Great Outdoors

My three "kids" and I love spending time outside, especially when its so gorgeous out like today. We go on walks everyday. Folks alway say I have my hands full and I do, but it's fun. My dogs are really good walkers and Lydia just loves looking around. Don't worry I'm not using one of those recalled slings. This one is the Ergo carrier and I love it. They sell them at a baby store in Valley Junction.
We also love just hanging out in the backyard under our big shady tree. I love Iowa this time of year! I hope everyone gets out and enjoy this weather while it lasts, before we know it snow will be here.

Rachel Pierce
rpierce@myabc5.com

Welcome Mercer Joel!

Here's the pictures as promised. I visited Amanda, Mercer and Brian in the hospital today. I can't believe Amanda just had a baby, she lookS great! Mercer is just the cutest! He has long fingers, big feet, tons of hair. Brother Maddox already loves being a big brother and Amanda said his reaction to Mercer didn't disappoint. I'm sure Amanda will write about that later, probably when things calm down a bit.
I know everyone will miss seeing Amanda on the news for awhile, but she'll be back in September. I'll be back next Thursday.

Rachel Pierce
rpierce@myabc5.com

It's a Boy!!!!

(Amanda's husband Brian sent me this picture via text this morning)

Amanda had her baby boy!!!! Mercer Joel was born today at 4:19 am. He's a big boy, 8 pounds 9 ounces and 21 inches long! Amanda told me Mercer looks just like his dad Brian. Mom and baby are doing great!
I'll be visiting them tomorrow so more pictures to come!
Congrats Amanda, Brian and Maddox!

Rachel Pierce
rpierce@myabc5.com

Right before I started writing this blog I snapped this picture of my little Lydia, asleep in her pack-n-play next to me. Aren't sleeping babies the best! She'll be ten weeks old tomorrow. Wow does time fly!

Our family has been super busy. Last week I taught the four-year olds at Vacation Bible School at our church. I had ten boys and two girls. Saying boys have energy would be a HUGE understatement, but it was so much fun.

We also were involved and volunteered in the Hy-Vee Trialthon events, went to Winefest, celebrated father's day and just busy with day to day stuff.

I've been working out like crazy. I started training for the Des Moines half marathon and have also been working out with a personal trainer twice a week. Gotta lose that baby weight. My husband for father's day got me a present! He said he wouldn't be a father without me, so sweet. I'm obsessed with the gift. He got me the Garmin GPS Forerunner 405 running watch. I'd go into all the amazing stuff it does but it would take pages to write it all out! All I can say is it totally gets me motivated and excited to lace up my shoes and hit the pavement.

My maternity leave is quickly coming to a close I return a week from this Thursday. People ask me if I'm ready, I know it will be hard but I love my job. Any working moms out their have any advice to make the transition back to work easier?

Rachel Pierce
rpierce@myabc5.com

My "big bubble"

Some of you may be wondering, "When is Amanda going to have her baby?" I wish I knew. All I can tell you is that I'm definitely in my FINAL days of this pregnancy.

My son is anxious as well, he's very excited to meet his new brother. Today he made me laugh quite hysterically when he said, "Mommy, your tummy looks like a big bubble." And because of my reaction he kept calling me "big bubble" and we both giggled about it all morning long.

Rachel will be back in two weeks. It's quite amazing how our maternity leaves worked out and didn't overlap each other too much. Christina will be filling in after I leave and before Rachel returns.

Oh, before I end this post. Thanks to those of you who sent me some frozen meal ideas. I have some of them ready to go.

Amanda

akrenz@hotmail.com

Sorry the video is sideways. You'd think I'd know how to turn it around working in the news business, but I'm doing this from home with my own "equipment" so please forgive me!
This video was taken on my camera June 9th of my little eight week old girl Lydia "talking" to me! She changes so much everyday it's amazing. I just love interacting with her.

Rachel Pierce
rpierce@myabc5.com

Maddox funny

My husband just called me at work. He is with Maddox at the library. He had to tell me a funny story. Apparently Maddox kept taking books off the shelf and throwing them on the floor. Here's their converstation:



Brian: Maddox, stop that.



Maddox: I'm sorry daddy.



(Maddox does the same thing again)



Brian: Maddox, stop that, pick up those books.



Maddox: I'm sorry daddy.



Maddox does the same thing again, more books on the floor.



Brian: Maddox, why are you doing that?



Maddox: I'm sorry Daddy, I have short term memory.



Brian (trying to hide his smile): Where do you learn that?



Maddox: Finding Nemo.



Maddox and I just watched this movie this morning while it was pouring rain. Any of you familiar with Dory's character?


I tell you, this kid of mine is such a sponge!

Denim Diapers and Frozen Meals Question

Have you seen these? They crack me up. I really don't think my new baby will be wearing them, but I'm anxious to see if other people buy into this fad.

Also, several of you helped me decide NOT to get a double stroller. Thanks for the advice, I listened and will not be purchasing one. My three-year-old will just be too big for it.

Now I have another question. Do you have any good ideas for frozen meals? I would like to make some up this weekend and put them in the freezer so we can heat them and eat them after we bring the new baby home. I have a couple ideas for pasta dishes but would love to have some variety.

Thanks as always.

Amanda (only two weeks to go)
akrenz@myabc5.com

Classic Day

(I hate asking celebrities to take pictures with me, so I did this for you folks...and could Teri Hatcher not look any better!)
(Above Steven Weber and myself, below my sister Natalie and I volunteering at the Principal Charity Golf Classic)
Today my day was all about the Principal Charity Golf Classic. It started with my sister Natalie and I volunteering by manning the tee box on hole number eleven. We got to chat with the golfers which included many of the pros and some local favorites like UNI Men's Basketball coach Ben Jacobson. We were there on behalf of Variety the Children's Charity. It was a gorgeous sunny day and boy I'm I glad we loaded up on sunscreen.
I took a little break from my maternity leave to interview Teri Hatcher and Steven Weber. You may recognize Hatcher from her role on "Desperate Housewives" and Weber for his role on "Wings". Both are here to play a round of golf on Wednesday to help raise money for various children's charities including Variety the Children's Charity. The President of ABC 5, Ray Cole, asked the two of them to come and they did. He's also the one who got Michael J. Fox to the tournament last year and Rob Lowe the year before that.
Hatcher was so funny and gorgeous in person. I'm really happy her career took off again with "Desperate Housewives" because she truly deserves her fame. She was so gracious and humble. You'll have to watch my story with her tonight on 10@10, it will also be on our website. She's said she's nervous to play tomorrow because she hasn't played in years. So she said she got a really cute little outfit to make up for it and plans to sign a lot of autographs.
Weber is one witty guy. He kind of reminded me of his character on "Wings". Did you know he's the voice of Principal? He also said he's the conscience of Principal too, but somehow I doubt that.
I hope everyone is able to make it out to the tournament for at least one day, you'll help raise money for Iowa's Children. It's a lot of fun and what a unique event for our great city to have, so lets support it! Tickets are available at www.principalcharityclassic.com/

Rachel Pierce
rpierce@myabc5.com