Mommy Antics

Milestones, throwbacks and fresh air

2011-08-16T20:57:00.002-04:00

Are you all still here? Do you even care what I have to say anymore even if it is far and few between??? I sure hope so, especially if I'm going to write it all out....

So, instead of trying to go way back, I'll just start here in the now and work backwards???

LH is almost 6! He is weeks away from first grade complete with 2 dozen glue sticks...yes, really, they required 24 flippin' glue sticks! I hope he has a lot of cool projects to bring home. They will probably dry up before he even gets to use them all.

He's been enjoying summer daycare. They go somewhere cool almost everyday! Swimming at a water park, lake or pool, bowling, museums, ice cream, Chuck E Cheese, a creamery, and so much more. He likes it but is excited he will be staying home after school with his daddy again this year! We are exited too because it saves a ton of money!!!

He's playing football!!! They have started practice - 3 times a week. At first I thought it was a bit much, but seems to be ok. Good thing is their games are only once a week and on Tuesdays!! No weekends yet! And, best part is Hubby is assistant coach so I don't have to take and pick up for practice!!! It is the little things in life!

M&M will be ONE in a couple of weeks. I'm not sad yet. She's just so sweet and still so tiny to me, that it isn't really getting to me. She is so much fun. She's still gabbing and smiling all the time. She hardly cries and I'm pretty sure she wants to walk. She's taking steps but then just sits down and crawls. LH is so good with her. He loves her to pieces.

She has two teeth on the bottom and isn't rushing to get anymore. I'm ok with that because she seems to be eating whatever we put in front of her just fine. And believe you me, she hasn't met a snack she doesn't like!

We are on our last can of formula!!!!!! Oh, what a great feeling that is. We've been mixing in whole milk with her bottles and giving her some in sippy cups and she loves it. I'm easing her into it so she isn't all gassed up!

We have been on tons of mini trips and are enjoying every minute of our summer. Just last weekend we went "camping". I can't really say we camped since we were in a cabin with A/C and a bathroom. I'm not a tent and toilet paper kind a girl! I will say it was one of our best family vacations and we can't wait to go back. It was at a Jellystone campground complete with Yogi, Boo Boo and Cindy Bear! They offer such great activities for all ages and the best part was it was super close to home so we had all day Sunday to relax instead of behind a windsheild.

I'm ready to stick a "For Sale" Sign in the yard and by an RV.

We have a great trip coming up this weekend too. We are going to Raleigh to see Journey, Foreigner, and Night Ranger. Throwback to the 80's. I'm seriously considering pegging my jeans, teasing my hair and wearing about 4 colors of scruncy socks. I can't wait!!! It is technically my birthday present (which is NEXT weekend).

I've got more...really, but I'm half asleep so instead of mistyping and writing really funny things (like my phone does when it autocorrects me), I'll just call it a night and visit you again tomorrow....hopefully!

Photos

2011-06-28T22:15:00.003-04:00

Me and my honey

Last day of School Do'

Sunbathing beauty

My little Princess!

2011-06-28T21:42:00.001-04:00

Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone

Catchin' up....

2011-06-28T21:23:00.003-04:00

This could be lengthy...I want to catch up on what's been going on lately!

I think I'm starting to feel a little normal now. Things are slowing down and we are in a good routine. School is out and summer is here! Even though I work everyday, there is a calm that comes with warmer temperatures and more daylight.

Since it has been so long, I'll update in sections...

LH:

He had a great year in Kindergarten...he's officially a 1st grader! I'm having a harder time with that then him starting school in the first place.

He played Tball and did well. He's a hard hitter and throws well, but still needs some help in the "paying attention" area, but don't they all at this age!

Within 2 days of his last day of school, he took a trip to visit Hubby's brother,wife and son in KY. He spent 3 days playing hard and came home for one night before he was gone again. Gigi and Pop took him back to Atlanta for NINE days!!! He literally just walked in the door hours ago!

Swimming, bike riding, putt putt, a water park, movies, and just a lot of fun were where his energy was spent. I think mom would keep him if she could! I'm glad he had a great time and I am so thankful for parents that will take on such a busy kid, bur I'm so happy to have him back!!!

M&M:

Miss Priss has been busy the last couple of months. She will be 10 months on Friday! I can't believe it. She had a great 9 month old check up and is in 75th percentile of weight and 60th of height. Who knew we could make a small baby?

She's brave. She pulls up and sits down. She wants to walk, loves the water and I am pretty sure if I just let her go, she might swim!

She's cutting a tooth. NOT teeth! Yep, just one! I'll take it. She's still got her cheeks, laughs, and smiles all the time. She's eating real food - well, gumming it best she can. She's been saying dada for a while, but has expanded her vocabulary to 'uh-oh', 'bye bye' and her favorite 'dog dog'. She fianlly has uttered 'mama' but not very often and mostly when she's mad at me - screaming it repeatedly. As much as we missed her older brother, it was nice to spend some one on one time with her. She's so laid back and go with the flow, it's super easy.

Hubby:

Working hard and playing hard too! He's gotten me back to the gym (ok, well not this week) but you get my drift. We've been meeting after I get off work and have quality time pumping iron together. It's been nice and relaxing. We can chat about our days and things coming up instead of trying to remember everything we wanted to say and then running out of time to say it (b/c it usually is 15 minutes before he leaves for work). We've been on some weekend trips and are trying to have more date and Family nights

Me:

I'm still loving my job. I'm getting used to managing my time better working five days and only have 2 off. It's just like riding a bike - I did it before and I can do it again. It just took me a little longer to get back up!

I hired someone to clean my house once a month and that has been a wonderful relief. I'm figuring out how to get things done during the week and also spend as much time with family and friends as possible. We've been living poolside a lot on the weekends, but I'm ok with that!

I'm working on letting the little things go! We (I) are trying to relax more and just go with the flow! I seem to enjoy myself more when I do...and the working out is helping.

I'm joing weight watchers at work this week. I kind of fell off the wagon when I started this job. I will say that I've kept all my weight off and haven't gained, but I'm stuck.Hopefully this will be the beginning of a good thing!

US:

We are headed to the beach Friday when I get off work! I'm soooooooooooo ready for this trip. I am taking Tuesday the 5th off and will have 3 full days at the beach! And to boot, we just found out this morning we are staying with some of my in laws friends at their huge condo ON THE BEACH!!!! It will be so nice to be right there, no packing a car, driving to the beach and best of all, it will be good for naptime!

I'm going to post some recent pics of the kiddos soon!

Smarty pants

2011-06-15T22:02:00.004-04:00

I know I've been MIA, but thanks to my new super duper smarty pants phone, I can post from there!!!!
I'm not making any big promises, but I will try my damndest to post more.
I miss you all! I miss catching up on your lives, stories and pictures! I miss sharing all of that with you. I have lots and lots.
Now, the phone is a lot smarter than me. I have managed to become obsessed with Angry Birds, so once I get over that, I'll come back to you all!

Floored

2011-05-02T21:21:00.002-04:00

We have done home improvement projects here and there, but really haven't done anything major. The basement has been our biggest yet and it wasn't difficult per se, just time consuming. Also, ripping up carpet and painting isn't nearly as expensive as putting some down!

Well, we got schooled when we looked into new flooring for just the upstairs!!! Oh my, how we were sticker shocked.

We didn't go in with many expectations, but we were not expecting that! With carpet only and FREE labor it was still close to $5,000. Add another grand (or so) for some hardwoods mixed in. Even with a great financing offer we were skeptical. I am not one to make a decison first go around and espcially without checking the competition, so we decided to sleep on it. Well, because the guy has been in this business for 25 years, he sent us home with the sample to see if we liked it in our house. Well, it almost won, but I fought through it and we made our final decsion to wait it out. That sample looked sooooooo good compared to the ugly dark hunter green we have now. Nice and soft, fluffy, and a light bright neutral! It was hard to give that 2x3 rectangle back.

We just feel we can put our money and energy into projects that need our attention NOW, like landscaping! Also, a big reason is we really would like to put hardwoods in the main living area and hallway with carpet in the bedrooms.

I guess I'll just have to deal with the ugliness a little while longer...but on the bright side, we should have pretty flowers and plants to enhance our yard!!! I hope!

Up for Air!

2011-04-13T20:26:00.002-04:00

Barely!!!

I love the new job and I'm adjusting to working all day five days a week! Honestly, that part isnt' hard as I have plenty to keep me busy. So busy in fact that I almost don't realize it's lunchtime or time to go home!! I prefer it that way!

Now, the rest of my life is a little, um, hectic, chaotic, and just plain crazy! I love it, but I'm utilizing my time more wisely! I have to. My drive home takes twice or thrice as long to get home than it did before, so more to do in less time!!

On top of all the regular day to day stuff to do with family, there is hardly any time to do the fun stuff (email, facebook, hot baths, catch up on dvr, etc), but I finally have been doing some of that this week.

I wouldn't be so out of touch if I were home last weekend, but we took a little trip to visit my college roomie and family in Raleigh! It was so much fun, but we left right after I got off work Friday then got home Sunday evening. Basically just enough time to get things ready for the week ahead!

This weekend we are home and I'm looking forward to some down time - hopefully! Mom and Dad are coming in for M&M's baptism on Sunday, but Saturday looks open!

New Beginnings

2011-04-04T21:18:00.002-04:00

Well, I survived my first day at my new job. It was pretty much what I thought it would be. Lots of reading policies, company info, filling out tax forms, emergency contacts, and most importantly, my direct deposit forms. I did so not really knowing what I was getting paid. Yes, I know that seems odd, but I knew about what it was. Don't worry, I found out, and yes, it was close to what I expected. I am most excited about the benefits. I get paid vacation - a whole week THIS year and great medical insurance!!!! It will so much less than we pay now with Hubby's insurance. Now, I do have to pay for parking, but it is all worth it!

I had to be there this morning around 8:15. I signed in the front desk at 8:18, but getting there was half the battle. I was unsure how long it would take me in the morning, I didn't know how traffic would be and most importantly, I had to park (in the 5th floor of the garage) and walk to the office. When you put it all together, it is time consuming. I wanted to leave my house by 7:30, but 7:41 it was. I got stopped by a slow, coal train and have decided that maybe I'll try a different route tomorow!

I waited for almost 25 minutes to be taken upstairs but once I was up there, it went smoothly.

After lunch, I met with my department. I met a lot of nice people and I hope I remember everyone's names!!!

Well, I guess the good news is I'm going back tomorrow!!!

March out like a Lamb??? NOT

2011-03-30T08:33:00.003-04:00

Really? They are calling for snow? Maybe not here but in places....I'm so over this weather! I want warm, sunny, and flip flops!!!!

My first day of "vacation" is rainy and its on one of the LAST few days of March!!! Ok, so it's not really a vacation. I really have tons to get done before I start my new job and mom is here, so I definitely want to hang out with her! I just wish I didn't have to skip over puddles to do it all!

Bittersweet GoodBye!

2011-03-30T08:29:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was my last day! I can't believe it! I will surely miss these people! The past three years have been memorable!

Due to the nature of the business, not everyone could come to lunch (serve & protect right?) but here is a great picture of some of my work peeps!!!!

I love them!

Easter Sweetness

2011-03-24T22:16:00.003-04:00

Black and white might not be typical for Easter, but after seeing the suit my parents got LH, this dress was just a must have!!! I will have to get him a different tie (yellow) to match the flower on her dress....

He will also wear this for her Baptism in April! I'm still looking for her dress for that!

Fashion aside, I'm so proud of LH for taking Lent seriously this year and giving up something just like I do. He gave up going to the Cafeteria to eat!!! This may sound wierd to some, but he really loves going there. He eats there at least weekly with grandparents and possibly more if he has the option! So, for 4o days, he's Cafeteria free!! So proud of him.

I gave up "out to eat" coffee and all sodas! I can't even get coffee from McDonald's!!! Thank goodness I can still make my own coffee and have tea!

Sweet!!!

2011-03-23T16:16:00.002-04:00

This is what I got at work today!!!!!!!!!!From Hubby!! This is a rare occassion! I normally do not get flowers or the like from him. He just loves to surprise me though when I'm not expecting it!

It was just his way of saying how proud he is of me on my new job!!!

The strawberries were so big and sweet and the chocolate was heavenly!

I also got a huge new coffee mug, which is great because my new job doesn't provide cups in their effort to be more green!

Thanks Hubs for being you and being so thoughtful! Love you!

New

2011-03-21T22:18:00.002-04:00

I got a job! A real, 40 hour a week with benefits J.O.B.

I'm terrified and excited. I needed this. We needed this for the family and just for more stability. Things couldn't stay the way they were forever. I wish I could have Fridays off every week until the cows come home, but it wasn't going to work!

My current job is delegated by the State and with budget cuts over the past few years, I'm lucky I still had a paycheck. There have been fears every July that I could be cut.

I'm going to miss all the people I've become friends with and I know they are going to have a hard time functioning without me! I hope my new coworkers will be able to handle all of this!!! Maybe I should ease my way in and not scare them with my big personality!!!!

And then there were FOUR

2011-03-21T21:56:00.002-04:00

WIVES that is. I can't seem to stop watching the show Sister Wives. It's fascinating, disturbing and just addictive. I'm obsessed. I started watching it late last season and lucky for me there was a marathon on one weekend and I caught up on everything polygamy!

I'm currently in season 2 and if I wondered what other crazy curveballs they could throw into the mix, I didn't expect this one. So, long story short, all of them head to Wyoming (with a W not a Y) and visit grandparents. These are the dad's parents (Kody) and then all of a sudden, there is Janelle's (wife #2) mom. Um, ok, maybe she is there for a visit to help and see the kiddos. NOT, she's the second wife to the grandpa (Kody's dad)!

So, yes, if you followed, Kody and Janelle are married with children, and Kody's dad married Janelle's mom as well! I knew this lifestyle was qwerky, but really??? I mean, that just seems wrong on too many levels.

Wrong enough to not watch? Um, no.

On another note, the 4th wife, Robyn, is not my fave. I personally like Christine (wife #3) for whatever reason, but Robyn is different. She seems a tad immature and well, dense. I sound mean, but she just doesn't get it sometimes and I am not a big fan of him brining in a 4th when they seemed to have their crazy life pretty rock solid! Obviously, he didn't consult with me because I would have talked him out of it!

They all pulled over to take a picture on their road trip and tells them all to make a "Y" with their hands because they are in Yoming!!! Um, Mary (wife #1) totally called her out on the fact that it is actually spelled with a W!!!! Poor thing.

As weird as it all is, I am intringued by their relationships with their husband, each other and their kids. It is just so far fetched I can't help but stay tuned.

Frameable!!!

2011-03-21T16:08:00.002-04:00

Took this with my phone and it is definitely a keeper!!! Had to email it to myself so I could post!

Chopped

2011-03-17T11:35:00.003-04:00

I couldn't take it anymore. I got my hair chopped. Short! It has been a really long time since it has been this short.

Hubby was shocked! I mean, my face was still really pretty and all (see this) but just way shorter than he expected. He said he needed more warning! I gave him warning...I told him I was going to get a haircut! What more does he need???

Here is the finished product and I love that it can be worn funky or more "normal" depending on my mood! Who are we kidding, it really depends on how much time I have in the morning!

I love it! It takes hardly anytime to wash, dry and "style"!!!!

Six Months?

2011-03-07T13:23:00.003-05:00

How did this happen? It is totally inappropriate that M&M is already half a year old! I'm in denial.

If you can see, she has a sore on her forehead....and it keeps getting worse! It must have started as a scratch or dry patch and she's just rubbed and scratched it even more and it looks horrible! We have been lathering it witn neosporin and vaseline to keep it from drying out, so hopefully soon it will get better! It obviously hasn't upset her in anyway. She's still all smiles!!!

We went for her checkup last Friday and she did fantabulous as I expected! I doped her up in the waiting room with motrin, so I wasn't worried! Shots? No problem!

I got her stats but I can't remember her height (they are in the diaper bag)! Oh well, you can get the rest:

Weight: 16 lbs 14 oz

Head: 16 1/4 inches

Height: ????

Overall, she's in the 75th percentile of both height and weight. It is a whole new experience seeing her stats "inside" the curve as LH was always well above it!!

She was in love with the baby in the mirror! She talked to it and tried to grab it! It was hilarious. I thought I was prepared for the shots with motrin, then realized as I was half dressing her that her paci was missing!!! I thought that I would have a fight on my hands after she was stuck, but I was wrong. She cried out for a minute then just stopped! She's fabulous!

She slept for over 3 hours that afternoon but then was good as gold!

Bacon

2011-02-23T20:22:00.003-05:00

Is one of my most favorite things ever. I know, weird, but true! I love it. I would choose pork over chiken, seafood, or beef anyday!

LH is fascinated about what the animal is, not what the food is. I guess it makes sense because we call a shrimp a shrimp, a fish a fish, a duck a duck, a chicken a chicken, but there are many types of pig and cow! So, when I make dinner he always asks what we are having...pig, chicken, or cow! More times than not, there is pig in there somewhere! And Hubby always jokes that if I am cooking, its pig! He has a love of pork just like me, but I doubt it runs as deep!

I saw a food show that had a bacon of the month club. I seriously asked Hubby for it as a gift! There was also a segment aboout a bacon cupcake. Really? A cupcake AND bacon? Heaven is what I say!

I've had to change my eating habits a little based on my weight loss efforts, but not at the expense of losing all pork! I have tried to make the switch to turkey bacon, but its just not the same. I can sub keilbasa for the turkey variety and some sausage...but sometimes you just gotta have the real thing.

Living in Southwest VA gives me the opportunity to find fresh pork. I am actually looking for a half a pig. to stock my freezer!

Weird maybe, but that's what I like!

Workin' 9 to 5, just a trying to make a livin'

2011-02-21T07:59:00.003-05:00

Ugggh, I'm a slacker!!! I know!

I am trying to redeem myself. I have today off so hopefully with one rugrat at school and one napping, I might be able to catch you up!

Hmmmm, where to start???

I guess with work...boring, but too much not to talk about!

I just looked for a picture of my old office....and note it was MINE! All my own, just me, one person, one desk, with a door, that actually locked! This is my new one!!! Can you tell the difference?

In recent weeks, there have a been a lot of changes. My boss, the other part time girl and I have been uprooted with all our baggage and moved accross the street. We now are in a room together with another person (a poor boy at that) and occassionaly another boy! The room seems big when you think about it, but when we moved our 3 desks, tons of file cabinets and all the other stuff we have in there along with the boys' stuff, it is quite cozy!!! It is completely weird! We are practically on top of each other. Personal space is non existant and concentrating is even harder! I think the original concept was well intended, but it isn't really what they had expected! Our "division" was split up when we were in one building and the other half in another, so the idea was for all of us to be together...One big happy family! Well, we can feel the love, let me tell ya!

Our new home came with a new bare bathroom with a gallon pump jug of antibacterial soap, bare walls, no silverware or dishes, and even the most fragrant fridge I've ever laid nostrils on!

If you couldn't tell, we moved in with all men! Well, don't worry, we girlified it in a matter of hours! New paint (a really deep plum color), shelf/cabinet in the bathroom, fruity smelling soap, dishes, and a good scrubbing of the fridge! Wow, it was nas-tay! It is in a room off from the kitchen, with a separate door! As soon as the door opened to the room, you were hit with the worst smell! Don't worry, 3 pairs of rubber gloves, and entire pack of paper towels and a bottle of cleaner later, I had it spic and span!

My fellow roomie cleaned the kitchenette!!!!! Just as gross!

Well, the best thing is we are all together and spend way less time running accross the office to meet and hardly anytime on the phone!!! Oh, and the poor boy has learned more than he ever wanted to know about women in just a short week!

Kiddin' Around

2011-02-01T21:38:00.002-05:00

LH is the best big brother!!!! He has so much fun with M&M!!! How could you not? She's great!

New knee board from Uncle Chad for Christmas! Finally had an okay day to play outside!

And his other new toy. Yes, that truck really is that big!!!

LH is loving Kindergarten and doing great!

He can tie his shoes now!!!!!!

He has "two loose tooths"!

He helps me cook and does extra around the house and is trying really really really hard to stop sucking his thumb! Overall, he's amazing!!!!

FIVE months old!!!!

2011-02-01T21:06:00.002-05:00

Sweet M&M is five months old today! I really just don't know where the time has gone! She is so much fun and I am completely in love all over again!

Sweet dress! Yes, dresses are fun!!!!
I mean really? I just love her rolls!!!!

Her new PJs! I think she likes them!

Hanging in the saucer!

Things she's up to these days:

Doing motermouth -sputter sputter sputter
Eating real food - that I'm making!!!! Butternut Squash, Sweet Potatoes, and Applesauce are what's on the menu right now
Laughing out loud
Grabbing things and putting them in her mouth - Yay!!! (sarcasm) - but she is finding her passy which will help me out in the long run
Pulling up with her head - she will be sitting on her own soon...those cheeks are just so heavy!
Drooling a ton! I think she will be teeting soon!
"Talking" some - just babbles, but I still love it
Playing with her toys
SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - this one is my favorite...can you tell?

Enjoying Life

2011-01-27T19:53:00.002-05:00

I know it has been too long...I apologize! We are just having so much fun lately! M&M is growing up and such a big girl now. Eating real food, trying really hard to sit up and her new favorite - motormouth! It's really sweet until she's in the middle of eating and spits all over you!!! LH is getting ready to celebrate his 100th day in school! Apparently it's a big deal in Kindergarten! Also, he will get to have his first Carnival in March. I'm actually working very hard on the planning...maybe a little too hard! I'm afraid if I keep helping so much the first year, I'll be the chairperson by 2nd grade!

I've decided to make my own baby food for the most part and it is so much fun! I found a great website that gives great tips on recipes and how to cook, puree, store, freeze and reheat all the food for all the stages. It is surprising easy! I just made some last night while I was cooking dinner, so it really wasn't any extra effort. I made butternut squash, sweet potato, and applesauce. I couldn't believe how much food I got from just a few vegetables and fruit. I put the squash in ice trays then froze it-it made 3 full trays! Then I got at least a cup and a half of sweet potatoes from one potato and about a cup of applesauce from 2 small apples!!

She LOVES it. She's been really enjoying eating "real" food. She gobbles it up and it really is helping her sleep through the night! We are on the 4th straight night of her sleeping from about 8 to 5!!! Its been amazing! However, I am not! I wonder how long it will take me to stop waking up every few hours to check on her!!!

I'll post pics soon...promise!!! The "cheeks" are amazing!

Snow Delay?

2011-01-11T12:43:00.003-05:00

I have had way too much faith in the local weather people lately. I guess when they get it right a few times in a row, one starts to actually believe what they are saying. Well, I should have known it wouldn't last forever.

Now, I'm not being a hypocrite per se, but I really was wanting snow. Not for the fun of it, but for a day off. I am purely exhausted. M&M is making me insane. If she wasn't so darn stinkin' cute, I would probably be more upset about her waking me up all hours of the night.

If anything, this was one thing I didn't have to worry about with LH. He slept through the night around 10 weeks. She's still waking up at least once but lately, its been more.

I just wanted an excuse to rest. I feel guilty taking a day off.

They were calling for inches upon inches. My parents got dumped on in Atlanta yesterday and the whole city shut down, so I just figured we would get it too! Well, we got a dusting, but the schools were still 2 hours late. I guess because temps are so low they were concerned with freezing and such, but I was happy! I got up long enough to make a bottle, check the news, and back to bed I went. Hubby fed Miss Priss and took care of LH before I woke up at 8! It was so nice and on top of that she only woke up ONCE last night! So, I finally feel like I've actually gotten some rest!

Revenue Boost?

2011-01-10T13:22:00.002-05:00

Well, that is what the stores at the mall must need I'm assuming. I guess they didn't have the boom in sales they thought they would throughout the holidays because I just got a phone call from a store reminding me that a promotion starts this week. Thanks I think.

What? Ok.

I didn't get a call last time - so not sure why I did today.

Most likely, I would have forgotten. Now that I've been reminded, I'm sure Hubby will be less than thrilled that I'll want to run out there and spend some money on stuff that we don't necessarily need. And then I'll try to convince him it was such a great deal and look at how much I saved, which his response will be: if you didn't go at all, you would have saved more! Aghhh - the voice of reason. I don't listen very well!

The most disappointing part is that I have been anxiously awaiting a phone call and I was totally bummed when I answered an unknown number expecting one thing and getting a friendly reminder for a sale! Boo!

NO!

2011-01-08T23:08:00.002-05:00

Not ready at all!

M&M is growing up......and way too fast!

She ate cereal for the first time, she played in her exersaucer for the first time, AND if that wasn't enough, she ROLLED over....What???

I don't want her to be all big and grown up. I want her to stay small!

Sad Face!

M&M is 4 months old

2011-01-07T22:15:00.002-05:00

Miss Priss is 4 months old now....

We went to the doctor today and all is well!

She's had a cold and been waking up a bit throughout the night (every night) but we just have to let it run its course. I'm hoping it runs out soon because I'm exhausted. She got some shots and has been napping all day as expected, but she's been so good.

Her stats:

15 lbs. 12 oz. (90th percentile)

25 inches (75th percentile)

Happy, Healthy and just perfect!

WE WON!!!!!!

2011-01-03T13:44:00.003-05:00

Victory is sooooooo sweet! Even more so when you are up against your very competetive husband! We played Taboo - girls vs. boys! It was incredibly fun. So much so, we stayed up way too late both nights. So late that by the time we were going to bed, little miss M&M was ready for her "middle of the night" feeding!

We are a tad obsessed with the game and we have another game night scheduled for this Saturday with the new version - all new words! If you haven't played, it is great.

Here is how it all went down:

Giddy with excitement over our win....and a few glasses of wine!

Uggghhh, NOT that again!!!! The boys were cringing....they knew they had been beat!

Gloating! Yes, I know that is totally inappropriate...but I rarely get the chance! Notice the sad face and head hanging in defeat???

Loser...sorry bud!

Poor thing....

Earlier in the night...when things were going well for the boys!

Yep, all smiles! They had no idea what the night would bring!

Down in the Holler

2011-01-03T13:40:00.004-05:00

Ok, our house was great....log cabin, check, cozy, check, lots of ammenities (games, hot tub, theater room), check, easy access....um, not quite!

WOW....I was really scared as we turned into the driveway, if that is what you want to call it, because in the dark (when we finally arrived), it was just staring down into a pit! It was crazy!

This is the view from the road! This was the best picture I could take and as you can tell, it is straight down the side of the mountain....

And if the down in the holler, plus the steep driveway wasn't enough, this was the only staircase in the house....yep...you get dizzy just looking at it!!! Imagine, carrying pack and plays, toys, etc up and down, not to mention, kids that do NOT pay attention where they are going! Thankfully, no one was seriously injured!

Yep, that's the way in and out...notice we are stopped at the top of the "driveway" waiting our turn to get down and park. It was very strategic. One car had to get down, do a 50 point turn to face out as the other car waited. Then the second car had to park facing the house as there was no room to turn around. SO, upon leaving, the one car facing up had to leave and the second car then could "turn" around!

First night we were there a car that was staying at the house in the "middle" of the driveway (see the slats on the right side of the picture) - came down too far and had to BACK the entire way up the driveway!!!!!! I would have had a panic attack! Next time we will make sure to ask more about the way in and out of the cabin!

We are still baffled how the house was even built! And how in the world do you plow this???

Kiddin' Around

2011-01-03T13:27:00.005-05:00

So much fun last weekend. I want to go back...well, I didn't really want to leave!

The kids were wonderful and had so much fun! They were constantly entertained between the Wii, Dsi's, board games, movies, air hockey, pool, the hot tub, and even their own skits/muscial entertainment! Of course, I captured it all!

Collaborating their Justin Beiber skit!

Playing with one of the many electronics!

Yay, a doodle pad!

Um, she still just likes chilling out watching everyone else!

Jugling act?

Hot mess but so much fun!!!! If it can be thrown, it will be, no matter if it's meant to be!

Hanging out in the hot tub! One of the highlights for them!

My chunky monkey! -the one in the diaper that is!

This is what we looked like all weekend....it was fabulous!

Our attempt at an outting! There was a 2 hour wait for TICKETS alone on the tram then another hour to actually get on it, not to mention a long wait to get back down, so we opted for lunch and then went back to the cabin!

And a board game....lounging in pjs! Did I mention it was wonderful????

Taking in a movie!

A game of air hockey!

Again, the outting that wasn't really...

Just hanging out trying to figure out what to do!

Bomb Shelter?

2011-01-03T13:19:00.007-05:00

So, just in case you EVER need to have a stockpile of necessities for an emergency, just call me! I'll be able to set you up with enough food to last a really really long time!

I think we might have over packed??? Our trip was just for 3 days, but we planned on being in for every meal, so we didn't want to run out of food. Believe me, we didn't and we couldn't even eat what we brought. In fact, I only went to the grocery store when we got back to pick up eggs, milk and yogurt if that tells you anything.

Our table of quick access items - fruit and snacks!

Candy, sweets, etc....

Spices, crackers and of course marshmallows for hot chocolate

More staples - peanut butter, crackers and some toddler food!

Can you tell what our priorities were? Beer, more beer, wine, champagne, and some drinks for the kids. In addition, food to feed an army for about a month! HAHA!

Our bread corner - along with more sweets....

And can't forget the junk food!

We are crazy! We know this!

But it was still fun and I would probably do the same thing the next time!

Everythying but the Kitchen Sink

2010-12-30T07:23:00.002-05:00

That is no understatement either. Ugghhh. We are heading to the Smokey Mountains of TN today and spending New Year's weekend with some friends in a cabin in Gatlingburg! I've never been, so I'm very excited, however, I haven't had to pack like this in YEARS!

We are completely spoiled when it comes to traveling. With my in laws owning a condo at the beach, it is fully stocked with everything we might need, complete with baby items! SO, imagine me trying to cram all the "necessities" in for a 3 day trip starting from scratch.

I forgot how much stuff one tiny little person needs! And that's not even the half of it. I'm also used to the basics being provided - dish soap, laundry detergent, condiments, etc., but now I have to make sure we take EVERYTHING that we think we will use.

We came up with a menu for every meal plus snacks so we could account for all items that we might need, but it is a ton of work. My kitchen table was full of stuff and now we've finally moved most of that to the car. I have a nifty storage compartment under the back section that we put most of it in. And don't forget the wine, champagne, beer and sparkling juice! Those were first on my list of course! In addition to packing the food we will cook, I made lots of stuff too. Last night I made a lasagna so we could heat up for dinner tonight, chicken salad, and a fun chocolate chip bundt cake (weight watchers recipe)! I'm trying to be somewhat good!

I was frantic all week because I haven't had much time to get things done. Hubby has been doing all the laundry (as usual - THANK GOODNESS) and he packed up LH's bag last night. We will pack our clothes and M&M's today before we leave. I was up until midnight last night (ughh) and up at 5:45 this morning with the occassional feeding, so needless to say, I'm tired! The best part is that we are hoping for a lazy weekend full of lounging and relaxing, so not much need for anything more than yoga pants and comfy clothes! I'm ready for a lot of sitting!

I hope all this work is worth it!

Merry CHRISTmas!

2010-12-25T14:39:00.003-05:00

We hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Christmas. We sang Happy Birthday to Jesus first thing this morning along with a cake and candle. It made us proud that LH told us he already told Jesus happy birthday when he woke up! We are so proud of the young man he is and can't wait for him to teach M&M about all (ok, most) of the things he knows! He is a wonderful big brother!

We attended the family Christmas Eve Service - one of my favorite nights of the entire year! Kids everywhere, giggling, talking, occassionaly cries and snickers! I love it. Well, I love it when it's not my kid being the loud one!!! LOL
Our complete family! Love them!

And miss M&M in her precious Christmas dress! I have way too much fun dressing her up! Hubby said she looked like a big ornament!!! MIL said it was A LOT of dress for her...I think she has the big personality to pull it off!

Thank God for little boys!

2010-12-22T12:47:00.003-05:00

How anyone could not LOVE this face is beyond me. I could just eat those dimples up!

And for a potty break...this is when I'm thankful for a little boy!

All Done!

Pure sweetness!

2010-12-22T12:43:00.002-05:00

I'm so in love with her more and more each day. Her daddy is the same way. He's too cute everyday and sends me pics of what he's dressed her in!!! She's got so many stinkin' cute outfits that we are constantly changing her!

This was the other night at LH's program for school. She was all excited to see her big brother on stage! I'm pretty sure he's the love of her life these days! She lights up whenever she hears his voice or sees him walk in a room! I wouldn't want it any other way!

Dear Santa

2010-12-22T12:37:00.003-05:00

We are fortunate to have Santa come to us intsead of us going to Santa. We have never had to fight traffic, crowds and lines at the Mall to see Santa. My father in law is a member of a club that has Santa just for members and their kids/grandkids each year. We go, eat pizza, let the kids play and then Santa comes to see the kids, have them sit on his lap and he even hands out presents at the end! It is really neat and very stress - free! Exactly my kind of event.

The kids LOVE it and he gives them personalized gifts so they think that is the coolest.

I haven't always gotten the best pictures, but this year I thought was pretty good, considering LH was all sweaty from running around and playing and they both sat nice on his lap!

LH was full of himself as always! I have no idea what they were talking about!!! But whatever it was, he thought it was hilarious.

Down the Chimney he came...

2010-12-21T11:58:00.002-05:00

Oh, LH was fantabulous! He did so well in his program at school! They were out last Thursday and Friday for snow, but rescheduled it for last night!!!! I think there were a lot of sad sugar plum faries last week. I'm so glad they got to do it! It was quite the production and the entire Kindergarten did so well!

I also got an early present from hubby. I got a Flip! He wanted me to have for all the fun events this week! So, now we have a full length video of Santa's debut! We are going to use it tonight as well when we take the kids to see Santa, and then on Christmas morning!!! He got it just at the right time as M&M is going to be doing all kinds of fun things soon!

When I figure out how to edit/download the video, I'll share his part!

He's already asking to watch it over and over!

Pre Snowstorm Shopping List

2010-12-15T22:21:00.004-05:00

We are expected to get a little (read - ALOT) winter weather overnight. I'm not a fan. Never have been - only when I was in school and got the random day off but I hardly ever played in the snow. I prefer the indoor part of it - fire, book, hot chocolate. I can do without wet, freezing and numbness! Now, as a working adult, I really do not like it. I still have to get to work somehow and along with being part time, I don't have the luxury of taking time off that is paid. If I don't work, I don't get any bacon to bring home.

This is the other reason for not wanting snow. My Santa!!!!! LH is supposed to have his Kindergarten Holiday program tomorrow night!!! IF they don't go, I HOPE it would be rescheduled. I couldn't imagine them cancelling it. The kids are super excited and have worked so hard for weeks practicing! "Santa" has invited everyone and anyone to come see him! He doesn't speak, but he's got a big part.

I'm so lucky to have friends that teach at his school and can "spy" for me. This was the little happy I got in my inbox yesterday!!!

So, onto the post title....the shopping list. I went out to Kroger for a few necessities and first on my list was......WINE! I had to make sure they didn't run out! Forget bread and milk, I have priorities! Along with my vino, I grabbed some coffee and creamer (because that would just be sad),and some marshmallows! See, I know how to stock up for a big storm!

Sugar baby, Sugar glider, flying squirrel? Oh my!

2010-12-13T13:47:00.005-05:00

What is this thing? Well, I call it a freak of nature, but some think they are cute enough to have has pets! Oh my! It is really a sugar glider aka flying squirrel (because it "glides" with its bat looking "wings"). Ugghhh! I think I'd pee my pants if that sucker "flew" at me!

So, why are we pretending to be Jack Hannah today with a new exoctic creature? Well, my friend is seriously considering getting on for her kids for Christmas! Ewwwwww! That's just me apparently because my other friend thinks they are cute too and has considered it as well.

They keep saying they are cute and small and cuddly. Um, they are small and have a cute looking face, but I do not want to cuddle with it. They even have little necklace/harness things you can wear so they are in a pouch like setting to keep near your body - kind of like a baby would be! Gross!

Now, if this was the only picture you saw of this critter, it is kind of cute. Small (almost too small for me) - never know where that thing can hide or end up if you aren't careful! We had the ginea pig from LH's preschool class one weekend and I barely let it out of the cage! Ugghh! This would make me a nervous wreck. And not to mention the dogs would think it was a toy!

So, if that isn't so bad, this will make you think different:

WHAT???? OMG. Wouldn't you just pee your pants if you had this flying "gliding" towards you!!!!!!!!!!! I know I would. I don't even like stink bugs!

Stats...not really

2010-12-03T10:16:00.005-05:00

M&M is 3 months old!!! Well, she was on the 1st, but I'm a tad behind!

I don't have stats as they don't require a doctor's visit at 3 months and I wouldn't remember them much anyway if they did. Yes, I'm THAT mom! I mean, if they are healthy and happy and the doctor is fine with the progress, do I really need to remember how much she weighed and all that later on?? I never saved that stuff with LH because I didn't see the reason to. I have a genreal idea within a pound or so for medicine if need be, but other than that, who cares?

I put all the important info in the baby books! I'm just not that mom that saves every single thing. I can't stand all that stuff. I don't care how much I weighed and how long I was at 2 months old...are they going to? Doubt it!

I have a box of stuff for LH of all the favorites and memorable things he's done over the past 5 years. There is no good reason to save every single paper that he scribbled on at preschool and every single worksheet he does in Kindergarten! I let Hubby look at it and then it gets tossed. They keep a notebook at school, actually 2, of all the things they are working on. Writing, drawings, etc. So that will get put in the box along with the cards he makes me and fun ornaments! Those are keepers!

Saving Face

2010-12-02T21:36:00.003-05:00

My new do! I got my hair did the other day and got the "wings" chopped. I had it at a severe angle and stacked in the back. The front was just getting too long and making some flips so I wanted them gone and viola, I have a cute blunt bob! Minus the tired eyes, I think it looks great!

Well, apparently, so does my husband! This morning, he told me that I was looking skinny (I've started weight watchers and have lost about 13 pounds - woohoo), but that's not the point. The next comment is the point. He looks at my much better looking hair than this picture and says "I like your haircut! It looks really good with your face!" HAHAHAHAHA!! We just looked at each other for a minute then laughed. No, it didn't hurt my feelings and I knew he meant it in the sweetest way possible, it just came out wierd.

So, the rest of the day, he was saving face and telling me how PRETTY I was!! Well, how pretty my face is anyway! Love it!

Dressed to Impress

2010-12-02T07:54:00.003-05:00

This is why Hubby was concerned when he heard "It's a GIRL"! The shopping..the dresses, the way too cute clothes that I just can't seem to walk by in the stores!

Thank goodness Christmas is close and I feel less guilty for spending money on all this fun stuff because they are gifts!

Now, I will say, I didn't pay full price for anything because I'm not throwing out all my shopping rules! I had a coupon, shopped off the clearance rack and one was a gift! Sweet!

Gap Penguin Beanie! We have a thing for penguins.
Gap ruffled TUTU! Need I say more?

Gap animal print coat - um, again, do I need to explain?

And the babe's first Christmas dress! My mom's neighbor works at Macy's and keeps sending us stuff for M&M! This didn't even make it to the floor before she snagged it!!! I will definitely get some pics of the kiddos in their Holiday outfits!

So, along with some fun tights and shoes, she's going to be the best dressed little girl this season!

I'm BAAAAACCCCCKKKKK

2010-11-24T13:22:00.002-05:00

I am so sorry I have been MIA for wow, almost a month! I've actually started a few posts here and there and then they just ever got finished (can't imagine why not - haha)! For a realistic goal, I am going to try at least 3 posts a week...I can say this is most likely to occur due to the fact that I am at work 3 days a week!!! Yes, I'm back at work and it seems that this is where I get most of "my" stuff done. I actually get to eat lunch, not to mention, check and respond to emails, catch up on blogs, and most importantly, adult interaction.

I LOVE being with my babies, but I am not SAHM (stay at home mommy) material. Well, I could be if I could actually AFFORD to do what I wanted, whenever I wanted and NOT work. I need to work though. I really enjoy it too!

It hasn't been too bad coming back. The work part is great. I love the people I work with, so that part was easy. The hard part is learning how to juggle it all again. I am not back to "me" yet and that drives me crazier than anything else. I'm too type A to just "go with the flow"! I admit it and I don't care. I'll let my hubby be all "let's just play it by ear". But I also must admit that drives me bonkers too!

I'm now sleep deprived. I wasn't the first 8 weeks of M&M's life, but now I am. I was in heaven, living on love, blah blah blah and I was also waking up around 8 or 9 not 5:30! NOW is the hard part. Getting up at 5:30 to pump, shower, dress, feed her a bottle, change her, and cart her off to whoever is keeping her by 7 am and that still doesn't seem to be enough time. Usualy LH is up and ready to eat and get dressed by 6:30, so its just a juggling act.

I've actually forgotten I have 2 kids already. Really? I mean, I KNOW I have them, but when trying to schedule something or plan an outing for someone, I just blank out. For instance, I wanted to drop M&M (her new blog name fyi) off at the sitters AT 6:45 am on Monday so I could be at work by 7. Well, that's kind of hard to do when hubby doesn't even walk in the door until 6:45ish in the mornings!!! So, I had to readjust by 30 mins. Not a big deal, but I was ready to leave the house with her not thinking about LH still being there!

My friends tell me this part will get easier and I will return to myself eventually. I just wish it was sooner rather than later. And with the holidays approaching, it adds that much more stress in the mix!

Enjoying Life!!!

2010-10-21T22:11:00.003-04:00

I'm so in love! Who knew you could fall in love over and over again!!! I'm done now by the way! Falling! First comes the hubby and I'm more in love with him everyday, then LH....then sweet Magpie!!! I hope I'll be okay when I have to go back to work. I have a little over a week left!

But, this falling in love thing is partially the reason I've been MIA lately. I have been really getting out and about and enjoying every minute of my time with sweet baby girl!

I feel good, rested and just giddy! Going from a threesome to a foursome was a little rocky in the beginning due to lack of sleep and all the changes we had in a short period of time, but now we are adjusting and getting into our new normal!

As much as I don't want to go back to work (well, maybe a little) I'll be a much better blogger when I do. Lunch breaks are awesome for that!!

See you soon, I promise!

Wish I could hold her back!

2010-10-14T20:14:00.003-04:00

I didn't have a bumbo with LH....I borrowed this one from a friend and didn't think Magpie would be ready yet, but I was wrong!!!! WOW, she looks so big and grown up in this! So much fun though!

Van Gough? Monet? Picasso?

2010-10-14T20:03:00.002-04:00

Ahhh, I'm so in love with this painting. I am so proud too! LH painted this for his little sister's room! It will hang beautifully above her crib and be the focal point of her room! He even signed it!!! I might have helped a little, but he really did the majority of the work all by himself! So Sweet! Love it!

Finally, some new pics!

2010-10-11T18:45:00.002-04:00

Here are my favorite little people in the whole world!!!

ONE Month Checkup!!

2010-10-06T08:18:00.002-04:00

Miss Magpie turned one month on Oct. 1st, and we had her checkup yesterday!!! She's perfect of course, but we already knew that!

I will post a picture today - PROMISE!!!

Her stats:

Head - 15 inches (grew 1 inch)

Weight - 11 lbs

Length - 21 3/4 inches

She had to get her second Hep B shot and did fantabulously! She only cried for a minute and then passed out for a while. I am not looking forward to her 2 month visit because she gets more shots. Thank goodness I will not be taking her as I'll be back to work! Daddy duty then!

Things are great. She is still sleeping wonderfully and having stretches of 4 to 5 hours most nights. She is a great eater and has reduced her time to about 20-25 mins so that makes mommy happy. We are getting out everyday (most likely shopping)! Today we are going to the fabric store. My MIL has offered to make throw pillows for our new couch! I have been searching for some but just can't find what I like and do not want to pay what they want for them. I'm so lucky to have such a talented MIL that is willing to make stuff for me all the time!

I'll let you know what I find!

Magpie meets some new friends

2010-10-01T07:53:00.005-04:00

My roomie from college made a visit a couple of weeks ago and we finally got to meet each other's little girls!! I'm a little slower as her sweet girl Hi-C is already 5 months old!! Now we both have one boy and one girl!!! So much fun.

We need to work on her hostessing skills! Miss Post would not approved of her sleeping through this! But look at Hi-C's cheeks...cuteness at its best!

The big brothers were feeling left out!!!

And this is another new friend she met (well, maybe since she was snoozin' through it again) that our friends adopted in July! She's going to have such great girlfriends growing up!

A little bit Hippy!

2010-10-01T07:48:00.002-04:00

Time flies...

2010-09-27T16:23:00.002-04:00

I'm having sooooooo much fun with sweet baby girl, but time is flying by way too fast! I only have about 4 1/2 weeks left before going back to work. Boo! Now, I would love to spend more time at home but I'm not quite stay at home mom material really. I love working and having adult interaction, but I just love this time to bond with magpie and hanging out with LH after school! It is just so much fun! I'm blessed in so many ways.

So, things are good. She is a doll. Sleeping well and eating great - sometimes too great. I have been pumping to give me a break here and there because being attached to something that long sometimes is overwhelming. I have things to get done and places to go sometimes and just need it to be a quicker process. All and all, I love nursing, and I'll try to keep up as much as possible when I head back to work. Hopefully, I can keep up with her! She's getting so chubby, I love it.

She goes for her one month check up next week so we'll see just how well she's doing. I'm sure they will think she is perfect! How could they not!

LH is thriving in KG...he is having so much fun! He gets excited about everything, well, minus his weekly homework. He is getting better. We've shortened the one hour crying/whining fit to about 15 minutes and maybe some bribery of cookies, etc when finished! Whatever works as far as I'm concerned!

He had a playdate with a classmate last week and the mommies shared some coffee and chatting! She has a 3 month old little girl so we were in heaven hanging out with them while the boys played! She also passed on some cute girl clothes! Between those and the ones my college roomie gave me, I'll have a mini fashion show everyday just so she can wear them all!

LH did catch a bug this weekend and it wasn't pretty! He woke up around 4:30 am on Saturday puking...then it progressed to both ends all day! Thank goodness Hubby was home and could take care of him in the basement while the baby and I stayed upstairs. They practically lived down there for 2 days. He was pitiful...could hardly keep anything down for 24 hours! I was scared we might end up in the ER but he stopped getting sick as of Sunday morning! He still had a fever yesterday and wouldn't really eat, but could drink! He's home with us today just as precaution even though his fever broke early this morning! I wanted him to be well rested and healthy before going back to school! I just hope he stays that way!

Thankfully, the rest of us are well and haven't shown any signs of getting whatever he had!

Enjoy chubby cheeks!!!

Crazy Cuteness

2010-09-18T13:35:00.002-04:00

Here is one of the pics from the photo shoot!! My friend's mom is a photographer and did a fantabulous job! If you are in need of someone that is very reasonable and takes great shots, let me know and I can send you her info. Her name is Donna Smith and she's in the Roanoke area!

I have a feeling that a lot of these headbands and hats with embellishments are going to be in her wardrobe!!! I hope I can find some cheap ones!!

First photo shoot

2010-09-17T15:49:00.003-04:00

OMG....I mean, really, she was just too cute! Awake and alert the whole time, which made for a harder time to position her and get her to pose the way we wanted her to, but still got some great shots! A friend of mine's mom is a photographer and did an amazing job! She had the cutest headbands, hats and such with big flowers on them and little baskets and things to put her in! We couldn't do this when LH was born, but we can now, and I'm so glad we did! It will take a few days to get the pics, but wow, she was adorable.

I'm sure we would like any of them, but she'll be picky about them but I don't care! I can't wait to see the finished product. Miss priss didn't disappoint in making her own statement. She peed a few times and even had a little poopy!! Thank goodness everything was washable! We would have loved to get a few more poses with different outfits and props, but she was super tired and would not go to sleep, so we called it quits. I don't blame her, she lasted for an hour and a half! She was naked and manhandled so much, I doubt sleeping was on her agenda! once we got her dressed again and in the car, she passed out for a couple of hours!!

I hope I can show you some of the proofs..but not sure if I'll have access to any of the digital ones? We'll see...but I do know that I'm not on the hunt for some flower headbands and hats!!!

Just for fun...

2010-09-17T15:39:00.003-04:00

I'll have a few more pics later this weekend but these are just what I have from this past week or so...

LH took this...but what a cute little smile??

LH, magpie, Gigi and Pop! A very rare occurance!

Another week flies by!

2010-09-17T15:27:00.003-04:00

I can't believe Magpie is 16 days old now!!! How did that happen?? Wow. She seems so much bigger already and I just want to keep her teeny tiny forever! I would prefer her sleeping through the night even though she's been good to me in that department so far! I am really blessed that she has long stretches of 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours most nights! Momma is happy!

LH is adjusting well to life in Kindergarten and we still battle with some 'tude in the evenings, but overall we can't complain too much! The worst day is Thursdays because he actually has homework!!! I couldn't believe it, but he has a worksheet of words to trace each week and it takes about an hour and a few fits to get through. We bribed him yesterday with pizza day and ice cream! He usually packs lunch and buys only a couple times a week and is only allowed ice cream twice as well, so an extra day was a treat! He almost didn't make it though. Its rougher on us I think.

Gigi left last Sunday and I was so sad to see her go. She hung out everyday with us and helped out so much! I never once had to worry about LH, laundry, dishes, meals, or even the grocery store! Mostly we just chilled here with Magpie and chatted, watched shows and such! Nothing fancy but just enough! The MIL was visiting as well after work and brought dinner and they took LH out a couple times just to hang! We are so lucky to have such wonderful parents!

Hubby has been a terrific help this week since he took off after mom left. He has been doing the evening routines with LH and giving miss priss baths, etc. She's been alert and somewhat fussy around 9-11 some nights so he's been letting me sleep and hanging out with her. I will surely miss that help when he goes back to work on Sunday! He will still be up in the evenings, but he'll be gone for work around 10, so I'll be on my own!! I'm ok with that as she is a good sleeper so far and LH is in bed by 7:15 or 7:30 so it makes for fairly easy night times!

Miss Magpie ONE week!

2010-09-10T22:09:00.002-04:00

A week has gone by already?? How did that happen?

Can you feel the love?

2010-09-10T21:59:00.002-04:00

I mean, really? How cute is this???? He is obviously NOT flushing her down the toilet and is taking his big brother role very seriously!

A family of four!!!

2010-09-10T21:52:00.002-04:00

Here we are! Blessed with two of the most wonderful children ever! I think they are pretty cute too! I'm a little biased though!

Oh, the places he'll go!

2010-09-09T19:55:00.006-04:00

Off he goes to Kindergarten! He was so excited and ready for whatever came his way! I was not! I didn't cry though. I was excited for him. I was a little sad that he grew up too fast but I had a little one to keep me company! Let's not discuss how I'll be in another 5 years when she's old enough for school!

He's a car rider so here we are leaving to head to his first day!

Off he goes to the car!

Really? Can you just feel the excitement?

Barely got a picture he was so ready to get in there!

AND then he passed out! We could barely wake him up and yet, he still went to bed early!

It's a GIRL

2010-09-01T20:18:00.003-04:00

I really was convinced it was a boy. I would have never guessed we could produce a girl! Hubby's family just doesn't make them....well, so we thought! It is the 2nd girl in 60 years on his mom's side (first one was just in April) and the first in 50ish years for his dad's side!! Talk about odds to beat!!!

So, we welcome our daughter, Magpie, to the family!

I didn't think she would get here as fast as she did, but I guess she was ready!

We checked in the hospital about 6:45 this am, got settled in our room, then at the shift change, our nurse started my IV, but didn't have pitosin as yet. She started that around 8:30 after the doctor checked in. I was about 2-3 cm at this time and se was -3 (so fairly high still). Around 10:00, he came back and broke my water - and I was still only about 3 cm. They hiked up the pitosin and things started getting more uncomfortable. About 12:30, I felt the contractions were back to back and a lot stronger. I seriously considered an epidural, but I'm so glad I didn't. I asked if the doctor could come back to check me because I knew if I had progressed far enough, I would just push my way through the pain. At this point, I was really struggling and finally my nurse checked me and wouldn't you know it, it was time to push!!!!!

She literally ran down the hall, called for the doctor to be paged, ran back with the cart and did a quick shout out to the grandmothers that a baby was coming soon! By the time she came in, the doctor was right behind her and I was so ready to go...but he told me to wait a minute so he could get ready!!! That was the worst!

Finally, he was ready and it was about 1:15. I pushed a few times and there she was at 1:23!!!!!

OMG...really? I just had a baby....and then I was in total shock for about 45 minuts that I had a girl!!! I was totally prepared for a boy!

So, here are her stats:

born at 1:23 pm

8 lbs 9 oz

21 inches long

We are in love and thinks she perfect. LH met her a few hours later and he's in love too!!!! We had a video of their first encounter, but hubby accidently deleted it from the camera....oh well, we have lots of pics! I'll be sure to post more as we get them!!! I'll also do a comparison of the two from when they were born....they are definitely siblings!

It's here....almost

2010-08-31T07:33:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow will be the day I become a mommy again. I am so excited! I can't believe this moment is finally here. We are in complete disbelief that we will be parents of kidS (plural????wow). I just hope we can adjust quickly. It is bittersweet for both of us as LH has been our one and only for 5 years. That's so special to us and time that we both cherish so much. We are ready to make memories with this child as well! So much fun to be had!

I'll take a picture today and post it....my last belly shot!

ONE more week (or less)

2010-08-25T16:59:00.004-04:00

This post is dedicated to my husband!

I would like to remind him that we are having a baby in ONE week or less. As in NEXT Wednesday this baby will come hell or highwater. It might have slipped his mind that the blessed event was so close. He might have mentioned doing something NEXT Friday (for work) IF we dind't have the baby YET! Um, I politely (matter of factly) reminded him that I was NOT going to be in labor over 48 hours. This baby would be here by then and that most likely would be our first night home from the hospital.

He looked at me puzzled. And then tried to save his own arse by saying that I was just doing so well with this pregnancy, he forgot I was that far along! Yeah, ok.....just keep telling yourself that babe! Apparently he has a meeting on the 30th and thought it was further away than it really was so he didn't realize NEXT Wednesday was the 1st already. WOW!

I was actually speachless. I mean, how does that happen?

Don't worry, we are speaking now. He looked at his work schedule and it dawned on him that he was off next Tuesday - Sunday for baby! I'm glad that he figured it out!

And now for your viewing pleasure!

Gearing up for Sleep deprivation

2010-08-24T08:26:00.002-04:00

I have tried to go to bed early. I am actually even tired some nights around 9 or 9:30, but when I try to go to sleep, my body says no. I find myself feeling anxious, restless, and just uncomfortable. So, most nights I'm up until at least 11 and sometimes 11:30 after the news. I wake up at 6, so not much sleep is happening. Add in all the potty breaks and I'm really struggling. This morning LH was in my room at 5:10! WHY? I have no idea. Sure, crawl in bed with mommy for an hour, but really, he doesn't go back to sleep. He tosses, he turns, he cuddles up beside me (which I love but makes me too hot) and he rubs my arms, etc, etc. He does NOT go back to sleep. I finally told him to go back to his room, to which he cried and then I just left him in my bed and I got up. After going to bed at 11:45 last night that puts me around 4 1/2 hours of sleep.

I am just practicing for this baby and preparing my body to function on hardly any shut-eye! It's all worth it I know, but I would love a nap today...too bad I have to work!

Splash!

2010-08-23T16:03:00.003-04:00

There it went...my beautiful hot pink girly camera ...right into the dog's water bowl! I had just removed it from my case to put in my small purse for the night and when I sat it down to the side, it was on a slope and slid off the counter into the bowl! OMG....well, that isn't what I really said....I said Shit about 12 times in a row and I'm pretty sure LH was watching tv in our bedroom and didn't hear me. Oh well if he did!!! Drastic times calls for potty mouth!!! It could have been worse, but I wouldn't dare in front of him!

I immediately dried it off with a towel, took the battery and memory card out and then literally submerged it in rice! It is supposed to work for cellphones, so I thought it couldn't hurt. I even double checked it online and that's what I found. Um, it did NOT work!!!!! I've even tried my other battery (the one that is still dry) and nothing!!! I was almost in tears....well, I was in tears, but I had actually put make up on, so I had to pull myself together as we were already running late, I was driving and I had no time to freshen up my face! Don't even know why I really bothered as I knew I was going to sweat it all off anyway!

I guess my practically brand new camera doesn't realize all the important stuff I have going on in the immediate future! Birthday, baby, LH's orientation, first day of school, his 5th birthday!!!! WOW!!!!

BUT, thankfully with MY birthday this week, I got an early present!!!!!! Thanks mom and dad!!! I really might have gone postal if I didn't have one! AND we got the protection plan! Whew!

Moving on....new wheels!

2010-08-23T13:28:00.002-04:00

For the hubby! I'm just relieved at this point that he got a bike...a mountain bike! He's been talking about it and doing research for weeks. I am not really sure where the idea came from, but doesn't matter, he has one now! Hmmm, wonder if this is how he feels when I talk about crap all the time -if he even listens to me!

He did thank me for "letting" him get it, ya know before baby and all. He was worried if he waited he wouldn't have gotten it any time soon. I reminded him I didn't "let" him do anything, that he practically just announced he was getting it, but then he rephrased it as thanks for not "bitching" about it! Ok, sure, you're welcome, I think!

He's been using it too. He's been riding around town, running errands, and going to the gym to lift weights. I'm happy he's happy except he was doing all this without a helmet! I threw a fit...probably a little matter of fact. I reminded him that he's on the real road with cars and if his son has to wear one, then he has to wear one too! LH and I got him one this weekend as a gift! His knees give him trouble and biking is great for that instead of walking and running or even doing the eliptical! He's trying to convince me that I need one too! Oh wow, all of us riding around town! I can see it now - actually, I can't, so scratch that!

It has been nice though, because LH thinks it is the coolest that his daddy has a bike too! They went for a ride Sunday morning....yay - "me" time! And, I guess LH thought he could ride his big boy bike like daddy, so they took the training wheels off!!! He's a pro now! Oh, and I would gladly show you pictures of the blessed event, however, my fun hot pink camera took a dive in the dog's water bowl......

Let's start with Matter of Factness

2010-08-23T12:54:00.002-04:00

This is my new description of my attitude. It encomposes all aspects of my "bitchiness" and doesn't make it sound as horrible when you say it out loud! Now, it doesn't tone down the 'tude at all, but it sounds much more pleasant if I have to relive a moment of matter of factness. My coworkers are loving it - well, because I have not been matter of fact with them, so they still think it's hilarious. If you are on the receiving end of my matter of factness, you would not feel so giddy - pinky swear!

A few matter of fact occurances include:

customer service rep with Comcast after they jacked up my price for internet
dealing with a coworker's incompetence (he's a man - self explanatory there)
a few *minor* incidents with the hubby
admissions lady at the hospital for pre registration

Now, I'm sure there have been plenty more in the past couple of months, but I can't be required to recall all of them. These are just some of the latest (like the last 2 weeks).

I am not sure if I've always been this way deep down (I'm fairly certain that's a yes) but I've tried to keep my emotions and comments in check. But really people, I'm just over it...I'm blaming it on the hormones for now - we'll see how I bounce back after baby!

Things are happening....

2010-08-19T10:37:00.002-04:00

So, last night I had some contractions. Minor, far and few between, and only lasted a few hours! It did kind of freak me out a bit. I didn't have these with LH. I basically went to my last doctor's appointment and they sent me to the hospital for "observation" which I now know means we will be inducing you! Of course I went into full prep mode last night. Putting yet more stuff in the bag, like baby clothes, baby book, etc. And then I wondered if I shouldn't lay down instead, so I did after dinner, dishes and giving LH a bath. I was passed out by 8:45! Guess I was tired! Wish I could do that every night! Most of the time I'm up until around 11! I slept great too! I am assuming once I was resting, the contractions just stopped because I never woke up with them. I think they must have been braxton hicks or my body is preparing for labor. Whatever, things are starting to happen. I hope I can hold out for atleast next week! I have a huge party that my father in law is throwing this weekend with a band and all our friends that I really want to go to!! Leave it up to me to want to party instead of have a baby!!! =)

Nesting or just plain neurotic?

2010-08-18T12:35:00.003-04:00

I'll go with neurotic at this point. Nesting is full gear, but the things I'm thinking about now are just plain silly. Now, waking up in the middle of the night worried that my phone isn't charged, what if I go into labor with Hubby at work, who would I call to come over to keep LH, and wonder what "going into labor" really feels like, are all vaild concerns at this point I know. However, waking up at 4:30 am and wondering about wedding photos, notsomuch! I never got a real album. My photographer was great, but he gave me real pictures as proofs - not digital, which I'm actually happy about now since I can't find his website or contact info anymore. I made an albumn, but more of scrapbook. I just don't like it. I want something more. So, of course, as logical as it seems, I must scan in my photos and work on that tonight. I'm crazy I know. I've started to accept this! It's just something I feel I need to do.

Also, I've already started thinking about Christmas. Yes, I do this early anyway, but I've almost figured it all out. I am hoping to have most of the shopping done, if not all of it, by the time I return to work in the beginning of November. Not to mention Christmas cards. I will have to wait to get a great family picture for those.

I've catorgorzied my emails to make sure that the "list" is complete of who to send info to when Baby #2 arrives as well as a list of who to call/text etc. I've also worked on a list of people to mail actual announcements to. I am getting my hair did tomorrow night and a pedicure on Monday night! The bag is mostly packed...minus the last minute stuff I'll throw in before we head to the hospital. I've made arrangements for LH (and had done this prior to my panic attack a few nights ago) and the dogs. At this point we are ready for whatever whenever...except that I'm not really ready! I mean, I am, and no matter what, this baby is coming 2 weeks from today, but I've got stuff going on that I'd really like to do before its time!

So, nesting, yes, neurotic, definitely! Thank goodness Hubby love me for who I am and just goes with the flow!

Awww..

2010-08-18T12:32:00.001-04:00

Rarely do Hubby and I have a photo op...but we got one at the party!! I in all my glory (aka, no makeup, hair pulled back with lots of glistening skin) and he looking cute as always!

I'm surprised his lap didn't go numb after I sat on him!!! haha!

Pool (Rain) Party

2010-08-18T12:19:00.003-04:00

Ahhhh, the memories of my childhood! Plan a pool party, get rain instead! Year after year after year! I think ONCE, I actually had the party at the pool! Oh well, still lots of fun!

It was no different for LH! We planned a joint party with a friend who's birthday is the day before LH's and of course, we had to plan it early on account of school starting, Labor Day and the baby's arrival!

The forecast was glum...especially for the time of the party, but we didn't reschedule, change our venue or have much of a backup. It worked out just fine! The day started off clearer than we expected, so we were hopeful, but about 25 minutes into the party, rain. No biggie, they are already wet, but about 5 minutes later, thunder. Outta the pool they go. The parents were huddled up under the only shelter packed in like sardines, but the kiddos were perfectly content doing mudslides, marching around the pool and eating soggy snacks under the tents! The sky opened up so fast and with such downpours, that we didn't have time to even transfer the food from one shelter to the other...therefore, sticky pretzels and soggy chips it was. They did enjoy some very cold Capri Suns! At least they were hydrated!

Finally, they were allowed to get back in, which was exciting to them, as we all watched from the shelter! We heard so many of the kids say what a fun and great party this was. Glad they enjoyed it. It was the most chaotic, yet stress free party I've done!

We got the kids out of the pool at the next bout of thunder, sang, and ate cupcakes! By the end of that, it was time for the party to end anyway. Worked out just fine!

So, here are some photos of our special day!!!

Food tables set up!!! Before the rain came!
Cute cupcakes...beach balls for LH and flip flops for our friend's little girl!

Starting it off right! With sun, believe it or not!

And then the rain came!

And kept coming!

Oh, and wouldn't you know it? After they were all gone, the sun came out again!!!

Best Gift Ever

2010-08-13T22:27:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow my house is getting a good cleaning and I'm NOT doing it!!! I am so excited. I have friend that cleans houses and I called her to see if I could get a once over before the baby comes. She said she would love to fit me in and as a GIFT!!! She is awesome.

I've said before I am not the best housekeeper. I keep up, barely! My house isn'tfilthy dirty, but its not deep cleaned every week either. This will be wonderful. She will do floors, baseboards, and give the bathrooms and nice sparkle!

I wished it was a little closer to the baby's arrival but I'll take what I can get. She already does one house this Saturday and offered to come afterwards. It actually works out pretty well as we'll be gone all afternoon. We will just have to make sure we keep it up for the next few weeks until baby! I'm just so happy that I'm not doing all the nitty gritty cleaning...have I mentioned that?? Hehe! She said she'd even change sheets!!! Woah!

I am just not used to this. I have plenty of friends that get someone to clean monthly or biweekly, but not me. Maybe that will be one thing I indulge in after baby with all that money I'm saving in daycare costs!!! hmmm, something to ponder.

Until then, I'll be greatful for wonderful friends and their generosity.

Now, off to "pre clean"!! I just want to make sure she's not spending all he time moving random stuff just so she can really clean! Hubby thinks I'm crazy for that one, but he'll be happy tomorrow when its all spic and span!

Sweet Baby Girl

2010-08-13T22:17:00.002-04:00

Not mine...let's just get that out of the way now. WOW, I posted on FB today that I was boing to meet sweet baby Grace and that started a whole new whirlwind of comments and well wishes!!! HA...not my baby!!! I meant I was going to meet a friend's baby girl today but I guess I should have reworded the status...

She was toooooooo sweet and tiny and just plain sweetness. She was born July 28th and she is super special. She's adopted. My friends have waited so long for this moment and they are going to be the best parents ever. Grace's mommy battled and beat cancer years ago and left her with the inability to have her own children, so they decided to adopt. IF I couldn't have my own biological children, I would adopt in a heartbeat. I believe that every child needs a great home and if there are loving and wonderful people out there willing to love & raise them, then by all means, they should!

Throughout this process they have waited and prayed for a little baby to call their own and now that day is here. She is adorable. She is innocent and sweet and just perfect! I'm so happy for them and can't wait for our kids to grow up together!!! SO many memories to make!

Ridiculous!

2010-08-09T13:20:00.002-04:00

TMI? Whatever, it's my blog, I don't care! So, as previously mentioned, I did some shopping this weekend....and I had to purchase some, um, "big girl" panties. These are ridiculous! I have been wearing "normal" panties this entire pregnancy and they are cute...hipsters, but are starting to fall down, so instead of doing the pull up 12 times or more a day, I invested in a pack of sensible briefs! Mine are actually cuter than these...polka dots, stripes, etc....but let's face it, they are still granny panties! The only non ridiculous part is they are comfortable right now. I mean, they fit! I guess they will be useful these last few weeks.....sigh*

A little over 3 weeks to go

2010-08-09T12:51:00.003-04:00

Well, he/she is growing lots!!! I feel just in the last week or so the belly has really popped out more! It is starting to really get in my way of bending, rolling, moving and even sitting at my desk! I love it though! I'm really not in any hurry to get this baby out yet like most women are at this point. Call me crazy! I love being pregnant. This time around has caused some hormonal imbalances so to speak with my attitude, but physically I'm a baby machine! Too bad this is my last go 'round!

So, went to the doctor on Friday last week and he checked me! Not fun, but I am 1 cm dilated. He said that I'm still pretty high and "thick"! Haha -that's just funny. Anyway, at this rate, I'm still on schedule - measuring at 36 weeks (which is right on) and we decided IF this baby doesn't want to come out before, we will induce the 1st of September.
This is a wonderful thing! Not on my birthday and plenty of time before LH's birthday! Poor hubby will be celebrating birthdays for 2 weeks straight now, but well worth it! I really hope I go until the 1st. It would just be ideal for many reasons, but we'll see what happens. I go back this Wednesday but I doubt he'll check me again so close to last time. I could be wrong? I have no idea. He is off Thurs, Fri and Monday, so had to schedule an appt in the middle of the week! Then, I'll have 2 more Friday appointments and then it's baby time!

I'm ready for this baby. I go in the nursery and just look around like I should be doing something else, but to be honest, it is practically all done. It's like I want to nest, but I've done so much, I'm not sure what else I can do. I did plenty this weekend though. Hubby was gone overnight Saturday and LH spent the day at the pool with friends then left for the beach with Papa yesterday morning, so I was all alone. One would have thought I spent my time resting and relaxing, but no, I did lots of laundry (washed, dried, folded, & put up), dishes, cleaned, etc. Then I went shopping! It was tax free weekend and I got LH some clothes (and maybe a little something for myself too).

I finally got a baby book! It's somewhat boyish but has animals and such on it. It's the best I could do. I thought about waiting to find out to get gender specific, but I know that I wouldn't find the time to do it and then I'd be so behind in entering all the info. This was best! I even filled it out last night as much as I could!

Oh, and just so you all know, this is NOT a maternity dress. I LOVE it though and dresses seem to be more comfy these days as well as A WHOLE LOT cooler!!! I think it should be ok and not stretched out a lot after wearing it now...oh well though!

Almost 37 weeks!

Happy Birthday Month!!!

2010-08-05T08:46:00.002-04:00

To me of course....=) Reason for the blog's updated template! Have to start celebrating of course.

Anyone that knows me knows how much I LOVE my birthday, but it doesn't stop there. I LOVE your birthday too!!! Really, I can't seem to stop myself with gifts, cooking, baking, pouring cocktails and making your day as special as it should be. This goes for family, friends, and just about anyone I'm close to!

It's kind of sickness I guess. I am addicted to birthdays! Hey, it could be worse.

So, a friend's birthday is this weekend and her family is at the beach and will be driving back Saturday (her actual birthday). She thinks I'm certifiable due to the planning I've already put into her celebratory homecoming! She will come back to a meal, cocktails and wonderfully tasting cupcakes, not to mention some pretty swell gifts! I can "spoil" all this on the blog due to the fact that she isn't reading it this week!!!

Next weekend she and I have planned our kiddo's birthday parties together. Her daughter will be 8 on Sept. 6 and LH will turn 5 on the 7th, but with the holiday weekend, start of school and the pool closing, we wanted to have a pool party that they could really enjoy! We are doing low key, cupcakes, swimming, and snacks! I'm not even going to have him open gifts until we go home. Let them enjoy playing for those 2 hours and let me enjoy the not being stressed out part! Even though I will be with all those kids in a pool!

THEN, the big day!!!! My birthday is the 27th!!! I pray that I will NOT be in labor. Really, I pray for that all day everyday. I do NOT want to share my birthday. I believe this is a special day all for yourself. Now, I do share my birthday with a second cousin and a friend's little girl, but that is different. I don't want to have to share it with my own child! I DEFINITELY do not want this baby sharing LH's birthday either, so we are inducing by the 1st to make certain that won't happen. Plus, I will be home by the first day of school too! Priorities! Now, this year, I have a feeling I'll be really celebrating my big day later on in the fall...with a cocktail in hand and possibly a dinner out with Hubby and friends that I can actually eat the entire meal without feeling miserably full after 3 bites. So, I guess in a sense, I get to celebrate twice! Or more if anyone is willing! wink wink!

You might be a redneck if....

2010-08-03T14:01:00.002-04:00

You give your dogs a bath in the back of a pick up truck! Yep, that's us!!!

Hey, it's a lot easier with these two beasts than fighting them into a bathtub! And then you can drive them around to dry off afterwards! It's a win win situation!

Wow - Happy 8 years!

2010-08-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

Wow, how time flies! 8 years ago, we said I do and I love him more and more everyday! Thanks for everything you do Hubby and for being the best husband, father and most of my best friend! Smooches!

I can't wait for the next 80 years!

Missing something

2010-08-02T21:38:00.005-04:00

A BABY!!!!

Because we are as ready as we can be! Ok, there are a few things I still want to get done in the room, but really, we are practically finished! I can't beleive we only have 4 weeks or so left. I went to the doctor on Friday last week and we discussed induction! He mentioned the 26th, but I'm still selfish and do NOT want to share my birthday possibly (the 27th) so I nixed that! Even though I measured about a week ahead, I'm confident that I will hold out until the very end of August and hopefully the first of September! So, we decided to wait and see how my body is progressing and after he checks me in the next few weeks we will come up with a date of JUST IN CASE! It is looking to be September 1st. MY doctor is on call that day so it would be wonderful, but I am not worried about having this baby during the week, its the weekends I am a little concerned about. Considering that my office is teaming up with the other practice in the hospital and they are sharing on call weekends. So, instead of the three doctors in my practice taking every third weekend, they will have every seventh. Sounds great in theory except I am picky and don't want the other doctors...I want my 3! So there is some aprehension in that, but maybe the baby will just come on its own M-F!!! I can only hope! I do want to have a natural labor if possible, because I've been through induction and its not my fave, but I'll do whatever to ensure I get a good doctor and be home before LH starts school!!! Priorities!

Also, Mom is planning on coming up on the 29th, so I really can't have this baby before that. I also would like the extra few days at work...I already have my FMLA planned and such. This baby better realize that I make plans and it needs to learn to follow them! =) Hubby is reading this right now and just shaking his head! He's certain I'll be in labor on my birthday! I might shoot him if that happens because it would be ALL his fault!

Added some wall hooks, tie backs on the curtain and Hubby painted the changing table

The bookshelves I put together over the weekend (that was a funny site), baskets from TJ Maxx and the board books from LH...he was less than thrilled I was taking them though!

The only "set" of drawers we have but they will suffice. We have lots of storage space with the closets and baskets. I hung the signs I have had for years in here..I thought appropriate. They are "Believe", "Hugs", "Kisses", "Enjoy", and "Inspire". Glad I found a new home for them!

Very proud of my shelves!

Hubby did great....painted this old chest black, got some new hardware and baskets add some "storage"! Thank goodness for the drawer - it has the diaper necessities! We couldn't find a shelf deep enough for the space above it! Oh well, this works perfect!

Great Job Hubby!

Happy Birthday Pups!

2010-08-02T21:34:00.003-04:00

The babies have had some birthdays!!!! Zeus turned 6 last month and Baby Girl Zoey turned 10 today!!! I can't believe its been 10 years since she came into my life. I love her to pieces. They had plenty of fun celebrating with some ice cream cones!!! They deserve the best!

Imabe a member of the Black Eyed Peas....

2010-07-31T13:23:00.002-04:00

In honor of my 500th post, I thought you could be entertained by LH and his friend singing along to the Black Eyed Peas's Immabe! He loves this song...hope you can see it well - it was kind of dark in the car

Sleepover...well almost!

2010-07-31T13:14:00.003-04:00

Little Hauss has been wanting a friend to sleepover or to sleepover at a friend's house, but we weren't sure if it was too early for that or not. Well, we figured why not at at least see how it goes so we invited one of his little buddies over last night. He was super excited and we had a fun night planned. His buddy's mom said she wasn't sure he would stay, but what could it hurt to try. He did end up having to go home around 11:30, but wasn't upset, just not ready to sleep over! Up until then, the boys had a great time playing!

Eating homemade pizza on the deck after some yard time
Going to get some ice cream for dessert!

Yum!

Catching ligtening bugs!!!

Watching a movie!

We might try for LH to go to his house next time....he can usually sleep anywhere, so it might work out better!

Two Wheels!!!

2010-07-29T10:00:00.003-04:00

He's getting so big!!! He got the "big boy" bike, but within hours of that, he wanted to try his smaller bike without training wheels!!! He's a natural!!!! In no time, he'll have the big boy bike on two wheels I'm sure! Showing off!

35 Weeks

2010-07-29T09:38:00.003-04:00

Besides resembling a giant lime or avacado, I feel pretty good! This shirt does't show much "definition" - I couldn't believe my ladies look small!! I think the shirt might need to be put up since it won't stretch much more than this and I'm just going to keep growing!!! 5 short weeks left!!! Maybe sooner!

Cankles

2010-07-29T09:34:00.003-04:00

WOW! I officially have cankles - you know...when your calf migrates to your ankle. They got really bad yesterday - I'm sure from sitting at my desk for hours on end and then going out to dinner last night. I finally got home around 9:30 and propped them up with frozen peas....Helped some, but they are still a little puffy today! I get off work around 11:30 and will be able to rest and ice them some more hopefully! I am really surprised that I've lasted this long in this pregnancy without them. I was swollen ALL over from about 4 or 5 months on with LH - you think I'm kidding but it was so bad, my lips were puffy!

This was the worst one....see the indention of my flip flps!

Planning to plan...

2010-07-27T12:54:00.002-04:00

Now, you all know I'm a planner - I plan to plan my brother says! He's shocked I could hold out finding out the sex of this baby because I usually would need to plan for whatever it is. Good think I knew what I wanted and didn't need to know the sex!

I'm planning other things now. I guess you could say I'm nesting. I'm on a roll at work and we are also getting lots done at the house. I feel like its more work to prepare to leave then leaving itself. I know things will be fine when I'm gone but we have a huge audit 15 days after I get back, soooooooo, I'm really planning for that! My co-worker and I have the same job, but two totally different areas so she will be filling in for me to make sure all of this runs smoothly while I'm gone. I'm trying to "guide" her through everything she will need to do during my maternity leave.

I made a list for Hubby. He asked for it. It's a big list. It has baby stuff and just other house related stuff on it that doesn't really have to be done before baby, but we need to work on nonetheless. He's making great progress! He's painted the changing table and we've put new knobs on it. It looks amazing!!! We just need a shelf and closet rod and we're pretty much set in there. Some of the other stuff is minor, like tighten the toilet seat, fix the towel rod in bathroom, give house a good cleaning (baseboards, etc), fix the squeaky doors, but other stuff will take some time like put up new mirror and light fixtures in bathroom, work on yard (will have to wait until we get some relief of the heat), and work on basement/tools! These are things that have been on our "mental" list for some time, but we just have it all written down now to check off when we get them done! He also has some painting projects when he has the time!!

As for the "nesting" part at home, I've now cleaned out every closet (except mine), cabinets, and started washing teeny tiny baby clothes! I have bottles, bibs, spoons, etc in the kitchen as well as all the big necessities ready to use! We are as ready as we can be at this point!!!

Vacation Bible School

2010-07-26T19:19:00.003-04:00

Really this code for Mommy's free time! Ok, seriously, LH is getting a great lesson every single night, playing with friends, learning new songs and having tons of fun, but while he is there, I get a couple hours of quiet time! There is nothing wrong with feeling good about this. Nope, no guilt at all!

NOW, if it were my home church, I would be volunteering, but its not because my home church still does VBS during the mornings when I'm working! So, he's actually never gone to that one. The one he is going to is from his first pre-school church. He loved it there, but it wasn't all day, so we had to find something else when I went back to work. I love all those people, their kids, and this will be his 3rd year attending their program! He looks forward to it every summer to see his old teachers and old friends!

In my "free" time so far, I've spent way too much at Lowes, caught up on laundry (yes, I did a lot of it myself), picked up the house, cleaned out more closets and just enjoyed some quiet!

In moderation?

2010-07-22T07:09:00.002-04:00

Hmmmmm, I just can't do it. Have a drink that is. Not now.

I KNOW that some people, doctors, books, etc say that an occassional beer or glass of wine is perfectly safe during pregnancy, especially now in these last few weeks, but I just can't. Hubby and I stand firm about it. Wow, how times have changed.

I also know that back in the day when our moms were expecting, they drank, smoked, and who knows what else and we all turned out fine (well, jury is still out on some, but you get the point). We also didn't have carseats and high tech saftey toys/gadgets that we do now and we're still here. BUT, they didn't have the research and the information like we do now to make the best decisions.

It seems to be the "norm" has changed again. When you are newly pregnant, one of the sure fire ways to detect it, is someone NOT partaking in happy hour....well, in our group of friends anyway. In fact, sometimes when I wasn't even expecting I would get grilled why I wasn't having a drink at a casual get together - when either I just didn't want one or I was the DD. So, I find it odd that I'm 6 weeks away from my due date and I'm getting the same type of questions. I have been to some recent events and gatherings and I have been questioned if I would like a glass of wine or beer, but when I decline, everyone wants to tell me how safe it is and I should if I want to.

IF I wanted to, I would, but I don't. I just can't wrap my brain around it. I haven't found any reason why I should. I know that every pregnancy is different. I know that every situation is different. I also know that if ANYTHING happened to this baby or me or whatever I would feel extra guilty knowing that I participated in drinking while I was pregnant - even if that wasn't the cause. Who knows for sure? I just can't take that risk.

I can say that I feel confident that I can give up something for 9 months and feel great! In retrospect of a child's life and well-being, I don't think that is too long to abstain from anything!

NOW, I'm not knocking those that have a drink, I am just simply saying that this is MY choice and MY opinion on it. I do not judge or criticize anyone for indulging while you are carrying your own child....that's your decision. This is mine. Please respect it!

What's in a name?

2010-07-15T16:48:00.002-04:00

Well, we have our baby names picked out! And, sorry, but we are keeping them a secret..yep, I'm just being a butt! I've gotten picked on plenty about it since we did not find out the sex AND we aren't telling names....how dare I??? Hehe!

Well, we know what we like and it will be family-ish from my side. Baby girl would be all family but baby boy would have a little family and a little just because we like it!

So, we haven't discussed the names with LH on purpose! He couldn't even keep a secret that mommy had a baby in her belly for more than 2 seconds (um, so my child by the way)! So, we thought it best to just not talk about it at all. Up until recently he hasn't even asked, until last night!

He asked what we were going to call the baby? We asked him what he would like to call the baby if it were a girl - but he reminded us that we are not having a girl because that is not what he wants and so she didn't need a name! Great! Ok, so moving on...what about a boy? His response: Doofus!

Well, we are all kind of crazy, but I don't think you want to introduce yourself that way in say, um, well, ever, so we'll stick with what we have and just let him ponder what else he can call this kid!!!

Tick Tock

2010-07-14T16:15:00.002-04:00

I feel like a bomb waiting to explode....not really, but I feel like things are going to happen all of a sudden and blow up in my face!
Aggghhh!!!! I just don't feel ready. I know that if this baby came tomorrow, I would be able to deal with it as we have everything we NEED, but I just feel like there is so much left to do. AND, not necessarily everything has to do with the baby, but I just know if I put it off, it won't get done.
I was stressing this morning and was up at 5 am thinking about all the things that need to be done in the next 6-7 weeks. I mean, my goodness, 6 or 7 weeks??? That's it??? It sound like a lot, but it really isn't especially with all the activities planned between now and Labor Day!!! It will fly by faster than I can keep up I'm sure!
So, after I checked the calendar to see when Hubby and I could plan a date night, I realized that he has something to do every single weekend - did NOT make me very happy. NOW, only one weekend is both nights, but most are all day events and that means getting up early Saturday mornings so no late Friday nights and sluggish Saturday night sometimes! The only weekend free at this point is my birthday weekend which just happens to be about 5 days before this baby is due!!! My luck, I'd plan something for us and we'd be enjoying our romantic dinner for 2 in the delivery room!
I had a mini-meltdown and festered over it a bit....prompting me to ask him to see if there was anything he could give up - which would be hard, as 4 of the 6 weekends are non-negotiable but I was fishing! I came up empty! BUT, he promised me that everything would get done....just to make my wish list and he would work on it!
Well, my number one was a date with him....a friend practically forced me to go out after I whined and she said she would keep LH Friday night!!! AWESOME!!!! Love friends like that! The ones that just KNOW you need a break!
So, now, we have a date night set and I'm working on my honey - do list!
I just let out a sigh of relief.....a small one! As, the plan sounds great and all, but until it's executed, I won't feel satisfied!!
I have confidence that it will all get done....I'm a fairly good delegator - just ask hubby...I'm always barking some sort of orders at him!!!

Happy Early Birthday to LH

2010-07-13T12:56:00.002-04:00

LH got an early birthday present from Gigi and Pop yesterday! We call it the green monster! He really just loves that it's green - his fave!

So, now, he can stop riding the tiny 16" toddler bike where everytime he pedals he hits his knees on the handle bars! Nice!

Now, for a little recap on the last few days.....what a doozy its been! Thank goodness for grandparents!

So, after LH was not feeling well and had the weird rash, we decided to take him to the Doctor Sunday morning even though my friend said it was a virus, we wanted to be sure! First of all, since he is hardly ever sick, we had no clue what the weekend office hours were!! Now we know, but hopefully we won't have to use them again anytime soon! It was a virus, one that sounds way nastier than it really is! It's Hand Foot and Mouth Disease! G-Ross! I mean really? Can't they come up with something else to call it? But, anywho, we are glad to know what it was.
Apparently, he was contagious/sick last week and like I said, mom of the year here, tried to treat his "allergies"! Great, but he's on the mend now! Lots of popsicles, lots of "stay home days" and a cool new bike! He's fine!

Brief Lesson: sores/blisters form in mouth and throat and that's where it starts/spreads to skin...red, bumpless rash on palms and bottoms of feet mostly - at this point, its almost over, but the throat stays sore until the sores/blisters heal! Only way to "treat" is pain reliever as it is a virus! BUT, good thing, it's like chicken pox, you should only get it once!! AND, another good thing, its mostly common in children 10 and under - so I'm fine to be around him!! Good thing as I doubled as his body pillow all weekend!

Dr. said he could go to school and pool and wherever he wanted but I kept him home yesterday and today since Gigi was here and could hang out with him and he could rest. I did call the school and they informed me there were no other cases of it, BUT thought it could have come from THE FAIR!!!! Damn fair....I knew it was nasty, but now I think I'll refrain from taking him there in the years to come!

Oh, and good thing we got a bigger bike as when we were at the Doctor's office, we found out he's 48 inches tall and weighs a whopping 60 pounds!!! WHAT????? Seriously, what almost 5 year old does that? And one more thing, he's already in a size 1 shoe! Where did my little boy go????

In Training

2010-07-10T20:48:00.002-04:00

Well, I feel like today was a training mission for what is about to come. Gigi had my niece baby A for the day and we spent all afternoon together.

However, my training started earlier than that. Hubby and I decided to go to breakfast before LH came home from staying the night with Gigi and Pop. We also rand a couple errands around town, all of which I did withOUT a shower! Yep, I was that girl. I just thought we'd be going to breakfast and back so fast no one would notice. Well, after a trip to Lowes, the Farmer's Market and to drop some stuff off at the church, we headed home. There we proceeded to put up some laundry, clean out Hubby's work closet (which is in baby's room) and cleaned out the linen closet!

Gigi, Pop, LH and baby A came by and the boys started working on the door in the basement! It was a big project for Hubby and dad was here to help guide him along! Mom and I debated to stay at home and let the kids nap or go ahead to the pool....the pool won! As usual. I was thankful that I had neglected the shower at this point as I knew that I would be swimming soon.

The pool was great! Baby A had so much fun and despite what the weather forcast was, it was actually a great day to be outside! LH had fun too - as usual! BUT, then it gets interesting. He asked to go home...What? ok, so I thought he was just tired. He has had a busy week, stayed up late last night and was pushing through a day without a nap. I was wrong....

So, mom of the year here didn't think much of the watery eyes, peaked little face, and coughing...seriously thought it was allergies! Well, he took a bath - and said he was cold and wanted it really warm, then he wanted to take a nap! About an hour into it, he woke up screaming and crying.....saying it hurt. Well, he was talking about his throat, but he wouldn't let us look at it. He had a rash type think all over his legs and arms and some bumps on his face near his mouth...agghhhh!

I called my friend who is a physiciain's assistant and we let her take a look....we aren't sure yet, but she's pretty sure he's strep free and its some sort of virus that will just have to run its course! Great! But how horrible do I feel for trying to "cure" it with allergy meds all week and just thinking he'd been too busy!!!

He's hardly ever sick...really, has the best immune system ever!! I am still going to call the doctor's office in the am to see if I can't get an appointment just to double check everything is ok.

He's great though...ate a little for dinner, had some popsicles, drank some juice, and is now resting on the couch on his body pillow (me) and watching some movies his daddy got for him!

Now, I might get a shower before I pass out tonight...but very unlikely!

So, this was one of those days that you can't really remember where all the time went and how you managed to not take a shower!!! Got a lot of those ahead of me I guess once baby arrives!!!

Kindergarten Interview?

2010-07-08T17:12:00.002-04:00

I guess that's what it is. Technically, the teacher or just "a teacher" interviewing or meeting with the child that is about to embark on the journey to Kindergarten!

Well, that was LH yesterday. Very happy and excited to go to his school and meet his teacher and see his room! BUT, that really wasn't how it all happened. He did go to "his" school, but the teacher might possibly not be "his" and they went to the "libary" not "his" classroom. All that comes later!

He "passed" with flying colors...thank goodness because what do you do if they don't "pass"? I mean there is some "test" required by the state that they throw/catch a ball and hop on one foot!!! If they don't, then do they say, ok, thanks for coming and work on that and try again next year!!! Oh well, he did fine so I guess he gets to go!!!

He was so ready to leave the house...we were waiting on his daddy to get home so we could get his bike/helmet out of the truck for bike day at preschool, but he wouldn't let me wait in the nice cool house with A/C! NO, he had to go to the car, buckle up and sit pretty in the back seat. And then he kept saying we had to go. He didn't want to be late for his meeting!!! So cute!

I did ok. Better than I expected! It was hard not to be so happy when he was so happy! BUT I think when I have to LEAVE him there on the first day, I will not be as ok! I mean, they are going to KEEP him all day!!!! and he's going to LOVE it I just know it. Me - notsomuch!

4th of July Fun

2010-07-08T09:14:00.003-04:00

We had a wonderfully relaxing holiday weekend just us! We stayed at our 2nd home for 4 days (the pool) and had some friends over to cookout and catch the fireworks display! We are blessed to have a private showing from one of the local country clubs and we don't even have to leave our yard practically! Here are some photos from our family fun weekend! Ready for the show!

Love them!

OMG - 8 weeks left!!!!

Kisses for the baby!

LH and CG with the preshow entertainment!

Sweetness!

Waiting for the show to start!

Practicing his Saturday Night Fever Dance moves I guess???

Good Friends!

Cheesin...ready for the show!

Baby Showers

2010-07-07T12:26:00.006-04:00

I had 2 wonderful showers for the newest addition. One from great co-workers and the other for friends and family!

The Work Shower! Gigi (mom), Me, Mauggie (MIL)
Sporting the new headband with big flower...I now have 3!

HJ (best other part time civilian), Mrs Sheriff (ex sheriff's wife), me and the boss Lady!

LW (ex deputy - she's a stay at home mommy now), me and JR

The following are from the other shower!!

The CAKE! Seriously, it was as good as it looked! Perfect color coordination too!

The spread! (the little piggies in the blanket were actually babies...with face and everything)

Opening some gifts! Always one of my favorite hobbies!

Gigi (sportin' the mini), me and Mauggie

Me and chunky britches (my niece!)

For your Viewing Pleasure

2010-07-07T12:15:00.003-04:00

We really did go to the beach...here's the proof: Had to sit on the cow at the ice cream store....before we saw the sign that said please don't sit on me! Oh well!
LH took this photo of all the "big dults"

Lh and his Mauggie and Papa

LH and Mommy! Watiting on our seafood pots!

Daddy and mini me!

Goofing off inthe car!

The big water slide - $20 all day pass - LH had so much fun!

First ride of the day!

First night...had to get his feet wet!

My little surfer dude!

Scheduling Issues

2010-07-02T05:18:00.003-04:00

Well, this baby and I need to come to terms on our schedules. I have a feeling this time around might be a tad different than with LH. He was such a great sleeper/napper and was sleeping through the night by 9 or so weeks!!!
This baby is the most active around 9 or 10 pm when I am usually passing out on the couch and mostly through the night (if I wake up any, I can usually feel it rumbling around in there)! NOW, I'm up at 5am and he/she is quiet as can be. Not that I'm usally up at 4:30 or 5 am but lately that seems to be the trend.
We will have to come to terms on what is acceptable very early on if we need to get along!!!

The best thing about waking up this early is that I get a lot done. Dishes, laundry, cleaning, etc....it will make for a relaxing Friday but possibly a nap!!

Speak now or.....

2010-07-01T07:30:00.002-04:00

What? I have no idea what to do in a situation like this.

I got an interview for the position I applied for - the one I hadn't heard back from so just assumed I didn't get. It just took them a few weeks to weed through applications and schedule interviews. Fine. I have one this morning. I've got my most slimming black dress on - haha! There isn't much use in trying to hide almost 8 months of belly!

So, here's my dilema. I was in this same situation last go around. Weird I know, but then Ididn't say anything about the baby. I regret that now. I wish I would have been up front with them about the obvious bulge and told them I would be willing to come back to work as soon as possible and it wouldn't interfere with anything. Big Mistake! NOW, technically and legally that is NOT the reason I didn't get the job, but I'm fairly certain I was a prime candidate!! - I was their #2 choice!!! It was a job I've always wanted and have attempted to get a few times...that was the closest ever. Moving on though.

Present day, baby belly front and center...what to do? Work it into the convo? Leave it be? In my mind I've done some "calculations" and with interviews today and tomorrow, give a week to make an offer/decision, plus 2 weeks notice, it would be end of July or very first of Aug for a start date, which would leave me about 3-4 weeks to work, then take off for 8 ????? You know that stuff is in the back of their minds too. Even though it shouldn't be a deciding factor. Then you think about this - I'll have doctor's appts every week, so time off, and after baby there will be checkups, etc. Hmmmm, its a gamble. We'll just see what happens!

For now, I think I'll let the belly speak for itself and just go from there. I don't want to compromise my time off afterwards for a job (i.e. willing to take a shorter leave just to come back to work or something like that).

Wish me luck!

Mommy needs a night off...that's all I'm asking for

2010-06-30T09:57:00.003-04:00

So, I've been busy lately, which isn't unusal. But, its been fun busy with LH and trying to give Hubby the time and quiet he needs to catch up on sleep. He's been running crazy every morning this week with meetings at work, funerals, getting his car fixed, etc. so I've been keeping LH entertained and wearing him out as much as possible (movies, pool time, dinner out). NOW, that comes with not being home as much, so not cooking dinner or doing much (read: anything) around the house, but still, it's nice and quiet!! I have Thursday and Friday to get housework/laundry done! I'm not concerned.
Well, I asked Hubby to pick up Little Hauss today from preschool so I could have happy hour with the girls (to celebrate summer, a birthday, whatever....just a couple of hours of me time), and I got blamed for him not being able to work out and sleep much!!!!! WHAT??? I didn't schedule a funeral and 2 meetings at work???? But yet, its still my fault. Mind you I had already offered to have a friend pick LH up and bring him home later but he insisted on getting him!
I got irritated...imagine that, and pretty much told him that I would take care of it and tomorrow when we are supposed to take LH to the local fair (yes, I'm certifiable) and he could work out and sleep all he wanted and wouldn't have to spend anytime with us the entire week! I just feel like I can't do it all...I just need a break...2 hours..that's it! Grrr!

I'm not the only one

2010-06-30T09:51:00.002-04:00

Apparently, there are 5,999 other unhappy co-op owners waiting on their produce as well. Hubby came home this morning to share that the local paper had a big article about the farm that sold all the co-ops and couldn't deliver!
I looked it up as soon as I could and was shocked to discover that they sold 6,000 shares this year! Obviously they got in over their heads and they can't keep up. I hope they are happy with their new found fortune of $210,000!!! Myabe it was a planned thing...rip everyone off and just run off with the money!?!? Who knows.
Either way, the article said they tried to contact the owners and got no response....imagine that? IF they ever show up at the local stand I'll see about getting some veggies since I'm obviously not getting a refund (as they have not responded to my email nor answered any call in the past week) but if not, then I'll just write it off as a lesson learned. I have wasted about that much in gas and time wondering around downtown for a parking space so from now on, I'll just get what I can if I can and support the other farmers instead!
Come to find out co-ops usually are sold in limited shares per year and for a couple hundred dollars each....buyer beware I guess!

My sweet Protector

2010-06-29T16:17:00.005-04:00

Zeus (white) and Zoey (fawn)! Our furry children!
Zeus! He's special. I'm not being mean, I'm being serious. I mean, we haven't had him diagnosed or anything, but believe me, he is. I think something got lost somewhere with his color?? I mean, not many white boxers, so I'm pretty sure he's missing a few marbles, but he's the sweetest dog ever! He doesn't need a leash and is really loyal. He will listen to you (if he hears you). He's labeled Hubby's dog and Zoey is mine. She's going on 10 in August and is reserved. She likes to cuddle and give lots of kisses, but she's not really for sticking around. She checks on you then finds a nice comfy place to rest and relax. She is stubborn - that's the nicest way for me to put it! Hubby and her have their moments! She is loyal to me! hehe!

Well, since I've started to show, Zeus has become my shadow. NOT KIDDING! He's everywhere I go. Up, down, sit, stand, outside, inside, and even to the bathroom! Imagine 90 lbs of furball following your every move. Sometimes it makes for interesting situations - like cooking or peeing! He literally isn't 6 inches behind me and I've about broken my ankle too many times to count tripping over him. Lately I've been a litte worn out. I think partially its the heat, and the rest is just carrying extra weight! I am not over doing it as everyone thinks. I'm just going about my normal daily routines and we are still busy with pool fun, dinners out, and whatever else comes along. I feel good, just get tired quicker. Last weekend though, I was exhausted. I think the week had caught up to me and I just needed some extra rest. I napped a lot and the dog was right there checking on me the whole time. Sunday night I had all I could take though. He simply would not rest! He was panting, pacing and just could not sit still. ALL night long! Finally I had to put him in the basement just so I could sleep. At 4am! So, needless to say, I was still tired yesterday at work. Finally, last night he seemed to have tired himself out and we slept fine!

I love that he's protective. I love that he cares about me so much, but geez, just lay down!!!!

Home Grown....NOT

2010-06-28T12:37:00.001-04:00

So, I told you a long time ago about this wonderful opportunity about a local co-op program and how super duper excited I was about it!!! Well, I'm not anymore. I'm fed up with them! They have consistently been inconsistent!
First of all, they delayed the opening of our local market, which I was ok with at first because there was another market close by that I could go to (but only on Fridays and Saturdays). It is downtown and busier with limited parking, but I thought it would be ok a few times. Notsomuch! I went once and couldn't even find them. I went another time and found them but they had hardly anything, and then when I thought it couldn't get any worse, I was proven wrong just last week!
I got an email from the farm/owner stating that they were going to try something new and offer pre packaged boxes. There were 3 different options to choose with a variety of vegetables in each. All you had to do was order your desired box and voila, you could pick it up! Awesome! I thought this way, it would definitely be worth my trip to get the veggies I'd been trying to get all summer. I even ordered one of each box (you can catch up if you've missed weeks). I was also going to pick up some for a friend of mine - 6 boxes total! I ordered online - and left my name, and she called, spoke to an actual human and he assured her that her boxes would be there!
Well, guess what? yep, not there! Now, I'm not saying that downtown is far away, but its not convienent - it takes at least 20 minutes from my house to get there, not to mention, trying to find a place to park and then possibly pay for parking. Luckily, after driving around the block a few times, I found a close enough spot to the stand that was on the street. Mind you, I was going to have 30 pounds of veggies to lug back to the car, so I wanted close. Also, I am 30 weeks pregnant and it was 95 degrees at least that day! So, I walk up to the stand to see one man sitting there with ONE box of zuchinni and all kinds of empty boxes in the truck??????? WHAT? I tell him I am there to pick up 6 boxes of PREordered veggies. He stares at me like he's seeing a ghost. Um, uh, what? he says. Really? REALLY? Oh, I was beyond irritated. So, as I'm yelling how fed up with them I am, I'm waddling back to my car!!!! FUMING!
I try to call the number at the farm, no answer. I want to leave a voicemail, but I can't because wouldn't you know it, the mailbox is full! Imagine that. I bet it was all their super satisfied customers telling them how happy they were with the service!
So, I did the next best thing, I emailed them. It was nasty, evil and I'm pretty sure I might not get a response. I was ruthless. I didn't care. I am also still trying to call but am still getting no answer or voicemail.

Hmmmm, one of these days I will get in touch and give them another piece of my mind! Ridiculous!