Driving South

Oh, I can't wait for this weekend. Jeff and I are heading south, to Maryland, tonight after work. Its our February Zack visit and also, I get to see my grandpa too.

We'll get in late tonight, but we get Zack sometime Friday morning through late morning/early afternoon on Sunday (Sunday depends on what time we get him on Friday). We have a few things planned, but they may change. We'll have to wait and see what happens.

Its also my last get-away before I am cut off from traveling. I am just under the wire with this one, but after next week, its stay around our area time. So exciting!

So, have a great weekend! I will share our adventures with you next week!

Wordless Weds - Can't Wait for the Weekend!

Cabin Fever

Yes, its hit me. That darn cabin fever. There are just so many times you can go to the mall to walk around to get out of the house.

I can't wait for the warmer weather. I want to get out and walk around the block. I can't now with the risk of slipping on some ice or snow that isn't cleared properly. Also, its too darn cold.

I can't wait to get out in the yard to work on our veggie garden or sit in my swing (this year with the baby, how exciting).

We haven't had any major snow storms lately, just the kind of snow fall where it can be slick if you're not careful. Also, the yards are covered in the ugly snow right now. You know, the dirty kind that reveals itself after some of the top snow has melted. Its just not that appealing to me.

But there is hope. I've seen some flower buds sticking there heads up from under the dirt right outside my office yesterday. I noticed one of the tree's in our yard has some red buds on it too while I was pulling out of the driveway last night.

So, I will keep my fingers crossed that the warm weather will come sooner rather then later.

He Surprised Me

We didn't make it to Vermont this weekend. So, Saturday morning my mom asked me to help her out with some baby shower errands.

While I was out, Jeff started on a 4 hour mission to assemble his youngest son's furniture. I wasn't sure he was going to put it together or not since when I left to go with my mom, he was heading to play video games.

But, when I walked in the house, I noticed the kids rooms light illuminating out into the hallway, music could be heard into the kitchen and I knew what he was doing. He was putting it all together! I was so excited! I went straight for the room with a huge smile on my face to check on the what was happening. I didn't get any photo's of the assembly process since when I walked into the room it was mostly done.

These two pictures are the best I could show for now. The room needs to rearranged since Zack's all-in-one giant bed has to be moved and some other furniture has to find another location in the house. When that happens, I'll be able to show the other side of the changing table from the other side since Zack's bed was in the way for photo's.

But for now, this is what I have to show. I can't wait until the room is all set with all the bedding in the crib and all the odds and ends inside the changing table. After that, we just wait for little Drew's arrival. I will be sure to show off the completed room too!

Grow Old With You

Today is our 3rd wedding anniversary! Wow! Happy Anniversary Honey!

Jeff & I on our Honeymoon in Oahu Hawaii

This song was playing as we cut the cake at our reception. Its from the movie "The Wedding Singer" sung by Adam Sandler (its towards the end when Robbie goes after Julia on the airplane and sings the song to win her love) and we just think its the cutest song. It just fits with our humor so well and its so sweet!

Grow Old With You

I wanna make you smile whenever you're sad

Carry you around when your arthritis is bad

All I wanna do is grow old with you

I'll get your medicine when your tummy aches

Build you a fire if the furnace breaks

Oh it could be so nice, growing old with you

I'll miss you

Kiss you

Give you my coat when you are cold

Need you

Feed you

Even let ya hold the remote control

So let me do the dishes in our kitchen sink

Put you to bed if you've had too much to drink

I could be the man who grows old with you

I wanna grow old with you

Weekend Possibilities

We had set plans for a few weeks now for this weekend, but my FIL is now on the fence about following through with snow predicted throughout the weekend. So, now we have a few possibilities that may occur this weekend. I hope what ever we decide, its set tonight rather then last minute/tomorrow morning. The possibilities are-

Visit Family in Vermont - Tomorrow is my FIL brothers birthday. We had planned on traveling north to visit his brother and other family for the celebration. Also, I wanted to visit with the family before I'm cut off from traveling too far from home. Now with the snow prediction, my FIL doesn't want to travel in that type of weather. So, those plans are up in the air now.

Birthday Boy & my FIL

Put together the crib - If we don't go to Vermont, Jeff said he'll put the crib & changing table together this weekend. So exciting!

He wanted to do it last weekend, but he was sick with a head cold, so I let him off the hook. I'll try and get photo's during the process, but I'm not sure how Jeff will feel about that since it all depends on his mood while putting it together (you know, the easier it is = the better the mood or the more complicated it is = the more stressed mood). But, if it goes together this weekend, you betcha I'll have some sort of photo to share!

Anniversary Celebration - This Sunday is Jeff and my 3rd wedding anniversary. Yeah! I told Jeff that I don't want to exchange anything big for gifts since we have a little one on the way. So instead I bought him a laptop table (so I can get my computer desk back) and he will pay for my next massage, which is coming up soon.

As for celebrating, I'll definitely make a cake (orange cake with cream cheese frosting, so yummy) but I'm not sure if we will go out to dinner or not. That all depends on the rest of the weekend plans.

I love having a busy weekend, but I like to know what's going on ahead of time so I can plan other errands throughout the weekend (like grocery shopping, laundry, etc). But who knows what lies ahead?!? We'll have to wait and see.

Until then, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Baby 411

I am going to continue with the baby theme this week and tell you about
book I just finished reading. Of course its about baby stuff!

This is the second in a series from these two authors. The first I read a couple months back was Baby Bargains. This is the next book in line and its all about helpful information to prep you starting around your 7th month of pregnancy (that was a coincidence when my mom bought this for me) all the way through the babies first year.

It talks about what to expect coming out of your baby at what stage, what shots/immunizations to expect, sleep tips (for you and the baby), how to clean your baby (like me, having a boy, I have no idea), nutrition, breastfeeding/bottle feeding tips, development, fussy baby tips and anything you can think of withing this precious time.

I'm sure some of it I'll forget, it won't work or I'll adjust to my baby's personality, but its a great guide. It definitely starts to get you in the mood for what to come very shortly.

The authors other books are, Toddler Bargains, Toddler 411 and Bridal Bargains if you are interested. Also, each book has their own website to go along with it. This books website is www.baby411.com, so check it out!

Cute Little Zack

Zack & his cousin Ally

This week during Jeff's weekly scheduled conversation with his son, Zack said the cutest thing. It broke my heart, but he said it with so much compassion and care.

His words were-

"Daddy, I really want to be there when the baby is born".

This means so much to Jeff and I because it means we have shown him that the baby is his brother, not a child to replace him. That's hard work to prove when he's 10 hours away and has his mother's constant opinion on things hanging over his head.

Jeff's words-

"I know buddy, we'll talk about it when we see you in a couple of weeks".

Jeff & I will have to explain delicately that its his mommy's choice when to bring him up for the April visit and not spill the beans on her secret wedding (which is playing havoc on when she will bring him up because the two plans clash with each other).

I have been trying to think of ways to get him up here around the time baby Drew arrives so he can share in the excitement, if she decides not to bring him up. The only thing is, we have no idea when that little baby will decide to come so its hard to plan. But, I will try my hardest to think of something!

Pregnancy Weight

I've had about enough with one pregnancy "side-effect". Its not the back pain (granted I would love to not have it, but I deal with it), its not the tossing & turning at night, its not that I can't see my toes/shave my legs/trim my nails. Its the aspect that most everyone has to point out that I'm gaining weight.

Uh, ya think?!? I'm just shy being 30 weeks pregnant, I hope I'm gaining weight. This has been going on mostly at work since I announced being pregnant back in October.

One of my supervisors who has been on weight watchers pointed out that I'll have to be on weight watchers soon just like her. I have a certain driver, who most of the time I adore, but recently he has been giving me a hard time about my belly weight/eating a whole sandwich/snaking throughout the day. Also, another driver just the other day mentioned that my supervisor is losing weight and that I am putting it on (and did the gesture with his arms next to his body getting rounder). And there have been other remarks I can't think of at the moment.

So, I've had enough! I think I'm doing pretty good with my weight during the pregnancy. I've gained 26 pounds (well in my range), all in my stomach area. I eat relatively healthy. I try to stay active. My torso area isn't that long so the baby has to grow somewhere and in this case its out in front. Knock on wood, I've only had a slight swelling in my ankle area, so I really haven't gained much weight/water retention anywhere else but the belly area.

Jeff says its because people aren't used to me gaining the extra weight and they don't know how to react. Well, its none of their business. My thoughts are this, if I wasn't pregnant, would they feel compelled to tell me I'm gaining weight? I would think no. But, because I'm pregnant, they think its fair game to comment on the weight gain and they think its funny/cute/appropriate.

But as long as I feel good, my doc thinks I'm on track and the baby is healthy, I will try and keep my cool for the next few months. Wish me luck!!

The results are in......

As you may recall, I failed my 1-hour pregnancy glucose test on February 4th.....by one point. I was scheduled to take the next test last week. That test consisted of a 3-hour blood test routine.

I had to fast the night before for 12 hours. My appointment was scheduled to start at 7:45am, but I did arrive a little early. They took me right in, no problem. Blood was drawn before I drank the same flat orange soda sugar substance as before to see where by sugar levels start off with. I drank the sugar substance under the 5 minutes. I did notice it seemed a little sweater since it was first thing in the morning, but nothing really was different. Then I received a schedule of my next 3 blood tests.

I was asked to sit in a side room with hospital recliners and personal TV's. I thought that was really nice rather then sitting in the office's waiting room. So, I made myself comfy with music video's playing through my headphones, in a reclined position, reading my magazines.

The worst part was having the same arm stuck 4 times. I had the same vein used for 3 of the viles and then another was picked for the forth. My arm was a little sore after the test! But other then that, I survived the long test, but I felt a little blah afterwords. So, I played hookie from work for the rest of the day and went home and took a nice long nap.

A couple of days later, I was getting a little anxious about my results. So, I called my doctors office and left a message for the nurse to call me. I'd say withing 10 minutes the nurse called me back and told me I passed with no problem! She said I am healthy, passed with flying colors and to keep up the good work. Phew! That is such a relief.

Happy Valentines Day!

Sooner or later we begin to understand that love is more than verses on valentines and romance in the movies. We begin to know that love is here and now, real and true, the most important thing in our lives. For love is the creator of our favourite memories and the foundation of our fondest dreams. Love is a promise that is always kept, a fortune that can never be spent, a seed that can flourish in even the most unlikely of places. And this radiance that never fades, this mysterious and magical joy, is the greatest treasure of all - one known only by those who love.
-- Author Unknown

Grandparents go to School

My FIL, my mom and my dad

The grandparents-to-be attended school last night. My parents will be first timers (and my mom will be helping out with day care responsibilities for a few months) so I convinced them to attend a course for when Mr. Drew arrives.

As for my FIL, I know he has two grand kids before my little one, but he hasn't lived with an infant in some time now. Also, he will have two infants in the house by late summer, so I felt it a good move to convince him to attend for this reason alone. Of course I had some resistance at first with him stating, I know how to change a diaper! You guys all survived when you were kids!

No expectant parents could attend, so I sent the three of them off to the hospital to attend their class together. The agenda was-

New grandparents-to-be will:

• Learn what is new in childbirth and infant care practices
• Tour the maternity unit
• Discuss their roles
• Receive literature designed just for them
• Learn what they can do to help new parents after birth.

What I've heard so far, it was an interesting experience. There were only two other people in the class and it seemed to be a very relaxed atmosphere. The grandparents-to-be all chatted about their experiences with their kids while the instructor touched base with the changes/updates since they had kids and then had their tour.

So, I feel it was a great two hours for all of them and appreciate that they did this for the best interest for their grand kids.

She Tried Again

What is with this women?

As you may know from previous posts, Zack's mom isn't the easiest to work with. She is manipulative, self-centered and controlling when it comes to Jeff (and me) seeing or doing anything pertaining to Zack.

You may recall, it took several weeks to nail down this months visit in Maryland. It was determined in mid-January that we would meet in MD the last weekend in February since Zack has the Friday before that weekend off from school and it works with his schedule. Ok, great! Jeff and I took time off from work, its right under the wire before my travel cut-off and I booked the hotel. Done deal.

Well, so we had assumed. Jeff received a text from Zack's mom (she is never consistent on who and how she contacts one of us) last Saturday asking if we could move the visit to the first weekend in March because he has basketball playoffs. Apparently Zack's mom forgot an important aspect of the visitation rules, that sports cannot interfere with the visits.

Now, I know sports are a big piece of any kids life (if they are into that sort of thing), but I'd rather him miss a playoff game then an actual school day (which he would miss because he does not have the following Friday off).

Also, after some research online (since she would never explain the whole situation to us) his 11-year old bball league playoffs actually start Sat 2/21 and continue throughout the week, like the March Madness Bracket playoffs in college bball. No disrespect to Zack's team, but they only won one game and she is asking us to move our visit on some notion his team would make the final playoff game on Sat 2/28? The chances are slight and we are holding our ground.

So, using my pregnancy and the hotel excuse (she doesn't have to know we have cancellation insurance), we are holding steady to keep the end of the month visit. Let's see if she will come up with another excuse. Sometimes she does when the first one fails.

Wordless Weds - Baby D's Furniture (so far)

And the Award Goes To.......

Thanks to Cherish, I was chosen for another blog award. This unexpected little surprise is the Lemonade Award. Its just a fun little prize to show off that you received it. Thanks so much!

Now Im supposed to nominate 10 bloggers to pass this award onto but the problem is that I don't think I read that many many blogs! Whatever will I do?

I think I might just cut that number in half (just like Cherish did) and just nominate a few myself. My nominations are the following and go ahead and click on them...you wont be disappointed!

Sarah at My Slice of Life - I nominated her not just because she's my favorite SIL, but because she is the one who got me into blogging. Her blog is filled with food adventures, stories about her daughter Ally and anything that life throws at her.

Amy at The Sweet Family - I nominated her since she has a fun and entertaining blog about her family and life in general. She is full of life and that great aspect spills over into her writing.

Melissa at Complimentary Chocolate - She is a new blogging buddy, but I love to read her blog. Its straight forward, but fun. She loves to talk about her family and is a great writer.

Kellan at On the Upside - Oh, she is a riot! She is the mother of 4 lovely children and speaks so funny and truthful about her family. She is a great writer and I look forward to every entry she creates on her blog.

Brook at Everyday Bailey - She is going to be the proud mommy of a little girl any day now. I really enjoy reading about her stories getting ready for her bundle of joy. Also, along with her life adventures with her husband and dog Maggie.

I did what by one point?

I guess one point, one numeral, one slight increase can make the entire difference between passing and failing in so many realms. Well, today's one point failure for me stems from my one-hour pregnancy glucose test I had last week. Yup, I failed it by one point.

Now I have to torture myself by going through the 3-hour glucose test tomorrow. I'm not worried about the time its going to take since I'll busy myself with my book and magazines. What I'm worried about is, what if I get hungry in the middle of the test? Its not going to be very pleasant! I'm a wreak now-a-days when I'm hungry and I have access to food. I don't want to see what happens when I have to wait until the time is right to eat when I'm starving. Oh, dear!

As for the failing the first part, I'm just hoping it was from what I ate that day since it was done after lunch. The new test I have to fast before it takes place. Keep your fingers crossed for a better test result!!

28 Weeks

I can't believe that I can say that I'm 28 weeks/7 months pregnant. I had my check-up yesterday and everything is going well. The best part is hearing that strong heartbeat from my little boy and hearing the doc say it sounds great. I am now on the two week schedule for my next apts. Yeah, D-Day is getting closer!!

I had my glucose blood test after my apt. too. So, keep your fingers crossed that everything comes back A-OK. The test wasn't as bad as I thought. I drank the flat orange soda substance in no time (the only complaint was the drink was cold, I only like room temperature beverages). I brought a book to take up my hour of waiting and before I knew it, I was being called in for the blood work. It was a piece of cake.

Jeff and I started our birthing classes on Monday. We signed up for the 7 week course given by the hospital we are using. There was a big crowd there too, at least 10 other couples. Most of them expecting in April too. The first night was all about introductions, why we were all there, what to expect and some breathing techniques. It'll be interesting over the next couple of weeks what we will learn and see what I will actually use on the day Mr. Drew arrives.

The best part of the class was at the end (not just because it was the end). The instructor had everyone get on the floor for a breathing exercise. Jeff and I found a spot behind our chairs since there were so many people attending. I was lying on my side and Jeff on his back for the contraction/relaxation exercise. The object was to tense up the part of the body the instructor requests, hold for 10 seconds, then relax. The first area was our faces. The instructor indicates to start and I look over at Jeff while he was making his face and I just lost it laughing. I put myself into one of my laughing/crying/can't breath laughing fits over the scrunched up face he made. I was crying so hard, tears made there way on my forehead. It must have been because I was laughing into my pillow so no one could hear me and I definitely glad we were behind the chairs so the instructor couldn't see me.

After I calmed down, I looked over at Jeff and thought to myself, I couldn't imagine going through this with anyone else.

What would you do?

While I was out in the driveway yesterday, clearing off my car with our recent snow dusting/ice covering, I got to thinking about what I would do next year with a little one thrown into the mix.

I have to start to think about these little changes and what to do. I'm sure this is one of the many things I will have to adjust in my routine to work in our little boy.

So, I have a question for you.....how would you handle this situation?

Would you leave the little one in the house (in his car seat, ready to go) while you go out and clear off the car?

or

Would you put the little one in the car (in the warmed up vehicle, situated in the car seat) while you clean off the car?

I just don't know which one I would do, since I'm not there yet, but I definitely was thinking about it the other day. So, let me know what you would do or what you have done!!

Second Chance

Another well written and easy to follow novel by Jane Green. This is the second book I've read of hers and can't wait to pick up the third. The first one that I read was Swapping Lives and her newest is the Beach House (hint, hint, I'd like to add this to my pile of books to read).

Anyway, Second Chance was hard to get into at first since a tragedy occurs right at the beggining. But, as usual time goes by and wounds heal, friendships rekindle and each person involved thank the person they lost for helping them be together during the new joys and heartache that occur after his death.

I wouldn't say its a light hearted, beach novel. It could be how the book started off with a tarriest attack and we all know how "fresh" those are in our minds, but as the novel moves along it does become about different relationships. So, I'd say a nice read for those cold days of winter where you want to sit with a cup of hot coco and go to another country and learn the value of friendship.

Superbowl Ads

This years game was OK. It was a little exciting in the beginning, around half time it got it little stagnant and at the end it was down to the final seconds who would pull off the win. But regardless of who you were routing for, isn't it about the commercials you really watch the game? Well, this year it was for me since my team didn't even make the play-offs.



But, even the commercials were a little dull this year. But there were a few good ones randomly placed here and there which made watching for the good ones like finding a diamond in the rough.

My favorites this year were (not in any order)-

1. Budweiser - Clydesdale Circus
2. Pepsi - I'm good
3. Bridgestone - Astronauts in Space
4. Monster.com - Moose Double take
5. Etrade - Singing Baby
6. Telafloras - Talking Flower
7. Budweiser - Clydesdale Stick
8. Doritos - Free Doritos
9. Miller High Life - 1 second ad
10. Cash 4 Gold - Ed McMahon & Mc Hammer
    

What are your favorites from this years game?

One of the many places to check out the ads if you missed them is on youtube.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy 50 something birthday mom!