12 weeks!

Isn't he handsome in uniform??

I can't believe I'm already 12 weeks along. THIS is the maternity shirt I was wearing, so see it really didn't look maternity......

What am I wearing?

I'm in a maternity shirt! WHAT? Thank goodness its more form fitting and doesn't scream maternity. I'm not trying to be one of those preggers that is dying to put on maternity clothes at 8 weeks and look completely ridiculous!


Ok, so I have no real belly for this, but the ladies are growing daily and I'm having some issues with my regular shirts! Seriously, the girl I work with stopped me in mid sentence to inform me they were larger!!! Yes, I'm aware and in complete denial right now that at 12 weeks, they are enormous (they started out large, so this will just get worse)!

Found some "befores"

Ok, if you can get past the cuteness of LH then you will see the ugly paneling in the background. Also, notice the carpet....doesn't look so bad in photos, but believe me, it wasn't pretty in person plus the dog had a few issues if you recall!

Basement is ALMOST Done

I say almost because we need a few finishing touches. I would gladly show you however, the photos are trapped on my camera! I left my usb in ATL. So, you will get the big reveal when I get that back - hopefully tomorrow since dad is here for an overnight trip for work.



Hubby did a fantastic job. Really worked himself to the bone and only took one fun break to have a much needed guy night with daddy daycare. They have become quite addicted to playing shuffle board and are very competitive!

He spent the first couple of days sanding, priming and painting the paneling on the lower half of the walls, then moved onto staining the concrete floor. I can't tell you how amazing it looks. The spiced gingerbread color on the walls is beautiful and a lot less orangey than I anticipated and the floor looks like a nice worn piece of leather. It really is just breathtaking if I do say so myself. And its so much better because I didn't ahve to do any of it!

I found a large rug for in front of the tv and couches that had the orange in it and matches perfectly. It was only $50! A steal for a rug that big. I also bought some curtains for the sliding glass door, but we are worried abou the dogs getting them all dirty and dingy, so they are still up for debate. Next step we need some floating shelves and new frames for the hubby's football photos and awards. It will not be a major sports themed room, but it will be manly and tasteful.

I totally didn't take a lot of "before" pics, so hopefully I can find a few that will show you just how bad it was before so you can see the transformation!

Tough One

Lent starts tomorrow and I haven't really thought much about it. I need to figure out what I'm going to do this year.

Last year, I took on the laundry - remember? I became quite the laundry whore, but no one was complaining (except me). I promptly stopped on Easter and we've been in our normal routine ever since. He washes, dries, folds. I wash, sometimes dry - if there isn't anything already in there and fluff. It's how we roll - stop judging. I never wanted to be a stay at home housewife. I would love to be a stay at home mom with a housekeeper, but not a housewife!

This year is a little more difficult as I've already had to give up some of my favorite things - coffee and alcohol, not to mention fitting in my clothes and shoes. So, what's a girl to do? I would never give up the computer - entirely. BUT, I've thought about letting go of Facebook. I am not as excited now when I get on there anymore and I talk to the people I want to do talk to FB or no FB. It's an option, but I could still go with something else. Or is there something else I could take on? Hmmmmm

Vanless, buttons and new loves

WOW, so much to share since last week. I totally was lazy on the blogging while I was in ATL. I took my laptop, but didn't really use it!

So, first of all, IKEA was a bust on cribs. I just didn't like them in person and couldn't justify spending money on something that I wasn't in love with especially when we already have a crib (not my fave, but it works). I thought I would want something that converts, but I would rather spend money on a nice twin bed than on another crib at this point. PLUS, I already have other furniture that I plan to use in the baby room, so I'd have to figure out something that would coordinate.

The fabric stores were huge - all 3 of them - but didn't find what I was looking for. How does this happen? I am so set in what I think I want, that I'm having a hard time just finding something that will no doubt be precious! It's clouding my vision and I'm going to have to restart and just go with a blank slate. Easier said than done....

AND

It snowed!

I thought my car would be able to have a few days of breathing room without all the winter weather, but I was wrong! Atlanta got about 4 inches on Friday and I was there for it! Nice! I was so excited about getting away from it, that out of spite, it followed me. That's my conclusion. The worst part is that they don't have plows and no one is sure how to drive in it! SO, the roads are sprinkled with salt/gravel mixtures, but only on main roads, and neighborhoods are just left alone. Thank goodness we had 4 wheel drive and dad cleaned off the driveway. We stayed in Friday night - even if we had ventured out, nothing was open! We let the sun melt it a bit on Saturday, then we left the house around noon. Road were great by then, but there were tons of cars on the sides of the interstate due to sliding off or wrecks!

I came home yesterday due to another bout of snow heading in today at home. I didn't want to be driving in it through the mountains if at all possible and I'm glad I did because it only took me 6 hours and 15 minutes with 2 stops!! Fastest time yet and no, I wasn't flying. Hardly anyone was on the road, so I just set my cruise and had a nice drive. LH was an angel as well - which made for a relaxing trip - thanks to Gigi's dvd player and some new videos for Valentine's day! He watched The Little Rascals twice and laughed out loud both times....it was so sweet! I think it's his new favorite!

So, the van - or NOT!!! I'm still in the subie! Even if I did want to come back in something different, we barely had time to look. Friday was a bust after the snow came and we went to TN on Saturday to visit my grandmothers, so yesterday would have been the only day to browse. I'm glad we didn't. I wasn't sure what the lots would have been like after the snow, and I think we are just going to wait and see what we find.

I really want to look at ALL my options - SUVs, Crossovers, Vans and see what I like - LOVE. I have a few that I want to test drive, so we'll start that process soon. We have plenty of time! I do have a few things that I'm dead set on - like a dvd player and 3rd row. I also want to take the carseat and carrier with me to see how it fits behind the front seat and how much room the passenger will have not to mention the cargo room for the stroller and extra stuff you carry!!!

So here are some of my choices that I'd love to take a look at! And they are all silver in the photos - I guess that's the best option for websites...I don't know!

GMC Acadia Chevy TraverseChrysler Aspen

Chevy Tahoe

On a positive note, I can button my pants again. EVEN after I washed them~not sure how long this will last, but I'm enjoying it for now!

Banned

It's official....I am sporting the bella band today! I knew this time would come, I just thought it might take a little longer! I'm 11 weeks, so I guess its an okay time. I'm not ready for the full on maternity pants, but the regular clothes are snug!
I guess that I should be grateful that a friend gave me the band so I could transition well! I haven't gained, but the belly is definitely starting to pooch a tad and is firming up! The baybay is growing!!!

I didn't wear one of these with my first pregnancy, but I'm sure glad I have it now!!! I would have been in old lady elastic waist pants if not!!!