Oh Baby!

Whoa! The belly just popped! This picture is from Monday of LAST week! I was 20 weeks plus (by my calculations, but they are measuring me around 21). They didn't change my due date, but I'm praying for an early delivery only so I won't have to be induced!

I'll try to take another one this weekend or so - 22 weeks technically now!

Cranky

That's what I'll be today - maybe. I'm up at 5 am. I was technically up at 3:45 am and tossed and turned until about 4:45 am then just decided to get up. My tummy was growling anyway, so I made breakfast #1. Yes, I said #1. I will eat again around 7 or 8 I'm sure. Do I care? No.

I don't feel tired though. I will about noon, I know, but right at this moment, I feel great. I'm sure the very large cup of coffee I'm sipping is helping tremendously. I'm trying to be productive during my "free time". I've checked email, facebook and now the blog! I think I've done a lot so far! Hehe! I might even fold a load of laundry, but then again, I might not!

I'm sure this will just add fuel to my fire today. Lately I've been a little, well, blunt! I'm always a straight forward person and will definitely speak my mind, but recently it's been more tactless. Not even sure if that is a word. I've just been downright mean, evil, hateful at times. I know that is sooooooo far fetched for me, but it's true. (sarcasm in case you missed it)

I am not a mean person. I'm not evil and do not usally do things out of spite, but lately, my hormones are getting the best of me and I just don't seem to care. If I get pissy or something bothers me, I just say/do whatever I feel like and don't really care about the consequences. Now, nothing major has happened, but it just seems lately I've been less censored. I am the type of person that won't sugar coat or say something just to make you feel better. You will get the truth no matter what, but with this pregnancy, there just might not be any fluff with it. So, I guess in essence, this is a warning. Don't piss me off! Haha!

I've been comparing myself to an old woman - ya know those types. They just think because they are old they can say/do whatever they want and they don't give two shakes who cares! Yep, that's me.....in a nutshell!

Through eyes of a child!

We are not judgemental in this family. We are very tolerant of differences and I love that we are raising our child to be the same way. We have strong family values and a deep faith based core! We see people and are not quick to make assumptions or theories about their lifestyle or behavior. I'm not saying we agree with all of it, but we are accepting. It takes all kinds of people to make the world go round. LH is no different! He saw a gentleman that looked similar to this photo yesterday and instead of pointing or making nasty comments (as some would do), he simply said - "wow, look there is a rockstar!" I love that! He notices differences but does not let it hinder is view of the person!

Catch Up

As you may have noticed I have been updating lots of stuff on the blog! Make sure to go back and read all the posts! Enjoy!

Battle of the super stores

I registered. I'm having a shower. I'm excited! I wasn't sure at the begining if I would have another one especially with this being my second, but I have 2 sweet friends who want to have one and it will be the only one! It will be ok I've decided as it has been 5 years since the last time! I actually do need some stuff. Mostly burp cloths, diapers, wipes, soaps, lotions, etc. The stuff you can't really save!

I registered online at Target! I love Target - most of the time. I was having a little problem finding things online that were also in stores. Things that I know I love. Things that I almost always give to new moms as the most basic necessities! I've done this before and I don't need anything big. I just need basics. I couldn't find what I wanted. So, I headed to the store. I got the scanner gun and was on my way. I had high expectations. I just knew that I could be finished in about 30 mins with everything on my list. I was wrong. The shelves were bare! If stuff was there, there was one or two of the item left. I did my best and left.

I went to Walmart. I don't love Walmart half as much and I hardly shop there anymore. I really have to need something to go there. I was pleasantly surprised. I found almost everything I wanted and fully stocked. So, I went home and updated my Target registry immediately. I still have one there, but not nearly as much stuff on it as Walmart. There are some things that the other store didn't have, so I kept them both.

I don't usually order online for gifts unless it is something that I really want to get and there is no way it is going to be in the store (any store) or unless the person lives somewhere else and I need to ship it. I like to give an actual gift. I am not a fan of giving gift cards. I do love to receive them. I know, weird, but whatever.

I just don't want someone to go somewhere and have a list to go on and there be absolutely nothing on the shelf! This is the main reason I chose to have the bulk of my registry items at Walmart and NOT Target. I think this is the first time I've ever not chose Target as my first choice!!!

We broke up...

My hairdresser and I. I think???

I haven't had a haircut in about 3 months or so. It hasn't really been a necessity and then we've been budgeting for other things, not to mention the prenatal vitamins are working their magic! I made an appointment, cancelled it. Rescheduled a week later, but my mommy brain had the wrong time and she cancelled because I was late by 10 mins and she had someone else coming in right behind me (in about 10 mins). I never actually made it to the salon, but was on my way. I asked for anything the next day, but she said it would have to be next week - I asked for the first available appointment. I got a text saying Thursday evening? I responded promptly what time? Never got a response.
I made an appointment with someone else. New! I know her and she is a good stylist, but never had her do my hair before. I've been with my hairdresser for at least 4 years. Well, I went Tuesday and loved it. Price was about the same too, so that wasn't a factor.
I got a text that night from my orignial hairdresser....."sorry I never got back to you, glad you got a haircut. hope no hard feelings. c u around."
OK....first of all, weird! I didn't really tell anyone I was going to get my hair cut, and most definitely not anyone that knew her! I did however see someone at the salon as I was leaving....who is a mutual friend (but he was there to get his haircut too....)??? Very strange, but oh well, at least she knows she messed up. I haven't decided what I want to do. I don't dislike my hairdresser at all and I obviously like my cuts, but now I'm torn....
I never responded....I guess I'll figure it out in another 3 months when I need a cut again!

Catchin' some wind

We have a local Kite Festival every spring and last weekend was it! It was perfectly windy! It was such a site to see all the kids and grown ups flying kites. So much fun.

After our picnic lunch we were watching the big kites. Notice how long my hair is - pulled back!!!
Loved every minute of it!

Flying his Iron Man kite! Notice the big scuba diver in the background?

And the huge penguin!

Daddy had to try it out too!

More changes....

The baby's room is a little awkward! It is the end room and narrow. It has one small wall - but the door opens up to it, so not really much wall space. There are 2 windows and 2 closets! It makes it a little difficult to place the furniture. I'm not opposed to "covering" a window but since we have a ranch, we don't want the crib in front of a window as a safety measure. The only place for the crib was on the wall where the door opens. Well, we could have gone beside the one window, but this allows more space in the rest of the room. The new issue is the dresser. I used it for LH as a changing table and loved the storage, height, etc, but it is not as accomodating this time around. First of all, it would need a facelift to match the black, but that isn't hard. Second, it needs to be about 6 inches or so shorter in length!!! That's not as easy! Remember, I'm picky!!! I even tried it caddy corner and didn't love it! So, now we are on to a new search for some sort of dresser/chest that is smaller and short enough to serve as storage and a changing table. I do not want a real changing table - I just don't think it really serves much of a purpose later...this will be able to be used for a long time.

The "extra" space will be used for a chair/rocker and maybe a small table/lamp.
I just don't like it. And its not just me. The hubby is the one that suggested we look for something new! We are going to check some consignments and salvation army.
Notice the door to the right....that's one of the 2 closets!! See what I'm talking about - NO wall space!

I'm picky

I can't help it. I am picky. I change my mind - A LOT! I really don't care. I just like what I like and I'll get what I want - eventually. I have had an idea of what I wanted this baby's room to be for months. Its in my head and I'm trying my hardest to make it a reality. Its slowly but surely morphing into what I love!

Ok, here is the original fabric choices I had picked out. Yes, they are great. I love the green, but up close and personal, they didn't match. It the store (after looking at tons of choices I thought they did) but after pulling them out in different lights, it just didn't work. So, back to the store we go. I took the mother in law this time, since she will be the seamstress! We searched for a green that matched but just didn't have much luck. So, we skipped to...
Turquoise!!!!
This will be the bumper. The turquoise "swirl" will be on one side (outer) and the polka dot will be on the other (inside). The polka dot will also serve as the ties! First, I want a contrast against the black crib, but also, black and white is good for baby to look at!

This will be the curtains. The solid turquoise will be the long panels and the polka dots will be the tabs at the top. MIL will even make them super cute with a point and we might even embellish later with a button or something...I love that I have such a talented MIL!!!

This is the crib skirt. Notice, the black/white "stripe" is the only fabric that we kept from the original set. It will be the bulk of the skirt with the turquoise being a trim at the bottom.

Here they are all together! I love it! I am really excited about seeing it all finished and made into something beautiful!

We spent 2 hours in the fabric store!!!! Hubby couldn't believe we had been there the whole time we were gone! I'm sure he thought we snuck in some other shopping, but no, we were searching and then computing! We had measurements and I wasn't leaving until I bought everything!

I got all this fabric and thread for $84! Sounds like a lot, but if you think about it, I'm outfitting a crib and 2 windows! There is also enough that we should be able to do a pillow or something. That's a hot deal. Premade packaged bedding sets cost around $100 average without window treatments or any other accessories, so I am so lucky! My MIL sprung for the filler for the bumper pads! Thanks!!! And add on some free labor (all out of love) I know it will be the best ever!

After the baby arrives, I thought a pretty hot pink or purple could be added for a girl or some orange or green for a boy!

Crib is UP!

I can't say enough about Walmart site to store lately. It was easy and saved money on shipping and it was FAST! A lot faster than I was ready for. I guess I just thought it would take weeks to get the crib here but it was here within 10 days! Well, of course I can't just let it sit in the box and we had to make sure all the pieces were there as well as in good shape, so we went ahead and put it together.
LH was a huge help. He even dressed up for it!! He has been a gem through all of this. I love that he is older and can completely understand the baby concept. He is excited and I know he will be a big help and a great big brother!

All dressed up! He looks like he's more ready for a camping trip than working with tools, but we'll take it! How can you not just melt when you look at his smile!
"Reading" directions!

I didn't even let hubby shower and get dressed first! Such a slave driver!

Working hard. I did help by the way, but I also had to document the moment!

Finished product. We need a matress, but are on the lookout!

It seems so real now! AND, we have a place for the baby. We are calling it the baby's room or nursery now - without hesitation!

Where do I start?

Well, this is a good place.....the baby! We went last Friday to "see" the baby. Poor LH thought he was actually going to see it. He asked if it was going to pop out? Too cute, but unfortunately, not ready for that just yet! He was super excited and super good! He was beaming with big brother pride. He asked the tech every question he could. What was the gel? What is that that thing you are looking in my mommy's tummy with? What is that? - and she explained every single thing to him. She showed him everything she was looking at and thoroughly described every aspect. I know that in a busy doctor's office, they are scheduled back to back, but I really thought she did a wonderful job of slowing down and enlightening our sweet and curious 4 year old! He was just as inquisitive with the doctor. He was fascinated by the heartbeat and seeing the baby on the screen! I barely paid attention to the ultrasound because I was so engrossed in LH's reaction to the entire process. It was a special experience.

Our Baby!
Don't look Daddy! We aren't finding out the sex!

That's my baby!!!!

He was just so much fun!

Totally into the whole thing!

The funniest part of the whole appointment was when I had to "empty my bladder". He asked the tech what a bladder was and then decided he needed to go too. He went with me and was so full of wonder as to why I peed in a cup. He wanted to know if he had to pee in one too. He then asked why so I told him they did tests on it. He thought that was cool because it was like science. Daddy told me later that LH came back to the room and whispered in his ear that "mommy peed in a cup and they are going to do science on it"! Too cute!

All in all, the appointment was great. I had low BP and gained less than a pound this past month, with my total around 3.5! They measured me around 20 weeks and 5 days by ultrasound and 21 with the tape on the tummy. They didn't move up my due date, but it makes me think I might be a little further along and could have this baby in Aug (just not on my birthday)!

The doctor did say that my placenta is low. Not anything to worry about yet, but lower than they want. He was having a tough time trying to explain it to hubby and I with LH in the room. He was trying to tell us that there should be no "activity" until the next appointment. We got it, but he still pulled Hubby to the side as we were leaving the room to make sure he understood!! HA! The good thing is I get to see the baby again next time since they have to check it out!!! He thinks it will move up! We hope so too because I would really not like to think I would have a C-section.

Being Lazy

I want to write and have plenty, believe me, but I'm just being lazy while I can for a few minutes! I promise I will fill you in on all sorts of stuff soon!

Bare Naked

Get your minds out of the gutters!!!

I'm referring to our yard! It has been stripped down to nothing. We haven't really landscaped since we have lived in our house (4 years now), but we are starting to work on a plan. Its a costly little adventure, so we've just let it be up until now.

So, as if we didn't have anything else going on in our lives, we've decided to do some major yard work!!! We are crazy like that! It seems we get more done the more we have on our plate! Totally irrational concept, but true for us!

Hubby tore out all the greenery in the front of the house. This included a couple huge boxwoods and a holly bush (very prickly). They weren't really good for anything other than height. We need something fairly full in the front because if not, it would just look weird. He also trimmed out the monkey grass in the bed under the big tree. The only issue is now there are two huge tree-ish stumps to get rid of. We thought about pulling them out with the truck, but one is growing a root under the house! So, we are looking into options of killing the root or somehow digging it out! In their place, we are hoping to put in some knockout roses! They bloom and get full and love sun! Perfect for our house! Then we are also thinking of some sort of ground cover to go under the tree to give it some color. We've been purusing lowes garden center and the internet all weekend for ideas.

For now, there is just some blank space in the front of the house but at least we have a clean slate to work with and do what we want!!

I did contribute with the yardwork believe it or not! I held the trashbags for hubby so he could put all the leaves in there! All 10 bags. I may have been sitting on my arse part of the time (on the hill) but I was still helping. I'm sure all the people that drove by and saw me "lounging" were wondering why he was doing all the *work*!

All in all, it looks better than it did before even if there is nothing there now! I guess I know what we'll be doing this weekend!!!

Room Redo Plan

Baby #2 is not the only one getting a room makeover in this household! With LH getting ready to turn the big FIVE, start Kindergarten AND become a big brother (all within days of each other), we thought he deserved some speical attention too!

We bought a nice comforter yesterday ($20 -woohoo) at an overstock store that is only open on weekends for the next few months in our area. It actually matches his room already, but hubby is willing to paint if LH wants to. I'm pretty sure he won't as his room is already green (his favorite), but we are giving him the option -with some guidance of course.

He has a step 2 toy chest in there still and we are going to update it with a nice wooden toy box and some bookshelves as well as some baskets/totes for toys and such! We want this room to be a little more "big boyish" and grown up as it will last him through elementary school - hopefully!

I'll post pics soon at least of the before. We are still working on clearing out his closet/drawers of older toys, clothes and the like to make room for all his fun new stuff.

The best part, is he doesn't even know. He doesn't seem concerned but I know he will be super exicted about the upgrade!!!

Adult Swim

Oh my! Hold on to your hats!

This weekend is filled with lots of fun stuff and I was glad to get out for a while yesterday with my girlfriends for some relaxation and rejuvination! I had two events that I went to, so it made my evening extra special.

First I met the girls for Happy Hour! It's been a while since we've all hung out and I've missed them. With the warmer weather, we will be making this a regular occurrance I'm sure. After that, I headed to a special party!

It was a Tasteful Treasures Party! It's only my second one - well, the first one was only a half of a party since I had to leave early, but last night I experienced the full effect! It is an experience none the less and for me, it was very entertaining. It is totally understandable why the spirits are flowing at these parties as it helps loosen all your inhibitions and not feel so, well, uncomfortable. This stuff doesn't bother me, so drinking or not was not a big deal. The consultant was funny and made the evening enjoyable with her anticdotes and "un"testimonials. Apparently they aren't to give their personal experiences with products, but encourage anyone in the group to share theirs - and believe you me, there were some veterans of these products that were eager to share!!! All in all, it was a good night! You have to be willing to just have fun and ready to learn A LOT about your friends and neighbors (and their husbands!! hehe)!

I guess there is a line of work out there you can make good money and stay home with your kids in this rough economic time!

Oh, and if you are waiting for me to tell you IF I got anything or not, well, I guess you'll be waiting a while! I'll never tell!

Not so Happy Easter

This was the face I got when trying to take Easter pictures.....He was beyond exhausted! Oh well, at least he had a good morning at Church and liked his cute outfit!

Spring has sprung

I'm loving this weather. It is a little hotter than usual this time of year, but I'll take anything over snow, even the pollen that comes with it! We've (Hubby) put the screen in the front door and we leave windows open all day! It's bliss! Our house gets a lot of wind, so we get a great breeze and can go without the A/C for a little longer - um, this year, we might need to cut it on sooner than later with baby on the way - just saying!

Gigi and Pop came in for Easter and we had a great weekend playing with LH and shopping! We orderd the crib!!! It is coming from Walmart and shipping to the store so we didn't have any costs associated with that - woohoo! It will be here before the end of April!!! I was shocked fully expecting it to be here in 6-8 weeks or something. SO, now we gotta get a move on the dresser and really get our ducks in a row. We looked for bedding, but I still can't find anything that I like, which will put me back at making it (aka - MIL making it)!! I will help measure and cut fabric - she will sew! I will post a pic of what I found at Joann's last week. I am still on the lookout for another color (hopefully orange) that I can accent with.

Hubby and I had a date night while Gigi and Pop kept LH overnight! We had a great dinner at Olive Garden (used a gift card too - so double wow!) and we stayed out too late - around 8:30! HAHA! We ran some errands on my quest for an outdoor umbrella with no luck! We then laid around on the couch watching TV and just talking. It was nice but we were so exhausted.

We enjoyed a great Easter lunch with both sides of grandparents and my brother. I hope to get a picture posted of our sweet family soon....Hubby and I were happy, LH notsomuch. It was way past his naptime and he was done. He had a full belly and was not interested in wearing his cute outfit any longer! Oh well, I'm sure I'll dress him in it again, so maybe I'll get a good pic then!

We are getting stuff done around the house. This weekend we will put shelves up in the basement and clean out the dresser in the baby's room. Hopefully we can start prepping it to be painted and maybe find some new drawer pulls!

I'm also hoping the weather will be fairly nice and we can spend some time outside again!!!

I have plenty....promise

And I'll fill you in after this beautiful weekend.

It is just way to pretty out there to spend too much time on the computer!!!

Happy Easter and enjoy this weekend with family and friends!

All Dyed Up

We had such a great spring evening last night. We grilled out hot dogs, ate on the deck, then dyed eggs! LH and I had our hands covered in blues, greens, and purples! It was all worth it when you hear him say "Mommy, I love hanging out with you!" Awwwww. Melt my heart. Here are the pics from our egg adventure.

Our happy little family!
Helping me pick the color!

That little egg holder really doesn't work!