Traditions...

So, I have a few close friends that I have known my entire life. I know it may sound odd to most, because most people I know met their best friends in school, or college or whatever. So, when the first of us got married they finally got it all on tape. The Finger...Oh ya, unlike any you have ever known. Here's how it started..
It just keeps going every year... It's almost unfortunate, if I told you what the blond does for a living, you would really take this last one more seriously!

Head on over to Carries for some Holiday Traditions.. You can also go to our Zoo So Silly for a real tradition that does not include anything green!

Week three at home starting alone..

We are past almost there.. I waited for the DR to all on Friday with no luck. So, I get to call the office tomorrow and I am already not happy about having to deal with his office staff to get a hold of him ever. I expect tomorrow will be better but he and I will have a talk if it's not I am almost sick of the dealings with some of the people and other Dr's in that office.
Well, all of you that wanted a St. Patty's day baby better start praying and or doing you thang to get her here.
Mom came over on Friday and we went to Ruby Tuesdays, it was good. We both got the salad bar and got one half order of Mini Turkey Burgers, with 2 sides, one baby portobello mushrooms and one broccoli. No matter what I get there, it's always too much food. Still, it was really good.
We went to the grocery store after then came back here and cleaned up my sewing room, which was a God sent, I was so overwhelmed with that room I didn't know where to start to get it cleaned up. So, 2 things 1. I am going to post pictures of the baby's room and 2 pictures of my recent work.

The Bedroom pictures will be in another blog either above or below this one. The first picture is the closet with 5 containers of fabric in there, YIKES! One container is Bob's fault because when I made his hoodie, I bought fleece, thinking that's what he wanted, so I have the yardage to make a hoodie but he wanted some hippie hoodie.. I plan to make my mom sweat pants with the leftovers, I just have not gotten there yet. I have one more container than needs to make it's way in the closet but I have to figure out where. There is a ton of coats and jackets in there and this is the closet where we keep our sheets and pillows so it's pretty full, soft but full!

I made this blanket and burp cloth from some scrap I spent about $1.50 on and the cotton filling inside was probably about a buck too.. so, cute and about $2.50 without labor. Bob says he likes it and it's very spring/Eastery.
The Burps below are so cute, Baseballs, I did a red stitching that is a baseball stitch (kind of) it's for Stef and Adam's soon to be little one. I am kind of disappointed that I didn't get enough pictures of the ones I made as gifts for my neighbors new nephew, they left town already but for some stupid reason I didn't take pictures of all of what I made. I have no idea where my brain is these days.









P.S. Kate, yours is almost done, it's the edging that needs to be completed, I may finish it tomorrow if I get the chance. (It's still out and on the couch)

I am trying not to start on anything big/new or time consuming because this is our spare bedroom and I need to make sure there is room if someone is going to actually sleep in here after she's born. Not the baby, my mother or Bob's sister, or Step Mom.

P.S.S. Can we maybe get some role call in here, I would like to know who's out there reading... Sure would like to know if some people in San Fran have addresses yet, any New Yorkers are around and if they feel any better, any friends either at work or beyond are checking in even if I didn't call Arica back yet (gulp) and Melissa called the hospital today because I didn't call her back while I was in the shower... Someones going to need to get me a medic alert bracelet.. I've showered and have not had a baby yet, maybe a clapper, or one of those police collars for at the hospital arrest. You can e-mail if you don't want to leave a comment... Those that have left comments with names or at least something that distinguishes them from others, I know your there and thanks, lots of love and hugs from here, I really appreciate the support!

The Room (in pieces)

Heres the room. I may have to explain some of it...








This is the back wall, I just wanted to show this quilt and how well it goes.








This is my new rocker glider, it's in our room still (while I shred papers)





This is the changing table, it's white, but it works. See how big the world is in the background? My mom thought it was just a picture size, it's really wall size.












This is the hamper/basket that I love, Arica and Angie got me one, I went out and got another because the one if full of blankets.







Closet, on the left, upper bins match the hamper/ basket above. The diapers are all going under the crib soon but I think we are going to move the crib closer to the French doors once they are finished.

Dear Baby -

Dear Baby...
I can't wait to meet you. It feels like it's been forever from the time I first dreamed that you were coming. I can't tell you how many times you have changes in my mind, growing into and as a person. It's amazing, something that is going on in my head and in my body and both are separate functions but both effecting my dreams.
I know I thought you were a boy at first but I really am glad your a girl, I am proud of who I am and can 't wait to see the strong woman that you become in life. One woman that can speak her mind, her heart and her truth, a woman that knows what she wants (most of the time is fine) and is not afraid enough to stop going after it. It's ok to be afraid, and it's fine to wonder, but don't ever let that stop you from trying. It's ok to cry, it does not make you weak, there is a strength in showing your emotions, and feeling enough of yourself to be ok on the inside and show what is going on outside.
This pregnancy has changed me into so much more than I ever thought I would be (LITERALLY!) and it has helped me understand how to feel the changes in me and identify where my life and my body are. There has been a lot that has gone on in the past 9/10 months that I hope that you get to experience on your own. I promise you, I am going to sound a little whiny now but I know you are worth it. This is just how I am dealing some days and I hope you have the gift of gab like both of your parents, and I hope you love to read and write like your mother and you can see the world in a camera like your dad.
I hope that I didn't ruin Clementine's & oranges for you, I think I have eaten a lifetimes supply of them, I saved you chocolate like uncle Dave, you can fight over it with him, I had no desire for it the whole time. I never really got into a lot of cravings, but I did like rice crispy's with no sugar, milk super cold (Melissa would be proud if I used ice), gummy bears, sweetish fish, & sweet tarts. I think that I would not have any cravings that would stop me or pull me away but daddy craved Pantera's enough that I didn't need to, but I did love going to Wendy's.
I am going to take pictures of your room this week, I can't wait for you to see it. I showed you today where Aunt Anja is but I am sure you can't see her yet, soon enough you will know where everyone is and we will have fun finding them after we get post cards.
I can't begin to tell you how much this whole journey has changed my outlook on having a baby, there is so much that goes into finding out, telling daddy and then feeling your first movements. I think my favorite was when daddy could finally feel you and would talk to you and try to get you to kick more. There is nothing better than those first 7 months (for me with you) I really did have a good time figuring out who where we go from here, thinking of how your going to laugh, run, and do the things that I did as a kid. I heard the kids outside playing the other day and can't wait until that is you. Even the high pitched screams of girls when they are so excited they just can't hold it in. (that's an outside scream, ok)
I know I sound like I am not happy these days, I am it's just becoming a lot harder on me and my body. Your a whole lot of kid and you should be here soon. Dr said you could be about 8 pounds so that's hard for me to carry with no arms. It's hard on my belly and harder on my back. There comes a time when everything is just harder, being at home without you has been one of those things. I am ready for you to be here and have your own voice, even if it is at 3 am. My ankles are swelling everyday, it's not a pretty picture but I have to say it's not been to bad, thankfully I am not going to any fashion shows so I am fine in pants. My skin is so tight on my belly that it hurts to wear my shirt down over it and my belly button. If my back didn't hurt so bad from you sitting on my sciatica I would feel pretty good right now, but the pain is bad enough that I am having a hard time walking. This is no good for me, Melissa may have surgery soon (again) and it would be nice if I could go see her and actually be able to walk and sit once I got there. The heartburn has not been bad except the past few weeks and that's about 3 am which is always nice to wake up and have.
I take all of these things and try to put them in the back of my mind, knowing soon you will be here before we know it. One day we will paint crafts, cook cookies, and even tag team daddy and make him dye eggs with us (you can use the glue gun once your 9, maybe 8). We will carve pumpkins and find or make the best costumes ever, no matter what it is that you want to be. I can't say that I have a dream of you being one thing, in fact, I hope you have a love for many like I do. I hope that you get the chance to make donuts (yes Aunt Lisa did that) and I hope you get to learn how to shoot pool by the best (Uncle Mark may teach you), and work on cars even if they are stinky, they give you character and boys really find that hot, and I do hope you get to make pizzas like I did, or work at Ponderosa like dad. I hope that you suffer through a summer of minimum wage work and swimming with friends that leaves you golden brown and tired but remembering every moment, every song and every scent. I hope you laugh so hard your cheeks and stomach hurt, I hope you fall in love a lot, I hope you make mistakes and learn from them, they are not worth making if you do it over and over again. I hope you find a hero, and I hope you find a hobby, even if it's sticker collecting. I hope you have a best friend, one that talks you into painting and selling rocks and Popsicle sticks, even if you have to see her hurt and understand sometimes there's nothing you can do but be there, and know that forever she's there for you, telling stupid stories about you and her doing all the dumb things (that you learned from) and laughing over wine when your OLD like 30!
There are so many things that I want for you, more than anything I want you to be happy, healthy, (here), and the love of my and daddy's lives.
Hugs and kisses.
Mom

Girls Shower Weekend!

I know it's about time. It's been a rough few weeks, I can't believe it's taken me this long! It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon, one of few we have had here and getting ready for a 45 mile drive was average, normal but I went from 3 others going with me to none. Jennifer was having some neck problems, Penny went to Stacey's to help out Judy and Bianca was sick (eeww) so I went alone. It was ok, I got to stop at Sonic and get myself a Strawberry limeade (YUM!) and instead of them putting the strawberry on the bottom, they put it over the crushed ice then the white soda. It was better than normal, so it started the day off right!
I got there, kind of early, but not really. It was so nice to see everyone and there was a little time to talk before I had to jump up and grab something to eat. Oh my gosh! Rye bread pizzas, these great cheese balls one was almond and caramel(I think?), and another that was roasted red pepper and something and they were awesome! Melissa made a veggie tray, and Angie got the dollar roll sandwiches that I love (hand put together of course!) Turkey, Ham, and chicken salad that she made her own by putting grapes on :D. (credit for ya there Ang!)
After eating I started opening gifts while everyone else held cute babies. It was so warm, I was sitting in the sunlight which made it warmer but Arica opened the windows for me. :D I don't have any of the pictures so you have to put up with mine and links.
Grandma Peggy (we can call her that here, she can't yell) got us the high chair that we are going to use for years and the CUTEST bath organizer ever called a Frog Pod! The back comes off the frog so you can scoop up all the toys and rinse them before hanging the back of the frog, (toys and all) back on the wall holder. Love it!
Rebekah and Aiden came (he's so cute!) - and got us the backpack that I wanted and seem to buy for everyone else these days. Karla got me addicted. The cutest butterfly toy that Bob could not put down cuz it plays one sound that sounds like "Der de der" and he says they have some skit on Saturday Night lives or something that does that. They also got us an outfit for the baby to wear on her first date with Aiden. Pink button down and cords, so cute!
Emilie and Kat (little baby Kat Aiden's current GF) got us our Auto Mirror that is so cute and soon to be installed, burps, storage bags and is so smart, got us Tylenol for when we start getting shots!
Abbie came cute as ever, aww to be 24 again - She got us mittens, bubble bath, rock a stack, and the cutest diaper wallet. (it will go with anything!) Abbie also wrote for me on the gifts. Thanks!
Stefanie came, no Adam, but it was nice to have pregnancy on my side (HA) - She and Adam are so cute, got us/Bob his first baby hippie onsie and deady bear.
Chris was there too! Not that she won any prize for easiest drive - She got us the cutest storage box that's almost full now. I will take a picture of it soon but it's so cute and currently holding things that need to go in a scrap book (Gulp, yes make fun now, I don't have one yet) but I do have a really cute green one that opens fun and it matches the one the neighbors got if I need to use that first)
Diane and Mia came- Mia is such a great helper, I need to get the pictures from Angie so I can show you how cute she is. She didn't leave my side and Grandma Sandy almost had her talked into keeping every piece of paper and ribbon! Diane and Mia got the baby some of the cutest outfits and who could be surprised because Miss Mia Montana has one matching one! They also got us a headband that is so cute! Diane's friend owns a shop where they are sold and look at some of the other things there. Too cute!
Patti was there, I was so glad to see her, I have missed her - She made us a bib, got us a care bear, the cutest tennis shoes, a onsie, a cute keepsake book, and a Kleenex box that she and Betty worked on. It was touching, I don't know why everyone feels the need to make me cry in public thou?
Grandma Sandy looks great, I miss seeing her and having her yell at me for wearing shoes or a jacket - She had a theme with her gift, we got a binky thermometer, Tylenol and Motrin, sun shades for the car, a first aid kid and a grooming kit. Healthy!
I wish Debbie would have come but Melissa scared her - kidding, she had other plans - Debbie got us the softest blanket ever (in white) that says baby Girl on it, really cute pooh shoes that go with a lot of our outfits, and a bunny safety blanket.
Melissa and Jenny went in to get our MATTRESS! Which I must say Melissa hand tested in the store by LAYING ON THEM! She decided to call me while running around with Debbie deciding which one they liked best! Too funny! She also got us sheets, another bink thermometer (runs in the family) and brought a bag of clothes that day and I went down there and got two more tubs of clothes later!
Molly and Mhena (could she get any cuter!) were there too! - They got us a photo book, baby Einstein outfit and rattle socks, a blanket (the super soft carters ones) and burp cloths!
Grandma Billye got us a Dr. Browns (the best if you ask Melissa) bottles pack.
Sara could not make it but she and Adam got us this cute bear security blanket, the cutest outfit set that I can't find to show so I will have to take a picture later, came with blankets, burp/wash cloths, shoes (pink and brown) and onsies. Oh, I hope they go next, or soon, maybe there will be a blond baby soon, but it could be another red.
Beth came with Tracey - sisters in law, but Beth and I grew up together. It was funny, I had this random memory of when I was young and I must have had a friend that lived up the street because I remember my brother Mark walking me there and for some reason I thought we were going to Beth's house and she lived at least 2 to 3 miles away and he was young enough that we were walking.. Just funny, I don't know why I remember that) Beth got us Diapers (newborn we needed those) burp cloths that the twins next door would be proud of, the other of my Bubble Baths, Butt Paste! and Tracey got us this really cute digital photo fame that's a key chain and one of our favorite Lamaze toys!
Cocoa! Colette came and like a champ/Hero - Got the cake at the last minute! She also got the work shower together and still got me the best bottles (My opinion now) that you can use. Born Free Bottles they are safe plastic and that means a lot to me right now.
Erin was there kid free (wow) - She brought with her a cute sun bag, clothes, burp cloths, home proofing items, and what Abbie called "a bag of Girl".
Kelly was there looking cute as ever! She bot 5 different outfits that are all super cute. Carters and will be perfect this summer!
Elsa (my Messaging buddy) was there and carried everything out to the car for me (I must say first) she got starter nipples for my Born Free bottles, a baby bento box, spoons and carrier for the spoons, and THE diaper bag that matches the car seat, stroller and pack n play. LOVE IT! We even think alike! (Theme Gift #2 Super Cute)
Aunt Judy was sick :( and could not make it but sent Timmy who was a super cute helper and great with John! She also sent this off road stroller that will help a lot when we can go hiking again!
Kathy B didn't make it either but she sent a gift card that helped get our Changing table!
Sarah came and before breaking her big 16 week news- got us some stroller latches and the Tub side Kneeler
Arica and Angie (yea, sure best for last) bought EVERYTHING and then some. As my family would say and threw in the kitchen sink! They got the cutest baskets (that I went back and bought 3 more sets) and a hamper (that is filled with blankets from Arica), my favorite solid food starter kit, Aveeno bath stuff (that has even gotten rid of my dry skin, LOVE Aveeno!), a five piece Pooh summer set with a hat, toys, breast pads, cream, clippers, home made blankets from Grandma and from Dawn's mom (that Grandma Sandy had to be checked at the door for before she left!) (Directions to come, gift from Arica), and now I am losing my mind and can't remember anything else. Abbie put Baskets o'Girl so it's possible I am missing a lot and will be updating soon!
Whew.. Did I mention this is a multi post weekend? It is, there will be at lest one more if not two more posts. Bob's plan is to take the doors down tomorrow to re-mount. Cross your fingers!

Week 35.. Already?

So it's week 35, not already... that was a joke. I am ready, I am so ready.. the room needs a bit more work and the girls are throwing me a shower this weekend. It's going to be a good time, I can't wait. I will be still driving the rental by then but eh, whatever.
Bob brought in the carseat and stroller last night and put them together. I think he likes it, likes it more that it's not pink. He said we can't return it because there's "no way in hell it's going back in the box" so I am hoping that's a good thing.
We are almost done with the room and if he gets a spike in energy it could be this weekend that those final coats are up and I can start putting the bedding on. I need to get a few more sheet sets and they are on sale if I want yellow.. Who can't like yellow, I mean really.
Jodie and Kim came back from Florida yesterday and Jodie stopped by on his way home and gave me some oranges!!! YUM.. They were really good and from Florida in our nice 29 degrees yesterday afternoon.
We stopped at the grocery store yesterday on the way home to get some more clementines and rice crispys, of course and I finally remember that for Christmas I got a $6 coupon for General Mills so I got some Cinnamon Toast Crunch, I forgot how good that stuff is... No milk thou.. It loses all the sugar then...
So, I am really really ready, did I mention that yet? I am sick and tired of hearing,"wow, your huge", "oh you really are out there", "Gosh, you have not had that baby yet?"and all of those other wonderful comments.
So many random thoughts right now. I think I am just ready to be able to sleep, I would prefer it be an external source that stops me, and not an internal one... That's fair, right?

Mommy Dearest would be proud!

So we are in week 34, can you believe it? I can't get over how fast things are going now. We were suppose to have a Breastfeeding class tonight but it was canceled due to weather, so we are home painting and getting ready. I was recently asked what we got and realized I didn't' ever get back to my shower lists and gift lists. Wow, where to begin.
1. We got the extra base for our car seat, the papasan bouncer, a ton of bottles, diapers, round play yard and a few clothes (see photo to right, that was a joke to say few, could have given Santa a hernia!) from Audrie Fay, Aunt Rhonda and Uncle Mark. At the shower we got the video monitor and One Fish Two Fish book.
2. We got our lamp and mobile this week from Denise. I am so excited to have something for the bedroom set! Isn't she cute!
3. Sarah got us our Diaper Champ! Yeah, and it's even pink and white. Cute! Not one of those things that you can live without in a 2 story house.
4. Melissa got us the cutest toys, a moose and a peacock and some squirty bath toys with a travel bag. I love them, even if she didn't share with Lola before she sent them.
5. Grandma next door got us a set of onsies and a hello kitty doll for Christmas.
6. Diane gave me all of Mia's baby Hangers. Watch out Mommy Dearest!
Makes you wonder how much clothes Mia really has, she could be the next Hannah Montana! Diane also got me two shirts from her friends store, they are so cute.
7. (Kate here's your spot in the sun!) Swaddle me Blankets & lamb sound machine. I promised Kate I would mention her and its funny that I am going over over everything tonight.
8. Penny brought us back a teddy from Harrods in London!
9. Neighbor shower:
scrapbook of "Our best Mother's Advice".. Including such tips as "love the baby and hug the baby, listen to her and play with her as much as you can, like the baby and feed her, let her make choices for the things she likes.
Boytons book set, (diapers)
purple and pink outfits (photo with pig and kitty outfits) , bumble bee rattle
All the way I love you book, light up seahorse (diapers)
You are my I Love You book & bunny slippers (diapers)
Burp Cloths
Baby Food, 1st Step cups, spoons and bowl set (diapers)
Just as I am book (diapers)
Butt Paste, wipes, organic mattress pad, books (in prior blog from girls) (diapers)
Neighborhood Gift - Pack N Play for 1st Floor. (we need 2 , especially while she's really little)








10. Family Shower:
Grandma Sandy: WTP take home outfit, sleepers, burp cloths, wipes, on the farm book and Bob's Hardy Boys books and gift card.
Alyssa and Sophie: Babies first Photo book, Chick book and burp cloths
Grandma Judy and Aunt Wendy - Towels/wash cloth set, purple/blue onsie set, matching pant set, Pink My first teddy outfit.
Cousin MaryAnn- Gift card
Cousin Linda - Baby Farm Animals LGB and gift card
Dave, Sheri and girls - Eight Silly Monkeys book, Close & Secure Sleeper, and swaddle Me Blanket.
Aunt Lisa & Uncle Dan - Pack n Play for 2nd floor bedroom (LOVE IT!) and books
Mom - Mini moments for fathers book, baby mini books, gift card, 2 afghans, table and chair set
Aunt Pat - (yes, she's great but we can't swell her head too much!) Gift Card and name
Don and Joan - Diapers, peek a boo book, towel set, aveeno bath set, and 2 industrial packs of wipes.
Uncle Frank (again Great as he can be!) check that will be a savings bond after she has a ssn.
Uncle Joe and Aunt Anja - party supplies and food... that we all aft off for days! Aunt Wendy loved the salad the most!
Aunt Katie and Uncle Steve - Gift card, froggie onsie, froggie towel, and froggie play toy.
Barb & Sonny - Onsie Set, Pants set and sleeper from Old Navy in their new Little Bundles Set that are SO CUTE! and a check.
Tracey and girls - pink and brown super soft blanket to match the upstairs pnp, pnp changing pad, super soft pnp sheets, pink pig bank with tiara and tutu, and I can't think of anything else but feel I am missing something so I could come back later and add in here...

Oh and a few things I got myself (some over the years and some more recent)
This super cute outfit that I love and tried to give everyone but their kids were not in the right size at the time or outgrew before I could mail. It's so cute, it's a pink sweat suit with purple plush wings on the back and footies that say "flutter" under each foot. Bob also got a onsie after we found out she's a girl, that says what else! Random onsies and outfits here and there over the years, blankets, and a cute chair that Karla picked up for me. I also got myself the sheets that I wanted because I could not register for them anywhere. Clouds and Stars makes sheets that you can zip off just the top without taking the whole sheet off. This seems so much simpler to me that I have to try it. I also made myself a few burp cloths, and blankets of course. I am going to try to make some footies and outfits before she gets here but theres always the chance of after too. Every one keeps asking if I made any diaper bags and the answer is for sure, no... I have not, I make or made diaper bags for others and probably won't make my own until she's older and we can settle into a routine that I can figure out what I need and make pockets to fit those items. Silly? sure, but it will work better for me if I have things worked out where I need them. I am a clumsy mess as it is.

Our work shower is tomorrow so I really want to hold off on this blog until then but I it's best to post so I can add more pictures this weekend. Fingers crossed theres not a lot more snow, there is suppose to be 2 cakes tomorrow... Chocolate Raspberry and White with Strawberry and cream cheese frosting. Lindsey if you are reading this you better have a piece of each and take one for the boys!

Friends shower is next weekend and the only thing I know of there is that Melissa is making Rye Bread Pizza's OH YEAH!!!! and I am sure Angie has something up her sleeve.. I was advised not to wear a dress because the belly will be shown. It's a little too chilly for that kind of show!

Mid Week 14

Midway thru month 4 and I am not getting my energy back yet. What's that all about? So, Lisa is coming in town and I have a new employee and an ultrasound this week. I have a feeling I am going to be too busy to be tired.
I still have not told Angie or Arica yet, It's so hard to get a hold of them outside of our daily drives to work.
what a pain in the ass.
Either or, not much new. Still wearing my normal clothes, some are getting tighter but I am pushing to not buy too many pairs of maternity pants till I need them. At the same rate I don't want to have to buy normal pants either.