Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

I know it has been a LONG time!! I could blame it on getting ready for the holidays, having a new born, having a three year old birthday party, my husband being in Sweden for a week, starting way more Christmas presents then I could finish, not having any water from the 25 to the 26th, or the fact that I am in denial that I am going to have to go back to work...but I am not one for excuses :)

As for an update: things are going well here. Jacy is doing well and getting big. She was almost 14 lbs at her 2 month check up and 23 3/4 inches. She is topping the charts in the 80 and 90 percentiles. Hunter also went in for his 3 year and was also topping the charts in the high 70 and 80 percentiles.

Christmas(es) went well. The kids (and family) were very well behaved and once again everyone was WAY too generous. We started a new tradition with my family which was nice and it blended a little bit of old tradition with some new ideas. We didn't travel which was VERY nice. I don't feel nearly as overwhelmed as I typically do. We have one more Christmas to do with my parents which should be nice. I do look forward to going to 'Towoc, the song has it right when it talks about being "home for Christmas".

I am really not looking forward to going back to work but I am sure it will work out once I am back into the routine. Jacy has really turned the corner the last 2 to 3 weeks. And sleeping through the night is one of the best things I have felt in a LONG time!!!! She is finally taking a bottle and we found some formula she can keep down. Unfortunately I think it is made of gold, so if you know anyone who gets and doesn't use their enfamil coupons, send them our way!!

I have adjusted to having 2 little ones and outings aren't unbearable. Hunter really is a good big brother and likes to help. Listening while at home is another story. He is pretty much potty trained but our last hurdle will be having him at the sitters with Jacy. He is pretty protective of his "Gloria". I am really enjoying how the two of them interact, it is amazing to watch that little relationship develop. When else in you life to you actually get to play a role in how two people genuinely feel about each other.

Josh and I are doing well. We try to get out occasionally thanks to the help of family! It is a lot harder for me to leave Jacy then I remember it being with Hunter. That might just be because she is a little fussier and with her being sick early on. Taking your little baby to the Urgent care and ER at 5 weeks is hard to shake from your mind! But I am trying to be better about it and unfortunately with the holidays we really haven't had much opportunity to get out anyway.

Josh's trip to Sweden went well and now he has ambitions to travel over seas with me!!! YEAH!!! It was hard not having him home for a week. The kids were great but we really missed him!

That's about all for us! I hope you enjoy the pictures. I will try to be a little better about the timing of the next post!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

There were times that it was more like the "Old Fashion Family Christmas" on Christmas Vacation. But a good time was had by all! Here are some pictures of the big occasion.

Addie helping make Cookies for the weekend

Jacy all dressed up for the day

Jacy and Great Grandma

Riley and Syd waiting for pie

The table set for the BIG dinner

Bryce and Brady

The "Kids" table

Getting ready to dig in

Happy Halloween, Birthday & Baptism

We have had a busy week in our house. We had Halloween, Josh's Birthday and Baptism all rolled into one (I will blame that on the lack of posts).

First Halloween:



Hunter loved it this year! No tears like last year with the Elmo costume! Jacy didn't dress up but she did sport her Pumkin hat like a princess!

Josh's birthday was pretty low key this year...we had a Badger game and birthday party this weekend to go to so Josh had to settle for a birthday at home. But it did feature spaghetti, french silk pie and a new Ipod...I think he will survive being at home :)

We also had baptism this weekend (on Jacy's 1 month birthday).

Jacy was a very good girl! She slept most of the day and loved being held all day long! She wore my baptismal dress and was a hit! The weather was beautiful so the kids got to get outside and play and enjoy our new yard. I don't have any pictures yet from the actual ceremony (forgot my camera) but I have a few from home.

Nanas and Papas

Great Grandpa and Jacy

This week is intending to be pretty low key (to recoup from last week). I can't believe my little girl is a month old already, so I am just going to hang out and hold her for a while! That and it is suppose to get pretty cold so I don't want to go out anyway!!

Getting Big!

Just got back from the doctor. Jacy is 10 lbs and 21.5 inches. She has gained almost two pounds and an inch in 3 weeks! Yikes! At least all of this eating is paying! Good thing we are having baptism in a week...otherwise she might not fit into my baptismal gown!

Why is it bitter sweet that your baby grows so fast?

Pooper Trooper

Jacy is really getting big. We go to the doctor tomorrow for her 3 week check up. She is eating like a trooper which means that she is pooping like a trooper too. I have tried to get a couple of pictures of some new outfits she has gotten to show to the people (grandmas) that got them for her but most times she has pooped through before I can get a picture taken :)

(First dress)

(Hunter and Josh...mostly Josh, carving pumpkins)

Yesterday Jacy and I went to lunch with Daddy's work group (soon to be old work group). She was a good girl but got a little antsy after when her and I were at the mall. Today is our first day home alone with Hunter. We are having fun hanging out in the toy room because the cleaning lady is cleaning away upstairs (Yeah)!!!

Hunter had a sleep over this past weekend with his big cousin Sydney while Josh and I went to the Hockey game. They played really well together and we worked on a Christmas present for Nana and Papa. Hope they like it!!

As you can see I am really enjoying my time off. And I just got an email from my boss that I am really missed at work so that always makes you feel good too :) Probably a good time to remind them of my worth to the department...before raises and all (J/K) :)

Life on Leave

Just an update to what our life has been like now that we are a family of FOUR!!! YEAH!!! Things are going well. Hunter has still been in daycare 4 days this week and last week. Josh goes back to work tomorrow so that will be the test! I can't believe it has been 2 weeks since the arrival of my little peanut!! I think I am in MUCH better shape for Josh to go back to work this time, unlike with Hunter (although I am sure there may still be some hormonal tears at some point).

Hunter is still doing pretty good. He is taking up talking back a bit but hopefully we can nip that in the butt quickly :) I can hope!! Yesterday he stayed home with us and we went to the petting farm and got pumpkins. He helped Josh clean them out last night and seemed to really enjoy it...once he had his work gloves on.

Jacy has been a very good baby. Not quite as easy as Hunter but still a good baby. Most nights she eats around 9/10 and then doesn't get up until about 2/3 and then sleeps until 6 or so. Last night she wasn't crazy about going to sleep at first but then slept a little later this morning. She is starting to take the Nuk better (YEAH!!!!) That will hopefully make our life better.

Josh and I have been able to get out with her quite a bit. She loves her carseat so she sleeps the whole time we are gone. Last weekend was my birthday and my sister-in-laws took Hunter to see Diego Live so Josh and I got to go out for lunch and do a little shopping. Josh thought he would spoil me a little and got me a birthday cake and some great gifts!! I sure do have a great Hubby!!

I was trying to get some pictures on this post but Blogger is being difficult. I will try again later!

Pictures

Here are a few pictures we have taken. Jacy is doing really well. She was in the Doctor yesterday for a weight check and she was 8 lbs 8 oz. So she is gaining already. She is starting to take the nuk a little better (yeah for mommy). Hunter is still really enjoying her and actually wants to spend more time with her then he does. She is sleeping pretty good we do get 3 and 4 hour stretches but they are typically during the day. Last night we actually got her to sleep in the craddle (yeah again for mommy). She is eating like a champ and I guess we don't have any problems having "regular" children. She can actually put her brother to shame in the pooping department! Enjoy the pictures!

Hunter Quotes:

Mommy: First I have to feed Jacy.

Hunter: But Mommy, where is the food?

(Mommy starting to nurse Jacy"

Hunter: Oh, she eats you.

She's Here!!!

After a long start to the week Jacy decided to come pretty quickly Thursday morning. I had consistent contractions most of the day on Wednesday but par for the course the died down in the early evening. Then at about 9 o'clock they were back with a vengeance at 6 minutes apart. We went up to the hospital around 11 and the epidural was administered around 2 (sure could have used it around 1 but I won't be too picky). She was then born after very little pushing at 4:43 am.

8 lbs 5 oz
20.5 inches
Lots of dark hair

She and myself are doing well. She is eating and pooping like a champ. My sister-in-laws were true to their word that you feel much better after the second time around. I feel like a rock star compared to how I felt after Hunter.

Hunter is doing well and likes to give her lots of hugs and kisses. He isn't crazy about sharing Mommy, so I do a lot of feeding with both on my lap. But he hasn't acted out too bad (yet).

Thanks for all the well wishes, thoughts and prayers through the pregnancy and since her arrival. Thanks for all the help this week too (Mandy)! It is much appreciated. I know any of you that have kids know what it is like to wait for them to decide to show up. But they are worth all of the anxiety and worry! She is precious and I wouldn't trade her for the world! And I couldn't have done it without my WONDERFUL husband!!!! He is my rock and made the whole thing a great experience.

I don't have my pictures loaded yet but the link to Traveling Chica (A.K.A. Mandy) has some posted on her blog. I will get some up soon.

Update

No baby yet. Things are progressing and let's just say I am getting to where I need to be without really going through labor. It is frustrating but I don't have much choice. I slept good last night so that is a positive. Which reminded me of a good exercise: pros and cons

Pros that I haven't had the baby yet:

• I keep losing weight every time I go to the doctor...even though I have been eating TERRIBLE!!
• I haven't had any hard contractions and I am 4 cm dilated (that is starting to change today...like right now)...
• I have read a lot
• I have finally won at solitaire (not regular solitaire a really hard one)
• I have finished logic puzzles, telling me I haven't lost my mind
• I have caught up on Dallas (can you catch up on a TV show that ended 20+ years ago)??
• I have humored my husband by watching Smallville at 3:00 in the a.m.
• I cleaned out the dvr recordings
• I bummed around the mall making people feel bad for me when they asked my due date and I said "Yesterday"
• The new house has allowed me to lay around in a variety of different locations so I don't have to look at the same thing
• I got to put a post up
• I cleaned out Hunter's closet...realizing that he is growing way too fast (I think we may bypass 3T)

Cons that I haven't had the baby yet:

• I HAVEN'T HAD THE BABY YET!!!!!
• Not really knowing when labor will start and how fast it will go
• My doctor is now out of town and one of his replacements looks like Gary Bussie (sp?) - I'm sure he is a great doctor but Gary Bussie (he did Hunter's circ.)
• I haven't really done the things around the house that I should...finish the laundry, baby books (yes books, Hunter's really needs work too), pictures of the nursery

Well hopefully this is the last post I have before the baby...but one will never know!

Dear Brett Favre...

The following is an article out of the Star Tribune from the Cities. Granted I am a Packer fan and by nature an eternal optimist. I can't say I didn't think some of the same things in the last two seasons that he talks about but this is a great article. I listen to a lot of sports talk radio and they have been saying for the last 3 years that Favre should hang it up. I always thought that is so sad, yet I kind of agreed with them at times. I hope when I retire from my career it is my choice and when I am ready.

I am very excited to see Farve having such a great start to the season. Can he maintain it? Will he be back? I don't know and to tell you the truth I don't really care. As a sports fan you should be happy to see one of the greats end his career on a high note.

I am reading a book about Red Aurbach right now and he said that he left coaching after the Celtics won a championship because he didn't want his last memory to be of losing. I realize not everyone can leave by winning a game, but do you want to leave on after two consecutive seasons that you have thrown (many) more interceptions then touchdowns? When you feel you could do better.

Whatever Favre's reasons for continuing to return I am glad, not only as a Packer fan (obviously) but also as a football fan. You don't break all of those records without being something special.

On another note: my favorite Favre quote this year "When you are as young as we are (Pause and smirk), as they are..."

On a baby note: obviously I haven't had the baby yet. I am feeling good, sleeping O.K. and yes I am as big as a house! My due date is Monday so hopefully soon. Hunter was born 2 days after his due date but I went into labor the day after my due date. Hunter seems to be excited we will see if that holds. And NO we will not tell you the name until she arrives. As with all babies they aren't predictable and don't worry I will let you know when the time comes :)

Jim Souhan: Dear Brett Favre, I was wrong about you
By Jim Souhan, Star Tribune

There have been times the past three years when a lesser player would have and seemingly should have quit. And that was my recommendation.
Your Packers were rebuilding and logic dictated that they groom a replacement, perhaps former first-round pick Aaron Rodgers, who should at least theoretically be the quarterback of the future.

This logic, though, violated an aphorism that should be inscribed in every Hat O' Cheddar: Don't rush the great ones out the door, because you might never see their kind again.
Remember when the Orioles moved Cal Ripken from short to third to make way for their hot young shortstop prospect? Remember the guy's name? You shouldn't. Ripken moved in favor of the immortal Manny Alexander. (Think Jason Bartlett, without his bat, glove and hustle.)
Remember who replaced Troy Aikman? Quincy Carter. Fran Tarkenton? Tommy Kramer. Dan Marino? Jay Fiedler. John Elway? Bubby Brister.

In 2005, your Packers finished 4-12. Samkon Gado was your top rusher. You guys finished 22nd in the NFL in points scored. Brett, you threw for 20 touchdowns and an incredible 29 interceptions. It was obviously time to retire.

You stuck around, though, and new coach Mike McCarthy set about improving your "efficiency." That was the coach's way of saying he didn't want to see his Hall of Fame quarterback making desperate, stupid plays.

Through 12 games last year, your Packers were 4-8. You had just lost 35-0 to the Patriots, 34-24 to the Seahawks and 38-10 to the Jets. In those three games, Brett, you threw two touchdown passes and five interceptions.

Obviously, you were done. I thought it was time to stick a utensil -- in deference to the cheeseheads, make it a fondue fork -- into the toughest, most daring and most error-prone great quarterback in league history.

And I was as wrongheaded as the phrase "Gopher Rose Bowl."

Your Packers have now won seven in a row. Sunday, in a victory over San Diego, you led your 38th fourth-quarter comeback victory, reached 150 victories as a starting quarterback and threw your 420th touchdown pass, tying Marino atop the all-time list.
This Sunday, you will make your 241st consecutive start, the most ever by a quarterback, and you will pass former Vikings center Mick Tingelhoff for second on the all-time list at all positions.

If you had retired when there seemed little hope for the Packers, little hope to end your career gallantly, we would have missed out on one of the most riveting players in league history setting records and keeping the quaintest franchise in the NFL relevant.

We would have missed out on you bringing all that drama and history to the Metrodome on Sunday, in the one game on the Vikings' schedule that matters regardless of record.

As records fall, your reputation rises, Brett, if that's possible. NFL analysts suddenly are listing you among the top five quarterbacks in NFL history.

What is more relevant this week is this: Nearing your 38th birthday, two years after almost playing yourself out of the league, you are once again the best quarterback in the division, once again the best reason to watch the NFL in the heartland.
Sincerely, Jim Souhan

Justice Served!

Right around the first of the year my cousin's wife's grandparents were victims in an attempted burglary. A man broke into their house (I believe they were armed) and tried to rob them. Her grandpa hit the burglar over his head with a shoehorn until he fled (must have been a big shoehorn). This was posted yesterday. I am sure her grandparents are still very shook by the event but at least justice was served!

JUNEAU, Wis. -- A burglar hit in the head with a shoehorn by an elderly man during a break-in in Dodge County received a six-year sentence in prison.

Gary Wells, of Milwaukee, pleaded no contest to burglary. He was also sentenced to five years extended supervision.

An 85-year-old Lebanon man hit Wells with a shoehorn last December when he demanded money and threatened him. The man, who was in bed, cursed at Wells, told him to leave and threatened to shoot him before hitting him on the head.
Wells and an accomplice left the scene.

What a weekend!!

A win by the Badgers yesterday (even if it wasn't pretty)...
A trip to the farmer's market...
Squeaky cheese curds...
A trip to the petting zoo...
60 degrees and sunny...
A roast cooking all day in the crock pot (it smells heavenly)...
Half way done with Hunter's Halloween costume...
and a BIG win by the Pack!!!!

Does it get any better then that??

Too much communication...

This morning I was sitting at my desk working on an email, talking on the phone, typing with someone via Google talk and my cell phone beeped (all work related). Do you think we are a little TOO connected some times? Thank God my other cell phone didn't ring.

On another note, we took Hunter with us to the Dr last night. He loved it. (My Dr is his Dr too). So he got to help measure my belly and push the button to hear the baby's heart beat. He then promptly hopped up on the examine table, laid down, pulled up his shirt and said "Dr. B..., check my baby too." Then he pointed at the nose and eye light tools hanging on the wall and said "You use those!" He is such a cutie! Can't wait for his first reaction of the baby!

As far as communication goes...I will try to use all when this baby "comes out to meet us" like Hunter says.

Church Bulletins

These were too good not to pass along! Enjoy!

They're Back! Church Bulletins:
Thank God for the church ladies who typethem. These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or wereannounced in church services.

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
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The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water." The sermon tonight"Searching for Jesus."
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Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in therecreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King.
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Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid ofthose things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
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The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to aconflict.
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Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile atsomeone who is hard to love. Say "Hell" to someone who doesn't care muchabout you.
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Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
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Miss Charlene Mason sang "I will not pass this way again," givingobvious pleasure to the congregation.
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For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nurserydown stairs.
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Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all thehelp they can get.
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The Rector will preach his farewell message after which the choir willsing: "Break Forth Into Joy."
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Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in thechurch. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
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At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What Is Hell?"Come early and listen to our choir practice.
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Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition ofseveral new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
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Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled.Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
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Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceasedperson you want remembered.
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The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment andgracious hostility.
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Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
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Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladiesare invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.
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The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation wouldlend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
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The Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
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The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church
basement Friday at 7 PM . The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
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Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church.Please use large double door at the side entrance.
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The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign sloganlast Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge -- Up Yours.”

Friends and quiet hugs...

It has been kind of a long week in our house and last night I (I like to say the hormonal, tired, me) got a little overwhelmed. As I stood there staring at my phone wondering who I should call, I was slapped in the face with the reality of my friendships. I have a lot of great friends and I know there are a number of them that I can call and they would be there for me in a heartbeat, but as I stared at my phone I wasn't sure who to call.

My friends and I are at the stage in our lives where we are very busy with our own families for a variety of different reasons. And for some reason I didn't feel like my problems were "big" enough to bother them with them. (Now I know they would say differently, as I would to them if they were in the same situation). But I couldn't help but think that way.

Fortunately a very dear friend of mine was on line and I did get a chance to talk/vent about how I was feeling. We all change so much as our own families grow and I really have to say I appreciate those friends who don't forget their friends along the way. Girlfriends are such an important piece of your suport group. We need them and sometimes I need to be reminded of that so that when the situation is flipped, my friends will know that I would be there for them in a heartbeat too!

Although as I was making supper, determining who to call and wiping tears away, my little man kept coming up to me with unexplained hugs and kisses. I guess those little ones learn early on that a hug is worth a lot!

Here's hoping for a better week next week!

Another Reminder...

Another reminder that I live in the country...

I was sitting in the family room yesterday when I little mouse was crawling on the fireplace bricks...

I don't know which disturbs me more, the fact that my cat, who is not nice to any human being, was sleeping on the couch and didn't even notice or how happy my husband was to kill it with a curtain rod and get rid of it???

Damage

As I look outside and see it raining again I can't help but be greatful. I am greatful that I don't have any water in my basement (or house), I don't have to alter my route to work or home due to flooding or wind damage and my life is going on this week just as it has every other week.

My in-laws live in western WI hit by the floods and now straight line winds. As of yesterday they had roads closed not only due to flooding but also due to down trees and power lines from another storm that went through on Tuesday night. There are so many roads closed that my mother-in-law tried to go rescue a friend whose power had been out all day and when we talked to her she was on her fourth route to get to her house.

This area is such a mess. And it is so sad because this is a fairly poor area of WI so I am sure that a lot of these people don't have much to their names and insurance may not be a reality. The people who are still roughing it out as farmers are now dealing with debris and flattened crops. These are good people who have been dealt a really bad hand.

Just remember them when you are bummed that it is STILL raining!

Picture update

After my last Dr appointment I was feeling pretty good so we decided to do some belly shots. I figure I am never doing this again and I do want to remember what it was like to be pregnant. For your viewing enjoyment (if you can call it that):

Hunter thought he would get in on the fun! He really likes to talk to his new baby sister (but then I need to feel his baby in his tummy too!).

There it is! Yes there is only one baby. This is at about 32.5 weeks. I am now at 34+ weeks (out of 40...hopefully). So unfortunately for me, it is even bigger now!!!!

I thought I would also put a picture of Josh up. He FINALLY got to cut the lawn after being in the house for more then a month and 1/2. It only took 3 hours :( Hopefully that will be a little quicker next time around.

With all of the rain we have been getting, this will probably be a much more common occurrence!

Mommy, I've got something for you...

As we are driving back from Manitowoc, Hunter reaches out to me and says,

"Mommy, here, I picked a bugger."

...I guess I should be glad he gave it to me instead of eating it.

Random thoughts

I don't really have any specific things to talk about but I have a couple of things I have been meaning to write about and haven't had the time so I thought I would do it now...

...Where does the old south start? I was in Springfield IL a couple of weeks ago for a vendor conference and the people there were SO nice. I was dealing with "companies" that are in far south IL. And I really have to say I have never been to a more pleasant conference. Pleasant probably sounds like a weird word for a conference but it was just strange, men held doors, they prayed before each session and lunch. People in WI are nice, but these people were beyond nice.

...Will my brother ever grow up? My brother is going to turn 38 this weekend (a young 38 I will say). When I asked what he wanted for his birthday, his response was I really need t-shirts. I think he will be 60 and I will still be buying him t-shirts and socks.

...What happened with the run away cow? Well the last we saw of the cow was Sunday. We saw two people on horses running through the soybean field behind us with lassos. Whether or not they caught it is unknown. I am starting to think it really doesn't wan to be caught!

...Will you do a belly picture? I am tossing around the idea of just doing a belly picture, I just have to figure out a way to do it without too many stretch marks and love handles.

...Are you miserable with the heat? I am actually doing pretty good with the heat. I just don't go outside much when it is really hot. I have a lot of baby in front of me but I feel like I am doing pretty good. Now pregnancy emotions are another story! Our sitters dog died last week (they were going to put her to sleep but she died in her sleep) Josh called me at work to tell me and I immediately teared up. I think there is something to carrying a girl your hormones are even more out of whack!

...How is the baby's room? Josh's cousin helped me paint the baby's room this weekend (Thanks!!!!!!!! Carla) We did two walls in a light green and two in a light purple. I have crushed velvet, dark purple material to make curtains and then a friend is coming to paint flowers and bees and things on the walls. It is starting to look better and I finally have the clothes put away.

...Are you excited/ready for the baby? I am very excited to meet this little one. She is very active in my belly so I can only imagine the little personality she is going to have. I am however really scared/nervous about how Hunter will react. It is so hard as a mom to know that he is probably not going to be real happy when he doesn't have my undivided attention. Which is a really hard pill for me to swallow. I feel like I am going to let him down. I know kids adjust and obviously he isn't the first child to have a sibling, you just don't want to see your kids hurt :)

That's about it for now. I will try to get more posts out soon.

You know you are country folk when...

...you get the mail and there is a slip in the mailbox that says: "Missing, Black Angus Heifer, she was last seen...please call...."

I found this rather amusing so as Josh and I were hanging out watching the Brewers (lose the lead in the NL Central) I went to the kitchen for a much deserved snack. I was telling Josh about the note when I looked out the window and just below our backyard and there it was, the black Angus heifer. Josh didn't believe me so he got up to look and by then 4 people were chasing it.

The farmer in Josh just couldn't sit there so he did what all country folk would do, he put on his shows and went out to help. They didn't end up catching the poor little heifer, but at least they know where it is now. I think Josh was in his hay day helping to wrangle a cow. He couldn't be happier about the move, once again!

Picture Update

I thought I would put a couple pictures up of some things we have been doing lately. Here are a couple of Hunter and Josh in the boat on Memorial Day weekend.

A couple from our trip to Denver....

....and the much requested belly shot!

Yep, I am still here. It has been a crazy month in our house(s)!!! In summary we spent a week in Denver, packed up, moved and (started to) unpack all of our belongings (on 2 of the hottest days of the year), made a whole lot of money then signed even more money away within an hour and half, seem to be hemorrhaging the remainder of our money, spent a night visiting with a good friend that was visiting, sent my husband on a weekend fishing trip (3 days before we moved), broke my toe, made multiple trips and completed A LOT at work, had a sick son, took my husband to the emergency room, went to the doctor, enjoying pregnancy, and went to an 85th birthday party...

As you can see we have been a little busy, so to elaborate on a few things...

Denver was BEAUTIFUL!!! The mountains were great and I did surprisingly well walking up there. My conference was good and my presentation went well. It was a great trip, even at a hectic time for Josh and I to "catch up" and talk about a lot of stuff we have coming up. We discussed things like baby names, God Parents, where stuff would go in the new house, what we had left before we moved. It just was a real nice time...I will try to get pictures up someday!!

The move went well. My father-in-law was a God Send!! We were able to move all of our stuff (minus furniture) into the garages before we closed. Then we had movers do the furniture the morning we moved and cleaners come in while we were closing. Closing went OK but had a little glitch, but all worked out in the end. We are FAR from unpacked but we are getting there slowly but surely! It is hard being pregnant right now because there is A LOT I would do that I have to ask Josh to do.

We have finally picked out a baby name...but nope I'm not telling. It is funny to actually call this kicking alien in my belly something! Hope she likes it! We do!

Hunter (and all but one of my nieces and nephews) ended up sick the week we moved with a high fever, but all appear to be fine now.

Josh was handicapped this weekend by a terrible headache. So bad that we were in the Dr. office Saturday morning and ER on Sunday morning. It was a little scary for him, who doesn't get headaches and was essentially paralyzed from it, and me not knowing what was going on or what I could do (that and I am a little emotionally unstable right now). But we went to the ER and they did a Catscan and all was normal (huge sigh). He either had his first Migraine or it could possibly be the bug the kids had. Let's just hope that it is a one time deal!!

As for the broken toe, the first weekend we were in the new house I missed the last step and broke my second toe. I taped it last week and it is doing much better. Hopefully it will heal soon so I can have a pedicure (priorities I know).

The pregnancy is going well. To answer the ever famous question, no the heat doesn't bother me anymore then if I wasn't pregnant. I am pretty sure I wouldn't have been comfortable yesterday at 95 degrees even if I wasn't pregnant. The rest of the pregnancy is flying by!! I have to get my butt in gear on the baby room and other baby related items! I go in this week for my yummy glucose test.

That's about it for now! I will hopefully be a little more faithful from here on out, but no promises!!! If you are looking for a weird sighting...checkout the overnights in Madison blog, there are two cats that could pass for Joey's twins!! SCARY!!!

Little Things

As I got done swimming yesterday morning one of the "regulars" was swimming next to me and we were in the midst of the usual:

"Good Morning"

"Good Morning"

"How are you?"

"Good, you?"

"Good"

"Have a good day"

"You Too"

When he asked me if I swam in highschool. I said no I actually played basketball (I realize probably not relavent). Then he said, well you swim very well, you have good form.

I have to say when you are putting on weight faster then you can count most weeks and you don't really feel all that mobile that was the nicest thing he could have said! It is funny when you are pregnant, for some reason a lot of older men are terrified to talk to you (I don't know if they think I am going to blame them for my "state" or what??), but on the other hand it always seems to be the men who treat you the nicest.

Now did he actually think that I swim well or not, I am not sure but it sure made my day a litle better!! Once again it is all about the little things.

It's a......

GIRL!!!!

Well the jury is in, the ultra sound is done and it appears that this little one (who kicks a lot) is a girl!! We went in for the ultra sound yesterday and all is good and healthy with me and the baby. My suspicions were right.

We are very excited. But now we have to play the name game and find SOMETHING that both Josh and I will agree on (and something hopefully Hunter can say). Any suggestions are welcomed but I can't guarantee anything! My nieces and nephews are on the task right now (my niece Addie has lots of suggestions!!).

I am off to a birthday party and dance recital today so I will try to get pictures up some other time.

Half Way!

Well I am half way through this pregnancy. The time has flown by but yet has dragged on!! I am feeling really good. I think second time around is a lot easier because I am over the shock of what is happening to my body and I can't wait to see this little one! I am still playing volleyball and I try to get on the elliptical or walk the rest of the week. Packing has cut into that a little bit. The pool is closed for 2 more weeks for cleaning but I am hoping to get back in after that is done.

The first time I was pregnant I spent so much time in denial that 1) I would have to go through labor and 2) that I would actually be able to raise this little being! Now that I have been through labor and although not fun, it is a relatively short period of time and it is manageable with a wonderful husband (and a really good epidural), and I know I can live on little sleep, I can calm a crying baby and just survive in general with that little baby I think I am all that much more excited to meet this little thing that is gently kicking me.

Hopefully we will find out soon what we are having. There are days that I think we shouldn't find out, but in the end I want to know. We have the fun things of picking out names, getting the nursery ready, and I can't wait for Hunter to see his new little brother or sister.

People always ask expecting moms what they think they are having. When I was pregnant with Hunter I was CERTAIN it was a boy (I would have been really shocked if they told me it was a girl). This time around I don't really have a feeling. I obviously pray for a healthy baby and that is the most important! I can see myself as a mom of two boys. Yet on the other hand I can really see Josh with a little girl. Who knows. I guess we will wait and see. We don't have names picked out for either so we have a clean slate!

I hope everyone is having a great spring! Stay posted baby gender to be revealed soon (hopefully)!

Tick Warning!!!!

I hate it when people forward bogus warnings, and I have even done it myself acouple times, but this one is important. So please send this warning to everyone on your e-mail list.

If someone comes to your front door saying they are checking for ticks due to the warming weather and asks you to take your clothes off and dance around with your arms up...

DO NOT DO IT!! IT IS A SCAM!! They only want to see you naked..........

I wish I'd gotten this yesterday! Man do I feel so stupid.

SOLD!!!

I have had a lot of people ask about the status of our house so I thought I would get a quick post out...It is SOLD!!! While we would have liked a little more money, in the grand scheme of things we are happy. Our closing date has moved up so we will be in the new house sooner! Unfortunately due to a crazy week at work and Hunter battling the flu we have had a really crazy week.

Be sure to give all moms you know a hug for Mother's Day! I know a lot of new moms this year and I wish them all the best 1st Mother's Day!!!

4 Showings Down, 1 Offer In

Has anyone ever said how stressful selling your house is? If not they should really write books on it! Not to mention on the top of that we have inspections, loan work and all kinds of other fun stuff going on with the "new" house. Are we still excited? Yes! Does this take a lot of coordination? Yes! We have been lucky that our showings have been on days that aren't too warm so Joey can comfortably stay in my truck during work, and they have been close together so cleaning hasn't been a huge issue. But the whole thing of living in your house yet having it presentable for people to come in is tough. I haven't found a polite way to say, sure we would like to see you, but not at our house...because then I will have schedule one more thing and clean one more time...

I know millions of people do this all the time, but this is my first, and THANK GOD for a great realtor! Even though I think their commission is a bit outrageous, I think he has been worth it. There have been a lot of late nights working things out with us, writing offers, going through inspection reports, etc. Not to mention I don't know if we would have gotten the other house as easy as we did without him.

But for my sake I hope this is over soon! We are now looking at moving our closing date up a month, which I personally am excited about. Either the current homeowners or us will be taking the pool out at the other house due to some "negative grade" issues and just the safety issues with little ones and many other little ones that aren't ours.

Other updates: I have been feeling the baby move a lot lately. Josh has even felt it a few times (when I am not giggling). It is such an amazing feeling and I will never be able to explain how one little tickle in your belly can stop you in your tracks!

My friend Jenny with the triplets has all three home now (for over a week). The babies are all doing well, but Jenny and Jeremy are looking for a little routine. To give you some insight into their lives: the babies eat every 3 -4 hours and it takes 2 hours to feed all of them. I am sure they would appreciate any prayers for patience you can send their way :) I am trying to figure out some way to help them out.

Hope everyone is enjoying the great spring weather!

Nesting??

For those of you that have been reading my blog you know that we were toying around with the idea of selling our house and possibly building. Well after we had the Realtors come through our house and basically tell us that we are nuts to want to add on, and after talking with the credit union and realizing that building is a logistic nightmare...not to mention planning on having a baby in that process, I decided to take one more look on line to see if I could find a house we would like. Now I have to say that the listing or pictures do this house NO justice.

But we went to look at it anyway. It is out in the country and there just aren't that many houses that go for sale in the country. Thursday night Josh, Hunter and I go to meet the realtor at the house. I have to say we fell IN LOVE with it.
The first thing we saw was the kitchen. This was MY real reason for wanting to see the house. It is HUGE. It is was is called a country kitchen with maple floors, oak cabinets and all 4 paneled doors.Off of the "dining room" area is a sun room and it has a huge family room and living room. The master bedroom has been added on to and has a walk in closet and a patio door to the deck. The outside has two connecting decks and an above ground pool.
It has 2 acres of land, obviously a big selling point. A corn field behind and one across the road. Now for Josh's selling point...a second garage.
The house is really EXACTLY what we are looking for. We were driving away and Josh and I said at the same time "We have to have that house". I haven't even told you about the basement. I guess you will have to come visit and see yourself. Now we just need to get rid of ours! Keep your fingers crossed that someone will like our house as much as we did when we bought it!!!

Not to take away from it, but I also went to the DR yesterday. All looks good with the baby. The heartbeat was 144. Dr. Balin said there is nothing that says the heart rate determines if it is a boy or girl so I guess I have to wait for the ultrasound! Last month was a rough one on the scale...guess I will have to eat a few more fruits and veggies this month :)