Say hello to my little friends...FFF (2 post Friday)

I made new friends..

I was putzing around the other day and came across Lolly's site. She got me addicted to fabric covered buttons right away... (she pulls you in like that)

Look at all the cute stuff people do with them!

Look at how cute this is from Craft Pudding .. Fabric covered buttons with OUT A kit!

Little Birdie Secrets did thumbtacks and magnets.. Love these!!!

J caroline shows how to make ponytail holders, and has great prices too!

Morgan company is selling them as keychains and necklaces, how cute!

So, the other day she posted this cute little Wendy bird. We just had to make one.. well 2. As you can see, the bird on the left has a bit of an eating disorder. She's thin, and I tired to over correct her head and now she's got a Mohawk. The bird on the right ended up working out really well, she's plump (because I didn't give up filling her well) and she's got good shape.
This just goes to show that if you don't PIN, things go wrong, no shortcuts! I didn't pin the first one, thinking it's small and simple and I can cut and sew this in about 3 minutes and I did, just not well. Number 2 was cut and pinned and sewn in 5 minutes and she looks better.


We hope we are on Carrie's Friday Foto Fiesta list but if not, go to Lolly's site (Lolly Chops) today, she's amazing and has a great Friday Give Away each week. JEWELERY!!!

Award Winning Post today!! OSB update

I am so horrible recently, I have received multiple awards and have not thanked or presented any of them... I am going to do so now and thank my friends (and not give any out until later!)

I'm so glad that Z's mom thinks we are fun to read... Makes me happy!

Kelly gave us this Ass kickin award, well, cuz we do kick ass!! Whooo hooo!!



The pink rose is from Kris and from Z's mom. We love them both!

Somehow my OSB update got bumped with the same line as at the top... I am down 1 total but not feeling so hot so we are just going to do our thing this week and hope we get some sleep.. the whole family is sick.. uggg...

Randoms Rantings today.....Good Lord this is long!

So, I am home, bored, and alone. This is what my day is like.

Midnight to 1. get up an p at least once, go back to bed, try to remember what side I was laying on so I can lay on the other and not have to roll over as soon.
3 to 4 - Repeat above.
4 to 5- roll over at least 3 times, sleeping really light, the house is so warm!
5:10 - Alarm goes off.. Snooze
5:15 - TV alarm goes off, Channel 2 playing in the background, I can hear weather and traffic, please God don't let there be traffic at 5 am!
5:20 - Find Bob (usually on the couch these days, I feel bad but I get he's getting better sleep) call to him and tell him it's time to get up.
5:20 - Alarm goes off again - Snooze
5:30 - Alarm goes off again - Snooze - Get up, yell down stairs to Bob again to get up, he complies and I am sure rolls over.
5:40 - Alarm goes off again - Snooze - Huff loudly if I do not hear the shower going by now. Get up, go to the top of the stairs, tell bob is' almost 6 am and get is butt up and that I am not getting up again to tell him.
5:45 - Shower starts -
5:55 - Bob lays down in bed, says he's watching weather/traffic
6:00 - Alarm goes off again - Wake Bob back up - Don't snooze... Go down stairs and figure out what I want for breakfast and pray the alarm annoys the hell out of him.
6:10 - Bob comes down stairs, dressed and ready, goes out side to "start the car" (smoke before he brushes his teeth)
6:15 - Bob is back inside, upstairs teeth brushed, hair fixed, and is walking out the door.
6:20 - Breakfast made, and I am sitting in bed eating (cereal, and or yogurt most days)
6:30 - Hmm, shower or nap? Nap, go back to sleep until 8
8:00 am. Up, not in the mood to shower now, brush my teeth again and figure out what I am doing. Rain? Movies or sewing... Sun? try to figure out where I can go that's not too much of a trip if my back starts hurting badly
8:15 - Sitting in front of the computer trying to use the ball to get this kid into position. Stretching and trying to move her in the right spot so I can walk around longer. Checking random mail, friends blogs, my blog for comments. Some things I found today.
Lost Camera site it's really funny, I mean nice that people can give back your camera, but it starts to make you wonder about some of those pictures you take!
62Cherry - this is a site to show Debbi and my ma. Knitting chick, kinda funny.
Another is A Friend to Knit With - cute, and the cookies on the site sound really good!
There is this one that seems to have a little of everything Bella Dia.
Now to the sewing sites, I live this one Comfy & Cosy it's cute.
The little girl on this site looks like Maxine - she's so cute. Mi.
A little of everything at My art is my outlet. She does a lot there that I really like.

(somewhere in my wanderings on line)
9-ish - Phone rings - Friend "So, you in labor?" Me already bored with this conversation "Yup, can I call you back?" Friend "OMG, Really??" Me "Hell, no, Why would I answer my phone to talk to anyone if I were in labor" Friend - Laughs a little "I was wondering if I really did catch you, I was thinking OH Shit Where's Bob?" Random conversation after that ends in a few moments.
9-ish again Phone rings - Melissa - "Well? What did the Dr say?" Me "Said no dice, we are still waiting, 24th is End game, go in for Induction finally, not so happy but oh well, at least theres a date" Melissa "What the hell is his deal, he does not even need to Fing be there until she's about to come out, who does he think he is, this is a buncha crap, I would be so pissed if I were uou, you should call them and you know what you should..." Me cutting her off "This is SO NOT HELPING!" Melissa "Sorry, I know, I am pissed about this, call me later"
10ish - phone - Neighbor - "Why are you at home" (Thinking in my head.. Stop answering the phone) Me "Because I live here, Why are you not at home (knowing the answer)" neighbor "We are babysitting, my brother took the baby to the Dr, but seriously, why are you at home, you were suppose to be induced yesterday." Me "No, I was not, I said he only induces on Mondays, you decided that was my date, it was never agreed by the Dr." Neighbor "Well, I guess you have to wait till the 27th now. She needs a 7 in her birthday" Me "Ya, cuz this should be all about you and your comfort level now, who really cares about me" Neighbor "well, my phone isn't working so well here(she's out of town) so I wanted to call and make sure you didn't have her" Me "I mean it's not like I get 15 calls a day asking about going into labor. I don't get it, do you really think that we would not leave a message? Do you think I would not call? I don't understand why people think I am treating this like buying a purse and I am just not going to tell anyone. I Promise I will call you but give me the benefit of the doubt that you mean enough to me that I would tell you!" (Me super frustrated by this point) random chatter for a few about her trip and who all they got to see, I am feeling really guilty and like a big bitch by now. Her uncle shows up and she had to go. Within this time I have missed at least 3 other calls.
Call one missed and called back -
Call 1- Patti - "Hello" Me"Hi-a, my phone won't stop ringing" Patti - "Well what did the Dr say?" Me - telling her the same thing I told everyone else so far - Patti "Oh, I bet. Gets frustrating doesn't it, I can remember being pregnant with Erin and your lucky enough that they won't let you go a month over like I did, once Peggy had Arica and I still had not had Erin I just cried and cried" Me- "Ya, I can see that, and these extra days are enough for me" -- Conversation changes we talk about a million different things. - Her boss calls, - she'll call me back
Call 2 - Cousin - "Hello" Me "Hi and don't even ask, I am so sick and tired of answering the same question and feeling like people don't believe3 me that I would call if I went into fucking labor! I really do want to talk to people but I can't answer the same questions over and over and over without wondering what kind of person they think I am" cousin - "um well, I" Me "Sorry, I am a big bitch today and just frustrated with the calls, I am fine, I am home and no there is no baby here that I am hiding from the world" Cousin - "Well, let me tell you about my day (FINALLY! Thank God, a conversation!)..." and we talked for a while.
Call 3 - Chad - "Hello" Me "Hi, at home, not doing a whole lot, ... tell him what the DR says, but all is well" Chad "Well, that's good and Monday's not too far off" Me" I feel bad, tell him what I said to other neighbor" Chad - laughs a little "Ya, I am glad you women do this part, so let me know what you want for dinner after she's here (Chad is a great cook, we are so thankful to have them as neighbors) Me "Hmm (tearing up a little, this is the nicest thing anyone has said to me all day) I just don't know, I am in pregnancy mode and can't think of what I really want. " Chad "Well, think about it, were here if you need us" Me "Well, I talked to Kim the other day and your daughter seems to have the best outlook on this. She said if the car is gone for along time, we are at the hospital, (laugh a little) but just so you know, Bob had your numbers in his cell phone now so your on the cal list. Unfortunately for you, your one of the few in the neighborhood so you can keep getting those calls from the others" Chad "It's the least we can do, Welp (if Kim reads this she'll laugh at that part) Welp, I gotta get going, (he was doing something but I can't remember now what it was) keep is in the loop!" Me "Will do and thanks!" (Finally feeling better, feeling even more guilty about neighbor talk, I just don't understand why of all people she would think I just would not call, my feelings are hurt and I am feeling bad that I hurt hers.

Holey Cow - It's already 11:30 - I am hurting from sitting here, I can't believe today I made it this long.
11:35- Lay down for a bit.
1:00 - Wake up, didn't mean to sleep that long but I feel better.
1:05 - Should have dried my hair, now trying to fix it so I don't look like some crazy bag lady.
1:15 - Lunch - Bob and I went to the grocery store together last night, not usually a good thing, we spend more when he's there. But, I did get brownschweiger (sp?) and so I had a sandwich with havarti (sp again) cheese, it was good, normaly I eat brownschweiger on white bread with nothing on it, unless I am at Leroys and I can get crispy lettuce and good tomatos. I have gotten Bob to actually like Pepperidge farm bread, we get the 9 grain. I am normally not the type of person to try to sell people on bread but I have done a lot of looking and this is one of the few that does not use High Fructose Corn syrup in their bread. Not only does it taste better but it is better for you and less sugar in your day, how can you fight that? I also had some chips and dip with my sandwich. Hmmm, baby not moving so much. Sit on the couch, lean back and relax to get her going.
1:45 - still not a whole lot going on down there.... Hello!!!??
1:50- Break out the nectarine. Cut one up and grab the rest of the strawberries, if nothing else will get her going, this will. A little movement, not a lot, lay back and move my belly around a bit. "Hello! If your running out of room theres' more out here!" WHACK! Big kick, I think that means shut up and get me an orange! Sigh a little and lay back to see how many kicks I can get.

Dr says 10 a day now, not 2 times a day, she's running out or room. (Well, HELLO, my skin is about to rip off from the center. I feel like a turkey, my belly looks like the thanksgiving turkey, skin all shiny and looks like one false move and it's going to peel back.

3:00 - Must have fallen asleep, I got about 5 to 6 kicks before I did so I do feel better. I need to get moving, I was planning to go to the mall, I have to do a little running but really , I have no mall wear to get me there. I guess it's the same ol pants not so much a surprise these days that I am wearing the same thing. I am running out of shirts, I feel like one of those old men at the baseball game, holding on to their youth but not holding in the edge of the belly. I have few shirts that are long enough, I am walking around with my hand at the bottom of my shirt, holding it down. What a dork!

3:15 - Go upstairs to find a shirt to wear that won't make me look like crap, thankfully everything I own is in a laundry basket and wrinkled to death! Ok, one shirt, nice, plain, blue, big I can go with this.

3:30 - Not feeling so hot all of a sudden. (don't get your hopes up, its a boring ending) Pain , feels like a contraction? Ya... kind of does, but this is a little different, hurts more, hmm.. Maybe I will sit down for a while.
3:40 0-Finally sit down, after turning on disc two of House Season 1 - I should at least have something to do.
3:44 - Contraction - Hurts a little, makes me wonder, should I get a clock with a second hand? All I have is my cell phone.
Head up stairs to find my watch...Ouch every once in a while. One actually stopped me from walking... Hmmmm
4:20 back to House, can't find the stupid watch, I will just count - I should be looking for 40 seconds to a minute from what I remember
4:24 - Contraction - yup, still hurts, not the same hurt as before, seems strange for some reason.
4:34 - Yup, seem about 10 min apart
4:45 - Bob's home from work, having a contraction as he walks in the door. I tell him I am not feeling well. He looks at me funny and sits on the other couch.
5:15 - Phone Rings - It's too far to reach and Bob's asleep - Let it ring...
5:30 - Phone Rings again - Mom- "Hi, I didn't call earlier, I got wrapped up in a movie" Me "hope it was a good one" Random talking -- 5:34 contraction, thankfully she's talking... Bob's awake now and looking at me expecting me to say if I am ok or not. It's not taking my breath away, Dang, why won't these get stronger! -- Keep chatting for a few, tell her I am going to the store soon and I have stuff for her friends Garage sale.
Pretty consistent contractions every 10 minutes apart for 2 hours.. Hmm.. makes me wonder more.. Get another glass of water and walk around the kitchen, not hurting so bad anymore. Shit! Bob looks at me again.. Well, what do you want to do? I am leaving... I need to walk.
7 ish - I give up and go to Walmart, F-it I need to walk around. I get up and go, get there, park mid way in the lot and grab a cart and walk in. I go to the fabric department ( I had to go to the further one, the close one no longer has fabric BOOO On Walmart!) and get filler, I need some so I can finish blankets. Oh, theres Bias tape on clearance, nice! Grab some, because you can never have too much and I have not mastered my Bias Tape Maker yet. It's just not the time for me to mess with it these days. Walk around look at fabric, look at knitting supplies, I just cant' do it, I can't bring myself to knit, crochet or any of that. Feeling defeated, I wonder randomly for about an hour, they no longer hurt, seem to be 12 minutes, 5 minutes, uggg.
8:30 - on my way home. There are cops everywhere, I call Bob "Hey, I had the baby at Walmart, can you come pick us up? me and the baby" Bob "You and that stupid movie" I laugh, he hates all those movies.. cracked me up.. He also asked if I had my house shoes..

8:45 - No more consistent Contractions - Shit! Hmmm, Can't remember the lat time she moved
9:00 - I get on line and Bob's finally relaxing and watching TV. Start typing in my blog and go crazy - This is too long.. I miss having conversations like a normal person.. Who talks about their day like this? Drinking a big glass of water, waiting for her to kick, she does that when I drink something really cold or have too much ice water.
Bob says - If you ate peeps and made me eat them, I would kick you.. Yup.. she kicked right in my ribs, Hard!! I am no longer sure she's really my kid. Maybe it's because they are not stale yet!
10:00 Don't tell my mom-- I got some peeps,, I figure if nothing else works this may, she's still not moving, Peeps are pure sugar, they should get her going.
A Few Peep Shows
Washington Post
Galary Photos
Flickr
One I really like a lot

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

My Baby Book-

Many of you have told me how much you love this blog, well it really is going to be a baby book one day. I forgot a million times to put the link out here for anyone else that is thinking the same thing (Karla, cough cough)

http://www.blurb.com/home/1/

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!

Where has the time gone?

Wow, we are almost at full term! This is crazy! I am so ready and yet not ready at all. My body is hurting and huge and swelling some days and not so limber anymore, my mind is restless, and excited and scared and my hear is just open and ready! I spoke to a friend of mine the other day that explained the people that really love you and want to come help will come and help with the things around the house so you can spend more time with the baby. I like this idea and think its great that theres help around the house and the allowed time for me to bond these first few weeks. Everyone seems to make this about them right now, when do they get to hold the baby and when do they get to do this with the baby. Grandma Sandy seems to have the same ideals, help the mom bond and then spend quality time with the baby later. It's just nice to hear that once she's here I don't come in last.
So, I went to Target today and got the changing table. It's not bad, it will come in handy and then it will go in the closet to double as a "dresser" as needed to hold socks and other small items. I have to admit, I am fed up with target and the attitude of the employees out here, it's hard to go to this Target, and try to support our local schools and taxes when the people working there have such a poor attitude about what pays their checks. I have a feeling I may end up doing to the one a few miles away and they are smarter about making sure they understand customer service. Just a vent...
I know I have no entered a post about the girls shower yet, I am disappointed in myself for not doing it yet. I got such cute stuff and I need to take some pictures and the ROOM IS DONE!! Ok, painted, not done, because I am sitting in the center of it typing this now, but the paint is done and the bed is in, I need to wash the bedding but Bob was so sweet to put it on the bed to show me when I got up what it looked like all set up. Yes, I know What the hell and where are the pictures, (oh I can feel Peggy giving me the eye!) I got almost all the clothes washed, and the bedding set goes in tomorrow.
**Need help alert**
How much clothes does a newborn need? How many outfits, sleepers etc does a baby need from 0 to 3 months?
I am wondering if I have what I need, I think we are good unless theres a big gallery opening or award show coming up. We have a lot of sleepers, not a lot of outfits, we have tons of summer clothes that range in size perfectly to 6 to 9 months, so I hope she does not plan on growing too fast there are some really cute ones that we need to try out!

Reason for no shower blog yet, Hospital Visit #2:
Captains log:
The night shift at the "WE-U"(Womens Evaluation Unit) is so much nicer than the day crew. Not so happy that they had the teaching staff on and they don't ASK if you want the learning nurses in but oh well. The Male Midwife was a jerk but whatever, I will just ask for him to be replaced if he comes in again. There is no need to be tested when your having contractions and as soon as he understands that the better.
Either or, so the story goes:
Got up at normal time and got ready, got in the car and noticed about 5 to 10 minutes into the drive that my stomach was really hard, hmm... odd. So, I look at the clock and then I start to wonder, is this a contraction? I wait, 5 minutes exactly later (6:27) tightens up again, this happens every 5 minutes for the next 3 hours, all exactly 5 minutes apart, not strong, not hard but consistent. I am drinking TONS of water (2 32 oz cups, is a lot from the time I got to work) so finally I give in, we call the Dr.'s office and they don't answer their phone till after 9 ( I am getting really frustrated with this office) so we are physically standing at the counter of the WE-U waiting for the nurse to say if I should come in the office or go to (stay at) the WE-U. She says "go" to the WE-U and so we stay, get settled in and bob is already on the phone with the insurance company again and the car dealer ship to see when we finally get our car back. With that settled, they hook me up to the monitors and we wait. Somehow Bob go the remote so we get to watch 5 to 8 seconds of every channel the hospital has for around 45 minutes. Around 10:30 or 10:45 they say my contractions are not strong enough and I am not dilated far enough and send me home for bed rest and humility. Oh well, I knew it was not TIME but when things are not right, you gotta get it all checked out. So, the next morning I wake up for work (yes smart asses it's close enough to 24 hours) I get up and get in the shower, start getting ready and things seem odd. I can breathe a bit better, I can reach in some ways better and in others not so well at all, getting in the car is a lot harder (and driving is not so easy) but I feel better, must be the oxygen, who knows, but I dropped and in grosser news (anyone that can't take it skip this next part) lost my plug. Not a big big deal but when I called the Dr.s' office this time they seemed more I hate to say excited but active to my call and what was going on. All they told me is the next step is labor and start watching. Lindsey (3 weeks behind me) told me she dropped a few weeks ago and it's no sign for her. Well, we've waited this long, lets keep going.
Alright, these ramblings have gone on long enough. I h ave a Dr appt tomorrow then off to Melissa's and back before Bob notices. He's very concerned with me going into labor these days, he even got me a "sitter" for when he goes out next weekend, too bad I can't enjoy staying up late!

The Excitement Never Ends!

So today was a snow day here. We got somewhere between 5 to 9 inches of snow, but like troopers we made it into the office! Okay, if Bob didn't drive we (me) would not have been there! So today was the work shower, Colette has been messing with me for well over a week now and boy did she get me. I have been pulling for something, some kind of info and nothing! She's tough! (Emilie did the same thing to me so I know the enjoyment!)
So we had to sit and wait till 2 pm then went in the room and there were all kinds of people there! It was such a surprise, I mean I knew it was going to happen I just didn't know so many people would should! Wow, I was shocked, excited and trying not to cry. So, we opened gifts, so many people gave for our gifts it was so great. We got this cute blanket from my friend Karla, I can't believe the fabric, it's perfect, and Karla's handy work is pretty good too! We also got a pack from Mike (my first sales guy! and the greatest product owner ever) well, eh married well and his wife is super talented has her own site and company and made these burp cloths and acute kitty tee, if you love them as much as I do go see her site, Crazy Gracie . We also got these really cute onsies from Christine, she's so sweet and Bob and I love the green one so much we are taking it to the hospital with us as the shirt for the go home and picture outfit! LOVE IT!!! We got the sweetest set of rubber duckies from Amy and Miss Ellie but I didn't get a picture yet.
From the work group we got (and I almost died) a gift card, actually 2 because my old boss thought he was funny but I will use it a Starbucks Gift card (Mario you may think your funny but you are not getting that back!) the Aveeno Mommy and Me set and it comes with a cute basket (ours is green)! The Safety and Grooming kits, our BEDDING SET, (which once the baby is done with it I may keep it and use it I love it so much!) and, OMG, they almost had me in tears on this one, and the TRAVEL SYSTEM! I have had nightmares about showers and worry over this travel system and bedding set. I had to ask Bob on the say home if I was getting too excited about material things but I am so glad, it's such a relief. We can't leave the hospital without the car seat and I really wanted the stroller so we can go on walks before I go back to work (God willing it does not rain for a month straight) , so Elaine was cracking up and kept asking if I was going to cry because my face got so red! She's so funny, she can just wait till her next "don't want to be the center of attention" birthday! Oh yes! I am singing!
All in all the shower was great and we had a really good time. There was confetti and streamers and balloons and two kinds of napkins that were so cute, and when I got home every bag I opened had some in there. It was funny. The card is really cute too but our scanner is not hooked up because we are moving the computer (blogs below still show in the middle of the nursery!).
Okay, off to do laundry, I can finally move things in the closet at least. I am going to pack up the diapers on the shelves and wash and hang outfits. Still need to save space to vacuum fingers crossed in the next week or so after the paint is done and the PC is out.
Next weekend is the friends shower, the last, the funnies and the one with the RYE BREAD PIZZAS!!!! Melissa is making them and if she forgets she's hand delivering!

Lost in translation.. What is normal?

I know these blogs should be fluffy and upbeat but this is my yuck weekend, so just skip and come back later. I gotta get this out.

I am having a hard time this weekend keeping my mind settled and where it needs to be. I have a relationship that I thought was good, or going in a good direction and now think i never really knew anything about this person. I feel that one of the more important things in life is honestly and without that there is nothing real. I worked so hard my whole life not to be a victim or be "that kid", "that broken home kid" or "poor her, poor anything". I have worked to not let too many people know who I really am in pain inside and it made things worse for me. I worked so hard to make sure that only the good showed and I was putting on my best act, lying to everyone around me and myself. Then came that time in my life that I need to find me, and after 10 years and a lot of work, I really feel I found that person. I am not perfect, I am not beautiful, or even thin anymore, but I am honest and I am a good person and that is being tested right now in me and I am having such a hard time understanding how I worked so hard to get close to someone that just lied to me and never told me the truth. I can't work on a relationship based on lies and or the wonder of what is real and what is not. I am having such a hard time, I need to call the Dr on Monday, maybe it is a phase, maybe it's like having a period, feels like that time of the month, crying and trying to keep myself composed isn't working. I have had friends that were depressed when they were pregnant and say it's horrible, I am in that perfect time frame for it to kick in, I have no control over my life and I am soon responsible for another. Great.. I am broken hearted, weak and can't keep it together, and soon I will be sleep deprived, alone with a newborn and expected to handle it all. I know in my mind that I can do this but I have friends right now that have newborns and can't seem to get or keep themselves out of bed. I am afraid, I know that Bob is great but he is going to have to work. I don't want to be this weak broken person and I am going to do my best to keep my head up, get sunlight, exercise and stay positive. I wish there was an honest way to know what women in generations before ours did. I mean there must be something that helps, that does not make you need medication, or hours of therapy. I have looked in all my books and it all says that one stupid word... Normal. It's NORMAL to have emotional breakdowns and cry for no or some stupid reason in your third trimester. It's normal to have a 3 week old baby that you are trying to breastfeed and drinking more Pepsi than eating food. It's normal to lie in bed at 2 am wondering what goes on in there, did you feel enough movement today? Why isn't anything moving now? Then lie there for another 2 hours until the baby wakes up and moves and you get at least those "normal" 10 kicks.
What a shitty shitty day... what a crazy crazy ramble. I am off to try to figure out my curtains, try to make some baby presents for others and God willing, get my sewing room cleaned up. I think it's time for a new Audio book... Eat, Pray is almost over and it's time for something new.

Jan 1 2008.. Year of the baby (Per Bob)

Well, we didn't go out dancing this year or go drinking and or hanging out with friends and family. We stayed home and painted but I feel more accomplished than normal, we got the first layer of paint on at least everything we needed to get started. We don't have the flowers done but i can't figure out exactly is in Bob's head that he wants to do.
I listened to most of Eat, Pray, Love while painting. It's nice, I mean it's beneficial and I really feel like I am getting somewhere whiled doing this painting. It's a great book to listen to and listen to while doing something for someone else.
Melissa mentioned a boat on the outlet cover, and we don't have one, but that's the phone and we can't take the whole cover off, that's why it looks like a boat. It is a cute idea thou, I mean need to do some looking :D.

I would really love some comments on the blog so please let us know what you think!

Happy New Year everyone...

P.S. We are missing Hawaii, we know. Bob needs to draw the islands in so, that will be in a later version.

Week 28 - Christmas -

I have been thinking about all of the things I am thankful for and really wanted to take the time to write some things out.
I am thankful for:
Bob, Family, Friends, work and Bob working too, health, pregnancy, home, our yard and house, our great neighbors, chilly days and warm coats, laughs, tears, voices and having one, red toenail polish, sewing, art, music,....
a few other things to be thankful for:
not being able to see my thighs right now, being able to see my toes still, the memory that I did have a 6 pack once in my life (even if I never get it back, or feel that way now), alarm clocks, hot showers, Christmas cookies, youth, memories, clementines, cute (comfey) shoes, nieces, the ABC song, polly pockets, no traffic, snow when you can be at home to enjoy it.

Forgot to mention -

I forgot to mention earlier that we have been talking about donating our stem cells. I have a friend who's wife has cancer and this is part of her therapy, stem cell therapy. not sure what ya'lls take is on this but I would like to know what people really thing about this, not just politicians. It's something that is starting to mean more and more to me, all the "what if they did this for Betty" has now come up. I would like to help save someone else if it's possible.