A Little Video

Enjoy a short video of the newest additon to the Nikkel clan.

A couple more

A couple more of Neal

What a Cutie. I don't mean Jason.

Our New Addition

Here is our newest addition to the Nikkel family--Neal Jason Nikkel. Neal was born December 30, 2008 @ 5:44 pm. He weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces and was 20 inches. We think he looks like Arianna at times, but you can be the judge. We hope everyone has a blessed New Year.

Sorry it's been so long...

First off, I would like to say sorry for being a blogger slacker lately! For those of you who don't know, I've been on bedrest for a while and it's driving me NUTS. However, the good news is tomorrow we go in for an amnio and if all goes well Baby Boy Nikkel will be born tomorrow, December 30th. We are very excited.

The past few weeks have been hectic blurs of parties and gifts and Arianna LOVED every minute of it. She really loved opening her presents. She did struggle with the concept of leaving it in the box until we got home. Everything needed to be taken out right away so she could play with it. Unfortunately, because of the crazy weather we were unable to see Jason's family this Christmas. There were too many blizzards for us to all find a place to meet! However, here are some pictures of our Christmas parties...

Arianna with all her cousins. Left to right: Micah, Jackson, Arianna, Lauren, Claire and Natalie (we are missing baby Will...)

Here are all the grandkids with my parents. My mom is holding the newest addition, Baby Will

She still preferred the boxes...

With her new toothbrush. She LOVES brushing her teeth.

We've also enjoyed the massive amounts of snow this year. Jason took Arianna sledding for the first time and she really loved it. She jumped right into the sled.

Finally, here is Arianna with one of her favorite Christmas gifts. A baby from Mrs. Kathy and a bottle from Santa. She loves feeding her baby!

and this one, she's just saying "cheese!" I thought it was cute.

just wanted to let you know...

I hate snow. I really, really, really hate snow. I hate driving in snow. I hate walking in snow. I hate wearing boots. I hate hats. I hate mittens.
Just thought I would let you all know.
Oh, just so you know, my blood pressure has been pretty good. Sometimes it starts to creep up, but if I lay down and relax it usually goes back down pretty quickly. I only have 7 days of school left so I'm hoping to get through these days, then I'm on break so I'll have plenty of time to relax! Thanks for all the prayers.
Also, we still really don't have a baby name picked out..is that bad?

prayer request...

So, I went to the doctor on Friday afternoon and she said my blood pressure is getting high and that I needed to take it easy. I have to go back in soon for some blood work and they want to do an ultra-sound on the baby to see how he's tolerating all of this. My pressure is not NEARLY as high as what it was with Arianna, but I have a new doctor and she's much more cautious. Anyway, what I'm asking for is prayers. I really want to be able to teach the next two weeks and make it to Christmas break. However, if my pressure continues to rise, my doctor said bed rest is in the cards. Those of you who know me well know that would drive me nuts...obviously for the health of my child I would, but would rather not be on bed rest. Also, please pray that this little guy isn't experiencing any stress because of this higher blood pressure. Thanks so much and I'll keep you all posted.

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend...

We had quite the weekend. Jason started painting the basement so I had to "move out". I packed up Arianna and myself and moved into my parents basement while Jason sprayed our basement. We were at my folks house from Thanksgiving day to that Sunday. It was kind of like a mini-vacation! Arianan loved being around Grandma and Papa and had a really good time playing at their house. Jason finished the spraying and now we're getting ready to add the colors to the walls. Very exciting. My mom and I did our annual shopping day. I didn't know if I would make it this year considering my leg, but a deals a deal...and being dutch prevails. Pain over spending more money, right?! So, off we went at 5am and I lasted until about 12:30. We got lots of great things and I'm (almost) done Christmas shopping ~sigh~ now I must wrap.

We also got our Christmas tree. Another annual event. We head out with my family to cut down our tree. This year we decided on a tall but skinny tree. After getting it home, it looks a little like the Charlie Brown Christmas tree, but we love it all the same. Arianna LOVES playing with all the "nomen" (snowmen) and I have to keep reminding her that they are pretties and we don't touch. She's also quite fascinated with the large socks that are hanging from our wall and keeps trying to tickle the feet. Oh to be two again. This is her first Christmas that she is realizing what's going on and it is so much fun to watch her excitement and joy. Hope you all had a blessed holiday weekend!

Here are some pictures from the past few weeks:

This is Arianna and Grandma when she was visiting.

We've been working on the whole potty thing. This is what Arianna would rather do with her potty seat...play peek-a-boo. Maybe someday...

Helping daddy cut down our tree

Dragging the tree back to the road so we could be picked up by the tractor

Arianna with two of her female cousins (Natalie and Lauren)...aren't they all so cute?!

Papa and Grandma with some of the girls. Arianna, Lauren and Claire (held by my mom).

Posing in front of our tree with the big socks in the background! ;)

and, for those of you wondering why I am not in any pictures, the rule around our house right now is no pictures of the fat lady. Ah yes, I know...pregnancy is beautiful. I totally agree. I agree that when I see other people pregnant I think they are beautiful. I know that it's God's miracle and that there is an actual person inside of me (which is why my belly is large and round) but the human side of me sees the scale and those three little numbers getting bigger and bigger and I suddenly am gripped with the terror that I might soon outweigh my husband. So, until my weight does not challenge his...no pictures of the fat lady. Sorry people, no belly pictures. That's just how it is :)

Christmas Quiz

I found this on my friends blog and she said I was "tagged"...you're it!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? wrapping paper!
2. Real tree or Artificial? real, they smell so good!
3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the day after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? Usually the day after Christmas
5. Do you like eggnog? NO
6. Favorite gift received as a child? a "working" kitchen set, or my Cabbage Patch Doll
7. Hardest person to buy for? MY DAD!!!!!!!!!!
8. Easiest person to buy for? Jason or Arianna
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, Willow Tree
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, the annual Nikkel letter! :)
11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? oven mitts...thanks honey
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Story or Christmas Vacation
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? The day after Thanksgiving
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? yes...
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? pie
16. Lights on the tree? yes, white
17. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? depends on the year...
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Nope
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? the snow
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Silver
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Ham
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A healthy baby boy, and maybe a vacation :)

the last two weeks...

The last two weeks have been total chaos for our family. I've been having tech rehearsals for the musical I was directing and Jason had basketball try-outs. Thankfully, his mom flew in to help us out. It was a HUGE blessing to have her at our house taking care of Arianna. Obviously, Arianna LOVED the grandma (spoil) time and it was really nice not to have to take Arianna to a sitter all the time.

This year our musical was Guys and Dolls and I'm finally done with my performances. We had three amazing performances...to sold out crowds. It was great. The kids did an awesome job and I know it sounds crazy, but I'll miss it. Here are a few pictures of what I've been working on...

The Crapshooters

Take Back Your Mink


Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat

I got the horse right here...

Mom guilt...

anyone else ever have immense "mom guilt"? It's the feeling that you're just not doing this whole mom thing right. As many of you have gathered my schedule lately has been a bit crazy with teaching, musical etc. and I have not been able to spend a ton of time with Arianna lately. Yesterday, I dropped her off at daycare, she screamed as I left, "momma!! hugs!"...total mom guilt moment. Then, I worked all day. I picked her up, woke her up from her peaceful nap because I had to get going...mom guilt. I dropped her off with her daddy and as they were driving away, she was screaming "mommy!!" and pointing to me through the window...mom guilt. When I FINALLY got home at 6:45, she ran up to me, huge smile on her face and said "momma, boots! (which for those of you who do not know Arianna language means, Dora the Explorer)...we snuggled on the couch and she held my hand and gave me kisses. I asked her if she missed mommy today and she said yes...mom guilt. I put her to bed and she wanted me to lay by her and sing, so I did. Even though I hadn't eaten dinner yet and I was so beyond tired, I couldn't take one more event of mom guilt. As I dragged myself downstairs at 7:40pm to eat dinner, I could hear her cry out for mom and I went back to her for just one more kiss...mom guilt. Then, last night at 1am as she cried out for momma, I went in her room to lay next to her. Something I normally never would do. But, I have mom guilt. Now, it's brought to a whole new level...my breakfast this morning? A milky way dark candy bar and a diet coke. Serious mom guilt. Little one inside did enjoy all the sugar though, he's doing flips. This leads me to wondering, anyone else ever experience this mom guilt? Anyone else grateful that our children love us unconditionally (at least when they're 2) and that they have very short memories? I am.

and the gems keep coming...

Seriously people, I know that I'm huge (honestly, I think it's funny the horrible things people say to me which is why I share. I'm not usually offended, I just think "oh my word, people are so dumb.") So, these are the latest tidbits of pregnancy comments:

1. Are you sure it's not twins?
2. Really...9 more weeks to go? That seems like a really long time considering your size (yes, someone actually said that to me)
3. Well, that's not just a cute little baby bump anymore is it?
4. Even your maternity shirts are getting a little tight around the belly...could you try a larger size?
5. So, is it a boy or a girl? (I respond, boy). That's what I would have guessed, mothers always are so much rounder when carrying boys

AND, PLEASE PEOPLE, unless you want your fingers broken...hands off the belly. Why do people think they can just reach out and touch my belly. Last night, a lady actually touched my belly and said, "don't feel much movement going on in there...must be running out of room."

I almost broke her hand.

must admit...

Okay, I have to admit these two things. First, I didn't take many pictures this weekend of our trick-or-treating. Jason was gone and I totally forgot. Thanks goodness for friends who took pictures and I'll try and get them posted soon.
Secondly, we have two local stations who are playing solid Christmas music already. I listened on my way to work. I sang the entire way. I LOVE Christmas music. I'm a total dork, I must admit.

Counting, sort of

This is just so stinkin' cute in my opinion...

Just some stuff

Sorry it's been so long since pictures have been posted, but life is totally crazy right now. With parent/teacher conferences, school, musical, basketball open gyms and Arianna getting ANOTHER ear infection, life has taken over. One super exciting thing that happened last week was my brother and sister-in-law delivered a healthy, strong baby boy. William Andrew and he's darn cute! We took Arianna to see him and she was much more interested in his hat and bottle than him...we'll see how she does when a baby comes to live with her full time ;)

We also took Arianna outside last weekend in her Halloween costume to get some pictures. Here is a short sneak peak. She loved that we took Lacy with us. She LOVES that dog...

Things Never to Say to a Pregnant Woman...

These are things that have actually been said to me over the last few weeks:

1. Wow, your fingers are starting to look like little sausages
2. Is your face always so full, or is that just because you're pregnant
3. You just look so tired (why not just tell me I look like crap?)
4. Are you sure you should be drinking that, is that really good for the baby? (it was a diet coke)
5. Did you gain this much weight with Arianna too?
6. This happened at the maternity clothing store: Will you need those pants in an XL?
7. How cute, you're actually starting to waddle.
8. I actually think that you're bigger today than what you were yesterday!
9. You know, if you drink more water it will help with all that water retention...
10. Conversation:

Idiot: When are you due?

Me: Beginning of January

Idiot: Really, you look ready to pop any day now!

Listen people, I know that I'm as big as a house. You don't need to tell me. You can just lie and tell me I look great. I'll know that your lying, but at least I'll feel better.

Coming soon...

I took Arianna out this weekend and tried to get photos of her in her Halloween costume. I don't know how people do it...I cannot get good pictures, but I'll post what I have soon. It was a super busy weekend. Hope you're all doing well. Please pray for Jason and I this week as we have parent teacher conferences coming. They are always a challenge ;)
It's good practice of how not to parent... I probably shouldn't have said that.

Realizing blessings..

I didn't know this, but today, October 15 is the National Day of Remembrance for pregnancy and infant loss. This includes all babies who have died because of miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, or any other infant death. I've been reading a blog, Bring the Rain at http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/ and it literally makes me weep. Seriously, not just tears, but sob. I have realized how truly blessed I am. Ever wonder why God blesses some people so greatly and some people have to endure such trial, suffering and pain? I have so many friends that have endured such grief. One lost her husband, he was only 27 years old. One friend, lost her baby at 13 days. One, a miscarriage, at 11 weeks. Grief. As I look at my life, I see how truly blessed I am. My friends, they are so amazing to me. I don't know how they do it. I don't know how you go on with grief that encompassing. They have amazing faith. They are true testaments of God's grace.
Today, on this day of remembrance, I encourage all of you who know someone who has lost a child (at any age) please pray for them. This grief, never goes away. I cannot imagine.

Enjoying Indian Summer

The weather here has been unusually warm for October and we are LOVING it. The only problem is that I don't have any "summer" clothes that fit... ;)

Arianna has loved being able to play outside and this weekend we took full advantage of, what we think, is going to be our last warm weather weekend for a while. Arianna helped daddy clean out the garage and then we took her to the local park to play. It was so much fun! I wish every weekend was like this!

We also started trying her in her "big girl" bed as she likes to call it. Today, Sunday, she took her nap and did GREAT! We just put her to bed for the night, so we'll see how she does.

Finally HERE!

Our camera charger has finally arrived and here are the promised pictures. Things are going well. A lot of you have emailed me asking how I am doing and I'm okay. I really hate it when people whine and complain, so I try not to...but I'm in a lot of pain lately. My sciatic nerve is really bothering me and my back and right leg are causing me daily, constant pain. I've been to some physical therapy which does help a little, but other than that, nothing is easing it up. So, if you could please pray that it goes away soon I would greatly appreciate it. It makes it so difficult to even walk, much less carry Arianna...so I could use some prayers for patience and healing. Thanks so much. Other than that, things are good. We're still both SUPER busy with life. I'm still working with the musical 4 days a week and Jason is busy with school. Arianna is growing like a weed and learning to talk and do so many things. She is a constant amazement to us. We both love being parents and are enjoying every minute of her.
We also finished her "big girl" room. We had a college student from our church come over and paint big flowers on the wall. (if anyone wants her name and number we have it...she's awesome!!!) We LOVE the final outcome (the pictures do not do it justice). We have one last thing to add, and that's her name above her bed. Only one project at a time. We're hoping to move Arianna over for naps first and then at night by Thanksgiving. That way, she'll be in her big room for a month before little boy Nikkel comes...that might be another prayer request!




Jason has been teaching her to say "go Hawkeyes" in honor of his beloved Iowa football team. It sounds super funny, but she does try and say it.

Here is a picture we've taken with her and her big "punkin"...or apple as she sometimes calls it. She loves giving it hugs and kisses...rather pumpkins than boys we figure! ;)


Hope you're all doing well and enjoying the fall weather!

Good News...

I found/purchased the battery re-charger. Should be shipped soon..pictures will follow. YEAH!

Free Handbags

Click on this link http://www.handbagplanet.com/ They are giving away a free handbag every hour...good luck.

just so you know...

some how we lost our battery charger to our camera so there will be no pictures posted any time soon. I've bid on one in ebay so hopefully we'll get it by next week or so. Until then...sorry, no pics. I'll make sure we have something so we can post her super cute Halloween costumes.

Name Help Needed...

many of you have asked what our baby boy's name will be. Honestly, we really don't know for sure. We thought it was "settled" but then...we still are not sure. So, I'm asking for comments, ideas and suggestions. Go for it.

As promised...

I promised I would post pictures this weekend and here it is, Sunday at 10:15pm, posting pictures. These are just a few pictures from the last few weeks:

Arianna eating Speghetti-O's...enjoying every last bite.

After church, nursery wears her out totally!

Saying "cheese" for the camera

Why one should never leave two 20 month olds together in a room, alone

Check it out...

if you want to see the development of our baby boy, check out the bottom of this page. The ticker is pretty cool!

7 things...

I've seen this on a few of the blogs that I regularly check and it sounded fun...so here are 7 things that most of you don't know about me (feel free to comment or create your own 7 things)

1. I used to HATE the color pink and now it's my favorite. I seriously, hated it. I thought it was the uglies color ever created...now, I wear it almost daily and if I don't have it on, Arianna probably does.
2. My secret dream is to be a Broadway star...never going to happen. If I could sing, I would totally be on stage someplace. However, my car is my audience (and Arianna).
3. I'm totally addicted to email. I probably check my email 30 to 40 times a day...maybe more.
4. Although I teach English and I read daily, I cannot spell. I think it's genetic. My dad can't spell either.
5. I have road rage. Serious road rage.
6. I hate being around sick people. I hate feeling sorry for sick people. I hate how sick people whine. I have no sympathy for sick people (I mean adults who have a cold, exempt from this rule are: children and people who are seriously sick). And, when I'm sick, I like to be left alone.
7. I'm a total germ-a-phobic. My school has a new "idea" of how to build positive relationships with students -- to stand outside our door and give every kid a handshake, say their name and then say 'welcome to class'. I think it's totally dorky, but besides that, GROSS! I'm not shaking 125 hands a day, can you imagine all those germs?! I just can't do it. I can't.

So, that's 7 things that most of you didn't know about me...now you are all a little smarter than what you were before reading. You learned something. Have a good day.

Slacker Blogger

Sorry I've been such a slacker blogger...in reality I've been a slacker everything lately! I haven't even taken new pictures of Arianna to post, this week, I promise. Things are going well. I'm getting readjusted to my new schedule and I'll be honest, it takes it right out of me. I'm exhausted by the end of the day. Last week every night I had musical auditions/casting so that made it even busier. This week we start actual rehearsal which is a little less time consuming, but not really. My schedule is as follows:
Monday -- school all day. Rehearsal 6-9:30
Tuesday -- school all day. Rehearsal 3:30-6:00
Wednesday -- school all day. Rehearsal 6-9:30
Thursday -- school all day. Rehearsal 3:30-6:00
Friday -- school all day.

Obviously, things are totally crazy over here. So, please forgive my "slackerness"

Arianna is doing wonderfully. She is feeling better and is also slowly readjusting to her new schedule. I still have to wake her up in the mornings, but she is usually happy. I do feel that the long drive is starting to get to her. I would say at least two mornings a week she cries for part or all of the drive and at least three afternoons a week she cries. It makes for a long drive seem longer. Please pray that she can get readjusted. It breaks my heart to listen to her cry and not be able to do anything about it. Also, I wanted to say thanks to all of you who email me words of encouragement and saying that you're praying for me with this crazy schedule...and for reminding me that I'm not only taking care of myself, but this little babe inside. Thank you for all your love. Keep sending it, I'm going to need it!

tag...

this is on my friend Kristin's blog and I thought it looked fun...

5 Things on my list to do today:

1. musical auditions
2. create a call back list for reading
3. eat dinner as a family
4. pick up the house so it can be cleaned tomorrow...YEAH!
5. organize my lesson plans for tomorrow

5 Snacks I enjoy:

1. french fries
2. chips
3. ice cream -- any kind
4. cheese
5. cottage cheese...I'm pregnant

5 Things I would do if I was a sudden Billionaire:

1. Pay off all of our debt
2. Take my family on a cool vacation
3. Build an auditorium for Unity
4. Give money to Right for Life
5. Quit my job

5 Bad Habits:

1. Bite my nails
2. Get angry too quickly
3. Little bit OCD
4. I eat crappy food
5. I don't get enough sleep

5 Places I have lived:

1. Hudsonville
2. Holland
3. Jamestown

5 jobs I have had:

1. Babysitter
2. Waitress
3. Nanny
4. Daycare worker
5. Teacher

5 things most people don't know about me:

1. I'm terrified of spiders but I don't want Arianna to be so I act like they don't scare me around her
2. I'm scared of the dark
3. I was a cheerleader for a VERY short period of time at Hope College until they decided to throw me in the air...then I quit
4. I don't get stage fright, in fact...I LOVE being on stage
5. My favorite thing to wear is comfy pants. Whoever created sweatpants is my hero...

IF YOU ARE READING THIS, YOU ARE TAGGED AND IT IS YOUR TURN!! I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT YOU!

Is this normal?!

So, I'm very sad today. No reason as to why, just sad. I've been watching Arianna play all day and I realized something. She doesn't need me nearly as much as she used to. She's getting so big, so fast. I feel as though time is just slipping past me and I can't quite grasp it all. I want to soak in every moment and I still feel as though I missing everything. Today we were in Old Navy and she refused to try on these shoes for church...she actually told me that they were "not pretty". Oh my word...is she old enough to pick out her clothes?! She curled her toes and no matter what I tried, those shoes were not going on her feet. It made me sad. Not because I liked the shoes so much, but because of the realization that she is growing up. She's not a baby anymore, she's a person. Okay, I know she's always been a person, but you all know what I mean. So, I wonder if this is normal. Or, is this being caused the the pregnancy hormones? Life is crazy isn't it? When she was a teeny-tiny baby I couldn't wait for her to start sleeping through the night and telling me what she wanted...I would give anything to go back to those nights, just once. Hold her, rock her and smell her sweet baby smell. I know I have another one on the way, but it won't ever be the same. Maybe I'm crazy. But, I miss her "babyness"...is that normal?
Maybe this is all because I'm headed back to school and I'm terrified I'll miss even more of her life. I know this is what is best for my family, I know that Arianna LOVES daycare and receives excellent care...but it still makes me sad.
Sorry to dump all this on you, my blog readers. I just had to get it out. Thanks for letting me share.

Much better, thank you

Just wanted to say thanks to all of you who emailed and made comments, Arianna is doing much better. The sores are pretty much gone from the inside of her mouth and her fever is down. I still have no idea where she got this from, but...at least it's over and done with! I finally got a complete nights sleep last night so that was excellent as well! I'm still feeling pretty good, but I'm very tired. Next week is going to be totally crazy. I have musical auditions every night so it's going to be a long, but exciting week. Once again, thanks for the prayers...they worked!

Oh my word...

So, yesterday I had one long day. It was my first official day of school, which was very long and exhausting. Being 5 months pregnant and teaching 120 8th graders in one day just makes for a long day! After school I picked up Arianna from daycare. She wasn't super happy and the daycare lady said that she just woke up from her nap kind of crabby. I was thinking it was because she was just off her schedule a little. I had to make a few quick stops after school, so Arianna and I went to Walmart...
While in line at Walmart she started to act really odd...and all of a sudden she puked all over. When I say all over, I mean ALL OVER. Down my dress, on herself, in my shoes...everywhere. I felt her forehead and she was burning up. I left my cart at Walmart, walked out with as much dignity as I could and rushed home. I took her temp and it was 102! She stayed home today with Grandma and Grandpa. When Jason got home this afternoon I talked to him and he said she still wasn't good. So, I called the doctor and got her in yet this afternoon.
The poor girl. She has a lesser known form of Hand, Foot and Mouth. Only instead of the blisters forming on her hands and feet, they go down her throat. The doctor said that this was one of the worst cases he has seen this year. So, she needs to stay home all week.
What a way to start the year...

It's a....

if you don't want to know the gender of our baby STOP READING NOW! Jason and I just had our "big" ultra-sound this past Friday and after much deliberation and anguish :) we decided to find out the gender of this babe. IT'S A BOY! and, even more importantly, a very HEALTHY BOY! What a true blessing! We could see his little heart, brain, legs, arms, belly, face...he's completely perfect. We also were able to have a 3-D ultra-sound. It was amazing to see his face so clearly. He's "hiding" behind the placenta, so we were only able to see half his face, but I still think he's darn cute! I've attached a few pictures. Enjoy and thanks again for all the prayers. Please keep praying that this little guy continues to grow into a healthy strong baby.

His arm -- my cousin was the ultra-sound tech and she wrote "hi grandma!"


This is his face. You can see his nose and one eye...


This one he has his hand up by his face. His hands were by his face almost the entire time. See, he's darn cute already!


This is a "full" body shot. The head is on the left and it goes all the way to his toes. You can see the spine at the bottom of the picture.