Finally made it out of the airport

So I am sitting comfortably at my Mom and Dad's. I have been gorging myself on my Mom's infamous baked goods since the 24th and when not doing that napping. We weren't sure if we would ever make it here.
We were scheduled to fly out on the 22nd like have the country weather delayed us then finally cancelled our flight. We were fortunate enough to have dealt with some extremely nice airline employees who had the knowledge to schedule a new flight for us on the 24th as the 23rd was like deja vu for anyone who tried to travel on the 22nd. As Chris and I have discussed numerous times it wouldn't be a huge deal the delays and cancellations if it was just us, but we had a baby with us. It truly did change everything.
Now it's Thursday and we only have a few days left. My brother basically got a day and a half to meet his niece and he is home already. The whole trip has been very bittersweet. Seeing Gabby with my parents makes me miss them so much.
On the other hand I miss my little house and big dog.

I wore PJ's to work dammit!

Hee hee, I love my job. Let me tell you why. Because today I wore PJ's, watched Polar Express, and wrapped presents. All the while eating cupcakes and oranges. Did I mention I even got presents? I love my job, I love my kids, I adore my parents. But days like today make it even cooler. Instead of Christmas party we had a Pajama day. We played, ate, and watched a movie while wearing our PJ's. I even rolled the dice and ran an errand in said jammies. Did I mention they are pink flannel with hearts? I wore big, pink, fuzzy slippers and no makeup. It was very liberating and fun.
On the flip side... what is wrong with those Spears children?! Britney's Mom's parenting book is going to be delayed indefinitely. You think?! OH my. I understand mistakes are made. I was one. I have made some. But it makes you wonder what kind of guidance these girls have gotten. It also is scary the message this sends to these girls fans...
Eeek.
I am such a mom.

Mommymobile

So... I have become that Mom. You know the ones, who drive a vehicle perhaps a little too big for their size because they don't want to drive a mini - van. Maybe it's not that bad but I have upgraded. Now don't get me wrong, I loved my Kia Spectra. In 5 years only once did it not start and that was last year on one of the coldest days of winter. I did have to replace every tire on it but that was it. However, winter driving could prove interesting. First my car was extremely light. So when the wind hit I felt like I was trying to drive a ball in a pinball machine. Second it rode low to the ground which aside from the logistics of trying to manuever the crazy high drive up windows in the snow or our driveway I got stuck.
Since they never plow our street it made just getting out of town an adventure. Which for just me, I can deal with. But you see now I have a little person who when I feel is in danger I turn into a grizzly bear. So I wanted a safe, reliable vehicle.
I did my research and did some test drives and settled on a Hyundai Santa Fe. It has one of the highest safety ratings. Subaru is up there to but the dealer here is kind of not that friendly.
Today was my first day driving Gabby and I in it and wow what a difference. First of all I can see, no blind spots. Second we are warm, no worn seals to let the cold and frost in, third I feel safe. I know no car is winter proof or idiot proof but it's nice to have a little extra behind you to lessen those situations.
And did I mention it has heated seats? Which today I appreciated as our elevator at work is broken. It is now... I was shepherding my children off of it when a member felt compelled to keep pushing the button with me still in the doorway. There is no safety so the doors started crushing me. I got out but am very sore. The heated seats on the way home helped but I am seriously thinking I need to fill out a workers comp claim. I am just glad it was me and not one of my children!

Attack of the Beef Stroganoff

So I am now 36. Will be officially for a week on Thursday. It was a pleasant birthday week aside from a few bumps along the road complete with a "surprise" birthday party on Friday. It was just a few couples and Ginza. Chris got us a tea room and it was lovely. He also got me some beautiful pearl earrings and Gaby got me a gift card to Michaels.

What was not so lovely was the beef stroganoff we had for dinner Sunday night. It is my favorite thing Chris cooks so Sunday night we whipped it up for us.
Then Sunday night, Monday night, and today Chris was violently ill. I have never seen Chris violently ill so it was rather shocking to me. I felt helpless. I bought him 7up and Gatorade as well as some soup and am keeping my fingers crossed his workplace understands. I must have a stomach of steel as I just got an upset tummy and then it passed.
Hopefully we will better about checking exp. dates on things the next time...
Bleck!

Uh Yea

That is what is sounded like my daughter just said. Too funny. I am glad I can have a sense of humor at this time of day. She is an early riser, my munchkin. The nice thing for us is even though it is early she wakes up happy. She will babble herself awake and then once you get her she will smile and grin. She thoroughly enjoys good conversation during her diaper change.

We went to my aunt's for Turkey Day and I was telling my family this and no one believed that she was so chatty. As although she had been a tremendously sweet baby with all the passing around and touching not a peep. Then I changed her diaper. The rest of the day she let everyone know what was on her mind. More and more Gabrielle's nickname of Gabby is fitting.
I can't wait for my brother to meet the little person who makes me so incredibly happy even at 4:45 AM on a Saturday. In a few weeks he will! :)

Scratch That

What a long week. I am very thankful it is the weekend. Even though my weekend is a little crammed I am glad it is here.
I got a pleasant sup rise yesterday - the paper is going to print my story. I will be interested to see what questions they choose to use and how they frame it up. Also how horrible the picture they took will look.
My unpleasant sup rise was as terrible as this sounds the return of one of my students. Which is terrible because I work with kids. I shouldn't feel this way. It isn't his fault. He isn't getting the support he needs. I hope when Gabby hits a certain age when certain behavioral and learning issues can start popping up we don't turn a blind eye. I see that allot. It's sad because I am not qualified to say "Hey I think your child needs some help". What is also sad I am not very qualified to provide it. So I do the best that I can but sometimes at the price of my other students. And that is where I struggle. I have some great kids who have to endure redoing things and not getting to do things because we are spending so much time on these children. Don't get me wrong they need time and support. But am I the person to be doing it? I guess I am because sadly no one else is. Now that I am a Mom I don't understand how people can just turn a blind eye to their child. I would do anything for Gabby. She is my baby - shouldn't tat be part of being a parent?
Ugh, my rant for the morning. I haven't even had my coffee yet! :)
In happier news my little lady is starting to sit up on her own, hold her bottle, and just generally reinforce while they call this time a baby's life the golden stage. She is almost close to perfect.
I never thought I could love someone as much as I love her.
She is pretty frickin' awesome!

Trick or Treat

So Gabby had her first Halloween. We didn't take her trick or treating as we believe very strongly that she should be able to walk and at least mouth the words. However the little daycare at work encouraged parents to dress up their kids so Gabby was dressed up. More for Mommy than Gabby but I thought she looked cute. I will let you decide for yourselves.

Seriously ironic...

So I have been coerced into joining MySpace by some friends and family members. To be honest it has been a great way for me to keep tabs on my younger brother. He and his girlfriend are both avid users and are great about sending me pictures via their sites.
It has also been an interesting way to find people that I wouldn't say I want to get back in touch with, but definitely am curious about.
One person in particular is now married with children. Not surprising since we are all heading to that age where you are either married or you are not. The irony is this person was a serious womanizer and from what I can see of his site still fancies himself a ladies man. A serious ladies man who is now the father of two daughters. Hopefully he will remember how he was a young man and properly advise his daughters on how to deal with guys like him.

Cold Season is Here

I am home sick. This is my 2nd day this year already. The first time was for Gabby, now it's for me. I worry she and I are just swapping this cold back and forth. Fingers crossed we are not. At least if we are she has a doctors appointment tomorrow.

She can sit!!!

My little person is fast approaching 4 months and is beginning to sit up unassisted. She still is not in crawling mode. She is not a fan of tummy time but put my daughter on her back and she scoots and rolls like a pro. I can not believe how fast she is growing.

Bonus I made her laugh!

Controversy

So... I got a Mommy tattoo. I swear the stencil was smaller than what I got. Maybe my back is smaller than I thought? Anyway, I like it. It's for me and Gabby. Someone I thought I would never have. So it's big but she is a huge part of my life. My parents are not pleased. They went so far as to say it looks like a "hootchie mama tattoo." Ironic considering my brother is covered in head to toe ink and they constantly talk about how cool it is.
Sometimes it's better just to keep things to yourself, especially when they for yourself.

Somedays

You just shouldn't watch or read the news. I am constantly baffled by the absolute cruelty of people.
I am going to go hug my daughter now.

Happy Baby = Happy Mommy

I love the weekends. It goes without saying you get to sleep in sort of... but you can just kick it. No schedule just go with the flow. We had a nice relaxing weekend. I am trying not to think about the fact that tomorrow is Monday and I have to go to work. I love my job but I really love being with Gabby. You can tell the difference between the days we work and the days we don't. She is just much happier on the weekends too.

We went to Olin park on Saturday and she just looked around and around. We were going to go to the Zoo but a home Badger game made parking impossible. Normally not a big deal but when you have a baby, hoofing it through rabid Badger fans - not an option.

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my daughter?

My Saving Grace

Gabby Grace has literally become my little beacon in all this gloom and doom I have been feeling lately. She is simply amazing. She smiles when she sees me and hears my voice now. It is the most overwhelming feeling in the world. I literally run downstairs to the daycare when 11:30 rolls around during the work week. She has become my everything and I think initially I was really afraid of this happening, now I am starting to embrace it.
Chris and I are still working through some issues but the wonderful and terrible thing about my husband - he is stubborn. His stubbornness and refusal to give up has been a driver in us dealing with things we threw under the proverbial rug. I did finally say goodbye to the radio station, which is very bittersweet but right now is what needs to be done.
I have had some great talks with Beth, my friend Sarah, and my Mom. All three have been reminding me my emotions are OK and normal. I forget that sometimes because I get guilt when I think I might be behaving in a way that is selfish.
I know this will all work itself out, life always does. Besides I have a terrific reason for sorting through things - Double G.

At a Crossroads

I have been holding a lot of what I am about to type in. I apologize for it not being my typical happy rant about Gabby. However part of why blog is to vent.
Where to begin? I am terribly lonely and thankful for Gabby to distract me from it most days. What kills me is I have two friends literally 20 minutes away who never call and friends states away who always do.
I have been lying to myself, and maybe even you. I am happy on a few levels. I love being a Mom and a teacher. But I have been fighting this battle, stay in radio or go. I say I want to go because that is what my parents and Chris want to hear, but I want to stay. I like the cheesy 80's music and the people I work with. But Chris struggling with Gabby makes me afraid to go back.
Then there is Chris. I have changed so much about my life to make him happy but he has never done the same for me and it is taking it's toll on me. For Pete's sake he pitches a fit if I ask him to move his car so I can run an errand. I am starting to feel like maybe I did settle for safe. He never fights for me, surprises me, makes me feel like I am special. I shouldn't complain, he is a good guy who makes me laugh, but why do I feel like lately I have lost pieces of me?
Maybe it is all the hormones...
I have such a great thing in my life in Gabby, I guess I should suck the rest up.

Look at her go :)

My little one is on the move sort of. She has started figuring out her arms and legs and it is amazing! She can hold onto things and look at something and reach for it. She went to daycare for the first time on Tuesday and was such a good baby! Granted the daycare is where I work but she did great. I am so lucky to have such a sweet baby. Her laugh and smile makes my day and I can't wait to hear her voice.

When the Baby is away...

Mommy should play but here I am thinking about her and not able to sleep. Both my parents are in town having some Grandparents time with Gabby. Do you think I would stay up or sleep in or have a couple too many cocktails? Nope.
I had one drink with our fabu dinner out. Talked about Double G all night, passed out at 10:30 and was up at 4.
I am so some one's Mom.
When my parents drove away with her I just started bawling my eyes out. Poor Chris - and we still have two more nights of this!

My Daughter

I have been up with Gabrielle since 5:30 this morning. We did our normal thing - she eats falls asleep on my shoulder, I channel surf put her in her crib she wakes up 2 hours later and we play until she passes out. She loves having stories read to her while you bounce her in her bouncy chair. As she was sleeping I looked at her and thought "this is my daughter, my daughter." Kind of dorky I know but amazing too. I have been tangled up in a mess a web of stress regarding her care and really wish we had decided I should stay home. Now we are frantically looking for affordable and safe childcare. Which around here is unfortunately scarce...
I hope it will all work out but still worry it won't. I know, I know shouldn't worry about things that you can't control.
It's just this is different for me, it's my baby. I am going to worry.

It's Been a Long Time

So Thursday I am having coffee with an old friend from high school. I have not seen this person for seriously almost 10 yrs.! I am a little nervous. Not even sure why, kind of silly really. She has been beyond helpful with baby advice as she is a Mom herself. And she reached out to me. Not sure why the nerves. I think it all hark ens back to my self confidence issues. For some stupid reason I tie a lot of my worth into what others will think of me. You would think at 35 I could let that go. I guess old, bad habits die hard. Normally I go through my day not caring and being pretty content.
So why can't I do that now? Especially when right now is probably the happiest I have ever been aside from the whole not sleeping much. I really miss sleeping in my bed. :) I look forward to Gabrielle sleeping in her crib and not her bouncer or car seat! But hey at least she is sleeping.

Hey I am not wearing Pajamas!

So I go back to work in 10 days. That being said Chris and I have been trying out different things to get everyone ready for the day. Today he got up just 15 minutes earlier and I was able to wash my face, brush my teeth, put in my contacts and actually put something on other than pajamas. Pretty exciting, since unless Miss Gabby falls asleep I have been living in my PJs. I am actually drinking a cup of coffee and have eaten some breakfast! Mind you I only got 4 hours of sleep because my daughter does not like sleeping alone. She prefers sleeping on Mom's shoulder. But it was four solid hours and there is something to be said for clean clothes and coffee. I feel like a new person.
Next week I am going to get up early with her and get her ready just like she was going to daycare. Instead we are going to run errands but I think it will be good practice for both of us. We had doctors appointments yesterday and she was a good baby. She even slept while we stopped for lunch! It was a little odd to eat lunch at the same time as my husband and have it be something other than a handful of Oreos and a diet Pepsi. :)
I still have a lot to learn about this Mommy thing and I don't think I will ever have it completely down. However it's feeling a lot more comfortable. Besides I truly do have the cutest baby ever! Ok maybe not ever but she is freakin' awesome!
I also have come to the realization that working part time in radio is not something that gels with being a Mom. It is really hard to walk away - AGAIN! This time though I feel like it was truly on my terms and for the best reason of all. My little Double G.

Flying solo

Chris went back to work today so it is just me and Gabby. With a little help from Max who stays by Gabby's side always. She is currently asleep in her bouncy chair so I have been able to eat and tidy up the living room. I don't want to stay too far out of fear of giving my cat the opportunity to harass her.

I spent a whole day away from her on Saturday so I have been not letting her out of my sight since I have been home. I road tripped with a friend to see Beth. It was great to see Beth but I really wish that I had been able to visit her earlier in her stay in Chicago. There was so much to see and Beth and I are both very into seeing the city. The museums, landmarks etc. and we don't mind walking. Unfortunately it didn't work out that way. We got to see the Sears tower. Which is very cool. Then because of various factors we ended up at the mall. Which was fun because we were all together but we missed out on the Art Institute. :(
Also, I highly recommend eating outside at the Cheesecake factory on Michigan Ave. Really yummy eclectic food and the way the outdoor seating is set up you can people watch and stay dry even when it is raining. The crab cake sand which is yummy and Beth had lemon raspberry cheesecake - so good!
Met Beth's amazing aunt who she stayed with. Beyond gracious and had a remarkable apartment on the lake. The kind you see in movies. I miss Beth and seeing her this summer make me realize how much and all the reasons why. I really wish we lived closer to each other but she has such a rich life in NOLA. And I have a new chapter in my life starting here.

I am a Mommy

it is crazy to think i a some one's mom

she is sleeping on me as i type this one handed

i am still trying to figure things out not let other people's opinions get me down

as long as she is happy that is what matters

but boy it's hard, because everyone really does have something to say!

add to that Chris's impending return to work and i am more than a little nervous

but hey, i have figured out things pretty well so far

and you can't beat a princess sassypant's smile at 4 am

It's 3 AM do you know...

What your baby is doing? Mine is usually up and trying to get Mommy to play. She is starting to get quite the personality. It's crazy how much she is changing.

I am learning the value of fully utilizing my time between feedings. I eat very quickly now and am able to shower and dress in under a 1/2 hour. I now understand how some women do loose their baby weight quickly. You don't have time to eat! Chris has become my personal chef. He makes a mean turkey and cheddar sandwich!

Aside from starting to smile she is also starting to coo and try and talk, she is simply amazing.
In fact gotta go hear her now...

Happy Birthday Baby

So what is the protocol for a one month old? Do you have a cake, bring gifts? Not sure but Gabby is a month today.
She has put on almost 2 lbs since she was born and it is amazing how fast she is changing.
She is starting to find her voice and I am pretty confident like her Mom she will be a talker. According to her Dad she also has Mom's quick temper. Poor thing.
Everyday is more amazing than the last and I still can't believe she is here.
I hate running errands because I miss her, although I do cherish when she is sleeping and I can get some housework done. I never thought I would get excited about doing the dishes. But when your last four weeks have been basically spent on the couch acting as a Quickie Mart for a little one, dishes suddenly seem like a fun thing to do.
Sad but true. :)

Happy Birthday baby girl.
Glad you are here.

A New Packer Fan

My husband and his sister are crazy for the Packers.

Which is fine... but as a result my baby has crazy Packer jammies.

Guess who dressed her which day?! :)

First Family Outing

So we took our first outing today. We started at our local Sentry and grabbed some goodies then on to Monroe to visit our good friends the Brandts.
They have a 7 month old so it was 5 hours of nothing but baby talk. We took a great picture of Amy and I and the girls sitting together. It was so lovely to be out of the house and somewhere where if Gabby got fussy or was hungry we didn't feel weird. Also fun to see how the Dads behaved together. I hope our girls are as good of friends as Amy and I. We have been friends for almost 15 yrs! We were joking if they do become friends we are in trouble. Back in our day Amy and I got into a lot of trouble. What happens on the tour bus, stays on the tour bus!

Amy's husband Brian said one way to solve that problem is to implant the girls with GPS tracking chips... nice.
As long as everyone is happy and safe that is all the really matters.
And no piercings or tattoos until she is at least 18! And no boys that wear eyeliner or wear leather pants. And no dating until she is 40... ok maybe it's more than just being safe and happy.

Listen to your Mother

So for the past week and half Chris and I have tried our own schedule with Gabby. Said schedule involves a night shift and day shift.
Thought it was a good idea, until you realize the night shift person doesn't sleep until 7 am. That means they wake up at 3 or 4. Day shift person may get the shaft then come shower time.
So now we are back on my Mom's schedule. We are up when the baby is up and sleep when she sleeps. Take turns showering when baby is sleeping.
So kids listen to your Mothers!

A Glimpse

So I am enjoying being a Mom. Although I have become a little crazy and am trying very hard to realize that it is ok to sleep, and it is ok to have laundry not folded, and it is ok to not shower until 3 in the afternoon.

However, after you see this face you may understand how a person looses it a little...

In the best way possible :)

A new sleep schedule...

It goes without saying when you have a new baby your sleep schedule changes.
Drastically. Last night I was up from 1-4 feeding Miss Gabby, needless to say I am going on about 4 hours of sleep.
I try to nap when she does and have started going to bed super early but there is really alot a person can get done when baby sleeps.
So I have been trying to find a happy medium.

My dog is completely in love with her and will come tell us if she is crying and we are not getting to her soon enough. He loves kissing her feet and licking her hair! I am so glad we is cool with her. The cats are still trying to figure her out. Our chubby girl just stays out of her way. Our older cat hangs out because she smells the milk. Which makes me nervous. Luckily our four legged 95 lb. security system keeps her at bay.
Even though I am sleep deprived, can't drive our lift anything over 8 lbs. this the happiest I think I have ever been.
My baby rules! :)

A Week Old

My little pumpkin is a week old.
Is it possible to be so in love with someone so much that you just met?
YEP

She is here

And she rules!

Tomorrow is the day...

So tomorrow is supposed to be the day my little one comes. However I am pretty confident she is pretty comfortable where she is.
I have had some contractions but nothing to write home about. I am gradually getting more uncomfortable so I am ready for this little one to come. Fingers crossed she does...

About 5 days

So I am about 5 days away from my first due date. The doctor told us it could be anywhere between the 19th-22nd. At this point I am ready now. My new alarm clock is the contractions in my back. Those usually going on and off every two hours until I finally get up between 5:30-6.
Add to that my feet look mutant, I struggling to walk and at this point most anything can make me cry. It's all very lovely. :) Now I understand why most women aren't big fans of the last month of pregnancy. I am excited for what this all means and the baby's room has easily become the nicest room in our house! But the process could speed up.
My Mom has been a huge help and I am a waiting for my sweet husband to collapse from all is hustling.
I have a doctor's appointment today and fingers crossed I am more than 1 cm dilated...

Grandma is here to save the day!

My Mom is here and I am so happy. One of the first things she said to me besides giving me a big hug and grinning from ear to ear is "you aren't that big, the way you were talking I thought you would be huge." This is why I love my Mom. :) Everyone else keeps telling me I am huge (mind you non pregnant people) and my Mom doesn't.
I showed her all the baby stuff we got and she said she felt overwhelmed she can't imagine how I am feeling. Again so nice to be justified!!!
We are going to get a bunch of stuff done today and spend some time together while we can.
It is just so great to have her here. My Dad had her bring along a gift for the baby. A really obnoxious stuffed dog. It's huge. If you knew my family it would make sense why I find it so comical. Basically we have a tradition every year for a holiday or birthday we get each other really cheesy gifts as well as nice ones. One year I got my Dad a stuffed frog from Mexico. So Gabby is now being ushered into the tradition in utero. :)
Another nice thing about having Mom here all the cleaning I can't do because I can't bend she has volunteered to help with.
Just makes me even more excited for her to meet the baby. Moms rule. I hope I am as cool when it comes time.

How to be uncomfortable by Me

I can not seem to sit, stand, or lay down comfortably right now.
SUCKS!
I fortunately have ben able to sleep for a few hours and Chris is home with me, he woke up this morning and had decided last night that he would hate for something to happen and miss out. So glad. I have been able to move around and get cleaned up and we actually grabbed some breakfast. Now however I am having contractions in my back and it doesn't matter how I move - they hurt.
I know all this for a good cause but could the good cause get her toes out of Mommy's ribcage please? :)

2:30 ish AM

So I had a doctors appt. Friday morning and found out I am dilated. About a cm. which doesn't sound like a lot but a week ago I wasn't at all. And officially at 4 you are considered to be in active labor.
None of this would even phase me except Chris is traveling to Green Bay tomorrow for a family wedding leaving me here. A friend has volunteered to hang out with me but my fear is I will go into labor and Chris won't get here in time. Something I have tried to convey to him but he is just not grasping.
I have had contractions all day and have tried to be stoic about it, but I will be honest I just want to cry. I am so afraid my husband is going to miss this and for what? A cousin's wedding? I love my spouse dearly but there are times he just doesn't get it. Case in point. :)
And of course my Mom is freaking out because she flies in on Sunday and is not comfortable with me being sans my husband for that long.
But what is a pregnant lady to do? Grin and bear it. Or in my case during the last few hours grit and bear it.

Most expensive vet visit ever...

So we took the whole crew to the vet yesterday. We do it yearly so everyone can get their updated shots and any quirks can be addressed.
Oh my! We have a lab with a yeast infection in his ear. And a cat who they think has dare I type it.... Feline Herpes!!! Did I mention she is so tubby we have to get a haircut called the Lion Cut?
Only one animal out of the three did not have any issues. We were a little frustrated because we have taken the tubby cat to other vets expressed our concern over her problems and been given some ointment and sent on our way. Luckily for us our current vet is very thorough and takes us seriously even when to the average person we sound a little mental about our animals.
It's all so worth it though everyone is now vaccinated and on meds to treat their various ailments and surrounding me with snores and purrs as I type this. So even though my Free cat is no longer free she is healthy. :) Once she gets her haircut I will post it because she is 12 lbs. so this haircut should look pretty interesting. I just hope she doesn't hate me for it.
Also all of this is added insurance for an additional ten years or more from everyone. I am really looking forward to baby Gabby having a house full of animals. I always wanted one as a kid and I am going to be able to give that to her. And what a great crew to surround her with!
Now if my retriever would learn to retrieve all would be right with the world! :)

Early...

So I have been up since about 3:3o AM. I have started getting contractions, not the real kind but the practice kind. Sometimes I can sleep through them but most times I can't. Weird side note lately said practice contractions are accompanied by hunger. So I got up and ate a little something and here I sit hoping I can get back to sleep.
Besides the contractions I had a my dog's head tucked under my booty! Which was also a tad awkward and uncomfortable.
Max then got up with me and proceeded to nestle down in my lap. He has been at my side all morning. I worry that when the baby comes he won't understand that he is still my baby just I have someone else who is a little less self sufficient to deal with.
Since I have started working part time and especially since I have become pregnant he and I have bonded even more than we were before. Even though I had my cats first Max is my little sweetie. Which is even funny to type since he is a 95 lb. lab. But he is. He makes me feel safe and secure which is huge for me and he is a character.
Aside from hanging w/Max I have been watching the local morning show. Wow it takes them a good 1/2 hour to wake up and lighten up. The show starts and 5 and what a difference 30 minutes makes. When I first turned it on they all looked like they had just sucked on lemons and small talk was strained to say the least. Now they are smiling and joking ...
I suppose I hear one more doughnut calling my name then I am going to try and go back to bed just in time for my husband to wake up.
Here is hoping one of these early mornings I will be up because a baby is coming ...

A Mere 16 days

So my official due date is anywhere between the 19th or the 22nd. Which to me is crazy. Crazier still the fact that I have started having contractions. Not the real kind but the practice. They don't so much hurt as they annoy and you just want them to stop. They also tend to make me a little sleepy. My sweet husband has been a trooper about letting me rest and making sure I don't overdo it. Thing is still so much to do.
With every contraction I get a little more excited mentally thinking this could be it!
Soon it will be I just hope I am not alone or driving.
At this point those are my two fears, something will happen and I will be by myself, luckily Chris works about ten minutes from home.
I would like her to come sooner than later but am well aware it's kind of out of my hands. Although I have been eating a lot of Chili dogs to encourage her to make an early appearance.

Maternity Leave Officially Starts today

It is really odd not to be rushing off to spend the day with preschoolers. Now I am spending the day with my animals and trying to figure out what project I want to tackle first.
We are about 18 days away from official arrival date of the little lady and I can honestly say I am ready now. Emotionally, physically, around the house we still have tons to do but she has somewhere to sleep, clothes to wear, bottles, a car seat, and diapers so we are sitting pretty well. :)
My Mom will be here in about a week and it will be nice to have someone here who can help us get a little more organized. And just be here. Yesterday I was having contractions and thought my water broke, which is scary when you are twenty minutes from your doctors office and alone. It turned out to be a false alarm but for the first time in 9 months my doctor actually commented on my blood pressure.
I have become a morning person which is a little weird for me but it is nice to get up and get going and get stuff done.
On today's agenda some breakfast, perhaps a mini shopping trip (I got a ton of gift cards from my kids for my last day!), and then odds n ends around the house. Specifically packing my bag for the hospital. My Mom told me a funny story about my Dad packing her bag and how she ended up in dress that he loved but didn't quite fit post baby. Chris has packed a bag for me before and let's just say I love him but sometimes comfy is better than Cha Cha. :)

Visiting is cool

Beth is here and it is so cool to actually see her!
We talk every week in some form or fashion but to be able to sit and talk = so cool.

Yesterday was my last day of official preschool until the fall and I am sad.
So going to miss my kids I tried not to cry but couldn't do it.
I am a wuss.

Getting anxious about the baby and wish she would come sooner than later.
Maybe...

Also was lucky enough to visit with my Grandpa and his new wife Nell.
So nice to see them and hang out, only thing that could have been better.
More time...

And then there were 4

More weeks until the baby.
We have collectively made alot of progress getting things ready. Which is good because she is going to be here before we know it.
Then I will spend my summer taking care of my little one and taking classes to get my lead certificate so I am all set to have my own classroom in the fall.
I am excited about everything that is going to be happening but also a little stressed the last several months at work have been difficult. I really enjoy my job and hope everything can get resolved so we can all have a successful new year.
Beth is back in the Midwest and that is pretty exciting for me to know she is literally a short car ride away.
My friend Sarah is moving in a few weeks and I am already feeling the pain. We talk everyday and see each other once a week. It's going to be hard, thankfully she is like Beth and I in that she works hard at keeping in touch with friends even if they live far away.
Today is my last Brewer game for awhile hope I will be able to fit in my seat!

Welcome to the world of can't sleep

So I have been up for an hour. Which wouldn't be so bad but I do have to work today and we are having a special celebration in class for Dads and Grandpas.
Kind of my own fault, eventhough I get killer heartburn from it Chris and I ordered pizza. It was beyond yummy but now I have heartburn. I have drank two glasses of milk but bonus right now at this stage in my baby growing I am a little lactose intolerant.
So now I am up, have hearburn and feel a little queasy.
Hee hee... it's all worth it though.
In a few weeks I will be up because someone is hungry not because I have heartburn. I am looking forward to the switch!

Baby Shower Day

Today is my first Baby Shower. I am a little nervous simply and this is so silly it has been a long time since I have seen any of my friends. So relatively few of them have seen my with my new belly.
Complete strangers yes.
Coworkers yes.
The Brewers yes. :)
My friends no.
It is not that I have taken to staying indoors but with a new baby coming I have become quite the homebody. Basically trying to get our home ready for her body!
All of our furniture is in and Chris and some of his friends are picking it up today. I am excited to fill dresser drawers with her things.
I am becoming increasingly ready for her to be here.
My feet have started to ache and my tummy keeps growing which in turn gives her little room to move which of course freaks me out.
I also get sleepy and grouchy a lot quicker now. My husband has been beyond patient. I think he feels bad watching me waddle here and there in an effort to get things done.
Being a procrastinator and pregnant do not go well!

Winding down...

It is crazy to think in a few weeks I will be on summer break and then we will have a new addition. Add to that a really good friend of mine is moving out of state a best friend is back for the summer and more family is moving away. Well, it just shows how chaotic life can be.
In all this chaos my Mom is coming to visit followed by my Dad. I can not express how excited I am to see them. I have not seen my Dad for well over a year. My Mom about as long... I love my family and it's hard only seeing them once a year.
Having a little one of our own I think is going to help both Chris and I deal with what sometimes feel like a lack of family around us.
7 weeks and counting!

A visit from an old acquaintance...

Not one I wanted either. Early on in my pregnancy I was sick and tired alot. Yesterday I hit a certain point of the day and my body crashed on me. I was tired and got sick. I must have drank 6 bottles of water and still wanted more. Between the extreme thirst I had heartburn. Then this morning I got sick too.
I consulted my trusty baby bible and found at this point in my pregnancy it's all normal.
I feeling much better now but feel very guilty I spent a better part of my weekend sleeping.
I did manage in between the crazy sickness to put away a couple bags of baby clothes and pack away some of my winter clothes.
I have also found at this stage in my baby growing pants are no fun.
I have taken to walking around the house in my husbands various sports jerseys. Chris says I should design clothes for pregnant ladies like myself who can't handle anything on their tummy.
I let him know I think Liz Lange is doing a fine job. :)
I need to drink some water...

So this is what they are going to feel like!

They being contractions.
Yes ladies and gentlemen I had my first bunch today while shopping. They were so bad I am still trying to figure out how I made it from the card aisle to my car. I am sure the cashier thought I was a real sweetie not really but hey...
On a bright note if this is an indicator I will not be a happy camper but I will survive.
I have a visit with my doctor tomorrow and called them when I got home today.
Basically it's true labor when you have four or more contractions in an hour.
I only had two.
The scary thing I am only 32 weeks. My little lady needs to cook some more.
The wonderful thing is that even if she were to come now it would be a doable situation, not the best one but doable.
I of course pulled my traditional call my Mom when I don't feel good. So when I was able to get out of the car I called my Mom who thought I had a cold...
oops...
So yes need to call my doctor first. :)
I am doing ok now am a little tired and crashed for about 2 hours.
Starting to understand why the call pregnancy a rollercoaster ride!
And I am digging it!

Baby Class

So Chris and I attended our only baby class yesterday. It was from 9-4. Which in theory really isn't a long day except when your pregnant or tired.
We hung in there in the morning but after lunch the class collectively was fading fast.
It was very interesting to be in a room with that many pregnant people. Our teacher was awesome. She is the mother of 4 boys and had everyone at our hospital!
The questions were very helpful and we got a tour of the birthing center.
It was great to have quesstions answered by someone who really, truly knows.
Your friends and family mean well but sometimes that advice is heavily peppered by opinion.
The class gave Chris and I to really talk about our birthing plan and give him a better insight for what to expect when labor starts.
I am very proud of him and so lucky to be tackling this new adventure with such a wonderful guy.
The last push on the baby room happens today then we start painting I can't wait to see her little space come together.
Bonus Wisconsin has returned to the type of weather I love and I havete windows open ... this is why we put up with winter. At least why I do!

Rotissiere Chicken my new addiction

So as my pregnancy ramps up my new craving - rotissiere chicken. I normally don't ask Chris to get anything fo rme because I pick up any cravings on my way home from work. Last night was the exception.
I started thinking about the chicken and couldn't stop.
My husband finally broke down and took me.
What is sad - almost all the chicken is gone.
And I am ready for another.
Seriously some of the best, yummy food $5 can buy!

It's me :(

So you know the person who can bing the conversation down? Yep it was me yesterday. I feel so bad. Chris's friends are always so nice to me and before Man night they invited us to dinner. Conversation always goes all over well we started talking about Don Imus then the War came up. I have two close friends who are being very impacted by it and so I put in my two cents. Suddenly the table went quiet and the comment was made that suddenly the dessert didn't taste good anymore.
I feel so bad! That wasn't my intention, but in my family while eating we talk about everything. Nothing is off limits and you know someone may say something you may not like.
I sometimes forget that is not always how other people are.
I will survive it but I feel like as result my husband may receive less invitations to dinner... :(

Why am I up at 7:30?!

Because I am sick and my baby does not like me to sleep in apparently! :)

My husband was kind enough to take me out to dinner last night to of course my favorite Mexican restaurant - Laredos. We always get such great service there and the food comes quick and is yummy.
We have been going there for years and last night they were teasing us about ordering an extra side of food for the baby. We are both excited to know there is a restaurant in town that we can take the baby and we won't be shot dirty looks. They even have a kids night!
I personally can't wait til I can indulge in a Margarita again. I probably will pass out after one sip though.

Aside from yummy Mexican I had lunch with one of my girlfriends and she made me Panini's and Almond cake!!! So I am feeling a little spoiled today. My leftovers are just not going to cut it I think. :)

I am excited to finish up my nesting project. I have 3 junk drawers left in the kitchen and some misc. stuff in the living room and our upstairs is no longer a disaster. The baby's room is still a work in progress but now it's more boxes that need to be moved than anything else. It is still mind boggling to think in a few short weeks that room will have a new tenant. One I can't wait to meet.

10 weeks and counting!

So I had my last monthly doctor's appointment yesterday. From here on out it will be every two weeks then my last month weekly.
We are both doing great and are right on track.
I finally look pregnant not like I had a hearty lunch.
I am pretty much all belly.
It's exciting to feel her kick and now that I am growing a person!
My nesting is in full effect. I have cleaned and rearranged every room in our upstairs.
The basement is my husband's space so I am letting him do his thing.
I only have 5 more weeks of preschool and am not sure what I am going to do with myself.
I love my kids and it is going to be so hard not to see them, but it will be nice to be able to sit and not be on my feet. Although I am afraid that sedentary life for my last few weeks might cause me to balloon.
Time will tell.
We have been taking pictures so if I ever get my act together I will post them for you all to laugh at. :)

Have you ever?

Had a friend who takes info and twists it, basically fibs to make you feel bad?
I have had coworkers who have and still do but to be honest that to me is par for the course when you work with people...
But a friend.
?
I dont' want to upset anyone so I am not going to disclose too much, but this person took something that is going to be pretty cool for me and has turned into something I now feel bad about. Here is the thing this person is not always the most reliable. So what is going on is their own making but they are pushing blame onto me...
UGH

I feel bad this person is hurt but I also understand all too well why the decision was made to not completely include them.
I guess you can't make everyone happy...

Baby Crazy

So we registered for the baby this weekend.
Unlike when we registered for our wedding we went crazy with the scanner. 67 items and to be honest we could have added more but guilt and sleepiness caused us to stop.
Our first shower is in May our second a week before the baby comes. As Chris put it one reason for my Mom coming is when we say "oh shoot we didn't get this", we send her.
In theory :)
I am just excited to be sharing this with the people we love.
I am on Spring Break this week from preschool which means a short week for me.
So excited two more days of work then I will be continuing my attack on the babys room.
Our goal is to have it ready for paint ... we'll see how that goes.
Something that might help is me not weeding the front yard and overdoing it. Although I must say our yard looks nice and since it is suppossed to snow this week had to be done.
Oh and did I mention we will be doing one of my favorite things on Saturday?
That's right our first Brewers game baby!
Just wish it weren't going to be so cold, I love eating my dog and stadium sauce with the roof open.
I'll deal.

Call Me Crabby Pants

I have become a crabby pregnant women.
I feel very bad about it but the more pregnant and awkward I get the more crabby I get.
My poor husband has felt the heat and has been beyond sweet about it.
Thank goodness.
The bigger my tummy gets the more stressed I am getting, so much to do!
I know we will get it all done but yikes!
Then my body has started doing weird things, we will not get into it here because well no one wants to know. :)
Let's just say what the?!

I have been fortunate enough to get some really fun phonecalls from two of my close friends and haven't laughed like that in awhile. It is nice to know even if I don't talk to my friends in awhile it doesn't seem that way. It's been hard not having my friends close by but thank goodness for the phone and email.
And Bethie when I can we are so having an Appletini together!

Time is ticking away

So it dawned on Chris and I that in theory in exactly 3 months we will be parents.
Needless to say we now both feel overwhelmed. I am freaking out because I have not been diligent at all about cleaning out our spare room which will be the babies. I also have 3 classes to complete before the end of July. AND we have not even sent in our pre-registration form to Meriter yet...
UGH
Add to that Chris's cousin gets married the week before I am due in Green Bay. Which makes me wonder what do we do? Go and risk giving birth in title town?
Lots to do and 3 months seems like a lot of time but really I am becoming to realize it's not.
Good thing I have a massage scheduled on Sunday. It is actually a Mother to be Retreat courtesy of my honey.
CAN'T WAIT!

Drama, drama, drama

I have come to the conclusion that no matter what kind of job you have and how much you love it. There will always be drama. I love working with kids and I love working with the Y. But wow there is drama.
Which in my mind is really quiet silly since these jobs are not stressful, they are part time , and did I mention we get paid to play with kids?!
Yet there has been a lot lately. I won't go into specifics because if heaven forbid someone found my blog and read this I would feel bad.
I just want to shake them all and say are you crazy? This is a great job! Trust me I have had crappy ones.
I have decided to try and be a peacemaker rather then jump in when the griping starts. Which can be hard for me because there are days I want to gripe very loudly. :)
Hopefully we can all work through this and make our department rock like I know it can.

She is a kicker

Our little one is a kicker. I had an appointment today and while listening to her heartbeat she kicked the nurse's hand. This is the second time! We are getting to the point where we can watch my tummy and watch her kick.
I can not believe as Chris says I am growing a person in my tummy.
It is simply amazing.

Good Weekend Rocky Workweek start

So had such a nice weekend.
Hung out with one of my friends from preschool and were adults.
Spent Sunday vegging out then Sunday night came.
My first clue to bad things when I got sick eating a chicken patty, I got so sick I had to hand it to Chris and run.
Then this morning ill....
So no preschool for me today.
Which I struggle with because an upset tummy seems like a dumb reason to not go to work. As my Mom said though and upset tummy on a pregnant lady is an entirely different thing.
Here is hoping I can eat tomorrow and go play with the kids.

A Little Early Morning Reflection...

Since becoming pregnant I have become an early morning person. My husband is a sleeper, noon is early for him! :) What those early hours give me though is time to think. I have been trying to be positive. Something that I have found makes me happy besides thinking about our new addition is having a yummy breakfast and watching VH1's top 20 countdown. It makes me happy that first of all I can still see videos and second that contrary to what some people say there is some good music out there.
I have always loved a band that is melodic and soft then can bang it out. Luckily for me there seems to be a ton of new ones out there. Even though I hate their new 70's look I love the Killer's second album. Ironically a video just now showing on VH1 is a band I have had on my iPod forever - Augustana. And have you heard Lily Allen?
My little one in my tummy always starts kicking when I put my iPod on or when there is music on. I really hope she and can share music like my Dad and I did.
Look at all the great things music can do. It can perk you up, settle you down, make you go crazy, or help you fall in love.
(Just to name a few things...)

My baby hiatus continues to not continue! I got sucked into a remote next weekend. It is hard to say now considering what I get paid for two hours. But I think I need to start saying no since we have only a few months until someone comes and I still have to set up her room. Oh did I mention I have 3 classes I need to take before August? So I need to get buckled down. It is just so easy to veg on the weekends you know?
Especially when you spend your week teaching and chasing toddlers!

Let's call her Layla

My Dad has become the crazy Grandpa to be. It is too funny for me. Growing up my Dad to me was this gruff, cool guy who I feared and loved.
With the impending arrival of his Granddaughter he has become a big goof. He has purchased multiple pink Harley outfits for her as well as given his two cents on her name and how her room should look.
We have settled on a name. Now however my Dad has decided she should be named Layla. My love of music came from my Dad and I adore Eric Clapton. But come on do I want to name my daughter after a woman who left George Harrison mid marriage for Eric Clapton? I just think that could create some bad ju ju for her. :)
My Dad also thinks my baby's room should be more girly. We are thinking Dinosaurs to which my Dad freaked - Dinosaurs are for boys.... ugh who is the funny man and what has he done with my Dad?!
I am excited to meet the little lady who has turned my Dad into a big softie. :)

Baby Hiatus on hold...

So I am going to be pulling a shift tomorrow at the radio station.
It has been over a month since I have been on the air, I am very nervous...
Also one of the jocks is going to be pulling her last shift and she is a little bitter so should be interesting.

In brighter news Chris and I went baby shopping today. We have gone from Zoo animals to Dinosaurs. Hopefully it won't change but it's hard to say.
I am hormonal after all! :)

No Concert for the pregnant lady :(

So some things you are not always told about when you become pregnant weird things set you off and make you sick.
Like milk and two cookies.
Yes I said milk and two cookies.
I got sick multiple times today.
So I am going to be a big girl and stay home and take care of myself.
I could probably power through but better safe than sorry.
A year ago I would have sucked it up and gone.
Now I have someone else to think about in my tummy.

Besides I have seen them before and this just means the next time around will be better right?

We survived the blizzard

The crazy snow is over.
I managed not to fall again! Always a good thing. I am still a little sore. My knees look terrible.
But Gabby is rocking and rolling in my tummy so she is golden.
My new trick if I haven't heard from her in awhile is to drink some milk, eat a cookie, and lay down. Then I really feel my girl move. She moved so hard the other day my hand moved!
IT WAS SO COOL!!!!
My Mom has booked her trip and she is coming down the week before the little one is suppossed and will be with us for a month. I don't think she knows how much we appreciate having a sage advisor with us.
I will be officially tackling the baby's room Saturday if all goes well I hope to have paint on the walls in 2 weeks followed by furniture.
I can't believe it's just around the corner.
As of Wed. I will be 24 wks. Or 6 months!
CRAZY!
Tomorrow my favorite band is in town and my radio station was nice enough to hook me up with tickets. I am excited it will be my last concert before the little one comes.
She likes music just hope she likes the Goo. :)

Falling while with child = scary

So Chris and I have had a wonderful week celebrating our anniversary. It is so cool to come home and there is my honey. We have been eating lunch together in some form or fashion everyday. Kind of silly to get excited about that but we do. :)
So yesterday was my day to treat and then we took a long overdue trip to Woodmans for groceries. While walking back to our car I fell. Not just a trip or slip full on scrap my knees rip my pants purse and sunglasses went flying fall.
I of course started crying hysterically. Chris freaked out and no one else in the parking lot did a thing to help us. One lady gave Chris a dirty look like he must have done it!
Imagine what would have happened if I had been by myself!?
I called the doctor and it has been suggested I take it easy and if anything out of the ordinary happens I am to take myself to the ER or Urgent care. Luckily because of my blood type I am golden. Certain blood types with falls can actually mix Mommy and Baby's blood. The things you learn huh?
All am is sore and a little embarrassed...
And thankful for my honey.

Let the celebration begin

So this week marks Chris and my 3rd wedding anniversary. Typically we both take a good chunk of the week off and spend time together. Unfortunately because of my new job we had to modify our plans a bit. Luckily because of my new job I only work 1/2 days.
Today day one of said celebration - we had a nice, yummy lunch at Noodles and hit the bookstore.
Tomorrow low key.
Wed. fancy dinner.
Thursday lunch and a movie.
Then wing it the rest of the week and weekend!

It's hard to believe we have been together for over 6 years!!!
And now we are having a baby.
And to think when I first met him I did not like him...
Glad I rethought that!

Embracing my inner cute girl

So something I am learning about being pregnant. Some women it gives them confidence other women not so much. I am falling under the category of confidence. I think part of it is I have always been concerned about my weight and my shape. Being pregnant I like my shape and my round tummy. So I notice that I devote more time to making myself cute. Whether or not that means this trend will continue when I become a Mom I am not sure...
I am hoping so.
I am really starting to show and it's kind of fun and strange to have complete strangers notice and comment. Some comments good some well... yikes.
I bought a heart monitor today so Chris can hear the baby's heartbeat but unfortunately he has had no luck. I got 3 kicks today while I had it on my tummy and that was pretty funny. My girl is a busy little kicker. As the doctor said "she's a busy girl."
The next few months can't go by fast enough I want to meet my little lady so badly! :)

Fingers crossed...

That we will get a snow day tomorrow.
I know it is terrible for me to wish it but word on the street is the drive in - fine. Drive home sucky. Which means I will be the only teacher in my class as my co-teacher will not come in when the weather is like this. She lives almost an hour away.
Also I have alot to do around the house.
It would be nice to have time to do it, aside from my weekends...
We will see what happens about 6:30 tomorrow morning...

We have a name....

So our little one is going to be named Gabrielle Grace. It's nice to have something to call my tummy when I talk to it. Which I do a lot especially lately as I can really feel her move. It kind is this weird flutter that sometimes can make my tummy feel a little upset but it's how I know she is moving.
I have a music lover on my hands. I have a mix cd I like listening to when I drive into work and she seems to really enjoy Ludicrious. I think it's the beat she likes :).
We have expanded our search for a theme for the baby's room but have promised each other no pink. I really like the idea of a zoo, jungle, bug or frog theme. Especially since they all come in a green Chris and I really like. It's been heavily suggested by some of my Mom coworkers that we pick something she can grow into but that we like too as for at least the first 5 years she won't care. And if it's the right color when she does start to care it won't be too hard to change.
Funny thing I was afraid we would be given a lot of pink clothes now and told my Dad about this fear. He said he wouldn't let that happen.
Then I find out he went shopping for Gabby. I was thinking a shirt or two.
Try ten pink outfits all Harley gear.
I think he is a little excited. :)
I know I am.

We finally see the little one in my belly...

We had our ultrasound on Monday.
Much to my husband's shock we are having a little girl.
Don't get me wrong he is happy, just afraid.

I am excited.
I know the pictures are kind of goofy but from what I can see she looks pretty cute. :)
Now I have to kind of rethink my ideas for the nursery and her name.
See... I was convinced I was having a boy.
Nope a little lady.

I just hope she likes me.

Potential baby names from my Preschoolers

I love, love my job.
My children regularly make me giggle without trying and really not knowing why.
For example today while all the rest of my boys were dressing up like fireman, construction workers, and telling me they wanted to drive a garbage truck... well I had one little guy who had me help him put on a blue and silver princess dress complete with gloves and blue slides. Of course my girls helped him put on some fun necklaces. Of course I giggled a little but let him know the dress looked great with his eyes.

My tummy is starting to bulge and the kids are very curious and full of ideas for names.
Aside from thinking I should name the baby after them I have gotten:
Kitty
Baby Cutie because I am cute and my baby will be
Thomas (from the Thomas the Train)
Baby Baby
Luigi (see Cars)
Dora
Pinky
Purple and whatever color we are learning that day...
So I will add those to Placenta, Pretty Ribbon?

We find out what we are having on Monday so that should make the baby naming easier on everyone! :)

Geeking out

Today was my last radio event until after the baby. I did a remote with our lovely music director Amy. We were at the beautifully remodeled Ace Hardware near Hilldale. Ace is running a contest for budding business people. If you pass a serious of tests and interviews you could potentially win your own million dollar store.
To help promote this Bill Rancic from Season 1 of the Apprentice.
Who by the way is one of the nicest men I have ever met. I completely expected him to not be so nice. One he is famous engaged to one of my favorite tv personalities. Two he has a pretty solid income. Three he works for Donald Trump.
Not only did he make a point of using my name in conversation he rubbed my baby belly. :)
You can tell he is from the Midwest. He is nice.

On top of it the employees of Ace Hardware were lovely as well. So nice that I am going back to buy paint for the baby's room there.
What a nice way to end prior to baby hiatus!!!

Reconnecting...

So now that I am going to become a Mom, my Mom and I have become even closer.
This reconnection started with my wedding, petered out a little and is back in high gear.
My Mom has these great stories about being pregnant with me and a hippie Mom. What is also cool is I get to talk about things with her that we just normally don't.
Like politics. My Mom is a smart cookie but because she is a farm girl with only a high school education I think she gets a complex.
She shouldn't, she has had an amazing life and brings a lot of wordly wisdom to the table.
She used to be shy about telling me about her political leanings. Lately not as much. The more we talk the more I realize I get some of my personality from her as well as my Dad.
I just hope my children will have a good relationship with us.
Something to work on.

Really? ugh...

So I may offend my feminist friends here and you know who you are :). But Hillary Clinton running for president?! Yuck.
I am sorry but I had issues with that woman when she was married to Bill. She has done some good things but she also tends to run at the mouth and say some pretty offensive things.
I am all about a woman running for president but my preference would be someone along the lines of the late, great Ann Richards.
Not Mrs. Clinton.
I am really nervous about our options so far for president.
With the state of things as they are now it's pretty obvious we need a drastic change but let's not go crazy here.
How about a Happy Medium?
Who that is? I have no idea...
And that concludes my political ramblings for this week. :)

Oh my friends you make me giggle... :)

Paul and Beth how you make me laugh!
Both your baby name suggestions are lovely just lovely!
Unfortunately I have a baby daddy who I have to convince of things as well. I love my husband but we are definitely facing roadblocks in picking out names.
Therein lies my problem.
Chris and I are struggling to agree on names...
Since you had such great boy name suggestions - what about girl's names?!

In two weeks...

We find out if we are having a boy or a girl and get to see our first picture of our baby.
I am very excited and a little nervous. Since I had a heart condition when I was little I have been poked and prodded the last few visits to see if the baby will have any problems. This next appointment will hopefully be the last of it's kind.
Chris and I are leaning toward not telling people if we are having a boy or a girl. Which I know is lately unheard of. But we would really love to have this to share with each other.
Once we find out the quest for a baby names continues. We had some picked out but now that the time is getting closer we keep changing our mind.
One of my personal favorites for a little boy: Ian Lorenzo. My husband not too jazzed about thqat one. :)
We will have to see ....

Poor Mr. Max

My poor dog :). He and I have been spending a lot of time together now that I only work part time. One of my new afternoon rituals with him is watching The Dog Whisperer.
A few things I have learned - my dog is actually quite well behaved. Imagine writing the book Marley and Me and having your current dog eat the family chickens.
Yikes!

Watching the Dog Whisperer though has also given me some great suggestions on how to handle some bad habits Max does have. Specifically barking at everything! I appreciate that he barks at the door to door sales people but not our poor neighbor two doors down who is just trying to shovel his driveway.
So I have been showing him that I am the dominant dog. My husband finds it comical. Max however seems to be benefiting from it. I know I have. He comes inside when called and knows if I snap my fingers that means it is time to sit. He even is slowly learning the elusive Down command!
I just feel bad for him he was kind of skating by then I saw the Dog Whisperer and found out you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Belly

I have popped some more. We are actually going to take a picture and email it to friends and family. For the last few months I have been so worried about not putting on enough weight for the baby then my belly starting growing.
I am still light on the weight side of things for what doctors suggest for pregnant ladies but my baby seems to be doing ok.
The biggest adjustment is people randomly feeling compelled to touch or ask me about my pregnancy. Which I guess is nice but I don't know you. Please be gentle to my tummy.

I am going to start swimming after work to try and help me control my blood pressure also it will be great excercise. Just feel bad for my fellow swimmers who will see me in my swimsuit.
It is still hard to grasp the fact that next year this time we will have a little person.
I am pretty stoked.
I hope the baby likes us as much as we are going to like and love it.

Four months...

So I have entered my fourth month as a Baby Momma. I have to say if one get through the first trimester the second trimester is not too shabby. My only real issues and some would say not issues - I am hungry all the time, I have heartburn all the time, my back is always sore and there is a nerve in my booty that constantly hurts. Compared to my first three months I am serious when I say - welcome issues.
Because why? I can eat.
My cravings are letting up a little but I still love me a good burger with everything including a big old raw onion.
Shockingly I am still not putting on much weight but as my husband says I have become all belly.

My coteacher has brought her 3 month old by a few days this week and holding her felt so good. She even had a serious fit and I thought it was the longest 15 minutes of my life waiting for her warm bottle to appear but I survived with a smile on my face. This gives me hope, crying babies though have never been an issue for me. I feel bad but now that is how they tell you what's up. So you figure out the cry and get them what they need. It may take 3 minutes or 3 hours but eventually it will come.

My biggest concern - childcare. Where I work they offer free childcare but if the baby gets fussy or needs a change they call my classroom. With family so far away this will be a hurdle. But again we will make it work.

In a few weeks I get to see a picture of the little one in my tummy. Can't wait!

Welcome 2007

2006 was a rough year for Chris and I. The biggest highlight was obviously finding out we were going to be parents.
Unfortunately some very important people are not here to share in our happiness.

So we are excited for a new year and new beginnings.
The end of 2006 was definitely heading toward the positive here is hoping it will continue.

We are having people over to watch the Bowl game.
I am torn I love my Badgers but my love for my Grandma creates a soft spot for the Razorbacks.
Either way go Red. :)