Tonight we made the first move towards really creating a nursery in our spare room. I'm excited. I've got that nestin' feeling!
Another friend who is pregnant told me they had already painted their next nursery and she is due shortly after me. So that told me we needed to get our butts in gear.
I wanted to take a before and after shot of the nursery but so far I am just not that good. I will take a shot before we make it baby-ish, because right now we are just in the process of moving out electronics (the computer to the basement!) and tomorrow the treadmill to the basement. It's going to take a whole lot of motivation to get on that treadmill now that it's down in the basement but there just is no where else for it.
I just want to gush for a minute. Andy doesn't get enough credit on my blog. I could fill post after post about how lucky I am. How I married the right man for me. That I couldn't be happier with him. That he is funny, smart, helpful, thoughtful, quiet, fun, athletic, a dad, a friend, a companion, a husband etc etc etc. I can't believe that I told him "ok let's move the computer" about 20 minutes ago and I didn't get a complaint. It went SO smooth. I unplugged it. He dusted it all. He carried it down. I plugged it all back in and I'm quickly blogging. No arguments. It worked on the first try (all of it! The mouse, the keyboard, the speakers, sub-woofer and printer!). If we can stay sane while we put this nursery together, these next 3 months will slide and glide right by.
Hello baby!!!!!!!! We're getting ready for you. Step by step. I can't wait to introduce you to this whole house we've made a home. I know you'll fit RIGHT in.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Tooters
Here it is...a normal Sunday afternoon at our house.
I wanted to record Eli in "action"-just doing whatever it is that he does all day.
Take note:
1. The house is a disaster. Yes, we do clean it up at night before we go to bed, why? So we can leave the house in the am without the yuck-feeling you have when the floor is scattered with 10 different types of toys. But yes, our house looks this cluttered and kid-zonish at some point every day.
2. Yes, that is Andy on the couch next to me, those are his knees and his hand glued to the remote. I made him mute the football game so we could hear Eli.
3. I need 30% of Eli's energy. I think it would be a great balance if he gave me some of his-so that we could jump across the living room together.
4. Listen reallllly carefully around the 1 min 47 second mark. I am not even sure what to compare this sound to-but just for the record-it came from Eli. I would not normally post something so immature, gross or dumb. But it makes me laugh and I need every belly laugh I can get. It's for the baby really-I think I read that a good belly laugh will increase the chance of the baby being a great sleeper.
I wanted to record Eli in "action"-just doing whatever it is that he does all day.
Take note:
1. The house is a disaster. Yes, we do clean it up at night before we go to bed, why? So we can leave the house in the am without the yuck-feeling you have when the floor is scattered with 10 different types of toys. But yes, our house looks this cluttered and kid-zonish at some point every day.
2. Yes, that is Andy on the couch next to me, those are his knees and his hand glued to the remote. I made him mute the football game so we could hear Eli.
3. I need 30% of Eli's energy. I think it would be a great balance if he gave me some of his-so that we could jump across the living room together.
4. Listen reallllly carefully around the 1 min 47 second mark. I am not even sure what to compare this sound to-but just for the record-it came from Eli. I would not normally post something so immature, gross or dumb. But it makes me laugh and I need every belly laugh I can get. It's for the baby really-I think I read that a good belly laugh will increase the chance of the baby being a great sleeper.
By Request
My view of my feet. Oh that's right-you can't even see my feet. The big gray blob is my belly!
I'm 26, almost 27 weeks along. I'm scared to be able to say I only have 13 weeks to go. Who knows? I could go 2 weeks early and I could have just 11 short weeks to go. (another scary thought is that Christmas is so close even though it's not even Thanksgiving).
The baby has hiccups a lot.
My belly button is half way out when I'm standing up straight.
I'm losing my small chest-meaning my belly is poking out far enough that my belly doesn't create a shelf-but a slope.
We are just getting started on the baby room. We have a lot to do and I'm afraid with the holidays coming everything will sort of just get away from me.
Names? We're looking for ideas please...
Grow baby grow!
Friday, November 11, 2011
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
~Plato
Recently I read this post on a blog I loosely follow. Read it.
Ok are you back?
I occasionally know of a friend who has shared something with me and should be wearing a sign, but instead they put on such a good front. Sometimes I can only guess that someone should be wearing the sign. The sign indicating "be gentle with me. somethings going on in my life".
Sometimes it's me who needs to wear the sign.
Ok on to your next reading assignment. Within that blog post that I linked above, is another one that I actually took the time to read. Maybe because I was silently wearing a sign that said "Be easy on me today" I knew I really needed to read this other link. Check it out here.
The story touched me.
At work patients tell me many, many gruesome details about the struggles they go through. It is weird how many patients who struggle with their health also need someone to just listen to them open up about other battles going on. And it may be the littlest thing that they need to vent about. Sometimes it isn't even the life threatening disease they are dealing with, but the smaller issues that should be solved easily that they want to discuss. I always do my best to demonstrate empathy and sympathy. And I hope that they know that I am listening and taking it all in.
But some days when I have my own garbage going on inside, I want to pull out the sign. I want it to say "I'm listening. I care. I do. Now can I tell you what's going on with me?". It can be a real struggle.
Lately I've been trying to remember that strangers that I don't even have direct contact with are wearing these signs. Going into the holidays and the hustle and bustle, I need to constantly keep reminding myself that others may have their hearts somewhere else while attempting to accomplish something that isn't going easy for them. Other drivers may be in a hurry because of a real emergency-not because they are just jerks. Waiting in line may be difficult for many because it is their only chance to stand in line to return an item and they've been on their feet all day. Someone may have gotten laid off at work. Others may have found out something about their health. Maybe they got in reprimanded at work for something they didn' t do. Maybe they are struggling with relationship issues. It may not be the same issue that would cause distress for you or me, but it is affecting them.
So if you skipped the links above and didn't truly read them-reconsider. It might help remind you not to get annoyed, frustrated or angry with someone. I know it's one of my goals to remember that EVERYONE is fighting a hard battle. A different battle than mine or yours. But a battle.
~Plato
Recently I read this post on a blog I loosely follow. Read it.
Ok are you back?
I occasionally know of a friend who has shared something with me and should be wearing a sign, but instead they put on such a good front. Sometimes I can only guess that someone should be wearing the sign. The sign indicating "be gentle with me. somethings going on in my life".
Sometimes it's me who needs to wear the sign.
Ok on to your next reading assignment. Within that blog post that I linked above, is another one that I actually took the time to read. Maybe because I was silently wearing a sign that said "Be easy on me today" I knew I really needed to read this other link. Check it out here.
The story touched me.
At work patients tell me many, many gruesome details about the struggles they go through. It is weird how many patients who struggle with their health also need someone to just listen to them open up about other battles going on. And it may be the littlest thing that they need to vent about. Sometimes it isn't even the life threatening disease they are dealing with, but the smaller issues that should be solved easily that they want to discuss. I always do my best to demonstrate empathy and sympathy. And I hope that they know that I am listening and taking it all in.
But some days when I have my own garbage going on inside, I want to pull out the sign. I want it to say "I'm listening. I care. I do. Now can I tell you what's going on with me?". It can be a real struggle.
Lately I've been trying to remember that strangers that I don't even have direct contact with are wearing these signs. Going into the holidays and the hustle and bustle, I need to constantly keep reminding myself that others may have their hearts somewhere else while attempting to accomplish something that isn't going easy for them. Other drivers may be in a hurry because of a real emergency-not because they are just jerks. Waiting in line may be difficult for many because it is their only chance to stand in line to return an item and they've been on their feet all day. Someone may have gotten laid off at work. Others may have found out something about their health. Maybe they got in reprimanded at work for something they didn' t do. Maybe they are struggling with relationship issues. It may not be the same issue that would cause distress for you or me, but it is affecting them.
So if you skipped the links above and didn't truly read them-reconsider. It might help remind you not to get annoyed, frustrated or angry with someone. I know it's one of my goals to remember that EVERYONE is fighting a hard battle. A different battle than mine or yours. But a battle.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Grace in the small things #?
I can't remember the last time I did this. I guess I'm due.
1. Last night I went to my special cousin E's play. It was called "Jury Room" and it was great. I think she has one more play in her before she graduates and I'll be sad not to have her events to attend. So much fun.
2. I haven't been feeling that great today and have had sort of a long week so tonight I decided to stay home with Eli while Andy goes out to celebrates a birthday for a friend of ours. I enjoyed the alone time with Eli. Right now I can hear him over the monitor singing in his crib: Little Teapot, Twinkle Twinkle and Happy Birthday. Love the happy babble...hope it doesn't turn into tears.
3. I left work late today-I'm very grateful for both of Eli's day care ladies who are very flexible and understand that we appreciate the extra unplanned minutes that they have to care for our special lil man.
4. On the way home from the play last night, I somehow got lost. Is it pregnancy brain? I had the GPS going too! I must not have been listening. I had the music cranked up and was enjoying the drive. It was dark out and all of a sudden I was driving through and by down town. I loved looking at all the downtown activity and lights. Even though it took me off course by 10-15 minutes I was in bliss. Driving on the "noodle" or what used to be, at my pace, with nobody telling me where every truck was etc. It was a blessing in disguise.
5. Eli is starting to listen more and more. I'm amazed. Now if he runs ahead he will stop when we tell him too. I thought this would never happen.
6. One of my friends toddlers has been growing at a great, steady rate and I'm just so darn happy that the stress of feeding her child will be slowly disappearing.
7. The plan is for me to go part time. There is a true plan in motion and I will not let myself get scared out of it. I truly believe this will be a good thing for me, my kids, my husband etc. I pray that I can get my act together and be the mom I want to be, while continuing with a career.
8. The other day I was getting ready to leave work for the day and realized that I hadn't even spent 10 minutes (Which would have been minimal compared to other days) wallowing in gluten free pain. I hadn't even thought about it once that whole day. I ate gluten free but didn't even think about it. I didn't think "I have celiac disease" or "Do I really have it?" all day.
9. Everything in my pregnancy is going really good. That's all I can say about that.
10. Here's one to laugh at...because Andy is not home I have soft music on and yes that's right-you are hearing me right-it is Christmas music. HA! I'm not quite ready for Christmas but I am feelin' it right now, so I have it on. Laugh your hearts out, but I have found that since having Eli that holidays are even more exciting. The pure joy over every little aspect of each holiday is magic. It allows for me to feel the excitement and kid-at-heart natural feelings of having a family at a holiday.
This weekend...I'm hoping for:
-A little extra rest to get me prepared for next week
-Peace of mind for a friend who's little man struggles with a health condition that is so very stressful (that's you CF)
-Breakfast out at a new restaurant-hoping for some gluten free hashbrowns, with some eggs and fruit maybe?
- A happy transition for the time change-aka no messy early am on Sunday!
-Something cooking in the crock pot on Sunday with a Packer win
-An hour to plan meals for the week
-The rest of the leaves to fall off so we can rake and get rid of the leaves before it rains again
-An easy labor for a friend who WILL have her baby within the next 6 days!
Time with my boys (and girl WOOF)
1. Last night I went to my special cousin E's play. It was called "Jury Room" and it was great. I think she has one more play in her before she graduates and I'll be sad not to have her events to attend. So much fun.
2. I haven't been feeling that great today and have had sort of a long week so tonight I decided to stay home with Eli while Andy goes out to celebrates a birthday for a friend of ours. I enjoyed the alone time with Eli. Right now I can hear him over the monitor singing in his crib: Little Teapot, Twinkle Twinkle and Happy Birthday. Love the happy babble...hope it doesn't turn into tears.
3. I left work late today-I'm very grateful for both of Eli's day care ladies who are very flexible and understand that we appreciate the extra unplanned minutes that they have to care for our special lil man.
4. On the way home from the play last night, I somehow got lost. Is it pregnancy brain? I had the GPS going too! I must not have been listening. I had the music cranked up and was enjoying the drive. It was dark out and all of a sudden I was driving through and by down town. I loved looking at all the downtown activity and lights. Even though it took me off course by 10-15 minutes I was in bliss. Driving on the "noodle" or what used to be, at my pace, with nobody telling me where every truck was etc. It was a blessing in disguise.
5. Eli is starting to listen more and more. I'm amazed. Now if he runs ahead he will stop when we tell him too. I thought this would never happen.
6. One of my friends toddlers has been growing at a great, steady rate and I'm just so darn happy that the stress of feeding her child will be slowly disappearing.
7. The plan is for me to go part time. There is a true plan in motion and I will not let myself get scared out of it. I truly believe this will be a good thing for me, my kids, my husband etc. I pray that I can get my act together and be the mom I want to be, while continuing with a career.
8. The other day I was getting ready to leave work for the day and realized that I hadn't even spent 10 minutes (Which would have been minimal compared to other days) wallowing in gluten free pain. I hadn't even thought about it once that whole day. I ate gluten free but didn't even think about it. I didn't think "I have celiac disease" or "Do I really have it?" all day.
9. Everything in my pregnancy is going really good. That's all I can say about that.
10. Here's one to laugh at...because Andy is not home I have soft music on and yes that's right-you are hearing me right-it is Christmas music. HA! I'm not quite ready for Christmas but I am feelin' it right now, so I have it on. Laugh your hearts out, but I have found that since having Eli that holidays are even more exciting. The pure joy over every little aspect of each holiday is magic. It allows for me to feel the excitement and kid-at-heart natural feelings of having a family at a holiday.
This weekend...I'm hoping for:
-A little extra rest to get me prepared for next week
-Peace of mind for a friend who's little man struggles with a health condition that is so very stressful (that's you CF)
-Breakfast out at a new restaurant-hoping for some gluten free hashbrowns, with some eggs and fruit maybe?
- A happy transition for the time change-aka no messy early am on Sunday!
-Something cooking in the crock pot on Sunday with a Packer win
-An hour to plan meals for the week
-The rest of the leaves to fall off so we can rake and get rid of the leaves before it rains again
-An easy labor for a friend who WILL have her baby within the next 6 days!
Time with my boys (and girl WOOF)
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Dear Baby Bean,
Dear Baby Bean,
I just wrote your big brother a Halloween message and didn't want you to think I forgot about you. How could I? You're happily kicking me hello each and every day. You're on my mind the 50% of the time that I'm not thinking about Eli. It just doesn't leave room for me to think or focus on much else these days.
I wanted to write and let you know a few things about me and your daddy. What I wouldn't give to "know" my mom and dad back in the days I was in her belly or even when I was a toddler. So here you go-I hope someday you or your family (kids, significant other etc) enjoy knowing me as I am when I carried you with me wherever I went.
-I love popcorn! I wonder if you will?
-Since becoming pregnant with Eli and now with you, I have lost track of a lot of stuff. I just can't focus and remember and organize like I used to. I don't notice things or remember stuff at work. I feel overwhelmed with all the stuff that needs to get done but I can't stop naturally loving and thinking about YOU!
-I like to read and hope this hobby carries over to your life.
-I like to cook and recently became gluten free. It makes me sad to know when you start eating real food I won't be able to "share" a cookie with you or even a fishy cracker.
-My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. Nothing beats the smells and the family.
-I like when it rains. It makes me happy to feel like curling up in bed with a book or on the couch with your dad to spend some quiet time.
-We have a dog named Bailee and I love her with all my heart. She is rambunctious even in her older years but settles down ok and likes to cuddle under blankets. She is excited to meet you and will be a big part of your life.
-Your dad and I can't agree on a name for you yet. Mostly because we have 15 weeks left until you arrive and because we don't know if you are a boy or a girl yet-we're leaving that a surprise. So your name will be too and I cannot wait.
-I hate mushrooms and cilantro. Your dad doesn't like cucumbers or celery. We are starting to eat more tomatoes (both of us) and green peppers. I don't like pineapple and your dad is not a huge watermelon eater. Eli loves all fruits and veggies. He doesn't really like chicken.
-I'm not someone that needs a lot of friends. I'm not super outgoing. I like comfort and I fear change. Although that doesn't mean I don't enjoy hanging out with my close friends and meeting new people. Your dad is loved by everyone-I don't know a soul that doesn't love him easily and right away. He is natural and amazing in new social settings.
-We are Packer fans! Sundays are spent in the living room rooting them on. Usually chili or something in the crock pot is smelling good. We are sad when the football season is over-but with improved weather we take trips to the beach, parks, zoo, bike rides etc.
-Your dad loves sweets. Cakes, cookies, desserts etc. I'm more of a food person. I would prefer to have seconds at the dinner table.
-I like all kinds of music. Last night I listened to "oldies" (60's music) while I made dinner. Often at night I will put on piano music. Your dad is not fond of this and would rather have fast paced music. I like stuff with a beat that you can dance to as well, and sometimes I'll put on fun kid music for Eli. I wonder if your listening and what you like?
-I dream of what you will be like, what you will look like, who you will take after, if you'll be a tough cookie or a sit on your lap type of babe. I just can't wait to find out.
-Eli loves trains, dogs and cats, trucks, being helpful and romping on the floor with dad. He's going to be a tremendous big brother and I hope to stay home with the both of you more after you are born (instead of working)-this is a dream for me that I hope comes true.
I can't wait to find out all about you and have you find out about me. We are going to have a very special place in each others lives. I wonder how much of the above will change or matter. See you soon!!!! (But not too soon!).
Love,
Mom
I just wrote your big brother a Halloween message and didn't want you to think I forgot about you. How could I? You're happily kicking me hello each and every day. You're on my mind the 50% of the time that I'm not thinking about Eli. It just doesn't leave room for me to think or focus on much else these days.
I wanted to write and let you know a few things about me and your daddy. What I wouldn't give to "know" my mom and dad back in the days I was in her belly or even when I was a toddler. So here you go-I hope someday you or your family (kids, significant other etc) enjoy knowing me as I am when I carried you with me wherever I went.
-I love popcorn! I wonder if you will?
-Since becoming pregnant with Eli and now with you, I have lost track of a lot of stuff. I just can't focus and remember and organize like I used to. I don't notice things or remember stuff at work. I feel overwhelmed with all the stuff that needs to get done but I can't stop naturally loving and thinking about YOU!
-I like to read and hope this hobby carries over to your life.
-I like to cook and recently became gluten free. It makes me sad to know when you start eating real food I won't be able to "share" a cookie with you or even a fishy cracker.
-My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. Nothing beats the smells and the family.
-I like when it rains. It makes me happy to feel like curling up in bed with a book or on the couch with your dad to spend some quiet time.
-We have a dog named Bailee and I love her with all my heart. She is rambunctious even in her older years but settles down ok and likes to cuddle under blankets. She is excited to meet you and will be a big part of your life.
-Your dad and I can't agree on a name for you yet. Mostly because we have 15 weeks left until you arrive and because we don't know if you are a boy or a girl yet-we're leaving that a surprise. So your name will be too and I cannot wait.
-I hate mushrooms and cilantro. Your dad doesn't like cucumbers or celery. We are starting to eat more tomatoes (both of us) and green peppers. I don't like pineapple and your dad is not a huge watermelon eater. Eli loves all fruits and veggies. He doesn't really like chicken.
-I'm not someone that needs a lot of friends. I'm not super outgoing. I like comfort and I fear change. Although that doesn't mean I don't enjoy hanging out with my close friends and meeting new people. Your dad is loved by everyone-I don't know a soul that doesn't love him easily and right away. He is natural and amazing in new social settings.
-We are Packer fans! Sundays are spent in the living room rooting them on. Usually chili or something in the crock pot is smelling good. We are sad when the football season is over-but with improved weather we take trips to the beach, parks, zoo, bike rides etc.
-Your dad loves sweets. Cakes, cookies, desserts etc. I'm more of a food person. I would prefer to have seconds at the dinner table.
-I like all kinds of music. Last night I listened to "oldies" (60's music) while I made dinner. Often at night I will put on piano music. Your dad is not fond of this and would rather have fast paced music. I like stuff with a beat that you can dance to as well, and sometimes I'll put on fun kid music for Eli. I wonder if your listening and what you like?
-I dream of what you will be like, what you will look like, who you will take after, if you'll be a tough cookie or a sit on your lap type of babe. I just can't wait to find out.
-Eli loves trains, dogs and cats, trucks, being helpful and romping on the floor with dad. He's going to be a tremendous big brother and I hope to stay home with the both of you more after you are born (instead of working)-this is a dream for me that I hope comes true.
I can't wait to find out all about you and have you find out about me. We are going to have a very special place in each others lives. I wonder how much of the above will change or matter. See you soon!!!! (But not too soon!).
Love,
Mom
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Monkey
Dear Eli,
This is the first year you really enjoyed Halloween. Anytime someone said "October" you yelled "It's almost Halloween!" I loved it.
At first you thought you were going to dress up as "Choc-o-late". But we showed your you costume that you borrowed from a friend and it fit perfectly. It was nice and warm and it suited you perfectly.
On Sunday Daddy and I took you out in our neighborhood. It melted my heart. I have never really been a "Halloween" person so I was doing all of this for you. But 5 minutes in and my heart was all gooey, ooey, mushy over cute little you! You walked like such a big boy and took your time. You carried your blue pumpkin bucket, said the right words every time "Trick or Treat" and always said thank you.
The first hour went perfect but you started to slow down. You were walking slower and your pumpkin got heavy. Then it started raining. So we headed home-but my favorite parts were
-One family brought out a banana instead of candy since you are a monkey
-A few houses I could tell that some of the older ladies REALLY loved you in your costume and they were surprised you could say the right words.
-When you turned around after looking in your pumpkin and said "A bar mama?" (a candy bar!)
-Sometimes you looked at me and said "More candy?"
The second trick or treating experience was different because we went at night. Oooooh this was very special too. We went from house to house with a few friends (Snow White and her dwarf-Sneezy and also Spiderman). These houses were further apart and there was a lot more running. There was a lot of attempting to touch candle lit pumpkins, there was excitement over any house with a dog and some wagon riding. On the way home I let you have your first Halloween candy: a small pack of M&M's. I gave you one piece at a time. Each time you asked what color it was, but it was too dark to see. That little package lasted the whole car ride home (which would have taken me 2-3 mouthfuls).
Alright monkey boy...I just wanted to let you know how much you made Halloween mean to me.I hope you had as much fun as it looked like. I know the next 5-10 years will bring new Halloween memories and as you get older and more independent I won't get the chance to walk to each house with you. But just for the record, just so you know, I'll want to!
Love,
Mama
This is the first year you really enjoyed Halloween. Anytime someone said "October" you yelled "It's almost Halloween!" I loved it.
At first you thought you were going to dress up as "Choc-o-late". But we showed your you costume that you borrowed from a friend and it fit perfectly. It was nice and warm and it suited you perfectly.
 |
| There you are Mr. Monkey |
 |
| See the banana in your pocket? |
 |
| This is your favorite house in our neighborhood Eli-you always ask if the Black Catty's will be awake today! |
The first hour went perfect but you started to slow down. You were walking slower and your pumpkin got heavy. Then it started raining. So we headed home-but my favorite parts were
-One family brought out a banana instead of candy since you are a monkey
-A few houses I could tell that some of the older ladies REALLY loved you in your costume and they were surprised you could say the right words.
-When you turned around after looking in your pumpkin and said "A bar mama?" (a candy bar!)
-Sometimes you looked at me and said "More candy?"
The second trick or treating experience was different because we went at night. Oooooh this was very special too. We went from house to house with a few friends (Snow White and her dwarf-Sneezy and also Spiderman). These houses were further apart and there was a lot more running. There was a lot of attempting to touch candle lit pumpkins, there was excitement over any house with a dog and some wagon riding. On the way home I let you have your first Halloween candy: a small pack of M&M's. I gave you one piece at a time. Each time you asked what color it was, but it was too dark to see. That little package lasted the whole car ride home (which would have taken me 2-3 mouthfuls).
Alright monkey boy...I just wanted to let you know how much you made Halloween mean to me.I hope you had as much fun as it looked like. I know the next 5-10 years will bring new Halloween memories and as you get older and more independent I won't get the chance to walk to each house with you. But just for the record, just so you know, I'll want to!
Love,
Mama
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