First Play Date

Turner's very first play date was with Chelsea (11 months old). Of course, it was nicer for the moms then it was for the kids! These pictures are funny because in the first picture it looks like Turner is completely uninterested in Chelsea, and then in the second picture it looks like Chelsea says "Forget this, I'm out of here" and then Turner has the nerve to look surprised!

Family Visitors

Turner just loves being held ... and it's a good thing too because he has a ton of family who just want to hold and hug him all day long!

Kurt's First Father's Day!

We had a great day just spending the day together as a family. The highlight of the day was when we took a long walk all around the neighborhood. Turner is really starting to like our walks! (Turner's shirt says Dad's Team in honor of Father's Day!)

Daddy's Little 'Tough Guy'!

Turner likes to show off his muscles all ready!

Turner's First Walk Around the Neighborhood

It was a beautiful day so we decided to take Turner for his first stroll around the block. Although he didn't cry, I don't think he was such a fan of the walk. I think it was too bright out for him :o) Kurt and I had fun anyway!

Turner's Homecoming - June 3, 2008

The day the doctor told me that today would be the day that Turner could come home I burst into tears (those damn hormones!) and the doctor had to hug me because she too was so happy for us. Kurt and I couldn't be happier and again, I called Kurt to come home from work. This day was just as exciting as the day that Turner was born. I admit that in order to make up for the horrible first two weeks of my child's life, Kurt and I will be spoiling him terribly!

Turner Hudson Van Nostrand

The Moment Arrives ... May 20, 2008

Here is our story ...

Being 10 days late and hoping that the full moon would bring on labor, I was extremely happy to notice that the pull of the moon did it's job and my water broke on May 20th at 7:15am. I called Kurt back from work and we headed to the hospital. My contractions were very close and strong all day long, but I was not dilating so there was a final decision at 9:30pm to have a c-section. In addition, the baby's heart rate was dropping with some contractions (late to find that the cord was wrapped around his neck) so the c-section was the best way to go at that point. I was disappointed, but I knew it had to be done. I was whisked away from our labor and delivery room with low lighting and Dave Matthews playing in the background to the sterile environment of the operating room with blinding lights and chaos of many doctors running around. The operation began at 11pm and Turner Hudson Van Nostrand made his appearance into this world a few short minutes later at 11:14pm. Hearing "It's a boy!" were the most amazing three words that I had ever heard and the tears flowed! After Kurt had held him, the doctors realized that Turner's breathing was irregular and he was then taken the the N.I.C.U. He had aspirated meconium during the delivery process. This was the beginning of the heart wrenching ordeal that Turner had to go through. He was hooked up to an IV, oxygen and a feeding tube for the first few days and had to be kept in a warmer. We were told that his condition, which was not serious, was getting better every day and that time was what it would take to get his breathing corrected. Little by little tubes come off and he was moved into a regular crib, but the two weeks that he had to be left in the hospital were the toughest two weeks that Kurt and I ever had to face. He is home now and more importantly he is healthy (and absolutely perfect and adorable I must add) and we finally feel complete with Turner in his home!

My First 'Unofficial' Mother's Day

What a perfect day! Both sets of Baby Van Nostrand's grandparents were able to be together this day all with great excitement of what's to come. Grandpa Hank couldn't make it though but sent his best wishes. The baby could have been here at this point, but now my doctor is saying he/she may come a week (or two!) late. So I guess, good things come to those who wait!

The Nursery is Done!

Of course, the nursery can not be complete without the little arrival, but for the most part, everything has been washed, put away, put in it's place and I believe that we are ready for the little bundle to arrive! We do still have some last minute decorations to add, but otherwise, we are all set to bring home baby!

My Baby Shower!!!

My Baby Shower!!!

What an amazing day! When so many of the important people in you life get together it is such an overwhelming and moving experience. My baby shower was absolutely perfect. It was great to see so many of my friends and family, and everyone's generosity to baby Van Nostrand was unbelievable. This baby does not realize how lucky he or she is to have all these special people in his or her life all ready! Thank you all for being a part of such an exciting celebration, one that was beyond my greatest expectations!

Our last trip upstate before the baby arrives!

One last visit upstate before the baby arrives! Had a great time but we couldn't help but think that this would be our very last time up here by ourselves, or at least without responsibility. Celebrated Easter here with a great Easter dinner in Saratoga. Next trip will be very different, but we're looking forward to it!

The Baby Room is Coming Along!

It's not easy to see the nursery from these pictures (since it's a small room), but you can definitely see that it's coming along. Kurt has been working overtime trying to get all the home renovations done before the baby arrives and trying to take care of me at the same time ... and I have to say he is doing a great job at both! The room is done minus decorations and essentials which we don't have just yet. It's such a cozy place to be and I find myself sitting in the glider just looking around, wondering who this person will be occupying this room. This is our baby's room ... SO EXCITING!

Baby's First Trip to Florida to Visit Grandma and Grandpa Van Nostrand

We went to Florida to visit grandma and grandpa. The weather was warm enough to wear tee-shirts, a welcomed change from home. We saw a rainbow while at the house and took a few trips to the beach. We had a nice time.


While in Florida, we went to DeLeon State Park where we took a wildlife boat tour. We saw so many birds and alligators. It was a beautiful day.

Valentines Day

I feel like I'm getting bigger by the minute! All three of us went out for a delicious dinner at Tellers Chophouse. The baby ate well that night with a huge steak, spinach and then a tasty caramel fondue!