Random Shots

Lots of love for Alana

Some of Alana's visitors...

Dr. Miranda & Nurse Sally
Stacey
Grandma Mary

Grandpa Mike
Uncle Eric

Kevin

Big cousins Matthew, Nick & Auntie Cheryl

Matt

Kyle

Sarah, Alana, Genevieve, Miles & Robin

Rachel

Grandpa Gary & Grandma Kathy

Big Cousin Madison

Grandpa Mike & Grandma Mary

Big Brothers JoBu & Brewer

Auntie Cheryl

Uncle Jeff

Alana Louise Bansemar's birth story

What a joyous few days! Last Tuesday, October 6, Melissa had her most recent doctor's appointment. The doctor gave us the option to induce on Thursday, October 8th. After little consideration, we chose to go with it. There were no medical reasons that made any of the decisions, the doctor said she was ready as she'll ever be. Fast forward to Thursday morning at 5am. Melissa had the most peaceful night of sleep she had in months. A full 7 hours without waking up at all. Shawn & Melissa checked into the hospital at 6:45 am on Thursday, October 8, 2009. Melissa was still dilated at 3cm. The nurses gave Melissa medication at 8am to start the labor process. The medication surely did start the labor, but Melissa could not feel any of the contractions yet. At 11am, the nurse gave another dose of the medication. That one did it. The contractions were becoming much more intense and closer together. After about an hour of the stronger contractions, Melissa insisted on getting the epidural to help relieve the pain. Doctor said not until I was dilated to 4cm, so we settled on relaxing in the whirlpool bath. This was around 1pm. After about 45 minutes the nurse came in and said that the doctor wanted to break my water at 2pm so it was time to get out of the tub. Afterwards, I would get the drugs. I quickly learned that I had gone from 3cm to 6cm in an hour. The baby's heart rate was dropping and the doctor and nurses were becoming concerned. It did re-stabilize but said the next time it happened we would have to do a cesarean. Shawn was very queasy at this idea, but the heart rate stayed where they would like it and that option seemed to pass. At 6pm, the doctor announced that I was dilated to 10cm and it was time to push. Good thing since her heart rate was dropping again. Shawn stayed well behind Melissa's head so he could be present but not see a thing that he didn't want to. He did a fantastic job and did not pass out or get sick. At 6:05pm, Melissa was pushing away at the directions of her nurses. You see, Melissa did not have any pain at all after the epidural. It was to the point that she did not know when she was having contractions again. At 6:25pm, after only 20 minutes and 30 pushes later, Alana Louise Bansemar was born. She weighed 6 pounds 10 ounces and was 20 1/4 inches long. She is absolutely beautiful. Saturday we were discharged from the hospital and had a difficult first night. Sunday was another day of visitors that wanted to see our beautiful daughter. Last night seemed to operate much smoother as we are slowly adjusting into a routine. We would like to thank everybody for all their warm wishes and thoughts. We are so happy to have great family and friends around us.

Baby B Update

A quick update for those interested...I had my most recent doctor's appointment Tuesday night. I have gained 1-1/2 pounds since last week, putting me up to a whopping 6 pound weight gain. No complaints there. She is currently laying on her side, with her legs and arms on my right side. Her head is so far down that the doctor can feel it, which he was able to do two weeks ago also. I am dilated to a "good 2cm" vs. the last two weeks where I was dilated at 1cm. We are so impatiently waiting for this girl to make her appearance. At this point the doctor thinks I'll be seeing him at next week's appointment. Oh well, keep that baby cooking. If she doesn't make an appearance prior to October 17th, I will be induced. Stay tuned...

West Bend Octoberfest

On August 29th, Shawn & Melissa went to downtown West Bend's Octoberfest. We started off at 8am at the Strawberry Pancake Breakfast. It was okay at best. The sausage was pretty hard and the strawberries were so cold it made the hot pancakes really cold and soggy. Maybe it had something to do with another cold summer morning. We met up with our friends Kevin & Bridget Pankonin at the farmer's market down the street to pick up some fresh produce, flowers and fish. I love their vast selections. After the market shut down at 11am, it was time to get back to Octoberfest to what else?? Drink. While Melissa had Sprecher Root Beers the rest of the group had lots and lots of beer. After about four hours of sitting around Melissa had enough and was in desperate need of a nap but Shawn got one more beer out of it by rubbing her feet at the picnic table. I guess we both got something out of it.

The polka band and dancers

Melissa & Kevin

Bridget & Andrea

Kevin bringing back beer for the table

Shawn rubbing Melissa's feet so he can have another

He got his way...once again!

Welcome Home Scott!

On Saturday, August 15th, Shawn & Melissa ventured down to Lindenhurst, IL to welcome home Shawn's cousin, Scott Allen. He has been overseas serving with the National Guard in Afghanistan. He left mid August 2008. We were unable to attend his going away party since we were on our road trip. The huge hit was the dunk tank which all the cousins took turns trying to get each into the cold water. It was great to see Scott return home safely.

Scott Allen

Shawn trying his best to dunk Scott

Success!!

Matt Allen

Mike & Shawn Bansemar

Mary & Eric Bansemar

Preggo Mel

Washington County Fair 2009

On Sunday, July 26, Melissa & Shawn wanted to check out the Washington County Fair. We walked around the fair eating & drinking. Melissa really wanted to go on the ferris wheel, despite her new fear of heights. The previous week, Melissa asked her doctor if she could go on the ferris wheel and after a lot of thinking and debating he gave her permission. After all, the hospital is right across the freeway from the fairgrounds. Melissa got her wish and was very glad that she had. It was a pretty cloudy day and we dodged the rain underneath a food tent. After the brief sprinkle, we watched a tractor pull. We looked very much out of place, but it was entertaining to watch at least once.

Shawn's tribute to a co-worker

Check out the two horses kissing! Awww...

Melissa & Shawn on the ferris wheel - yes, that is the hospital where Baby B will be born over Melissa's shoulder

A view from the ferris wheel

Shawn impersonating his best "red-neck" look

Watching a tractor pull. Look on either side of the blue tent

Baby Bansemar Update

On Tuesday, July 21st, Melissa had another check up for our little one. For those who do not know yet, we are expecting a little girl. After two extensive ultrasounds, we have been told it is a girl twice. We could not be happier. Melissa is feeling Baby Girl Bansemar move around quite a bit these days. Shawn was able to enjoy this sensation last week as well. For those who know Shawn understand that it "freaked" him out a little. While the doctor has not altered my due date at all yet, Melissa is measuring two weeks early. Ms. Baby Bansemar may make an early arrival. Melissa has been feeling pretty good and has only gained three pounds this entire pregnancy and still fits into her pre-maternity clothing. The doctor is not worried about that yet, but does now want to see some weight gain. No complaints here. The baby's nursery is coming along quite well. There were a few hiccups in the plan but we now have the crib and dresser in the house...just need to get the crib apart to fit into the room. We will post pictures when the nursery is complete. The way the blogging goes in this house, the baby may even be in those pics! Ha!!