took a shower and is no laying down on the couch. Our midwife Marie-Philine Laufer just left and will check on us tonight or tomorrow morning.
 Shelley Bull Bennett: I am so happy for all of you, maybe even all of us. So fun to have a new baby here. Born to wonderful parents, sister, grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, family and friends. Happy day!
 Kate Ngene: Yeah I can imagine Rikki being tired,but ya'll did a great job and I'm so happy for you what a blessing to witness God blessing your family so mightyly.Big kiss to Rikki

Paushali Lass: experienced the most amazing 'Haus Geburt' (home birth) of Rikki and Stefan Boehmer's baby boy today! What a special moment. And thank you Stefan for the great enchiladas and meat sauce, and Andrea Hesterberg and Natalie Maree Green for company!!
 Katrina Hebron-Goerke: I wasn’t brave enough. I can watch that stuff on tv but didn’t think I could do it for real.
 Sheila Marie Lange: Everyone has to know their own limits. I wasn’t brave enough to go to the hospital with my last four. 
 Paushali Lass: I didnt think i was made for watching others give birth either but it was really quite amazing!
 Maria Miese: Congratulations and may the Lord bless the mother and the baby! Wow.

5:25 pm: "The way you test a name for a baby you say Joshua Michael John, come here right now and it seems to be allright" GPa John Pageler.
"I was sitting in the living room last night and got a call from outside from.. what's the name of your wife, Stefan ... Rikki and she asked that I bring her the blankets from Livi's room as she was cold. So we both slept outside" GPa Jack explaining to Jenny & Mark on skype ...
Now we are cleaning up, draining the birth pool, finishing up the Mexican lunch and the coffee cake (we got only 12 huge pieces) and we have white asparagus (Spargel) waiting for dinner ... special request by Dave. We only got 5 pounds.
Our neighbor Sandra and Nele came over.
We just share birthstories .... and remember how we could not find Melissa Dean in CA (our doula).
 John Pageler: Grandma Margaret is hoping to see a good picture of Joshua Michael John being held by his Grandpa Jack

7:00 pm Update:
- Rikki to Olivia "You were praying for a long time for a little brother", Olivia "I was praying for a baby sister mom!"
- Mark came by to help us a little bit with the food (and see the baby of course)
- the kids are watching a movie
- Marie, our midwife texted and she is on her way to come by and check on Joshua Michael John
 Anette Perez: Rikki + Stefan - Ich wünsch Euch eine ruhige gute Nacht...
Nochmal: Herzlich Willkommen auf dieser Welt Baby Joshua Michael John!

Dalhia Jordan: FELICITACIONES!!!!!Dios se los Bendiga y cuide siempre!

9.00 PM Update
Olivia, Rikki, GPa and JJ are trying to sleep in front of the fire. I do not believe this will work. First GPa and Livi were argueing who snores louder. Olivia might have won the argument, but GPa for sure will win the real competition. Then they talked about Aunt Jan in Ohio and the Amish people. JJ just woke up and Rikki is holding him.
 Ingeborg Hardin: Sleep well, all of you. You did a great job, you all deserve it. Love.
 StevenAnna VanderSchee: Enjoy every moment 

9.20 PM Update:
Second poop today (and already one pee) ... in case anybody is interested in it ... maybe now everyone can sleep. I am trying to upload a movie to facebook, but it takes quite a while.
 StevenAnna VanderSchee: Thanks Stefan for all you have done! Makes it a little bit easier since I couldn’t be there ! Xoxo

Gabi Tanis: Herzlichen Glueckwunsch Stefan und Rikki zur Geburt Eures Sohnes! Die Bilder erzaehlen eine tolle Geschichte! Alles Liebe und Gottes Segen aus Philly! Mike & Gabi

10.00 pm Update
Good Night! Rikki, JJ, Livi & GPa really sleep in front of the fire …
 Rebecca Rechkemmer: So sweet and precious….treasure these moments

Louis Bettencourt: Congratulations on the arrival of your new son! We area thrilled for you!
Louis & JoAnna

Eileen Kelley Brassel: Congrats !! what a beautiful experience.. thank you for sharing…and those lips !! heaven sent !!
PS..I can hear your accent…even if your writing is perfect!! Lol… Enjoy !!

Barbara Del Prince: Congratulations Rikki, Stefan and Olivia! Thank you for sharing the experience with us all. I will look forward to meeting him soon…so sweet!

Annmarie ‘Barry’ Henkel: Yay congrats you guys! I’m so happy to share my birthday with your family now…it’s a great day to have a birthday. How fun!

May 7, 2012 - 10:30 am Update:
The night went ok. JJ was nursing frequently, hence Rikki is a little bit tired today.
Andrea Hesterberg came over this morning and is playing Uno with Rikki and Olivia.
The official stats of Joshua are:
Weight: 3680 gram (as already stated)
Length: 52 cm (as already stated)
Head circumference: 36 cm
Apgar after 5 Minutes: 9 (out of 10)
Apgar after 10 Minutes: 10 (out of 10)
Pregnancy duration: 41 weeks 1 day

Friday, April 27, 2012 7:00AM German Time

39 weeks and 6 days!

The guesses for Baby Boehmer so far are:

Apr 18, Bobbi-Jo Vanderschee
Apr 21, Mine Karahan Taner
Apr 22, 8 lbs 13 oz (3997 gram), 21,5 inch (54,6 cm), Diane Ramey
Apr 22, 8 lbs 13 oz (4000 gram), 20,5 inch (52,0 cm), Susanne Okoye
Apr 23, 9 lbs 1 oz (4100 gram), 21,3 inch (54,0 cm), Barbara Del Prince
Apr 24, 8 lbs 14 oz (4026 gram), 21,0 inch (53,3 cm), Katrina Hebron-Goerke
Apr 25, Olivia
Apr 26, 7 lbs 13 oz (3550 gram), 20,9 inch (53,0 cm), Petra Kliemt
Apr 27, 9 lbs 4 oz (4196 gram), 19,5 inch (49,5 cm), Rebecca Rechkemmer
Apr 28, 8 lbs 7 oz (3822 gram), 22,4 inch (57,0 cm), Karin Knopf
Apr 28, 7 lbs 8 oz (3402 gram), 19,5 inch (49,5 cm), Shelley Bennett
Apr 28, Shannon Spaulding Pemberton
Apr 29, 7 lbs 11 oz (3500 gram), 22,4 inch (57,0 cm), Sandra Schumacher
Apr 30, 8 lbs 0 oz (3629 gram), Nancy Morton
Mai 01, 9 lbs 8 oz (4309 gram), 22,4 inch (56,9 cm), Anna Vanderschee
Mai 01, 7 lbs 0 oz (3175 gram), Leslie Bull Hampton
Mai 01, 8 lbs 15 oz (4050 gram), 21,3 inch (54,0 cm), Inge & Gerhard Boehmer
Mai 02, 8 lbs 9 oz (3884 gram), 21,6 inch (54,9 cm), Amy Rademaker
Mai 02, 9 lbs 2 oz (4139 gram), Liz Saville
Mai 03, 9 lbs 2 oz (4139 gram), 21,0 inch (53,3 cm), Jeanne Guerin
Mai 03, 9 lbs 4 oz (4200 gram), 20,5 inch (52,0 cm), Kate Hamman
Mai 04, 9 lbs 1 oz (4111 gram), 23,0 inch (58,4 cm), Dave Mourning
Mai 04, 6 lbs 0 oz (2722 gram), Paul McNutt
Mai 05, 8 lbs 13 oz (3997 gram), 20,5 inch (52,1 cm), Anne Murray
Mai 05, 8 lbs 6 oz (4050 gram), 20,9 inch (53,0 cm), Stefan
Mai 07, 8 lbs 6 oz (3799 gram), 20,5 inch (52,1 cm), Meg Mourning
Mai 07, 9 lbs 2 oz (4139 gram), 21,0 inch (53,3 cm), Nala Hinman
Mai 07, 8 lbs 1 oz (3657 gram), 19,5 inch (49,5 cm), Sue McDowell McGrath
Mai 08, 8 lbs 6 oz (3800 gram), 20,8 inch (52,8 cm), Andrea Henkel
Mai 09, 7 lbs 11 oz (3500 gram), 20,9 inch (53,0 cm), Marie Luise Vanza
Mai 10, 9 lbs 2 oz (4139 gram), 21,0 inch (53,3 cm), Rikki

Statistics:
Apr 18, 6 lbs 0 oz (2722 gram), 19,5 inch (19,5 cm), LOW
Apr 30, 8 lbs 8 oz (3853 gram), 21,0 inch (53,4 cm), AVERAGE
Mai 10, 9 lbs 8 oz (4309 gram), 23,0 inch (58,4 cm), HIGH

The official due date is 4/28.

History:
Naomi, 6 lbs 7 oz (2920 gram), 3 days overdue
Olivia, 8 lbs 9 oz (3884 gram), 19,0 inch (48,3 cm), 13 days overdue

1 lb = 453,6 gram, 1 inch = 2,54 cm

Tuesday, April 24, 2012 16:00 PM German Time

39 weeks and 3 days!

Rikki is feeling great. We already blew up the birth pool (you are supposed to test it before). Sorry, but Bobbi-Jo, Mine, Diane, Susanne and Barbara have already guessed dates in the past. Nevertheless weight or length can still be right.
Olivia (and us) is eagerly awaiting G'Pa's arrival tomorrow.

The guesses for Baby Boehmer so far are:

Apr 18, Bobbi-Jo Vanderschee
Apr 21, Mine Karahan Taner
Apr 22, 8 lbs 13 oz (3997 gram), 21,5 inch (54,6 cm), Diane Ramey
Apr 22, 8 lbs 13 oz (4000 gram), 20,5 inch (52,0 cm), Susanne Okoye
Apr 23, 9 lbs 1 oz (4100 gram), 21,3 inch (54,0 cm), Barbara Del Prince
Apr 24, 8 lbs 14 oz (4026 gram), 21,0 inch (53,3 cm), Katrina Hebron-Goerke
Apr 25, Olivia
Apr 27, 9 lbs 4 oz (4196 gram), 19,5 inch (49,5 cm), Rebecca Rechkemmer
Apr 28, 8 lbs 7 oz (3822 gram), 22,4 inch (57,0 cm), Karin Knopf
Apr 28, 7 lbs 8 oz (3402 gram), 19,5 inch (49,5 cm), Shelley Bennett
Apr 28, Shannon Spaulding Pemberton
Apr 29, 7 lbs 11 oz (3500 gram), 22,4 inch (57,0 cm), Sandra Schumacher
Apr 30, 8 lbs 0 oz (3629 gram), Nancy Morton
Mai 01, 9 lbs 8 oz (4309 gram), 22,4 inch (56,9 cm), Anna Vanderschee
Mai 01, 7 lbs 0 oz (3175 gram), Leslie Bull Hampton
Mai 02, 8 lbs 9 oz (3884 gram), 21,6 inch (54,9 cm), Amy Rademaker
Mai 02, 9 lbs 2 oz (4139 gram), Liz Saville
Mai 03, 9 lbs 2 oz (4139 gram), 21,0 inch (53,3 cm), Jeanne Guerin
Mai 03, 9 lbs 4 oz (4200 gram), 20,5 inch (52,0 cm), Kate Hamman
Mai 04, 9 lbs 1 oz (4111 gram), 23,0 inch (58,4 cm), Dave Mourning
Mai 04, 6 lbs 0 oz (2722 gram), Paul McNutt
Mai 05, 8 lbs 13 oz (3997 gram), 20,5 inch (52,1 cm), Anne Murray
Mai 05, 8 lbs 6 oz (4050 gram), 20,9 inch (53,0 cm), Stefan
Mai 07, 8 lbs 6 oz (3799 gram), 20,5 inch (52,1 cm), Meg Mourning
Mai 07, 9 lbs 2 oz (4139 gram), 21,0 inch (53,3 cm), Nala Hinman
Mai 07, 8 lbs 1 oz (3657 gram), 19,5 inch (49,5 cm), Sue McDowell McGrath
Mai 08, 8 lbs 6 oz (3800 gram), 20,8 inch (52,8 cm), Andrea Henkel
Mai 09, 7 lbs 11 oz (3500 gram), 20,9 inch (53,0 cm), Marie Luise Vanza
Mai 10, 9 lbs 2 oz (4139 gram), 21,0 inch (53,3 cm), Rikki

Statistics:
Apr 18, 6 lbs 0 oz (2722 gram), 19,5 inch (19,5 cm), LOW
Apr 30, 8 lbs 8 oz (3857 gram), 21,0 inch (53,4 cm), AVERAGE
Mai 10, 9 lbs 8 oz (4309 gram), 23,0 inch (58,4 cm), HIGH

The official due date is 4/28.

History:
Naomi, 6 lbs 7 oz (2920 gram), 3 days overdue
Olivia, 8 lbs 9 oz (3884 gram), 19,0 inch (48,3 cm), 13 days overdue

1 lb = 453,6 gram, 1 inch = 2,54 cm

Saturday, April 21, 2012 2.45 PM German time

39 weeks and still going!

We had our weekly midwife appointment today and Rikki is doing simply great!
Her blood pressure was 110/65 and there was only a small trace of protein in her urine.

The next weekly appointment is next Saturday at 11 am at our midwife praxis (in case the baby did not come by then). Then we will also do a CTG (stress test). Grandpa Jack will arrive on Wednesday and will join us on Saturday to get to know our midwife.

It seems like there will be some competition who can catch Baby Boehmer. So far Grandpa and Cousin Bella applied for it. I guess we will see.

We certainly are moving towards the birth. A clear nesting instinct set in yesterday and today. The house was never so clean since we moved in. Yesterday Rikki was up at 5 am as she could not sleep anymore and today at 3 am. I guess nobody told her to get some sleep while she can (she actually slept for an hour on the couch today).

Since yesterday she is also experiencing sharp pain. She calls them “zingers” and said that she forgot that part of giving birth. Our midwife assured her that this is totally normal.

The baby also dropped much lower and is already in the position for the birth. This is totally different to Olivia who had already in the womb a strong mind and favour of doing it her way. Olivia turned multiple times in the last few weeks (sometimes within minutes e.g. during an Ultrasound) just to be in the perfect position at the end.

The annual church retreat takes place this weekend. Due to being so close to our due date we decided not to sign up for it. Last year we had to leave early due to a tubal pregnancy. Nevertheless as Rikki became convinced that nothing will happen this weekend she filled up our calendar.

Today Marie Luise and Mini Felix stopped by on their way to Hamburg. They will leave us tomorrow morning. Right now they are at a kids event in our little suburb (organized by all three kindergarten) where Rikki signed up to sell cake from 2 to 3 pm. Tomorrow we invited a few friends over after church who do not go to the retreat as well. Right now Rikki counted something around 25-30 adults (plus kids).

If the weather continues like this we will have a full house. Today we have a beautiful warm day where rain and hail takes turns. Kind of disappointing after the awesome March weather. Hopefully this year will be better than last year (where summer took place in April).

It rained so much lately, we were able to welcome a pair of ducks in our yard. Somebody has to finish the bird food.

The baby room is all set (we still need to put up the wall border), the birthing items are all handy, we just need to test the birth pool (we rely on Australian quality). The guestroom downstairs is all ready for Meg, Dave, Bella & Baby Kate.

Rikki just called that they are ready to be picked up at the kids event … need to run

Love, Stefan

P.S.: If you have not guessed the birthdate, weight and length feel free to submit it.

Friday, April 20, 2012 6:30 PM German Time

38 weeks and 6 days!

The guesses for Baby Boehmer so far are:

Apr 18, Bobbi-Jo Vanderschee
Apr 21, Mine Karahan Taner
Apr 22, 8 lbs 13 oz (3997 gram), 21,5 inch (54,6 cm), Diane Ramey
Apr 22, 8 lbs 13 oz (4000 gram), 20,5 inch (52,0 cm), Susanne Okoye
Apr 23, 9 lbs 1 oz (4100 gram), 21,3 inch (54,0 cm), Barbare Del Prince
Apr 24, 8 lbs 14 oz (4026 gram), 21,0 inch (53,3 cm), Katrina Hebron-Goerke
Apr 25, Olivia
Apr 27, 9 lbs 4 oz (4196 gram), 19,5 inch (49,5 cm), Rebecca Rechkemmer
Apr 28, 8 lbs 7 oz (3822 gram), 22,4 inch (57,0 cm), Karin Knopf
Apr 28, 7 lbs 8 oz (3402 gram), 19,5 inch (49,5 cm), Shelley Bennett
Apr 28, Shannon Spaulding Pemberton
Apr 30, 8 lbs 0 oz (3629 gram), Nancy Morton
Mai 01, 9 lbs 8 oz (4309 gram), 22,4 inch (56,9 cm), Anna Vanderschee
Mai 01, 7 lbs 0 oz (3175 gram), Leslie Bull Hampton
Mai 02, 8 lbs 9 oz (3884 gram), 21,6 inch (54,9 cm), Amy Rademaker
Mai 02, 9 lbs 2 oz (4139 gram), Liz Saville
Mai 03, 9 lbs 2 oz (4139 gram), 21,0 inch (53,3 cm), Jeanne Guerin
Mai 03, 9 lbs 4 oz (4200 gram), 20,5 inch (52,0 cm), Kate Hamman
Mai 04, 9 lbs 1 oz (4111 gram), 23,0 inch (58,4 cm), Dave Mourning
Mai 04, 6 lbs 0 oz (2722 gram), Paul McNutt
Mai 05, 8 lbs 13 oz (3997 gram), 20,5 inch (52,1 cm), Anne Murray
Mai 05, 8 lbs 6 oz (4050 gram), 20,9 inch (53,0 cm), Stefan
Mai 07, 8 lbs 6 oz (3799 gram), 20,5 inch (52,1 cm), Meg Mourning
Mai 07, 9 lbs 2 oz (4139 gram), 21,0 inch (53,3 cm), Nala Hinman
Mai 07, 8 lbs 1 oz (3657 gram), 19,5 inch (49,5 cm), Sue McDowell McGrath
Mai 08, 8 lbs 6 oz (3800 gram), 20,8 inch (52,8 cm), Andrea Henkel
Mai 10, 9 lbs 2 oz (4139 gram), 21,0 inch (53,3 cm), Rikki

Statistics:
Apr 18, 6 lbs 0 oz (2722 gram), 19,5 inch (19,5 cm), LOW
Apr 30, 8 lbs 9 oz (3888 gram), 21,0 inch (53,2 cm), AVERAGE
Mai 10, 9 lbs 8 oz (4309 gram), 23,0 inch (58,4 cm), HIGH

The official due date is 4/28.

History:
Naomi, 6 lbs 7 oz (2920 gram), 3 days overdue
Olivia, 8 lbs 9 oz (3884 gram), 19,0 inch (48,3 cm), 13 days overdue

1 lb = 453,6 gram, 1 inch = 2,54 cm

Wednesday, April 18, 2012 9:00 PM German Time

38 weeks and 4 days!

The guesses for Baby Boehmer so far are:

Apr 18, Bobbi-Jo Vanderschee
Apr 22, 8 lbs 13 oz (3997 gram), 21,5 inch (54,6 cm), Diane Ramey
Apr 22, 8 lbs 13 oz (4000 gram), 20,5 inch (52,0 cm), Susanne Okoye
Apr 23, 9 lbs 1 oz (4100 gram), 21,3 inch (54,0 cm), Barbare Del Prince
Apr 24, 8 lbs 14 oz (4026 gram), 21,0 inch (53,3 cm), Katrina Hebron-Goerke
Apr 27, 9 lbs 4 oz (4196 gram), 19,5 inch (49,5 cm), Rebecca Rechkemmer
Apr 28, 8 lbs 7 oz (3822 gram), 22,4 inch (57,0 cm), Karin Knopf
Apr 29, 9 lbs 4 oz (4200 gram), 20,5 inch (52,0 cm), Kate Hamman
Apr 30, 8 lbs 0 oz (3629 gram), Nancy Morton
Mai 01, 9 lbs 8 oz (4309 gram), 22,4 inch (56,9 cm), Anna Vanderschee
Mai 02, 8 lbs 9 oz (3884 gram), 21,6 inch (54,9 cm), Amy Rademaker
Mai 02, 9 lbs 2 oz (4139 gram), Liz Saville
Mai 03, 9 lbs 2 oz (4139 gram), 21,0 inch (53,3 cm), Jeanne Guerin
Mai 04, 9 lbs 1 oz (4111 gram), 23,0 inch (58,4 cm), Dave Mourning
Mai 04, 6 lbs 0 oz (2722 gram), Paul McNutt
Mai 05, 8 lbs 13 oz (3997 gram), 20,5 inch (52,1 cm), Anne Murray
Mai 05, 8 lbs 6 oz (4050 gram), 20,9 inch (53,0 cm), Stefan
Mai 07, 8 lbs 6 oz (3799 gram), 20,5 inch (52,1 cm), Meg Mourning
Mai 07, 9 lbs 2 oz (4139 gram), 21,0 inch (53,3 cm), Nala Hinman
Mai 08, 8 lbs 6 oz (3800 gram), 20,8 inch (52,8 cm), Andrea Henkel
Mai 10, 9 lbs 2 oz (4139 gram), 21,0 inch (53,3 cm), Rikki

Statistics:
Apr 18, 6 lbs 0 oz (2722 gram), 19,5 inch (19,5 cm), LOW
Apr 30, 8 lbs 12 oz (3960 gram), 21,1 inch (53,7 cm), AVERAGE
Mai 10, 9 lbs 8 oz (4309 gram), 23,0 inch (58,4 cm), HIGH

The official due date is 4/28.

History:
Naomi, 6 lbs 7 oz (2920 gram), 3 days overdue
Olivia, 8 lbs 9 oz (3884 gram), 19,0 inch (48,3 cm), 13 days overdue

1 lb = 453,6 gram, 1 inch = 2,54 cm

Monday, April 16, 2012 6 PM German Time

Still 38 weeks and 2 days!

The guesses for Baby Boehmer so far are:

Apr 18, Bobbi-Jo Vanderschee
Apr 24, 8 lbs 14 oz (4026 gram), 21,0 inch (53,3 cm), Katrina Hebron-Goerke
Apr 27, 9 lbs 4 oz (4196 gram), 19,5 inch (49,5 cm), Rebecca Rechkemmer
Apr 30, 8 lbs 0 oz (3629 gram), Nancy Morton
Mai 01, 9 lbs 8 oz (4309 gram), 22,4 inch (56,9 cm), Anna Vanderschee
Mai 02, 8 lbs 9 oz (3884 gram), 21,6 inch (54,9 cm), Amy Rademaker
Mai 02, 9 lbs 2 oz (4139 gram), Liz Saville
Mai 03, 9 lbs 2 oz (4139 gram), 21,0 inch (53,3 cm), Jeanne Guerin
Mai 04, 9 lbs 1 oz (4111 gram), 23,0 inch (58,4 cm), Dave Mourning
Mai 04, 6 lbs 0 oz (2722 gram), Paul McNutt
Mai 05, 8 lbs 13 oz (3997 gram), 20,5 inch (52,1 cm), Anne Murray
Mai 07, 8 lbs 6 oz (3799 gram), 20,5 inch (52,1 cm), Meg Mourning
Mai 07, 9 lbs 2 oz (4139 gram), 21,0 inch (53,3 cm), Nala Hinman
Mai 08, 8 lbs 6 oz (3800 gram), 20,8 inch (52,8 cm), Andrea Henkel

Statistics:
Apr 18, 6 lbs 0 oz (2722 gram), 19,5 inch (19,5 cm), LOW
Mai 01, 8 lbs 10 oz (3915 gram), 21,1 inch (53,7 cm), AVERAGE
Mai 08, 9 lbs 8 oz (4309 gram), 23,0 inch (58,4 cm), HIGH

The official due date is 4/28.

History:
Naomi, 6 lbs 7 oz (2920 gram), 3 days overdue
Olivia, 8 lbs 9 oz (3884 gram), 19,0 inch (48,3 cm), 13 days overdue

1 lb = 453,6 gram, 1 inch = 2,54

Sunday, April 15, 2012 7:45 am German Time

38 weeks and one day!

The guesses for Baby Boehmer so far are:

April 24th, 8 lbs 14 oz (4028 gram), 21 inch (53.3 cm) – Katrina Hebron-Goerke
April 27th, 9 lbs 4 oz (4199 gram), 19.5 inch (49.5 cm) – Rebecca Rechkemmer
April 28th – official due date
April 30th, 8 lbs (3631 gram) – Nancy Morton
May 1st, 9lbs 8 oz (4309 gram), 22.4 inch (56.9 cm) - Anna Vanderschee
May 2, 8 lbs 9 oz (3887 gram) , 21.6 inch (54.9 cm) – Amy Rademaker
May 2nd, 9 lbs 2 oz (4142 gram) – Liz Saville
May 4th, 9lbs 1 oz (4111 gram), 23.0 inch (58.4 cm) - Dave Mourning
May 4th, 6 lbs (2723 gram) – Paul McNutt
May 5th, 8lbs 13 oz (4000 gram) , 20.5 inch (52.1 cm) – Anne Murray
May 7th, 8lbs 6 oz (3799 gram), 20.5 inch (52.1 cm) - Meg Mourning

Olivia was 8lbs 9 oz (3884 gram), 19 inch (48.3 cm) and 13 days overdue

1 lb = 453.6 gram, 1 inch = 2.54 cm

Saturday, April 14, 2012 20:30 pm German Time

38 weeks!

The guesses for Baby Boehmer so far are:

May 1st, 9lbs 8 oz, 22.4” – Anna Vanderschee
May 4th, 9lbs 1 oz, 23.0” – Dave Mourning
May 7th, 8lbs 6 oz, 20.5” – Meg Mourning

Friday, April 13, 2012 9.30 PM German Time

37 weeks and 6 days!


Dear Friends and Family,

It is getting close. We met our midwife today and everything is fine. Rikki’s next appointment is next Friday (4/20). The midwife said that she is ok up to 14 days after her due date. That was good news to get that clarified.

This morning Rikki had a surprise baby shower. The whole kitchen table is full of gifts of all kind. The only thing I saw was the Doritos – past tense is the right tense, as they are already gone.

We still look forward to your estimates for the birth date, the weight and the length of Baby Boehmer.

Thanks

Love,

Stefan

Saturday, April 7, 2012 7:00 am German Time

Dear Friends & Family,

Today we are 37 weeks. This means we are officially allowed to have Baby Boehmer at home. Rikki feels well, no signs yet of any action.
On Monday she met with our Doula again to go over everything. On Tuesday she met our midwife. We should be ready for the Baby – only the name remains open. We like Samual Jackson, Samual Alexander sounds good as well or Joshua or maybe something totally different.

Effective now the quiz opens about birthday and birthweight of Baby Boehmer. So feel freee to post your guesses. Last time Melissa Dean was the winner. She guessed correctly Olivia’s birth weight.

Tomorrow we have a little Easter party … I stopped counting at 20+ people. Hopefully the Easter Bunny is aware of it.

Love,

Stefan

Thursday, March 15, 2012 8:00 PM German Time

Dear Friends & Family,

33 weeks and 6 days as of today! We had an appointment with our midwife today and everything is fine. Rikki is doing great. Based upon Olivia’s request we convinced the midwife to draw the layout of the baby on Rikki’s belly. Pretty impressive the way it is laying. Once we have passed 37 weeks we are allowed to have the baby at home. So April 7th is the critical date (3 weeks before our due date), but based on today’s visit there is no concern of Baby Boehmer coming early.
We had a yummy dinner to celebrate and are waiting now for our baby sitter.

Love

Rikki, Stefan & Olivia

Tuesday, March 13, 2012 7:00 AM German Time

Dear Friends & Family,

Rikki continues doing great although she is starting to become uncomfortable. She has issues with heartburn as the baby still sits high and the baby likes to kick and squeeze the stomach. Olivia and she continue to walk to kindergarten but she has limited it to one walk a day.
Olivia signed up for ballet yesterday and is very exciting doing it.
Last weekend we picked up a baby stroller so that Rikki can continue to walk Livi to the kindergarten as well as a car seat for Kate when she will visit it us. We also build the new bed in the guest room so that Grandpa has a comfortable bed to sleep in when he visits. Slowly we are getting ready for the birth.

We still do not have a name, but currently like Joshua or Samuel the best.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 7:00 AM German Time

Dear Friends & Family,

Rikki and Baby Boehmer are doing well. Olivia said she is doing well, too. On Monday Rikki met with our doula to get to know each other. This morning she had to go to the doctor for a standard glucose test. On Sunday we bought a birthing pool, so we are slowly getting ready. Rikki had some kind of contractions last week, but the doula said this is normal around 32 weeks. As you can read nothing really exciting happened in the last few days.

Love,

Stefan

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 7:00 AM German Time

Dear Friends & Family,

Rikki and Baby Boehmer are doing well. Olivia said she is doing well, too. On Monday Rikki met with our doula to get to know each other. This morning she had to go to the doctor for a standard glucose test. On Sunday we bought a birthing pool, so we are slowly getting ready. Rikki had some kind of contractions last week, but the doula said this is normal around 32 weeks. As you can read nothing really exciting happened in the last few days.

Love,

Stefan

Sunday, March 4, 2012 8:00 AM German Time

Dear Friends & Family,

Spring is here. Temperatures rose to 10-12 degree and the rain stopped. Beautiful!

Our son must be training for the Olyppic Games as he is nonstop kicking. If we poke him, he now pokes us back!

Rikki is doing well. Heartburn continues to be a challenge as nothing helps really. The newest adventure was potato juice. Due to the flavour this was not accepted either.

Last week Rikki had her 32 week appointment with her midwife. Everything is fine and the next appointment is in 2 weeks.

We still have not confirmed a name yet, but we like Samuel or Joshua so far the best.

Visitors are (almost) all signed up, Oma, Opa, Grandpa, Meggie, Dave with Bella & Kate, Grandma & Jenny.

On Monday Rikki will meet with our Doula again.

Love,

Stefan

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 6:00 PM German time

Dear Friends & Family,

just a short update. We were at our 30 week Ultrasound yesterday and everything is fine. The Ultrasound showed depending on the measurement a calculated due date between 4/22 and 4/28 with an average due date of 4/25. This is pretty in line with our official due date on 4/28. Based on the measurements a current weight was calculated of 1700 gram.

Love

Stefan

Monday, January 30, 2012 1:00 PM German Time

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia had her U9 doctor visit today. In Germany there are 9 planned doctor visits from birth to five years of age. Olivia did the last one today.

The official measurement is 20,4 kg and 116,5 cm. She is in the 85 percentile for length (that means 15% of kids of her age are taller and 85% are shorter).
They do not compare the weight with her age, but with her length and there she is in 50 percentile (meaning that 50% of kids with her height are heavier and 50% are lighter).

Her blood pressure was 104/66.

The doctor also tested her hearing and vision and both are excellent. That means she always can hear us, just sometimes she does not want to hear it.

The doctor put one comment in her book (“spricht jetzt super deutsch”). Way to go, Livi!

In a few month we will start with U1 for Baby Boehmer

Stefan

Sunday, January 29, 2012 8:00 AM German Time

Dear Friends & Family,

today Baby Boehmer is 27 weeks and 3 days old. Only three months to go. He continues to work out regularly (kicking at all times).

We got several suggestions for Baby names. Not mentioned on the side are e.g. Alexander und Giovanni. So far we could not decide yet. We like Joshua or Samuel, but … So if you have other suggestions, please let us know.

We decided for a doula yesterday as Melissa, our hired friend from California (http://www.alittlemiracle.com/) could not make it to this birth. You still can read about Naomi Ruth on Melissa’s side (http://www.alittlemiracle.com/Naomi%20Ruth.htm)
Our replacement Doula is Barbara (http://www.klein-jahns.de/).

We also went to a kids sale yesterday and found a bassinet for our new addition. The large house needs to be filled.

We did a Bradley class in Pennsylvannia (http://www.bradleybirth.com/) to prepare us for the birth of Olivia Joy and our teacher from back then wrote (“The day we met”) a book inspired by the story of Naomi Ruth. You can find it on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/The-Day-We-Met-ebook/dp/B0069HMPKQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322289082&sr=8-1)

So far Meg, Dave, Bella & Kate (no Coal) have booked tickets to visit us in May. Grandma and Grandpa as well as Jenny are still planning to come out. Olivia hopes to see Jon and Ami as well. Oma and Opa will probably come before everybody else comes and then again when they are gone. Maybe Anna from New Brunswick surprises us again with a visit.

Last night we had movie night at home. Olivia could not believe it as we mentioned it a few days ago … “Movie night? Where? Which house?”. She picked the princess and the frog from Walt Disney and we had Greek food in front of the TV.

The rain luckily stopped (cold but sunny) but we are still waiting for snow. Even Seattle (and Anacortes!) had snow!. I guess we have used up all the snow here last year.

Love

Rikki & Stefan

Sunday, January 22, 2012 7:00 AM German Time

Dear Friends and Family,

Baby Boehmer is growing well. Thank you very much for al the name suggestions. So far we like Samuel or Joshua the best but we are open for other ideas.

We were delighted to have Anna, Bobbi-Jo and Wyatt from New Brunswick as surprise visitors at the beginning of the year. Olivia had a blast. Every day we had some other adventure.

Olivia turned 5 on January 5th 2012.

She grew 11 cm in the last 12 months. Currently she is 119 cm tall (she was 113 cm on Jun. 12, 2011 und 108 cm on Jan. 12, 2011). She weighs 20.2 kg

Olivia was 8 lbs and 9 oz (3884 gram) and 19 inch (48.3 cm) when she was born. Rikki is sure she will top this with our new baby.

Olivia celebrated her birthday one week after her birthday with approx. 30 friends. Everyday she came home and wanted to invite somebody else. We rented a bounce house which was very well accepted.

We were able to watch the birth of Olivia’s cousin Kate on Skype. Kate will have two birthdays. She was born Jan. 9th in the US and Jan. 10th in Germany.

Rikki’s due date is April 28th, 2012. Kate is already signed up as the first visitor. Meg, Dave, Bella & Kate will be here May 3rd – May 17th.

Love,

Stefan

Saturday, January 14, 2012 7:00 AM German Time

Dear Friends & Family,

We are looking for NAME SUGGESTIONS for Baby Boehmer.
If you have any, please post them here in the guestbook.

Thanks

Rikki & Stefan

Friday, January 13, 2012 8.00 PM German Time

Dear Friends & Family,

today Baby Boehmer ist 25 weeks and one day. The second trimester is almost over.

We had our midwife appointment today and everything is fine. The baby grew significantly in the last four weeks.

In 4 weeks we will have an appointment for the 30 week Ultrasound and in 6 weeks again with our midwife. In addition we need to arrange for an appointment with her back up midwife and look at some birth tub options.

Olivia celebrated her 5th year birthday on Wednesday. She received (too) many Hello Kitty items from her Seattle family and a big Lego farm from Oma and Opa. She will have her birthday party on Jan. 19th in an eventroom next to the evangelical church in Homberg. Every day she comes home with more kids she wants to invite (“I forgot xxx and yyy”). So far she has invited over 20 kids.

We had surprise visitors beginning of January – Anna, Bobbi-Jo and Wyatt from New Brunswick and had a lot of fun! The weather was not perfect, but this did not matter. Ovberhausen Centro, Aquapark, Funky Town, Venlo, Roermond … just to name a few things what they did.

All the best

Stefan

December 31, 2011

Seasons Greetings Friends and Family,

From the smell of star anise wreaths, the sound of chestnuts crackling in iron drums, and the twinkling of lights strung above, we tuck in from the cold of a German Christmas Market to warm up with a gingerbread latte and reflect on our year. What a wonderful life!

Olivia Joy (4) summed up her year well. Detailing the gifts she anticipated receiving from Santa, we asked,
“Oh, so you assume you’ll be on Santa’s Nice list?”
She thought quietly for a long time then dramatically decided,
“Oh Mom, let’s just forget about Santa!!!”
For such a social and engaging girl, her 1st year here was difficult with neither friend nor language aptitude. However, after 9 long months she eventually mastered the German language, made many friends and is happy once more! Bright, beautiful and very friendly, her passion for people warms our hearts.

Stefan adjusted to his new position in Siemens Europe with brilliance and ease. He enjoys a short commute to work, little travel, and 6 weeks of vacation. Though successful, a stuffy office is no place for Stefan. He needs his fresh air. He’s spied in these dark December days, when even the sun retires early, out trimming trees in his garden. And like the prickly branches he trims, he wisely and diligently keeps the family calendar trimmed of activities that crowd out the richest things of life: his family. He spoiled us this year with vacations to the Turkish Riviera, Paris, Versailles, Holland and Belgium.

Rikki delights in Village life where Kindergarten, as well as all errands, are attainable by foot. She’s gradually gaining on her goal of knowing everyone in town. She remains enamored above all with her God, finding nothing as satisfying as eating His Word, drinking His Living water, and slurping His sweet dessert. Her long time prayer for a sibling for Olivia is finally being answered. After adding Tubal Pregnancy and 1 more failed IVF attempt to her Fertility Files, she is currently halfway through a healthy pregnancy, expecting a baby in May. Every kick bringing more thanksgiving to an already wonderful season!

Wishing you Wonder and Warmth as well,

Rikki, Stefan, Olivia & Trouble (the cat)

Monday, December 19, 2011 8:00 PM German Time

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
FROHE WEIHNACHTEN!!


IT’S A BOY – ES IST EIN JUNGE

20 weeks and 6 days, 400 gram, 25 cm length as of Dec 16, 2011
20 Wochen, 6 Tage alt, 400 Gramm, 25 cm Länge am 16. Dec 2011


Dear Friends & Family,
Liebe Freunde & Verwandten,

thank you very much for stopping by on our website.
Vielen Dank dass Ihr unsere webseite aufgerufen habt.

We started the webpage in July 2004 to update everybody on our daughter Naomi Ruth.
Wir begannen die Seite im Juli 2004 zur Geburt unserer Tochter Naomi Ruth.

Please feel free to sign our guestbook. We love to go back and read the entries from time to time.
Bitte schreibt einen Eintrag in unserem Gästebuch. Wir lieben es von Zeit zu Zeit zurück zu gehen und die Gästebucheinträge zu lesen.

You can click on „Read Journal History” in order to read older journal entries.
Wenn Ihr auf “Read Journal History” klickt, könnt Ihr alle bisherigen Einträge lessen.

The picture is a 3D Ultrasound picture showing Baby Boehmer’s face.
Das Bild ist ein 3D Ultraschall Bild welches das Gesicht von Baby Boehmer zeigt.

After a tubal pregnancy in May 2011 we are excited that it worked this time.
Nach einer Eileiterschwangerschaft im Mai 2011 sind wir sehr glücklich, dass es dieses Mal geklappt hat.

Naomi Ruth was our first pregnancy. She died 4 hours after her birth due to Trisomy 13.
Naomi Ruth wae unsere erste Schwangerschaft. Sie starb 4 Stunden nach Ihrer Geburt wegen Trisomie 13.

Olivia Joy was our second pregnancy in 2007. She will be turning 5 in a few weeks.
Olivia Joy war unsere zweite Schwangerschaft in 2007. Sie wird in ein paar Wochen 5 Jahre alt.

Last year we miscarried twins in the first trimester.
Wir hatten eine Fehlgeburt (Zwillinge) im letzten Jahr.

That’s why we are really happy that it worked out this time.
Das ist der Grund warum wir jetzt überglücklich sind, dass es doch noch geklappt hat.

Olivia was praying for a sister day after day.
Olivia betete jeden Tag, dass sie eine Schwester bekommt.

First she was disappointed that she will get a brother. Only after mom explained to her that she can gang up with her brother against Dad she started to smile.
Sie war zuerst enttäuscht dass sie einen Bruder bekommt. Erst nachdem Mama ihr erklärt hat dass sie sich mit ihrem Bruder gegen ihren Vater verbünden kann, freundete sie sich mit dem Gedanken an.

She nevertheless continues to pray for a sister every night.
Nichtsdestotrotz betet sie weiterhin jeden Abend für eine Schwester.

On December 12, Rikki had an appointment with our midwife and on Dcember 16th the large Ultrasound. Everything appears normal and no reason for concern.
Rikki hatte einen Termin mit unserer Hebamme am 12. Dezember und ein grosse Ultraschall Untersuchung am 16. Dezember. Alles erscheint normal und kein Grund zur Besorgnis.

As we expected a girl, we now need to rethink and start thinking about boy names.
Nachdem wir mit einem Mädchen rechneten müssen wir nun umdenken und uns einen Jungennamen überlegen.

If you have a name which can easily be pronounced in English and German feel free to let us know.
Wenn Ihr einen Namensvorschlag habt der sowohl im Englischen als auch im Deutschen ausgesprochen werden kann, lasst es uns bitte wissen.

Thanks & MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Danke & FROHE WEIHNACHTEN

Rikki, Stefan, Olivia Joy & Trouble the cat

Friday, December 16, 2011 8:30 PM German Time

Dear Friends & Family,

yes, we will get a boy. We will need to explain it to Olivia as she is asking God every night for a sister (and a trip to Canada).

We had a 50 minute Ultrasound this morning (I believe in the US they would say Level II Ultrasound) where they checked everything and found no reason for concern.

The Ultrasound calculated an estimated weight of approx. 400 grams and an estimated length of approx. 25 cm. The calculated age based on the measurements was approx 22 weeks, while the gestational age (age since last menstrual period) is 20 weeks and 6 days today.

The service was great. Not only did we get a print out of two pretty good 3D pictures, we also got a disk with all 65 pictures they took (although the doctor was able to see much more than we do on the pictures).

Rikki continues to be tired and having morning sickness (… and evening sickness) from time to time. She realized a few days ago that she craves fried food with our current baby while the craved ice cream and fast food with Naomi Ruth and healthy and protein rich food with Olivia Joy

Love,

Stefan for Rikki & I

Friday, December 16, 2011 11:45 am German time

Hooray!! It's a boy! Approx 400 gram weight and 25 cm length ...

More later

Rikki & Stefan

Monday, December 12, 2011 9.00 PM German Time

Dear Friends and Family,

we dropped G’Pa off at the airport this morning to send him home for Christmas. Olivia was really sad about seeing him leave.

Rikki had an appointment with her midwife today. The baby is 20 weeks and 2 days old as of today and according to the midwife has a strong heartbeat.
We have the “big” 20 week Ultrasound this Friday and the next appointment scheduled with the midwife on January 10th, 2012.

More details will follow after the Ultrasound

Love,

Stefan

Friday, November 25, 2011 8:35 PM German Time

Dear Friends & Family,

17 weeks and 6 days as of today.

Grandma left last Sunday. We are getting ready to drive to Bavaria on Sunday for a week and then on Monday Grandpa arrives for another week. Plenty of activity to ensure we do not get bored.

The baby continues to grow and everything is ok.

Olivia is excited for Christmas and is waiting for Santa to deliver what she has ordered.

There was a good article in the Buckeye about Uncle Buck 24 years ago which I copy below…

Love,

Stefan

http://www.buckeyextra.com/content/stories/2011/11/25/in-1987-osu-fan-beat-long-odds.html

_____________________________________________________________________

In 1987, Ohio State football fan beat long odds

Heart attack nearly killed player’s dad at Michigan game

Ohio State vs. Michigan can be more than a game.

One year, it became life and death.

Flat on his back, his face as gray as the pants on the Ohio State players standing 30 yards away, Wendell “Buck” Moxley was on his way to heaven. Or, as he later worried, to hell. Either way, his trip to that final destination was about to make a U-turn.
Moxley was a goner. Not officially deceased but close enough that when paramedics carted him out of Michigan Stadium during the 1987 Ohio State-Michigan game, one said, “The poor bastard is dead.”
Tim Moxley, a sophomore offensive tackle for Ohio State that year, heard those words as the heart-attack patient passed him.
Then he noticed a telltale brace on the shoe of the lifeless form.
“That’s my dad,” said the son, who was playing his best game before watching emergency personnel transport his 56-year-old father up a ramp and out of the Big House early in the third quarter.
Sensing his teammate’s shock, OSU guard Greg Zackeroff grabbed Moxley by the face mask and implored him to “keep playing and keep your head in the game.”
Moxley did, finding a way to focus more on Michigan than on the man with whom he shared an “unbelievably close” relationship. Concentrating on performing punishing blocks on Wolverines defenders was how his father would have wanted it.
In the locker room, as the Buckeyes sang the OSU fight song in celebration of a 23-20 win, team trainers hurried to get the 6-foot-7, 300-pound Moxley — known by teammates as “Tiny” — out of his pads and into a police cruiser for a wild, sirens-blaring ride across campus sidewalks and green space to University Hospital.
It was the culmination of an emotional week that included the firing of OSU coach Earle Bruce and the traffic death of Bill Dowler, who coached Tim Moxley at Barnesville High School.
“Now that was a long year,” Moxley said.

Lucky to be in Ann Arbor

Against all odds, the circumstances surrounding Wendell Moxley’s near-fatal heart attack and his providential recovery fell perfectly into place, akin to a dropped deck of cards all landing faceup.
Down went Moxley — collapsing into his end-zone seats — and up turned a cardiologist at his side to restart his heart. Up turned a second doctor at the hospital, who refused to give up when many others would have. Up turned a lifesaving experimental drug that had been used by only a handful of medical centers in the nation.
The Michigan game nearly killed Moxley, but the University of Michigan saved his life.
Even today, the Moxley family — including Tim’s older brothers, Chuck and Don — has little use for Michigan football. But they will never badmouth the university medical community.
They believe that, if not for University Hospital, Wendell Moxley would have died 24 years ago. Instead, he lived 21 more years before heart failure finally caught up with him again, on Dec. 22, 2008.
Taking it further, the Moxleys are convinced — and doctors tend to agree — that had the 1987 game been played in Columbus instead of Ann Arbor, Buck Moxley would have died that day.
Michigan was one of only five U.S. hospitals running a clinical study on tissue plasminogen activator, a blood-clot buster used to fight the effects of stroke. The drug didn’t become widely available until six months after Moxley’s heart attack.
“Ohio State has a tremendous medical facility, but at that time Michigan was doing large-scale tPA drug trials,” said Tim Moxley, now 43 and vice president of a construction business in Orlando, Fla. “Had he been in Columbus, he would not have made it.”
Circumstances continued to fall in Moxley’s favor when Dr. Mark Sanz turned up in the hospital emergency room, shocking the patient back to life at least eight times.
“I remember it vividly,” Sanz said this week. “He was very much dead when he came to us.”
Moxley’s wife, Janyce, worked as a nurse at Riverside Methodist Hospital. Several years after her husband’s heart attack, she met several doctors at Riverside who had done their residency at Michigan.
“They said, ‘You got the only guy (Sanz) who would have stuck with it that long,’ ” said Janyce, who lives in Sun City, Ariz.

Lucky for his new friend

The fortuitous events of that meat-locker-cold Saturday in Ann Arbor began in front of almost 106,000 fans in Michigan Stadium.
East Liverpool cardiologist Robert Beatty barely knew Wendell Moxley before sitting with him at the Michigan game. Both had sons playing for the Buckeyes, but Dan Beatty played backup center and on special teams.
Dr. Beatty recalled that Moxley, a longtime smoker who suffered from high blood pressure, was feeling his oats. At one point, with Beatty serving as bystander/accomplice, Moxley grabbed a marching-band baton and began leading the OSU fan section in We don’t give a damn for the whole state of Michigan.
“They were down there together, being ornery,” Janyce Moxley said. “I told Buck, ‘If you get arrested, I’m not going to bail you out.’ ”
Buck faced far worse than an arrest.
At some point, Beatty noticed Moxley’s face had lost its color.
“My dad was keeping an eye on Wendell, because everyone he looks at is a potential patient,” Dan Beatty recalled. “It’s like someone in construction always looking at how something is built.”
A trained eye wasn’t required, however, when Moxley turned toward his wife and collapsed.
“He took one step and crashed in front of me and was unconscious,” Dr. Beatty said. “I felt for a pulse, and there was none. I was, ‘Oh, no, Beatty; what are you into now?’ And in front of 106,000 people and on national television.”
Beatty began alternating between breathing air into Moxley and “knocking the crap out of him” through cardiac sternal compression.
“I stopped, felt a pulse and said, ‘God, thanks,’ ” Beatty remembered. “It was a gratifying experience. I was glad to be a doctor that day.”

‘A better person’

Janyce Moxley isn’t a big believer in coincidence.
Instead, she believes that prayer and divine intervention brought her husband back from the grave that day — a day that changed everything.
Before the heart attack, Moxley could be a handful. He brought a rugged attitude as a farmer and former coal miner into everything he did. For Buck, self-reflection was best left to mirrors.
Then came a sunset that scared him straight.
“Buck had a near-death experience that night that changed his life forever,” Janyce said. “In one of his fadeouts while he was coding (in cardiac arrest), he saw himself on the way to heaven, and when he got there they said, ‘You’re not ready,’ and they took him back down. And he saw the sun setting over a lake. But when he got to the water’s edge, it wasn’t water but fire that was washing up. That changed his life. He came to know the Lord more personally, and just became a better person.”
The changed person is the one who began calling Beatty every year on the day of the Michigan game. The men updated each other on grandchildren news and talked about recent vacations. They critiqued the Buckeyes and, sometimes, rehashed the amazing timeline from Nov. 21, 1987.
One of Moxley’s favorite stories involved his son entering his hospital room and holding his hand. Moving in and out of consciousness, Buck saw Tim and asked the most pertinent question.
“Did we win?” he said.
The son nodded.
The Buckeyes had defeated Michigan.
More important, Buck Moxley had defeated death.

roller@dispatch.com

Saturday, November 19, 2011 7:00 PM German Time

Dear Friends & Family,

17 weeks as of today (Nov. 19, 2011). Happy birthday, baby! If you ask me we should celebrate baby’s weekly birthday!

Rikki was at her new OB/Gyn on Thursday and everything is as it should be. The baby has already long arms and legs and is consistently moving around.

The baby rejected to disclose her gender at the Ultrasound.

Rikki feels well, still very tired and some morning sickness from time to time (e.g. this morning). We changed her OB/Gyn to go to the one which works with our midwife.

Her next (big) 20 weeks Ultrasound is in one months, Dec 16, 2011. The expected due date is still at the end of April.

Unfortunately Gma will be leaving us tomorrow, but Gpa will arrive in two weeks.

Love,

Stefan for Rikki, Stefan, Livi & Baby Boehmer

Sunday, October 30, 2011 8:00 pm German Time

OK, I need to re-post this with the correct dates ... Otherwise I confuse myself later on (Thanks Meggie for pointing this out ...)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 4:45 pm German Time


Dear Friends and Family,

13 weeks 3 days as of today (Oct. 25th, 2011). One third of the pregnancy is over and the little baby is progressing well. The last menstrual period was on 7/23/11 (our 13th ICSI attempt) and our little baby is progressing well. So far we had three ultrasounds. She was one day behind her calculated age on the Sep. 6th ultrasound, two days behind on the Sep. 27 ultrasound and one day ahead on the last one dated Oct. 19th. Go girl!

We actually do not know if we have a boy or girl, but Olivia is praying for a baby sister (and for a trip to Canada for that matter). Olivia listened to mami’s belly the other night and said “hmh, yes, yes, ok …. Mami, she said she wants to play now”.

The doctor visit last Wednesday (Oct. 19th) was ok. Everything was as it was supposed to be and Rikki got a clear Ultrasound picture of the baby.

Based on our medical record (you get a mother pass in Germany with your history and a record of all your doctor visits during pregnancy) we are a high risk pregnancy due to the following conditions:
- mother over 35 years of age
- IVF treatment
- Two or more miscarriages
- Less than one year between pregnancies (we had a tubal pregnancy earlier this year)

Luckily this was not of a big concern for our midwife. We met her approx. one month ago and met with her again last night.

We plan to switch OB/GYN doctors to a doctor who works closely with our midwife and then see our midwife again shortly before Christmas.

Olivia is doing fine, growing way too fast. For the records, she had her first hair cut on October 17th (if you do not count the one where she cut her own hair).

All the best

Rikki, Stefan, Olivia Joy & Baby Boehmer

Sunday, October 30, 2011 6:00 PM German Time

Dear Friends & Family,

if you want the latest updates on Rikki’s pregnancy, please click on “read journal history”.

The last few days we took Baby Boehmer on a roadtrip through France and Belgium.
Cousin Rob and Melissa Lundsgaard visited us in Ratingen. Together we drove to Paris. After dropping them off at their apartment we went to visit Marie-Luise and Mini-Felix outside of Versailles. After having spent two days with them enjoying French scenery and food we met Rob and Melissa for lunch in Versailles and then headed out.
As we drove to Paris Rob and Melissa had the pleasure to sit next to Olivia and Olivia kept talking about Mini-Felix. As we saw Rob in Versailles he asked “So, how was Tiny-Simon?”. As we looked surprised he said, “I knew it would be wrong, but I thought I’ll try. How cool would it be if I guessed right” Sorry we normally quote Livi, but this was too good!
We were not sure where to stop in Belgium on the way home and decided to follow Rob’s advice and stopped in Brugge. Before we got to the city we made a short detour to the beach and were really surprised by the nice beaches. The weather was very supportive and Olivia liked to play on the beach. She got her feet wet despite of rubber boats! We were absolutely positive surprised about the beautiful city of Brugge! And we bought chocolate in the store recommended by Rob … it was heavy to carry approx 8 pounds back to the car. Then we stayed a night in Antwerp before we went back home through the Netherlands. While Livi slept well at Mini-Felix’ house (up to 7.30 am in the morning!), she was up at 5.45 am in Antwerp. After we had breakfast and left to tour the city we realized that the time changed this night (summer hours ended) and actually it was only 4.45 am when Livi woke up. It was great to tour Antwerp at 7 am on a Sunday as nothing was open for quite a while. The breakfast nevertheless was worth the wait and Livi ate Rikki’s breakfast, a Panini with egg and real bacon!
We drove pretty much around Brussels and as such missed Leuven (Louvain) where Jack and Margaret stay for a while after they got married. Maybe Jack wants to show that area next time he visits to Livi!

The baby did quite well! Mami still got sometimes troubled by morning sicknesses, strange smells, car sickness and / or headaches. But overall it was a great week.

I just realized that the links are still from Rikki’s pregnancy with Olivia. We will need to update them as well.

Love,

Stefan for Rikki, Stefan, Olivia Joy and Baby Boehmer

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 4:45 pm German Time

Dear Friends and Family,

13 weeks 3 days as of today. One third of the pregnancy is over and the little baby is progressing well. The last menstrual period was on 7/23/11 (our 13th ICSI attempt) and our little baby is progressing well. So far we had three ultrasounds. She was one day behind her calculated age on the Sep. 6th ultrasound, two days behind on the Sep. 27 ultrasound and one day ahead on the last one dated Sep. 19th. Go girl!

We actually do not know if we have a boy or girl, but Olivia is praying for a baby sister (and for a trip to Canada for that matter). Olivia listened to mami’s belly the other night and said “hmh, yes, yes, ok …. Mami, she said she wants to play now”.

The doctor visit last Wednesday (Sep. 19th) was ok. Everything was as it was supposed to be and Rikki got a clear Ultrasound picture of the baby.

Based on our medical record (you get a mother pass in Germany with your history and a record of all your doctor visits during pregnancy) we are a high risk pregnancy due to the following conditions:
- mother over 35 years of age
- IVF treatment
- Two or more miscarriages
- Less than one year between pregnancies (we had a tubal pregnancy earlier this year)

Luckily this was not of a big concern for our midwife. We met her approx. one month ago and met with her again last night.

We plan to switch OB/GYN doctors to a doctor who works closely with our midwife and then see our midwife again shortly before Christmas.

Olivia is doing fine, growing way too fast. For the records, she had her first hair cut on September 17th (if you do not count the one where she cut her own hair).

All the best

Rikki, Stefan, Olivia Joy & Baby Boehmer

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 15:00 German Time

Epected date of delivery: 4/28/2012

Saturday, September 10, 2011 8.30 am German Time

Today … seven years ago Naomi Ruth was born and died in sunny California. The birth was supported by Grandma, Grandpa, Nani, Meg, Jenny & Jon as well as our hired friend Melissa.
Many things happened in the meantime. Meg married and got Bella, even Jon married (welcome Ami to the family!), Melissa is now a fully licensed midwife (http://www.alittlemiracle.com/) and three years later Olivia Joy was born in rural Pennsylvania.
This morning we celebrated Naomi’s birthday with a cake and seven candles…..


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From Grandpa Jack

Naomi’s Song

Hello, I am John Pageler, Naomi’s maternal grandpa. I’ll be speaking for the grandparents. My wife Margaret is here, as are Stefan’s parents: Inge and Gerhard Boehmer, from Germany. Naomi is our firstborn grandchild – we all awaited her birth with great anticipation and excitement. She is a trans-Atlantic child. Naomi was destined to be bi-lingual. I was present at Naomi’s birth and I assure you her first crying and cooing had a definite Bavarian accent.

Naomi’s story drew me to a poem by Theodore Roethke, a Seattle poet who taught at the University of Washington. The poem is entitled: Elegy for Jane (My student, thrown from a horse).

I remember the neckcurls, limp and damp as tendrils;
And her quick look, a sidelong pickerel smile;
And how, once startled into talk, the light syllables leaped from her,
And she balanced in the delight of her thought.

A wren, happy, tail into the wind,
Her song trembling the twigs and small branches.
The shade sang with her;
The leaves, their whispers turned to kissing,
And the mould sang in the bleached valleys under the rose.

Oh, when she was sad, she cast herself down into such a pure depth,
Even a father could not find her:
Scraping her cheek against straw,
Stirring the clearest water.

My sparrow, you are not here,
Waiting like a fern, making a spiney shadow.
The sides of wet stones cannot console me,
Nor the moss, wound with the last light.

If only I could nudge you from this sleep,
My maimed darling, my skittery pigeon.
Over this damp grave I speak the words of my love:
I, with no rights in this matter,
Neither father nor lover.

Unlike Roethke, I do have rights and if you’ll allow me to address my daughter’s daughter, I’ll allow you to listen in.

Naomi, what a profound affect you have had on us in so brief a visit. The light of your brief life still shines into us to where we see more clearly and surely the exquisite beauty of a mother holding her child, the miracle of our own birth, the preciousness of the breath of life. As one of the guests on your website put it: “You made me want to run upstairs and kiss my wife and child.”

So, little One, it was YOU who put the idea into your Daddy’s head to gather a world wide web of supporters -- following your growing inside your mother, and in the fullness of time furiously refreshing their browsers so as not to miss the updates on your journey through labor, delivery and recovery. I mean you had global impact, dear Child, with cheerleaders logging in from several continents simultaneously. I would say that measured by impact per time squared, you rank up there with the famous women in world history. You impressed us with your courage, your heart, your determination to take on life and breath, against odds. You showed so much more heart than our Stanford cardiologist led us to expect. Well, dear One, with such a start, clearly you would have been a handful to raise (would that these empty hands could take up such an assignment).

You must take after you mother and father, who showed such courage to absorb the medical diagnosis that your life would be short-lived, who adjusted to the realities of what lay ahead for them and you and all of us, who, without illusion, made a plan to enjoy you for as long as we could, and who openly invited the rest of us to join with the three of you in the joy of your coming to us. How to compress a lifetime into a short time – it made each kick inside your mother that much more precious, the celebration of your first birthday an hour after your birth that much more exciting.

Naomi, you are my firstborn grandchild. I will never forget you and the stirring you made. I will always see you and remember you –

See you in the sunlight illuminating your younger sister’s hair as she wades with me in a mountain stream on a summer afternoon . . .

See you in the look on your younger brother’s face when I discipline him, ever so gently (as is required of Grandfathers) . . .

. . . see you in the lap of your Grandma as she reads children’s stories to your siblings and cousins and friends’ kids . . .

. . . see you, where the camera can’t, in the family photographs . . .

. . . hear you in the German lessons I was waiting to take from you.

We will remember you, Dear Heart . . . how could we forget you?

Stefan and Rikki, you are a father and a mother in the fullest sense of the word. You have blessed our family, you have extended our family, you have well-parented our dearest Naomi.

And, Naomi, with your permission I will third-hand-down my light-weight fly rod (which I had set aside for when you were six) to your younger sister or brother . . . on loan, to be sure, for if longing has any bearing on reality, there must be a trout stream in heaven.

Lulay, my liking,
My dear love, my sweeting;

Lulay, mein Liebes Kind,
My own dear darling.

GrandPa

October 2, 2004

Wednesday, August 31, 2011 7:30 PM German Time

Dear Friends and Family,

Tomorrow a year ago we arrived in Germany with 7 suitcases, a few carry-ons, a car seat and … a cat.

Lot’s of things happened in one year. Olivia now argues very well in German (a lively kid). She likes to play in her room, with friends or just run around outside. She made friends up and down our street.

We went to Amsterdam (saw Dave chasing after Bella in the cold ocean), to Turkey (all you can eat!) and several times to Bavaria to see Oma and Opa. Grandma & Grandpa, Aunt Meggie & Dave with Bella, Mini-Felix from Paris, Cousin Karin and family and others came to visit.

Olivia played soccer today for the first time with Mareike and her friends. Go Olivia! She also learnt to bike at Oma and Opa’s last time. It’s time for Oma and Opa to visit next week so that she can continue to bike.

She is in Kindergarten since February 1st, 2011. The first six months she was at a Kindergarten in the next town but since Monday (today is her third day!) she is at the local kindergarten in town. Rikki walks with her and drops her off and picks her up again in the afternoon. 2 hours walking a day for Rikki.

So far we were not lucky getting pregnant. A tubal pregnancy is all we can account for this year but we are trying again. If it works we will spend the next months at home. If it doesn’t work we consider a trip to the US or Canada.

First we will get some visitors, Oma and Opa, a friend from Seattle, Aunt Jenny and then maybe Grandma on her way to Bordeaux. Somehow we have to stay busy.

We have an inflatable pool in the backyard but didn’t really use it much this year. We mainly had rain to offer … and rain. Summer took place in April and since then we have fall. Now the nights start to get really cold … oh well.

All the best

Stefan

Tuesday, January 11, 2011 9:45 PM German Time

Happy Birthday Olivia Joy!!

Tomorrow we will celebrate Olivia’s 4th birthday. Olivia is a big girl now. She had her first ballet lesson yesterday and liked it although she decided not to participate and watch instead.

Olivia is now 108 cm (42.5 inch) tall. Very tall for her age. She likes to command and control her environment.

So far we have not found a Kindergarten place for her. We have signed up at several but the way it looks like it will take until summer to get a place. Olivia needs a kindergarten place. Like somebody said: “she learns to act from her parents, but only in kindergarten she learns to interact”.

We enjoy her interactions with us, like we wnt to Obi (Home Depot) the other day to return an item:
Olivia: “I also have to return something. Something I forgot.”
Mami: “What is it?”
Olivia: “It’s a Barbie. A Barbie I do not like. A Barbie from Canada” (from a yard sale)

We are in baking mode. Not once or twice per week, but almost every day. Olivia wakes up and wants to bake a cake or cookies. In general she eats very well and surprises us often with the quantity she eats (chicken, sausages etc.). She continues to enjoy frozen peas (frozen is the key).

She also missed Canada and is looking forward to a beach vacation what the following discussion shows:

Olivia: “Can we go to Boston? Go down the street and then turn right and there is the house. I forgot the dog’s name. I miss Derek and Cece and the house. They have great toys and a big pool. Can we also go to the hotel next to the Chicken Guy (KFC) with the pool and the cookies (the hotel on the way between Toronto and Boston)? I have a good idea. Let”s take all the cookies. Do we have to take a plane? Can we go next week?

We found a great house in a great neighborhood. Actually the neighborhood might be greater than the house. The house is big enough to accommodate our guests (sign up early to get the early bird special) but we have some issues with it. Since last week we have running water in the basement (coming in through the walls due to the construction outside). It might be us as we had water issues in the last three houses we rented.

So far we have a few visitors signed up. Last year we already got our first visitor with Marie-Luise and Mini Felix from Paris. In a months we will host Grandma and Grandpa, followed by Lil from Oakville and after that Aunt Meggie, Uncle Dave and Cousin Bella!! So, there are still a few spots available.

Olivia made already friends here and we found a great baby-sitter (actually the baby-sitte found us). She also helps us for Olivia’s birthday party on Saturday in the jungle of Madagascar.

So much for today …

Tuesday, November 23, 2010 5.30 PM German time

for the records (from the last few weeks):

Olivia: "Mami wants Barbie for christmas. She likes Barbie. We both like Barbie"

Olivia: "Do you feel playable today? - I do"

Olivia: "Mami, can we talk about snow a little bit because I like to talk about snow.

Olivia: "Snow is during autumn, during winter, summer and day.
We build a snowman in autumn and go hiking in winter."

Olivia: "It will take a long time for snow to come. Maybe 6 hours."

Olivia: "We have to get the snow in time because we do not want to miss the snow.
The sun is in the way of the snow. "

Monday, November 22, 2010 6.30 PM German Time

Dear Friends and Family,

A month passed by without an update although we were really busy.

Rikki and Olivia just returned from a 3 week visit with Oma and Opa. We are trying IVF #11.

8 eggs were harvested on Friday, Nov 12. 6 out of the 8 eggs were fertilized. 2 were frozen and 4 were kept in a dish. Rikki became the 3 best ones (No. 1, 2 and 4) implanted on Wednesday, Nov 17. Now we have to wait and see.

IVF #6 was Naomi Ruth, #9 Olivia Joy and #10 didn’t survive the first three months.

The house is getting more and more livable as well. The guest room is ready, various things are fixed. Nevertheless we still have no home phone and internet. In addition we have a huge pile of sand in the backyard as this is being delayed as well (to isolate the house and redo the backyard)

All the best

Stefan

Thursday, October 14, 2010 6.54 PM German Time

Dear Friends and Family,

Many things happened since the last update.

We found a house. Rather large but we believe we will like it. It has a separate apartment downstairs for our visitors. Move in date is next Wednesday when the moving company delivers our household items (one container full plus a few items extra which didn’t fit in).

Since beginning of this week we are down to one car as we had to return the rental car and my parents left. This sped up the process to find a car, which we did successfully Tuesday night (approx 60 min. away). Yesterday we went to the insurance to get coverage confirmed, today we got it licensed and then back to the insurance to get full insurance. We plan to pick it up tomorrow night or Saturday.

Rikki and Olivia took the train on Monday and the bus today. Public transportation is good here, although you need to come with sufficient time.

We also checked out all three kindergartens in our new town but unfortunately they are all busy. We have signed up for a spot for next year and in case somebody leaves during the year we might get one earlier.

In addition we bought a dryer yesterday which we will need to pick up on Tuesday. A washing machine is still on the shopping list.

Livi is growing up fast. She loves to call her relatives and friends in the middle of the night (their time). Waking up Grandpa the other day was followed by an early morning call today to Aunt Jenny. She also likes to skype although it is often a timing issue as we are out a lot and once we come home she either goes straight into the bathtub or we simply carry her into her bed as she fell asleep in the car.

Things should get better once we moved into our house.

I am sure I forgot a few things, but that’s a quick status update

All the best

Stefan for Rikki, Stefan, Olivia and Trouble, the cat

Friday, October 1, 2010 5:21 AM EST

Dear Friends and Family,

We are now since one month in Germany (at least in theory, in reality I am in Canada for a few days helping them count the rain. Toronto (and Vancouver) were trying to break the record for the most rain in September.)
Rikki celebrated her birthday yesterday. She got red roses from her Seattle family, cards and letters, a house and a cat scratch post.
We finally agreed on a house. Slightly bigger than we need, but now we have plenty of room. A finished 3rd floor under the roof, 4 bedrooms (or playrooms) on the second floor, one bedroom or playroom on the first floor and a seperate apartment in the basement. Olivia likes the (unfinished) treehouse in the backyard. A grocery store, a bakery, a Greek restaurant and a kindergarten are in walking distance. It is approx 20 miles from my work and close to Duesseldorf airport.
We also ordered a cat post as Trouble was enjoying to scratch the couch in our temporary apartment. She was waiting full of excitement while Rikki built it (without any instructions).

Now we only need a second car (Rikki will be looking at cars today)

All the best

Stefan

Sunday, September 26, 2010 5:39 PM German Time

Dear Friends and Family,

Rikki said I should update our website and let you know that she had a BBQ-Wild Boar on a white roll today. After church this morning we went into Ratingen. There was a market and open Sunday (stores were open from 1 pm to 5 pm today). Normal for America, still an attraction for Germany, hence the city was crowded. There was BBQ food, open beer and wine as well as desert and ice cream every where. Livi and I had a sausage on a bun while Rikki ate her wild boar. Then we had two huge ice cream sundaes for desert with a cappuccino.
Then Oma and Opa arrived and while Rikki took a nap we all went hunting for chestnuts. Olivia collected several and counted them in English and German.
Rikki had early morning shift today as Olivia was up at 4 am screaming and it took some time to settle her down.
I had the pleasure to listen to Olivia at church as she talked to her two girl friends Hannah and Emily (only Olivia was talking) “Bobby-Joe and Lindsay, these two are my friends. And Wyatt those are my friends. Do you want to come over to our place for a party? Bobby-Joe and Lindsay come too. Tomorrow on Sunday. My mom is going shopping. Come to Canada tomorrow. “ Hannah then went to her mom to tell her about the party. Not sure if she mentioned the location.
We also need to buy a scratch post and some catnip for Trouble. Otherwise we might get some trouble with the furniture. I bought some fresh oregano and sage for cooking and found her eating the spices from the window sill. She loves to sleep in the bed under the cover. You only hear a quite “meow” if you by mistake put something on her.

All the best

Stefan

Saturday, September 25, 2010 7:50 PM German Time

Dear Friends and Family,

Another week passed by. We are now 25 days in Germany. While Stefan was in Berlin for business this week (Tuesday – Thursday) Rikki and Olivia looked at houses, cars and played (unfortunately not too much).

We met with the owner of one house we like yesterday. It had many advantages but we are not totally sure yet. Hence some time to reconsider. In addition we have started to look for cars. Currently we look at Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. There are not too many available, so let’s see with what we end up.

Today we went to Oberhausen. There is a huge mall, Sea World, an amusement park (like “Fantasy Fair in Toronto but outside) a theatre, an indoor pool and much more. And everything is only 30 minutes from us. We still were lucky with the weather today. It rained a lot yesterday and the forecast didn’t look to promising for today but we had enough sunshine to walk around.


Tomorrow Oma and Opa come again as Stefan is going back to Toronto next week (for 6 days).

All the best

Stefan for Rikki, Olivia, Trouble and I

Saturday, September 18, 2010 8:07 German Time

Dear Friends and Family,

We are now for 2 ½ weeks in Germany and we are getting close to find a house. Not there yet. Yesterday we took the afternoon and the evening to look at five houses. Most of them were not what we expected. The first had no basement (where do we put all our stuff??), the second one was a little bit small (no mother in law apartment for Nancy and Mort, in exchange approx 100 cows next door), the third one was hard to find (the real estate person took 30 minutes and drove in various circles, it was build in an old castle), the fourth one was the one I had looked at in July (huge building, HUGE yard, but a business right behind) and the last one was close to the Dutch border. The pictures from the inside and the yard were gorgeous (can a house be gorgeous?), but the location very strange. Today we looked again at the house in Ratingen-Homburg. It is one of three houses we consider. The street does not look as amazing, but the house is huge, the yard is great (a tree house waiting to be finished by Grandpa Jack) and a kindergarten is close by. They had a flea market at the kindergarten today (we did not buy anything), so we were able to talk with the leader there and got the sign up paperwork. There is a good chance Livi would get a place there next year (August 2011). The owner of the house is coming next weekend from Belgium and we will meet him to discuss some points. We also need to look for a second car. The one we like is not very common in Germany.

On Thursday my parents left. They said they had to take care of their apples and peaches. They will come back around September 26th as I need to fly back to Toronto for a week.

Rikki went to a bible study Thursday night and then Livi and Rikki went Friday morning to church. Livi made friends with a five year girl there.

In Germany smoking in restaurants is no longer allowed unless they are designated “smoker clubs”. That sounds good, but all restaurants tonight in Ratingen at the market place were designated “smoker clubs”. We picked the restaurant with the least people (= least smoke). Only the waitress was smoking. Welcome back to Germany.

The other difference is the shopping experience. The grocery stores are open here on Saturday until 9 or 10 pm. This is great, but the selection is poor if you are lucky or not existing.

Tomorrow we go to church in the morning and then bring back Olivia at 4.30 pm for AWANA.

Enjoy your weekend

Stefan for Rikki, Olivia, Stefan and I

Monday, September 13, 2010 8:35 PM German Time

Dear Friends & Family,

today our container is supposed to arrive in Bremerhaven, Germany. We haven't heard anything from the moving company but we expect that the furniture could be delivered beginning of October.

As Olivia was sick yesterday she stayed at home and missed her AWANA kids club at Church. We went to church in the morning and than arranged an appointment to see a house with the consequence that Olivia missed her nap (oops, we didn't consider that). On the other side she (and us) were in bed by 7.30 pm sleeping through the night. Olivia was better today only coughing sometimes.

Today Rikki went house crazy. She saw 7 or 8 houses. Every real estate person tells us that there is a shortage and not enough houses on the market for rent or sale. We can not confirm that but most of the houses do not meet our expectations. Tonight we looked at a great house (open, wide spaces, 5 rooms, 2 baths) with a huge garden in a a great neighborhood withs kids. Unfortunately the train tracks where just behind the house and we probably heard and saw 10 trains in 20 minutes. Not very appealing.

Yesterday we had a very yummy Greek dinner, today we had homemade food (yummy as well). Olivia ate one whole baked red pepper today.

I am off to Graz, Austria tomorrow for two days. Once I come back my parents will leave.They will come back the day before I fly to Canada (Sep 26). So our guest room is available in case anybody wants to look at houses.

We also started to look for our sceond car. There is still some work to do, but we already have a church and one car.

All the best

Stefan

Saturday, September 11, 2010 6:53 PM German Time

Dear Friends and Family,

we finally had the birthday cake for Naomi. We had a Blackforest Cake after dinner with six candles on it. Olivia volunteered to blow out the candles and lick the cream of them.

Last night was a challenging night. We put Olivia down for the night and went to look at a nearby house as Oma called that Olivia is requesting "Mama". First quiet, then louder and then really loud. She only stopped screaming as Opa offered her to join him watching TV. Then she was quiet sitting next him. That's how we found her as we came back. Her cold now turned into a cough. We managed to have her asleep finally around 11 pm but then she woke up at 3 am coughing and would not go back to sleep despite of being in the big bed. As a conssequence Mama and Papa didn't get to sleep either. We tried to nap Olivia today while Oma and Opa visted Karl. Nevertheless she would not fall asleep and somehow manage to pee her pants after 90 minutes ("My pants are wet, Daddy"). So we tried car naps and she was a sleep after 10 minutes. As we had plenty of time we drove back out to look at a house 35 minutes away. We liked the area and outside a lot (townhouses built in an old farm complex), but we are not too amazed about the tiny backyard. Nevertheless Rikki will see it from the inside.

Today we had Chicken Enchiladas for lunch. We shared one knife to cut the enchiladas as all others (=4) were in the dishwasher (which finally works). In Oakville we had plenty of cutlery and a small dishwasher, here we have a large dishwasher, just not much cutlery.
We had bread, meatloaf, cheese and hardboiled eggs for dinner and then Naomi's Birthday Cake.

Olivia enjoys being sick as this means "Movie Time". This morning she watched Toy Story 2 and said several times "this is Derek's favourite movie!". Just now we finished Barney.

Hopefully Livi can sleep better tonight and her cough won't get worse.

All the best

Stefan

Friday, September 10, 2010 6.47 PM German Time

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY, NAOMI RUTH!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Friends and Family,

Today is Naomi's birthday. She would have been 6 years old. Unfortunately we do not have a birthday cake.

Yesterday Rikki went to small group while I waited for Livi to fall asleep. When she naps during the day, she falls asleep later.

This morning Rikki went to a women bible study while Oma and Opa watched Olivia. She is still a little bit sick hence she stayed at home.

Afterwards Rikki spent 1 1/2 hours to get Livi to sleep. While Oma watched Livi, Rikki and Opa met me at another house. Now we have three possible houses to choose from, everyone with different likes and dislikes.

For dinner we had Tacos. Olivia liked them. It is not as easy to find all ingredients here.

We decided to look at two other houses tonight from the outside in the town next to the one where we stay in to get some more options.

The weather forecast is sunny for tomorrow and showers starting on Sunday at noon. The way it looks like we will have a break from looking at houses this weekend. If Olivia is better tomorrow we will visit Karl (the son of Oma's aunt) by Dortmund (approx one hour from here).

While we have now internet we have some challenges to find time for skype as we are either sleeping, eating or looking at houses. Olivia had hoped today to skype with Bella, Lindsay and Cece/Derek but bedtime came too fast after dinner.

Trouble didn't escape yet but is slowly destroying the furniture in the living room.

That's all for today

Stefan for Rikki, Livi, Trouble and I

Thursday, September 9, 2010 7:02 PM German Time

Dear Friends and Family,

Today we take a break from house hunting.

We saw two houses yesterday. The first one was a house where a famous Brasilian soccer player lived with his 5 kids. We met the kids but didn't really understand how they fit in two bedrooms and a basement. The rooms were too small for us although the yard and the location was awesome.

The second house was really impressive inside as all rooms were big and in good condition nevertheless the current renter is not sure if he would be able to move out in October. Ideally we would like to move into a house Oct 1st, the latest Nov 1st.

Olivia caught a cold yesterday and would not fall asleep before we gave him some Tylenol. Unfortunately it took us until 1 am to get that idea.

She is better today but Rikki has cancelled her first play date this morning and they are watching movies the whole day. Luckily we got a portable DVD player.

We just searched online for new houses and have found a few new ones. One we will look at tomorrow at 3 pm and another one on Monday at 6 pm.

We are also a little bit challenged with our furnished apartment but we are supposed to get a new dishwasher tomorrow morning at 7.30 am and maybe also a new dryer as both items could not be repaired

So much for today

Stefan

Tuesday, September 7, 2010 9:54 PM German Time

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia did awesome today. She napped during house hunting for two hours today. Rikki and Co looked at one house this morning and then we all looked at another house tonight which Rikki saw already yesterday. So far we have not yet decided on a house but there are several options, of course none is perfect.

For lunch they had stone oven pizza and for dinner we had kebap.

Rikki was able to work out again today.

More tomorrow

Stefan

Monday, September 6, 2010 10:30 PM German Time

Dear Friends and Family,

Olivia slept well last night and didn't wake up before 8 am. She is sleeping on a matress on the ground and she would turn several times during the night until she finds her perfect position.

While I am at an offsite meeting today and tomorrow, Rikki continues to look at houses. Today she looked at two she liked. One she only saw from the outside and the other one from inside as well. The second one we will see tomorrow night while she sees the first one tomorrow morning from the inside.

Rikki also worked out today (Turbo Fire) - thanks to the motivation by Susan!

Tonight our dishwasher was repaired and we got a dryer. So slowly we are set up in our temorary apartment.

Rikki even found some time today to skype Grandpa, Grandma, Meggie and Dave in Whistler.

Olivia did awesome today but her bedtime was slightly delayed tonight due to all the ongoing activities with the dishwasher and dryer.

That's a quick update for today ... Now it's bedtime

Stefan

Sunday, September 5, 2010 5:32 PM German Time

Dear Friends and Family,

Today is the first day where we have not looked at houses.

The morning started with a visit to an English speaking church in Duesseldorf.

Then we had pasta with home made meat sauce (a small challenge in a kitchen without any spices) for lunch.

After that we went for a long walk to a nearby lake with and adventure park. Livi had a lot of fun. We had to go back as Livi has Sunday school at the church today from 4.30 pm to 6 pm. Luckily it's only 10 min to the church from our temporary apartment.

Tomorrow I will be at an offsite meeting overnight, while Rikki will continue to look at houses. We have identified 7 more houses to look at. So far we have not found our dream house.

Trouble, the cat has well adjusted to the new place and the airplane ride and is very snuggly. Last night she slept on my feet the whole night long.

Enjoy your Sunday

Stefan for Rikki, Olivia, Trouble and I

Saturday, September 4, 2010 8:22 PM German Time

Dear Friends and Family,

Our first weekend in Germany. Olivia could not sleep last night, so we watched TV until 11 pm. Then she slept until this morning. We had to rush this morning to get to our first house. Good location, great backyard (Livi harvested rasberries and got five apples) but some concerns inside. The biggest that the stairs to the upstairs are not tall enough (my head still hurts) and that probably our bed doesn't fit through the door upstairs.

After a walk (where we saw fresh eggs sold from a farm) we went to the Greek restaurant again. I was there already twice before and Rikki, Oma, Opa and Livi were here on Thursday. Not as good as our Greek restaurant in Baiersdorf or Oakville but convenient located.

After looking at another house we then went to a bigger grocery store (Livi called it "Costco") and then went home for dinner.

Livi washed her Lovi today and then dried it with the hairdryer as we do not have a dryer (yet).

Livi and Rikki just went to bed.

All the best

Stefan

Friday, September 3, 2010 8:15 PM German Time

Dear Friends and Family,

Olivia was challenged with jetlag last night. As a consequence mama and she watched a movie at midnight.

Stefan drove with the BMW from Baiersdorf to the temporary apartment in 3 1/2 hours. The highway was relativly empty due to the ongoing school break in Bavaria.

Olivia welcomed Daddy home with "hi, how was your trip". Then she saw the candy necklace and said "oh candy necklace! I send one to Bobbi-Jo, one to Wyatt, one to Lindsay and one for me. I love candy necklaces ... Oh three ... Can you send two to Bobbi-Jo in Korea and can I open one?"

We went to the city office to register with the city as it is mandatory in Germany. We also bought an internet stick, so Rikki is back online.

After a quick pizza lunch we all went to look at two houses. Livi had a hard time as she was really tired and didn't sleep enough last night. As a result she fell asleep on the way home and then didn't want to eat dinner.

Now she came back out saying "I am done sleeping. I need my mom!" and is eating nuts.

All the best

Stefan for Rikki, Olivia, Trouble and I

Thursday, September 2, 2010 9:36 PM German Time

Dear Friends and Family,

Trouble ensured that we get enough fresh air. Last night she was suddenly gone. We looked through the whole apartment and could not find her. Our conclusion was that she jumped through the open bathroom window onto the roof and then from there into the yard. We walked around the house meowing but no cat. We gave up looking for her and went to bed. In the middle of the night she suddenly jumped on the bed. She didn't get out she only found the perfect hidding space. We are still not sure where.

This morning Rikki and Olivia continued to sleep as Stefan went to the airport.

While Stefan went to a meeting in Erlangen, Opa, Oma, Rikki and Olivia looked at houses in the Krefeld area and had dinner at a Greek restaurant.

We also got pants and cutlery today in our apartment.

That's all for the day

Stefan

Thursday, September 1, 2010 8:04 PM German Time

Dear Friends and Family,

We left officially at 5.43 pm Northamerica. We have been the last 7 years here, first in California, then Pennsylvannia and the last three years in Ontario.

As we departed Olivia said good bye: "good by Derek, good bye Cece, good bye Laurra, good by Joe, good by Lindsay, good bye Madeline, good by Susu, good bye Anna, goos bye Bobbi-Jo, good bye Wyatt, good by Steve, good bye Grandpa, good bye Grandma ..."
She has a really good memory for names.

She watched two movies (incl. the new Shrek) and then finally fell asleep.

The arrival in Frankfurt went easy as well. Nobody was interested in Trouble or our 7 suitcases and a carseat. Thanks to Joey's wrapping skill the car seat was well protected. On the other side it took us some effort to unwrap it.

We came in a little bit late and our luggage took time as well, as a result our driver was already waiting for us with a nice big van. We could have brought more suitcases!

Olivia watched "Kung Fu Panda" on the backseat on the portable DVD player ("her laptop")

Then we all napped in our apartment. The apartment worked out well beside of smaller issues like no pots, no pans, no cutlery. But we we're told we would get them tomorrow.

Oma Inge and Opa Gerhard arrived and woke us up. After unpacking we went shopping for the first basic ingredients. Then we had a fabolous dinner in Ratingen. The city has a great pedestrian area with many restaurants.

That's all for today

Stefan

Wednesday, August 31, 2010 4:44 PM EST (Boston Time)

Dear Friends and Family,

Today is the day. Our plane is scheduled to leave at 5.05 pm.

Olivia: "I am leaving today"
Derek: "I know"
Olivia: "In the plane for an hour"

We had scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes and toast for breakfast.

After that Laurra went for an Ultrasound while the girls (Rikki, Livi and Cece) went to a local farm to see horses, goats and other animals.

We had KFC for lunch followed by the ... I guess you can guess it .. Ice cream cake.

A quick nap and off we went to the airport. Joe helped us to get our 8 pieces of luggage (7 suitcases and one carseat) in. A little bit over 400 pounds together with our carry ones. The flight was very full, so they offered us an upgrade to business class for $300 per person (the upgrade for the cat was free). We had to take the cat out at security and then we went to the lounge. Olivia made already a friend at check in as we took quite a while to get everything accomplished. In the lounge she entertained the other travelers with her toys.

We got some food at the airport (Chicken Finger and Burger) and off we went.

Olivia was totally excited in her business class seat while Trouble watched from the overhead bin sligthly confused and scared. We were told that she has to be in the overhead bin for starting and landing but luckily we got her her own bin.

Let's hope that the remaining part of our travel goes as easy

All the best

Stefan for Rikki, Olivia, Trouble and I

Monday, August 30, 2010 7:12 PM CDT

Dear Friends and Family,

Last night we skyped Melissa in the Philipines and Anna in Korea. Philipines is 12 hours ahead and Korea 13 hours (Monday morning). And Americans always think America is ahead!

As we came the first time to Laurra and Joe in Braintree we would go to Regina two or three times in the same number of days. Then we came to the conclusion that it is easier to go one time and buy more pizza and then re-heat it as it is still worldclass even if reheated. So the regular game is to see who warms up a pizza first. Bets were on tomorrow morning, but then Joey broke the ground and warmed up one pizza slice at 7.45 pm last night after pulled pork and icecream. Rikki followed approx. An hour later while Stefan preferred an refill on his icecream.

I also need to do some corrections. The BMW is a 530d (I believe ...) and not a 560d and Jil's correct name is Lil. For some reason I tend to call her Jil. And I also misspelled Bobbi-Jo's name. Sorry for all of that.

This morning we were lucky as we got Joe's home made waffles for breakfast.

Then Joe and I went to get the Yukon registrated in Massachusset (halfway successful) while the girls (and Derek) enjoyed the backyard. We had Regina's pizza for lunch and then it was naptime.

At that time we had 5 suitcases packed. Now exactly 250 pounds. Luckily we have a big car to get to the airport.

After nap Derek, Cece and Livi played (more or less friendly).

We had home made tacos and echiladas for dinner (Thanks again to Laurra) followed by our famous ice cream cake which Joe managed to sneak into the house without anybody seeing.

After dinner all kids went biking across the street. Olivia for the first time liked to rid a scooter.

Last event was an open air bath for all kids in the backyard at 90 degree F. It will be quite a change tomorrow to fly from 90+ degree F in Boston to 60 degree F in Duesseldorf. Good bye summer (another good bye), hello fall!

Rikki said that it hit her that it will hit her~ tomorrow that we are really leaving Northamerica. Sounds confusing, doesn't it?

That's it for today.

Stefan for All of us

PS: We hope that Sue feels better again tomorrow

Sunday, August 29, 2010 6:47 PM EST

Dear Friends and Family,

We had a wonderful morning. Everybody woke up happy, we had our favourite Semolina bread for breakfast (which our grocery store in Washington and Pennsylvannia covered but we could not find in Oakville) and off we went.

Rikki, Laurra, Cece, Derek and Olivia went garage "sailing" as we dicovered we still have space in our luggage. Stefan packed the first 3 1/2 suitcases (approx 170 pounds) and Joey worked in the backyard. I am not sure how Anna can fly to Korea with 2 kids for 8 months with 8 suitcases only when we need 7 to bridge us for 4-5 weeks in Germany until our container arrives. Oh well!

The first garage sale delivery brought a curious george book, a cd case and some toys as well as costums. Livi and Cece were dropped off as they were cranky. They then played on the swingset in the backyard which Joey got for free from craigslist.

As they finally came back from the yard sales we ordered Regina's. Best pizza in North End since 1926. First the police closed the highway for a motorbike parade and then there was Saint Anthony's Fiest (one of the larger ones) in Northend but nothing stops us from getting Regina's. We saw a high noon firework in Boston and there were street vendors everywhere.

The afternoon started, after we all ate too much pizza with a quick skype call with Rebecca in Pennsylvania and then continued with a pool party at 91 degree F (33 Grad C) in the backyard. Papa came over again and watched Rikki and the kids laying in the pool.

After the kids napped we focused our attention on dinner. Food is important in our family. Dinner was homemade pulled pork by Laurra followed by ice cream. We discussed going to the ice cream parlor with cows next door but the way to the freezer was shorter.

We packed some boxes for a post office run tomorrow. Two to Cousin Bella, one to Bobby-Joe and Wyatt in South Korea and one for Uncle Jon.

Aunt Meggie and Cousin Bella skyped tonight. We are excited that they found a house in Anacortes. Everybody seems to move.

Having said that we moved in front of the TV.

That's all for a non eventful Sunday

Stefan for Rikki, Olivia, Trouble and I

Saturday, August 28, 2010 7:36 PM EST

Dear Friends and Family,

After swimming in the pool and getting her head under water, Olivia skyped last night Oma and Opa in Germany (at 00.30 am local time), Aunt Meggie in Seattle (at 3.30 pm local time), Bobby-Joe, Wyatt and Anna in Korea (at 11.30 am local time one day ahead) and Cece, Derek, Joey and Laurra in Boston (finally the same time zone!) Skype is great. Olivia doesn't understand time zones yet and was surprised that Bella only takes a nap although she has to go to night time and that Bobby Joe wished her a good morning. Luckily you can not wake somebody up with skype.

This morning Olivia had her favourite breakfast: waffles with maple sirup. Unfortunately (or luckily) she didn't discover maple sirup until we left Canada. This is almost like Rikki who was for years in Germany and only started to like sausages as we left. Nevertheless maple sirup is easier to transport - there are approx 15 (small) bottles in our container (you wonder why not everything fit??).

Olivia also will have a surprise in Germany with air condition. The first thing she asks for is A/C. She doesn't understand heat yet. Instead she says warm A/C (this morning as we went shopping it was cold in the car and she said "can I get warm A/C?").

Despite of getting up at 6 am (actually late today) we didn't leave the hotel before 9 am.

In the car Olivia chose "Sunrock Kids Rock" as her first CD and we listened to the songs from her last year's summer camp as we drove along I-90 with no clouds in the air and beautiful pink flowers on the side of the road.

Olivia has already seen several states of the US:
1) Pennsylvania
2) Maryland
3) Virginia
4) Ohio
5) New York
6) New Jersey
7) Delaware
8) Connecticut
9) New Hampshire
10) Rhode Island
11) Maine
12) Massachusetts
13) Michigan
14) Indiana
15) Illinois
And of course
16) Washigton State

I probably forgot the one or other state.

She also was in British Columbia, in Ontario and in Quebec as well as in Germany and Mexico already.

We had our daily starbucks fix and then sandwiches with cheese, turkey and avocado for lunch.

We listened to "Twinkle Twinkle little star" in the car while we had lunch which reminded us of our drive with Aunt Jenny to Jason's wedding (into the sunset of New York State).

After lunch we had Maple Leaf cookies from Lil. Of course Olivia dipped them into her remaining cappuccino. She loves to dip her cookies into cappuccino (= foamed soy milk).

At 11.41 am we crossed over the Hudson River, some 140 miles North of New York City and entered Massachusetts. Yabbadabbadu! Only 157 miles away from Boston! Derek, Cece, Laurra, Joey, Sammy and Regina (the best pizza in North End!!).

Fall already arrived in Massachussetts. There are several trees along the highway already with leaves turning red and yellow.

We stopped at the Lee Outlets right after we entered Massachussetts and did some shopping while Trouble, our cat got fried in the car. We got a snowsuit for Livi, some leggins, dresses and Halloween outfits, of course Harry and David's chocolate covered berries, a wintercoat for myself and more chocolate covered berries. Somebody has to finance the dental industry! I like shopping at Outlets. We are preferred customer at various kids stores. Just giving them our name gives us 20% off! It's almost like christmas in August!

Livi expressed in the following way that she only likes the blue berries:
"If I get bigger Mami, I don't like the red ones anymore. I actually do not link the pink ones either."

Finally after over 3 hours we left the outlet mall and continued our way on I-90 to Boston - 130 miles left.

At 3.15 pm Livi went down for her nap. She didn't nap yesterday and it is always a challenge in the evening if she doesn't nap.

She napped for 1 1/4 hours and after she woke up we were quickly in Braintree. We love the area. The temperature was 10 degrees more and it was beautiful dry heat. Perfect for getting Regina's tomorrow and sitting the whole day in the backyard.

We had yummy dinner and even better desert - Boston Cream Pie and Icecream Cake (thanks to Laurra, Joe and Papa). Derek and Cece loved the waterguns we brought and there was a heavy gunfire in the backyard for a while until all kids were more or less wet. Only Joey's waterbombs outperformed the guns.

Olivia kept one waterbomb for her girlfriend Lindsay and only dumped it (rather quickly) after we told her we would watch Toy Story 2.

All the best from Braintree, MA

Stefan, Rikki, Olivia and Trouble the cat

Friday, August 27, 2010 5:14 PM EST

Dear Friends and Family,

At 8.21 am this morning we said our final "good bye" to Oakville and took QEW for a last time South towards the US border.

Yesterday went very well. The container was loaded at approx 3 pm, but unfortunately we had some boxes left at the end of the container. 17 lonely boxes were brought to the shippers warehouse and are supposed to find their way seperate over the ocean. Let's see if and when we will see these again. Jil and Tina helped cleaning the house while Mimi watched Olivia. Neighbors dropped by to say good bye and offer food (we must have looked hungry). After swimming in the hotel pool with Livi, Rikki visited Susan in the evening for a heartbreaking good-bye.

Our container will leave Halifax on Sep. 3rd and is supposed to arrive in Bremerhaven on Sep. 13. I hope customs doesn't open our container. If they do, they will first be hit by our patio table which was squeezed in at the end and then by several pounds of rocks as we moved all our California rocks (incl. The large one Jenny and Dad brought back somewhere around Yosemite)

We imported our car to the US at 10.41 am and then stopped for an early lunch at our favourite Mexican restaurant close to the Buffalo airport. While daddy ordered "Speedy Gonzales" and Mama her "Chicken Taco Salad" Olivia got a full size Chicken Enchilda meal with rice, no lettuce, no tomatoes and extra sour cream. Afterwards she was the fasted to respond to the waiter's question about desert and ordered "Fried icecream". We will probably not get such a treat soon again.

It seems like we needed 3 1/2 years to finally loose Livi's "Lovi' (her rabbit she got for her birth from Kurt Zambetti). As Livi was ready for car nap after lunch her Lovi was missing in action. We didn't find her neither in Livi's nor in Rikki's suitcase. She might be somewhere else in the car or left at the hotel. The hotel didn't find her. Back up Lovi No 1 was well accepted by Livi (who ever gave us the tip to buy a back up, was smart).

We will drop off our Yukon at Laurra and Joey in Boston and then fly out on Aug 31st to Frankfurt/ Germany where we will be picked up by a company driver and brought to our furnished apartment in Krefeld. My parents will join us on Sep 1st and help us to find a house.

Our Yukon served as well. We drove over 100,000 miles with it. We drove several times from San Jose to Seattle to drop of Jesse and visit family and friends. We drove from California to Pennsylvannia (with Jesse and Bagheera), stopping at Aunt Jan and Uncle Buck in Phoenix, AZ, the Hillis's in Atlanta, Georgia, more Hillis's in Lexington, KY and the Moxley's in Ohio. We did also numerous roadtrips on the Westcoat, Eastcoast and in Canada. Yesterday the owner of our gas station said that the Yukon is the best car ever built by an American company.

I will fly on Sep 2nd to Nuremberg for a business meeting and drive back Sep 3rd with our first car (BMW 560d). Krefeld is approx 5 hours from my parents.

We left Buffalo at 12.15 and took I-90 East, a highway we have travelled many times in both directions, last time to Jon and Ami's wedding in Maine.

We stopped at the Clifton Springs raststation (the first rast station on I 90 after we left Buffalo who serves Starbucks) to get Starbucks for everybody.

Of course what would be a drive down I-90 without a stop at the Waterloo Premium Outlets. There is still some space left in the car although not much.

It was the first time (but probably not the last time) that Livi's shoes were more expensive as Rikki's. Nevertheless 4 pair of shoes, two boxes of chocolate covered berries and two slices of pizza later we are back on the road. As we went in Harry and David's Olivia said "Mami, I am hungy, I do not want junk food, I want real food". That was the first time that she said that she was hungry and wanted real food (Does pizza qualify as real food?).

We arrived at our hotel in Syracuse at around 4.40 pm. This hotel is better for us but worse for the cat as she can't hide under the bed. She sits totally scared at the edge of the bed under the bedskirt. This morning we had to take the half hotel room apart to get her in her cage. Luckily we will not have to repeat this tomorrow morning.

Last time we were here with Dad as we visited Melissa and family in Cooperstown, NY. The hotel didn't have their famous waffles for breakfast and some other issues. As a result we got a free night which we use now (again room 102).

The original Lovi showed up again in one of the many bags we brought in (actually in the toy bag Lil gave Livi on the last day), so we have the one and only back. Having the original and the back up laying next to each other on the bed we can clearly see a different white. One is clean (snow) white (right after it snowed), the other is more grey (like when the snow starts to look dirty after two weeks on the ground).

Olivia and Rikki are getting ready to go swimming, then is bedtime. Olivia wants to skype Susan before bedtime. Tomorrow we are heading towards Boston to Laurra and Joey with one more stop at another outlet mail which we discovered last time at the MA/NY border. We might need a refill on the chocolate covered berries.

That's all for the day

All the best from Syracuse, NY

Stefan for Rikki, Livi, Trouble and I

Monday, February 15, 2010 7:00 PM EST

For the records:

Sunday, February 14, 2010: Olivia’s first sleepover (almost) – Her friends Ethan and Emma spent the afternoon and the half night as their parents attended a wedding

Since approx. one week Olivia is potty trained (durin the day)

Monday, February 8, 2010 5:00 PM EST

For the records:

Monday, February 8, 2010: Olivia’s first dentist visit

Her teeth are spectacular. No cavities, no concern …

Stefan

Sunday, February 7, 2010 10:30 AM EST

Dear Friends and Family,

The whole family is sick at home this weekend. Olivia likes being sick as we watch movies. She loves Barney, Boz, The Lady and the Tramp and currently we watch Christmas Movie (no we do not have any snow! w have sun, blue sky and freezing cold temperature)

Looking at possible movies to watch, Olivia pulled out Jungle Book. Her words were:
“When I get older, when I get very bigger, I can watch this one. It is scary.”
She doesn’t like Shere Khan (the tiger).

This morning was cute as well. We had some leftover cake. Olivia asked for a second piece and said “I feel cakey today!”

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Monday, January 25, 2010 8:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

This week we have visitors – Grandma, Aunt Meggie and Cousin Bella! Olivia is absolutely excited. So excited that naps don’t happen and she can’t sleep in the night. Last night she insisted on sleeping in the big bed. Which means she slept and Rikki and I were awake. Today seems to be better. She napped this afternoon, after Rikki tired her out at Busy Bodies (Indoor Playground) and she is in bed (sleeping) tonight since 7 pm.

She continues to be very helpful. “May I help you?” is her standard sentence independent whether we mop, cook, make orange juice or empty the dishwasher.

Most times in the morning she is having eggs (two or three), she switches between scrambled, poached eggs and sunny side up. She also like rolls with peanut butter or butter (depending on the day) and wheat toast. Lately she wakes up and ask for a cino (cappuccino) first (steamed milk).

She likes to play with Bella and both of them like to chase Trouble, the cat around. By the way, Trouble has applied for a name change as she doesn’t make any trouble anymore. I guess we are back in the name game.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

* * * HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY, OLIVIA JOY * * *

Wednesday, January 6, 2010 7:00 PM EST

To Opa:

Our first day back from Germany, Livi came into the living room where I was
taking down Christmas decorations and screamed, "Mom, komm mit!" ("Mom come
with me!").

After naps, she chased the cat Trouble around the downstairs screaming, "Du
lasst dass!" ("Leave that alone!")

Tonight in the bath tub she sang: “Oh Weihnachtsbaum, Oh Weihnachtsbaum, wie gruen sind deine Blaetter” (Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree, ...)

So there's your 3 sentences Opa. Her Deutsch kommt noch.

~ Rikki

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 7:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

We are back home in Oakville. The flight home from Frankfurt was Olivia’s best flight ever. Movies all you can watch (on the airline screen and laptop -> Nemo) and chocolate all you can eat were the perfect approach.
She walked all by herself across Frankfurt and Toronto airport.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Thursday, December 24, 2009 3:00 PM Germany

Dear Friends & Family,

We made it to Germany. We heard that Santa Claus will come as soon as Olivia wakes up. Olivia enjoys being with her Oma and Opa and is generous with hugs and kisses. This morning we went to the Christkindlesmarkt in Forchheim where Olivia rod a horse (actually three times, first she wanted to hold Mamaäs hand, then she didnät want to stop).

Merry Christmas

Rikki & Stefan

Sunday, December 20, 2009 6:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

We are getting ready for Christmas in Germany. The snow is already there. It seems like as there is snow chaos everywhere (East Coast, London, Germany …) but not in Oakville.

Olivia is growing up fast. Since three days (Dec 15th, 2009 for the records) she is taking her daily evening bath alone. Mommy was able to convince her today again to take a bath together.

She loves to play with cups in the bathtub and she pours water from one cup to the next. Two days ago she started to pour a cup of water over her hair. The water of the first cup missed her head. The second time it run down on the back and she said “It makes me strong”. The next cup was emptied to close to the front and run over her eyes. Her comment was “Me all done being strong”.

Olivia frequently greets Mommy and Daddy during the day with “Hi, how are you today?”

Tuesday night we will be flying to Germany. Hopefully Olivia does well on the flight. We flew with Air Canada to Seattle over Thanksgiving (we actually flew to Vancouver and Grandpa picked us up) and Olivia enjoyed the personal monitor she had on her seat. She watched the “Treehouse” channel almost the whole flight. This time we fly Lufthansa to Germany – no personal monitor. On the way back we have Air Canada again.

Merry Christmas!

Love, Rikki & Stefan

Sunday, November 29, 2009 3:00 PM PST (Seattle)

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia is almost three years old. Her birthday will be on Jan. 12, 2010. She is talking well and getting her points across. Sometimes she repeats words somebody has said a few days later. An interesting thing.

Some of her more recent verbal exchanges were:

Stefan: “Can I have some of your chocolate”
Olivia: “ Why don’t you ask Grandpa to share?”


Stefan: “Can I have some of your chocolate?"
Olivia: “ No, it makes you sick”



She also learns quickly how to get things.

Olivia: “May I hold your chapstick?”
Answer: “Yes, you may”
Olivia: “May I use your chapstick?”
Answer: “Yes, you may”
Olivia: “Is this your only chapstick?

Olivia had an All-American Day on Friday. First Grandpa bought her a Hot Dog at the mall and then she ate Doritos in the car on her way home. The next day she said, that her tummy hurt, but we are not sure if it is because of Hot dogs and Doritos or because she had no dinner that night.

Olivia is too busy to play in Seattle, so food is not always a priority. Exceptions are made for candy, chocolate and chapsticks.

Olivia enjoys Seattle, her family and friends. There is always somebody to play with and Grandpa takes her on fun adventures. This morning they rode a train into Downtown Seattle. Unconfirmed eye witness reports talk about that Livi had her first espresso today. It seems like that her standard Starbucks order of “Kids Soy Milk – Foam only” had some espresso in it.

She sleeps well and also got used to sleep in the car for her mid day naps. Night time is as usual between 6 and 7 pm, but the mornings are a little bit earlier than usual between 4 am and 6 am.

Yesterday she woke up in the car (after we came back from the cabin) and right away asked to play with Bella. She is totally excited to be with Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Jenny and Uncle Mark as well as Aunt Meggie and Uncle Dave. She misses her Uncle Jon and Ami, which she frequently mentions. Rikki passes on the family stories, so every time we pass a Hilton Hotel, Olivia asks “Jon here?”

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Helllooo!

Five years ago (I’m 2!) my sister Naomi Ruth was borned. Horray! Then died. All done! I just love my sister a lot! It’s fun sending her up bubbles and balloons and baking a cake on her birthday. She won’t come to us to eat her cake, Mom says, we’ll have to go to her. Not today, though. Later.

Mom cries on Naomi’s birthday. Wishes I had my sister to live with, I guess. I’ll get other siblings, though. Later.

Praise the Lord! Hallelujah! Happy Birthday Sister!
~ Olivia Joy



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


An excerpt from our Boehmer Family Profile
Written for birth mother seeking adoptive parents for her child:

Dear Birthmother,

We, too, have handed over our child. That single moment of passing our precious newborn into the hands of another, never to be held in our arms again, is an experience we wish on no one. The resulting grief journey and spiritual development has been invaluable and made us better people, no doubt, but our hearts’ desire is to spare you and your child that pain. One thing helped us survive. Imagining our child snuggled up in God’s arms, face buried in His chest, cheeks wet with His tears; we would sigh and remember… she’s alright.

This picture is Rikki holding our firstborn for the first time. It depicts far more than a parent’s love for her child or our love for ours. It shows God’s love for His. It portrays precisely how closely God held us in the years following our child’s death. How He lifted us into His arms, laid our weakened heads upon His chest, wrapped us in the Love of our Father, and cried and prayed for us when we didn’t have the strength. Racked with grief from separation, we were weak as newborn babes. God became our strength. In time, He set us down and we were able to walk again. Eventually laugh again. And now we look back at that time of utter dependence on God as one of the sweetest experiences in life.

We offer you precious little in comparison to what God offers. But should you pass your precious child into our arms, we will hold your child as closely as God held us. We will lift your child into our lives, cradle it to our hearts, wrap ourselves in the love of God, cry and pray and praise. We will love your child unceasingly, unabashedly and unconditionally, giving your child everything we have to ensure its success and wellbeing. We will set your child down, in time, to walk through the reality of relinquishment. We will help your child learn to love through loss. And as your child grows and babbles and bounces and eventually blossoms into a beautiful, caring, rich, and considerate adult, we hope it will console you to know… your child is alright.

Beloved Birthmother, we appreciate the gravity of the decision you now face. It is a momentous expression of love to hand over a child voluntarily. Putting the best interest of your child above your own is an honorable legacy to pass on. We stand in awe of your sacrifice. We are humbled by your courage. May God hold you, dear Sister, as closely as He held us. May His arms of Scripture embrace you, may your mind nestle near His heart, may His unrelenting Love comfort, encourage, and strengthen you. And may your utter dependence on Him allow you, too, to one day reflect upon this tender time as one of the sweetest experiences in life.

Godspeed,
Rikki & Stefan

Monday, August 31, 2009 10:00 PM EST

Olivia looked at herself in the mirror today and shouted "me are you!" full of excitement....

Saturday, August 22, 2009 3:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Oma and Opa are here and Olivia is enjoying the days with them. “Me no Opa touch me” when Opa tickles her or “Me no Opa smile me” when Opa takes a picture are typical sentences. Between tickles and smiles, she loves to chase mama or dada through the mall (“me chase dada”).

We have uploaded a few new pictures

Love, Stefan

Sunday, June 28, 2009 8:45 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

We survived a busy week. I assume Grandpa Jack is sitting on his plane thinking he needs a vacation now. We build a tree house, went to the African Safari park, to the Ontario Science Center, to Niagara Falls, the petting zoo and toured Toronto. Jack also enjoyed watching Livi at the YMCA swim class after Rikki made him bicycle there. Between we had neighbors over and BBQed. Yesterday Andreas Mueller came to visit. His parents were in our small group in Germany and he is currently in Hoffman Estates, Chicago for an internship. He will stay until Tuesday.

Olivia loved Grandpa and was very sad that he had to leave. Luckily he borrowed one of our car keys and we had to get back to the airport to pick them up. Livi was able to say one more time “Good Bye”. Grandpa come back, bitte!
I am not sure what Jenny did with Olivia but Olivia keeps taking about her and the bow-wows (doggies). Livi is convinced that Jenny is coming next.

The treehouse is one of a kind. It all started with Grandpa talking loud about a treehouse for Olivia. Coincidentally we found a slide at a yardsale and this was the beginning. Grandpa was not happy if he couldn’t go to Home Depot at least twice per day (sometimes three days). He was on the search for the perfect screw for the roof for two days screening every hardware store in the area. They already know him at Home Depot when he walks in and ask him about the progress on his tree house.

This weekend was the Oakville Waterfront Festival. Friday night Livi was still not too excited, but then on Saturday afternoon she enjoyed all the rides (and the icecream!).

Olivia also discovered chewing gum (“Me gum, bitte”). She is pretty good in giving it back to us once she is finished.

Love,

Stefan

Saturday, June 20, 2009 6:00 AM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

This is a long overdue update. We have been busy with our new cat. We picked up the little black one from the Oakville Animal Shelter. She is more snuggly than we expected and not shy of strangers. She is also not shy of open doors and already has made a few attempts to run out the front door when we were leaving or coming in.

Since Thursday we have a visitor. Olivia is totally excited that Grandpa Jack is here.
Yesterday they went to the African Safari Park and enjoyed the drive through the park, the elephant bath, the boat ride as well as the train ride. Olivia loved it and was so tired that she slept on the way home.

More will follow

Stefan

P.S.: Olivia is up since 5.30 this morning and watching "Frosty" with Grandpa on his laptop.

Sunday, June 7, 2009 7:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Today we went for the second time to the Oakville animal shelter.
We are looking for a new cat since Bagheera died. We saw a nice one at our vet but Rikki wasn’t sure whether she is the right one. Stefan was already ready to take him home. So yesterday we went for the first time to the animal shelter and focused on two cute cats.
The first one is Velvet. She is small and totally black with green eyes. She is shy but purrs and was surprisingly open for petting. She is approx 1-2 years old and was found together with her litter (somebody must have dropped them after she gave birth to a bunch of kitties). She is already since several months in the shelter.
The second one is Olivia’s favorite. His name is Matlock and he is approx 10 month old. He is very playful and was absolutely not shy. He was not much purring, but he accepted anything we did with him without any complaints (picking up, turning around etc)).
Unfortunately Matlock is already reserved for one family. In case they do not want him, we will take him.
Today we went back to play with the two cats more. Olivia and Matlock are really a team (”no, my toy” didn’t really help to keep Matlock away). Velvet is very shy and hides when Olivia approaches her (screaming and ready to put a cat toy up her nostrils).
We just heard from them that the other family plans to come in on Tuesday to decide if they take Matlock. So we will need to wait a few more hours.
We had a quite day today. The weather is cooler than yesterday although we didn’t see the announced rain (beside of two drops).

We are excited that Jack will visit us in 10 days. This is awesome. He wants to build as tree house for Livi. On the other side we are sad that Ana and Lothar are not able to visit us end of June. They didn’t expect that Ana needs a visa for Canada and that that takes up to 4 weeks. Yikes.

End of July we might get our long awaited beach vacation. Meg & David have an annual family beach vacation on the Outerbanks. We hope that they have a room for us. If so, we will join them and introduce Olivia to the beach of North Carolina. At the same time we would have the opportunity to spend more time with Bella, Olivia’s cousin!

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Thursday, June 4, 2009 7:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Today – June 4th, 2009 – was the last day of Bagheera, the cat. The vet detected a lump a few weeks ago on her back leg. We had her scheduled for surgery next Monday but realized as we came back from Boston this Tuesday that the mass was growing pretty fast. We moved the surgery up and brought her in today. We got a call around 10 am that the surgeon could not remove the lump as it had spread.

Bagheera was born on July 1st, 2004 and was a “loan” from Melissa for a week after Naomi died. For some unknown reason the week never ended. Melissa said this was all part of the plan and I should have known that we wouldn’t return the kitten. Oh well.

She drove with Jesse (the dog) and us from California to Seattle to spend winter of 2004/05 in Washington State. Rikki’s sister Meg was so nice to take care of her while we travelled to Korea. She also drove with us across the U.S as we moved from California to Pennsylvania and enjoyed stops at many relatives in Sun City, Atlanta, Lexington and more. Her last big move was from Pennsylvania to Canada. The lump must have started shortly after our move as she got very shy and scared. She never was the friendliest cat, but usually she would come down in Pennsylvania and hang out with us in the living room. I am sure she never forgot our house in Chester Springs, where she caught several mice (or better said served them to us – almost every time we came back from vacation we had a mouse in our bedroom – most of the time dead).

The last few weeks she was very snugly and even Olivia could pet her a few times. Almost every night she would come up on our bed to get petted. Olivia and she would compete to see who could wake us up in the morning. Sometimes Olivia was sooner, sometimes it was Bagheera.

We spent the last weekend in Boston visiting Laurra, Joe, Derek, Cece & Sammy (the dog). May 31st, 2009 was another important day. It was the day where Olivia received her first marriage proposal and where Derek learnt that it is not so easy to find a wife. Derek and Olivia were playing as Derek asked Olivia: “If you get older, will you marry me?” Olivia’s answer was pretty straight with “no way”.
Olivia discovered this weekend for the first time chips. In the beginning she was not very interested, but after a while she started to like them and came to the conclusion “Me love chips!”.

All the best

Rikki, Stefan & Olivia Joy

Saturday, April 11, 2009 7:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Today was a busy day.

The morning started with an Easter egg hunt at Mountsberg Conservation area (http://www.hrca.on.ca/ShowCategory.cfm?subCatID=1088). Olivia had fun in the playbarn, watching various animals (young sheep, rabbits (running around free), little chicken ..) and of course the Easter Egg hunt. There were several hundred eggs in a fenced area. Each kid draws a number and had to find the egg with that number. Olivia found her egg (No 14) and received in exchange some candies … the first of the day but not the last.

After the nap we had the first BBQ of the season with burgers, sausages and fresh corn. Olivia first had sausage with spice mustard and then “that (=sausage) no senf (=mustard)”.

Surprisingly Olivia received a call from Longos, a local Italian supermarket. Olivia was there for an Easter Egg hunt on Thursday and she won the second prize.

This means after BBQ we drove to Longos. In the middle of the drive without any reason, Olivia said “Marko Seattle” and then a minute later “big plane”. She thinks often of Marko (she mentioned him at least three times today). At Longos she got a nice Easter basket with chocolate eggs and a chocolate Bunny in the middle. Her friend Ethan invited her to the Easter egg hunt, so we dropped by Ethan and Olivia gave him the chocolate bunny (“big”) and a few eggs. Ethan shared a few of his Easter eggs with Olivia and Olivia had chocolate for the second time today.

On the way home we drove through Oakville and something must have reminded her of the afternoon with Ami and Jon before Christmas as she suddenly said “Ami” and then “Me hug Jonny”.

Stefan

Wednesday, April 8, 2009 9:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia had another well-check today at our family doctor.

Her stats were as follow:

91 cm length – 95 percentile
15 kg – 97 percentile

The doctor was a little bit concerned that Olivia gained quite some weight, but then her weight was taken with cloths on. And of course we know she has a healthy appetite.

Her weight has developed as follows:
04/08/09: 15kg – 97 percentile
07/14/08: 11 kg (24 lbs) – 50 percentile
04/15/08: 10.46 kg (23 lbs) – 50 percentile
08/24/07: 19 pounds 12 ounces – 90 percentile
06/18/07: 17 pounds 13 ounces
05/01/07: 15 pounds 0 ounces – 75-90 percentiles
03/30/07: 13 pounds 5 ounces - 90 percentile
02/13/07: 10 pounds 9 ounces – 50-75 percentiles
01/30/07: 9 pounds 4 ounces
01/16/07: 7 pounds 9 ounces

Her height has developed as follows:
04/08/09: 91 cm – 95 percentile
07/14/08: 86 cm – 97 percentile
04/15/08: 79.5 cm (31.3 inch) – 75 percentile
08/24/07: 28 ½ inch (72 cm) – of the chart (above 95 percentile)
05/01/07: 26 ¾ inches – above 95 percentile
03/30/07: 24 inches - 90 percentile
02/13/07: 23 ¼ inches – 95 percentile
01/30/07: 22 ¼ inches
01/16/07: 21 inches

Olivia wanted to go to the bakery this morning, but then decided that she would like to wait in the car (“me not out”, “me wait”).

Rikki said I should also share the onion story.

The other night we made fajitas, our fiercely-independent daughter learned about raw onions. Rikki’s answer that raw onions are "yucky" and "make you cry" was apparently not sufficient. She insisted on wanting to try the onion as she had each pepper. Not one to stifle a child's inquisitive nature, I gave her a piece. She gnawed away happily on the slice for a few seconds, actually. Then slowed. Then teared up. Then started to cry. Then rub her stinging eyes with her oniony fingers. Then wail. Onion may be the only vegetable in the garden this year she won't be requesting, "More... More... More!" of.

Stefan

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 10:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

We can not believe it, but we have not updated our webpage for 6 weeks. So many things happened in the meantime.

Rikki and Olivia went to Seattle end of February to watch the birth of Olivia's cousin Margaret Isabella Mourning (called "Bella"). Olivia loves to skype Bella ("more Bella"). They came back and we were excited to have Laurra & Joe visit us with their kids Derek and Cece as well as Sammy (the dog). We played for 10 days in and around Oakville. We already saw three times Niagara Falls this year - it looks like it could be a record year.

We just came back from Kingston (Ontario) and we are now signed up with three adoption agencies. Now the waiting game begins.

Olivia is already talking well (e.g. "shake your bootie", "me right back" & "gonna get you"�). We also have proof that she dreams in English. Last night she sat up in her crib and we watched her on the monitor screaming "Me hold the peanut butter" while she was still sleeping.

In expectation of spring we started to plant seeds indoor (bell pepper, butternut squash, beets and more). Olivia enjoyed helping and filling the planter pots with soil and putting seeds in (next time we learn to spread them evenly). Our neighbor dampened a little bit our enthusiasm as he told us it's safe to plant outdoors after May 24th. If we wait so long, we can harvest vegetables indoors in the meantime. Today it looked like spring already started but winter might not be over yet as we remember the snow we had last year in April.

Olivia learnt to kick and catch balls tonight. She enjoys playing this downstairs in the guest bedroom.

Her bedtime ritual remains the same. She takes a bath around 6.00 pm with mama, then tumbles on the bed ("big bed") with mama and papa. Tonight she learnt "ring around the rosie" and enjoyed jumping down. She enjoys finding kisses all over our bodies and screams "Found one!" then kisses the spot. She has trouble reaching the ones on her own belly though. ("No fit!").

Stefan

Sunday, February 15, 2009 2:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Lately we do not have much time for updating the webpage.

Ende of January/Beginning of February we spent two weeks in Germany with Oma and Opa. This was a quick decision after we found coincidentally cheap flights. We enjoyed Germany and Oma and Opa. We had a big get-together will all of our friends – many of them saw Olivia for the first time.

Now we are back and enjoying the visit of Melissa, Ethan and Evan before Rikki and Olivia fly to Seattle next Saturday to join Meg and Dave for the birth of their first daughter.

The weather is great. It’s sunny this weekend with temperatures around freezing. Most of the snow disappeared, but there is more in the forecast for Wednesday (10-15 cm). We are looking forward to that.

Love,

Stefan

Monday, January 12, 2009 6:00 AM EST

Happy Birthday, Olivia!!

Today Olivia celebrates her second birthday.

She was so excited that she woke up at 4 am, ready to party.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Tuesday, January 6, 2009 7:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

We are back on Canada after enjoying over two weeks in Seattle.

Olivia had so much fun with all her Aunties, Uncles and Grandparents. And of course Auntie Jenny’s dogs (“bow-wows”).

In the meantime Olivia is repeating almost every word we say. She also continues to discover new dishes. Yesterday she had for the first time “tacos”. Surprisingly she ate the meat. Today we had for dinner “tut-tuts” (pasta) with “dado” (avocado) and broccoli.

We also decided to get her used to flying. End of January we will visit Grandma Oma and Grandpa Opa for two weeks and end of February Olivia will fly together with mama to Seattle to join Auntie Meggie for the birth of Olivia’s cousin.

In her first two years of life Olivia flew four times to Seattle, one time to Germany and one time to Boston. It looks like as there are some Caribbean destinations missing.

There is still some snow left in Oakville, but Seattle and Germany both had more snow in the last week. According to the weather forecast we are looking forward to more snow (a few inches only). Olivia is excited in the snow and is waiting eagerly that we build her a “Frosty” in front of our house.

Love,

Stefan

Saturday, December 27, 2008 8:00 PM PST

Dear Friends and Family,

Olivia is enjoying her time in Seattle. She likes to be with many people and enjoys chaos (not saying that Grandpa Jack creates chaos).

Today we went to the Children’s museum in Bellevue (Factoria). Actually everybody else (Jack, Margaret, Jenny, Meg, Dave) went with Olivia and Rikki and Stefan went shopping. After Christmas sales!! As it was reported to us, Olivia had a blast. Not sure what she did, but she came back pretty wet. She just loves water.

The other day we went to Mark’s work and Olivia enjoyed Mark’s “beep-beep Autos” .

She is learning more and more words like “O-li-via”, “fire” and “menu”. She loves chocolate (oops). Today she had Hershey’s Kisses after dinner (“more cheese bitte”).

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Wednesday, December 24, 2008 4:00 PM PST

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Sunday, December 21, 2008 9:00 AM PST

Whoa! I had almost forgotten what Christmas was all about . . . then granddaugther Olivia Joy came to visit this year and all the old excitement came rushing back. Even Mother Nature obliged with a foot of new fallen snow piling up on each twig, providing a warm blanket for Margaret's garden. Frosty the snowman, sitting on the back porch, looking, with his eyes made of coal, through the glass sliding door, lacks only a corn cob pipe -- maybe he'll get one in Olivia's stocking hanging by the fireplace.

Olivia is a piece of work. She has an unquestioned zest for life -- drinking in the world around her, compelling it to give her new experiences with her "more, more, more, bitte" -- happily she has the judgment to take a rest now and then with her "all done."

Rikki is grooving on having all these new baby sitters. Jenny comes over all the time to play with Livvy -- yesterday they all went down to friend Clare's house and decorated cookies -- the pictures came back showing a decorated Livvy more than decorated cookies. Being on eastcoast time means we all hear the pitter patter of Olivia's feel at three or four in the morning -- so far we have adjusted to the new schedule and tend to go to bed earlier in anticipation of the very early wake up call. Meg is staying with us for the few days before Christmas -- Dave is on call in Kitsap, and the winter storm has made traveling any distance difficult.

Jon is flying in from NYC and we just got a call that his connecting flight in Chicago got cancelled. Knowing Jon, we expect he'll find a way to get a flight quickly.
Grandma (oops!, "Oma") has the house all decorated and cookies baking. Stefan just came in after shoveling the whole driveway -- definitely altering the score in the competition game with Grandpa (oops!, "Opa").

The big deal is what's going on between Livvy and Mark -- these two are famously buddy-buddy. Livvy asks about Mark all the time. And it's not just the doggies, it's about sitting on Mark's shoulders with her big smile. The doggies, Delilah and Daphne, and Livvy get along quite well -- Livvy handles their bounciness and incessant licking of her ears by crouching down and giggling till they let up.

So the whole family will be together this year -- including our soon-to-appear Granddaughter Mourning. I assure you we are having a very joyous Christmas.

Opa Jack
Christmas 2008

Saturday, December 13, 2008 11:55 PM EST

Today’s update:

Wake up time: 3.30 am (new record)

Bed time: 6.00 pm (slept until 11 pm), Olivia needs to find her schedule again after her stomach flu.

Now we are watching “The very first Noel” – only for the second time.

New word of the day: “dish water” (for dishwasher)

She also says “Meg water” for non sparkling water.

New food of the day: Chicken roti (Caribbean) – she loved the chicken and the potatoes.

Hopefully she will fall asleep soon

Stefan

Saturday, December 13, 2008 11:55 PM EST

Today’s update:

Wake up time: 3.30 am (new record)

Bed time: 6.00 pm (slept until 11 pm), Olivia needs to find her schedule again after her stomach flu.

Now we are watching “The very first Noel” – only for the second time.

New word of the day: “dish water” (for dishwasher)

She also says “Meg water” for non sparkling water.

New food of the day: Chicken roti (Caribbean) – she loved the chicken and the potatoes.

Hopefully she will fall asleep soon

Stefan

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 9:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Our Naomi Ruth memorial page has been viewed over 57,000 times since we started in July 2004. Who would have thought this?

If you haven't signed the guestbook lately, please do so. It is always fun to see who visited the page and also to read back through older guestbook entries.

We are getting ready to leave on Dec 18th for two weeks to Seattle - many things have to be done before. We are looking forward to Christmas in Seattle and of course the rain :-)

Olivia continues to wake up at 4.15 am. A challenge if the local Starbucks opens only at 6 am and the bakery at 7 am.

Unfortunately she has a stomach bug since yesterday, which means she is very focused on Mama ("Mama bum down", "Mama up" etc) and does not want to leave the house.

Yesterday after throwing up she finally fell asleep in the living room and Dada was allowed to carry her upstairs and bring her into her bed ... totally without Mama.

She loves to watch "Frosty, the Snowman" and knows by now every word. We thought she could watch it unlimited ("more, more") but today after 11 showings, she decided "all done". Mama was all done as well.

The really good thing is that she continues to go to bed at around 6.30pm and that she sleeps through the night (until 4.15 am). Even if she goes to bed earlier or later (yesterday after 8 pm), she still wakes up consistently around the same time in the morning.

We also had the first snow the other day. A few cm only - enough to clean the driveway in the morning.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Saturday, December 6, 2008 (Nikolaus) 8:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Today came the “Nikolaus”, but let’s start the day in the beginning. Olivia woke up on time this morning at 4.15 am – the same time she woke up the last couple of days.
Nevertheless today was different. She managed to get out of her crib (climbed over and fell down) and came in our bedroom to ensure we are getting up (“mama up!”). Luckily we have the mat in front of her crib. The following dialogue happened:
Rikki: “Did you fall out of the crib?”
Olivia: “Yes”
Rikki: “Are you aua” (Did you hurt yourself)?
Olivia: “Yes”
Rikki: “Wo are you aua” (Where does it hurt)
Olivia: - no answer –
Rikki: “Will you do it tomorrow again?”
Olivia: “Yes”
So we were off to a good start.

We went shopping and enjoyed the snow flakes. Lunch was also special. Olivia for the first time enjoyed chicken wings (extra spicy). Her comment was “moore”.

In the late afternoon we went to Marie-Luise and Beat waiting for the Nikolaus. Olivia was wired with all the kids and chocolate and didn’t really care for the Nikolaus. She also didn’t care for too much food, but was able to get two “Dominosteine”, which disappeared right away in her mouth. Beside of that she had some Bavarian Pretzel, some cheese and some cookies.

Today was her first Junk-Food Day! (She also had half an apple in the car and half a carrot at home before we left – just for the records)

Outside she would catch snowflakes and offer them to mama or dada to eat. While offering them she would open her mouth wide … really cute!

On the way home she was looking for “Boom Boom Baggers” (construction vehicle which break up the road) and “Beep Beep Autos” (any cars/trucks with flashing lights and/or sound). Tonight was one of the few days where she went to bed without a bath.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Thursday, December 4, 2008 8:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia continues to grow on a daily base. She enjoyed Meg’s visit as well as Grandpa Jack. She was excited as Jon and Ami came for Thanksgiving and wouldn’t stop saying “Ami, Ami, Ami”.

On Saturday Rikki went to an adoption workshop while Grandpa, Jon and Ami played with Olivia. It was obvious that Grandpa was worried about a full day baby sitting, but Olivia really enjoyed it.

Grandpa showed her the zoo in Toronto, took her to her first train ride and explored the woods around Oakville.

We are progressing with our adoption plans.

In Ontario you need to complete first a SAFE homestudy (required by the government), which is described below:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A homestudy is an assessment of an applicants’ readiness and suitability for adoption and is required in order to adopt a child through a Children’s Aid Society, privately or internationally.
SAFE stands for Structured Analysis Family Evaluation. The SAFE homestudy is a mutual process that evaluates the strengths of applicants’ regarding their ability to become adoptive parents. It involves the discussion of issues pertaining to parenting and encourages applicants to examine their own beliefs, values and feelings. Family background, motivation for adoption, couple relationship (if applicable), experience with children and adoption issues are all examined during this process.
The homestudy involves 5-6 interviews, the completion of several questionnaires, a home safety inspection, and the following supporting documents:
• Police Clearances
• Medical Reports
• Character References
• Child Welfare Record Checks
• Financial Forms
A Private Adoption Practitioner, approved by the Adoption Unit of the Ministry of Community and Youth Services, can complete a SAFE homestudy for public, private or international adoptions within the province of Ontario.
A SAFE homestudy can be conducted free of charge by a social worker in the adoption unit of the Children’s Aid Society in your area for use in public adoptions. Due to wait times for homestudies in the public sector many prospective families secure homestudies privately.
SAFE homestudies are portable between public and private systems, as social workers in both sectors are now using the same homestudy format.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This one we have completed. In order to complete this applicants have to complete the PRIDE training, which is described as follow:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All Ontario residents now need to complete standardized adoption training in order to be approved for any type of adoption. The PRIDE curriculum was selected by the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services as the method to provide this training.
PRIDE stands for Parent Resources for Information, Development and Education. This 27 hour training program assists applicants in examining some of the issues involved in adopting. PRIDE is designed to be completed in conjunction with the SAFE homestudy.
PRIDE is available free of charge through your local Children’s Aid Society (CAS) for public (CAS) adoptions only or through an approved private adoption practitioner for private and international adoptions. As with the SAFE homestudy, most CAS’s have wait-lists for PRIDE training, thus applicants’ interested in public adoption may choose to secure their training privately, at their own expense.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Having all this completed, now we can register with different agencies or the public children aid society.

We have completed our registration with Beginnings (http://www.beginnings.ca/) and are on their active list. For that we had to visit a workshop for “Open Adoption”, meet the Director of Beginnings and complete a photo profile.
Beginnings has approx 16 babies for adoption each year and has currently 78 families on their active list.

We also have registered with Jewels for Jesus (http://www.jewelsforjesus.net/). Here we have also completed all the requirements, but are waiting for a meeting with the Director before we get added to their active list.

We also started to register with ARCS (http://www.openadoption.ca/) For that we are required to visit a workshop and have a half day meeting with the owner. Rikki finished the workshop the Saturday after Thanksgiving, while Stefan is signed up for February.

Last we also registered with the local children aid society (http://www.haltoncas.ca/). There we need to complete a 2 page introduction letter as well as participate in an evening meeting which we just missed the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Tuesday, November 25, 2008 9:00 PM EST

Dear Friends and Family,

Olivia is doing really well. A few days ago she learnt to do summersaults more by mistake. She stood on the bed, bent down with her head and did it. She was so excited that she couldn’t stop doing it. “More, more” were her words.

She also starts combining words to form sentences, like “Mama back aua” (Mom’s back hurts), if Rikki does not want to lift her. Or “Dada bum down”, if Dad should sit down next to her.

In the meantime she manages well to call “Meg”. She runs through the house screaming “Meg, Meg, …. Meg”.

Yesterday she said for the first time “bubbles”.

She continues to chase down “beep-beep autos” and baggers (digger). “Bye bye beep-beep auto” is another favourite sentence if the construction or garbage truck is leaving.

Meg spoiled her by showing her “Tigger” movies of Olivia in her Tigger costume on her laptop. Now she asks consistently for “More Tigger Bitte!”.

Today Grandpa Jack arrived. Olivia was totally excited to see him.

Tomorrow we will celebrate Thanksgiving one day early. The turkey is already defrosting.

Love,

Stefan

Sunday, November 23, 2008 9:00 PM EST

Happy Holidays from the Boehmers!

I'm so happy to be back in Toronto loving on my niece Olivia Joy, as well as my sister Rikki and brother-in-law Stefan. Here's a cute picture we took today, on the cold waterfront. More to come later...

Love, Auntie Meggie

Saturday, November 1, 2008 7:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia celebrated Halloween yesterday. It was the day of her first candy (first with wrapper, then without) as well as the day of her first BBQ’ed sausage (mild Italian). She enjoyed the sausage so much, that she had another one today.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Tuesday, October 21, 2008 10 AM EDT

What a wonderful week in Toronto! Olivia charmed her Aunt Meggie and Uncle Dave day after day. What a fun age 21 months is!

* New words everyday, in an adorable combination of German and English. And putting them all together in little phrases: “More wasser bitte” (more water please)

* Unbounded enthusiasm about everything she encounters: “Bus!” “Bagger!” (construction vehicles) “Beep beep auto!” (cars/trucks with flashing lights, or that beep when they back up)

* Kindness and compassion, showed in freely sharing whatever she’s got her hands on, greeting strangers with “Hi!” & waving & blowing kisses, and giving her family big kisses and leaning in for cuddles throughout the day.

Heart-melting, I tell you!

We were so sad to lose Jesse on Monday night. You will be missed very much “bow wow.”

Thank you for once again being such wonderful hosts, Rikki and Stefan, and for sharing your bundle of Joy with us!

Love, Meg and Dave

Monday, October 13, 2008 7:21 PM EST

Goodbye Jesse

The fabulous vet just came over, straight from his Thanksgiving Dinner here in Canada, to help Jesse one last time.

We will miss her very much, as she heads off to play with her cousin Freya.

We love you, Jesse.

Sunday, October 12, 2008 6:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

First of all, Jesse is still alive. She is not doing better but our vet is away over the long weekend.

Jesse was really excited as Meg and Dave arrived. They will stay for one week and Olivia just loves them. It helps her to get over the departure of Oma and Opa who went back to Germany after almost 5 weeks in Canada.

Today is Olivia’s 21 month birthday. We started the day with a trip to close by 3rd line to watch “baggers”. What will we do once the construction there is finished? Then we went to the petting zoo. After Olivia’s nap we went to the park around the corner.

Olivia is in the process of getting several teeth and hence her most common words are “teeth”, “popo” and “au”.

Tomorrow is Canadian’s Thanksgiving.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Monday, October 6, 2008 2:00 PM EST

Jesse’s Last Days

On this sunny cold Fall day, after a delightful trip to a Pumpkin Patch this morning with Livi, Oma & Opa; I stare at a branch dressed in an array of bright red & dull green leaves reaching toward me across our bay window. As I listen intently to the labored breathing of Jesse downstairs, I contemplate life and death. I am reminded:

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
A time to tear,
And a time to sew;
A time to keep silent,
And a time to speak;
A time to love,
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
And a time of peace.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)


Our sweet dog Jesse is not doing well. We are scheduled (tentatively) to put her to death this Thursday. We have a very caring vet who will come out and administer the injections here at our house. He was out last Friday and left with the assessment that Jesse is most likely suffering from lymphoma. The lymph nodes in her throat & legs are swollen; her breathing is labored; her nose is dry, cracking & now bleeding; one nostril is filling; her eyes are glazing; and she is losing her desire to eat or drink. She has long since lost control of her bowels & limbs. She has begun giving me “that look”. It is time.

This colorful branch comforts me as I grasp the vibrant hues of this season. Death can be so beautiful. And so ugly.

Thanks for your prayers this week as we see Oma & Opa off to Germany; welcome Meg & Dave; and say goodbye forever to my best friend & traveling companion of 14 years, Jesse.

Rikki

Saturday, October 4, 2008 7:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia continues to enjoy the visit of Oma and Opa. She goes for walks with and plays with them. She loves to go to 3rd Line and watches the construction vehicles at work as they pave the road. Her favorite word is “bagger”. Beside of that she repeats many words we say.

Today she also said “bitte” (please), “popo” and “turtle”. She loves to push various buttons, specially the ones which “peep” (traffic light, automatic door opener for handicapped, phone, door bell etc.).

She continues to be an outdoor – person. Her first word in the morning is “out”, resulting in Rikki having breakfast outside. She also loves to listen and dance to music. Anytime and anywhere.

Love

Rikki & Stefan

Sunday, September 28, 2008 5:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & family,

Olivia must have some Italian background. Her favorite word is “cheese”. Now she gets “cheese” for breakfast, “cheese” for lunch and “cheese” for dinner.
Beside of that she also loves the words pizza and pasta (normally called tootoots).
She pretty much eats everything we eat (which sometimes is a challenge). In the morning Rikki shares her toast with peanut butter and jelly with Olivia. Then she gets “cheese” and sometimes peas as desert.

Today she played for the first time with Play-Doh, but it looked like if Rikki had more fun than Olivia.

Olivia is very good in translating from German to English already. When Oma Inge looks at pictures with her and says the German word for the item on the picture (e.g. “Erbsen”), Olivia corrects her right away(“peas”).

Love,

Stefan

Saturday, September 27, 2008 7:30 AM EST

Hurray!
Endlich sind wir in Kanada bei unseren Kindern und vor allem bei unserer Olivia Joy. Nach deren Besuch bei uns im Dezember letzten Jahres ist dies nun das zweite Mal, dass wir Olivia sehen.

Unsere Livi hat sich toll entwickelt. Sie ist aufgeweckt, verschmitzt und lustig und laeuft schneller als uns das manchmal lieb ist, im Supermarkt und Einkaufszentrum allerdinges meist in die (unserer Meinung nach) falsche Richtung.

Sehr schnell hat sie uns in ihr Herz geschlossen (beruht auf Gegenseitigkeit). Staendig fragt sie nach Oma und Opa, verteilt Gute-Nacht-Kuesschen und wenn sie aufwacht, ist manchmal ihr erstes Wort: Oma ?

Livi versteht (fast) alles, auch wenn wir deutsch mit ihr reden. Leider verstehen wir nicht alles, was sie uns zu sagen hat. Und staendig wiederholt sie gehoerte neue Woerter, wie z.B. vor wenigen Tagen: Tu das !

Olivia’s neue Woerter

Wasser (German for water)
A bus (whenever a bus drives by)
Pissa (for pizza)
Tootoots (for penne pasta)
Avocado
Cheese
Bum
Opa
Oma
und natuerlich: Auto

Tootoots fuer Nudeln klingt abwegig. Aber inzwischen ist uns eingefallen, dass wir Anfangs, wenn wir sie mit Nudeln fuetterten, oefter den Loeffel zum Mund fuehrten und sagten: Tut-tut, Garage weit aufmachen (so haben wir halt in Deutschland die Kinder beim Essen unterhalten).

Livi liebt die taeglichen Spaziergaenge mit Oma und Opa zum Lake Ontario oder einen der anderen zahlreichen Parks in der Umgebung, welche alle mit schoenen Spielplaetzen ausgestattet sind, manche auch mit tollen Wasserspielplaetzen mit Fontaenen, Springbrunnen, Spritzduesen und Schwallduschen. Dort beginnt das Spielen barfuss und endet meist nackt (natuerlich nur fuer Olivia!). Aber auch das Bummeln in Shopping Centers, Malls oder Outlet Centers macht ihr Spass. Wird dort doch auch immer etwas fuer Kinder geboten und wann immer moeglich, bekommt sie ihre Soja-Milch mit viel Schaum von Starbucks Coffee Shop.

Wir waren aber auch schon in Toronto Down Town und wenn Stefan nicht arbeiten musste, haben wir gemeinsam Fahrten und Ausfluege unternommen, so z.B. zu den Niagara Faellen, in eine Tierfarm mit Streichelzoo und eine Rundfahrt durch einen afrikanischen Safari Park. Das ist wie ein Zoo, allerdings laufen hier die Tiere frei herum und die Menschen befinden sich in einem Kaefig (genannt Auto). So wie die Affen auf unserem Auto rumhuepften (eben wie die Affen!), dieses beschmutzten und durch unsere Fenster ins Auto starrten, muss man sich schon fragen, wer da wen beobachtet.

Wir geniessen diese herrliche Zeit mit unseren Kindern und unserer Enkeltochter und lernen nach den vielen Staaten, Provinzen und Regionen Nordamerikas nun auch Land und Leute im Osten Kanadas kennen. Vieles ist anders, neu und manches auch faszinierend.

Wir haben hier noch etliche gemeinsame Tage vor uns. Trotzdem stimmt es uns jetzt schon traurig, wenn wir machmal an unseren Rueckflug und den Tag des Abschieds denken. Wie lange wird es dauern, bis wir Olivia wieder treffen. Wer weiss, wie gut sie dann schon deutsch und englisch spricht? (Englisch wahrscheinlich besser als wir).

Livi, we love you. You are our greatest JOY!

Oma and Opa from Germany

Wednesday, September 10, 2008 4:56 PM EST

On the 4th anniversary of the life and death of Naomi Ruth Boehmer

Dear Naomi,

I spent your birthday this year reflecting on the blessings you brought our family. This entire week I’ve been consumed in diary entries, poetry, writings and reflections done around the time of your birth and thereafter. To say you changed who we are would be a terrible understatement. In fact, your short life, has led us to live ours with more satisfaction than we had ever previously known.

Oh, how to recap the riches of lessons learned from you? Perhaps I’ll just begin.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and of a sound mind. ~ We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God. ~ Man, who is born of woman, is of few days and full of trouble. ~ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ~ May the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. ~ Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourself also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. ~ Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. My Brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. ~ Be still and know that I am God. ~ Let him take hold of My strength. ~ The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. ~ Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand. ~ He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. ~ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. ~ So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ~ Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. ~ My God shall be My strength. ~ Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you. ~ You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is fixed on You, because he trusts in You. ~ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. ~ He will never leave you nor forsake you.

For who knows the mind of the Lord that we may instruct him? ~ “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts”. ~ How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You. ~ Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us. ~ Lean not on your own understanding.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. ~ The Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail”. ~ Therefore He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. ~ Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good of those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ~ He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. ~ Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ~ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance. ~ I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. ~ I am the Lord your God … open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. ~ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. ~ The poor and needy seek water, but there is none, their tongues fail for thirst. I, the Lord, will hear them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. ~ If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.

My cup runs over. ~ There is no want to those who fear Him. ~ Having nothing, and yet possessing all things. ~ In a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. ~ The unsearchable riches of Christ. ~ How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God. Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life. ~ For He satisfies the longing soul and fills the longing soul with goodness. ~ You have satiated my soul with abundance. I am satisfied with Your goodness.

Not my will, but Yours, be done.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Oh, who would’ve known your short life and death would lead us to such satisfaction, Little Naomi Ruth?!? 4 years later the ramifications of your short 4 hours of life are still flourishing our daily lives. We are so thankful!

Happy Birthday, Precious Baby Girl.

We love you & miss you very much!

Thankfully,
Rikki for Stefan & Olivia Joy



2 Timothy 1:7; Acts 14:22b; Job 14:1; Romans 8:18; 1 Peter 5:10; 1 Peter 4:1-2; 1 Peter 4:12-13; James 1:2-4

2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 27:5; Psalm 34:17-19; Psalm 37:24; Psalms 147:3; Hebrews 4:16; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 40:31; Isaiah 49:5; Psalm 55:22; Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:7; Deuteronomy 31:6

1 Corinthians 2:16; Isaiah 55:9; Psalm 139:17-18; Psalm 40:5; Proverbs 3:5

Romans 3:23; Luke 22:31-32; Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:26-28

Hebrews 4:12; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Lamentations 3: 22-23; 2 Corinthians 12:9

Isaiah 55:2; John 6:35; Psalm 81:10; Matthew 5:6; Isaiah 41:17; John 7:37-38

Psalm 23:5b; Psalm 34:9b; 2 Corinthians 6:10; 2 Corinthians 8:2; Ephesians 3:8; Psalm 36:7-9; Psalm 107:9; Jeremiah 31:14

Luke 22:42

Sunday, August 31, 2008 8:45 PM EST

A big week in the Boehmer House! A few highlights:


- Livi pee-peed on her potty! After following Mom’s example before bathtime, Livi got naked and sat down on her stepstool. It wasn’t until we were in the bath that Dad spotted pee pee on the stepstool. So we unpacked her potty, set it up, and the next night at bathtime, Mom & Livi got naked and both pee-peed on their potties. How exciting!

- Mom & Dad enjoyed their first Date Night in 19 months! They got all dressed up and enjoyed a romantic dinner overlooking Lake Ontario. Live music and people watching accompanied fine cuisine. After dinner they strolled along the Burlington waterfront and stumbled across a huge fair of sorts which turned out to be Canada’s largest Ribfest. A date night followed by cotton candy & caramel apples … perfect!

- Livi did the nursery! Without crying or missing her folks, she played with balls & enjoyed herself while Mom & Dad attended church for the first time in 19 months. Hallelujah! It’s been an arduous journey allowing her to grow comfortable with the nursery in her time ~ a journey riddled with doubt that it’d ever happen, shame that we couldn’t just leave her there to scream as other parents do, guilt that we were somehow transferring separation anxiety onto her. We’re so pleased she has taken to the nursery and so proud of her. Yea Livi!

- And perhaps the biggest miracle of the week: We are still in the running for adoption! After our Adoption Practioner scampered out of Rikki’s interview having repeatedly questioned, “And you never got counseling for that?” and “And you never got arrested for that?” and “And you never got busted for that?” and “And you never saw a psychologist for that?”, she returned this week offering us tremendous affirmation that our parenting style is right inline with what the Province of Ontario is looking for in adoptive parents. Horray!

- Livi’s latest fruits and vegetable explorations: Yesterday we harvested the first tomato from our backyard (slightly late). The first time she tries something new she is very cautious. She wasn’t crazy about the tomato but we’ll try again tomorrow. Last week she had her first plum, today she polished off three large plums for dessert. She loves the vegetables in the backyard. Every time she gets out, she wants a carrot. Thank you, GPa Jack for planting all these veggies! She is totally excited since she discovered squash and beans. Raw beans taste better than raw squash.

- And we’ll report on Livi’s ever-increasing command of the English language now before her German Grandparents arrive next week and we all speak German for the next month. Olivia repeats almost any word we say. Her favorites are:
“bye bye” (e.g. when she goes to bed or when she sees a plane in the air)
“ up” and “down” (at every possibility)
“out” (meaning she wants out, normally starting as soon as she wakes up in the morning)
“wow”
"peep peep"
“DaDa”
“Mama”
“Jesse”
“Oh no” or simply “no”
“Ooops!”
“meow” for cat
“hot” (either if DaDa serves soup at the wrong temperature or if she is warm)
“nana” for banana
“apple”
“onion”
“One”, “Two”, “Three”, “Five”, & “Eight”
“Night Night!”
"ball"
"Amen"

And that’s it for this week. Looking forward to a day off tomorrow. Happy Labor Day everyone!

Love,
Rikki & Stefan

Monday, August 18, 2008 1:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Yesterday we went to Nantasket Beach outside of Boston. We left right in the morning and left the beach as it got crowded. Olivia was not too excited about the water (despite of all the swimming lessons at the YMCA in Oakville).
Then we had the same issue as always. We were ready for lunch at 10.30 am and nothing was open. We stopped at Starbucks and then at a local Fish & Chips place (Rikki and I had chicken, while everybody else had some fish).
After the nap we had a great BBQ with Joe’s relatives. Olivia played with Derek and CeCe and busied herself for a long time in Derek’s sandbox. She loves to eat corn.
This afternoon is our flight home. This morning we went to a local lake and now Olivia is sleeping. When Olivia wakes up, we will go to the airport.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Saturday, August 16, 2008 12:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

We had a lot of fun with the Lium girls. We went to an Africa Safari Park, did a bus tour of Toronto and enjoyed the neighborhood. On Monday we had our first pool party in Canada with friends and neighbors. Luckily it didn’t rain.

This weekend we are in Boston visiting Laurra, Joe, Derek, CeCe and Sammy. It was a very short decision after Laurra’s dad passed away last week. We came out yesterday with the morning flight. I believe it was the first flight where Livi did actually well. The first thing we did once we arrived was to drive to North End and get Pizza from Regina’s (the best pizza in the world since 1926)

Today we had a lot of fun. In the morning I went shopping while Joe run Sammy (the dog). Then we went to a local Park with a beach to play. Derek, CeCe and Livi had fun (we of course enjoyed it as well). The babies are ready for their nap (once they get their pizza).

Olivia had for the first time yoghurt yesterday and continues to explore everything we eat.

Love

Stefan

Saturday, August 2, 2008 8:00 PM EST

Today was a very short day. Once Olivia woke up she started running around the house trying to wake everyone else up. After a while Stefan left to drop of the car at the car dealership. Practically the whole time Stefan was gone Olivia was shouting dada. After a while Rikki left to go pick him up and after Rikki and Stefan got back we had breakfast. Olivia got to have a cappuccino which she gobbled down joyfully. Once breakfast was finished everyone packed up to walk down to the street to the farmer’s market. We bought lots of food for the pool party on Monday and we also ate a lot of it while walking back. Before we came back home we walked through the mall and Rikki scheduled her hair appointment for four o’ clock. On the way home we stopped by the park and Olivia played around for about half an hour and then we reached the house. When we got home we stuffed the fridge and ate lunch. After lunch everyone just did what they wanted to do whether it was help Rikki put Olivia to sleep, watch a movie, swim in the backyard, take a nap, or anything else you could have wanted to do. Tonight we had a big dinner that Stefan cooked for us and it was simply delicious. Afterwards we all ate ice cream and watched a movie until we got so tired we passed out on the couch. Beforehand Olivia gave everyone especially dada bedtime kisses and she fell asleep easily. Olivia had a great day!!!

Love,
Chloe

Friday, August 1, 2008 8:20 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Today we went to the Africa Safari Park. Livi fell asleep on the way and missed the lions but she woke up as we drove through the monkey area. She was awake right away saying “oh” and “ah”. We had to take a second tour through the monkey area as Rikki wanted to have a monkey on our car as well – what we accomplished. We even got two of them sitting on our roof.
Olivia enjoyed all the animals. After we finished the drive through we got out and checked out the elephants. Olivia was excited to see them so close.
At the end we all relaxed at the waterpark (without animals).

Olivia’s new discovery today was ketchup …. And double dipping.

Love,

Stefan

Wednesday, July 30, 2008 7:45 PM EST

Dear Olivia’s Closest Friends and Family,

Olivia loves to throw balls into the pool. We are teaching her to not throw rocks in, too. She’d grab a ball, throw it in, then we’d fetch it and it would start all over again. Olivia has a ball (pun intended) while in the pool!

Another thing she likes to do is judge how we jump off of the diving board. We’d do a skit or just run and jump, and then we’d give points by her expressions. Her favorites are: Diving (then she’d say WHOA!!) and splashes. (then she’d giggle.)

In the morning, Olivia would wake up at about 6 am or 7 (E.S.T.) and Rikki would turn on some toddler music. Olivia would dance, and then eat breakfast.

Yesterday, we went to both of the parks near the Boehmer’s home. The first one we went to had a water park, and all of the water is activated by buttons. Olivia LOVED to press these buttons. She’d run up to it, press it, and then squeal with delight. The Lium girls had fun running around at that park.

The second park had a little jungle gym for toddlers, and Olivia liked to shoot down the slide. There were some steps that she would climb, and when Olivia got to the top, she would grin from ear to ear.

After that, we went to the Pier and just walked around. Olivia was being pushed in her little Tri-Cycle, and we saw some beautiful sidewalk chalk drawings by artists named Twoey and Momma.

Today, we just hung out at home, and then our friends Bennett and Blake came over. While we Lium girls swam in the pool, Bennett and Blake watched and were the judges for jumping off the diving board. (That’s our favorite thing to do in the pool.)

When Stefan came home, we all had dinner and ice cream. Olivia had steamed soy milk for desert, we played with her for a while, and then she went to take a bath. Olivia takes a bath and then goes to bed every day.

Tomorrow we are planning on going to Niagara Falls, or going to the petting zoo. Either one, I know we will have fun with the bug. Also, we are going to have a big BBQ/Pool Party on Monday. I can’t wait!

Love,

-Riley Lium

Monday, July 14, 2008 10:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Today Olivia had her 18 month check-up. Her stats:

Length: 86 cm – 97 percentile
(3 months ago she was 79.5 cm and in the 75 percentile)

Weight: 11 kg (approx 24 pounds) – 50 percentile
(3 months ago she was 10.46 kg and also in the 50 percentile)

She’s tall & skinny! Just the way the doctor likes her. She grew quite a bit in the last 3 months. They say by 18 months old, girls have reached 50f their adult height. Based on that, Olivia will be 172 cm as an adult. Let’s see if this is correct. (Rikki is 167cm)

She loves to climb. Yesterday was the first day where she climbed up on the couch. She manages our stairs as well without any problems - up & down. She gains confidence at the ladders/climbing walls at the local parks. Her latest word is “Up!” which she loves to announce as she climbs up anything. Another favorite word is “Cup” (which turns into “Hat” when turned upside down and placed on a head).

She loves to crawl. (She makes up for lost time here.) She has Tunnel Time every night before her bath. She crawls under our knees on the big bed and squeals with delight.

Olivia loves to clean up. Today she picked up 9 spilled coffee lids off the floor at Starbucks. (Without being asked or coached!) Her mom was so proud as she has been teaching Olivia diligently to always leave a room cleaner than when you enter it.

She also loves to play with balls. She has a whole basket of balls in the living room and squeals when she walks by one on the street. Her favorites now are beach balls. She nerves Jesse with them. She likes rocks too. She loves to throw rocks into the pool.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Thursday, July 10, 2008 6:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

It must have been a long time since we updated the webpage if people call us and ask about it.

We went away for a week and visited friends and family in Indiana, Michigan & Illinois. First we stopped at Bob and Theresa Peterhans place at Winona Lake in Indiana. A beautiful place in a small town with excellent trails and restaurants. Olivia enjoyed playing with Justyn. Then we drove on to Chicago. There we met Karen Keres and Walt and also Olivia’s Aunt Meggie! She came extra from Seattle to see us in Chicago! We also visited Hoffman Estates, the area were Rikki was born and lived until she was 8 years old. Together with Meg we drove back do Indiana – to visit Cousin Sarah at Oliver Lake. Sarah is actually a cousin of G’Pa Jack! We had fun at her place with the neighbors and the boat. The lake was really warm. Unfortunately we had to leave after two days ago and stayed one night with Amy & Kirk Zambetti in Michigan (Detroit). We enjoyed great Mexican food in Wynona Lake and in Lagrange (Oliver Lake) as well as one of the best steaks BBQd by Kirk. Olivia left her one of her hats as souvenir at every place we visited (thanks for mailing these back to us!).

Last week Olivia’s Aunt Jenny visited us for the first time in Toronto. Olivia enjoyed her attention and showed her gladly around Niagara Falls. Not sure how much Jenny saw of the falls having such a smiling and giggling toddler along.

Olivia is turning 18 month on July 12th. She is working on her 12 tooth (the last one-year molar). She gets cuter by the hour. She walks and likes to be chased. She is also a great eater and shares happily her food with us (or we share our food with her). We have State Park nearby with a petting zoo. We’ve bought a season pass. Between the petting zoo & Splash Pad at Coronation Park, Olivia is having a great summer. To top off the fun, she loves picking fresh peas from the garden. The radishes were also a hit. Soon carrots will be ready. She has Gpa Jack to thank for the great herbs & veggies!

Jesse had another near death experience but our wonderful vet saved her life. She stopped eating and as a result didn’t take her medicine which resulted in her not being able to walk anymore (always these back legs). The vet assumed correctly she had pancreatitis and put her on antibiotics. She recovered and slowly gains her walking skills back. Luckily for us as she is kind of heavy to be carried out multiple times a day.

Bagheera – our Canadian Independence Cat! – turned 4 on Canada Day and is lively as ever. She shows more and more interest in the outside and we are waiting for the day when she finds an open door.

Other big news: We have started an adoption process. Hopefully that doesn’t take as long as our first daughter. We appreciate your prayer and will keep you updated about the process. Right now we are in the pre-adoption phase to complete all the requirements by the state of Ontario to be eligible to adopt (ie massive amounts of paperwork, govt runs, interviews & more paperwork). (then some more paperwork.)

Happy Summer!

Rikki & Stefan

Wednesday, July 9, 2008 2:15 PM PST

From the Boehmer kitchen



Recipe for Delight



Ingredients:

1 Olivia Joy

1 Silly Time music CD (can substitute singing or humming)

3 Balls

1 Dog Bed



To create Delight:

Take one Olivia Joy. Best done by offering her a finger to grasp.

Insert Silly Time CD (or sing or hum)

Wiggle them together

To Wiggle:

Stand with feet slightly askew

With left arm out for balance and right arm behind back, lean sharply to the right (think "I'm a little teapot", but backwards)

Pause

Smile at your audience

Rock left and right to the music

Giggle wildly

Drop to your butt and bottom-shuffle down the stairs

Pick up 1st Ball

To Pick up Ball:

Stand with feet slightly askew

Smile at your audience

Bend at waist, arms as far apart as possible

Giggle

Bring arms together forcefully

When done correctly, ball will pop out of hands at least 50f the time.

Repeat process until ball is grasped firmly between hands

Squeal with glee

Toddle with Ball over to Dog Bed

Exclaim happily

Raise Ball over Head

Throw Ball into Dog Bed

Clap your Hands – ‘cause you’re happy and you know it!

Repeat steps as necessary until all 3 Balls are in Dog Bed.

Climb into Dog Bed

Pat the Dog

Pucker your lips and lean in for a kiss

Repeat steps to throw Balls out of Dog Bed.

Repeat as needed until your worries are gone, your cares seem distant, and your smile is firmly affixed back on your face.

Giggle wildly

Squeal with Glee

Clap your Hands – ‘cause you’re happy and you know it!





Recommended dessert: Rocket run with wide-armed hug and Hippogriff fish kiss.

Aunt Jenny

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 1:00 pm Pacific

Our precious Naomi had a special group of loving friends – the FOTOG family. FOTOG is a Memorial Day Weekend gathering of about 20 families at Fort Flagler on Puget Sound. FOTOGians have watched Rikki grow up since the Pageler family started going to FOTOG when Rikki was in third grade. Stefan was warmly welcomed to FOTOG when he and Rikki became engaged.

At the 2004 FOTOG, everyone celebrated Rikki’s pregnancy with Naomi, and she was showered with baby gifts. Then, in the tough months that followed, our FOTOG friends surrounded Rikki, Stefan, and Naomi with love. From Naomi’s diagnosis with Trisomy 13 through her birth and so-brief life with us, you all hoped and cried and prayed and comforted us. As mother and grandmother, I am deeply grateful for your love that is such a rich part of our memories of Naomi.

This morning I put Rikki and Olivia on the plane back to Toronto after another wonderful FOTOG weekend. Olivia, of course, was the star of FOTOG 2008. All eagerness and bright babble, she just went from one admirer to the next all weekend, charming everyone. The FOTOG friends who loved and grieved for Naomi now share our delight in Olivia Joy. Thank you all.

The proud Grandma,

Margaret Pageler

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 8:30 am PST

The Bug is in Seattle!

We are having a wonderful time obsessing over little Olivia Joy and can't wait for FOTOG this weekend! Here are some of the millions of pictures we're taking...

Love, Aunties Meggie and Jenny & Gpa and Gma

Sunday, May 4, 2008 8:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Today was Olivia’s first time at the Niagara Falls. We had beautiful weather and enjoyed the walk around the falls. Olivia enjoyed the ride in her wagon. May 4th (today) is also the day of her first sunburn (not too bad).

Olivia continues to crawl and walk and is eager to explore her world. It was another day of eating from morning to night. She had half a roll, a bowl of oatmeal and several pieces of butternut squash mixed with watermelon for breakfast alone. Pieces of carrots, a few edames and some oatmeal cookies followed in the car. Due to being so active and hungry she didn’t enjoy the car ride today. On the way to Niagara Falls she wanted to eat and be nursed. On the way home she wanted to get her wiggles out.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Saturday, May 3, 2008 9:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

This weekend Marko and Renate together with Janina and Nico visit us. We went to Toronto Downtown around Eaton Center this morning and enjoyed the afternoon at home due to heavy rain.

Olivia discovered the joy of crawling. While she would crawl in coincidence the other day, today she did it on purpose and would not stop crawling from one person to the next. She also walked without any help, but she needed more encouragement for that.

She slept through the night again last night. She went down at 6 pm and woke up this morning at 7 am. Today she took a two hour nap after we came back from Toronto and she was really tired for bed tonight from all the crawling and walking activities in the afternoon.

Olivia continues to discover new food. Discovery of the day were cheese bagels and cinnamon rolls. Beside of that she had plenty of healthy food like oatmeal, edames, watermelon and pita bread.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Thursday, May 1, 2008 11:00 PM EST

And for the second milestone in one week … Olivia crawled today! Two days after learning to walk, Olivia crawled for the first time.

Playing on the living room carpet after breakfast, she got herself onto all fours. Instead of shifting her weight to rest on her bum, she remained on all fours and ventured forward, struggling severely to move her knees forward one at a time. The ground gained was maybe an inch but the progress was obvious and the effort exhilarating.

Quite a week for our little Bug! Crawling Bug, please note.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:30 PM EST

At 15 ½ months old, Livi took her first steps today! She is officially walking!!!

It happened in my “Entrusted With a Child’s Heart” bible study class. Livi was making her way from one support to another and without even noticing she took two steps without holding on to anything. She was so light on her feet! She took three more steps without support again before the class was over. By the time we got home, had lunch and a nap, she was ready to Skype her Auntie Nani and show off a bit.

By late afternoon she was antsy to get out & get going. (!!!) She refused to be placed in the cart at the shopping mall, wanting to walk like the big folks. Though she held my hand, she blasted through the mall on her own 2 feet, leaning forward with charged determination. Not a bit worn out yet (cue sigh from Mom), we came home for dinner and playtime where Livi took to her walker for the first time ever. Barreling through the front room, through obstacles, around furniture, forwards, backwards, and almost toppling-over-wards, she was unstoppable!

Loving her new-found freedom, the only thing that could slow her down was the digital camera. I was determined to get her first steps on film. She was determined not to. I’ve got a least 6 films of her standing freely only to sit on her bum & scoot instead of walking. I’ll keep trying tomorrow. Meanwhile, Livi is sleeping soundly tonight. Plum tuckered out & sleeping on her tummy ~ something else new she learned during Grandpa’s visit.

~ Rikki

Sunday, April 27, 2008 5:45 AM EST

A Week With Olivia

Olivia is about to pass a milestone – she will surely be walking before she gets to Seattle in three weeks for Fotog and family visiting. All week she would prefer to stand up holding onto something solid and walk around as far as she could find something to hold onto. Rarely would she sit down to scoot anymore. Sometimes she would hold my hand in her left and Rikki’s hand in her right, and walk walk walk around the park. Sometimes when the space between objects was too great to span with her outstretched arms, she would stand free for a few moments while transferring to her new handhold. I expect the world will change for Rikki and Stefan when she becomes free-standing and free-walking.

When Olivia wakes up in the morning she is full of light and sunshine as she smiles and her eyes sparkle with Joy. I can’t believe the effect of this experience on me. Could it be that the wonderfulness of children saves the world from social and political catastrophe?

I have been visiting the Boehmers for a week now – thanks to the gift from Dave and Meg for getting the Seattle house ready for the market. What a great week! I wound down to a leisurely pace, enjoying working in the yard and outings with Rikki and Olivia; Stefan returned from Germany Thursday afternoon and he and I set about on serious yard work. On Friday the tree guys came and took down the huge sycamore tree between the back door and the pool. These guys were incredibly skillful crawling through the tree like monkeys and cutting and roping down the branches until a bare trunk stood and was toppled and cut up. Stefan and Rikki threw a lunch barbeque for them and they were quite impressed. Stefan asked that all the wood be cut up into fireplace log sized pieces, and we kept the wood chips from the big chipper they drove so that we could mulch the back yard. It is Saturday evening as I write, and the firewood (probably 3 cords of it) is stacked along the back fence, and the mulch (Stefan did all this work) is beautifully distributed around the landscaped back yard. Even though the tree was not in leaf yet, the sunlight now coming into the back yard is dramatic.

Before Stefan came home Thursday, I talked Rikki into letting me put in a raised bed for herbs in the back of the back yard. I measures about a foot deep, 3 ½ feet wide and 8 feet long – we ordered a yard of 3-way topsoil, filled the raised bed, put in about 15 different herbs. While sitting out back early one morning I watched a bunny in the yard nibble a bunch of flower shoots down to the ground, so I have installed a plastic mesh net above the perimeter of the raised bed to keep Peter Rabbit out of the herb patch.

While Stefan was gone, every time the cell phone would ring, Livvie would turn and say “Da Da?” Even the microwave buzzer or the oven beeper would get this response from her. She misses her Da Da when he’s not around; and visiting GrandPa’s sit out the dance when Da Da comes home.

Working on the yard with me and Rikki and Stefan, Livvie loves to be involved, especially riding in the wheel barrow. Watching the big sycamore come down and all the chain saws and ropes at work, was a great show. Hard to take an afternoon nap that day.

Livvie has lots of words, we just don’t quite know what they mean yet. Sometimes she will spill out a long sentence – of her own language as far as we know. She has a favorite expression – sort of a cadenced screech with a turn up at the end like a question. She often uses it when pointing or looking intently at something, but sometimes it’s a call to us in the other room. From listening to her over the week, I have come to think this expression is something like: “And what about that?” A variation could sometimes be: “And what about me?” or “And now what’s next?” as in “What adventure do you have in mind now?”

The next thing I have to talk about is somewhat scandalous in the Boehmer household. Rikki has taught Livvie to slightly stick out her tongue, just a little, to sort of ask for a kiss. I would play around with her and say “You had better not stick out your tongue at me!” Well, this has gotten out of hand, so that now when I say that to her and turn away (and only after I turn away) and look back at her, there is her little tongue slightly sticking out in a quite flirtatious manner, all the parents reinforcing her risqué habit with laughter, and Livvie with a definite aire of self-satisfaction that she has this power to scandalize her GrandPa and get a disapproving gasp out of him. She seems quite pleased in this role and has fine-tuned the performance to a remarkable degree. Nature or nurture – either way Rikki bears a good bit of the responsibility for this behavior.

Rikki and Livvie will be in Seattle in less than a month. I’ll lay money that she will be walking at Fotog, and reveling in the attention she will be getting from all her Northwest friends and admirerers.

I fly home from Toronto tomorrow with keen memories and gratitude that I did not miss this stage of my precious fifteen-month old granddaughter’s growth.

GrandPa Jack
Late April 2008

Sunday, April 27, 2008 5:30 AM EST

Olivia's stats (taken at her doctor's appointment on 4/15/2008):

Length: 79.5 cm (31.3 inch) - 75 percentile
Head: 49 cm - 95 percentile
Weight: 10.46 kg (23 lb) - 50 percentile

Stefan

Saturday, April 12, 2008 8:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

We are celebrating Olivia’s 15 month birthday today. 1 ¼ years old! She is a very active girl who likes to scoot and walk (with assistance) all the time. We stopped counting her bruises as she frequently falls. We are keeping the local suppliers of Arnica & Calendula very busy. Sitting still is not Olivia’s first choice. She has more energy then any baby she is around.

We started the day with a Children’s Clothing & Toys Consignment Sale put on by a local Mothers of Multiples. Olivia got a few tops and a couple pairs of sandals for summer. Then we all took a nap and after that we went for a long walk down to the waterfront park (between rain showers). She loves the slides in the park. In the beginning she is not very convinced about new things, but after having it seen or tried a few times she starts to love it. Today she had her first time enjoying in a swing.

Today we have home-made German cake to celebrate Olivia’s birthday. We try to cook more at home now and pick less up from restaurants although this doesn’t work always. We slowly get better at Meal Planning. We haven’t childproofed our kitchen yet. Instead we moved the more dangerous items up higher. As a result we find quite often our pots and cooking utensils on the ground. Olivia also loves to explore the baking ingredients and the various cereal boxes.

She is still being fed mostly organic food with a Bavarian pretzel from time to time. Her favorite food is edamame peas. She also loves butternut squash and yams. On any given day she eats an assortment of chicken, beets, yams, carrots, edamames, lentils, sugar snap peas, & noodles. All cooked by her mom. Recently she ventured into Brazil nuts, coffee cake, hummus and pita, as well as bagels, organic soup, and Starbucks Lemon Poopyseed Cake (when Mom wasn’t looking). Her favorite dessert is fresh mango. She also doesn’t say no to fresh clementines, watermelon, cantaloupe or apple. We are still avoiding bananas as she had a small reaction even to an organic banana not long ago. She never got used to the sippy cups. Instead she drinks from our cups (with some help). She prefers carbonated water to still (of course, what did you expect?) and fresh squeezed orange juice. Olivia is also used to her daily Starbucks by now. So far she hasn’t realized it that our cups are full and her cup is empty.

Mom and Livi have a nice daily routine. They have some kind of activity scheduled almost for every morning (Thursdays off) and in the afternoon after the nap they go for a long walk to the local parks, where they meet lots of moms, dads, grandmas, & grandpas from various cultures. Olivia is also a member of the local YMCA swim team, the youngest in her Moms & Tots Beginning Swimming class. Friday was her first class. She starts to learn to put her head under water (something her dad never learnt). They sang a lot of songs. Olivia & Mom had fun but were very tired after just one half hour. Olivia liked sliding down the slide into the pool.

After a month of extensive chiropractor appointments Olivia’s atlas is in perfect position and her skull is much more symmetrical. She is actually beginning to enjoy the appointments. We are happy to have a chiropractor here. Mom has thrown out her back many times since January. Olivia is getting very heavy to pick up. We all have Physicals next week, so we’ll be reporting her weight then. Olivia’s weight, not her moms or dads.

Rikki and Olivia were invited by our neighbor yesterday morning for coffee & coffeecake in order to meet the neighbors. We have very nice neighbors. Spring has brought everyone out. There are a lot of kids of all ages playing in the streets every day.

Olivia’s recently learned how to turn lights on and off and squeals every time we walk by a light switch. She spends a lot of time each day pointing to various objects of interest and remarking, “Uggh!” Her latest trick is stretching out her arms fully when asked, “”How much do you love your DaDa?” “SOOOOOOO much!”

Love

The Boehmer Family

Sunday, April 6, 2008 2:00 PM EST

Summer is on its way! OJ loves the daily walks to the beach (lake). In the meantime she can table walk and yesterday she stood for the first time alone. Today was the first time where she was standing up in the crib.

Rikki & Stefan

Saturday, March 22, 2008 9:30 PM EST

Sylvia, Haley & I have certainly missed the Boehmers since their departure from Chester Springs to their current adventures north of the border. So with Easter approaching and Sylvia’s term break, we didn’t need much encouragement to drive north and venture to Canada.

Traveling with our 9 month old daughter requires considerable amount of “stuff” so with the car packed, ski’s in the top box and Stefan’s child gates, we left the US of A and entered Canada at Niagara Falls. Unfortunately the USA side is an industrial complex; thankfully the Canadian side is cool.

It was lovely to arrive at Stefan & Rikki’s house to a warm welcome and help celebrate Stefan’s birthday. As always Rikki’s cooking is fantastic, and we couldn’t believe how much Olivia has grown. An afternoon walk around the block showed us what a beautiful family friendly area it is here, and with the lake only a block or two down the road, summer is going to be spectacular fun.

On Easter Saturday we toured downtown Toronto while the girls slept, ending at the Lawrence Street Markets for lunch. What a hive of activity, with every sort of food or craft. Later that day on a tour of downtown Oakville (which has a wonderful village feel with diverse up-market shops) we were surprised to stumble upon an Australian Bakery franchise called “ Baker’s Delight “ and trading as Cob’s Bread in Canada. For any Australian Easter is not complete without their legendary hot cross buns. Easter Sunday breakfast couldn’t be shaping up any better than with toasted “Aussie Hot cross Buns” with the Boehmers.

Glenn & Sylvia

Sunday, March 16, 2008 10:00 AM PST

Dear Friends & Family,

Spring has come and Easter is around the corner.

Being used to freezing cold temperatures it really feels warm if the temperature is above 32 degree F (0 degree C). The sun is shining and makes it even cozier. We witnessed our first sunset March 14th, the first since moving here Dec 31st.

Livi is busy filling Easter Eggs with Cheerios. We are excited to celebrate Easter this year with Haley and her parents Sylvia and Glenn. They’ll be here soon!

Livi is finally sleeping well again after her stomach virus. It took awhile to get back to normal. She gets down around 6-7 PM and wakes up between 7 and 8 am. Twice out of the last three nights she woke up for a midnight snack. Mama loves these snacks to snuggle her sleepy baby. She was sad the other night when Livi didn’t want one.

Olivia is getting ready to walk as well … training hard to stand on her feet. Two weeks ago when she was standing her feet were cemented on the ground. Now she stands with one foot and swings the other foot around.

She also discovered mom’s nostrils. They are the perfect size for her finger. This makes nursing so much more fun – and challenging as its hard to stay latched on when you laugh.

Livi sang me a song as I waited on the tarmac in Frankfurt. It went like this:
Mom: “If you love your DaDa & you know it, say DaDa!”
Livi: “Da-Da”
Mom: “If you love your DaDa & you know it, say DaDa!”
Livi: “Da-Da”
Mom: “If you love your DaDa & you know it, then your face will surely show it. If you love your DaDa & you know it, say DaDa!”
Livi: “Da-Da”
Mama tried to record it on voicemail but everyone kept answering their phone. G’pa & Gma enjoyed a live rendition.


Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Wednesday, March 5, 2008 7:00 PM EST

Wednesday Update:

Yes, it snowed last night. Approx 10 inch (25 cm). Rikki suggested a snow blower for my birthday, but everybody tells us this year is not normal. More snow is forecasted for Saturday (only 2-4 inch).

Olivia didn’t sleep well last night. She woke up frequently and nursed all the time (courtesy of tooth No. 8). This afternoon she was in a great mood. She was talking, trying to stand up and snugly. She loves her new toys she got. She is getting to the point where she almost can pull her up to the couch or table by herself.

She slept for two hours this afternoon which was excellent (after last night). Rikki just put her down for the night. Hopefully she falls asleep soon.

She is also a Starbucks Fan and can’t wait to get her small cup every time we get our coffee. So far she doesn’t care that our cups are full and hers is empty.

Stefan

Tuesday, March 4, 2008 10:00 PM PST

And a short update …

Monday (March 3rd): Olivia and Rikki feel better.

Tuesday (March 4th): We made it for a nice short walk before the snow/ice rain started. Weather forecast expects another 15-20 cm snow mixed with ice pellets. Can’t wait to get out and shovel. At least Olivia and Rikki are back to normal.

We expect the painter tomorrow. Hopefully he will come despite of the snow.

Sylvia and Glenn with Haley will visit us over Easter – we are totally excited. Olivia’s first Easter Egg Hunt!!

…..

Sunday, March 2, 2008 10:00 PM EST

Since our Dream Come True, not every day has been dreamy. Or week for that matter…

Sunday night we notice the ceiling is leaking in Jesse’s room - directly below the bathtub.

Monday: Stefan took the day off. I put Livi down for her morning nap then jump in the shower while Stefan goes to get dog food. Olivia screams. I go in in the dark & notice her face completely broken out. Allergic reaction again? Oh God, NO! I hit the lights & discover it’s blood, not blotching. Thank God. Ear to ear, all over her hands, neck, shirt. I sponge her off, but nothing is bleeding. Stefan arrives to discover blood all over the crib railing. Pulling back her top lip, I find her frenulum torn. She must’ve bonked it on the top rail. We lower the mattress.
I go downstairs to find Jesse lying outside in the snow. That’s unusual. She won’t come in. I go out to her. She’s shaking. With some prodding I convince her to come in. Once inside she continues to shake uncontrollably. She has that look in her eye like, “Put me out of my misery, please!” While Livi bemoans a tooth cutting through, I recognize this is the moment all dog owners talk about when they say, “You will know when it’s time”. Jesse asks to go out again. It is below zero. We let her out. She lies down in the snow. We can see her shaking from inside the house. We carry her in again and love her lots and lots. She pukes foamy green bile and goes back outside. We call the vet Stefan just found that morning to buy an $80 bag of dog food. My voice breaks up as I ask for a vet that does house calls, I think it’s time to put our dog down. The receptionist hears Jesse’s history and suggests Jesse’s system is shutting down. We should go outside, cover her up, and make her as comfortable as possible. Forecast calls for 10cm snow, she reminds me. A vet will be out in an hour. I give Livi to Stefan as the contractors show up and head out to spend one last hour with my best friend of 14 years.
The contractors set up shop directly in front of the back door where Jesse is lying. Stefan needs to show the guys the house. Livi is inconsolable. They need to saw the ceiling open to find the leak. Reluctantly, I take Livi. Graciously, Stefan picks up Jesse and stations her in the entryway where I can say my goodbyes as best I can with a squeaking toddler in arms. I explain to Livi what’s going on but it doesn’t seem to get through. This can’t be the way it ends, I think as I head upstairs to distract Livi and cry without an audience.
Sawing done, fixtures bought & installed, the contractors eventually leave. Dr Ried arrives - a local vet that only does house calls. He checks Jesse thoroughly and places an IV. She gets her smile back. The vomiting & IV seem to have worked. He suggests monitor Jesse tonight for diarrhea & fluid retention he’ll call in the morning with blood results. I breathe a sigh of relief as I head up to prepare a bath for Livi & me. Dr. Reid stays for 2 hours.

Tuesday: I attempt to attend my weekly bible study class but Olivia is not settling in the nursery. I can hear her down the hall, through the closed classroom door and over the video being played. Sigh. I concede (again) to spend all the time she needs with her so that the nursery is not foreign to her. Olivia is my priority, not the class. After all, we just moved, I remind myself. These people & this place is all new. Olivia & I enjoy ourselves and marvel at the uniqueness of each baby. Then I get up & round the corner to pee. Olivia Freaks. I return in under 30 seconds to see her gyrating, flailing, & screaming in the arms of a pregnant nursery worker. I fear for her unborn baby and take Livi. My heart shreds to see Livi so unhappy, so panicked. “What am I doing wrong?” I contemplate for the next 48 hours, weighing carefully whom I ask. Or don’t.

Wednesday: A visit to the chiropractor brings a welcome reprieve to the droning “Uh, uh ,uh, uh,” of Livi’s 7th tooth taking it’s sweet time cutting through. Olivia revels in the attention of Megan the receptionist & Diane the chiropractor. When asked how we’ve been, I confess we’re relieved our dog isn’t dead but are dealing with a bit of separation anxiety with Olivia. A caring mother of 4 (her last Olivia’s age), Diane reiterates all kids are different. Her oldest failed Jr. Kindergarten (4/5yrs old) – cried non-stop for 3 weeks until they pulled her out. The next year at 5/6 years old, she handled Sr. Kindergarten just fine.
I think I must be raising Livi in the wrong culture. Had we been stationed in Africa or India or China right now, I would wear her until she was 3, nurse her with no regard of friend’s dismay back home, and not expect her to be Little Miss Independent any time soon. I have a nagging suspicion my expectation of an independent, intrepid child is ill-wrought. “Lord, give me wisdom,” I plead then fall back to, “When in doubt, lean toward compassion”. On my deathbed, I figure, I’ll never regret being too compassionate. Too stern or too subscribed to the latest trend – yes. Too compassionate - no.
Time for X-rays. Olivia needs to stay upstairs while I go down with the doctor. Gulp. A quick game of hide & seek allows me to sneak out. Dear Megan placates Livi while she looks from room to room for her mom, growing more & more panicked. We return after 5 minutes to Olivia crying in Megan’s arms, not at all interested in the toys being offered. One look in Olivia’s eyes and I begin to cry. Her eyes suck me in. I can think of nothing but Olivia’s pain as Diane adjusts us and goes over my X-ray results. I have a backwards neck and a bone spur at the base of my cranium.
We call it a night early. Stefan’s tired from a late sales meeting the night before. I’m wiped. Olivia’s down by 7PM, up twice by 8. “Looks like it’s gonna be a long night,” I say, thinking of her tooth. Olivia coughs/chokes. Monitor’s in the bedroom, we’re in the bathroom. We wait it out. She settles. After 3 wake-ups & re-settles, I check on her at 10 when she cries. She’s soaked in vomit. Chunks of carrots & lentils wedged between the wet ears of her Lovie. She cries as I change her diaper and pukes the minute I’m done. All over everything. 5 more vomiting episodes, 3 more baths, 6 loads of laundry, Olivia & I nestle vertically for the night in the guest bed. She nurses non-stop between vomits. 6AM finally roles around.

Thursday: We all have breakfast together. Livi seems herself again despite not having slept a wink. She “Uh!”s for a glass of water as I’m setting the table. I fill a sippy cup and she drinks the whole cup. I marvel at how she intrinsically knows to hydrate herself. That explains the non-stop nursing last night. I’m glad Jesse’s alive & well and actually make time to snuggle her – something I haven’t done in a year. I get Livi down for a nap, thankful she’ll have multiple naps today. Just last week she went down to one nap per day. A natural transition she was apparently ready for but one her young body adjusted to much easier than mine. Livi wakes up puking.
Shortly before noon thoughts start going through my head to get a hotel room. The house is cold. This is not unusual. Every day the heating system dips & spikes on its own accord, making the house quite uncomfortable. We’ve mentioned to the landlord the system needs to be re-calibrated. She’s looking for the manual. I notice the temperature inside is 66 degrees F and falling. Outside temp -17. I consider taking Livi out to the car to warm up. The fireplace is not doing the trick and the heater is simply not cutting on. I shut the heating vent in Livi’s room long ago and regulate her heat from an oil heater. Today her room is the only warm room in the house. She’s ready for a nap anyway. Heading upstairs, I call Stefan to complain. He sends me to the basement to check if there’s a fire burning in the furnace. No. Then call the Gas Co – we’re out of gas. Begrudgingly, Livi lets me find the # amidst a German Binder System I’m completely unfamiliar with. I place the call. They’ll be here by 3:30. I get Livi down. Gentle knock on the door. Plumbers are here to fix the bathtub fixtures. The bathtub directly across the hall from Livi’s room.
They correctly interpreted my polite whispered welcome as, “Don’t make ANY noise & don’t you DARE wake the baby up!” They were quiet as mice. Livi wakes up 3 hours later. Heading upstairs, I’m greeted by a stench on the stairway. Did the plumbers hit a sewer line? I open Livi’s room door and find her happily laying in her crib. Raising her slowly, I come across an enlarging blob of green puree ballooning up and out of the back of her diaper. I catch it with my hand to keep it from oozing onto the bed. Smearing the glob into a handy blanket, the subsequent diaper change proves unsparing. Warmed in the humidified air of her moist room, the toasty smell of teeming diarrhea permeates the entire upstairs, greeting Stefan as he comes home early. Cleaning up the mess without running water required some resourcefulness. Of all nights to miss a bath, this is not it, but alas, the plumbers found another leak at 5:30PM when they turned the water back on to test their work. They’d be here awhile. Livi was down for the night when the Gas Co finally came and filled our 100uaranteed-never-to-go-empty-tank after 6PM. We all slept well. And warmly.

Friday: Livi seems to be on the up & up. She’s happy. Not interested in nursing or eating. We figure it’s a sign she’s giving her tummy a break. Her diarrhea continues but vomiting subsides. I was quite surprised when she pukes at noon. Then startled by the amount she pukes at 3. Considering it’s Friday afternoon, I call the doctor just to see when we should worry, after 3 days of this? 4? 5? She won’t talk to me on the phone. I need to bring Livi in right away. Grrrr. Stefan agrees. Sigh. I put Livi in her snowsuit and pack her in the car. A significant snowstorm has just started causing all drivers to creep along at a maddening crawl. I’ve got 15 minutes to get to the doctor’s office 25 minutes away before she goes home for the day. I hadn’t time to preheat the car. Nor brushed any of the windows free of snow or ice. Livi’s melancholy expression only fuels the fire as I war in my head a completely make believe battle with the doctor about not giving my child antibiotics unless it’s a bacteria she has. A humble prayer of repentance serves to right my attitude just as we arrive. It’s a 5 day stomach virus going around. Olivia should feel better by Monday. Thanks for coming in.
We head home at 4:30 along with every other driver known to man. Friday traffic. All heading in the same direction. The snowstorm is quite blinding now and Livi’s melancholy gaze has turned impatient. While one hand yield calls from Stefan advising which route is my best bet home, the other systematically empties Livi’s toy bag, pleading her interest for 10 seconds or more. We make it home. Stefan brings pizza.
Bath & bed with Livi doesn’t get her down for long. She wakes up puking. The ensuing clean up, bath, & changing only serve to wake her up more. I try to convince her to go back to sleep. She screams and winces in pain. Vomiting results. We clean her up & bring her downstairs for a change of scenery. She continues to cry. We fight off thoughts of beloved 15 month old Marissa Simmonds whose inconsolable sickness was the first signs of a fatal brain tumor. Stefan goes out to shovel snow. I get Livi bundled up and we all join him. It’s 10:30 PM and bright outside. The sky is white with snow clouds. Glowing snow covers the neighborhood. A faraway streetlight sends glistening particles on the backs of tiny snowflakes meandering lazily along the night air. We search to find the night sky. There is a patch to the south, just over the lake. A thick scrap of dark grey sky fights to reclaim territory, outnumbered by wispy waves of white clouds. Livi gets heavy in my arms. I set her in her toboggan, a gift from her Gpa Jack. We take a short ride through the deserted street. The scene seems to settle her. Until we come in. 20 minutes into a tantrum while trying to put her down, we remember a tip from Shelley Bennett. I run Livi & I a bath. It does the trick. Our over-tired, sick little sweetie finally settles and sleeps.

Saturday & Sunday: Livi recovers fully just as I begin to experience significant stomach cramping intermixed with bathroom runs and splitting headaches. But the dog’s alive, the house is warm, all plumbing works and this week is just about over.

Monday, February 18, 2008 2:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

We are celebrating “Family Day” today. This is a new holiday in Ontario. We went for a short walk as the rain finally stopped and OJ is just taking her second nap.

We have milestones to report:

- Yesterday she stood for the first time alone without holding onto something. Only a few seconds, but she did it.
- Her 7th tooth is making its debut.
- She's now competently and consistently sitting up on her own. We spyed her on the video monitor twice yesterday. As she wakens from her naps & finishes playing with her toes and other various body parts, she gets into the sitting position all by herself. (No small feat for a baby with a head as big as hers.) Our elation quickly deflated as Mom answered her 4AM cries this morning to find Livi upright and throwing Eoyore & Nemo out of her crib ready to play...

Grandpa Jack’s snowman is in serious trouble. All the rain and warm weather didn’t make it look any better. Tonight is again one cm snow in the forecast and colder temperatures for the next few days.

Although it looks like spring is around the corner, we faced heavy winds as we went outside today.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Saturday, February 16, 2008 8:30 PM EST

We discovered Olivia's 7th tooth today ... Go Girl!!

Today was a beautiful cold day. We enjoyed blue sky and sunshine. Not that it mattered too much as Olivia napped very well and we didn't make it for a walk. She napped 3 hour in the morning and 2 1/2 hours in the afternoon. Between we went quickly shopping - new carpets for the living room and bed room.

Love

Rikki & Stefan

Tuesday, February 12, 2008 8:30 PM EST

Livi turns 13 months old today.
Happy Birthday Livi!
Thanks God!

Saturday, February 9, 2008 10:30 PM EST

Grandpa Jack is here!!!

He brought with him some rain. The first rain since we moved here. Don’t get us wrong, there is still plenty of snow on the ground. It was just a short snow break. The temperatures should drop again to -15 degree Celsius (5 degree Fahrenheit) tonight and tomorrow.

Olivia and Jesse were excited to see him. Olivia was very happy that he built her a snowman.

Right away he took over the kitchen. We can’t wait to get his famous meat sauce tomorrow.

Olivia was so cute today. She is still not excited to stand up but can stand by herself for a few seconds if there is something interesting on the table.

Currently we are enjoying movie night. The second movie is almost ready to start.

Rikki & Stefan

Sunday, February 3, 2008 10:00 AM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

It stopped snowing, but the whole landscape is covered in snow. A beautiful view, especially when the sun comes through (as it just happened a few minutes ago).

We reached a couple of more milestones yesterday and today. We installed the first baby gate yesterday. I am not sure if Olivia likes it. For us it is for sure easier. Bagheera (the cat) is slightly irritated about the gate as it is as effective for cats as it is for babies.

Additionally Olivia’s room is the first one to be completely decorated. We hang her blanket over her crib and the “A dream come true” sign next to the door.

This morning Olivia was very active, scooting around a lot and following Mama. She woke up at 7.30 am this morning and is right now taking her first nap.

She is still breast fed, but continues to enjoy solids. She likes meat (organic chicken or ground turkey) and we added water melon and cantaloupe to her list of desserts. Her favourite is still apple. Yesterday we went out for lunch (to a Montana steak house), which was a nice change. Normally we only pick up food or get it delivered. Olivia enjoyed ice-cubes (from our water) as well as tortillas (from our fajitas).

Depending when she wakes up in the morning and how long her first nap is, she takes either one or two naps per day. We prefer if she takes two as she is in much better condition when she sleeps more.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Friday, February 1, 2008 2:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

It's been a big week in the Boehmer home!

Olivia got up for the first time by herself in her crib. She was sitting in her crib as Rikki came in and explored her crib. Rikki called me directly to share the good news then packed Olivia up to attend a German-speaking Moms & Tots group. They meet every Monday morning.

Olivia also learned to watch and copy me. The other morning she watched as I opened my drawer to get a pair of socks. The next day she emptied the drawer out and distributed the socks evenly across the floor.

Another milestone is her new car seat. She got a Britax and is really happy to face forward now. She's got the best view in the car!

Tuesday Rikki & Olivia checked out a local Bible Study. The ladies were very receptive and nice.

Wednesday Rikki pushed Olivia in the stroller to our local library around the corner. The library has a drop-in storytime on Wednesday mornings that they are looking forward to try out.

Olivia let Rikki help her on Thursday. This is a milestone as Olivia likes to do things herself.

Friday's milestone is the appearance of Tooth #6. After a long wakeful night (after Olivia had finally begun sleeping through the night again), Rikki discovered #6 breaking the surface this morning.

This week we got news that Gpa Jack signed up as visitor #4. We are excited that he will come and visit next weekend. We have lots of projects for him to do!

We are slowly getting done with all the requirements of the move. Yesterday we got our Canadian driver licenses. Saturday we have a few appointments to get the Yukon's emission tested for Canadian Liscence Plate.

The forecast talks about snow (“From Thursday Overnight to Friday Evening we expect 25-35cm of snow”) …. Hopefully we will have plenty – we love the snow!! It has been dumping steadily since this morning. Our local streets do not get plowed so we've been out 4wheel driving all morning.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Meg left us yesterday afternoon. Now we are set up in our new house. Unpacked, sorted, dishes washed, not needed items donated (many – luckily Nani arranged that they picked them up with a truck) and so on.
Only a few items are left in the garage and wait for a place in the house (or in the garbage bin).

It was great that Nani, Mom & Meg were able to come out and help.

Olivia is very happy that Aunt Jenny made it safe to and back from Mount Aconcagua in Argentina (a three week journey). She can’t wait to see her.

Olivia still enjoys solid food. Peas and yams as well as butter squash are her favorites. She also likes to eat papa’s bread. She is not so keen on fruit. She can busy herself for 30 minutes in her high chair eating and playing. She prefers to do so without much attention (she normally eats when you don’t look and she doesn’t like it at all if you try to feed her).

Temperate in the past few days was between 12 and 32 degree Fahrenheit with some snowfall yesterday (maybe 3 inches). Jesse loved the snowfall. She is not to happy with the split-level house as she can only access the lower level (unless somebody carries her up the stairs).

Love,

Stefan

Saturday, January 19, 2008 3:30 PM EST

Today we celebrated Olivia’s first birthday! She particularly loves watching Grandma dance while the birthday balloon sings a jaunty take on “Happy Birthday To You.” Just cracks her up.

Jesse moved from the temporary house to the real house today, so the family is all complete. She was so excited when she was finally allowed to come upstairs to help Olivia tear open birthday presents.

Auntie Nani, the first visitor to the Boehmers’ Canadian home, had to leave this afternoon. Bye Bye, Yani (as Olivia calls her). Thanks for all the help!

After Olivia’s nap we all bundled up and went for a walk to both of the parks that are very nearby. I don’t care what anybody else tries to tell you, it is CRAZY COLD here, and the forecast is for even colder weather in the days to come.

Last night Olivia celebrated her fifth residence in the last two months (yikes) by a wakeful night from midnight to 2:30am then finally slept for 4 and a half hours, the longest stretch of sleep in ages. Here’s hoping things calm down soon…

Auntie Meggie

Friday, January 18, 2008 5:30 PM EST

Party, party, party …!!!!

Meg and Mom arrived to visit Olivia and celebrate her one year birthday.

Unfortunately Olivia hurt her foot and can’t scoot as much as she normally does.

Our house is ready to move in as Rikki and Nani spent another morning cleaning and unpacking.

We are of to get some Greek dinner

Stefan

Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia is so happy to see Aunt Nani. Finally somebody who takes the time to read to her, play with her and go for a walk with her. She is so thrilled.

Our house is getting ready to move in. We got new keys this morning for all doors, the garage door was fixed, we signed up with Esso for oil delivery and we got phone as well as high speed internet.

Most boxes are emptied, only a few are remaining.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Monday, January 14, 2008 9:15 PM PST

Dear Friends & Family,

Nani gets the first place. She will be our FIRST visitor in Toronto. She will arrive tomorrow to help Rikki unpack and play with Olivia.

Olivia continues to explore her ability to pull herself up on various items.

Today we had the chimney cleaned and the blinds measured. On Wednesday we get somebody to come to fix the garage door opener and we get internet and phone installed.

The house is looking better and better each day (and the number of boxes standing around is declining).

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Sunday, January 13, 2008 2:30 PM PST

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia slept well after her birthday cupcake yesterday. She stayed up a little bit later as she wasn’t done playing. In the past her bedtime would be around 6 pm. She is slowly extending it to 7 pm.

At 5.00 am this morning she woke up for a feeding and diaper change but luckily went back to bed until 8.30 am. Right now she is taking her lunchtime nap … already for 2 ½ hours. If she wakes up earlier than 8.30 am or takes a short morning nap, she gets two naps per day.
If she wakes up later and naps longer than 2 hours, then she only takes one nap per day. Today is a one nap day. She probably will wake up around 3 pm, which means her bath time will be around 6-7 pm.

This morning we got flowers and a birthday balloon delivered to our new house (actually it was already there as we got there). It was from Grandpa Jack. Although Olivia was excited she was a little bit careful as well as the balloon was bigger than her. Every time the balloon hit the ceiling or you touched it, it would sing “Happy Birthday”.

Olivia must have felt special yesterday as she got several (moving) boxes full of toys. Some were old friends, others were totally forgotten. There are toys everywhere in the house.

Olivia also realized that there are items on top of tables and chairs and she has learned that these can be pulled down.

We have experimented with new solid food. Yesterday she had avocado for dinner (of course with lentils and yams) and this morning she had honey melon. She was not too amazed of the honey melon (but she never is when she gets something for the first time). Once we added some cheerios to the melon, breakfast was saved. It is normal that she has food all over her face and hands, but today she managed to get some cheerios and melon also under her shirt. Jesse loves to clean up the kitchen floor. Believe me there is plenty on the ground, it is amazing how far food can fly.

Love

Rikki & Stefan

Saturday, January 12, 2008 6:15 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,


Exactly one year ago Olivia was born at home in Chester Springs. She surely took her time to enter our world. Now she gets impatient if her dinner is not served fast enough. She prefers yams versus lentils as she clearly picks them out of her dinner. She also likes carrots.

We celebrated her one year birthday in our new house. She couldn’t get enough of her birthday cake. A messy toy, which in addition tasted yummy.

Yesterday Olivia and Mama went for a walk. They went to the waterfront and back in 20 minutes. Our house is slowly looking like a home. We are unpacking boxes since Thursday night. The living room and dining room is almost done. The kitchen is work in process. We have significantly less space here (compared with Chester Springs), which means we have many items in the storage room, guest bedroom and garage.

It’s also time to invest into real baby gates as Olivia has discovered that she can move things around which are in her way.

Love,

Stefan

Thursday, January 10, 2008 9:15 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Today the moving truck delivered our items – our new house is obviously too small!! But luckily we have a basement and a garage.

Tomorrow they come back to help us to unpack. Only 300 boxes or so to go. It is really amazing to see all the things we have.

Olivia turned today for the first time on her side while laying in her crib. She also pulled herself up for the first time while being in the crib and then later on she did the same at the small table we have in our temporary house.

More tomorrow

Stefan

Wednesday, January 9, 2008 8:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Today we found a good chiropractor for Olivia right here in Oakville and got recommendations for a family doctor and dentist.

We also signed up for highspeed internet and a home phone for our house. Tomorrow morning between 8.00 and 8.30 am the movers will arrive and deliver our items.

Olivia is excited to move into our house.

Stefan

Tuesday, January 8, 2008 8:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia continues to explore the world of solid food. This morning she had organic cheerios and then avocado for lunch. She ate quite a bit. For dinner she had chicken with carrots and lentils.

Discovery of the day: toilet paper is not endless although if it seems like it in the beginning

Stefan

Monday, January 7, 2008 8:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Day 7 in Canada – Today Olivia learned how chicken tastes. Mama was at Wholefoods and bought a lot of yummy veggies as well as organic chicken. Not sure yet if she likes it. We’ll try again tomorrow.

Today we went back to our new house and figured out where we will put all the hutches and other big items.

Temperature increased today to a cozy 58 degree Fahrenheit (15 degree Celsius). Only a little bit snow is left on the side of the roads.

We had Greek dinner tonight. Really yummy, just a little bit too much. Maybe we shouldn’t have ordered 2 main dishes, one side dish and two appetizers.

More tomorrow

Stefan

Sunday, January 6, 2008 8:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

This morning we checked out a local church (http://www.harvestoakville.ca/). It was pretty good and fit right into Olivia’s nap schedule.

Olivia continues to eat well. She had a piece of pear as second breakfast (after being nursed) and lentils and carrots for dinner.

She also has a nice crib once we move into our new house. Rikki found one advertised in the paper. The current owners move to Bellevue, WA and need to get rid of items. So effective tonight we are proud owners of a Bellini crib, dresser with changing table and a rocking chair (not that we needed a rocking chair, but it came with the crib … did I mention that we need to downsize from our large house in Chester Springs to our house in Oakville??).

We just ordered a mattress cover like we also had used in Chester Springs (https://www.storesonline.com/site/452285/page/45029).

Tonight we have ordered dinner from KFC. Rikki has cravings for some real meet. Due to the fact that we haven’t found a Texas Roadhouse here, KFC is the second best choice. So far we have had here twice Chicken Shawarma (excellent!), twice wood-oven Pizza (once today for lunch, really outstanding, almost as good as Regina’s in Boston!) and one rotisserie chicken.

Hopefully Olivia sleeps well tonight

Love

Stefan

Saturday, January 5, 2008 6:00 PM EST

Day 5 in Canada:

Today we got our rental car delivered. Now we have two cars and are more independent.

Olivia slept well last night. She only woke up once for a 2 am snack (which is normal for her). She slept from 7 pm last night to 6.30 am this morning.

Currently she is in the bath tub with mama (daily evening ritual).

We introduced Olivia today to Ikea. She was quite interested in all the people there. We were hoping to find a bed or crib for her but could not decide. At least we know now which options Ikea offers.

Olivia is in the meantime eating real solids, which we got confirmed this morning in her diaper (for the first time). She eats cooked lentils, carrots and yams (sweet potatoes). She prefers to eat when we are not watching and can busy herself in the highchair for 30 minutes without any problems. Then another 15 minutes for cleaning her, the highchair and the floor below.

We got some shopping in today (e.g. checked out Costco and Home Depot). Unfortunately Costco doesn’t have some of the items we normally (in the US) bought there. Prices (before taxes) are mixed. Some are similar, some are more expensive. 13-14% sales tax is added on top of it (compared with 8.6% in Seattle and 6% (if at all) in Pennsylvania).

We definitely enjoy the larger selection of bread in Canada. This is more like in Europe with various kinds available even at your local grocery store.

We already have signed up the first visitors. Aunt Meg and Grandma Margaret will arrive on January 19th to visit us and celebrate Olivia’s one year birthday (one week too late, but still close).

If everything works out as planned we will celebrate Olivia’s 1st year birthday in our new house. We plan to get our goods delivered on January 10th and 11th and Olivia’s birthday is Saturday, January 12, 2008.

Love

Stefan

Friday, January 4, 2008 6:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

We survived the first (short) week in Canada. We got most of the administration items done (bank account, social insurance, and health insurance). We also rented a house (move in date Jan 10th). Tomorrow we get our rental car delivered (for 30 days). We still need to pick a second car and exchange our driver licenses for local ones.

Olivia is still not back to her sleep schedule (which to be fair is difficult if you are out the whole day running errands). Last night she woke up 3 or 4 times but stayed in bed from 6 pm to 8 am.

She loves scooting around and is very interested in the outdoors. When ever we leave the front door open (to unload items or let Jesse in) she scoots towards it. She also like to go for walks.

Our drive way is finally ice-free after having invested 45 pounds of salt yesterday. Today the temperatures were already better (around 25 degree Fahrenheit/ -4 degree Celsius). For the weekend we expect warmer weather.

Temporary housing is much better than a hotel although a challenge if you want to cook as you have no spices or basics at all. We nevertheless managed to create a yummy meat sauce (with pasta) yesterday. Today we will order some wood oven pizza. It is nice to be back in civilization as you can get food delivered (something we missed in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania).

Here are a lot of international shops and restaurants. We found a German butcher close to our house and several Mediterranean restaurants (Italian, Greek, Lebanese food). The articles at the grocery stores are also more international (e.g. I found really good Dutch chocolate).

Our house in Oakville is almost 20 miles from work (25-35 minutes) and approx. 1 hour from the US boarder.

Below are some websites if you want to get more information about Oakville, Toronto, Lake Ontario or Siemens in Canada.

OAKVILLE:

Overview: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakville%2C_Ontario

About Oakville: http://www.oakvilletourism.ca/aboutoakville.htm

To request a copy of the 2007/08 visitor guide: http://www.oakvilletourism.ca/contact.htm
(or email to tourism@oakville.ca)

Oakville Trails: http://www.oakvilletrails.ca/

Bronte Creek Park: http://www.ontarioparks.com/English/bron.html

TORONTO:

Overview: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto

Tourism Homepage: http://www.torontotourism.com/Visitor

To request a copy of the 2007/08 visitor guide: http://www.torontotourism.com/ContactUs
(or email to toronto@torcvb.com)

LAKE ONTARIO:

Overview: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Ontario

SIEMENS CANADA:

Overview: http://www.siemens.ca/index.jsp

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Thursday, January 3, 2008 7:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

we rented a house today. We met the owners at 4.30 pm and agreed to rent their place. Earlier today we looked at a 10 room mansion, but we decided to go with a smaller and older house (although remodeled) with playgrounds around the corner and two blocks away from Coronation Park at Lake Ontario. Oakville has a waterfront trail, which can be accessed from Coronation Park (http://www.waterfronttrail.org/trail-p-oakville.html)

The owners are really nice and will make the last little adjustments before we move in. The bought the house from the original owners and remodeled it in the past 6 month. There is a 20 feet * 40 feet pool in the backyard and we are considering adding a hot tub to it.

The backyard needs some serious loving (the chain saw man is more than welcome).

Tomorrow morning the whole family will apply for the Ontario health insurance and on the weekend we might test drive some cars to figure out which one we want.

Then we only need to go to customs to clear our goods and get them delivered on January 10th and we are all set.

Love,

Stefan

Thursday, January 3, 2008 3:45 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

We slowly get adjusted to the new area. Last night we forgot our diaper bag in the car and this morning the wipes were frozen.

We had a beautiful morning with 6 degree Fahrenheit (-15 Grad Celsius). It would be nice if we had packed our gloves.

Today we opened a bank account, got a social insurance card (social security), got two cell phones and looked at another house. At 4.30 pm we will meet the owners of one of the houses which we want to rent.

The house is smaller, but in a nice neighborhood and yes, it has a pool in the backyard.

Ready to run …

Stefan

P.S.: No new pictures, we misplaced our camera.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008 7:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family

Day 1 in Canada - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Last night was a challenge as Olivia decided to wake up every 1 – 2 hours. Not sure what was going on, but Rikki for sure was tired this morning.

We tried to stay up and celebrate New Year’s Eve but I fell asleep around 10 pm last night and Rikki was trying to calm down Olivia.

I guess Olivia's schedule is quite a bit out of line. She only napped for an hour today. On the other hand she fell twice asleep in the car. Normally she never does this. She slept 15 minutes the first time and 30 minutes the next. At least something.

We looked at houses today. We decided not to go with the one house we had in mind as the owners don’t want to rent it out longer than 2 years. We thought that reduced our choices to one but there was an ad in the paper for a house with pool (even heated!) in Oakville. We looked at it today and we like it. So now we have again two choices. We have made an offer to rent already for the first place and the owners have until tomorrow to respond – let’s see what they say.

Olivia, Bagheera and Jesse like the temporary housing place. Olivia loves to scoot around and put her fingers either in Jesse’s nose or ears. Earlier she offered her carrot to Jesse, but Jesse didn’t like it. Jesse has a hard time walking but likes the snow. It started snowing last night and has not stopped yet. I already was out there twice today shoveling snow. And Bagheera is happy as she can hide again under the bed here. She gets into the bedframe and enjoys sleeping without anybody disturbing her.

More to follow

Stefan

Monday, December 31, 2007 6:00 PM EST

As of 12.15 pm today we are official residents of Canada – although only temporary.

On Thursday 12/27 the movers came and started packing us. We had great movers who were fast and good. They finished loading their truck on Saturday and left around 3pm. Unbelievable but they really managed to drive their truck onto Black Horse Road.

Thanks to our neighbors Hildegard, Tom & Tom and Jeanne we were taken care of with excellent food and plenty of cappuccinos.

After trying to give Olivia one last nap (what of course didn’t work) we left at 5 PM on Saturday 12/29 518 Black Horse Road in Chester Springs. The house where we spent the last three years and the house where Olivia was born.

We did good and managed to drive for 3 hours before Olivia insisted on her bedtime. We stopped at Binghampton, NY for the night and continued on Sunday 12/31 after Olivia’s morning nap (around noon) to Buffalo, NY.

The US Export office hours are from 8 am to 4 pm during working days. So we had planned to leave Buffalo early (around 7 am) to be there right when they open (to export our car).
Olivia must have heard that we want to leave early. At 4.11 am our night was over. Olivia scooted around the hotel room, the cat jumped from furniture to furniture and Jesse barked from time to time. At 5.30 am we (actually Rikki) had finally managed to convince Olivia to continue to sleep. We were surprised as we opened our curtains in the morning as it had showed approx 3 inch in the night. Welcome to the North. We left around 9 am and got to the border at 10 am. Exporting the car took 2 minutes; duty free stop was 5 minutes (we got some Whiskey, so Jack, Jon and Gerhard can finally book their tickets) and then spent two hours with immigration to get our work permit. Due to the fact that we have a temporary work permit for 3 years we were able to import our car temporarily as well. This means we are not allowed to sell it in Canada and need to bring it back to the US after three years. On the other side we saved the importation fee and the duty and don’t need to bring it to Canadian standard. We also declared the goods in the trailer and at 12.15 pm officially entered Canada.

Shortly after 1 pm we arrived at our temporary housing. We had shawarma and Greek salad for lunch and went shopping for some groceries as all stores are closed tomorrow.

Tonight Olivia played again with broccoli and carrots. She played more than she ate, but oh well … Now she is taking a bath with mama and then she will sleep in her own room.

We wish you all the best in the New Year!!

Love, Rikki & Stefan

Tuesday, December 25, 2007 9:00 PM EST

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Olivia celebrated her first christmas today.

This morning we opened gifts sent to us by Aunt Meg and Uncle Dave and in the afternoon we visited our neighbors.

Beside of that we continue to organize, pack and throw away stuff. Packers come the day after tomorrow.

We plan to leave on Dec 30th for Canada.

Love, Rikki, Stefan & Olivia

Thursday, December 13, 2007 1:45 PM German Time

Olivia celebrated her 11 month birthday yesterday in Germany.

We are here this week to celebrate Christmas early and show Olivia for the first time Germany. Olivia got many toys and books for Christmas. She’s met lots of friends and relatives. Unfortunately our time here is very short and she can’t meet everyone. It was a quick decision to squeeze in this Germany trip. We decided on Wednesday Dec 5th and flew out in the evening of Dec 7th.

Next week we are back in the US and will get ready for our move to Toronto. We plan to move at the end of this year.

Olivia has a hard time to adjust to the 6 hour time difference in Germany. The jetlag plus her sickness makes her pretty miserable. She is struggling to get healthy and adjusted to this timezone. Her congestion and cough do not keep her from smiling at all the new friends and family she meets.

When she is up, she explores Oma and Opa’s house. There are so many new corners to discover. She loves to pull on the branches of the christmas tree and play with the ornaments.

Love,

The Boehmer’s

Sunday, December 2, 2007 10:00 AM EST

Great News!

We received a call today. Stefan has been chosen to be CFO of Siemens Medical for all of Canada.

Yippee! We are so proud of you, Honey!

Toronto, here we come...

Hee Hee Hee

Saturday, November 24, 2007 11:30 PM PST

Olivia celebrated today Aunt Meggie and Uncle Dave’s wedding. She skipped – full of excitement – her afternoon nap and entertained the whole wedding party.

The wedding itself was spectacular. It was well-arranged and at a beautiful location in downtown Seattle. The weather was supportive as well with clear skies (yes, we saw the mountains around Seattle!) and sunshine (but freezing cold).

Olivia met many relatives and friends she hasn’t met before. She is always so excited if she is in a group of people. She also demonstrated her scooting skills during the ceremony.

Last night she slept for 13 hours straight. Go girl, keep on doing that.

Grandma spotted this morning the appearance of Olivia’s next tooth (No. 5). This was probably the reason that she was a in the last couple of days a little bit more cranky than normal and only wanted her mama.

Love

Stefan

Saturday, November 24, 2007 10:00 AM PST

Meg & Dave are getting married today!!

Thursday, November 22, 2007 9:00 PM PST

THANKSGIVING 2007 – We did it! Olivia’s first Thanksgiving. We celebrated with friends and family and had a wonderful juicy turkey dinner followed by various cakes and ice-cream.

Olivia enjoyed first pickles this morning and then later on ate some turkey. So far she played more with the food, but she really chewed on the turkey.

More later …

Stefan

Wednesday, November 21, 2007 5:00 PM PST

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia enjoyed today a beautiful sunny downtown Seattle. She is so interested in the world around her and enjoys seeing people and different locations.

Olivia met today for the first time Uncle Tom and Aunt Mary from Colorado as well as Cousin DP and Laura with Jaclen from Ohio at the Starbucks at Westlake Center. Additionally she was excited to see her Uncle Jon again and met his girlfriend Ami. Grandpa Jack and Aunt Meggie completed our group today. We went down to Pike Place Market and Olivia enjoyed the scenic view towards the Olympics as well as Mount Rainier in the South.

Back home Mama needed to convince her to nap as she was too excited about all the activities and didn’t want to sleep. I assume she smelled all the yummy cake for tomorrow (Olivia’s first Thanksgiving) and thought she would miss something.

Love, Stefan

Monday, November 19, 2007 7:30 AM PST

MY CONFESSION

I have fallen in love with another woman. I didn’t think this would ever happen to me, but it is undeniable. This person can melt me down with her piercing gaze; cause clouds to form when she doesn’t smile, and the sun to come out when she does smile. Her voice awakens longing and laughter in me. I am smitten. Woe is me. What am I to do?

The cause of this happy distress is my beautiful granddaughter Olivia Joy Boehmer. She is visiting with us prior to her command performance in Auntie Meg’s wedding next week in Seattle. She entertains us with her scooting across the floor to get to her toy box, her smushing a banana as she is just now learning to eat solids, her coos and gurgles and beginning new words she is just starting to speak.

Olivia and I take nature walks – in the sunny parts of the days and even in the drizzle. She looks carefully at the flowers and buds and leaves as I name them to her. When in this learning mode she does not often smile but puts on a studied air and even an almost smug slightly pursed (not quite frowning) passive acknowledgement that she sees what I am pointing out to her and that she is willing to consider (not quite begrudgingly) my opinion, at least temporarily. This child is going to do her own thinking, I’ll tell you.

When Olivia is finished eating, she shakes her head back and forth in a shiver of satisfied delight. When she takes a hard knock, she hardly cries, shakes it off, and moves right ahead as if nothing happened. When she is tired she waves her right hand past her right ear to say ‘bedtime!’ Today she was mimicking us clapping and when she claps she shakes her head side to side, trying to coordinate all the movements. She gets into real chatty sessions talking on and on in her proto-language; I hear a ‘Dada’ now and then and an ‘up’ and a ‘Hi’. I have been waiting for ‘Grandpa’, and I swear I heard it yesterday – Rikki agrees.

Then there are times when Daddy and Olivia are playing and she is giggling wholeheartedly and all in the room can’t help joining in. Auntie Meg and Olivia have great times together, snuggling each other, laughing out loud, finding the right toy to play with. Auntie Jen brought over her posh poodles, Delilah and Daphne, to get introduced to Olivia, each in turn. Lots of camera clicks when this was going on, especially when we dressed up Daphne in a nightcap as she lay down under a cover on the couch with Olivia, wearing a red hooded jacket, picking fruit out of a basket placed right next to the puppy’s showing teeth and licking tongue (Grandma, what big eyes you have . . .).

Grandma Margaret likes to take Olivia on walks around the neighborhood in the stroller. Olivia embraces the world moving by with wide eyes and quiet consideration. She rarely cries on these trips – she is so easy to be with; this may be a combination of her sunny disposition, the stage of development she is presently at (10 months), and the skillful handling of her mom and dad knowing when she needs to rest, to feed and to play.

Oh Olivia, how good to have you with us for this while. You are our sunshine in this Northwest November dreariness.

Grandpa Jack, November 19, 2007

Saturday, November 17, 2007 3:30 PM PST

Olivia LOVES Seattle!!

Yesterday she explored Kirkland’s waterfront and art galleries and today we went for a walk around in Seward Park.

Olivia loves the attention she gets from her Grandma Margaret, Grandpa Jack, Aunt Jenny and Aunt Meg. There is always something going on. She can’t wait until her Uncle Jon arrives on Tuesday.

Aunt Jenny brought her puppy today and Olivia had so much fun playing with her.

Olivia continues to show interest in solid food. Grandpa Jack managed the challenging task yesterday to balance Olivia in one arm and eat his Souvlaki with his other hand. You should have seen Olivia’s eyes trying to convince the Souvlaki to come closer. Almost!

Unfortunately she doesn’t put everything in her mouth what we give her. This is good when she plays, but more challenging when she is supposed to eat. This morning we tried banana. What fun! Olivia first distributed the banana evenly across the table and then she scooted a few times over it. Mama decided it was enough bananas as Olivia tried to snuggle her. Olivia at least got a taste of it.

Later today she also tried carrots and sweet bread.

Now she is upstairs playing with Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Meggie.

More later …

Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:00 PM PST

Dear Friends & Family,

Yesterday Olivia was introduced to cat food and rice crackers. Cat food was not intentionally. Yesterday morning Olivia suddenly got very quiet. Checking on her she was playing with the cat food (we doubt she ate anything). Bagheera was not pleased and didn’t know what to do besides fluff up and watching it from the distance!

Olivia also discovered a second baby in our house. She found the second baby in the bathroom mirror and was really interested in her (until they bonked heads).

Last night (actually this morning) we finally made it to Seattle after sitting almost two hours on the runway. Olivia was great on the airplane having in mind that she only slept for an hour. She was flirting with the passengers around us. She already had her big event at the Philadelphia airport as she was scooting around and everybody watched her and smiled.

Olivia also extended her vocabulary with “Bob”, “Hi” and “Up”.

Love

Rikki & Stefan

Saturday, November 10, 2007 6:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Thank you very much for visiting our webpage. Over 41,000 hits is simply amazing. Please feel free to sign the guestbook when you visit next time, just to say you were here.

Olivia is growing well. Her fourth tooth is coming in (top middle) and hence she is not sleeping as well in the night. She likes to gnaw briefly on Mama every hour or two then fall back to sleep.

When awake she enjoys to eat her books. With 3 ½ teeth she is able to bite holes into the cover so we decided it is time to feed her solids.

Last week we started solids unexpectedly when Olivia helped herself to a generous portion of whipped cinnamon butter. (The following day her diaper smelled like freshly-popped microwave popcorn.) Today we continued with an apple. She enjoyed playing with it and sticking it in her mouth. Not sure how much she really ate. Maybe some juice.

We are getting ready to fly to Seattle for Meg’s wedding. Can’t wait!! We also will see Laurra, Joe, Derek and Cece again as they will spend Thanksgiving in Washington State as well.

We will keep you posted about the next solid food (maybe Thanksgiving turkey)

Love,
Stefan

Tuesday, November 6, 2007 8:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Today Olivia had her first solids. Real food. We went to Texas Roadhouse together with Laurra, Joe, Derek & Cece. They have these yummy rolls before dinner. They come in a basket of four with a cup of sweet cinnamon butter. Really yummy! We had Olivia in front of us and suddenly Joe screamed. Olivia had somehow managed to get a hold of the butter cup and had all the butter over her face and in her mouth. Our butter bee didn’t seem to mind while we were busy cleaning her face, her hands and her clothes.

Yesterday Olivia saw for the first time in her life elephants and lions during her visit to the Philadelphia zoo. She was excited and really tired afterwards. So many new things.

Marko, Renate, Niko and Janina unfortunately left us on Sunday. Olivia had so much fun with so many kids around. She was challenged to find time for naps.

She is still taking a bath every evening with mama and then she falls asleep in her crib by herself.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Saturday, November 3, 2007 8:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

I am finally back home after 10 long days in Germany. I did not only miss Olivia’s first Halloween, I also missed her third tooth. Yes, her third tooth came through (top left).

Olivia grew quite a bit. She still scoots around the house. She is getting very fast scooting.

We currently have Marko and Renate with Janina and Niko staying at our house, They are moving back to Germany and stay here until tomorrow, when their flight leaves. Additionally we were pleasantly surprised by Laurra and Joe with Derek, Cece and Sammy. We had planned to drive up to Boston this week but had to cancel it due to my extended stay in Germany. Instead they drove down and visited us.

Today we went to the Milky Way Farm in Chester Springs. Derek, Cece and Olivia enjoyed the ducks, sheep and cows. We even saw two cute pigs.

Love

Stefan

Friday, October 19, 2007 9:00 PM CDT

Olivia, sweet Olivia, what a joy it is raising you. We always knew a child would be a blessing but had no idea we’d get such a joyful little girl! Every day gets better and brighter parenting you. You wake up smiling and go to bed giggling. We know you like your 12 hour stretch of sleep each night, but, OH, we so miss you when you’re down!

You enchanted your pediatrician today, as you do every recipient of your smile. You scored 75th percentile in weight (20lbs 5ozs), 90th percentile in height (29in) and >95th percentile in head circumference (47cm). Your iron levels were not a concern. Continuation of exclusive breastfeeding was encouraged. You’ve been hungrier than usual lately which we find delightful. This follows on the heels of a particularly sleepy week so perhaps you are gearing up for a milestone. You are so extraordinary to watch. We’ve closed all books on child development and find experiencing your innate discoveries one of the most remarkable things in the world. You’re amazing! We cherish your curiosity and exploration. This week’s unearthing? Pinecones make delicious teething toys.

Despite chilly weather looming on the horizon, your bald head is stubbornly showing no sign of growing hair. We appreciate your tolerance with your chiropractor as we work to get your silky-smooth skull symmetrical. (Skull asymmetry is something follically-savvy types would know nothing about.) Your substantial head size is overly cumbersome when your arms are the sole bearers of its weight. Crawling is proving to be quite a sweaty feat! Resourceful as you are, you’ve taken to scooting in and out of rooms, down the hall, and into mischief with ease and apparent pleasure. Bagheera and Jesse take the brunt of your escapades, Jesse more so, as her limbs struggle to remove herself from your scrutiny and her ears from your enthusiastic screeching. “An exceptional Bottom Shuffler!” exclaimed our obstetrician-in-training friend Mo, in a perfect British accent, as she witnessed you scootin’ on your booty.

To much fanfare, your headstrong ways finally made their debut two months ago. Protests are regularly exclaimed now when you’re denied desires. Manicures with Mom have become a dreaded battle. Thank heaven for distraction and tickle spots! When all else fails and you are having a bad day, we simply head out for a stroll and put you in contact with someone, anyone. You thrive on connection with people. Eye contact and verbal engagement open you up. Your expressive eyes are wondrous to all who take them on. You can warm the world with them! And when you are mournful, you bring us in, as well, until Mom’s chest hurts bearing with you such a sad countenance.

Little Livi, you are such a joy to us. We dreamed of becoming parents for so many years and yet parenting you is proving sweeter than anything we’ve ever dreamed of. How your daddy and mom ever scored such a wonderful baby girl, we’ll never know. God has really outdone Himself this time. Though perhaps not the Psalmist's intent, we can't help but think of you, sweet Livi, and the joyful time you've ushered into our lives, when we read, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

We love you, little Pumpkin!!!

Sunday, September 30, 2007 5:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia continues to grow. It is obvious that she is born in Pennsylvania, as she can already say "Wa-Wa" in addition to "Ma-Ma" and "Pa-Pa".

We stick to our bed-time routine, which means Ma-Ma and Olivia take a bath together and then Olivia gets ready to sleep. Most of the nights she wakes up only once. Sometimes she needs one or two extra feedings.

Today was the first time Ma-Ma experienced Olivia's teeth in her nipple. It was an unexpected birthday surprise.

The weather is beautiful. It finally is fall and the temperature outside invites to a cozy walk up and down Black Horse Road.

Love

Rikki, Stefan & Olivia Joy

Friday, September 28, 2007 6:00 PM CDT

Dear Olivia,

I loved being with you over the weekend. My, did we see a lot of creatures on our walks. Your smile can undo me, baby. Watching you grow up is going to be my favorite thing.

Rikki, I showed your pregnancy picture to Mom -- she loves it. I wanted her help in picking a frame.

Stefan, how will I get my exercise now that there are no more trees to chop down, cut up and haul to the gazebo? I gave the $20 to Rikki -- I prefer to keep that debt outstanding as I can use it to have leverage over you.

Thanks for all the good fun cooking. I didn't gain that much weight, after all.

It was good to swim with Jesse . . . I will always remember how good a life you gave her and how good she has been to you. A dog's life is too short, especially one who writes such good Christmas letters. Courage to you in this necessary, this natural and honorable process of completing your care for her.

I love you all and look forward to seeing you at Meg and Dave's wedding.

Grandpa Jack

Monday, September 17, 2007 11:30 AM

We are having a blast here in Chester Springs with this aborable baby Olivia. Here are new pictures for you to enjoy - she is eight months old already!

Love, Auntie Meggie

Monday, September 10, 2007 4:56 PM PST

Sweet Naomi Ruth,

Olivia & I celebrated your would-be 3rd birthday today.

We went dress shopping for your aunt Meggie’s wedding. Had a successful trip but couldn’t help missing you. Seems you, too, should’ve been fitted for a flower girl dress today.

Your absence stings a bit tonight.

Looking through your pictures, I see, for the first time, not just what I miss, but what you’ve missed. I see your long naked torso and grieve the belly kisses, love-downs, and zerberts you missed. And the resulting laughter you never squealed. I see your long fingers and toes and grieve the milestones you never grasped. I see your strong thighs and curved feet and grieve the steps they never took. I see your cleft mouth and grieve the copious kisses your sealed lips never knew. I see your tightly closed eyes and grieve the gazes you never absorbed. I see your full head of blond hair and grieve the curly locks we never pulled. I see your small ears and grieve the tired tugs they never suffered. I see your attempt to nurse and grieve the suckle you never achieved. I see you nestled in my arms and grieve the hours of rocking we never shared.

In grieving you, I hadn’t yet done the should’ve, would’ve, could’ve. Now it’s time. Watching your sister develop, I’m only left to wonder. Would you, too, have been an extrovert? A terrific smiler? A reluctant snuggler? A disinclined sleeper? So critically alert? So well dispositioned? I miss you. I wish I knew you more. I wish we all did.

I sung you Happy Birthday in the tub tonight. It made your sister smile. Your father and I love her more intensely because of you, Naomi Ruth. Thank you for teaching us to love so intentionally, so intensely.

Happy 3rd Birthday, sweet Naomi Ruth. Our first love. Our firstborn. Our child.

Love,
Mama

Friday, August 24, 2007 9:24 PM CDT

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia’s well-check today went well (that’s why it is called a “well”-check).
The doctor said she is growing like a weed. We think he meant it positive.

Her stats are:

Weight: 19 pounds 12 oz / 9 kg (90 percentile)
Height: 28 ½ inch / 72 cm (97 percentile) Off the Chart!
Head Circ: 45 cm (90 percentile)
(More stats below)

After the doctor visit, we went to Costco, where Olivia for the first time fell asleep in the sling while we were shopping. She didn’t nap in the morning and then was so tired that she didn’t care where she was.

She already gets her 2nd teeth and threw up twice last week due to all the excess saliva. She continues to have periods of fussiness due to the teeth and irregular sleep. She is still most of the time smiley. Thankfully, the teeth irritation comes and go. Her first tooth has completely broken through.

Since 1.5 weeks, breastfeeding begins to hurt Mama again. Olivia is not biting her. We don’t know why the hypersensitivity returned. It doesn’t seem to be thrush. The doctor gave her wound cream from Germany. Rikki waits to see if the pain stops after 2 weeks like when she started breastfeeding. She is blistering again and losing skin from Olivia’s aggressive suck.

Further stats on Olivia’s growth –

Her weight has developed as follows:
08/24/07: 19 pounds 12 ounces – 90 percentile
06/18/07: 17 pounds 13 ounces
05/01/07: 15 pounds 0 ounces – 75-90 percentiles
03/30/07: 13 pounds 5 ounces - 90 percentile
02/13/07: 10 pounds 9 ounces – 50-75 percentiles
01/30/07: 9 pounds 4 ounces
01/16/07: 7 pounds 9 ounces

Her height has developed as follows:
08/24/07: 28 ½ inch (72 cm) – of the chart (above 95 percentile)
05/01/07: 26 ¾ inches – above 95 percentile
03/30/07: 24 inches - 90 percentile
02/13/07: 23 ¼ inches – 95 percentile
01/30/07: 22 ¼ inches
01/16/07: 21 inches

Her head circumference has developed as follows:
08/24/07: 45 cm – 90 percentile
05/01/07: 42 cm – 90 percentile
03/30/07: 40 cm - 75 percentile
02/13/07: 38 cm – 50 percentile
01/16/07: 36 cm

Percentile compares Olivia with girls of the same age. 90 percentile means that 90f the same aged girls are below and only 10re above Olivia (either in weight, length or head circumference)

Amazing, huh? All from breastmilk.

~ Rikki & Stefan

Monday, August 20, 2007 6:00 PM CDT

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia celebrates 2 weeks without her pacifier! She doesn’t need it anymore to fall asleep or calm down. She sleeps very well lately, consistently 11-13 hours, only waking up once for some food. Bedtime is still 6pm. This morning she slept until 8 am.

Last week she had a few restless nights - had a hard time falling asleep and woke up often. Then we saw it. Olivia’s first tooth! Her bottom left front tooth is out (partially). So this explains her fussiness…

Grandma Margaret made a stop in Chester Springs on her way back from Stockholm to Seattle. Uncle Jon came down to see the family as well. We could not swim all weekend. Unfortunately summer took a break – 70 degree (21 Grad C) and rain.

We’ve had a very quiet August. Margaret & Jon are our only visitors and they stayed only 2 days. We miss the Lium & Dean families. We hope Olivia’s Aunties and Grandpa come soon for a visit.

Happy summer to you all,

Rikki & Stefan

Sunday, August 12, 2007 9:30 AM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Today is Olivia’s 7 month birthday.

This morning she had for the first time a sippy cup – filled with breast milk, so that babysitters or family members could feed her as well. She was not too interested in it. It is obviously a big step. This afternoon we will get some other cup types in the hopes she likes one of them better. She is still on 100reast milk and continues to be healthy (no cold yet!) and to grow at a good rate. She hasn’t been to her doctor lately but she is very heavy. She smiles all the time.

Last week – while Dad was in Germany – Olivia stayed home every day and enjoyed swimming in the pool. She really likes to be in the water (her Mom, too). August in Chester Springs is hot and the pool water is 30 degrees C / 86 degrees F (Last week record high was 92 degrees… pool water!)

Olivia & Mama had a record sleeping week while Dad was away.
Night 1: 16 hrs with 2 wakeups
Night 2: 14 hrs with 1 wakeup
Night 3: 14 hrs with 1 wakeup
Night 4: 13 hrs with 1 wakeup
Night 5: 12.5 hrs with 1 wakeup

Olivia didn’t sleep well yesterday and this night. It is maybe because we went to a childrens sale in the morning and disrupted her schedule or maybe because her first tooth is slowly coming. We can already see the white bump where the tooth is working its way through her gums.

While Mama bought some winter jackets at the Children sale (the next winter comes for sure), Papa disappeared in the toy room and came back with some teether toys, bathtub toys and other fun items.

Olivia is totally excited as we received yesterday the wedding invitation from her Aunt Meggie!! You can read all the latest news about Meg and Dave’s wedding under http://www.mywedding.com/meganddave. Olivia can’t wait to get some cousins.

Happy 7-month birthday, Olivia!

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

PS We started this webpage beginning of August 3 years ago. What a journey!

Saturday, August 4, 2007 2:00 PM CDT

Dear Friends & Family,

What an eventful week!

Olivia entered into the world of self-transportation. She is sitting on the ground and bouncing forward. While she needed 10 minutes for 3 feet while Skyping Auntie Meg, she managed the same distance the next day in one minute. Getting around is exhausting. She slept 16 hours after her first day “on the move”. Mom is able to cook & bake with Olivia scoots on the floor. A muffled “Mama” indicates she’s fallen on her face.

Entering into this new-found independence, she needs familiar support and says “Ma-Ma” the whole day and goes only to Mama.

She mastered “Ma-Ma”, “Pa-Pa”, and now works on “Ba-By”. She loves to screech loud, especially when she’s hungry. Since June, she insists on nursing in dark quiet places (like closets). When running errands, she nurses in the car. She is a good eater and a big baby for 6 months old.

Papa had discovered Ebay and orders Mama & Baby slings, pouches, wraps, and diaper bags for really good deals.

Yesterday was the first time we had a baby-sitter. Mama & Olivia enjoyed their bath & bed routine, then the baby-sitter came at 6:30. We left from 7-11 to go to Marko’s birthday party and enjoyed our first evening without a baby. Olivia slept well during that time and woke up 30 minutes after we came home.

At lunch today, Olivia sat in first highchair and watched us eat. She later rode in her first shopping cart (Target) strapped in all by herself.

We are all tired this weekend from all the excitement of Olivia’s development. Harry Potter’s 7th book debut has not helped…

All in all a great week!

Thanks for sharing in our excitement,

Rikki & Stefan

Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:00 AM EST

Good Morning Friends & Family,

Olivia did Boston last week. We visited Laurra, Joe, Derek & Sammy. Olivia enjoyed real Italian Pizza from Regina’s, saw Boston downtown and played with Derek. Derek is already 20 month old.

She did very well during the drive up to Boston and back home. Each time she took a nice nap in the car. We left Friday around 2.30 pm. She took a short nap in the afternoon and then fell asleep as soon as it got dark outside (around 8 pm). On the way home we left after her morning nap around 10.30 am and she was very happy. She took almost a two hour nap in the afternoon and we made it home in time for her bedtime bath.

Olivia is now down to 2 naps a day. Some nights she sleeps through, other nights she needs one feeding (or 3 or 4, Rikki says). Last night she was up for an hour or so as she had gas in her stomach (too many North End pastries…?).

Olivia can already talk. In the last 3 weeks she can say “Ma Ma” and “Pa Pa”. Being around Derek this week challenges her to increase her vocabulary. She still loves to squeak.

She also can sit by herself now and plays with the toys around her. She loves her Jumperoo and is actively building her leg strength to walk sooner than her mom wants. She rarely leans back in our laps for a cuddle, preferring to lean forward and rock aggressively. She is not crawling yet but enjoys tummy time more and more. She is still very smiley and very social making it challenging to put her down. She is our joy!

Love

Rikki & Stefan

Thursday, July 12, 2007 10:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia (called “Bugs”) celebrated her 6 month birthday today.

As you can see on the pictures she is growing well and enjoys her surrounding.

She survived her first Independence Day party (in the rain) and was really happy to see Ana and Lothar from Germany as well as the Hillis Family from Atlanta (all 12 of them).

Ana and Ksusha were great baby sitters and Olivia enjoyed being entertained by them.

After all the excitement of the last six month, she slept 11 hours straight last night. This is the longest she ever has slept without interruption. We are so proud of her.

In the morning when she wakes up she squeaks and talks to her stuffed animal friends. She has the biggest smile ever on her face when she sees her mama entering her room (I watch it on the video monitor).

Currently mama is reading to her “Steel in His Soul” about her great-grandparent’s life in war-torn China.

Olivia enjoys the summer in Pennsylvania and is looking forward to her daily time in the pool. The horse flies drive her sometimes faster into the house than she wants to.

Bagheera, the cat, gets closer and closer to Olivia. Babies smell simply good (at least most of the time).

Thanks for visiting Olivia’s site and signing the guestbook.

Love

Rikki & Stefan

Tuesday, July 10, 2007 5:00 PM PST

Hi Olivia,

I miss you.

The sun shines dimly now without your smile to brighten it.

I suppose memories will have to do until I hold you again.

G'Pa Jack

Sunday, July 8, 2007 10:15 PM EST

This past week the entire Brian and Susan Hillis clan got to meet Olivia for the very first time. Some first impressions:
• Sveta says “she is cute like an angel”
• Anya says “she looks like a fluff ball” (I think that’s supposed to be a compliment )
• Ksusha says “I’m stealing her and taking her home with me”
• Sasha says “my first impression of her was her screaming very loudly early in the morning and waking me up.”
• Vasya says “Yeah, loud was my first impression of her too”
• Trevor says “She’s a really good swimmer.”
• Masha says “She’s so cute—I love her smile.”

Sunday, June 24, 2007 8:30 AM PST

Good Morning Friends & Family,

Today will be another beautiful day in Pennsylvania. Olivia had her first picnic yesterday. Once she wakes up from her morning nap, she will join Jon and Rikki in the pool.

The flight back from Seattle was great. Olivia did very well. She slept once for an hour and was awake the other time cooing and smiling.

We celebrated Jon’s birthday yesterday with a great ice-cream cake and two rounds of Canasta. After having lost to Mark in Seattle, Rikki didn’t give us a chance to win. He will get an awesome gift for his birthday – but we are not allowed to tell anybody (yet).

Olivia is back to her sleep schedule, sleeping 6-7 hours in the night. Last night she only woke up twice. She still enjoys her bath with her mom every evening before bedtime.

After 5 month Olivia has doubled her birth weight.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Monday, June 18, 2007 7:30 pm Seattle Time

It is Grandpa Jack’s turn to update the webpage with his deep thoughts; hopefully he’ll stop crying long enough to do so this week. Olivia and Rikki and Stefan are leaving early in the morning and we are already tearing up. Check out the new picture page - or for many many shots of Olivia’s four-week visit to Seattle, visit megpageler.shutterfly.com and click View Pictures on her album.

We will miss her so very much… sniff sniff sniff

Love, Auntie Meggie

P.S. She weighed in at 17 pounds 13 ounces today!

Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:00 PM Seattle Time

We are having such a fabulous time - spending all day playing with the baby, and all night looking at photos and videos of the baby. See photo page for proof.

She is a charmer! Big eyes, captivating smiles and lots of coos and gurgles. She is beginning to enjoy the stroller, loves getting puppy kisses, and has even started sitting up on her own.

Love Aunt Jenny

Tuesday, June 5, 2007 4:45 PM in Seattle

Hi all,

We are having so much fun with this little baby that we've fallen behind in our webpage-updating duties. Sorry...

We had a blast at FOTOG! What is FOTOG? Our annual gathering of friends and family at an old army fort on the Olympic Peninsula northwest of Seattle. We rent out army barracks and play all Memorial Day weekend each year for the last 33 years. Olivia was the youngest FOTOGian and enjoyed having even more adoring fans doting on her. The new pictures are from FOTOG.

Olivia's Gpa Jack and Aunt Jenny and Uncle Mark are finally back from their Scottish vacation. We missed them!

Hope you are all happy and healthy!

With love from Olivia's Aunt Meggie

Thursday, May 24, 2007 5:05 PM Seattle Time!

Dear Friends & Family,

We are sooooo excited to have Olivia Joy here in Seattle! She and her folks arrived late Tuesday night after her first plane ride. We figured out how to get rid of the traffic-flow cops at the airport who tell you to move your car if you are not actively loading passengers: "We can't move - the baby is breast-feeding and is out of her car seat and we can't legally move the car until she is done." =)

Olivia and her folks arrived at Grandma and Grandpa's house which was fully stocked with all sorts of baby-goodies. Activity centers, cribs, changing tables, car seats, stollers, etc. Thanks so much Diane and Casey, Labodas, Vicky and Lily, and Maurine and Charles, for all the wonderful things. Olivia loves them all, and her parents sooo appreciate not having to lug them all the way from Philly.

We've spent the first couple of days trying to get Olivia situated to this time zone. Today was better than yesterday. And tomorrow we are off for FOTOG!!!! Can't wait!

Okay, I have to sign off now because that adorable baby is cooing away and I have to snuggle her again.

With love from a very happy Auntie Meggie

Saturday, May 19, 2007 10.00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia has survived two weeks of sleep training. She has come out in much better shape than her mother. Olivia is now consistently sleeping 7-8 hours each night in her crib with one additional feeding to tie her over until 7.00 am breakfast.
Bedtime in our home is 6 pm. Mom misses her terribly in the family bed and is often found speaking to the bedside monitor. From time to time we hear Olivia squeaking in her sleep. We are proud of Olivia for adjusting so quickly.

Sleep training also included three naps a day in her crib for one to two hours and learning to fall asleep drowsy. When awake, she loves to go for walks up and down Black Horse Road, smiling at the neighbors and joyful squealing. She still hasn’t taken to the stroller much; she loves to be carried in the Baby Bjorn.
She prefers to be eye-level and will protest when not addressed.

Today we exhausted her running errands, actually experienced her being fussy which is very uncommon. Nothing a warm bath by candlelight with her mom couldn’t fix.

We are looking forward to introducing Olivia to her Seattle friends & family.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Saturday, May 12, 2007 9:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia celebrated today her 4 month birthday!!

This morning she tried for the first time the bouncer seat and loved it. She was so happy bouncing around.

Then we went to a festival at an old mill. We toured the mill from 1746, which was impressive. Actually we only went there as we read that they have pulled pork BBQ. Rikki and I had four sandwiches (really yummy).

Olivia slept for two hours in the morning and then for 90 minutes in the car while we were shopping.

Lately she sleeps 7 – 7 ½ hours each night. She still needs to be fed one or two times each night. She is always hungry (like her dad).

In the afternoon Olivia watched her dad planting onions in the yard. If all goes well we will have tomatoes, zucchini and onions this year.

The pool is finally getting warmer. Nobody has used the pool since Jon, Rob and Rikki jumped in a couple of weeks ago.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Sunday, May 6, 2007 8:00 AM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia turned 16 weeks last Friday. To celebrate this we went shopping the whole day to an Outlet Center in the Pocono Mountains. She did very well.

Olivia currently enjoys waking up every hour at night. She is looking forward to be held by Mama and is also hungry. We are not sure if she has a growth spurt or if the first tooth (which might be coming) is bothering her.

The visit of Oma Inge and Opa Gerhard is almost over. On Tuesday they will fly back to Germany after 5 weeks of fun, good food, many Canasta games and shopping trips.

We finally have spring in Chester Springs and enjoy working in the yard, getting the ground ready for the tomato and flower plants, which we bought yesterday.

Stefan has to go back to work tomorrow after two weeks of vacation.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Tuesday, May 1, 2007 5:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia had her well-check today and here are the stats:

Weight: 15 pounds (=6800 gram)
Length: 26 ¾ inches (68 cm)
Head size: 42 cm

Her weight is in the 75-90 percentile (at her last visit her weight was in the 90 percentile).
Her length is above 95 percentile (last time: 90 percentile).
Her head is in the 90 percentile (last time: 75 percentile).

She continues to grow well.

The doctor also could feel her lower teeth in the front (he said, she certainly drooled like she is teething)

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Friday, April 27, 2007 3:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Today is Olivia’s 15th (week) birthday! Olivia started her birthday with a shopping trip through the town of Duck on the Outer Banks. Luckily she didn’t need a diaper change as her parents forgot the diaper bag at home (oops). She found a really cute hat and (another) pair of sunglasses. Girls need to have choices and Olivia can choose between several sunglasses now.
Olivia makes sure that Dad is every morning the first customer in the local bakery. She wakes her parents around 6 am, just on time to watch the beautiful sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. Dad gets every morning a medium soy cappuccino extra dry for mom beside of the loaf of bread.
After lunch (courtesy of Mama) she enjoyed a dip in the pool. Mama started to take a bath with Olivia every evening as a bed-time ritual and nurses her in the tub. Bad idea as Olivia only thinks about food if she sees water (oops no. 2). After a second lunch she finally was able to enjoy the heated pool. The whole family played in the water including Jesse (thrown in by Dad).
Olivia and Mama are napping on the upper deck right now to recover from the hard work in the morning.
Yesterday Olivia fell asleep for the first time in the arms of her Dad. Dad and Mom were excited and proud of her. For the next nap she did the same in the arms of Oma.
Luckily Mama packed the Turkish coffee and the little cup to cook the coffee in. Every day after lunch (and sometimes in the evening as well) Dad is making Turkish coffee (due to the fact that the Espresso machine stayed at home).
Olivia is pooping every day down here on the Outer Banks (in case you are interested …). This is quite a change from home and Mom believes it is due to the fresh air and all the outdoor activities (she also might get fed a little bit more often). It makes Olivia much happier to have not so much stuff in her tummy.
At home Mom and Dad were charting every day when Olivia was fed, which side she ate and when she pooped. They left the charts at home when they went on vacation and hence everything is a little bit easier although Olivia stays pretty much with the 3 hour schedule for feedings. Mama wears a ring now to indicate which side is next for feeding.
Olivia also started to grab items. She gets more and more coordinated (which means more and more items find its way into her mouth). Although she has quite some toys, Dad found some more yesterday while they were shopping for clothes for Mama. Olivia likes to have the frozen toys which she can put in her mouth. Mama believes that Olivia might get already her first teeth.
Olivia enjoys as well sleeping in the big bed between Mama and Papa. She starts out in her own crib but once she wakes up the first time Mama moves her into the big bed. This assures that Mama is more relaxed in the morning and Olivia sleeps better as well.
Olivia loves if somebody reads a book to her. Currently she is listening to Stuart Little.

Love,

The Boehmer Family

Tuesday, April 24, 2007 4:30 PM EST

Greetings from the sandy shores of the Outerbanks, North Carolina

The sun is blazing, the sand is fine, the pool warm bath temperature, Jesse is pooped, Oma and Opa are walking the beach, Mama is rocking our baby to sleep and Papa is enjoying ice cream on the deck.

We have a wonderful house with a view of the ocean with hot tub and pool in the backyard. We managed to expose Olivia’s tender skin to the sun without burning her. Yesterday we enjoyed 30 minutes on the sandy beach listening to the ocean. Then Olivia watched us playing in the hot tub. This morning we walked on the beach before we enjoyed the heated pool. Olivia slept in Mama’s arms in the pool.

Olivia is doing well and loving her first beach vacation. The fresh ocean air seem to be just what her bowels needed. She eats well and poops regularly. She pooped three times yesterday (in case you are interested) and so far once today. She sleeps a lot as well. So far she enjoyed to sleep in our bed.
She also makes sure that we don’t miss any sunrise. Luckily the bakery opens at 7.00 am.

We left our home in Chester Springs at 4.45 am on Sunday while Olivia was sleeping. She slept almost all of the way down here, so that we made good progress and arrived on the Outer Banks around 2 pm.

After Oma and Opa are back from their afternoon beach walk, we will pick up some Greek – Italian dinner and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Friday, April 20, 2007 8:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia celebrated her 14th birthday today (14 weeks).

She is getting more and more interested in the world surrounding her. She is starting to grab things (and throw them off the table).

The weather is finally like summer. We are off to North Carolina this weekend to enjoy one week on the beach (with a heated pool). It’s time to learn swimming.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Sunday, April 15, 2007 10:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

A great weekend ended with an Indian dinner in Philadelphia tonight. Beside of Olivia, we were not prepared for BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) and had to enjoy Mango Lassi and water next to excellent Southern Indian dishes.

Yesterday was a great day. Jon came down from New York, Rob came up from Baltimore and Oma Inge, Opa Gerhard, G’Pa Jack as well as cousin Karin were here. We had a BBQ festival with German sausages, American beef filet and vegetables.

We played many rounds of Canasta and enjoyed good wine from Napa Valley. The price for jumping in the freezing pool increased. While Rikki and Jon did it for 5 USD, Rob was convinced with 10.

Grandpa Jack and Opa Gerhard enjoyed seeing each other again and celebrated with many shots and various games.

Rob, Jon, Jack and Karin toured the Valley Forge National Historic Park after dinner and saw many deer as well as two red foxes. They also learned about the history of the park & George Washington.

Olivia is now not only grabbing items, she also getting them into her mouth.

Today we enjoyed beautiful rain. G’Pa Jack’s flight was cancelled and moved to tomorrow morning. We enjoyed the unexpected evening with him, toured through Philadelphia and look forward bringing him to the airport at 4 am tomorrow morning.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Saturday, April 14, 2007 10:00 AM EST

The pool season has officially opened.

Olivia watched this morning as her mom beat her uncle into the pool to win a $5 bet!

Thursday, April 12, 2007 8:00 PM EST

Today is Olivia’s 3 month birthday!!!

To celebrate this we had a yummy ice cream cake after dinner tonight. Olivia gave us a wonderful birthday present last night – she slept for 8 hours.

Yesterday evening she enjoyed watching us eating at a new Mexican restaurant close to our home.

Karin, my cousin arrived today from New York (after enjoying snow in Michigan and Easter in Washington D.C.) to spend a weekend with us before she flies back home to Germany on Monday.

More later

Love,

Stefan

P.S.: Check out Jack's story about Olivia's birth on Kate's webpage http://www.risingmoommidwifery.com/html/olivia_s_birth_story.html

Saturday, April 7, 2007 10:00 PM EST

Olivia! A dream come true

Nach langer Zeit des Wartens haben Deine Grosselternaus Deutschland dich endlich persoenlich kennen gelernt und in den Armen gehalten. Schon am Airport hast du uns mit deinem bezaubernden Laecheln begruesst. Du bist so einmalig und wundervoll wie ein Sonnenaufgang in den Bergen. Man kann sich einfach nicht satt sehen und moechte den Augenblick geniessen und fuer immer festhalten.

Kein Wunder, dass sich in unserem Alltag alles um dich dreht. Du meldest dich, wenn du hungrig bist, geniesst es, im Arm deiner Mom oder wenn es sein muss im Arm deiner Oma auf dem Gymnastikball auf und ab zu huepfen bis du muede bist. Du meldest dich, wenn dich etwas im Bauch quaelt oder in der Windel stoert und sofort wird dir geholfen. Und als taegliches Ritual freust du dich, und natuerlich auch deine Mom auf euer gemeinsames Bad vor dem Schlafengehen.
Wie langweilig waere die Welt ohne dich!

Nur ganz nebenbei sei noch erwaehnt, dass du mit deinen 12 Wochen schon viel gesehen und erlebt hast. Du begleitest deine Mom beim Einkaufen, bei Arztbesuchen oder ganz einfach beim Bummeln. Bei euren vielen Besuchen oder Einladungen hast du schon viele deiner Verwandten und Freunde kennen gelernt und alle sind ganz scharf darauf dich im Arm zu halten.

Es ist ja auch selbstverstaendlich, dass deine Mom dich ueberall hin mitnimmt, denn schliesslich hat sie dein Essen ja immer dabei (richtige Temperatur und schoen verpackt). Somit kennst du natuerlich auch alle Starbucks Coffee Shops in der Umgebung.

Beim Studium deines Stammbaums haben wir ueberrascht festgestellt, dass der erste Praesident der Vereinigten Staaten, General George Washington (1732 – 1799), in der 8. Generation von den gleichen Eltern abstammt wie du in der 16. Generation, naemlich von Sir Thomas Dymoke (1428 – 1471) und seiner Frau Margaret de Welles.
Wenn das keine guten Voraussetzungen sind! Wir sind jetzt schon stolz auf dich.

Ganz nebenbei gesagt, haetten wir uns auch nie traeumen lassen, einmal ein Enkelkind mit amerikanischer Staatsbuergerschaft zu haben.

Kurz gesagt: Wir lieben dich !

Deine Oma Inge und dein Opa Gerhard aus Deutschland

PS: Du und der Rest der Boehmer-Family in Chester Springs wuenschen allen Verwandten und Freunden in der ganzen Welt ein frohes gesegnetes Osterfest.

Friday, April 6, 2007 9:45 PM EST

Olivia celebrated her 12 week birthday today.

This morning she went to Starbucks (you better start young) and then to her chiropractor. Mom was kindly reminded to change her diaper while enjoying a grande soy cappuccino.

Oma Inge and Opa Gerhard are visiting us since Monday and are a great support in taking care of Olivia.

Tonight Olivia enjoyed her bed time routine – a bath with mom. She is fascinated with all the rubber ducks swimming around in the bath tub.

While I was in Germany last weekend, Jenny was so kind to take care of Rikki and Olivia. On Sunday Jon came down from Manhattan and Rob came up from Baltimore. Rob is in Baltimore for three weeks for the production of a TV show.

We are excited to see my cousin Karin next week. She is currently in Michigan.

Due to the fact that we already enjoyed 80 degrees a few days ago, we had our pool opened today while the last snow flakes danced around us (hopefully the last snow flakes).

All the best

Stefan

Friday, March 30, 2007 8:00 PM EST

For Olivia’s 11th week birthday:

Aunt Jenny got smile after smile from her niece (whom she met for the first time upon arriving in Philly).

Olivia got her first shot (DPT vaccination in the thigh which she braved fearlessly with only a short grumble to disrupt her nursing).

Stefan got statistics (His daughter scored 90th percentile in height, 90th percentile in weight, 75th percentile in head circumference, “perfectly proportional” according to the pediatrician).

And Rikki got to bathe in poop (5 honey mustard poops, courtesy of Olivia).

All in all a very eventful day!

Friday, March 23, 2007 9:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia celebrated her 10 week birthday today.

She slept well last night and this morning. She is getting more and more coordinated and manages already to have 3 fingers in her mouth (she hasn’t figured out how to suck on her thumb, she always tries to get the whole hand in).
She is very interested in her surrounding and loves to look out of the window.

The snow is finally gone. After it snowed again last week, we went back to 70 degree F (21 Grad C) yesterday and still had snow banks on the side of the road.
Today the remaining snow was washed away by the rain.

The whole family is healthy again and we are looking forward to spend our last weekend alone before the flood of visitors starts again.

Thanks for following along

Rikki, Stefan & Olivia

Monday, March 19, 2007 10:00 AM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

We have updated the webpage with some new pictures.

Olivia is getting more and more interested in her environment. She really fell in love with the plant and the mirrors in her room. She also is enjoying the various play mats, vibrating chairs and other entertainment pieces we have. Unfortunately most of them only for a few minutes, then she is ready for the next one. If that continuous she will love Disney Land when she is older.

Last night was a little bit more challenging, as Olivia would not sleep longer than an hour. So, Rikki fed her approx. every two hours.

Rikki and Olivia got used to take a bath every evening before bedtime and both of them enjoy it. Olivia likes the water (she must have that from Rikki) but insists on 97 degree in the water and the room (that’s from me).

This morning Rikki went to a local La Leche Legue Meeting.

Love,

Stefan

Friday, March 16, 2007 9:00 PM EST

Olivia is celebrating her 9 week birthday in the snow.

It is snowing since this morning only interrupted by freezing rain from time to time.
Unfortunately we have already removed the "It snows" sign with the stick, where we can see how many inches we have already.
It must be more than 3 inch as our snow plow came already this afternoon.

Rikki and Olivia are taking a bath right now - the daily bedtime ritual.

Otherwise it was an uneventful birthday - no cake - no party
(we would have gotten the standard ice-cream cake if the weather wouldn't have been so bad)

More later

Stefan

Thursday, March 15, 2007 8:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

The Return of the Winter

Yesterday we had 73 degree and blue sky. It was really cozy warm in the sunshine. Last weekend we turned our clocks one hour forward as we switched to summertime.

The weather forecast for tomorrow is 3 to 6 inch snow and freezing rain.

Olivia is enjoying the sunshine well as the snow. We dropped Jack off at the airport on Tuesday and went home via Delaware – tax free shopping – to refill cat litter, cat food and beer (was at least my thought). The carpet Rikki found at World Market was not on the shopping list. As we got married, Ken (our pastor) promised me that my life will never be boring with Rikki. I guess he was right (it took me only 7 years to agree, would Jack say now). Anyhow, we had a beautiful shopping trip followed by Mexican dinner. Olivia was slightly over stimulated after such an eventful day, that she had trouble to sleep.

She sleeps for approx 8 hours most of the nights. If we (and she) would manage to stay up later, 8 hours sleep would be great. But currently Rikki always gets up between 2 am and 3 am to nurse her.

Yesterday Rikki had a cold, which made it a little bit more difficult, but today she feels better.

This morning Rikki and Olivia went for a little walk in order to enjoy the sunshine before the rain started. Now both took a bath and Rikki is trying to get Olivia to sleep.

Tomorrow Olivia will be 9 weeks old. Wow! She is growing so fast. She is already much more active and wants to be entertained.

More soon

Stefan for Rikki, Stefan & Olivia

Monday, March 12, 2007 8:30 AM EST

The Mosillo's get to update the webpage this morning... We finally made it to Chester Springs to meet the beautiful new arrival. Olivia Joy celebrated her eight-week birthday the day we arrived. This precious little blue-eyed girl immediately smiled her way into our hearts. We are sad to be packing up this morning for the long drive back to Boston.

This morning, we awoke to the news that Olivia enjoyed a record nine hours of sleep. Upon awaking, Olivia snuggled and laughed in Grandpa's arms, gazing into his eyes, and it was a good 15 minutes before she decided it was time for Mama to feed her. Not to worry, these Kodak moments were captured and will be posted soon.

Yesterday morning was a beautiful 70 degrees, and all of us enjoyed some of the first sunshine of the spring on the wind-protected back porch. Olivia got to bask in the sunlight for a few minutes before everyone started worrying she was too hot in the sun and then too cold in the shade, and started discussing umbrellas, bonnets, and blankets for shade and for warmth. It’s nice to have everybody at your beck and call! In the afternoon, Stefan and Papa Jack barbecued cheeseburgers, hotdogs, tofu hotdogs, bacon-wrapped steak stuffed with blue cheese, German sausage, hot Italian sausage, Portobello mushrooms, summer squash, asparagus, corn, onions, garlic, fresh tomatoes, yummy Italian bread, and a delicious salad with balsamic vinegar, candied pecans, dried cranberries and goat cheese. Of course, our gracious host followed up with hot fudge sundaes and espresso for all.

The house was filled with good friends, dogs and kids: Marko and Renate brought Janina and Nico. Our son Derek (1.5) and Janina (4) became fast friends, playing hide and seek, bouncing on the birthing balls, and riding on the fire engine. Local friends Glenn and Sylvia brought the most beautiful photograph of Rikki seven months pregnant. A classical Madonna portrait that will soon be framed and cherished forever.

All weekend long, the spacious Boehmer house provided a race course for the kids, and Daddies were recruited to pull the wagon around again and again! Sammy the dog keeps Jesse’s grandpa busy, convincing him that running and fetching is an hourly necessity.

Each morning, Joe and Jack delivered fresh Starbuck’s lattes to the group, keeping us caffeinated and energized. In fact, my caramel macchiato has arrived and it’s time to enjoy it.

Laurra

Friday, March 9, 2007 8:00 PM EST

8 weeks and further growing!

Olivia is getting bigger and bigger (and her poop, too!)
We are now using Pampers No. 2

Last night Olivia slept for 8 hours. Actually, you can't say night. She went down around 5.30 pm and woke up 8 hours later. For Rikki it was almost the normal time to feed in the night.

Yesterday Grandpa Jack arrived and we are all surprised that he hasn't started the chainsaw yet (I saw him eyeing the trees outside today!). Since he came we have had excellent food. Homemade spaghetti with meatballs yesterday and beef stroganoff today. It can't get better.

Later tonight Laurra and Joe will come together with our godson Derek and Sammy. We are really excited to see them. It has been a long time since we saw them last.

Rikki just took a bath with Olivia and is trying to put her down now. Then we might be able to watch a movie (until Laurra & Joe arrive).

Love,

Stefan

Sunday, March 4, 2007 9:15 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Last night was a good night. OJ slept 5 hours, then 3 and then another 3. Yesterday was a fun day. We went to Texas Roadhouse for lunch and OJ sleepy the whole time in her car seat while we enjoyed steaks & burger. Then Rikki had to nurse her and she had a huge poop – first diaper change in the car. It worked very well. OJ has found many friends in hour house. She totally fell in love with the lamp in our bedroom and can’t take her eyes of it. She is also amazed about the plants in our kitchen area and loves to stare at them. Bagheera our cat grows more and more in OJ protector, making sure that she is all right. She frequently checks on her or comes in the room when she is crying.
This morning we went to church and joined a young family class. After that we picked up lunch at Buca Di Beppo (Fettuccini Alfredo with chicken). We tried to repeat our bedtime ritual with her tonight, but it didn’t work as well. OJ was overtired from a walk in the late afternoon and playtime afterwards. Hence she didn’t eat very well and took a long time to calm down. Now she is lying in her crib, but her eyes are wide open.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

P.S.: Rikki and OJ are bouncing now on the exercise ball. The best way to calm her and put her to sleep

Friday, March 2, 2007 8:10 PM EST

Seven weeks old today: Happy Happy Birthday, Beautiful Little Miss Olivia!

Auntie Meggie reporting for webpage-updating-duty again. So fortunate to be able to come out and spend another week with my precious niece. In the three weeks I was away, she grew a ton and somehow got even cuter – didn’t know that was possible! Yesterday she weighed in at 11 pounds 10 ounces at her final appointment with her fabulous midwife Kate.

Since I arrived on Tuesday, we’ve had a ton of fun. Wednesday morning Rikki went to her two-hour weekly class without her baby (we were in a room down the hall). Lots of new moms would get really nervous being out of earshot of their newborns for the first time, but Rikki didn’t check on us or call even once. Very proud of her!

Thursday we went to Rikki’s first matinee with Olivia. We both loved “Amazing Grace” – or at least the parts of it we saw. We took turns hanging with Olivia outside the movie while she was fussy. But before long she fell asleep and we not only finished the movie, we even did a little browsing at Nordstrom’s Rack. Olivia loved the movie previews – she was totally fascinated by the unfamiliar environment.

Today we hung around the house. After Olivia’s huge diaper blow-out and subsequent bath, we went on a walk in the spring-like weather. Olivia was wide-eyed the whole time, totally loving all the sights and sounds of the great outdoors.

Olivia is so interactive. She hates having wet diapers and will fuss like mad, but as soon as you put her down to change her, even before they come off, she is soooooo happy in anticipation. Her smiles are frequent and infectious. She’ll follow you with her eyes and head all around the room, and turn to face you when you talk to her. And she is talking, too, in her adorable little laughs and coos and gurgles. My personal favorite, of course, is when she falls asleep in my arms.

Thanks for keeping up with the adventures of Family Boehmer! Olivia says Hi!

Love, Meggie

Friday, February 23, 2007 5:11 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia is growing. Today is her 6 week anniversary. She is getting longer and longer each day.

Unfortunately I missed Nani as I came back from my business trip, but I am thankful that she was here and took good care of my family. Rikki talks non-stop “Look honey, Nani taught me this and Nani taught me that”. Olivia lights up whenever Rikki talks in Nani’s baby voice. They both miss her very much. They’d like her to live with us forever.

With Nani Olivia had her first shopping trip (Costco, of course), her first meal out, her first bible class, and her first movie marathon (I believe Rikki and she rented around 15 movies or so). They did not manage an afternoon matinee at the local theatre but hope to when Meg’s here next week.

This morning I woke up to breakfast in bed (with real Starbucks Coffee!) – Something I can’t remember happening to me in the last couple of years. Olivia went out and got us breakfast (with the help of her lovely mom). Thanks Nani! When I left my girls were timid and shy and barely left the master bedroom. When I returned they are smiley, confident and boldly out conquering the world.

Today Olivia joined us for a short shopping trip (incl. getting Rikki’s thyroid checked) and for all-you-can-eat at the Indian restaurant (we ate all we could – Olivia watched us). Rikki started to exercise again (a run to the end of our street), while I went and got the mail together with Olivia in her stroller.

Last night she didn’t sleep too well. She had a lot of gas and her stomach was making lots of noises. We decided that she doesn’t like it, if her mommy eats meatloaf. On the other hand, she is totally easy today during the day. She loved the car ride and the excursion in the stroller and is sleeping right now.

She also got used to a 3 hour feeding schedule. Rikki pretty much makes sure that Olivia gets fed every three hours. This is pretty nice as we know we have approx 2 hours after each feeding for shopping trips, getting the mail etc.

Rikki said that the best help Nani offered came in the morning. She took Olivia after her first feeding, played with her for an hour or so, and put her down. This gave Rikki time to take a shower and the day started always much better by doing that. Now I will have to try this!

More later

Stefan

Saturday, February 17, 2007 11:30 PM EST

A Day in the Life continues...

Thursday February 15th –
After a fuss-free night of sleeping 3-4 hour stretches and straight back to sleep, Olivia awoke to a full day of fun. She survived (and seemed to enjoy) her first trip to Costco. Back home she fed well every 3 hours on the dot. We tried to put her down drowsy for a nap but weren’t disappointed when she did not nod off. With Nani here, nothing’s textbook and nothing’s a big deal. “Olivia is such a good baby,” she comments over and over. It is so refreshing to hear! In the evening, Auntie Nani helped bathe Olivia, leaving no chin fold unchecked. Yes, at 10lbs9oz, Olivia is fattening up. She now has 3 chins and a few wrinkles on her thighs. Outside of the chin & inner thigh, she is long, lean, and strong with remarkable neck and leg strength.

Friday February 16th –
A monumental day at the Boehmer home. Olivia nods off to sleep today all by herself!!! Granted, with pacifier in mouth, but, as Nani says, “Baby steps!” Yea Olivia! We are so proud of you!!
We do not venture outside today as it is still well below zero and Olivia had a restless night after yesterday’s full agenda. Auntie Nani does brave the snow/ice to pick up 12 movies. Olivia and I leave the master bedroom (baby steps!) and settle in the living room downstairs. She is enchanted by her first fire in the fireplace.

Saturday February 17th –
Movie day! We managed 4 movies yesterday, 4 today. Sylvia visits for dinner and spends the night (while our husbands attend a conference together in SF)!
Olivia continues to be “such a good baby”, as I like to repeat. With new tricks to get her gas out (from Nani the Fart Whisperer), Olivia spends her wake time hanging out propped up on our knees, smiling and cooing. She really is a good baby.
Many moms have emailed since the last posting and I am encouraged that all babies are (rightly) so different and that gut instincts in parenting tend to be the best plan of action. One mom wrote of her baby not liking to be held. How painful for the mama! When I am holding Olivia for what seems like an eternity, as my bouncing back aches, tennis elbow throbs, CPT wrists burn, dry eyes sting, and heavy head dreams of my pillow, I think of her and am thankful. One day Olivia won’t want me to hold her non-stop. I should enjoy every minute of cuddle time with her. So I do. And I am.
Tonight Olivia has outgrown her cradle. I’ll put her to bed in her own room, in her own crib. Already I shed a tear at times gone by.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007 9:00 PM CST

Days in the life of Miss Olivia Joy
As told by her apparently increasingly incompetent (and scandalous) mother

Saturday February 10th –
Olivia’s first day of shopping. While Dad hit BabiesRUs, BedBath&Beyond, & BucaDiBeppo, Olivia slept in the car while Mom made phone calls. Since Thursday we’ve put Olivia on a feeding schedule of every 3 hours. We keep her awake at the breast and busy her if she awakens before 3 hours. She’s adjusted well to her parent directed schedule. Knowing round about when she’ll wake, feed and sleep has enabled us to plan this outing. Feels good knowing when she will sleep and when she will rise ~ very liberating. Perhaps she and I can get used to leaving the house...

Sunday February 11th –
Olivia’s first day at church. Perhaps her parent’s last. It was a complete disaster. The day started well before 6AM as most days do lately. All were clothed, fed, and on the road by 9AM. Church starts at 11. We did some shopping at Trader Joe’s (one of the few stores open early on Sundays), grabbed coffee at Starbucks, bread at Great Harvest Bread Co, drove around, killed some time, and managed to thoroughly exhaust ourselves before entering church. Stefan dropped Olivia and I at the door and I lugged the awkward-20lb-back-injury-waiting-to-happen infant carrier into church. I found the closest chair in the lobby, took cover, and waited for Stefan. Within seconds we were greeted by friends who cooed over sleeping Olivia bobbled in her car seat. Upon request, the ladies directed us to a section of the church where we could feed our baby. “Just throw a towel over your shoulder,” suggested a breastfeeding veteran. Stefan and I chose the front row of two benches stationed outside the sanctuary. We had prime choice of seats in this makeshift area as we still had 30 minutes before the service started. This gave us plenty of time to show off the answered prayer of so many. It was wonderful seeing friends again. It is amazing how dear people have become to us in less than two years living in PA!
As the service started, Olivia sat slumped over in her car seat facing us. It wasn’t long before we covered her with an extra blanket as the chilly air from outdoors kept drafting through our section of the lobby. An arms length to Stefan’s right, the big doors leading into the sanctuary opened and closed as congregants entered. Windows separated us from the sanctuary and through the backs of the seated congregation we struggled to follow along with what was happening. From a partially functioning speaker we recognized prayer from an elder, so we quickly joined hands and bowed our heads, not quite knowing of what we were praying for (a bit disconcerting when we heard the name of a friend followed by “sudden news of cancer” and something about “immediate operation”). As our favorite part of church began, the worship team beckoned the congregation to stand, thus barring all view of the monitors displaying the words to the songs. Excluded physically, we stood and joined the congregation in spirit and resorted to rescuing Olivia from her constraints, taking her into our arms, rocking our sleeping baby, and humming along.
Nervous Olivia may awaken howling for food, I kept my eyes on our little girl. As the pastor began to teach, Stefan fumbled through the church bulletin to see what was being taught and opened our bible to the corresponding scripture. We checked the time. If feeding took an hour, than starting now would tank our baby up nice & full for the 45 minute drive home. We decided to wake the baby. Laying her gently on the changing pad we’d arranged on the floor in front of us, our first public diaper change went without a hitch. Not so for our first public breastfeed.
I lay Olivia horizontally on my lap, discreetly unwrapped my shawl and tossed one end over my right shoulder, one over my left. Eyeing Stefan to be on guard and keenly aware that a large man stood directly behind me (the windows in front of us reflected all activity in the lobby behind us), I unlatched my nursing tank, cupped Olivia’s head in my right hand, hamburgered (as Jane calls it) the breast with my left, and piloted Olivia’s enthusiastic rooting onto the breast. A safe landing! Covering her head with the right wing of the shawl and my cleavage with the left, I panicked when I realized I couldn’t see her. Our Little Gulper must be supervised at all times when eating lest she yank mom’s nipple clear off when distracted by a passing gas bubble. She gulped loudly. I joined her under the scarf. At Stefan’s scolding, I came out from under the shawl but struggled to watch her and cover up at the same time. From my angle, it seemed nothing but skin was showing. Not one to mind nudity generally, the ominous man behind me made me intensely aware this was not an appropriate setting to show any. As is customary at minutes 1-2, Olivia choked on my breastmilk. I managed to lift her to my left shoulder quickly as she gasped for air, steal a glance at the right nipple to make sure it wasn’t spewing, keep my right breast covered, and gently pat our baby’s back as she eventually caught her breath and wailed. To quiet her cries, I lowered her to my lap. I glanced at Stefan who was thoroughly frustrated. He couldn’t see the point of being at church if we couldn’t even hear the message. I had to agree. As I went to restore Olivia to the breast and saw my nipple had since sprung a leak (completely saturating my right side and Olivia’s entire neckline), I envisioned taking our baby into the below freezing temperatures in wet clothes, and called it a day. We left halfway through the service.
The remainder of the day was uneventful (just the way we like it) and though proud of ourselves for taking a stab at breastfeeding in public, I’m disappointed. That our large church doesn’t provide better facilities where moms can snuggle up with their babies on a couch and watch the service through a video monitor, if nothing else, saddens me. Is this how accommodating people are to breastfeeding families? I’m realizing I never see moms breastfeeding in public. Not in our culture. I am again reminded why so many mothers opt not to breastfeed or give up earlier than expected. Are there so few facilities to accommodate a natural-nipple fed baby? Will I really have to map out my day according to breastfeeding-friendly locales? Or resort to hiding out in my car to feed (as if my actions were criminal!) while bottle-feeding moms enjoy lunch out with the girls? Why do I feel banished or provocative for preferring Olivia have flesh nipples over plastic - natural over store-bought? This is not a battle I want to fight. We just got done fighting the establishment to give Olivia the healthiest birth available. Now we have to fight to give her the best nutrition? I think we’ll hide out at home for the next year...

Monday February 12, 2007 –
Horrible day. Tried “cry it out” to teach Olivia how to self-soothe to sleep. It was our 8th time trying it but Mom’s first time trying it alone (Stefan worked today). Olivia cried for one hour and five minutes, never did soothe, never did stop crying. I got her up eventually to feed her and she was more awake than when I put her down, bright eyed, terrified, and horribly worked up. I hate this! She is not learning to soothe. I don’t know if she’s too young. Maybe she needs to have better coordination first to get her thumb in her mouth and suckle herself into stillness. I agree it’s better to teach sleep without crutches such as pacifiers, music, rocking, etc. but since starting this “cry it out” to self-soothe & 3 hour schedule last Thursday, I’ve had precious little cuddle time with Olivia and feel guilty about rocking my baby to sleep. I’ve dreamed for years about shushing my sleepy baby, singing her lullabies as I rock her in my arms, and feeling her skin on my chest as she nods off after a feeding. Suddenly these time-tested tactics are chalked up to crutches that the baby need never know. It is ridiculous!
Stefan heard the desperation in my emails and made it home early from work. At dinner we tried one more time. He put Olivia down after her feeding and playing, made sure she was clean, burped, and cozy, told her it was now bedtime, kissed her goodnight and left the room. We ate our dinner in silence as we listened to her howl on the baby monitor. Twenty minutes expired before my tears convinced him this wasn’t working. I don’t know how to teach self-soothing but I know this is not it – not now. Meanwhile I’m contemplating gathering all our 30+ parenting books and inviting friends over for a book burning party.

Tuesday February 13, 2007
Finally… a good day. Olivia slept in 2-4 hour stretches and actually went down after a 6AM feeding. That’s a first! Though only long enough for Mother to shower and throw something on, this was our first quiet morning in a long time. Most babies get fussy early evening. Ours gets fussy early morning. Could be due to her parent’s 6PM bedtime…(?) By 4AM she is bright eyed and bored stiff!
Today Carolyn Goetz visited Olivia again. Bearing meatballs, fettuccini, French bread, salad, German apple cake, and a handmade handtowel, she set up the kitchen then went upstairs to snuggle Olivia in her glider. She couldn’t stay long as the snow had been steadily falling since 6AM so by 10AM it had accumulated quite a bit.
Stefan came home midday from work. I put Olivia down for her nap in her car seat around noon. We bundled her with blankets and only allowed a few snowflakes to wet her face while transporting her to the warm car. At the pediatricians, Olivia was a superstar! She undressed with ease and survived the weigh-in with little fuss and all the bladder control of an old pro. She lay naked on the examining table in the doctor’s cold office, thinly covered with a receiving blanket, sucking on her pacifier, undaunted by her hovering mother, with a calm look in her eye and without a care in the world.

Weight: 10lbs & 9ozs (50-75 percentile)
Height: 23.25in (95th percentile)
Hat size (head circumference): 38cm (50th percentile)

Today the doctor was in:
- Olivia’s tongue is coated white from breastmilk, not thrush (yeast).
- The tip of her tongue is purple (as is the tip of my nipple) from bruising. (“Quite a vigorous eater!”)
- Olivia’s sinuses & nasal passages are normal - nasal congestion is normal in newborns.
- He gave us a homeopathic substitute (Chamomilla pellets) for gas drops because we asked for them, though he has nothing against the gas drops we’re using.
- “Tummy Time” is not needed. Olivia already has a very strong neck and the theory of needing designated time on their tummies each day came when doctors began recommending kids sleep on their backs instead of stomachs. Replacing that missing tummy time was never based on scientific research and is just another theory that undermines a child’s ability to grow and develop naturally without a lot of parent-directed assignments.

We were so glad Dr Fried was in. We really like our pediatrician and agree with his parenting approaches. He confirmed that teaching a baby to self-soothe themselves to sleep is essential but perhaps we are attempting this too early. We should give Olivia a few more months of cuddling and holding non-stop before expecting too much self-sustaining abilities from her. (Incidentally, the same advise Olivia’s wise Auntie Meg had just offered.) Dr Fried also reassured us that by observing Olivia’s natural sleep/eat patterns in these early months, we will most likely find by month three she has adjusted naturally to our patterns of eating and sleeping and will not need a lot of parent-directed training. If by the end of month three, however, adjustments to her eating or sleeping patterns need to be made, by all means, implement training then. Whew! What a relief to hear our ideas validated. And this doctor has very strong opinions so we know he will tell us when he disagrees. His laid back approach and open-ended questions about Olivia welcome discussion and information exchange. He is not at all threatened by independent research, thoughts, or intelligence. He is not prideful or arrogant… an extremely pleasant man.
All in all a much needed great day!

Wednesday February14th –
Happy Valentines Day! Auntie Nani has agreed to be our Valentine. She flew all the way from Seattle in a blizzard to feed us and love us for one week while Stefan flies to CA & FL for work. Olivia is wearing her Valentine Heart Suit from Auntie Meggie. Gpa Jack skyped Olivia this afternoon to ask her to be his Valentine. She accepted.
Today we caught Olivia sucking her thumb. Her hand coordination is improving! As is her focus. She follows us with her eyes as we move our heads from one side of her face to the other. We think she’s having a growth spurt because she’s unusually hungry asking to be fed every 2 hours on the dot. Auntie Nani is teaching us all sorts of tricks to get the stubborn gas bubbles out of gulpers like Olivia. Her youngest, Grace, gulped loudly, choked regularly, struggled with gas & poops, and lived to tell about it. I have a feeling we will learn an awful lot this week. SOOOOOO thankful Nani’s here!!!
Missing our Stefan tonight.

Friday, February 9, 2007 5:11 PM EST

It’s Olivia’s 4 week birthday!!

Olivia is doing great! She is getting used to get fed every 2 ½ to 3 hours. She also sleeps at least once per day in her own crib in her room. Other times she sleeps in her cradle, in our bed or on mummy’s belly.

Olivia is nursing well, sometimes only for 10 minutes, other times for 20 or even 30 minutes. Her nickname changed from “Little Sucker” to “Big Sucker” or “Little Gulper”.

Today we had Cindy Marturano visiting us with her son Jimmy (and bringing us lunch).

Otherwise Olivia’s birthday was a quiet day. Hopefully the night is as uneventful as the day

Love

Rikki & Stefan

Wednesday, February 7, 2007 3:45 PM CST

Dear Friends & Family,

Olivia asked me to write an update so that everyone knows how well she is doing.

On Sunday, we sadly said “Good Bye” to Meg and Kimberly. Meg spent a full week here helping us with Olivia, serving us meals, cleaning, picking up, vacuuming, running errands, pampering us, snuggling & singing to Olivia non-stop, and assuring us that Olivia’s bouts of crying & fussing are all normal for newborns (how reassuring!). Kimberly came down for the weekend to spend some time with us and cook & bake for us (Yes!). Before Aunt Meggie left, Olivia got her second bath and this time she loved it. Next bath we take together in the big bathtub.

Without houseguests, Rikki arranges for local friends to visit almost daily. On Sunday Marko & Renate with Janina and Nico visited us for a short time. On Monday Grandma Diane (now Great-Grandma) from Colorado Springs visited together with her friend Susan. Yesterday we enjoyed a few minutes with Rebecca Rechkemmer. Today Susan Hancock visited with her son Zach. Zach had fun chasing our cat Bagheera through the whole house. Jesse helped Zach catch her. I am not really sure if Bagheera enjoyed it. We know Jesse did.

We are enjoying various food brought over by friends (Zesty orange chicken from Rebecca, Messina chicken with bay seasoned potatoes and butter cake from Susan, Chicken salad from Grandma Diane, and a breakfast Casserole from Christi that we eat tomorrow) mixed with frozen items from our freezer (Quiche made by Kimberly, Spaghetti sauce by Grandpa Jack, Chili by Uncle Mark) and take out from time to time (Indian, Chinese, and Chicken wings - I believe Rikki must have eaten over 100 chicken wings since Olivia’s birth). Rikki is still drinking protein drinks several times a day (and night) as well as fresh orange juice every other day. Breakfast is normally “PBJ” (peanut butter & jelly) on toast.

On Tuesday (Day 25) Olivia slept for the first time in her own room. She is really growing. Her cradle in our master bedroom is getting almost too small for her. We may buy the baby scale we saw at BabysRUs to see how heavy she gets. Olivia was troubled with gas and couldn’t sleep, so yesterday we tried some baby medicine against gas bubbles and it worked very well (thanks for the tip, Rebecca!). The previous nights before were challenging as Olivia would not sleep (feeding, changing diapers, sleeping for 10 minutes, crying, feeding, changing diapers and so on). We think the gas medicine worked. We got some sleep last night. Rikki is today in a good mood, relaxed and smiling. Amazing how good it feels sleeping for 3 hours at a time. We’re getting better at burping Olivia (thanks for the tip, Kimberly). We heard from Susan that all three of her formula-fed children had baby acne so Olivia’s acne can’t be from something Rikki is eating wrong (a La Leche League leader had suggested). Olivia still has pain while pooping. No squeaks and honks - she struggles and tenses up and screams, then BOOM! explodes her diaper and she’s fine again. We don’t understand why she strains so much while pooping. It’s hurts to see her in so much pain and her crying gets very frustrating.

The weather is finally getting better. We still have approx 20 degree F, but the cold wind is gone. Last night we had some snow (3 or 4 flakes). Beginning of the week the temperature dropped close to 0 degree F with a huge wind chill factor. It is beautiful outside with blue sky and the sun shining. A perfect day for 5 year old Zach to chase Jesse around the yard with a tennis ball while we watch from inside.

Love,

Stefan for Rikki & Stefan

Sunday, February 4, 2007 10:35 AM EST

Good morning to Olivia’s Fan Base! Auntie Meg has announced that it is only appropriate to have Miss Olivia travel back to Seattle with her today to introduce her to the Seattle Fan Base. So, good morning to you all…however, I will break the news that, sadly, Auntie Meg will be leaving Pennsylvania empty handed…at least today.

I came to Pennsylvania this weekend without Olivia’s Uncle Jon, who is “working” in Miami. We have all decided we want Uncle Jon’s job…we know he actually does work very hard…but sometimes he has a lot of fun, too.

It is Olivia’s 23 day of life and what a day to be introduced to skirts. She is dressed in an adorable pink cotton skirt with the word “girl” on her bottom and “baby” on the coordinating jacket. She is quite a beauty...already stolen many hearts. Perfect outfit for an outdoor landscape, which is blanketed white. This is her second outfit today, it seems she was able to scoot her diaper aside in the earlier pink and white-striped ensemble. I decided yesterday that I wanted to take a one-to-one trade off on the number of clothes Miss Olivia has been blessed to receive. For each shirt, I feel like I should have a comparable one…pants, dresses, skirts…I will skip the onesies, though.

Auntie Meg is wrapping up her week in Pennsylvania today. It has been a photo heavy morning. No one wants to leave without capturing all moments with Olivia, including me.

Olivia is an angel. She spends time just looking around at the people who love her…but often times at the ceiling, which seems to marvel her. I wish I were able to explain the feeling you have when you wake up in this household. I do not have that Pageler/Boehmer writing talent, so I will just bullet point it :> (I am always told to start off with a gerund, but it never works for me)

• Comforting sound of coffee grinder, movement in kitchen (I am being serious!)
• Floating, soft cry of a newborn baby

OK…enough of that… I once heard someone say that sometimes setting expectations can cause you to work hard to achieve something that, in the end, wasn’t going to make you truly happy. It is what is unexpected that makes life so special. You expect a baby to cry, a parent, an Aunt or Uncle, Grandma or Grandpa to love. It’s the unexpected smile, the little squeak, the laugh of love…that is what makes life so amazing.

Thank you to Rikki, Stefan and Olivia for allowing me and many others to have a few unexpected moments to cherish.

xoxo Kimberly Swain


P.S. from Auntie Meggie: I can’t quite believe I have to leave this precious little one (and her folks) today. And this time I don’t have any set plans to come back again, like I did three weeks ago. So that sucks. She changed, grew, developed so much this last week. It makes me sad to think how much I will miss of this perfect baby’s life. Nobody else in my life lets me get away with kissing, hugging and snuggling 24/7 like Little Miss Olivia does. Oh, I will miss her so much…

Friday, February 2, 2007 4:35 PM EST

Olivia Joy’s Third Week of Life
As Seen Through the Eyes
Of Her Very Lucky Auntie Meggie
- Volume III -

Thursday, February 1, 2007 – What a fun, photogenic day! Started the morning with a video conference with Olivia’s grandparents in Seattle. She reacts differently to Skype than to other things on the laptop – it is like she knows they are talking to her. She even waved again at Grandpa Jack and Grandma Margaret. What a great way to start the day.

Then we packed her up for her third car trip in her life, this time to visit Kate the midwife. What a better experience than the doctor’s office two days before! Her adorable smiley picture was taken while Kate was holding her. Kate happily answered Rikki and Stefan’s dozens of questions and made our day. Olivia came out to 9 pounds and 12 ounces on Kate’s fish scale – but that of course was in clothes and diapers, not stark naked. Kate called the little red birthmark at the base of Olivia’s neck her “stork bite,” which Rikki re-dubbed her “stork kiss.”

Olivia was introduced to a pacifier on this car trip and she loved it. It was hard to get it away from her at the end of the ride. Look how cute she is in the picture… =)

Early to bed last night, as Olivia seems to get worn out when she goes on outings. And now that Kate said Olivia is officially an “efficient eater” and a “gulper” even, six minutes suffice on each side, cutting down feedings from 90 minutes to 45. So nighttime feedings are easier and Rikki (and Stefan) got more sleep last night.

Friday, February 2, 2007 – Happy 3rd (week) Birthday! Olivia has been having some power naps today! I think she’s trying to grow two more inches before I leave on Sunday. Namyoun visited today and brought some homemade Korean barbeque, which we look forward to eating tomorrow night with Kimberly. Our brother Jon is out of town for work this week, so we get to hang with his girlfriend for the weekend. Hooray!

It is snowing! But of course it has done that a few times this week, without any accumulation.

Okay, time for dinner and then, of course, Birthday Ice Cream Cake!

Love, Meggie

Wednesday, January 31, 2007 5:30 PM EST

Olivia Joy’s Third Week of Life
As Seen Through the Eyes
Of Her Very Lucky Auntie Meggie
- Volume II -

Tuesday, January 30, 2007 – Kind of a rough day today. Olivia was up for hours in the morning and even had a period where she freaked us out by arching her back for several minutes (probably 5, felt like three times that) without relaxing. When she finally calmed down and fell asleep, it was time to head to the doctor. Which meant packing her into the car seat for only the second time in her life. She was sound asleep when we arrived at the pediatrician’s and she had to be stripped down to her birthday suit and put on a cold metal scale to be weighed. It felt just plain cruel. Especially since that is ALL they did, is weigh her. We didn’t even get to see the doctor at all. She tried to get her revenge by peeing all over the doctor’s office and her mommy. She was understandably upset on the ride home and we had to pull over to let her mommy soothe her, which took a while. Poor baby, poor parents.

But the good news is that she is 9 pounds 4 ounces, and 22.25 inches long – so she has gained back all her birth weight and then some. She’s growing out of the Newborn sized clothes and into the 0-3 months clothes, so her wardrobe is changing. And once she finally fell back asleep, her folks were able to visit Babies R Us (while Auntie hung out with Olivia in the warm car) and get her new fun stuff. Her favorite: a sleep sack. Now she can sleep with her arms free (instead of being swaddled) and she is loving it. She was born with her hand up by her face and that is where she loves to keep them.

After the rough morning and early afternoon, she slept for over 5 hours when we got home. Which was great for mommy’s need for rest, although she sprung a leak by the time Olivia was ready to feed again. I joined them for the 1:30am feeding, and even got to have a sleep over with Olivia for a couple of hours. She slept in my bed and/or on my chest while I gazed at her and watched her breathe. She kept her little hand tucked under my chin while she slept. What a cutie. How lucky I am to get to spend this time with her. Sucks that we live so far away from each other. But my folks got to see their grandbaby this morning, thanks to free Skype software and the video camera built into my coolio laptop (Thanks Dave!). We chatted for almost half an hour, all the while they got to watch Olivia in Rikki’s arms. She even waved at them. =)

I know that babies this young don’t yet socially smile, but as Olivia is falling asleep, she sure looks like it. Imagine if you will: her eyes are closed, her head is resting back on your arm as you hold her close, the right side of her mouth arches upwards, then her right eye crinkles a little just like it does when you smile. Then her face relaxes again. Only to be followed by the same antics on the left side. And once in a while, a full smile with laugh lines around both eyes adorns her beautiful face. It is a joy to behold, from the aptly named little Olivia Joy. If the pseudo smiles are this much fun to watch, can’t imagine how great the real ones will be!

Wednesday, January 31, 2007 – Growth spurt day! Olivia spent from 4am until almost 10am nearly nonstop nursing with only the occasional burp, diaper change, or catnap in between. Stefan spent the day at work while us girls spent the day on the bed: Olivia nursing or napping; Rikki and I watching movies on my laptop. Calm, mellow day. Just pulling some the yummy lasagna out of the oven for dinner that Jen and Mark made and froze over Christmas. Thank you!

Monday, January 29, 2007 8 PM EST

Olivia Joy’s Third Week of Life
As Seen Through the Eyes
Of Her Very Lucky Auntie Meggie
- Volume I -


Saturday, January 27, 2007 – I’m not exactly sure what went on last Saturday, as I didn’t arrive until Sunday and her folks don't recall, but whatever it was caused poor little Olivia to have a rough, sleepless night. Poor sweetie. Poor parents.

Sunday, January 28 – Lots of fans arrived throughout the day, starting with the Lovelace and Goetz families, who brought baby gifts and yummy food. Delicious! While Stefan headed to the airport, regular visitors Glen and Sylvia delivered essentials from Costco and Trader Joe’s to Rikki and Olivia. Thank you! The snow started falling on the ride back from the airport. Stefan and I arrived in time to add our favorites to the Chinese Food order, which I barely touched preferring to snuggle my adorable niece! She hasn’t grown a ton since I saw her two weeks ago, but she’s much more alert and interactive. Stefan had a little cold and was going to start back at work on Monday, so went to bed early, while Olivia kept her mommy up until around midnight. That allowed lots of catching up time with just the girls in Olivia’s cute bedroom.

Monday, January 29 – What a big day! Olivia got some good sleep (two four hour stretches) over night, so Rikki felt more rested, too. Stefan stayed home from work since his cold was not gone and he didn’t want it to get worse. He had to work from home, but at least he wasn’t running around in the 23 degree weather outside. Oh, by the way, one major change to these new parents: they keep their house toasty warm. Over Christmas I had to wear a fleece jacket indoors every day to stay warm, but now I’m hot in a t-shirt thanks to the thermostat being set at 74!

After lunch we all bundled up and went on a walk through the snow (or what was left of it). It was only Olivia’s second walk and her third time outside of the house. Olivia was riding in the Baby Bjorn, sleeping snuggled against Rikki’s chest, zipped up inside her jacket, so we couldn’t even see her. The sun was shining and the blue sky was speckled with fluffy white clouds. It was beautiful. But we turned around when the wind got too bone-chilling.

Then we came home and had another adventure: Olivia’s first bath. She was born at home and was simply dried off after her water birth (not bathed), so her 17th day was high time for a bath. She didn’t really care for the whole thing, and cried a little throughout, but we got her all cleaned up pretty quickly and wrapped up snug as a bug. After some play time and nursing, she slept pretty hard for several hours. She had a lot to rest up from today! We even clipped her long fingernails while she was sleeping. After her spa day manicure and scrub she’ll be all ready for her doctor’s appointment tomorrow.

Ice cream cake for dessert - a little heart that said Olivia. Said not says - it is already all gone. Olivia is sleeping again and so Rikki is napping (sleep when the baby sleeps, they always say). Oops - I hear her squeaking now! I'll sign off now - good night!

Until the next installment...

Love, Meggie

Friday, January 26, 2007 11:30 AM EST

Greetings from Dreamland!

It’s my turn to give an update, but I’m torn. How do I steal my eyes away from Olivia? Her bright hazel eyes captivate me as she latches on and settles in for a feed. I have less than ten minutes before her lids get heavy from the effects of the hindmilk, her eyes roll back in her head, her suckle slows, and she’s back off to sleep. A tickle of her feet or a scratch of her back will rouse her temporarily and with any luck extend our wake time a bit, but inevitably, it is over too soon, she is back off to sleep, and Stefan and I are left to await her next awakening.

These last two weeks we are repeatedly overcome with wonder and thanksgiving and joy at the privilege of being parents to this little girl. This is a joy we have dreamed of for so long. It is sweeter than we ever imagined! It feels a bit like time has stood still, allowing us to revel in every moment of Olivia’s life. Our hearts have never known love this long nor experienced praise so forthcoming. We are so thankful God has allowed us stewardship of this precious child. Our lives couldn’t be any fuller, our joy any more complete.

It may very well be I never leave my house again. Though I miss my newly made PA friends and my lifestyle of the past 2 years, nothing can wake me from this dream.

Olivia is two weeks old today and thriving. We have no latest stats on weight gain, but are assured by her production of 6-11 dirty diapers a day and promotion from Newborn to Size 1 diapers that she is putting back on the pounds. She has tossed her predictable sleep pattern to the wind and has her dad and mom at a loss for deciphering any resemblance of sleep/eating predictability. So far, however, she recognizes that nights are for sleeping and gets 3-4 hours of sleep in at a stretch. She feeds well but may have some difficulty digesting lactose. We are keeping close records of what I eat and avoiding cheese and milk to see how she responds. She has a sweet disposition, doesn’t cry unless she has trapped gas, burps, or wakes up wet. She honks, squeaks, chirps, grunts and gurgles more than she cries. The squeaks drive Jesse crazy, whom, up until this point, had free reign of all squeaker toys in the house.

Mother is doing well. I have fully recovered from the birth. Cabin fever set in, with dabs of postpartum depression, the first few days after Olivia’s birth. The adjustment from daily exercise in the fresh air to my new sedentary lifestyle was difficult. The combination of afterbirth contractions, painful breastfeeding, what felt like my leg muscles atrophying, and three days of heavy fog, caused me more pain after the birth than during. But by the end of day three or four, more tears of joy were shed daily than tears of pain. Breastfeeding has finally gotten easier. I am just getting to the point that I can where shirts (until now I’ve been topless 24/7, lubed up with Lanolin). The birth team commented I screamed louder during breastfeeding than I did during labor. I can certainly see why many women opt not to breastfeed or give up sooner than expected. Even with the perfect latch on, it hurt like mad the first 10 days, with no chance of rest for the weary breast! What a relief they have eventually toughened. I can actually foresee enjoying breastfeeding someday.

Stefan is very busy tending to his girls. He feeds me a daily variety of fruit salad, green salad, raw veggies, nuts, and high protein meats, and keeps me well hydrated – keeping my water bottle and tea thermos constantly filled. He keeps Jesse fed and watered and Olivia burped and changed. We have established a great routine around here. I’ll be sad to lose him to Siemens next week but am hopeful he will take more time off soon. We are looking forward to Auntie Meg’s arrival on Sunday! She’ll be here for a week. She is so naturally gifted with children, we plan to learn a lot from her (namely how to get a stubborn burp out). Olivia is in for major loving next week as I’m sure Meg will come representing all of Olivia’s immediate & extended Seattle family.

Meanwhile, we’ve enjoyed a few visits from Pennsylvania friends. Visitors are so precious to us! We do not live close for many so those who make the long drive out for a quick visit, really make our day. Many have brought meals and expressed their love through good food for which we say “Hallelujah!” Perhaps folks have picked up on the fact that the way to my husband’s heart is through his stomach... (?) We’ve barely had a chance to tap into our basement freezer packed with love-filled meals by Aunt Jenny, Kimberly, Uncle Mark, Dave & GPa Jack. At the rate at which we’re eating, however, it won’t be long.

With that, I’ll get back to my sleeping babe. Stefan’s thinking about posting updates to this site every Friday (on Olivia’s weekly birthdays) with the best pictures of the week in the photo gallery.

We love you guys. Thanks for loving us, following along, and celebrating with us the greatest time of our lives.

Rikki

P.S. Olivia just squeaked she misses her G’Pa - She wants you back here, Doc!

Friday, January 19, 2007 5:11 PM EST

Today is Olivia’s birthday. She is 1 week old! A week full of joy, sleep deficit and dirty diapers.

To celebrate this day, we had the first snow this morning, only a little bit which disappeared quickly as the sun came out. Nothing compared with the snow they had in Seattle or the storm which moved across Europe last night (for the first time in history all trains discontinued service in Germany from 7 pm in the evening until the next morning).

For her birthday Olivia peed today the first time on Daddy while he changed her diapers. Mommy had the same pleasure already a couple of days ago.

The main events in this week were:

Day 3 (Monday): Mom’s milk came in around noon
Day 4 (Tuesday): First outing – visit to the Pediatrician at 1 pm for first week check
Day 5 (Wednesday): Olivia’s umbilical cord fell off at approx 11.30 pm

Olivia has a steady appetite and is a slow eater, something she certainly neither got from dad or mom (the slow eater part).

She has good days where she eats every 3 hours followed by playtime and sleep and not so good days (for mom and dad) where we skip the sleep time and go from eating to changing diapers and back to eating.

Olivia already had a wide range of dishes from Indian food over spaghetti meatballs over rib sandwich to chicken with rice. She first smells the food when Mommy eats it and later on gets the flavor in her breast milk.

We enjoy the private time we have with our daughter after all our guests left. Mom spends most of her time in bed either nursing or sleeping, while Dad is responsible to nurse Mom. Dad also realized that having a newborn and the associated sleep deficit doesn’t really complement his work schedule and is happy that he could take two weeks off. We didn’t have any guests over so far, which is untypical for us, but we are sure this will change in future once we get settled with the new situation.

A neighbor unexpectedly brought over dinner yesterday, which was delicious.

Bagheera, the cat is not sure what she should think about the new family member. She stays in distance and leaves the room when Olivia is crying. From time to time, she peaks in the crib when she walks by and Olivia makes a noise. It is a cute picture to see our cat on her back legs looking into the crib.

Jesse, the dog first was very happy as she got feed multiple times a day by various people. Now as all the guests are gone, Jesse is a little bit neglected. She is a very nice dog, stays most of the time downstairs and lets us know when the delivery man or mail man comes. If she feels too lonely, she will come up the stairs to get her fair share of the family snuggles.

Love,

The Boehmer Family

PS: We have posted some new pictures as well

Wednesday, January 17, 2007 6:00 PM EST

Coming To Be In Penn’s Forest


The Setting

When I first visited Rikki and Stefan’s rural Pennsylvania home, I remarked: “It’s like coming home.” I grew up (from years six to twelve) just north of here along the Delaware River where NY, NJ and PA meet in the Pocono Mts., upriver from the Delaware Water Gap. The countryside near Rikki and Stefan’s home is the same hardwood forests, rolling hills and winding country roads I explored in those golden years when I was king of the haystacks and life was apple green (see Dylan Thomas’ Fern Hill).

Rikki and Stefan live in a large wooden country home on about three acres where we watch deer and foxes in the back yard in the mornings. Development is coming a few miles down the road, but so far they are surrounded by cornfields and forest tracts. Inside their home are country hardwood floors, high ceilings, spacious rooms and wood burning fireplaces. Their knotty pine furniture fits perfectly into this country setting. Upstairs, adjacent to the master bedroom with its log bed and end tables, is the new baby’s nursery all outfitted for the new arrival.

Chester Springs is northwest of Philadelphia, near Valley Forge where George Washington winter quartered his troops in 1777-8. Chester Springs, formerly Yellow Springs, is where he set up the hospital for the troops. The drive to Valley Forge from Rikki and Stefan’s is just beautiful – rolling hills, curving roads through horse farms with natural stone homes and barns and stone fences tucked here and there among the woods and streams. The winter sunlight on natural stone buildings is especially beautiful – an exquisite Pennsylvania landscape. This is Penn’s Forest and one of the original thirteen colonies. Everywhere you turn, there is American Revolutionary history around here.


Getting Ready – The Merrie Midwives of Chester

Rikki and Stefan chose to birth at home attended by trained local midwives. They have attended classes on natural childbirth, planned out the emergency backup processes should they be needed, carefully monitored that theirs is a low risk pregnancy, and they have read extensively on natural childbirth. Rikki sent Margaret and me and Jenny and Meg and Nani books ahead of time to get us oriented to the process. I got to meet the team of three midwives: Kate, Jane and Merle – all young women, mothers themselves, practiced and licensed in midwifery and even, in Merle’s case, a licensed nurse midwife at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia in the surgical ward. They welcomed my many questions and getting to know them and the procedures they described helped me to come to a settled conviction that Rikki and Stefan and Baby Boehmer had chosen well and were in good hands for the imminent childbirth.

You’ll remember that the due date had been December 30 and the actual delivery was two weeks ‘late’ (there is still a mystery about the accuracy of the ‘due date’ because the baby, according to the midwives, did not appear to be post-date at all). So there was plenty of time for me, and the rest of the birth team – Meg, Jen, Melissa Dean the Doula, parents and midwives – to adjust to the situation, to get to know each other and to learn about the home birth process (I definitely benefited from this extra time). My respect for the midwives was so strong that I was invited by Rikki and Stefan to participate in the birth and to ‘catch the baby’ – which I did , and did with such exemplary skill that the midwives suggested I go to Midwifery School in Seattle (once I learned to pronounce the word with a short ‘i’). I’m seriously considering it – it will mean breaking the ageism and sexism barriers presented by a sextigenarian male breaking into the profession.

Kate and Jane and Merle, along with Melissa, formed a remarkable team – they seemed to know what the others were thinking without having to say much. They enjoyed assisting mothers to give birth naturally – there was a lot of pleasant banter, laughter, and constant encouragement tempered by a rigorous professionalism. They recognized that Rikki and Stefan had studied up on at home natural childbirth, had become their own general contractors of this important event in their lives and had made choices that the midwives were made aware of and which the midwives supported and worked with the parents in a non-directive way allowing them to chose between informed options presented to them. It was wonderful to watch. I can understand Jane responding to me when I told them “You’re having too much fun” saying “I used to be a labor organizer and now I’ve become a birth junkie.”

It bothers me that the midwives have to live under a ‘look askance’ shadow cast by the official obstetric professional community. In low risk pregnancies (detectable now better than ever before) such as Rikki and Stefan’s, there is so much positive experience to be had by mother and child in coming into the world in due time with minimum medical and pharmaceutical intervention. I was keeping a mental score (1 to 10) during Rikki’s pregnancy and delivery and I have to say the final score was: Baby – 10, Mother – 10. I am grateful that I was invited to learn so much and be a part of this wonderful experience. I remember that I was present at Rikki’s birth in the hospital delivery room, after fighting the medical establishment at Jon’s and Jenny’s births, because professional opinion was changing at that time – early 70’s – to allow fathers to participate with their wives in this most significant family experience. Perhaps we can hope (and actively lobby, by God) that as the Father of our Country attended to the needs of his troops down the road in Chester Springs, so we might have a modern day revolution in the acceptance of the midwifery option by the established medical community here in Pennsylvania. Backdrop: there is a news item today that a midwife in nearby Lancaster County is being tried before a Medical Review Board this coming January 26 and is liable to be penalized and fined serious monetary fines for her practice of midwifery among the Amish and Mennonite communities. It is said that she has attended 5000 births; I don’t know the whole story, but clearly in Pennsylvania there is an environment of risk and disapproval at the present time. Twenty-three states have legislated support for licensed midwifery, as well as most of the countries of the world.


The Delivery

At long last on January 12 regular contractions began to set in for Rikki. I was summoned by Meg on my cell phone from an errand to the store: “You’d better get back here, she’s seven centimeters.” Margaret had just landed at the Philadelphia airport and was being picked up by Jon and Kimberly driving in from New York City. Rikki was in the prime of health – from daily walks and even a trampoline jumping session two days earlier. (The midwives were amazed at Rikki’s health and positive attitude). Melissa Dean had come in from California two weeks earlier as Rikki’s doula birth coach and kept Rikki exercising and encouraged during the two week wait. Melissa’s support for Rikki during this pregnancy, and during the pregnancy and hospital delivery of Naomi Ruth, has been incredible – thank you, Melissa, many times over. Hard labor progressed rapidly. Rikki was on all fours in a warm water tub set up in the baby’s room. It became clear that the baby wouldn’t be waiting to come until G’Ma Margaret and Jon and Kimberly could get here from the airport. About five minutes of final pushing and out popped our baby girl into GrandPa’s waiting hands. Hand-off to the midwives – hand-off to the Mama who looked at her baby and said without hesitation: “She will be Olivia Joy.” Margaret and Jon and Kimberly arrived about half an hour after the birth, so they got to see the very newborn very early.

Olivia Joy has a substantial voice, but doesn’t use it that much as to be an irritation. I find myself giggling every time I hear her cry. She sucks strongly – Stefan has nicknamed her ‘Little Sucker.’ She is perfectly beautiful. She has had such a good start.

So now feeding, playing, sleeping; feeding, playing, sleeping sets in. I fly away to Seattle this afternoon, confident that two very happy parents have in their competent hands their dream come true.

G’Pa Jack
January 17, 2007

Tuesday, January 16, 2007 9:00 PM EST

G'Pa Jack reporting on today's events at the Boehmer household:

Today was Olivia Joy's first outing. We warmed up the Yukon ahead of time, bundled her up in warm clothes and blankets and snugged her into her car seat and set off to see her Pediatrician Dr. Fried about 10 miles away. While being weighed in (7 lbs. 9 ozs.), she peed of the scale and the Doctor was used to that. She measured 21 inches. She cried a bit, especially when Dr. Fried stretched her out to check her pulse at her hip joints -- even the Dr. put his pinky finger, ala Rikki and Stefan, in her mouth to quiet her down.

Everything looks fine and feeding is going according to plan. She should be regaining her birthweight in a week and then start putting on the pounds. The Doctor says it will soon be time to take her out into the world on walks and outings -- he's all for the natural stimulation this gives when Olivia feels the air and responds to the light and shadows of the sky and begins to sense the birds and plants and animals. He prefers the natural stimulations of the outside world of nature to the artificial mobiles and TVs.

On coming home, Olivia ate more frequently and had trouble settling down after the outing. By dinnertime, she was back on her relaxed schedule of eating and sleeping. There is not a lot of crying in the house -- I can tell you that. Our baby is not colicky, so far.

Stefan brought in Indian food which was very tasty -- one comment was: "Why have we been going through all the effort of cooking each night, when take-out like this is available." We didn't mean this, however, since the great variety and quality of meals by the birth team over the past three weeks has been exceptional.

G'Pa Jack flies back to Seattle tomorrow evening. Then it will be just the same old Boehmer household + one. Maybe some of the numerous offers by friends to bring over food will be cashed in.

Tomorrow fiber optic broadband cable will be installed at the Boehmer household, as well as major chimney work. We all expect that bumping up from dial-up to cable speeds will mean more pictures from Stefan – there must be a thousand pictures up to this point, so Baby Boehmer fans, brace yourselves.

G’Pa Jack

Monday, January 15, 2007 7:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

This is a short update of day #3 in the life of Olivia Joy Boehmer. To celebrate this we had a little birthday cake (leftover from her birth).

We forgot to mention yesterday that her weight was 8 pounds and 0 ounces. She lost 9 ounces since birth. This is normal and will change once the breast milk sets in.

This happened today in the late morning and our little sucker is now a big sucker. So far we had 9 feedings today. OJ simply loves to eat. We are confident that she will be back to her birth weight soon. Her digestive system works as well (no more details here).

We also learned that even little girls can pee pretty high during a diaper change. As a consequence we have removed valuable items around her changing table.

We are down to one visitor as Grandma Margaret left today. She was an awesome help with the baby. Grandpa Jack will leave us on Wednesday. I have taken time off work until Meg (Rikki’s sister) comes back in two weeks. I realized that work and sleepless nights don’t complement each other very well.

We are trying to follow the sleep – eat – play pattern, so that our girl gets used to sleep more during the night and doesn’t want to be feed every 90 minutes.

Love, Stefan

Sunday, January 14, 2007 1:15 PM EST

Good Morning from Chester Springs!

We are not so sure anymore about the time of the day. For some reason our little sucker loves to suck during the night and sleep during the day.

Baby and Mommy are both healthy. Kate came by around 11 am today to check on them. She took blood from Olivia for some tests (PKU etc). Olivia was not really happily offering her blood; it took quite a while to get the few drops needed. She also took her foot prints and completed the form for the birth certificate. Olivia is slightly yellow, which means she still has more bilirubin in her body than needed. She needs to break that down and get rid of it. Putting her in the sunlight is supposed to help.

Sunlight is another topic as we haven’t seen that in a while. The rain finally stopped, but since this morning we have heavy fog.

Today Melissa, Kimberly and Jon had to leave. While Kimberly will be back rather quickly, we are afraid we will not see Melissa so soon again. Melissa is our doula from Silicon Valley and we appreciated that she came out for the birth of our second daughter. She helped us extremely. In case you ever need a doula in the San Jose area, we can highly recommend her. Check out her webpage for details http://www.alittlemiracle.com.

Jon said that he would look forward to many years of throwing Olivia in the air and dragging her down the slopes. I am honestly not so sure who will drag whom down the slopes.

We read yesterday all your guestbook entries to Rikki and she was really enjoying them. Right now Rikki is taking a nap (and Grandpa for that matter), while Grandma watches Olivia. We are so thankful that they are here and help us in the first couple of days.

I feel somehow ready for a nap myself ….

Love

Stefan

Sunday, January 14, 2007 10:00 AM EST

Hush little baby, don't say a word,
Mama's going to show you a hummingbird.

If that hummingbird should fly,
Mama's going to show you the evening sky.

When the nighttime shadows fall,
Mama's going to hear the crickets call.

While their song drifts from afar,
Mama's going to search for a shooting star.

When the star has dropped from view,
Mama's going to read a book with you.

When that story has been read,
Mama's going to bring your warm bedspread.

If that quilt begins to wear,
Mama's going to find your teddy bear.

If that teddy bear won't hug,
Mama's going to catch you a lightning bug.

If that lighning bug won't glow,
Mama's going to play on her old banjo.

If that banjo's out of tune,
Mama's going to show you the harvest moon.

As that moon drifts through the sky,
Mama's going to sing you a lullaby.

Saturday, January 13, 2007 10:00 PM EST

Wow, what a amazing first day in the life of Olivia Joy! Mom and Dad had a good few hours of sleep, with Olivia waking at 7 am for a feeding.

The rest of the house hold started to stir around 8 am...all to wake for the first time with baby Olivia in their lives.

I walked upstairs to see lovely Olivia and her Mom this morning and found both her Mom and Aunt Meggie...and her amazing eyes looking at the both of them.

She is quite the inquisitive one! Very responsive to touch and those around her. She is swaddled in blankets and looks like a little bundle, with such a beautiful face.

Jack, Margaret, Jon, Melissa and I left for the Barnes exhibit around 10:15 this morning...Rikki and Stefan's Christmas gift to Jon. Meg stayed home to spend a few more hours with Olivia before she had to leave this evening. Grandpa Jack couldn't wait to get back to his granddaughter...he even had to leave the exhibit early to call and see how all was going.

Olivia slept most of the day and Mom and Dad are expected a little more activity tonight. Aunt Meggie left this evening...I know it was hard on her to leave but she is returning in a few weeks. Melissa leaves tomorrow, I for one can't thank her enough for answering all my crazy questions about burping, feeding, sleep intervals, etc. She is a virtual encyclopedia of baby care.

Jon and I leave tomorrow...I am so happy to have been part of this event (we were too late to be here for the actually birth....I saw the videos of the birth...maybe that is best for me).

I cannot wait until you all get to see this beautiful, sweet baby. She is definitely a little gift and Rikki and Stefan are clearly the most calm Mom and Dad I have ever been around. Nothing seems to phase them. You can just feel the appreciation and love.

Signing off from Olivia Joy's first day. Lots of love and happiness to all of those in her life.

xox Kimberly Swain

Saturday, January 13, 2007 7:15 AM EST

Good Morning Friends & Family,

We survived the first night. By 3.00 am this morning, our bundle of joy has already breastfed 8 times (4 on each site) as well pooped 3 times (although poop #3 should count for 2).

We are so thankful to have Melissa here. Somehow we must have missed the baby class about how to change a diaper (no intention!) and how to put a baby to sleep. Staying up until late and rocking our baby, definitely put Melissa to sleep.

After 3.00 am we got unbelievable 4 hours rest and now our little sucker is hungry again and yes … sucking. If she is not on the breast, she normally has at least one finger in her mouth (sometimes two!) and you hear her sucking in her crib in her sleep.

Mama is doing very well (as much as you can say this). As it is with every work-out, she feels the sore (*correct spelled for Melissa*) muscles much more today.

Proud Grandpa Jack came up last night as we changed the diaper as he heard our girl crying and told us “you asked for it”. Isn’t it nice to hear comforting words?

Otherwise it is a quite rainy morning in Chester Springs. Jon is up downstairs and looking at pictures on Meg’s laptop. The remaining crew is still sleeping.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Friday, January 12, 2007 11:31 PM EST

.... still hungry (or again??) ... our little sucker

Friday, January 12, 2007 11:03 PM EST

We have a little sucker ...

Olivia is lying in her crib with two fingers in her mouth ...

Friday, January 12, 2007 10:55 PM EST

Who said Olivia would sleep for 5-6 hours?

~ She just ate again!

Friday, January 12, 2007 8:15 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

thank you for all your entries in the guest book.

Olivia Joy has the beauty of her mom, but clearly the appetite from her dad. Within the first 3 hours of her life, she already ate four times (and for the records pooped once).

While we talk about food, we had amazing yummy chicken enchiladas (made by Melissa) and excellent pasta with meat sauce (made by Jack) for dinner, followed by an ice cream cake (birthday cake for Olivia).

According to the midwifes, Olivia is supposed to sleep for 5 to 6 hours (once she is not anymore hungry) and then ready for food every 2-3 hours.

We are so glad Melissa is here. She showed Olivia right away how to latch on and takes good care of Rikki and myself (Enchiladas).

Unfortunately Mom, Jon & Kimberly came a few minutes too late to see the birth (or better Olivia came a little bit too fast).

Rikki was 4-5 cm this morning and then slept for 3 hours. By the time she walked up, she was 7-8 cm. Then she continued smiling and talking until close to 5 pm. Her water broke right at the beginning when her labor turned into active labor. Only 10 or 15 minutes later, Olivia Joy was born and caught by her granddad (a future midwife-star). Olivia cried right away and searched for Mom's breast. The placenta was born a little bit later and was a totally healthy placenta.

Now Mom is resting and once the ice-cream cake is finished, go to bed.

Thanks to our God, she should have 5 to 6 hours break to recover before Olivia needs again food (although ... the way Olivia eats, she might need food faster).

Love,

Stefan

Friday, January 12, 2007 6:50 PM EST

YAY!!! A beautiful baby girl has joined the world... We are blessed to have been part of it. Thank you for the honor!
~Jane, midwifery assistant
~Merle, midwife
~Kate, midwife

Friday, January 12, 2007 6:30 PM EST

The weight of our bundle of joy is 8 lbs and 9 oz (3884 gram).

Her length is 19 inch (48.3 cm)

Due to the fact that nobody has guessed the birthday correct, the weight will determine the winner.

And the winner is ....

MELISSA DEAN

The weight estimates were:

07 lbs 00.9 oz, equals 3,200 gram Karin Knopf
07 lbs 07.9 oz, equals 3,400 gram Jon Pageler
07 lbs 11.0 oz, equals 3,487 gram Riley Lium
07 lbs 14.0 oz, equals 3,572 gram Gina Geranen
08 lbs 02.0 oz, equals 3,685 gram Nani Lium
08 lbs 03.0 oz, equals 3,714 gram Laurra & Joe Mozillo
08 lbs 06.0 oz, equals 3,799 gram Shelley Bennett
08 lbs 06.0 oz, equals 3,799 gram Dave Lium
08 lbs 06.5 oz, equals 3,813 gram John & Annie Murray
08 lbs 07.0 oz, equals 3,827 gram Susan & Brian Hillis
08 lbs 09.0 oz, equals 3,884 gram Melissa Dean
08 lbs 11.0 oz, equals 3,941 gram Susie Smith
08 lbs 11.5 oz, equals 3,955 gram Petra & Juergen Kliemt
08 lbs 12.0 oz, equals 3,969 gram Gerhard Boehmer
08 lbs 14.0 oz, equals 4,025 gram Inge Boehmer
09 lbs 00.0 oz, equals 4,082 gram Carol Higgins
09 lbs 06.0 oz, equals 4,252 gram Jenny Pageler
09 lbs 06.0 oz, equals 4,252 gram Kimberly Swain
09 lbs 08.0 oz, equals 4,309 gram Stefan
10 lbs 00.0 oz, equals 4,536 gram Stephanie Gilbert
10 lbs 03.0 oz, equals 4,621 gram Chloe Lium
10 lbs 03.0 oz, equals 4,621 gram Rikki


Congratulations Melissa!

The main price is on the way to Morgan Hill. As announced earlier you will receive a beautiful healthy placenta packed on dry ice.

Just kidding ...

The Apgar score for Olivia Joy was a stunning 9-10 with a litte discount for color.

Also neither Olivia Joy nor the placenta looked like being over term (at least this is what the birth team said).

Thanks for all your support, prayers & help.

Stefan

Friday, January 12, 2007 5:35 PM EST

She's here!!! It was absolutely beautiful! 8 minutes of "active" labor, (where mom is uncomfortable and working hard), and four or five pushes and Olivia Joy was born into her grandpa's waiting hands, then passed to her Mama, who was on her hands and knees in the birth tub. Stefan was at Rikki's side with words of love and encouragement, and capturing everything on camera.

Mom and baby are beautiful, healthy and doing great. Auntie Meggie cut the cord, and Rikki is breastfeeding.

We will soon find out who will win for weight!

I am so blessed to have been a part of this wonderful miracle.

Thank you Lord for your many blessings!


Melissa

Friday, January 12, 2007 5:17 PM CST

Baby Boehmer was born at 5.05 pm today ...

Friday, January 12, 2007 4:29 PM CST

Rikki went for a nice walk up the road, and is now enjoying the benefits of her labor and birthing tub, set up in the baby's room. Her contractions are longer now and she is making wonderful progress. She is truly amazing, walking and talking through these contractions still, smiling radiantly!

Stefan has more pix ready to upload, so check them out.

Grandma Margaret is landing as we speak in Philly, Jon and Kimberly will be picking her up and they will be here soon. We'll see who gets here first, family or baby!

More to follow soon!
Melissa

Friday, January 12, 2007 3:00 PM EST

Hurrah! Rikki is 7 cm now- and doing beautifully. Kate checked her, and now Meg is checking her too- so far all of the ladies in the house have had a chance to check Rikkis cervix and say hello to the babe.

The water is still intact, which is nice for the baby- providing a cushion. Any time now...

Merle

Friday, January 12, 2007 11:45 AM EST

Kate, Merle & Jane just left after the checked Rikki, filled the birth tub and had some chocolate (Merle).

Rikki is relaxing upstairs to get ready for the big event.

Margaret is being de-iced (actually her plane is) and will be here in approx 5 hours.

Jon & Kimberly might pick her up from the airport.

Stefan

Friday, January 12, 2007 9:45 AM EST

Well today is a day of change! Rikki continues to have contractions and they are getting strong again. Kate is here now with her team to check on Rikki. She is 4 - 5 cm!! Yippee! Baby's head is very low and all we need now are some strong, long contractions and we will have a baby to hold in no time!

Kate and her team are filling the birthing tub as I write this. Rikki is still walking around the house tidying up and smiling.

Thank you for all your wonderful prayers. They're working!

More to follow...
Melissa

Friday, January 12, 2007 9:00 AM EST

After our walk last night, we went back to bed and Rikki slept until a little bit ago, as the contractions slowed down. Normally she should not have been able to sleep.
She still has contractions, but shorter.

Stefan

Friday, January 12, 2007 5:30 AM EST

We just came back from a 1.5 mile walk.

Rikki's contractions are pretty regular 50 seconds long and 3 minutes apart.

Hopefully the increase in intensity and don't slow down.

Friday, January 12, 2007 4:15 AM EST

Her contractions are:

3:58 am - 43 seconds
4:01 am - 47 seconds
4:05 am - 49 seconds
4:08 am - 45 seconds
4:11 am - 48 seconds

The contractions are further spaced and shorter than after the castro oil event, but Rikki says they are getting stronger.

Melissa recommends we should go back to bed and get some sleep. Rikki said she rested 33 years, dad is building the fire and I am updating the webpage ...

Friday, January 12, 2007 4:00 AM EST

Rikki had contractions the whole night (pre-labor)

3:28 am - she can't decide wether to stay in bed or get up
3:48 am - she decides to get up and walkes around the house
4:00 am - we start timing contractions

Thursday, January 11, 2007 10:30 PM EST

Rikki continues to have Braxton Hicks contractions.

We hope that it will lead to active labor, specially as we didn't try any tinkture, castor oil (yucky) or other labor promoting activities (e.g. trampoline) today.
The daily walk didn't even reach 1.5 miles.

We are off to bed now to rest for the big night (maybe).

We also thank M and 4 E that they allowed us to steal Melissa for over 2 weeks from their daily life. We promise she will be back soon.

Stefan

P.S.: We had unbelievable 23,000 hits on our webpage - you must check hourly. Thank you for all the encouraging words in the guestbook as well.

Grandpa Jack told us today that the future of the internet is in advertising. In case you want to advertise on our webpage, please contact Grandpa Jack :-)

Thursday, January 11, 2007 6:50 PM EST

Much activity tonight - but still not of the baby-birthing variety...

Rikki & Stefan's HUGE bedroom furniture set got delivered today. Stefan and GrandPa Jack talked the big delivery truck into driving down the long, steep, narrow, curved driveway. It got stuck in the yard trying to turn around. They tried for ages to get it out, only to finally give up and call AAA. Now they are unpacking and moving all the HUGE wood pieces up the steep stairs with tight corners. So far no injuries to person or property, thank goodness...

Rikki's had Braxton Hicks contractions all day, but not the real ones yet.

Come out, come out, little baby...

GrandMa Margaret arrives tomorrow afternoon (for what she thought would be a post-birth visit with her granddaughter over the holiday weekend). Brother Jon and his girlfriend Kimberly got back from their trip to Brazil today and we hope they'll come join the party tomorrow night.

We're ready for you, Baby!

Love, Auntie Meggie

P.S. Of course the food-fest continued today with Jack's meaty spaghetti sauce for lunch and Melissa's chicken tacos tonight. Smells great - better go set the table!

Thursday, January 11, 2007 9:00 AM EST

Good Morning,

we could copy the message from prior days.

Rikki had a good night sleep and feels as good as it can be. No contractions.

This is probably good after all the sour muscles she had yesterday from exercising.

What is different?

- The temperature dropped to 26 degree and it's sunny
- Melissa (our doula) and Meg enjoy their vacation (still sleeping)

We probably will go for a short walk later on today.

Love,

Stefan

P.S.: 3 inches of snow in Seattle!! - Where is the snow in Pennsylvania?

Thursday, January 11, 2007 0:15 AM EST

Rikki is sleeping now.

She was in quite some pain today. The visit to the chiropracticor didn't bring the hoped relief although it was good.

We all assume it is a good sign, that Rikki gets less comfortable with this pregnancy, maybe we are close to the end of it and will see Baby Boehmer today.

Stefan

Wednesday, January 10, 2007 11:45 AM EST

Another beautiful morning in eastern PA! We woke to sunny skies and brisk temps. By 11 am we had amazing snow flurries! It was wonderful. We were hoping they would stay, but they have gone already. :-(

Kate the midwife came by this morning to check on Rikki. She is still checking in as quite healthy. Blood pressure is great. (Rikki’s main complaint of the day is that she is sore from all of yesterday’s activities.) Baby’s heart rate is excellent, and reactive. (A sure sign she is doing quite well.) Kate assured all the family that everything looks normal and there is no reason for concern. She offered to Rikki that if she is feeling any concern at all that we could all go over to the doctor’s office for a non-stress test, and biophysical profile of the baby. (This is a standard test done in a doctor’s office when a woman is considered post dates, or past her due date.) Rikki and Stefan both are feeling that this is not warranted yet, but are not ruling it out for the future, if anything changes. Kate left with everyone feeling secure in that decision.

We are off to the chiropractor for an adjustment, with the hopes that this might also help aid labor along. We are also trying some herbal tinctures again today to see if that might help. Rikki is definitely ready for pregnancy to be over and motherhood to begin.

Hopefully more exciting news will follow in the not to distant future.

Melissa

Tuesday, January 9, 2007 7:00 PM EST

We’ve been busy today with Operation Come On Baby!

Per your advice, Rikki was playing Frisbee, running, mopping the floor on her hands and knees, and even jumping on a neighbor’s trampoline. Check out the action photos.

We also got all the baby’s stuff set up around the house: the Pack N Play in the sun room, the stroller by the front door, and all her soft stuff freshly re-laundered. The nursery is adorable, especially with the new addition of the custom made “I am a dream come true” wall hanging.

Okay, baby: we are ready (and waiting!) for you!

Love, Auntie Meggie

Tuesday, January 9, 2007 11:45 AM EST

Good morning,

No labor yet. Some Braxton Hicks contractions, but no labor yet. Yummy omelets for breakfast (thanks Jack and Melissa!) and now Rikki's in cleaning mode. We'll probably do the driving tour of Valley Forge, accompanied by an informational CD-tour, later today. And maybe we'll see Kate the midwife at some point.

Thanks for your posts!

Monday, January 8, 2007 9:30 PM EST

Well, today was eventful. First, I learned that there has been a recalculation of the due date (I don't understand all the arcane math involved) but the net result comes out that we are not a week overdue, but only three days overdue. This has relieved some concern around here and now we are all reinforced in the shared belief that Rikki's is a normal, low-risk pregnancy and that things are progressing toward an imminent birth of our Baby Boehmer girl.

Then, today's walk was through the grounds at Valley Forge -- the wind was up and the temperature heading toward freezing. Rikki and Meg and Melissa and I (Jack) walked about three to four miles, the last mile in the dark along the Valley Creek, a tributary of the Schuykill (pronounced SKOO-kill) River running through Valley Forge. We counted dozens of 'Revolutionary' deer at the park, one of which had a broken leg and made us all concerned about its suffering (we called the Animal Control about it).

In the chore department, the laundry room sink faucet was replaced so Baby Boehmer will have a nice bathing tub.

We finished the day at a very normal Pizza Parlor -- a nice counterpoint to the gourmet meals we have been indulging in at home for the past two weeks.

Now, about Rikki's health -- she is disgustingly athletic and raring to go, and keeps us all breathless trying to keep up. Go Rikki! You are clearly HEALTHY.

GrandPa is learning to shed his reserve and reticence about gynocological matters and plays enthusiastically at Twenty Questions when the subjects are 'mucuous plugs' or 'tarry turds of newborns' or the cervical zingers Rikki is experiencing today.

Another day at the Boehmers, I think I'll sleep well tonight, exhausted.

GrandPa Jack

Monday, January 8, 2007 2:00 PM EST

ok, we just discovered that we might have used the wrong due date (oops).

We calculated the expected date of delivery based on Rikki's last period, but Melissa told us that normally the 15th week Ultrasound is being used as statistics have shown that this is the most reliable estimate.

Back then our due date was estimated to be January 5th.

This would mean we are only 3 days over ... good for us ... bad for all our family and Melissa waiting here for the arrival of Baby Boehmer ..

Nevertheless the Baby might wait for Jon and Kimberly to be back from Brazil!

We had another fabolous meal. Rikki & Team is getting ready to go to Valley Forge National Park for a tour through the history and to get the daily walking in (luckily the rain stopped and the sunshine is making it's way through the clouds).

Love,

Stefan

Monday, January 8, 2007 8:03 AM CST

Good morning,

We all slept well last night and are just up and moving around. After the previous night, it was good to sleep. With that said..... we are ready for this baby.

Rikki had a bit more of her mucus plug this morning. Which really just means that she's going to deliver in the not to distant future. Yes... a real revelation, I know. God's perfect timing...

It rained all night and is wet and drippy this morning. We'll see what this day hold for us. For me, it will mean calling the airline and changing my ticket.

Have a blessed day.

Love and kisses to my M and four E's!!

Melissa (the doula)

Sunday, January 7, 2007 9:45 PM EST

We are all going to bed now. Rikkis contractions stopped.

Please pray for them to pick up again tonight or tomorrow.

Stefan

Sunday, January 7, 2007 8:00 PM EST

Rikki's contractions pretty much stopped.

We are trying red rasberry tea with Black and Blue Cohosh every 30 minutes for 6 hours. This is supposed to get contractions going.

If not, Rikki is looking forward to a good night sleep.

We had filet mignot for dinner with steamed broccoli and "dead" brussel sprouts followed by a huge ice cream sundae with cherries in brandy.

Love,

Stefan

Sunday, January 7, 2007 6:10 PM EST

Hi again,

Slow, quiet DAY here in Chester Springs. Rikki had a three hour nap, some contractions in the hot tub, followed by some laughter (while watching Talladega Nights, The Ballad of Ricky Bobby). Her contractions come and go, and are not yet super painful.

She started taking labor tincture again at 4pm - every half hour for six hours. We'll see if that helps get things cooking.

Speaking of cooking, Jack has started the BBQ for steaks. Mmmmmm... Rikki is resting again, in between tincture doses.

Surprise visitor today: the guy that owned this house in the 1980s and did major renovations. Rikki toured him all around the house and was psyched to meet him.

Until later...

Love, Meggie

Sunday, January 7, 2007 12:45 AM EST

Hi all,

Slow, quiet morning here in Chester Springs. After many walks, Rikki's been asleep for quite a while, resting up for what we hope will be some more activity later on. She's still in early labor, so the contractions are not too painful or really consistent.

Thanks for all your posts and for "joining" us in this birth!

Love, Meggie

Sunday, January 7, 2007 11:00 AM EST

Rikki just came back from her third walk. She walked already approx 5.0 miles today and it is only 11.00 am.

The contractions didn't change. Now she is laying down to get some rest.

Love,

Stefan

Sunday, January 7, 2007 9:00 AM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

we (Rikki, Melissa & me) walked for 1.5 miles this morning, had some breakfast and now Rikki & Melissa are back walking (another 1.5 miles).

Melissa really wants to focus on getting the contractions stronger and walking is supposed to help.

So far we are still in early labor.

By the way today we are 41 weeks and 1 day pregnant. This is the average in Northamerica for white women.

Check out the new pictures.

Stefan

Sunday, January 7, 2007 7:00 AM EST

Good Morning,

Rikki is still resting. She wants to go for a walk as soon as the sun is up as walking should help labor to progress.

In the meantime we are having a cup of coffee.

More later ...

Stefan

P.S.: A good description of Accupressure for labor support can be found under http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz//acupressure/Acupressure.pdf

Sunday, January 7, 2007 5:00 AM EST

Good Morning Friends & Family,

Rikki is finally sleeping. Her early labor started yesterday around 10.30 pm. Although the contractions came regularly, they didn't regularly exceed 60 seconds.

As she couldn't stay in bed anymore, she took a warm bath. This helped her to relax and she went back to bed and finally fell asleep.

Our house has a cozy temperature of 70 degree F (partly due to the warm day yesterday but mainly due to the fire Jack has going in the living room).

It seems like the winner of the guessing contest needs to be determined based on the weight of Baby Boehmer, as all the estimated birthdays are already behind us.

Love,

Stefan

Sunday, January 7, 2007 3:00 AM EST

Rikki took a bath and during that time her contractions were as follow:

2:41 AM - 52 seconds
2:43 AM - 35 seconds
2:45 AM - 52 seconds
2:47 AM - 59 seconds
2:49 AM - 53 seconds
2:53 AM - 1 minute, 1 second

She thinks she might have lost part of the mucus plug in the bath tub.

Now, she is back in bed, trying to relax and Melissa is watching her contractions ...

Sunday, January 7, 2007 2:38 AM EST

Contractions are getting stronger and Rikki can't sleep anymore... she is filling the bath tub ...

Sunday, January 7, 2007 1:10 AM EST

... contractions remain the same. Rikki still is able to rest. We were told by our doula to sleep (just because she watched too long movies ...)

So, we will follow her advise and try it

Sunday, January 7, 2007 0:25 AM EST

contractions come more regularly now ...

0:06 AM: 1 minute, 3 seconds
0:08 AM: 1 minute, 8 seconds
0:11 AM: 1 minute
0:13 AM: 1 minute, 5 seconds
0:16 AM: 1 minute, 12 seconds
0:19 AM: Rikki had to use the bathroom (Castor Oil says "Hi")

Dad is starting a fire downstairs, Meg is textmessaging and Melissa is trying to get some sleep ...

Saturday, January 6, 2007 11:40 PM EST

Rikki is in early labor since approx 10.30 pm.

She slept through the first contractions, but now they are stronger. She is still able to lay in bed and is trying to get as much rest as possible.

Early labor means labor still can stop anytime (we had that with Naomi).

Her timed contractions are:

11:11 pm - 51 seconds
11:13 pm - 44 seconds
11:15 pm - 51 seconds
11:17 pm - 1 minute 17 seconds
11:20 pm - 49 seconds
11:22 pm - 1 minute 34seconds
11:25 pm - 54 seconds
11:28 pm - 56 seconds

The contractions need to be consistently above 1 minute to be in active labor.

Melissa (our doula) just called Kate (our midwife) to give her a heads up and is now back to bed (trying to get some sleep before it gets serious).

Love,

Stefan

Saturday, January 6, 2007 8:30 PM EST

Rikki's belly is tightening every few minutes.

She is tired and feeling exhausted.

Kate said if she can sleep she should do so and in case the contractions get stronger we should call her.

So, we are going to bed and trying to sleep while our birth-team is watching "The world fastest Indian" with Anthony Hopkins.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Saturday, January 6, 2007 7:00 PM EST

Allright, we are ready for bed ..

this yummy BBQ followed by some ice cream with hot fudge put as right to sleep.

Rikki's belly is tightening more regularly. She wouldn't call it contractions, but something is happening.

Let's see what's happening later on today.

Saturday, January 6, 2007 6:25 PM EST

Update: Rikki had two more ounces of castor oil in orange juice (turns out that is the best way to injest the vile stuff), since she barely got any of the second dose. The boys are busy at the BBQ making us even MORE food.

=)

Saturday, January 6, 2007 5:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Rikki is doing fine (beside of frequent trips to the bathroom). Labor has not started. She switches between relaxing in the bed and eating. We had soft pretzels, cheese and hard boiled eggs for lunch and just started the BBQ.

We keep you posted

Stefan

Saturday, January 6, 2007 1:50 PM EST

Here is the timeline of today's events (so far):

11:30 AM Kate (our midwife) exams Rikki
12:15 PM Rikki takes two ounces of Castor Oil
12:30 PM - 01:15 PM Rikki, Melissa and Meg go for a walk (1.5 miles)
01:30 PM Rikki takes two ounces of Castor Oil (in root beer)
01:50 PM Rikki lays down and eats a Nutty Goat Salad

More to follow ...

Saturday, January 6, 2007 1:35 PM EST

Rikki took the 2nd two ounces of castor oil at 1.30 pm today. While she drank the first one as part of a milk shake, she had the second one in root beer.

Check the prior journal entry for more details

Stefan

Saturday, January 6, 2007 12:30 AM EST

Hello all!

Kate (the midwife) came by today to check on Rikki. She is 2cm and her cervix feels “like butter.” The baby is in perfect position and lower than last time. Baby’s heartbeat was 120’s to 130’s and reacted well into the 140’s. Stefan mixed her up a castor oil milkshake to see if we can’t start this baby on her way out.

Castor oil is known for starting labor and you can read more about it under
http://www.birthingnaturally.net/cn/technique/castor.html

Kate said that all the other signs are positive, so we can try it. In 80% of the cases she has used it, labor started.

You take 2 ounces, wait an hour, take another 2 ounces, stay in the bath room for a while to clear out your bowels and hopefully labor starts.

Rikki took the first two ounces at 12.15 pm today (January 6th).

So, Baby Boehmer’s birthday might be today! January 6th is a holiday in Germany – smart country!

We changed plans and will get the BBQ ready for some burgers and German sausages instead of Frisbees at the ocean.


Love,

M&M (Meg & Melissa)

Saturday, January 6, 2007 10:30 AM EST

Good Morning,

we have a wonderful morning in Chester Springs. The rain took a break and the sun came through with lovely 68 degree F (20 Grad Celsius).

We had a good breakfast and now we are off towards the ocean (throwing frisbees in case that helps)

As you can guess we had another good night, no contractions, no labor.

Our birth-team is starting to feel like being on vacation sleeping in until 9 am every morning.

We are enjoying the last couple of days without having to breastfeed every two hours.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Friday, January 5, 2007 9:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

A lot of things happened today.

We had a fabolous Greek lunch (4 hours), had jalapeno poppers and ice-cream for dinner, found out Melissa's nick name, got Dr. Dave's rental car stuck in the back yard (guess who?), smoked out the house (again guess who?), but ...

... no baby or contractions.

We are sure there are more adventures ahead of us tomorrow.

All the best

Rikki & Stefan

Friday, January 5, 2007 11:20 AM EST

Good morning!

Another uneventful night here in Chester Springs. Baby Boehmer is still snug as a bug inside Rikki.

We woke up to lots of rain and a five-day forecast of more rain, so our planned roadtrip to the Jersey Shore is cancelled. We may explore Philadelphia's "Main Line" and stop off at Stefan's favorite Greek Restaurant for lunch.

It is quiet here with only five of us left. Hopefully we'll have a sixth one to entertain us soon.

Thanks for all your fun journal entries!

Love, Meggie (one of Rikki's sisters and Baby Boehmer's Aunties)

Thursday, January 4, 2007 9:00 PM EST

Good Evening Friends & Family,

we had an excellent meatloaf dinner (Thanks, Melissa!) followed with cookies, espresso & Oban (Guess Who!).

This was the main event of the day beside of bringing Jenny to the airport (she had to go back home) and going to the Outlet Mall in Delaware (Melissa got Jeans for $1!).

By the time they came back, I was finished with work and ready for dinner (it's all about food in this house).

Now we have Jack (Rikki's dad), Meg (Rikki's sister) and Melissa (our doula) left in expectation of Baby Boehmer.

In 8 days Margaret (Rikki's mom), Jon (Rikki's brother) and Kimberly (his girlfriend) will be back.

Maybe Baby Boehmer wants to wait until the family is back here.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Thursday, January 4, 2007 10:00 AM EST

Good Morning,

we can simply copy the update from yesterday morning.

No contractions yet, Rikki is feeling well and we already walked for 1 1/2 miles.

Love,

Stefan

Wednesday, January 3, 2007 10:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Rikki & Baby Boehmer are doing well. No contractions. We walked a bit tonight and had yummy Pizza (courtesy of Jenny (cutting) and Melissa (baking)).

Love,

Stefan

Wednesday, January 3, 2007 7:00 AM EST

Good Morning,

another night without contractions.

Rikki is well rested and ready for a new day. It looks like it will be a beautiful dry and sunny day.

Below is a summary of the guesses we have received for the due date:

Dec 31 Riley Lium
Jan 01 Petra & Juergen Kliemt
Jan 01 Nani Lium
Jan 01 Melissa Dean
Jan 01 Stefan
Jan 01 Susie Smith
Jan 01 Inge Boehmer
Jan 01 John & Annie Murray
Jan 02 Shelley Bennett
Jan 02 Dave Lium
Jan 02 Chloe Lium
Jan 02 Gerhard Boehmer
Jan 02 Jon Pageler
Jan 03 Rikki
Jan 03 Susan & Brian Hillis
Jan 04 Laurra & Joe Mozillo
Jan 04 Jenny Pageler
Jan 04 Kimberly Swain

5 guesses are still in the race including Rikki.

The weight is more open - anybody has a chance to win that:

07 lbs 07.9 oz, equals 3,400 gram Jon Pageler
07 lbs 11.0 oz, equals 3,487 gram Riley Lium
08 lbs 02.0 oz, equals 3,685 gram Nani Lium
08 lbs 03.0 oz, equals 3,714 gram Laurra & Joe Mozillo
08 lbs 06.0 oz, equals 3,799 gram Shelley Bennett
08 lbs 06.0 oz, equals 3,799 gram Dave Lium
08 lbs 06.5 oz, equals 3,813 gram John & Annie Murray
08 lbs 07.0 oz, equals 3,827 gram Susan & Brian Hillis
08 lbs 09.0 oz, equals 3,884 gram Melissa Dean
08 lbs 11.0 oz, equals 3,941 gram Susie Smith
08 lbs 11.5 oz, equals 3,955 gram Petra & Juergen Kliemt
08 lbs 12.0 oz, equals 3,969 gram Gerhard Boehmer
08 lbs 14.0 oz, equals 4,025 gram Inge Boehmer
09 lbs 06.0 oz, equals 4,252 gram Jenny Pageler
09 lbs 06.0 oz, equals 4,252 gram Kimberly Swain
09 lbs 08.0 oz, equals 4,309 gram Stefan
10 lbs 03.0 oz, equals 4,621 gram Chloe Lium
10 lbs 03.0 oz, equals 4,621 gram Rikki

More later today.

Stefan

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 10:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

today was an active day.

We just came back from a 1.5 mile long walk, so in total Rikki walked 3.5 miles today.

She took some tincture tonight in order to start labor (Blue & Black Cohosh in case you know that ...).

This morning our midwife Kate and Jane came by. Tomorrow we have a chiropractor appointment.

So hopefully we have an eventful night

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 11:46 AM CST

It’s a beautiful day in Chester Springs. The sun is out and there is a brisk wind blowing.

We are all patiently waiting for the arrival of baby. Kate the midwife was here this morning to check on Rikki. She is doing great. Baby’s heart rate is good, Rikki’s blood pressure is normal, baby is in the head down position, seemingly a little lower than before and facing the left, which is perfect. A cervical check revealed that Rikki’s cervix is soft and slightly posterior, (facing her back, which is normal until delivery is close and then it moves forward). So, baby could come tonight, or next week. Only God knows for sure when this little one will arrive.

In the mean time, we are STILL eating and eating. (I’m trying to be good, but it’s very hard when cakes, cookies, and candy are in ever abundance.) We’re going to head to the Lancaster Outlet Mall for a bit of walking and retail therapy.

Wishing you a blessed day in your part of the world. Hugs and kisses to my M and 4 E’s!!

Melissa (the doula) Dean
as I am now known

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 6:30 AM EST

Good Morning Friends & Family,

we had another uneventful night.

Rikki is still sleeping. Tomorrow we have another appointment with our chiropractor.

Love,

Stefan

Monday, January 1, 2007 7:00 PM EST

Happy New Year! Now we are six at the Boehmers, and one soon to come out. Tonight the house is quiet -- Melissa Dean is taking an extended nap, Jenny just served us a yummy Shepherd's Pie dinner. We are: Meg, Melissa Dean, GranPa Jack, Jenny, Rikki and Stefan. This afternoon, due to rain, we walked the Exton Mall and all had flashbacks to Naomi's prebirth exercises in San Jose malls (then it was too hot out).

We all accept that Baby Boehmer will come when she will come. The website has various entries from all over the world guessing when birth will happen and how much Baby Boehmer will measure and weigh. Jenny goes home on Thursday Jan 4 so we are hoping to for some action tomorrow or the next day -- but as I said, We all accept that Baby Boehmer will come when she will come.

signed GranPa Jack

Monday, January 1, 2007 10:30 AM EST

Happy New Year!!

Baby Boehmer is still enjoying her time in the belly.

Rikki had a few contractions last night, but nothing serious.

Today is a rainy day. We'll might do some mall-walking later on today.

Love,

Stefan

Sunday, December 31, 2006 10:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

we had some activity today.

First some Braxton Hicks contractions during walking, then a hunger attack (Rikki finished all the BBQ Ribs) and then the nesting effect set in (Rikki vacuumed and cleaned the house).

She had a few infrequent contractions tonight and went now to bed to get some rest.

We are still accepting your guess for the birthdate and weight of Baby Boehmer.

Check out the new uploaded pictures in the Photo Gallery.

Love,

Stefan

Sunday, December 31, 2006 5:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Rikki is sleeping now. I would also been tired if I would have walked 5 miles again today.

She had a few Braxton Hicks contractions, but they stopped after the bath.

Tonight we will have yummy BBQ Ribs, courtesy of Mark (Melissa's husband). They showed up yesterday unexpectedly.

Everybody is relaxing now in hope for an exciting night. Jack is sleeping on the couch after he cut almost every tree he could find in the yard (the chainsaw has to be used). The three girls (Melissa, Meg & Jenny) are curled up in the bed in the guest bedroom and watch TV (and I am eating).

We have the following guesses for the birthday and weight of Baby Boehmer:

Dec 31 Riley Lium
Jan 01 Petra & Juergen Kliemt
Jan 01 Nani Lium
Jan 01 Melissa Dean
Jan 01 Stefan
Jan 01 Susie Smith
Jan 01 Inge Boehmer
Jan 02 Shelley Bennett
Jan 02 Dave Lium
Jan 02 Chloe Lium
Jan 02 Gerhard Boehmer
Jan 02 Jon Pageler
Jan 03 Rikki
Jan 04 Laurra & Joe Mozillo
Jan 04 Jenny Pageler
Jan 04 Kimberly Swain

07 lbs 08 oz, equals 3,400 gram Jon Pageler
07 lbs 11 oz, equals 3,487 gram Riley Lium
08 lbs 02 oz, equals 3,685 gram Nani Lium
08 lbs 03 oz, equals 3,714 gram Laurra & Joe Mozillo
08 lbs 06 oz, equals 3,799 gram Shelley Bennett
08 lbs 06 oz, equals 3,799 gram Dave Lium
08 lbs 09 oz, equals 3,884 gram Melissa Dean
08 lbs 11 oz, equals 3,941 gram Susie Smith
08 lbs 12 oz, equals 3,955 gram Petra & Juergen Kliemt
08 lbs 12 oz, equals 3,969 gram Gerhard Boehmer
08 lbs 14 oz, equals 4,025 gram Inge Boehmer
09 lbs 06 oz, equals 4,252 gram Jenny Pageler
09 lbs 06 oz, equals 4,252 gram Kimberly Swain
09 lbs 08 oz, equals 4,309 gram Stefan
10 lbs 03 oz, equals 4,621 gram Chloe Lium
10 lbs 03 oz, equals 4,621 gram Rikki

Let's see who the winner will be.

Love, Stefan

Sunday, December 31, 2006 3:51 PM EST

Hello all,

Rikki went on three brisk walks today and we may be on to something. She has started feeling some Braxton Hicks contractions, little ones, but at least something. She's currently soaking in the tub while we are, what else, eating!

The Liums just left for their flight home. =(

But Jenny changed her flight home from today to Thursday. =)

So now we are six: Rikki & Stefan, Jack, Jen, Meg and Melissa the Doula. And one on the way - let's hope!

Thanks so much for all your wonderful messages - we are loving them! Keep 'em coming!

Love, Meggie

Sunday, December 31, 2006 7:30 AM EST

Good Morning!

Rikki had another restful night without any labor.

We are getting ready for a short walk.

Love

Rikki & Stefan

Saturday, December 30, 2006 11:50 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

we survived the due date without labor.

Rikki is feeling great. She walked 5.0 miles this afternoon.

The whole family is having fun playing games, trying different kind of whiskeys, making s'mores at the campfire, cooking cookies, eating cookies etc.

Margaret, Mark and Dave had to leave us already. The Lium Family as well as Jenny will leave tomorrow. Jack is changing his flight already for the second time to be here for the birth. Meg and Melissa will stay as well. Margaret as well as Jon & Kimberly will be back middle of January.

We already have several guesses for the birth date of Baby Boehmer as well as her weight:

Dec 31 - 07 lbs 11 oz - Riley Lium
Jan 01 - 3950 gram - Petra & Juergen Kliemt
Jan 01 - 08 lbs 02 oz – Nani Lium
Jan 01 - 08 lbs 09 oz – Melissa Dean
Jan 01 - 09 lbs 08 oz - Stefan
Jan 02 - 08 lbs 06 oz - Shelley Bennett
Jan 02 - 08 lbs 06 oz – Dave Lium
Jan 02 - 10 lbs 03 oz – Chloe Lium
Jan 03 - 10 lbs 03 oz - Rikki
Jan 04 - 08 lbs 03 oz - Laurra & Joe Mozillo
Jan 04 - 09 lbs 06 oz – Jenny Pageler

Let's see who the winner is. The main prize is a frozen plazenta sent by Fedex Priority (just kidding).

Have a good night

Rikki & Stefan

Saturday, December 30, 2006 3:30 PM EST

December 30th, 2006 - our due date! 40 weeks pregnant.

Maybe Baby Boehmer is not aware of the due date. She feels cozy and warm inside and doesn't see a reason to change that.

Rikki feels well. After a long brunch at the Classic Dinner with 11 people she is on her way walking. 5 miles are targeted for today.

We already have received the following guesses for the birthdate of Baby Boehmer and her weight:

Jan 01 - 3950 gram - Petra & Juergen Kliemt
Jan 01 - 09 lbs 08 oz - Stefan
Jan 02 - 08 lbs 06 oz - Shelley Bennett
Jan 03 - 10 lbs 03 oz - Rikki
Jan 04 - 08 lbs 03 oz - Laurra & Joe Mozillo

Somehow I have the feeling that Jack will win this competition. His guess is "in due time".

Thanks for all your entries in the guestbook, thoughts & prayers.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Friday, December 29, 2006 10:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

we are two hours short of completing 40 weeks. I guess it is rather safe to say now, that Baby Boehmer will not come early.

Mama Boehmer went to bed resting after she was the whole afternoon busy sightseeing with our guests.

Have a good night

Stefan

Friday, December 29, 2006 11:55 AM EST

Hi all,

Meg here. Stefan asked me to update the webpage, although there is not much new to report on. Rikki's labor hasn't started yet, while our eating seems to never stop. I guess we plan to gain sympathy weight so we all look like our pregnant sister. We're well on our way!

Hope you are enjoying the holidays!

Love, Meggie

=)

Thursday, December 28, 2006 6:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Rikki is well, but sleepy. No labor yet. She almost slept the whole day and is ready to go to bed soon. Maybe her body is preparing itself for labor tonight.

Love,

Stefan

Wednesday, December 27, 2006 7:45 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

no labor yet. Rikki woke up from a 4 hour nap after she walked 4.7 miles this morning (we measured it).

She feels well rested and is ready for labor to start.

Indian Lamb Curry with homemade pita bread by Dr. Dave is excellent. Spicy food is supposed to start labor, so let's go for it.

Love

The Boehmer/Pageler Family

Wednesday, December 27, 2006 11:00 AM EST

Good Morning Friends & Family,

we slept well last night. So well, that we almost missed our chiropractor appointment this morning. Jeanne (our chiropractor) is convinced that labor starts tonight. This would fit pretty well as Melissa (our doula) arrives tonight at 9pm.

Rikki is doing well, no contractions today. She is now off for a 3+ mile walk. Weather continues to be interesting. It is around 50 degree (10 Grad Celsius) with some snow flakes from time to time.

The sun which woke us up this morning is gone and is replaced by grey clouds.

Dinner tonight is Curry Lamb made by Dr. Dave. Glenn and Sylvia will hopefully join us for dinner

More later

Stefan

Tuesday, December 26, 2006 8:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

no labor yet. The few contractions we had last night stopped again. Rikki walked this morning for a mile and then went shopping for 5 hours.

We saw our midwife quickly this morning and everything is on track. The heartbeat is around 130. I think we were the first patients who came with three cars and 10 people to the appointment.

We are back to waiting and are enjoying the time. Rikki is currently taking a nap and Mark is finishing up dinner.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Tuesday, December 26, 2006 10:00 AM EST

Good Morning,

Rikki had a good night rest with some prelabor. No contractions now. We are just getting ready to have some breakfast and then off for shopping. After christmas sale!!

Yesterday we had Glenn and Sylvia over and enjoyed an excellent Turkey dinner. Chief cook today is Mark with his worldclass chilli.

Rikki & Stefan

Monday, December 25, 2006 11:09 PM CST

Rikki just went for a walk and has a few contractions now. She said, that walking felt good, but she is trying to sleep now.

The Canasta game is still going on downstairs ..

Monday, December 25, 2006 9:25 PM CST

What a merry Christmas! The whole family was together celebrating. We ate much food and opened many presents and watched slides of Pageler childhood road trips. Baby Boehmer was poked and prodded to entice delivery. She kicked back, but not much movement began. Mama Boehmer has very puffy feet, but it began raining outside, so we will not repeat last night's candlelight caroling adventure. We hope you all had an equally merry Christmas. All our love from Chester Springs!

Sunday, December 24, 2006 2:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

yesterday we completed week #39. 6 more days to go until our due date. Rikki feels well and as of today no signs of Baby Boehmer (beside of frequent kicks).

Merry Christmas

Rikki & Stefan

Friday, December 22, 2006 11:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

we are getting slowly ready for the baby. We still have too much to do, so she has to wait a few more days. Santa dropped a few more gifts, which need to be wrapped and cookies need to be finished and packed away.

The big Christmas party starts on Sunday. The Pageler/Lium Family is expected to arrive. We can't wait!

Todays Ultrasound was good, no real news, beside that Baby Boehmer is now lower (head down), is growing steadily and still has plenty of fluid around.

"Today we had the pleasure of performing a complete Ultrasound on Erica Boehmer, a 34 year old gravida 2 para 1 female. By the dates established by the LMP, the EDC is 12/30/06 and the pregnancy is 38.9 weeks today. ... The head to body ratio of 1 to 1 is normal for this gestational age. The estimated fetal wight of 3650 grams (8 lbs, 1 oz) was calculated from the biparietal diameter and abdominal circumference. ...Ms Boehmer presents to the PTC for sonographic evaluation of fetal presentation ... the fetus was noted to be cephalic. The AFI measured 26.

Summary: The ultrasound is consistent with a 39 week (...) intrauterine pregnancy. Fetal size is appropriate for gestational age. Growth since the last ultrasound has been acceptable. The fetus was noted to be cephalic. ..."

The chiropractor later this morning adjusted Rikki's back. She always feels better after she visited her. Sometimes I think she only goes for the little kitten there. Today she was totally snuggly (No thank you, Melissa, we don't need a second cat!).

Love,

Stefan

Tuesday, December 19, 2006 10:00 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Today we had an Ultrasound of Baby Boehmer. Her estimated weight is now 3422 gram (7 pounds 9 ounces). We are getting a big girl!! She even smiled at us during the Ultrasound and showed us all her fingers.

The AFI was 23 today, so we are on track. The baby is still pretty far up in the belly. Our midwife told us today that we should walk a lot to get the baby to move down and engage.

In the meantime we get ready for her in this warm winter. We saw mosquitoes hatching the other day (mostly outside, although some find their way in) and our lawn got mowed yesterday (?!?). We already installed the car seat and got it checked by the local police office to make sure it is safe.

We got confirmation, that the Lium’s will join us for Christmas, so we will have a BIG party! 15 stockings are waiting to be filled. Hopefully Santa Claus brings enough gifts!

On Friday we have our next Ultrasound at Bryn Mawr hospital as well as an appointment with our chiropractor.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Sunday, December 17, 2006 7:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Yesterday we completed week No. 38. It is getting close!

Baby Boehmer moved in position and so far stays there, which is excellent. It released Rikki’s tummy and she is back to eating! You should have seen her how she worked on the Indian buffet today. We enjoy our last few days alone with preparing the house for the baby and enjoying eating out (Indian, Greek, Lebanese in the last three days and today back to Indian).

We just got a call that we might see the Lium’s for Christmas. We already hang stocking No. 11 to 15 and keep our fingers crossed that they find an affordable flight.

Check out the new pictures and see how beautiful Rikki is.

Stefan

Thursday, December 14, 2006 10:00 PM EST

Hello Friends & Family,

Today we had an appointment with our Back-up Obstetrician at Lankenau Hospital. It took us two hours to get there (let’s hope we don’t have to do that drive in labor), but the doctor was really nice and supportive. He did an ultrasound.

Baby Boehmer was in the perfect position (vertex). The AFI (Amniotic Fluid Index) was 25.4 centimeter. This was better than last time where we measured 29 just 6 days ago. Our midwife’s homeopathic remedy to lower amniotic fluid levels must be working! The doctor said that he sees no issues for concern and if he would not have known the background he would have thought, that this pregnancy is perfect.

So, we are back on track.

We had some Greek food to celebrate and went for a walk afterwards. Now that the baby is head down and partially engaged, Rikki has to walk a lot to increase the pelvis inlet and allow the baby’s head to slip further into place. Rikki is already walking an average of 1 mile a day. Squatting exercises now replace her 3 times a day ironing board (up-side-down) + moxibustion (burning ember on toe) + homeopathic Pulsatilla (pellets under the tongue) routine. Currently Rikki is in the bedroom stretching her perineum with her Epi-no (ask her), followed by 5 minutes of pelvic rocks (think cat – cow), followed by homeopathic Natrum Mur pellets, followed by leg squeezes of a can of peas (to strengthen her adductors & hips). Whew… home birth is hard work.

To top off the good day we came home to a “Baby Shower in a Box” from Seattle. Thank you Seattle. Inside were U of Washington bibs, gift cards, baby clothes, cash, and nice notes. Aunt Meggie was certainly behind this. My colleagues sent home with me lots of toys as well as great outfits (“Daddy’s Girl”). This celebration never seems to end!

More later. I have to go check on Daddy's Girl and Mom.

Stefan

Sunday, December 10, 2006 9:00 PM EST

Hello Friends & Family,

We are full term!! Yesterday we passed the 37 week mark. 3 more weeks to go until our due date.

We still have too much amniotic fluid but everybody agrees that we have some time to get our baby in position.

In the meantime we enjoy the beautiful weather and our homemade German-style cookies.

Love,

Stefan

P.S.: Check out the new pictures taken today! Aren’t they pretty??

Friday, December 8, 2006 6:30 PM EST

Dear Friends & Family,

Due to the fact that our midwife wasn’t sure about Baby Boehmer’s position we had an Ultrasound this morning at Bryn Mawr Hospital.

The bad news is our baby was breeched (head up). A few minutes later the doctor said, “Wait, her head is down now” and was searching for the butt. As he had found it he realized that the head was on the side and our baby was transverse. Then oblique. So, our precious baby was all over in the belly.

We have plenty of amniotic fluid. Normally the amniotic index is between 5 and 24 centimeters and we have between 27 and 29 (slightly above the norm, mild polyhydramnios). Hence our baby can flip around as she likes.

We will go back and start again the exercises we have to get her turned, but it seems like she will continue to flip for a while. We hope that she is in the right position once labor starts.

All the other stats were great. Her weight is 6 pounds and 7 ounces (same weight as Naomi’s birth weight!), her heartbeat was 136 beats per minute and Ultrasound confirmed 12/30 as the due date. So, we are on track!!

Naomi Ruth was born Sep. 10, 2004 at 4.56 PM and weighted 6 lbs 7 oz (2925 gram). Her length was 18 ¾ inch (47 ½ cm). She went to heaven almost four hours later at 8.40 PM in the arms of Meg, Rikki’s sister.

Naomi Ruth was diagnosed with Trisomy 13 at her 20 weeks Ultrasound (a good explanation of Trisomy 13 is found under http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001660.htm). We were thrilled that she was born alive and survived for four hours. We still remember Grandpa’s words at her memorial service “You showed so much more heart than our Stanford cardiologist led us to expect.”

Today we got beautiful 3D pictures of Baby Boehmer.

Tomorrow we have an appointment with our chiropractor and on Tuesday we will see our midwife again

If you are interested, here are the websites of our midwife, doula and chiropractor:

Kate (our midwife): http://www.risingmoonmidwifery.com and http://www.pahomebirth.com
Jeanne (our chiropractor): http://www.ohmchiropractic.com/
Melissa (our doula): http://www.alittlemiracle.com

We also like the Mothering Magazine, which has pretty good articles.
The webpage for it can be found under http://www.mothering.com/ .

Now Texas Roadhouse is calling … Baby Boehmer needs protein!!

Love, Rikki & Stefan

Wednesday, November 29, 2006 10:30 PM EST

Greetings from New Jersey,

Rikki and Baby Boehmer are doing fine. The Baby is very activ trying to get in the perfect position.

Rikki had an appointment with her chiropractor today. She thought the Baby was in the right position. Unfortunately the appointment with our midwife was cancelled and postponed to next week.

We (= Rikki, Stefan, Baby Boehmer, Jesse and since today also Bagheera) are all in New Jersey for the week. Stefan for business, the other for pleasure and relaxation.

More later

Rikki, Stefan, Baby Boehmer, Jesse & Bagheera

Friday, November 24, 2006 11:00 PM EST

Hello,

today was a busy day. We spent the whole day Christmas shopping. We started this morning with an chiropractic appointment. She adjusted Rikki's back and thought that the baby had moved in a better position. After a long shopping day, we stopped by our midwife. She also believed that Baby Boehmer has moved in a better position, although she was not totally sure. She thought that the baby is now head down, but with her spine on Rikki's side. This is pretty good. We will stop all the items we have done to make the baby turn and hopefully Rikki finds some rest tonight.

Laurra, Joe and our Godson Derek arrived tonight from Boston and we are excited to see them. Derek is not even one yet (will be this Monday), but is already walking. Amazing how time is flying.

Next appointment with our midwife is next Wednesday

Good Night

Rikki & Stefan

Thursday, November 23, 2006 11:30 AM EST

Happy Thanksgiving from the Boehmer Family!!

The turkey is in process (after some emergency phone calls to Mom and Dad) and we are looking forward to a nice afternoon with friends.

Baby Boehmer has turned again and is back in the breech position. This was the bad news from our Tuesday visit with our midwife. She was breech two weeks ago and then she turned. For some reason she decided she liked the old position better and returned to it.

So Rikki was back at the chiropractic doctor yesterday and they did various things to make the baby move.

The baby needs to be in the correct position by week 37, otherwise we will need to prepare us for a hospital birth. So, 2 more weeks to go.

Beside of the chiropractic help, we do all the items recommended, from laying on your back and having the head approx 40 degree lower, talking to Baby Boehmer as well as some homeopathic medicine (Pulsatilla 200C potency).

Tomorrow we have another appointment with our chiropractic doctor in the morning, then time for shopping and an afternoon appointment with our midwife to check the position.

Stay tuned and enjoy your Thanksgiving Dinner!!

Stefan

Sunday, November 19, 2006 10:00 PM EST

Good Evening Everybody,

Rikki had an exciting day today – her baby shower (hosted by Ann – THANK YOU very much!!).

It was a fun afternoon filled with games, words of wisdom as well as cake.

In case you couldn’t make it, you can check for yourself how well you know Rikki by answering the following 13 questions.

1. What is Mommy’s full name (first, middle, last)?
2. What is her due date?
3. What is her favorite dessert?
4. How many brothers and sisters does she have?
5. In what city and state was she born?
6. Is she a morning, afternoon, or night person?
7. What would she say is her best feature, one that she would like the baby to inherit?
8. What would she say is Stefan’s best feature, one that she would like the baby to inherit?
9. What are the names of Rikki’s cat and dog?
10. What Latin American country did Rikki go to in order to help build a school?
11. How did Rikki serve the Alaskans in South Naknak (Bristol Bay) in the summer after graduate school?
12. Where did Rikki get married?
13. How many languages does Rikki speak?

The winner today was Kimberly/Marilyn as well as Caitlyn with 7 correct answers. So if you have more, let us know!

It is pretty late, way after Rikki’s bedtime, but she is still downstairs opening up her diaper cake! The whole living room is full of outfits and toys (and diapers!). Jesse was so excited about all the gifts we brought in – she thought Christmas came early this year and volunteered to unpack them. Bagheera looked like she was not interested, but we all know very well who will check out the gifts tonight and move them to the correct places.

More to follow

Thanks

Stefan

P.S.: We have passed 34 weeks yesterday - 6 more weeks to go!!

Saturday, November 11, 2006 6:14 PM CST

Dear Family & Friends,

Baby Boehmer is growing well as you can see by yourself on the new pictures.

On Thursday we had another appointment with our midwife and everything is fine. The baby is in the right position and very active. She loves to play soccer with the kidney and basketball with the liver. Also the bladder gets its fair share.

More later .. Enjoy the pictures

Stefan

Thursday, October 5, 2006 2:46 PM CDT

!!! CLICK ON "view photos" FOR NEW PICTURES !!!

Hi folks,

We are back from our week-long trip into Canada and are now enjoying the Fall folliage from the windows of our home and no longer the car. Surprisingly enough, we welcomed Fall this year. What a relief that Fall brought no feelings of melancholy. Instead I found myself looking forward to the end of Summer. We are soaking up every moment of the cold sunny weather. Stefan and I are back into our walking-after-dinner routine. Such a pleasure to simply head out without covering ourselves in bugspray!

We are enjoying the last days of having Stefan's parents here. They have been a godsend! If they spoil their grandchild half as much as they spoil their son and daughter-in-law, our little baby girl will probably never want to live under our roof! I've had 5 weeks off of grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, and meal planning. My mother-in-law does it all. (And with a wonderful disposition, to boot!) I've been enchanted by the benefit of more than one wife in a house and am racking my brain on how to do this full-time without resorting to polygamy. We'll be sad to see them off in a few days but Gerhard must get back home to celebrate his 60th birthday. I'll miss the big event but am happy Stefan will go and represent. It will be the first trip back for Stefan in nearly two years.

Perhaps I can manage to upload some pictures before Stefan takes off. We've got some great shots with the Lium Family in New York City, Hershey Park, and Amish Country. And I'll pick a few of the hundreds that our 14 year-old cousin Marcus took while staying with us for 3 weeks this summer. Then perhaps one from my folk's 45th wedding anniversary party here. What a wild summer! You all are so good to come so far to love on us. We cherish you!

Speaking of fun times, Baby B's room is all set up. (Hee Hee Hee!) Jon, Kimberly, and Gpa Jack helped clear out the small office upstairs. Pennsylvania friends, Christi and Dale, loaned Baby B a crib and changing table (and her mama a body pillow). Inge and Gerhard helped hang the drapes. And Meg and Laurra helped with the funnest part of all... re-unpacking all of Naomi Ruth's shower gifts!!! What fun!!!

Thanks to all of you generous friends and family, Baby B is completely set for life. She has clothes for days (some of the CUTEST outfits ever!), stations for every room, 2 strollers (thxs Auntie Meg & Gpa Gerhard/Gma Inge), toys, teddies, learning gadgets, boppies, books, blankies,... you name it! Little Naomi Ruth intentionally left these items behind, if you recall, for her future siblings to enjoy. So on Naomi's behalf, THANK YOU AGAIN for all these great gifts. You have filled Baby B's room with so much love. I can't help but feel it! (...especially when snuggling up in handmade blankies from Sue, Shiela, Jenny, Jen, Marcia, & Connie) And thanks to Chrissy and Maria, we haven't forgotten whom her gifts are from, as your names are taped on each item. You are too good to us, friends. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

I'm off to be served dinner, then make up the second guest bedroom for God-son Derek (and his folks and doggie) before heading to our Birthing Class tonight. Derek's being driven all the way from Boston just to have breakfast with Inge & Gerhard before Stefan & I drive down to WA DC to see them off to Germany. Will have to post pics of DJ & Family when we get back. More then.

In love and THANKS!!!!,

Rikki for the ever-thankful Boehmer Family

Sunday, September 17, 2006 7:24 AM CDT

Good Morning,

this is Jesse, the dog again. This time live from Ontario, Canada. We are on our way from Montreal to Toronto. I swam in the Lawrence River yesterday. I can only recommend that to you in case you ever come to this area.

Mom and Dad are doing well. They are now 25 weeks pregnant. Baby Boehmer is growing well. No wonder by 80 - 100 gram protein intake per day. I would be growing, too!

Mom caught a little cold, but is already feeling better. All the guests in the last two month didn't leave enough room for her daily naps.

My Dad still needs to update the pictures on the webside. I tell him that every day, but somehow he is too busy.

I heard them talking yesterday that they decided which stroller they want. All that discussion sounds like a foreign language to me (even worse than German!). I guess I will see what a stroller it is. Mom said she likes black and pink as a color. That I understood.

We already have confirmation of our first two visitors. Meg will arrive on Dec. 24th, perfect timing for Christmas (I am volunteering to help her unpack her gifts, of course!) and Melissa will arrive on Dec. 27th. Both will stay for two weeks. Yabbadabbadu! (I forgot for a second that I am a dog and can only bark!)

I believe my breakfast is being served - Gotta run!

Love,

Jesse for The Boehmer Family

Sunday, September 10, 2006 4:41 PM CDT

Dear God,

Two years ago today, You gave us a birth-day gift… Naomi Ruth. Thank You.

We are so grateful You loaned her to us, however briefly. And thankful for how You’ve grown us through her life and death. You have deepened our trust in You, resurrected an adoring love of You, softened our steely will towards You, grown us in our knowledge of You, emblazoned a luke-warm confidence in You, and strengthened a wobbly faith in You. Since her birthday, You removed fear and replaced it with quiet assurance that You are sovereign, You love us, won’t forsake us, and will get us through whatever horrible circumstance might come our way.

The year following Naomi’s death, we found ourselves lost in Your embrace. Just as we held Naomi to our chest, You held us, as a loving parent holds a precious newborn closely to his heart. Recalling the warmth of Your embrace brings a smile to our face and a yearning to our hearts. Oh, how Your words comforted us. How Your spirit soothed. Thank You for gathering Your children up, one at a time, to lead us through our grief. The first to befriend us was Job, then Isaiah, then Joshua, Samuel, and Paul. Then Sarah, Hannah, Mary & Elizabeth allowed us into their lives to find sympathy, doubt, frustration and joy in the struggle. Your Spirit fed our seemingly-insatiable sadness, filling the void that Naomi Ruth left. Your Word watered our parched core. In the midst of everything we lost, we found everything. You.

God, forgive us. As time wears on, we find ourselves drawing away from You. We no longer take the time to daily swim the depths of Your word and marvel in Your limitless love. You led us to surrender our dream of parenthood, so we did - fighting, kicking, and crying all the way. As a response to our final surrender, You have given us another daughter. How do we respond? With grateful hearts, busier schedules, and impoverished priorities. It seems, the more we are trusted with, the more we squander away. Lord, make us worshipful in the high times as in the low. Mold us to reverence You through harvest and drought. Through the death of our child You made the most fulfilling experience of our lives. God, let us never forget.

We are homesick for Heaven today, Lord. Not simply because we will see our Birthday Girl, but because there You will be in Your rightful place, and we in ours. We don’t know if Naomi Ruth can hear us, Lord. If she can, it is still You to whom we pray. Tell our baby girl Happy 2nd Birthday for us, would You? Give her a special hug and kiss for us. Let her know we miss her. And love her so much.

Thank You, God. For everything.

Friday, August 25, 2006 9:00 PM CDT

It is unbelievable ... you forget to watch this cat for a second only and she writes an update on the webpage. Next she wants to write our annual christmas letter. I better chase her back under the bed.

This is Jesse, the dog, by the way.

Mom and dad are busy with, no not really baby stuff, with visitors. Markus, their 14 year old cousin from Germany is in town and the Lium's from Seattle. I love them. Pool time all the day. Today Jack and Margaret arrived and tomorrow we expect Jon and Kimberly as well as Meg.

I actually wanted to give you an update on the baby. Everything is going well. Mom and dad have decided to have a home birth with a midwife, so that I can attend the birth as well. They didn't like all the interventions at the hospital. Fine with me. They also go to a weekly baby class. They call it Bradley-class. I hope that mom explains that in one of the future updates, I am not sure what they are doing there. Mom is doing strange things now a days, like eating her breakfast on the floor in a very strange position. She says it prepares her for birth.

They have decided to move the rooms upstairs and the office will be the future baby room.

I am excited as I just found out that Jen and Mark will come for christmas. Pretty cool, today in 4 month we have christmas. I can't wait to open gifts.

I also hope that Victor will make it to our birth. I would like to meet him, as I only heard good things about him.

We also rented again the same friend to help us during the birth. Mom says Melissa is our doula, but a rented friend just sounds better. I really can't wait to see her again. She is fun and likes to play with me.

So, that's it for now. Once I have figured out our new digital camera, I will upload some pictures. We also got some new Ultrasound pictures thanks to our friend Glenn, which I will post one of these days.

Now I have to run, I see this cat again walking around the corner.

I'll talk to you soon

Jesse, the dog

Thursday, August 10, 2006 10:07 PM CDT

While Mom & Dad are sleeping, I found the password for the laptop ...

Here is the scope as far as I have heard it today.

The baby is totally healthy. The doctor saw a clear four chamber view of the heart as well as a beautiful face. All other measurements were normal as well.

Her heartbeat was healthy 153 beats per minute and her weight is approx 8 ounces (250 gram). Her age was estimated with 19 weeks and 5 days which gives us a due date of 12/30/2006.

Now we are four girls against dad!

Bagheera, the cat

Thursday, August 10, 2006 2:57 PM CDT

IT'S A GIRL!!!!

(more to follow)

Thursday, July 27, 2006 5:35 PM CDT

Hi friends,

Well, we’ve survived the PA summer weather- electrical storms, wind, rain, & power outages. We’re hoping for clear skies ahead but aren’t holding our breath. We were spoiled last summer with heat and little rain. 90 degree pool water was not unusual. This year we haven’t even had a summer party for fear of a rain-out. Now the apples are nearly ripe on the apple tree and many trees on the property have begun to turn red. Perhaps our trade-off for the rainy summer will be a beautiful fall.

The pumpkins are one species loving the rain. We planted over 100 pumpkin seeds last spring and never expected them to take off like they have. They’re outgrowing the fences! The cute path we designed to tour kids through the patch has long been taken over by sprawling gourds (and, naturally, the corn snakes who hide beneath their shade).

We noticed many animals enjoying the power outages. The deer and bunny came unusually close to the house. Bagheera, the indoor cat, had record breaking numbers in the mice department the days we were without water & power. We couldn’t figure out why more mice were coming in the basement until the power came back on. We were out playing cards on the deck – staying out of the sun and doing very little so as to not sweat unnecessarily. All of a sudden we heard a chug and a loud buzz and noticed the pool jets stirring its water. At precisely the same moment, the hot tub to our right began to hum. “Power’s on!” we exclaimed as we joined faint shouts of jubilation coming from down the street. As we raced inside the house to empty, clean, and salvage what we could from the fridge & freezers, we were greeted by a chorus of humming -dehumidifiers, ventilators, air conditioners, refrigerators - all humming happily in varying pitch and frequency. Three days without electrical tones, apparently removed an invisible boundary between us humans and God’s critters.

Speaking of critters, the one growing in our womb is doing well. We have just begun month five. It is a weird part of the pregnancy. Morning sickness is over, month 4 hormone fireworks have fizzled, our stomach is still flat (except after big meals), no insatiable hunger or cravings. We find ourselves often forgetting we’re pregnant.

We haven’t seen the baby on ultrasound in what seems like forever. Next appointment will be the big 20 week scan in which we see Baby B’s pee-pee or her lack of one. Stefan will be with me for this appointment. It was at this appointment with Naomi Ruth that we heard the words so many mothers of infant death hear, “Hmm, I can’t get a clear view of the four chambers of the baby’s heart, I’ll have to send you on for level II testing.” We are confident we’ll hear good news and that no red flags will be raised at this coming ultrasound. And we’re equally confident should red flags wave, the same gracious God who carried us through the first ordeal will embrace through the second.

As of today, our only battle has been finding a hospital and doctor that will witness a natural birth. We’ve come to the conclusion that it goes against the very nature of western medicine to stand by a patient in pain without attempting to “fix” the pain with expensive equipment. Thus, what was once a natural process has become a circus event of manipulation (amniotomy, induction, IVs, electronic monitoring, epidurals, episiotomy…) many of which put a baby in danger and a mother at risk for surgery.

Is it so wrong to want to give birth without intervention? With Naomi Ruth I felt like a cow, and found birthing my offspring like one most comfortable and natural. So I had her on all fours. We dilated to 5cm at home before going into the hospital for induction & an epidural. In hindsight, I wish I could have made it 10cm. We were half way there!

It’s a miracle we’ve been given a second chance at pregnancy and birth, and I’d love to experience it to the fullest; every pain, every contraction; every push. Call me crazy but I am obsessed with the challenge. It won’t be easy. I am already in the throws of training – have been for weeks. Squats, stretches, exercises in pelvic floor muscle enhancement and relaxation, pelvic rocks, perineum stretching (starts at week 37), eating right, educating ourselves, studying the course - we’re putting lots into preparing for birth.

Natural birth - it is the Iron Man of marathons. And like the Iron Man, the race will hurt like crazy. But imagine the exhilaration and accomplishment! It’s no greater feat than women of no education or training have championed for years and years and years…

We are hopeful to find an encouraging doctor at a reasonably close location that will facilitate my body’s natural birth of this baby. We, too, are hopeful for an entourage of family and friends to witness the event (something discouraged in the hospitals we are touring). As it turns out, PA is obstetrically very conservative. Their hands-on approach is not jiving well with our hands-off hopes. However, we are still early on in the pregnancy. A lot could happen between now and December so we are remaining flexible, learning all we can, and trusting that all will work itself out.

Between hospital tours and doctor appointments, we have managed to get to one task we have secretly been pining to do… re-open all of Naomi Ruth’s gifts so kindly packed up by sister Meg after Naomi’s death. Ominous boxes labeled Baby Stuff have been stacked and stored for almost two years now. Unpacking those boxes was like being back at Naomi Ruth’s baby shower. What joy to witness the love and thoughtfulness of Naomi Ruth’s many friends and family all over again! We thank you, everyone, for your gifts of love and support and baby stuff. We are overjoyed to think that Naomi Ruth’s sibling will be able to use and enjoy these items. You all have been so generous, there is very little left that Stefan and I need! Thanks to girlfriend Laurra, we have inventoried the goods and have a pitifully short list of what’s left to get for Baby B. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Well, I’m off to take advantage of a short cloud break and swim a few laps in the pool with Jesse. Her arthritic hips are detriorating rapidly. It is quite sad. They could rebound as they have in the past but we are spending a lot of intentional time with her, nonetheless. Would love to post bikini shots of the belly but our digital camera in on the blink. Buy a new one is on the To Do list.

Love,

Rikki & Stefan

Wednesday, July 19, 2006 11:39 AM CDT

Hi,

This is Jesse the dog. Not only am I asked to write the annual Christmas letter, now I am also in charge of updating our webpage.

Mom is healthy and working hard to relax in the pool, Dad is at work and Bagheera (our cat) recovers from a long night shift. We had a mouse visitor last night and Bagheera was busy playing with him until Mom caught him and threw him out.

Mom’s doctor’s visit on Monday went well. She had a long discussion with the midwife. Her next Ultrasound (2nd trimester Ultrasound) is scheduled for August 10th and she also has to give some blood.

Mom and Dad are taking tours of local hospitals to find out where the best place is to give birth. I am sure they will tell you more next time. So far no hospital allows dogs in the labor and delivery room. I am really not sure why. Bryn Mayr even limits the number of adults. I am also not sure why.

Yesterday night we had a big storm and we have a power outage since then. So I am sitting here at Starbucks, sipping my Latte and updating the webpage.

Jesse

Thursday, June 22, 2006 7:18 PM CDT

Dear Friends,

We have the results back from Monday’s ultrasound. We passed! We received a call today from a Genetics Lab and were told our First Screen results are negative. After analyzing my blood and the baby on ultrasound, the risk for this baby being Trisomy 21 are 1 in 4,100 and Trisomy 18 are 1 in 10,000. Perhaps not much comfort seeing as we managed to be the 1 in 10,000 last time around who scored a Trisomy 13 baby, however, we’re pleased to receive any good news about this little child!

I had a bit of a scare when left alone in the dark ultrasound room contemplating the thickness of the back of the baby’s neck. To my untrained eye, I was certain the baby’s neck was thicker than “normal” (one of the tests for Trisomy). Five minutes creeped by as I allowed the somber news and “what ifs” to work their way into my conscience. Oh, how precious these brief moments of preparation were for us last time around. Then the doctor entered and put to rest all fears by assuring me the thickness of our baby’s neck looked quite normal. Hurray!

I should use this as an opportunity, I suppose, to address our emotions during this “subsequent birth” (a term coined by the pros in the Survivors of Infant Death community). We are elated to be pregnant. We are a bit more focused on the end result of pregnancy, i.e. a baby, whereas last time it never fazed us what was coming until we birthed it into our arms. We are certainly more aware that a fragile life abides within me and a bit more careful, perhaps, to rest and take care. We are taking nothing for granted. This could well mean less cannonballs in our 9th month but then you never know what could happen when double-dog dared. Besides timidity, we harbor no great fear of this child’s death. We are grateful and thrilled for every day he lives. Seeing the baby kick and flip and box his arms on Monday brought tears to my eyes on the ultrasound table. He’s not a peanut anymore. He’s a baby with arms and legs and fingers and toes, even a button nose (that is sure to develop significantly). He quieted down and sucked his thumb the minute the Doctor came in. It is really true. We are pregnant and just might have another shot at biological parenting. The thought is overwhelming as we think how unworthy we are and how painstakingly we’ve desired it. We can’t do much more than shake our heads in thanksgiving and humility.

We just passed into the second Trimester of the pregnancy… a huge milestone. We are feeling much better physically now. Got hit pretty hard with morning sickness the last few months and are glad to now be able to show our excitement and gratitude for this pregnancy privilege through smiles and sunny dispositions. Eating as often as I’m hungry has been a challenge. Junk food is not appealing (YIKES!) and cooking at the rate I’m consuming is too much work. Stefan has risen to the occasion and has mastered the challenge of making sure his family is well fed. It was with great excitement and proud accomplishment that he received the news I had been reprimanded by my OB for gaining too much wait. 13 pounds in 12 weeks was of concern to the doc. Not to Stefan. He loves his brewing beaut soft and squish-able.

Baby Facts as of 6/19/06:

CRL (length of baby from head to butt): 5.32 cm (2.1 inches!)
Age: 12 weeks 0 days
EDD (estimated due date): 1/1/2007
Heart Rate: 171 bpm

Our baby has “caught up” in size. Since the last ultrasound, he grew faster than expected (last time he was 5 days “behind” schedule, this time only 2 days). The Doctor’s note read, “The fetal size on today’s ultrasound is appropriate for gestational age”.

Between hosting family & friends and attending various seminars from North Carolina to New York, our days, of late, are spent devouring books on natural childbirth, arranging hospital tours, and weeding through potential doctors. We’ll be signing up for a Bradley class soon. What a joy to be responsible for these decisions. We feel honored and on top of it.

Thanks for following along. We love you guys!

Kisses,

Rikki

Friday, May 26, 2006 6:39 PM CDT

Hello from Boston!

This is Derek Joseph Mosillo. My Godparents, Rikki and Stefan, are visiting me for the long weekend. I am keeping my GodMama busy carrying me around … this is good training! She asked me to give you the latest stats.

The recent ultrasound went well and Baby B is growing beautifully. The heartbeat is 159 beats per minute – very healthy. Crown to rump length: 1.44 centimeters. A little cashew nut!!

The baby is measuring at 7 weeks and 5 days, and the due-date has been revised to January 4th, 2007.

Rikki has gained six pounds already. GodPapa Stefan refuses to give us his recent gain – but it looks like he is doing his part!

The next ultrasound is scheduled for June 19th.

Well - it's bedtime for me. I need to show my GodMama how I like to be rocked to sleep. Can't wait to meet my new GodBrother or GodSister!! Goodnight!

Friday, May 12, 2006 8:41 PM CDT

Hi Friends!

We heard a heartbeat! Our baby is alive! Hurray! What a joy to see the flicker of life on screen and hear our baby’s teeny-tiny heart beating at 118 beats per minute! Above, you can see Baby Boehmer at the tip of the arrow. The black area is fluid and the peanut shape is the baby.

The doctor was concerned that the embryo is small. Baby Boehmer is measuring in at only 6 weeks 1 day - though he is 6 weeks 6 days old today (a benefit of ICSI: we know exactly how old our baby is). The margin of error for the ultrasound measurements is 3-4 days. The baby was also small for its age at last week’s visit. However, Baby Boehmer’s growth since last week is standard, so for that we are thankful. The doctor would like to ultrasound us one more time in 2 weeks before he “releases” me to my ObGyn.

A wonderful day! Off to bed. Next appt: May 23rd

Love,
Rik

Friday, May 5, 2006 7:32 PM CDT

Hi Friends,

I got a peek at our baby today! He was so cute! Just a little pea in a pod at this point but, don’t be deceived, exciting things are happening to our little peanut!

His precious heart is being formed as we speak. Two simple tubes are fusing to form a single chamber that will begin to pump blood in the next few days. From this single chamber, a four-chamber heart will eventually be defined (just a matter of weeks!). Also happening today, our little hazelnut-shaped embryo is folding and forming into the shape of a cylindrical disc, as his spinal cord and brain form on either end of his neural tube.

The black space you see in the magnified picture above is the baby’s fluid-filled amniotic cavity. The dot inside the amniotic fluid is the baby’s yoke sac. By next week we should be able to see a steady flicker of life beating just to the side of the yoke sac. There the embryo is beginning to form. This yoke sac will form the structural basis of the umbilical cord.

Right now baby Boehmer is getting his nutrients by digesting my endometrial cells. Implantation of the embryo that occurred a few weeks ago was essentially the embryo digesting his way into the walls of my womb. The thick bloody walls of my uterus allow him ample nutrients for now. Soon enough he will be feeding through a cord attached to a placenta; part my tissue, part his. In preparation for this, my maternal tissue has now enveloped him. Both he and I are forming finger-like cells; mine forming inward toward his pod, his forming outward toward my womb; both developing to join and intertwine in a network of blood vessels and veins that will act as a transport mechanism for food and waste transport.

I can almost feel our little vein-y fingers touching! This is cellular reception at its finest!

I could go on forever but the pool is calling. Time for Mama and baby to kick our feet up and enjoy some sunshine together.

Thank you, Kimberly and Dr Castelli, for arranging the ultrasound today. What a joy to see our baby with my own eyes! We are looking forward to another ultrasound in one week. More updates on the baby’s progress then.

Lord, create him a perfectly healthy heart and a brain like Stefan’s!

Joyful,
Rikki

Due date = Dec 31st

Thursday, May 4, 2006 4:18 PM CDT

Hi Friends!

Heard from Dr. Castelli today. My HCG values are very good! I am scheduled for an ultrasound tomorrow morning 7:45AM East Coast time. Yippee!

Some stats:
Date of Last Menstrual Cycle: 3/25
Day of Conception: 4/12

So, today we are:

5.5 weeks pregnant &

3 weeks after conception.


Here is a sample listing of expected HCG levels based on time after conception: (Thanks Lar!)

* 0-1 week: 0-50 mIU/ml
* 1-2 weeks: 40-300 mIU/ml
* 3-4 weeks: 500-6,000 mIU/ml
* 1-2 months: 5,000-200,000 mIU/ml
* 2-3 months: 10,000-100,000 mIU/ml
* 2nd trimester: 3,000-50,000 mIU/ml
* 3rd trimester: 1,000-50,000 mIU/ml
* Non-pregnant females: <5.0 mIU/ml
* Postmenopausal females: <9.5 mIU/ml


Here are our HCG levels:

4/25 (1-2 weeks): 167
4/27 (2-3 weeks): 286
5/3 (3 weeks): 2,136 (!!!!!)


Lookin Good! Hope to send out ultrasound shots tomorrow.

Grow babies grow!
Rik

Monday, May 1, 2006 8:52 PM CDT

Dear Friends,

Spring is here!

The view from our bedroom windows is changing daily. Sun-soaked hues of vibrant green and yellow are beginning to crowd out the hazy skyline of our backyard. The line of trees that border the freshly-tilled corn field, mere barren branches months ago, are now budding with green, red, yellow, orange, and brown variety. Not more than a week ago, a dogwood rounded our bedroom window and offered us four generous pink pedals from round bursting buds on each branch. The forest out the window to our right is growing thicker day by day. Green leaves of every shape and size clothe the arms, legs, fingers, and toes of a myriad of tree species. The encroaching density has begun to impede our view of Stefan as he weeds and seeds the fertile ground of his future pumpkin patch with pumpkin, corn, and sunflower.

Spring has arrived in the Boehmer home…unhindered, unstoppable, unrelenting life.

Our doctor’s visit today was brief. My hormone levels verified pregnancy. Hurray!
I will give blood again on Wednesday and, if my hormone values continue to indicate pregnancy (see below), have an ultrasound done on Friday. We were hopeful of having an ultrasound scan today but, because we are under Ob-Gyn care and not a Fertility Center, this early stage of pregnancy will not be monitored as closely.

Stefan and I can barely wrap our heads around it! These babies have been granted life. We can’t believe it! We’re pregnant!!! I think we’re in shock. We are overjoyed, humbled, elated and not a bit worried. Yes, we are in the very early stages of pregnancy (we’ve taken four pregnancy tests and all indicate pregnancy - but just barely!) and the constant reminder from friends and professionals that “we are still really early” has tempted us, admittedly, to temper our excitement. But we refuse! If we learned anything from the life of our daughter Naomi Ruth it was:

1. Live life on earth to the fullest - you never know how long you’ll be lent it.
2. Live life openly and honestly – never allow fear to guide your decisions.
3. Death hurts and God heals – without brokenness we’ll never know our Healer.

We aren’t given life to hide out in fear of its end. Death will happen to these babies eventually. We don’t know when. Their days are numbered - as are ours - as are yours. None of us know the number of our days. But Stefan and I know the One who numbers our days and we trust Him implicitly. We can’t control the length of these baby’s lives but we can live celebrating the One who does. We are praying constantly that God give aid to these seeds of Abraham and are resting in the Giver and not the gift.

Dear friends, Spring is here! Join us in appreciating this season in all its beauty and fragrance and wonder and renewal. Join us in allowing Life to clothe our spirit and rejuvenate our dread-filled and deadened heart limbs. Join us in delighting in our provision today and refuse to worry about tomorrow.

After gutting many a gourd last Fall, Stefan dried pumpkin seeds all Winter long. From those deadened seeds, busily budding spouts now blanket our bathroom windowsill. Can we make them grow? No. But we can plant them in rich soil, tend them, water them, love them, thank God for them, and delight ourselves in every moment we have the privilege of playing a part.

Happily Springing,
Rikki

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
4/25 = 167
4/27 = 286
(These values should double every 52 hours throughout pregnancy).

Thursday, April 27, 2006 7:30 PM CDT

Hi friends,

I am back home. Been busy holding down the fort between weekends away with my hubby. Just got back from a marriage conference in Niagara Falls and soon we're off to NYC for a night. Have been managing to nap a few hours (at least) every day.

I am feeling pregnant. (We know this feeling!) Our period hasn't come yet so we will see an OB-Gyn first thing Monday morning.

Could it really be?

At the mere thought, my eyes fill with tears.

More Monday,
Rikki

(Heb 2:16)

Thursday, April 27, 2006 7:30 PM CDT

Hi friends,

I am back home. Been busy holding down the fort between weekends away with my hubby. Just got back from a marriage conference in Niagara Falls and soon we're off to NYC for a night. Have been managing to nap a few hours (at least) every day.

I am feeling pregnant. (We know this feeling!) Our period hasn't come yet so we will see an OB-Gyn first thing Monday morning.

Could it really be?

At the mere thought, my eyes fill with tears.

More Monday,
Rikki

(Heb 2:16)

Thursday, April 13, 2006 5:23 PM CDT

Well,

Both my tummy and appetite are getting larger each day I stay in Germany. Though no doubt the two suitcases full of European chocolate and Mother-in-Law's good cooking contribute a bit to my glowing face, exhausted state, widening girth, and insatiable hunger, we like to think of this as "pre-funk" pregnancy.

Hosting these baby embryos (for however long!) is actually fun this time around. And a wonderful excuse to, after heading home in two days, relax by the pool and be waited on for the next two weeks. Stefan loved a pregnant wife and we both intend to live this up to the fullest.

Thriving embryos take days before they adhere to the wall of the womb after being transfered in. We won't know definitively until May if we are pregnant or not. So why do my boobs hurt? Imagination! Hope. What wonderful things.

And that without even trying.

Signing off smiling,
Rikki

Wednesday, April 12, 2006 10:32 AM CDT

Hi,

Today I had two embryos placed in my uterus. One embryo was a two-cell Grade B and the other a four-cell Grade B. Tonight I will give myself a hormone shot to stimulate my body's production of HCG (the "pregnancy hormone"). There are only three of these shots required and I will administer one every third day. After that point, if the embryos adhere, my body will take over HCG production.

After a full morning in the IVF Clinic, pharmacy, and walking in the bitter cold rain, I'm off to bed. It's strange, fully aware that this could be our last pregnancy attempt, I'm neither nervous, over-thoughtful, discouraged, nor excited. I'm simply tired.

More later,
Rikki

(Pray-ers, check out Hebrews 2:14&16)

Tuesday, April 11, 2006 6:16 AM CDT

Hi,

Heard from the IVF Lab this morning. Two of the embryos survived the defrost. We are scheduled for the Embryo Transfer tomorrow at 9:30 AM German time.

Off for a walk in the fresh winter air. Have one last store to shop then I will have successfully purchased every last nugat, marzipan, and liquor praline Europe has to offer for my dear sweet (-toothed) husband. Gotta love Eastertime!

Lots of love,
Rikki

Monday, April 10, 2006 10:41 AM CDT

Warm greetings from cold and rainy Germany,

Went to the IVF Clinic today. My hormone levels look great. Looks like we're on for an Embryo Transfer on Wednesday.

The IVF Lab will defrost our last three embryos in the morning and call me with the results.

More tomorrow.

Love,
Rikki

Saturday, April 8, 2006 6:46 PM CDT

Hi from Germany!

I've arrived safely, have enjoyed two relaxing days with my in-laws, and have seen Dr. Behrens at our IVF Clinic once. My appointment with him on Friday consisted of a quick vaginal ultrasound probe and a blood draw. Ultrasound confirmed that the walls of my womb are very thick and ready. The results of the blood draw will confirm if ovulation has already occured. He will transfer the embryos four days after ovulation which could be as early as Wednesday. I'll call the IVF Clinic Monday to confirm the transfer date.

I'll report more Monday.

Happy but jet-lagged,

Rikki

Thursday, March 30, 2006 10:24 AM CST

Hi,

I have tickets for a trip to Germany April 5th - April 15th where our last three embryos are awaiting transfer into my womb.

Thanks for following along.

More from Germany,

Rikki

Tuesday, November 29, 2005 12:39 AM CST

Dear friends,

I have a favorite textbook from graduate school called Human Anatomy and Physiology by Elaine Marieb and it’s where Stefan & I go for all questions about our health. Today, I’ve opened it to read about blood. It reads, "Blood is the river of life that surges within us, transporting nearly everything that must be carried from one place to another within the body. Long before modern medicine, blood was viewed as magical, an elixir that held the mystical life force – for when blood left the body, life departed as well."

As desperately as I try, I am helpless to deny my body’s hope for a child. It is built into me. Like clockwork every month, without thought, will or lust, the innermost walls of my womb are built up by life-bringing, oxygen- & nutrient-rich blood in anticipation of providing a home for an embryo floating by. With each passing day, hope gains confidence and reaches out to grasp onto the slightest signs of fertility success. Excitement toys with my heartstrings and the exhortations of loved ones to take it easy secretly delight my disposition as I cherish this honored position. Thoughts of the possibility of parenthood pan there way to the top of our minds until they are finally spoken, confessed, considered. The realization that this pregnancy attempt could really have worked no sooner settles in then spills over into tears of gratitude and thanksgiving and humility. Then blood is shed.

When blood leaves the body, life departs as well. Six hours after childbirth, blood flooded the floor of the hospital shower, swirling its way down the drain in alarming amounts. The blood was apparently no longer of use to my body - it had done it’s job – provided life – and now it was shed. As I opened the bathroom door, blood on the open nose of our daughter saluted me. Her blood was apparently no longer of use to her body – it had done its job – provided life – and now it was shed. When blood left her tiny body, life departed as well. Such a little spot of blood on her lip cast out quite a smell.

Blood is of vital significance and shouldn’t be disregarded merely due to its unpleasantness. It is tempting to pacify a bleeding heart with positive thinking and encouraging words, but to do so, is to deny the pain the contemplation it deserves. Pain has a purpose in life. It drives us to God. The shedding of blood is sometimes a requisite to offer life - in the monthly cycle of a woman, in the ancient practice of blood letting, in the story of our salvation.

Fellows of faith, do not be quick to claim His victory without considering at length the blood it cost Him to provide you. Do not make haste to drink the new covenant cup that He pleaded three times in the garden of Gethsemane to have pass by. Do not revel in His resurrection and miss from whence He rose. Spend the day with me considering where He was those 3 days He was gone. It is not until we allow ourselves to be crucified with Him on that cross that we fully grasp the height and width and depth and length of His sacrifice. To neglect His shed blood is to discount His life in you. To overlook the chasm of death from which His shed blood spares us emaciates the expanse of His glory in your life. To wash yourself in His shed blood is essential to break the dam and allow His river of Life to flood your spiritual life. Without the shed blood of our Savior, we have no justification, no redemption, no forgiveness, no cleansing, no atonement, no sanctification, and no victory.

To sing of the babe born in Bethlehem and not grasp the blood-stained scars of His tiny palms, is to miss the end of the story, indeed.

Stefan and I spent this Thanksgiving at home alone. We had a wonderful time of prayer, reflection, and giving of thanks. We are tremendously thankful for the lessons we’ve learned this past year, for new perspectives and for the brief experience of parenthood we were bestowed. As the magic of Christmas begins its enchantments, we, too, will marvel at the small child born in a manger, sing hymns of O Holy Night & The First Noel, deck the halls with boughs of holly and vainly attempt to keep the cat out of Oh Tannenbaum. Comfort and joy will, to be sure, fill our silent nights.

However, joy and sorrow are not mutually exclusive. To consider both the beginning and the end of the story is not double-minded, it is our responsibility. For everything there is a time - a time to be born and a time to die; a time to break down and a time to build up; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to gain and a time to lose.

And today as my body sheds it’s hope for child drip by drip by drip, we weep with God.

Rikki & Stefan

Sunday, November 13, 2005 6:46 AM CST

Hello,

Our embryo transfer went beautifully. I got to see our little embryo before he was implanted and he looked healthy, though not as far along as Naomi Ruth was at the same stage. (She was a 6-cell, he is a 2-cell. Both grade A)

At this point we wait until November 30th to see if the embryo continues to divide, grow and adhere to the wall of our womb or if he stops dividing, degenerates and comes out in our menstral cycle. The doctor said it's all up to the embryo. Not a lot we should or shouldn't do.

We will update from home in 2 weeks or so.

Love & thanks,

Rikki

Saturday, November 12, 2005 0:50 AM CST

At 7AM this morning the IVF Lab called. Two cells degenerated overnight. We have one left. The one remaining is classified as a 2-cell (divided once) and grade A. This is our 8th (?) IVF attempt and we're just now learning that they grade our embryos...

We're off in an hour or so.

Hang in there Grade A!

Rik

Friday, November 11, 2005 3:14 PM CST

What is it about scripture that quiets my soul?

Last year, at this time, I marveled at snow. This year I‘m marveling at scripture.

Yesterday‘s update was the grand finale of a week-long pity party. I was burdened and discouraged. But God’s mercies are new every morning. Today is a new day and I am hopeful – albeit not for the pregnancy attempt.

I am hopeful today and my burden lighter because of scripture. What is it about scripture that quiets my soul? I don’t know really. But as Jane reminded me yesterday to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight“, I realized I had been panicking because I’d been relying on my own thinking instead of God‘s. And as I remembered, “He will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him, because he trusts in Him“, I realized that I had taken (yet again) my eyes off God and focused on my lot and tasted bitter despair. As I remember “This Book of Law shall not depart from your mouth but you shall meditate in it day and night that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, then you will have good success“, a game plan emerges and hope returns.

As I’m reminded of His word, courage comes back.

All last week I was discouraged because I didn’t have a promise of pregnancy that I could cling to. Today courage has returned through His promises unrelated. How? I don’t know. I am intrigued by the how and why. It wasn’t long ago that scripture enraged me and caused me to roll my eyes and resent the sender. Today that same scripture smoothes and stills my soul. Church doesn‘t. Friend’s don’t. Scripture does.

I want to thank you women, who steer me back to the secure shelter of His word when I find myself beaten down and discouraged. You have enticed me to search and find out why scripture is so quieting. Thank you for playing your part.

We‘ve heard from the IVF Clinic. Only one of the three embryos survived. A second batch of embryos has been taken out of storage and two have begun to divide. So a total of three (from five) have survived. The embryo transfer is scheduled for tomorrow, Sat Nov 12th, 10 AM Germany time (EST 6 hrs). My in-laws will take me in for the appointment and bring me home to serve me huge portions of homemade Bavarian bratwurst-stuffed pork roast for dinner and freshly baked Christmas cookies for dessert. When I awake from the food coma I will update again.


Rikki

Thursday, November 10, 2005 1:00 PM German Time

JOURNAL #49

Greetings from Baiersdorf, Germany.

I have arrived safely. Since arriving four days ago, I’ve been to our In Vitro doctor twice. Looks like we‘re all set. The IVF lab will take three of our eight embryos out of cryo-storage tomorrow, Friday Nov 11th, and call me in the afternoon with news on how many survived the de-thaw. At that point, we‘ll schedule an appointment for Saturday morning at the IVF Clinic for an embryo transfer.

I am not hopeful this attempt will work. I know I should be.

With every attempt there‘s tremendous internal pressure to have great hope in store, positive thoughts in order and a healthy attitude to welcome these babies to my body. And I resent it. Why, because one of the best husbands in the world suffered testicular cancer at the age of 18, must I now carry the burden of baseless hope manifestation in order to “succeed“ in our conception? It’s ridiculous. Most people just go behind closed doors and screw. No mind games required. I’m struggling with this, I suppose, both because I don’t have the hope and because I don’t believe I need it to get pregnant. God ultimately, and exclusively, opens wombs. Not IVF doctors and not good charma. So what in the world am I doing here??!? Uggh!

Welcome to the minefield of infertility.

More tomorrow,
Rikki

Wednesday, September 7, 2005 12:39 AM EST

JOURNAL ENTRY #48:

Dear Friends,

Seems like ages ago we had little Naomi Ruth Boehmer. Held her in our arms, felt the weight of her tender life on our breast, bathed her with adoration, then gave her up to hospital staff to be placed in refrigerated over-night storage. The following day she was transported to UCSF where her little cold body was sliced open and her Trisomy 13-affected organs extracted then paraded around to medical conferences region-wide. Our baby’s next stop was the crematorium where her soft supple skin was placed on a hot cement slab to be burned at high temperature.

We were handed a small sack of ashes a few weeks later. Her remains fill a Ziplock sandwich bag not even half full. We have taken pinches out, filled “dime” bags, and allowed Naomi’s loved ones to spread her ashes around the world in memory of her. Her ashes are today floating down rivers, mountain streams, ocean floors and fertilizing the soil of special sites.

But of Naomi Ruth’s life we are left with more than just bone chips and ashes.

We are left with notoriety. We feel ourselves freaks, of sorts; parents of a dead child. Friends keep it light when talking to us out of fear we might mention our dead daughter. Girlfriends newly pregnant are scared to share their good news. Our own tongues tie when asked the inevitable question, “do you have children”? People are aghast when we respond. We are misfits. People don’t know what to do with us. (Unless, of course, you are Lisa Gerard and insist on taking time to come over, hear the story of our daughter’s life and death and see every last picture of our precious firstborn daughter. Aahh, Lisa, you are a treasure…)

We are left with regrets. We followed some really bad advise and dressed our daughter in a bunch of silly outfits for one good hour out of the few we had with her. We didn’t insist on spending the night with her as we should have. We should have called every one we knew to come meet her.

We are left with compassion. Our hearts have been broken and now break for others. To think we could have raced through our thirties, chasing carrot after carrot after carrot and never slowed to share in someone’s heartache or cry tear ducts dry over someone else’s loss. What a tragedy! We are left with softened hearts and slowed strides.

We are left with resolve. We’ve shared Naomi’s life openly with all, since the beginning, leaving no fear or tear unmentioned. Somehow choosing to lay our struggle out for all to see has freed us. Confirmed over and over throughout this last year, we know now that life’s hits, struggles, mistakes and biggest fears lose their power to possess when shared openly. It has been liberating realizing the extent fear, embarrassment, shame and secrecy imprisoned our thoughts and decisions prior to Naomi’s life. Our pregnancy with Naomi gave us a voice. We are left with an increased awareness of closed, private lives and commit to live our life openly, honestly and courageously.

We’re left with memories. When allowed, I can still smell her freshly bathed skin, feel the silky embrace of the nave of her neck on my nose, wonder at the many wrinkles on the soles of her feet. I can feel myself kneeled down beside her stroking the length of her back, admiring the curl of her hair, feel her furry forehead beneath my lips. I remember the feel of her hungry tongue on my colostrum-tipped finger and the strength her long fingers offered my one. I remember hearing her cry her first breath in the arms of my brother Jon and I’ll never forget the eyes that greeted me as I opened the bathroom door to hear the news our child had breathed her last.

We are left with peace. The death of our daughter rocked my world, that I freely admit. Such a cracking of core and shattering of sense I had not anticipated. The dives of depression, the wails of why, the stagnation of separation, Naomi’s death stormed through and wreaked havoc. The crushing cruelty of life cut short crippled me then stripped me of all but a salvaged spirit. Turns out, though, that the Holy Spirit can do wonders on a crippled life. By merely holding on and facing the storm, we’ve come to see we’re standing on rather rock solid ground. The storm has settled and we’re left with a most profound sense of stillness. We need nothing more. We don’t need more family members, more vacation, more activity, more travel, more money, more fun, more property, more provision, more goals, more gifts, more homesteads, more time. The rages of the storm stripped our souls bare and residing there was a God that, turns out, is all we need.

So, we are left with a bag of bone chips, freak status, regrets, sadness, scars, stretch marks and sorrow at the onset of Fall. True. Life dealt us a blow and it still stings. But since the handing over of our baby a year ago, we are left with an inventory of blessings, as well. Ones we may never have known had this storm not blown through. We are left with rest, transparency, peace, patience, honesty, courage, conviction, contentment, compassion, stillness, serenity, fullness, joy and precious memories of an unforgettable life.

This time last year, many of you prayed for a miracle.

We believe your prayers have been answered.

We love you,
We thank you,
We treasure you,

Rikki & Stefan Boehmer

Sometimes the greatest proof of God’s miraculous power is when an attention-deficit seeker of instant gratification denies himself, takes up his cross, and follows Christ… for the long haul. –Beth Moore Believing God

“He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,…to console those who mourn, to give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:1,3).

He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:29-31).

Your words were found and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart (Jeremiah 15:16).

You will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever… for He is everlasting strength (Isaiah 26:3-4).

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-29).

“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love” (1Cor 13:13).

“Did I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40)

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is in the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit” (Jer 17:7-8).

Sunday, March 20, 2005 10:14 AM CST

Journal Entry # 47


Hello all!

Our house is empty, floors scrubbed, windows washed, pool still, garden budding, car loaded, animals in, tank full, to-go cup steaming, weather clear. ...We’re off!

In ten days or so we’ll be arriving at our new home in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia. As we leave our driveway and drive down our street, the percolating excitement in my husband is palpable. Awe! The thrill of adventure! New places to see, new friends to make, new house to make home, new streams to ford, new mountains to climb, new roads to travel. I love this about my husband. I treasure having someone passionate about life.

I assure him I’ll share the thrill just as soon as we’ve left California. Rolling with the punch of this sudden move has been uncharacteristically difficult for me. I suppose I hesitate leaving the only home Naomi Ruth knew. Perhaps I dread leaving her memory behind. Maybe I avoid entering into a time of closure… Who knows?

I just know I’m sad to leave my bible study women, my girlfriend Martha, Melissa. We’ll be so much farther from my brother Jon and family and friends in Seattle. I’m sad that daily talks with Brother-in law Jason will be fewer, if at all. I’ll miss his cooking. I’ll miss Martha’s wisdom. And Melissa’s laugh. Marcia’s discipleship. Rocio’s spirit. Barbara’s calm. Paula’s devotion. Nancy’s passion. Amy’s squirm. Grandma’s model. Grandpa’s breakthroughs.

God placed in our path just the people we would need to get us through this past year. We marvel at the relationships made quickly yet divinely. And He’s at it again out in Philly. There He has gone ahead and already we have a house, several friends, church, couples group, womens bible study and writing group. Our cup truly runneth over.

With the mere mention of what’s in store for us in Philly, my heart skips a beat. I could say this emptying coffee cup is the culprit, but who are we kidding? My husband’s excitement is contagious. And being lead by the Holy Spirit into the unknown is certainly addictive!

So, look out East Coast, here we come!

If you haven’t received our new address and phone number, please email me. My laptop died shortly after Naomi Ruth and with it my email addresses along with all precious comments sent per email. We have pics of the house to share as well, if you’re interested.

If you’re ever on the East Coast, it goes without saying, we’d love to have you! The more the merrier in our family.

Bon Voyage,
Vaya con Dios,
Alles Gute,

Rikki

Tuesday, January 4, 2005 10:30 AM German Time

Journal Entry # 46

Dear friends and family,

We are not pregnant.

After two weeks, my period came last night. With it, a flood of disappointment, anxiety and sadness that washed away by morning.

Today is a new day – a new start.

Today we are starting a diet to get our pregnancy fat off. We kept it on in hopes of making the embryos comfortable. Now we can finally slim down. We had stopped many activities this last year while pregnant. We are excited to be able to go jogging, play tennis, bike and workout again. We have felt like strangers in our own skin these last few months. Not a nice feeling. We are glad to have some time to fix that.

We still have 8 embryos frozen here. We are not sure when we will try to get pregnant again. Perhaps in the spring. We recognize we are not getting any younger (I’m 32, Stefan 33) nor are the grandparents less eager to spend years and years and years playing with their grandbabies. We‘re still hopeful we‘ll provide them that.

Today we are thankful for so many things; your love and support, our family and friends, our marriage, that none of you were vacationing in Phuket over Christmas, our kitty and doggy, our hope, our faith, His peace.

Today we are simply thankful.

Thanks for checking in on us and keeping us in your prayers. You are in ours as well.

Love,
Rikki & Stefan Böhmer

Tuesday, December 21, 2004 11:00 AM German Time

JOURNAL ENTRY #45

Dear friends and family,

What is it about snow?

No other weather can thrill quite like the first snowfall of winter. I can’t figure out why snow elicits such excitement. It’s not like it brings new life. Spring brings new life. Snow covers up deadened and colorless ground below and covering up something ugly hardly seems healthy. So why do we dream of a white Christmas and eargerly anticipate the first snow? What is it about those heavenly little flakes that brings us to race out in the bitter cold, stick out our chin, open wide our mouth hungry to absorb the tasteless treasures? Is it purity we’re craving? Is it heaven we unconsiously desire? Is it none of the above?

Today we had 3 embryos transferred into my womb. Many of you know Stefan and I have been doing ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) for the past several years. Well, here we go again! As we moved to the States this time last year, we left behind 11 embryos in cryo storage (frozen) at an In Vitro Fertilization Clinic in Germany. The work of producing and harvesting multiple eggs, harvesting sperm and inseminating each egg in the lab was all done last year (the last year in which Germany’s health insurance covered the procedures completely.)

Yesterday, 3 of our stored embryos were de-thawed, all survived (!!) and today were transferred into my womb through a teeny-tiny catheter inserted through my cervix during a procedure no more invasive (nor painful) than a routine gynecological exam. We got to see our embryos magnified on a TV screen before they were plunged through a catheter into my womb. Oh were they cute! They had developed quite beautifully during their short life in the lab. All had divided at least once. Division is good, if you recall the process of meiosis from Anatomy/Physiology. (Or was it mitosis? Never was a very clear-headed college student. That dang short term memory!)

Today’s procedure was a cinch – in and out in less than an hour. I’ve been instructed by the doctor not to over exert myself today. I’ve had girfriends who have laid back with their feet up, legs clenched together tightly in hopes of getting their embryos to „stick“. I won‘t go so far but I will take it easy, maybe even sleep all day like I’ve gotten used to this last year.

And now we wait. In two weeks time if my period comes that means the pregnancy attempt failed. We are hopeful, however, that our embryos find a welcome home in my womb, that my built-up uterine lining embraces them and begins to provide nutrients for the little cuties as they continue to divide and grow and develop into gestational sacks and eventually fetuses.

This waiting time is not bad and no longer nerve-wracking. I remember the day in 2003 I sat down on my couch exhausted at wit’s end, shook my fist at God and cried, „Why won’t you give us children?!!?“ As my anger subsided, heart broke and tears soaked the pages of His word I wasn’t reading, I pictured a drainpipe. The drainpipe descended from heaven into my heart. And it was clogged. It was clogged with worldly expectations I was pissed at God for not giving me; children, a house, a huge family. I suddenly knew God had never promised me these things and I felt convicted of greed and covetousness. I felt compelled to do a housecleaning of all things I was holding onto. After emptying myself, even throwing away some tangible junk in our house, He began to teach Stefan and me, through people, events and His word some lessons we were ready to take to heart.

We learned that year to concentrate our energy and discipline our thoughts not on tomorrow but on today. (We had learned all TOO well how utterly exhausting, painfully futile and ultimately joy-robbing it is to place all our happiness on the future.) We began trusting Him with whatever our future held and found ourselves at peace, finally. Stefan and I approached the next pregnancy attempts with a new mind frame. Though the procedures were the same, we no longer felt guilty or disappointed or stressed or anxious or ultimately responsible for the results. That year we learned to let tomorrow worry about itself and found ourselves satisfied with what we had; not disappointed with what we did’nt.

This lesson served us so well when we finally did get pregnant. Despite Naomi Ruth’s diagnosis and prognosis of death, God had trained Stefan and me, and we’re so thankful we were able to let Naomi live her life and not let worry or fear rob us the joy of her existence. We are so thankful.

In Naomi’s absence, I’ve temporarily lost sight of this lesson. In the last few months, I’ve been consumed by how utterly unfair life is and how little I have. Silly. Grief is so illogical; a wild ride of emotions, different day by day and completely out of sync with reality. I’m grateful to have the peace of mind again to stop, Drain-o the brain-O, thank God, and be content with all I have.

Sometime early 2005 we’ll update this web page and let you know the results of today’s prenancy attempt. (Perhaps you’ll be able to say you were there the day we conceived!) The other thing Stefan and I learned in 2003 is that it’s actually not presumptuous to ask God for something you want. And others can ask for you, too. So, feel free to ask Him on our behalf that these embryos „stick“ and we get some healthy full-term baby Böhmers!

And, what the heck, pray for a white Christmas while you’re at it. We’ve already got one here! Though I don’t understand why that first snowfall conjures up such joy inside us, maybe it’s not our job to understand. Maybe our job is simply to walk, arms outstretched, eyes on heaven and soak up any gift that comes.


We love you all,

Rikki
Reminder to self:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

P.S.
Sorry to all of you whose phone calls I haven’t returned. Today, I’m actually feeling quite chipper but this grief ride goes up & down and when I’m down I’m just not up to returning calls. But I will again, I’m sure.