.... ticking...

So yesterday was my last day at work and I can't say that I'm sad. It actually means the end is really getting close and things are going to start changing, which I'm excited about. I got a lot accomplished over the last few days. Matthew finally washed the clothes and bedding and we put everything away. I bought two organizers to go under the crib for extra storage of blankets and what nots. I also picked up a few other things we needed. In general, things are really starting to come together.

I felt pretty good yesterday .... which makes Matthew worry more as people keep telling him when I start feeling good it's gonna happen REAL soon. I don't know how true it is, but at least I've felt good. I've been functional for the most part - something I've missed greatly.

The last of the Thank You cards went out yesterday (thanks for your patience). I was doing them as I could but there were just so many (and so many stamps.... UGH). But they are done and I'm thankful that's one less thing I need to concern myself with.

If you haven't checked out pictures of the baby's room yet, I posted them online this week. It looks lovely - the pictures really don't do it the justice it deserves. I think we did a great job with the help of a lot of people. Matthew's mom really came through with some awesome decorations as well as my family finding such neat things and my mom making gorgeous curtains and a beautiful afghan! Everything matches so well, I just can't believe.

Matthew is going to hang a few more things for me today and then build the organizers.... and then I think we're in pretty good shape.

I've got a game plan for some distractions over the next few days. I just printed over 300 pictures to Walgreens last night (They had sale..... ) so I have plenty of pictures to scrapbook from the baby shower and for the baby book and also some to finish the book Matthew and I started when we started dating. I figured it would give me something easy and relaxing to do next week while I"m home. If not, it'll get done eventually!!!

Artex did something different today. When I was sitting on the couch this morning, he came over to do his normal thrust head directly into my belly and listen to the baby ritual (every morning, just like clockwork).... I know he can hear her since cats hear so well but today was different. He had his head on me and started meowing... not like his mean meows.. more similar to his playful meows (or the ones we get when he's hungry or wants attention) and this went on for a few minutes and while it was happening she was kicking me .... I bet she can hear him. It was crazy, but really neat!

I know he's a little bummed out he's lost his room (we kinda gave him it ... and now all his stuff is out).... and I think he's slightly confused but he seems to be ok. I hope he won't be jealous... but I don't think he will. We still love him and we'll be giving him lots and lots of attention as much as possible. He'll always be my little kitty.... and I'll still spoil his butt rotten as much as possible! What would you expect from someone who made not one but TWO scrap books for their cat. Just think how bad I'll be with my kid........

Well, so many things to do. It's time to go clean the kitchen and then I'm going to figure out this sterilizer I bought. Better now then later!!!

Almost Baby Time

Well, I just got back from my weekly torture at the doctors. Of course the baby wouldn't cooperate for the Non-stress test so it took almost 2 hours for my appointment. OH WHAT FUN The kids already difficult!

Unfortunatly, I'm still not dilated ... :( which is a bummer. I was told to make Friday my last day at work because they'll probably have me in several times over the course of next week to see if I start to dilate. If I don't start showing signs... it's the road to induction which sucks! They don't want me going much past my due date so I guess I'm planning on a baby arrival sometime next week or early the following week (Hey... Matt may get April fools day after all). There's still time though so I guess it's a wait and see what happens kinda thing.

The room is almost ready (and now I've got an excuse to get a fire under Matt's butt to get it done). Diana (Matthew's Mom) bought us a pretty wall art scene for over the crib with a Castle, fairies, birds and hearts. It's so pretty! It compliments the beautiful curtians my mother maid so well too because all the colors match.

We've got the dresser and crib up and I'm starting to get the room to a FORM of organization - which is great. As soon as I get it all cleaned up I'm going to take a few pictures and put up here for everyone who hasn't seen the room. She's definatly got a lot of butterflies, fairies and unicorns! I love it though, it's simply beautiful.

We've got the bassinet ready to go for her arrival too. It's going in our room tonight. We've actually had a good amount of luck keeping Artex out of it, which is kinda surprising. The only place I've caught him was hiding in the basket below it.... though I don't want him there.. if that's the worst he does... I can live with it! It may be his way of being close to the baby since he knows he can't go IN the bassinet with her... at least under her puts him close. He's so affectionate towards her. He's always head butting my belly when he gets up on me. He listens to my belly too... it's adorable! It's even funny when they start poking and kicking one another (at least until I get a good kick to my belly and then that's it.... PLAYTIME OVER...

Well, I've got a million things to do (literally) and I think I better go get started. It's almost baby time ... and to be honest I'm ready!

How many more days?

We've crossed under the two week mark. Life is defiantly getting more interesting by the minute. We got our crib yesterday, now I just need Matthew to put it together along with the dresser! I think that's what he's doing tonight.

Today's been rather eventful. It started with Y108 announcing my name for the Gas Cards this morning. I heard it go off and was out the door with my cell phone in moments. I only had 10 minutes to call them back (and about 3 people called me shortly after they announced it to make sure I heard it! So I won a $50 gas card to Get Go (MUCH NEEDED).... Hooray! What a lovely start to my Friday morning.

So then, shortly after lunch Matthew called me to tell me his co-workers gave him a lovely gift basket at work today for the baby. He sent me some of the pictures via our cell phones. Some of the stuff is down right hilarious! Gotta love funny baby stuff! They did a nice job and it was a nice surprise! To all those that read this at Land America.... THANK YOU! I can't wait to get home and actually see the basket and not just pictures through a cell phone. There's some onesies, wipes, and other baby goodies for our little one. We're thankful for everything we've received.

Life is getting so busy anymore, though I'm more and more frustrated that I can't do things for myself. It kills me to even attempt to do the dishes. I just don't have the energy. I'm going to the baby sale tomorrow at the fair grounds (hopefully) to pick up some random things for our little one. Everything is half off (YEAH). Leeanne will be coming over tomorrow and then Patti and Timmy are coming for a visit tomorrow night.

At some point this weekend hopefully Matthew builds the crib and dresser and we're going to wash all the baby clothes. My parents are bringing over the changing table and I can actually put the final touches on the baby's room. It's really coming along nicely. We're trying to make it as nice as possible with what we can afford. So what if the furniture doesn't match.... it's not like she'll know the difference.... as long as it's comfy!

I've been thinking alot about making my last day next Friday instead of working until the 27th. I've got enough time to almost pull it off, so it's not entirely a bad idea. I wouldn't mind having a few days off before the baby comes ... especially since each day is getting harder and harder. Where's all this energy I'm supposed to get!!! I'm still waiting!

Apparently people keep asking Matthew if I'm "Nesting" yet.... and he always says no. I have no energy to do anything... I think I was "Nesting" a few months ago when I was making Matthew clean and fix everything under the sun!

Ah well! The end is near. I'll just be happy to be normal again! I miss my dancing.... and sleeping on my belly.... and wearing my clothes. I really do miss my clothes!!! I'm down to next to nothing that fits and still refuse to buy ANYTHING because it's a waste of money at this point. I'm gonna make it with what I got (hopefully).... but I think I'll be fine. I really only gotta make it about another week because if I make next Friday my last day... I can sit at home in sweats the following week... because then I just won't care.

I'm thankful I work at such a great company. They let me get away with so many comfy clothes so I don't have to go out and buy expensive business attire for work. I'm so lucky! I love my job. It's the greatest place to work! I think this was the best move I've ever made! I'm one of the few people in the world that actually LOVE what they do and don't whine about going to work all the time (yes, I do have my days but it's most due to exhaustion).

Well time to accomplish more things. Check out the pictures from the basket Matthew got today! You'll love them!

The End is Near

Yes, the end is in sight, though I thought it would never get here. I'm finally to the point of exhaustion... where is this burst of energy everyone tells me I'm gonna get... cuz it surely ain't happening!!!

I'm still working, trying to hang in until the very last moment... it's getting hard and harder though. I make it through the day but by the time I get home I'm ready to go to sleep. There's nights I barely have the energy to do the dishes. Matt's been doing them for me... because if I'm not exhausted my hands are swollen and hurt. It kills me not being able to do things.... I hate just sitting around but what can I do.

We found a dresser for the room thanks to my Dad. I ended up buying the one Kmart ran on sale this week for $30. It's a bit smaller than what I wanted, but it'll do.... price was right and it's not too bad. It will function for now until she gets a little older and then we'll figure out something at that point.

The room's decorations are coming along nicely. Matthew has everything hung up for the most part and the butterflies are now on the wall. I keep meaning to take a picture of it but forget when I'm actually home. I will take pictures once the crib and other goodies are into the room. We're moving the bassinet into the bedroom this weekend. Hopefully we'll be getting the crib this weekend as well and then the room will really be ready. The pack and play and other shower items are still in boxes. We don't want to open them until she's closer to arrival because they take up less space in the box right now... that will come soon though. We're getting there.

Artex seems to know somethings going on and something is about to happen. He's been spending an awful lot of time on my lap - more than usual. I think he realizes his attention from me will be getting split soon... and he wants to cram every last bit he can in now. I don't mind though, I like when he's affectionate.

Our upstairs neighbor got a cat this week. They brought her down to see Artex, but as usual he hissed and became very withdrawn. He doesn't like other cats, but perhaps with time he'll get use to the fact that there's another cat in the house. He'll have to! I think it's his lack of interaction with other cats in his life. He's only had dogs and rabbits as housemates when I lived at home, never other cats so he feels territorial, plus he's a male so what can I say!

So it's only Wednesday and it seems like I've been working for 100 days without a break. UGH! i will say I'm looking forward to the end! I miss my clothes! For those that know how much clothing I have.... everything that fits me right now can be confined into ONE drawer (and I mean LITERALLY everything). It sucks! I have so much stuff and I can't wear it!!! I miss it!!! Soon.... I will be so happy to wear my clothes again. I'm sick of wearing the same stuff because I refuse to buy clothes I'll only wear for a short period, especially at this point! I also miss sleeping on my tummy, being able to bend over and the sheer joy of just functioning normally without pain and swelling to hands and feet. Oh I long for those days again...

I will also love the end because it means no more weekly trips to be tortured by doctors. I'm sick of doctors! I don't want to go to the doctors again for a VERY long time...... I've seen enough for a lifetime!!!!

Soon..... very soon.....

Well until the next time I pull myself to a computer to blog......

Counting Down The Days

Wow, I'm getting really bad about posting on here... guess its because I've been a little busy as of late.

Life is really starting to get crazy. After the shower, Matthew and I have really started putting the room together with all the beautiful things we've been given. Unfortunatly, we're still waiting on a few of the major pieces like the crib and the dresser (anyone have a nice slender dresser for cheap????) so there's only so much we can do. Arabella's toybox is already over flowing, as is her closet. She's going to be one well dressed child with lots of goodies to play with!

Matthew has put the bassinet together and it's simply lovely. We'll be moving it into the bed room this weekend probably. We've built it early to get Artex use to the idea of it being in the house and that he is NOT allowed to be in it. So far he hasn't really messed with it, which is a really good thing!

I've been out and about pricing all the things we're going to need to buy for the baby. We started buying some things as we find them, but we're just pricing righ tnow. I think we're going to get the bulk of the items this weekend or next weekend. I don't want to wait too long as it gets hard and harder for me to do anything at this point! A trip around Walmart is a killer and of course they have to put the baby section ALL The way in the back of the store. What moron man designed that one!!!

I bought my boppy pillow for nursing on Monday from Toys R Us. I saw it, I liked it, I bought it! I was actually going to wait, but it's all good. They had one I really liked so I just felt like getting it that day. We also bought Arabella a wonderful entertainer to grow with her as she learns to crawl (it becomes a neat tunnel of discovery when she starts to crawl).

Matthew has take everything downstairs we're not going to use RIGHT NOW like the high chair and walker (obviously it'll be at least a few months before she's ready for those things). He's going to put the swing together in the next few weeks as well. We don't want to build it too early as it takes up less space in the box right now. We can't wait to use it though!

I had my ultrasound on Monday. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures because they aren't very clear at this point. The girl printed one for me but you can't really see anything. They are estimating her due date as being accurate and right now she's about 6lbs but now's when she's really going to gain weight! At least they didn't tell me she's 10lbs now..... I'd be getting scared!!!!!!

I started writing out the thank you's from the shower last night. It's going to take me until Arabella's born to get through the massive list. Thank you to everyone and they are coming (I swear) but there are just so many. While I was writing them last night, Artex decided to help me along..... or at least I think that's what he was trying to do. I apologize for the horrible quality of the picture, I took it with my camera phone. Apparently after watching me write about 30+ thank you's he decided he'd had enough of watching me and he would then LAY on top of the thank yous, my list of people and my pen! It's kinda like fighting a losing battle with him! Actually, it reminded me a lot of when he was a baby and I was teaching and going to school. Whenever I would sit on the couch with my lap desk it was like an instant cat call and within minutes he would be on top of my lap desk and my work wanting to lay there. He hasn't done that in a long time - I kinda missed it! At least he let me get about 30 done before he plopped his butt in the way though!

My mind is starting to wander today. I'm exhausted from all the work I'm doing in the house. I can only do little bits at a time and it drives me crazy! Matthew hung the shelves over the weekend so I spent most of the weekend rearranging. I've put some beautiful figurines in Arabella's room (high out of the reach of little hands) but still visible for all to see. I've also put all her books on the shelves for easy access. She's already got a collection like Mommy! I'm so thrilled! I can't wait to start reading them to her. There are so many wonderful books people bought us from the shower. I'm thankful I've got great friends and family.

Leeanne was over this weekend and we scrapbooked a good bit. I actually have the cat's scrap book almost completed. Only a few more pictures to put on to pages. I had so many that I actually broke it up into two books. One from when he was a baby and one with more recent pictures. I'm sure he'll have a few more by the time I'm done. Just think of how bad I'm going to be with the baby when I'm this bad with my cat! Of course he's my baby too! He was my child for the last two years and I spoiled him rotten. I'll continue to spoil him too! He's such a little angel!

I can't believe it's already March 5th and in less than 30 days (hopefully) I'll be seeing our baby. I think I'm ready at this point. I know I'm ready for my clothes to fit me again, to not have to get up to pee a million times, and I'd just like to be able to SLEEP on my belly again. I always slept on my belly and I miss it! I miss dancing too! I'm lucky Matthew is supportive of me going back to Saddle Ridge to keep line dancing. It was either line dancing or a gym and line dancing is more fun and a whole lot cheaper! Plus I'm more likely to actually DO it. When I was line dancing I went down three sizes in a year without a diet! I'm hoping it'll help me lose the baby fat along with a good healthy diet. Gotta get good for the baby while nursing!!! He actually said he doesn't mind me going because he knows it makes me happy! I'm so happy!!! :)

I also found out today that the Dolly Parton show from Monday was rescheduled and depending on our finances in April and how I'm feeling. Matthew said he'd consider taking me to the show (it has a lot of "if"s but he knows how badly I want to go to the show and how upset I was that I couldn't because of it being in March and not knowing how I'd feel. Not to mention that the concert gods all hate me by putting Dolly, Devildriver, Saliva, Trace Adkins and Bon Jovi all in MARCH when I'm due. GRRRRRRRRRRR.... it's like utter TORTURE TO ME!!!!! I'm hoping I feel well enough to go next month. I'd love to see her live! I was saving some money to buy a sewing basket from Joanns but I think I'd rather go see Dolly Parton!

Well, my hands are hurting so it's time to stop typing for me. Hopefully, I'll post again real soon!

Whilrwind Weekend

What a weekend. Sadly, I'm actually happy it's over! I've never been so exhausted in my entire life! Friday was hectic even though I had the day off. Between getting my car inspected (Yeah it passed with flying colors), then having a doctors appointment and getting the joy or rearranging All of the remaining appointments (I had them made clear to April). What a joy!

The rest of the day went well. Matthew and I shampooed the baby's room rug (horray)... I wanted to do it BEFORE the shower so once I brought things home I could just put them away. Friday night we decorated the hall. It was lovely! I was so happy with everything. The grandparents both found the most beautiful centerpieces. It was just everything you could ask for and everything went smoothly!

Saturday was very much a whirlwind experience... and very exhausting. The shower went great... no problems! We estimated about 90 guests total thoughout the shower. It was so great seeing so many people in my family that I haven't seen in ages! We had a handful that didn't end up making the trip due to weather, which is completely understandable. Such is life! They were missed but better off safe!!!

I was shocked at the amazing gifts our friends and family gave us. The table was overflowing with beautiful things for our little one. It was just overwhelming! I swear I opened gifts for well over an hour... possibly close to two hours! Everything was just wonderful. I will have picture of the shower this week... been a bit exhausted trying to make a dent in the gifts to get them to some form of organization (As if that's possible). At some point this week, Matthew and I are going to pull the gifts out to take pictures collectively of what we bought so everyone who didn't make it to the shower can see all the beautiful things we've got for our little one (including gifts that have been brought to the house from friends and family who just couldn't make it).

To tide anxious friends and family over, here's a brief list of what we got (that I can remember off the top of my head):

• Rainforest High Chair
• Rainforest Swing
• Rainforest Play yard
• Rainforest Bathtub
• Travel Bassinet with Music
• Winnie the Pooh Walker
• Clothes, Clothes, and more Clothes!
• Diapers up to the ceiling of the baby room closet!
• Blankets, bibs, pacifiers, and rattles
• Toys, toys, toys!
• Two hand made afghans - one from my mother with butterflies and Arabella's initials!
• Curtains from my mother
• The Butterfly Bed Set
• Bath Fun - toys, towels, and wash cloths
• Books galore - which is what I asked for! I 've got lots of reading to do to my beautiful baby
• Steeler outfits and a toddler terrible towel (thanks mom) .... and Matthew is thrilled (As he is a raiders fan)
• Baby Calendar (calendar of all the firsts)
• Brag book
• Photo frames
• Giant stuffed purple Pegasus (I want to keep it for me).....

I know there is so much more... but off the top of my head remember anything (I'm lucky I remember my name today I'm so tired). I will be posting a more comprehensive listing of presents ... and pictures ... :)

My doctors appointment went well this morning. I scheduled my final ultrasound to get Arabella's measurements (so I know what I'm in for in a few weeks). That will be next Monday at 11am so I'll hopefully have more pictures to share.

Well it's almost the end of the day. I've got a busy week ahead of me. I've already had a busy weekend. I'm so focused on getting the baby's room ready and in some form of order! I have this fear in the back of my mind I'll be one of the girls that go before my due date and the room won't be ready and I'll be losting my mind!

Well time to get some work done. Until then.... bye

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

It's cold! I hate winter!!! But at least today is my last day of work for the week. I took Friday off in preparation for the baby shower (Among other tasks I need to accomplish like putting the room together, getting my car inspecting and having another doctor appointment). Basically, it was just easier to take the day off and get things done then to go to work. Plus, who doesn't looooooooove a day off. Man did I time it well too with the winter storm moving in. At least by the time I have to leave my house tomorrow, roadways should be clear and what not.

My car's getting inspected at 7:45 am. I'm dropping it off tonight so I don't have to worry about it tomorrow morning and I can sleep in and get life accomplished. My appointment is at 10am. My parents are taking me since my car will be on the other side of Washington. No worries - at 8:30pm we're getting the hall decorated for the shower. I can't wait! I'm so excited... I just wish Matt was feeling better to be excited with me. I haven't been able to really put my house back together as of this point due to the fact that he can't move anything for me and I certainly can't move it myself! Ah well, it'll get done. I may enlist my mother's help tomorrow during the day if possible. I already need them to run me to sams club to get me kitty food after my doctors appointment. I think I'm going to walmart tonight too to get a few things we also need (like kitty litter) - gotta take care of my baby until his little sister arrives!

Well time to get some things accomplished. See you all soon!

Vote for Artex!!!

Artex has been placed in another contest (You may remember helping him win the cutest Christmas Kitty about a year ago). Anyways, he is now in a contest with Bissell (Yes the Vacuum) to be the newest pet model for their Pet Eraser Vacuum. The pet with the most votes each week will be the lucky pet to give their family a FREE PET VACUUM (Value of approximately $169). I really want this with the baby coming as the vacuum is awesome for pet hair!

Here’s the link to vote for Artex. He’s Pet number #741. You can search through the website for him by name or just click on this link to go directly to a page for him. Thank you in advance for your help!!! I HOPE HE WINS! You can only vote once per email address… so if you’ve got a few extra emails…. I’d love for you to vote a few extra times! Here’s the picture you’ll be looking for. I’ve attached it so you know you’re voting for the right kitty!!

To vote for Artex – Click

http://www.bissell.com/Page_id/47093/Default.aspx?ImageUrl=http://images.bissell.com/images/IncludeContent/MVP/Period7/741.jpg

Busy Busy Busy!!!!

What a whirlwind week or so I've had. I went to the doctors last Wednesday in the horrible weather to learn my Blood Pressure was on the rise (JOY). So I had to get some blood work done and then come back in a few days to be checked again. It could have been nothing - it could have been something but they weren't taking any chances. Well, Friday rolled around and I went back and it was still high so they opted for a low dose medication to help bring it down. All my other tests came back normal so they told me I'm one of the lucky people that get high blood pressure during pregnancy for no apparent reason. Oh Goody! They also wanted me to come back on monday for another test.

Over the weekend, Matthew painted (slowly) and got sicker and sicker each day. The room is painted though, just not put back together at this point. I can't move things and he's been so sick. He woke up today and went to Med Express to discover he has a severe respritory infection along with an ear infection in both ears. Poor thing... he's just miserable and of all weeks - the week of my shower.

So Matthew is home severly medicated with some antibiotics, etc. Monday's test went well. The baby is moving around just like she's supposed to and her heart rate is perfect. I have another appointment on Friday for a check up - I'm down to a weekly visit... as if I haven't seen these people enough in the last 9 months!!!!

This week has been a bit nutty with the shower only a few days away. I'm excited and stress, but all is well! It will come together in the end and be wonderful. I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of family that I haven't seen in a long time - some in quite a long time! It's going to be wonderful and hopefully Matthew will be better by then. I hate that he's sick. I feel so helpless for him because there's nothing I can do to make him better. I guess next year he should get a flu shot... perhaps then he won't get sick so much.

The contest with Bissell that I entered Artex in should start sometime today. I've been checking the website hourly for them to post the link to the new pictures but it hasn't been posted yet. I don't know what time it will be either. As soon as it's posted, I'll be sending out an email with the info and posting the link on the website. I want one of those sweepers so badly!!!! Not to mention the chance of my beautiful kitty being a model. How exciting!

Well back to my lunch.....

Time's ticking

What a productive weekend (mostly). Friday Matthew and I purchased the paint and some of the shelves for the room. Sunday we moved everything out of the room so Matthew can paint this coming weekend, as he's promised. He already started drilling the holes for the shelves and lining up the items on the wall before he paints so he won't ruin the paint afterwards. Basically, things are moving along nicely. I'm thrilled! (Though my house is in a disarray as everything in the back room minus my desk is scattered througout the apartment. We opted to just cover the desk and leave it in the room as it's heavy and large!

The shower is getting close and everything is coming together nicely. I'm really happy! We're still waiting on some RSVPs, but for the most part we're getting everything prepped easily.

For those waiting to see the DVD from the 3D Ultrasound, I believe it's been converted at this point, I just need to get it from our friend and then I will upload it. Thanks for your patience! I'm very excited to put it up.

Arabella's scrapbook is also coming along nicely. If you'll be at the baby shower, I'll have the book out and about for everyone to see.

Well back to work.

The Day Finally Arrived...

Ah.... what a day. A long day, but a wonderful day. We headed out to Moroeville this morning with my family and Matthew's family for what was to be the first real glimpse of our future. The 2D Ultrasounds just don't cut it. I wanted more - more more more!

It was everything we hoped for..... she's so cute and adorable. Unfortunatly she hugged to me like there's no tomorrow so we couldn't get the greatest of pictures - but we got a lot of good shots of her chubby cheeks and adorable nose. She sleeps like her daddy with one hand above her head and the other tucked in close.

At one point during the ultrasound, she hugged on the cord, which made for a cute picture. It also looked as though she was sucking her thumb a lot.

The lady confirmed for the third time we're having a girl.... yet still some family was doubting. Three ultrasounds later - it's still a girl! YEAH!!!! :)

It's now almost 4. Matthew and I just got home a little while ago. We stopped for some lunch after the ultrasound. I just uploaded the pictures to walmart and sent them over to the photo department to print for my scrapbook. I will be uploading them to photobucket today (As soon as photobucket decides to come back online!!!!!!). A video will follow shortly. (gotta do one thing a time).

Well enjoy the photos - they are coming shortly. I promise!

Four Days and Counting

I can't believe my ultrasound is so close. I'm so excited! I've been waiting for this day for so long. The 2D ultrasounds just don't do it. Yeah they make nice scrap book photos but we're finally going to SEE our baby! Perhaps this time my mother will figure out where the head and mouth are since she can't seem to see them on the other ultrasounds!!!

Time is really winding down. I can't believe it's already the end of January. Where did the time go? It seemed like Matthew and I had so much time to get the house ready - but not anymore! I just made a nice long list of things I want to do over the next few weekends to get ready for the baby. I'd like to have mostly everything in order prior to the shower so when we bring home all our wonderful new gifts I can put them away instead of storing them god knows where creating more clutter! NO MORE CLUTTER!

Matthew has put me on a mission. He said I have too much clothing (yeah there's a shock) and we need to get rid of one of the four dressers in the room because it's just getting a bit crowded. I do agree but it's MY CLOTHES! My alternative to getting rid of things is storing what I'm not wearing right now.... like winter stuff that doesn't fit me right now because I'm pregnant. We have an overhead storage in our bedroom that's being used for junk. I'm gonna get up there and organize it and put some of my seasonal clothes up there.

I was looking at the spacebags online. I think I'm going to buy a few of those to store my clothes. It will make for easy transitions between seasons. They also make ones for suits/dresses now which I want to store the business suits I don't wear and some of my gowns that don't get used all that much but I'm not getting rid of - like my ren fair clothes. This will create a whole lot of room and potentially take my 3 dressers (yes I take up 3 dressers plus two closets) down to two dressers and one closet. Well here's to hoping! HA! I probably won't do it but we'll see!

So who's not ready for the stupid weather coming tonight *raises hand* ... yeah I'm so not looking forward to coming to work tomorrow ..... whatever time that may be. Ice and me ..... Yeah ... I might wait out the storm... but then again the storm may not do what it said or might even change direction ... I mean how often are those silly weather guys actually RIGHT on their predictions! I guess I'll just wake up and see what's going on. Then Matthew will yell at me and tell me to stay put .... and I most likely will until after it's been cleared. I hate ice! I hate winter! I'm so sick of winter!!!

Well I'm off.

Naptime!

So it's dark and dreary... I just want to crawl back into bed for the day. Who wouldn't?

Well, it's been a fairly exciting weekend. Matthew and I decided on paint for the baby's room. It's a beautiful shade of green from Lowes. Here's the web version I found on the company website. Picking the paint was harder than I thought it would be. We went to Home Depot first but they were rather expensive and we really didn't find that perfect shade. When we went to Lowes, this shade jumped out quickly and we agreed on it instantly. (Surprisingly). The web doesn't do it justice, it's actually a beautiful shade of green but you get the idea with it being there! I can't wait until we can buy it and paint the room. We were shocked that Lowes gave us an estimated price of less than half of what Home Depot told us. Apparently, we were going to need several coats of the paint we found at Home Depot costing about $100 by the time everything was done. At Lowes, we found a great shade in a one-coat brand and it's only $24. MUCH better price!!!!

So now we just need to wait until payday to buy the paint - most likely this weekend. The room needs to be painted prior to the baby shower because once we bring all our wonderful gifts home, I want to just have them ready to set up and not have to find places to put them for now. That's the plan anyways! I think it'll be accomplished. It won't take Matt long to paint the room - most of the things that needed moved out have been moved and what's left is not hard to move to another location. We'll probably enlist a few friends to help in the job which will make it go much quicker. I'm thankful we've got great friends and neighbors!

The Superbowl is slowly creeping up on us. I'm hoping we win big on some football pools - money is always a good thing! Our Ultrasound is next week as well, I've been really looking forward to it! I can't wait to go! Exactly one week from today We'll be in Monroeville getting our first real glimpse of the precious baby. Ah so many things to do!

Matthew and I have been spending a lot of time at Washington Hospital for baby care classes. They've proven quite useful as we've learned a lot from our attendance. Unfortunatly, it also means I want more expensive things for the baby... I mean who doesn't want more expensive things!

After taking the breastfeeding class, I have determined and set myself a goal of purchasing a Medela Pump In Style from the Hospital (They have the best price - I've checked around). It's $265 After taxes, but totally worth it! Last night during my class I met with a lot of moms who told me it's the best one on the market for what I need it for (Going back to work) because the cheap ones from Walmart only work if you use it "occassionally" not every day like I'll have to do when I return to work full time. In the long run the $300 item is still cheaper than buying formula - by a loooooooooooooooooong shot! On Average the formula we priced is about $30 a can/bottle (Depending on brand/size/etc). I'm sure I'd go through more than eight cans in the time she'd be feeding so the pump just paid for itself!

Plus nursing is so much better for me and the baby. It'll even help me lose the weight - because I really want to lose the weight I've gained (Not that it's been much but still...) it may even help me lose more than I've gained which would totally rock! The hospital also offers a support group which our class sat in on last night. I really enjoyed it and think I'll be joining after Arabella's born. It's only once a month and it will give her a chance to socialize and me to learn more as we're going through the process.

I've also discovered a baby and me class at the Wellness Center I think I'll try to do as well. It's also once a month and provides even more knowledge and learning - plus it gives me a chance to find playmates for Arabella! I already made one friend in the support group last night who I discovered lived about 2 streets away from us. She's about the same age and her daughter is only 3 months old!

Well it's about that time. I must go for now. I swear I'll write again this week (maybe).

Horray! It's Friday!

Wow, it felt like this day would never come. This has been quite an insane week for me and Matthew with baby things and work things and just THINGS.

On Monday we had part 1 of a 2 part class on breastfeeding from 7-9pm (after working all day). Tuesday, I had an awards luncheon at work, Wednesday we had part 1 of 5 on child preparation (Basically the lamaze stuff) from 7-9 (every wednesday for the next month), Thursday I had a doctors appointment in the morning. UGH! Now I need a rest - but no - No rest for me! Tonight Matthew and I are going to pick out paint and shelving for the baby room, among some other random shopping that needs done.

I'm exhausted! Seriously!!! Life is just NUTS right now. But that's to be expected. This weekend isn't much better as tomorrow Matthew has a hair appointment and I've got a meeting with some people at Waynesburg Southpointe to check out what I"m in for when I'm ready to go back to school this fall. Then as of last night, Matthew decided he wants to rearrange our bedroom (ha, like I'm moving anything)! so that' smore things to do this weekend (ah well it's a good excuse to really CLEAN the bedroom).

The baby's room is coming along - slowly - but we're getting there. It's ready for painting now (just gotta move stuff out of the room) and then my mom is working on some pretty curtains for the room then we'll be all set before the shower so I can actually put stuff away after the shower!

If anyone's been paying attention, I made some changes to my registry (nothing major) just added a few things and I took off a few things. At the time when I made the registry we were still going back and forth in our minds between nursing and formula but I think after our class on Monday we've made up our minds about nursing for many reasons - better for me, baby and certainly our wallets!!!!

The one thing that sticks out in my mind about the class was when the lady was talking about the cost difference and how much formula really does cost... we're built with free formula... why add extra cost to an already expensive thing! Now if we could only find a way to get free diapers - we'll be set LOL!

Well, time to get some things done. I'm so ready for a nap - a nice long nap! I can't even sleep in tomorrow UGH! When will this end (oh it's not going to end).... Ha. One day I will be normal again and be able to wear my rings - i miss my rings... and tie my shoes without having to sit down .... and just wear most of my clothes again (I have been lucky for the most part... wardrobe just got SMALLER in quantity....)... but alas.... one day.

I Hate Frigid Weather!!!

It finally feels like winter (and Friday it looked like Christmas) and it's freakin COLD. My office building is rather quiet today since at least 1/3 of the offices are off today for MLK day but there's still a variety of offices here working as usual. Ah well!

So it's cold! I mean really freakin cold! I hate this weather. It makes my whole body just hurt ... :( as if I don't already have enough random feelings.... UGH! It's gonna be coooooooooooooooold all week long too... :(

UGH! Anyways, I'm sitting here waiting on my lunch. I ordered from my favorite pizza place in moon. They have such yummy food. It's far too cold to go out to eat anywhere! I don't want to leave the building until I go home tonight. BRRRRRRR....

It's going to be such a busy week for me. Tonight I have a baby class, tomorrow is my awards banquet (or something) at work, Wednesday Matthew and I have another baby class and I have a proposal due at work, Thursday morning I have a doctors appointment and then Saturday I'm going to meet with people from Waynesburg. What a week!!! I guess I won't be accomplishing a whole lot this week!

Yesterday Matthew, Leeanne and I went shopping at Michaels as they had a very nice scrapbooking sale. Good stuff! I was quite happy with what I bought. I can't wait to start using it (when I have a moment to actually do something). Matthew and I also worked on the baby's room more last night. The bookshelves are now out of the room along with some other things and it's almost to the point we're ready to paint. We're getting there.

We've decided to help with some of the random things we've got in the room, We're going to build a storage unit (or some shelving) above part of my desk to elimiate all the bins around the floor. We have nice high walls that will allow us to put a lot of things up the wall and get it off the floor. I've got Matthew on a building frenzy for things I want/need to help get everything organized!

I want shelves up the wall (or some kind of storage unit thing). so that I can get all my scrapbooking things into some storage boxes (the nice storage boxes and baskets) and organized on the wall. This will take them out of the bins on the floor and into a more useful place. I also want a bookshelf to house all of my writing books since I'll be going back to school (again) soon and that's the most logical place to put something like that!

The next thing I want is some shelving high up on the walls (out of little hands reach) to put some decorative items I've collected over the years for Arabella to look at in her room (but high enough to be out of reach).

Our next plan of attack is taking the empty bins that now holds all my random stuff and putting them in the closet for storage of baby things. My clothes are coming out of that closet and back into the room to make room for all of Arabella's lovely things. That's at least the game plan - hopefully it works.

Regardless we are making process in the room - slowly - but we're getting there. I'm hoping we get a lot further in the coming weeks. The game plan is to be panting by Feb. At this point, it's completely doable since the room for the most part is clean. Most of what's left to do is moving bulky items that I just can't move so Matt and probably our neighbor John will have to move them along.

Well my lunch has arrived and I'm hungry! Yum Cheeseburger Hoagie!

Brrrrrrrrrr I want hot coco

I'm cold! I hate winter! I think the stupid weather is making my hands hurt. The last two days they have been swollen and painful, almost like Arthritis. YUCK!

So it's finally Friday. The weekend outlook is coooooooooooooooold. I've got family coming over tomorrow to help with invitations and favors for the shower. Hopefully we'll get everything done tomorrow and ready to go! That's the plan anyways! I think we will though because we have enough people and that's all that matters.

It's supposed to be frigid this weekend. I think I'm going to stay in the comfort of my nice warm apartment all weekend wrapped up in my Christmas robe and slippers. That's the plan anyways! Since becoming pregnant, I'm like a hermit. I don't want to go anywhere or do anything, just kinda mill around the house. I think it's because most of what I want and love to do I can't really do. I can't really dance because well jumping and spinning probably isn't a good idea (if you've ever watched me dance, you understand what I'm talking about). I can't go bowling (obviously) and this area pretty much blows for alternatives. Matthew and I have caught a few movies in the last few months but who really wants to pay like $8 a person for a movie. I'll wait til it's out on DVD or hits the dollar theatre in Bridgeville.

UGH! Monday starts our child care classes. One on Monday for two weeks and one on Wednesday for four weeks. I'm going to be pretty busy here for the next month - at least on Monday and Wednesdays. Oh well, it's worth it!

I have the sudden urge to want some hot coco. I wish I had some here at work. I did at one point this month, but I drank it somewhere along the line. Oh well, I have a bunch at home so I will have to make a cup later (I'll probably change my mind by then anyways).

I'll be spending my Friday evening cleaning up the house a little before tomorrow when everyone comes over. At least then the cleaning will be done for the most part. The house actually ahsn't been too bad as I've attempted to keep on top of it all week so cleaning isn't so exhausting. That's my plan for after the baby too, but I know it won't be as easy as it is now. I think we'll adjust well though. With our staggered schedules, at least for the most part it shouldn't be too bad of a transition.

So Matthew and I were watching The Apprentice last night and the task they did involved a new Kodak Printer - all in one (Print, Scan, Copy) that has an insanely cheap and effective printer cartridge. After seeing it last night, I was set that I wanted it (we're in need of a new printer anyways). After doing some research, Sams has the really nice model for $99 (It's $199 at Kodak.com). Matthew and I are going to get it probably when we have a few extra bucks. The ink is $10 for black cartridges and $15 for color.... that's insane! The amount you can print is unreal too! You should look it up if you need a new printer! The model we want to get also has a fax machine, which made Matt happy because he's wanted one so we may even turn that portion on. We always need to fax random things here and there. Regardless, the printer portion is just unbelievable! I can't wait until we have some money to go get it! It's perfect!

Ah........... Fridays.... is this day over yet?

Yeah .... School :)

Ah what a week. I've actually had a productive week. I began looking into where I shall be returning to school this fall! I can't wait. I think I just want to be a professional student for the rest of my life - it's what it seems like anyways!

I think I've narrowed it down to two choices but in reality I think it'll be one. I found two degrees - MBA - Marketing and Masters in Multimedia. The MBA is at Waynesburg (Back to the Burg) and the Multimedia is at Cal. I like the multimedia degree but it focuses more on web than print and I'm a print kind of person (and so is my job) so I think ultimatly I'll end up at Waynesburg. Ironically, Waynesburg is actually CHEAPER than going to Cal! I can take the classes at SouthPointe on Saturday mornings - which is my plan. Matthew can watch the baby while I'm at class so it will make life easy. I'm not even thinking about night classes. Too much insanity with work, then baby, then school. Saturday mornings work just fine for me.

I'm in the process of setting up an appointment to go to SouthPointe and meet with the people from Waynesburgh probably within the next month. I want to do it before the baby comes as I'm trying to do anything I can before the baby comes to make my life easier later. In July I will be eligible for Education Reimbursement through JMT and I have to write a proposal for the approval. At this point, draft one is already complete and then throughout the next few months I can update the information as necessary, but the overall portion of the proposal is done - the hard part anyways! So that's out of the way, woo hoo!

I actually applied to Waynesburg online yesterday. I forgot how much fun filling out the stupid form was going to be. Oh well, it's done now I just need to send down my transcripts and it'll be official. I'm sure I'll be accepted. I have great grades coming from Chatham - not to mention I'm a former alum. I'm sure everything will be fine and dandy, but it is exciting.

Matthew and I have talked about me going back to school for a while now (even before the baby). My intentions were to enroll this fall after taking a year off to relax - then go back to the grind. We both realize in theory another degree means more opportunities and in the long run - more money for our family. I think an MBA will be a very useful degree all around because of the potential to do so much with the education. I actually like college (Yes I said that). I hated high school but I do enjoy college - especially now when I can really appreciate what the degrees mean to me and my family.

Well it's about that time now.... until later.

It's Snowing!!!

Ah snow! It's so pretty to watch as it falls out the window! Thankfully it's not really laying on the roads or cars, just on the ground so it's pretty outside! I have the sudden urge to want to go outside and build a snowman!!

Ah winter. So cold! I dislike the cold weather but surprisingly I haven't really complained at all this season about Matthew keeping it too cold in the house. We've been relativly comfy so far. Normally he sets the thermostat so low I could see my breath when I talk (not literally) but you get the point.

So the weekend was a blur. We did accomplish a few tasks but I felt icky most of the weekend. Eh, it happens! Just one of those weekends. My mother and I went ribbon and embellishment shopping. Of course taking me into any arts and craft store is a bad idea because I just end up buying things for my scrapbook (which I did). Ah well.

So the big show of the season was announced today and of course it's Kenny at Heniz Field (I can just IMAGINE what these tickets are going to cost) and .. yes I plan on being there somehow some way!

They haven't officially announced the supporting acts but my fingers and I found a few rumored acts online (actually they're on kennychesney.com, I just don't know which ones are for the Pittsburgh show. It's supposed to be

Kenny
Keith Urban
Gary Allen
Leanne Rimes


on all dates

Then these artists are playing some shows:

Brooks and Dunn
Big and Rich
Luke Bryan
Sammy Hagar ???????? - Where did that one come from?????

I'm content with any of the above!!!! :) I've actually never seen Leanne Rimes live so I'd really like to see her. I'd totally love to see Big and Rich and Luke Bryan be on the Pittsburgh show that way Brooks and Dunn comes through on their own. :) Getting more bang for the summer!

I also think I've surfaced what should be the country line up for Star Lake too .... it looks to be

Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean
Toby Keith and Montgomery Gentry - Buying me some good seats for that one!!!!
Brooks and Dunn - if we get them with Kenny, I doubt they'll come back through the area.
Brad Paisley (no supporting act found)
Rascal Flatts with Taylor Swift
Martina McBride - Possibly? Not sure on this one...

Yeah I know, I scare myself sometimes!!!! Where do I find this stuff? I'm not telling... just my little resources for concert info before most people even have a clue! I could be wrong though, but I'm sure at least most of that is right!

So as usual, I'll be spending some time at shows. I think I'm skipping Rascal Flatts this year. The last two years have been a drag so I don't look for anything different and that's money I'm not spending (unless I get free tickets... then I just don't care). I will most definatly be hitting Toby/MG. Two of my favorites might actually spring for some decent seats for that show. Otherwise, I'll be in the lawn like normal. Cheap seats but fun times! Hopefully I'll have a good season of free tickets again. I bought the stupid package last year and ended up selling more than I used because I kept getting free tickets. Not making that mistake again! I'll just buy them as they go, plus when they run deals on tickets that aren't selling I'm better off in the long run anyways!

It seems like it's been ages since I've been to a show.... wait it has been ages since I've been to a show. I think I'm starting to have withdrawl. For anyone that knows me, it's unusual for me to go more than a month or two without finding some kind of live music to go see. UGH! I need to hit a show soon!!!! I've been told concerts are my drugs.... much like drugs, they are addictive and EXPENSIVE!!!! LOL At least if I have to have a bad habit, in reality it's really not so bad (just on my wallet) but I don't mind.

Ah it's snowing again! It looks like a blizzard outside but I think it's just the way the snow is blowing around. It looks fun though! I can't wait to take Arabella out and play in the snow (obviously a year or two from now!!!)! I'm sure it'll be fun! Everything is going to be fun!

Horray for Friday!!!

Horray for Friday! I thought you would never come! Hopefully the day flies by as I'm wanting to curl up at home all weekend in my nice warm house (as it is to be very cold this weekend). Unfortunatly I do have some random assorted tasks to accomplish in the process and hopefully between Matthew and I we can knock everything off ASAP.

My day started out with a good laugh though. As I was reading through the morning paper, I found a hilarious ZITS Cartoon that I had to find online so I could show Matthew. I couldn't resist posting it here either!! If you know Matthew, you'll understand why this is funny!! I think it's funny in general though! I also sent it to our favorite piercer, Kathi. I'm sure she'll get a kick out of it as well. I think ZITS is one of my favorite cartoons. So many of the strips remind me of things I've done, said or friends I've had.

I tinkered with my favors last night at home. I think they will come out quite nicely when everything is said and done. I also finished up the invitations (minus embellishments the kids are going to do). Everything is coming along nicely.

My mother and I are going shopping this weekend to find some embellishments for the favors as well. I put the word out to those coming to my favor day because you never know what you can find where .... hopefully we'll have a nice arrangement of embellishments and ribbon from everyone. I can't wait to see!

I finally spent a gift card yesterday someone gave me for my birthday (only took me several months... LOL). Matthew and I needed calendars for the house so I bought three at Barnes and Nobel. One for the fridge and one for over my desk. I was really impressed with the one I found for myself. I bought Matthew a Dragon calendar. I thought it was only fair since our 2007 calendars were Troy Polamalu and cats.... figured I'd let him at least stare at something he liked for the next 12 months.

I bought myself a page-a-day calendar for my desk at work with cat cartoon humor. Some of them are really funny and I think I'll even save a few just for my amusement. I might use them in the scrap book I'm making for Artex. They are very fitting of him! Who knows.. no sense in wasting good embellishments though! The cartoons are black and white so they can be easily colored and the way the dates are on the page, I can easily cut those off as well.

Finally, the wall calendar for my desk is simply gorgeous. I've never seen one like it so I had to buy it. It's a 3-D fairie calendar. The pictures are lovely and very beautiful. I love the calendar. I'm going to hang it over my desk in the baby's room (as it even fits with the decor there as well). I think the calendar is geared for kids, but I don't care. I love it!!! It'll give Arabella something else that is beautiful to look at in the room!!! I may even save it after the year and use the designs to decorate something, who knows!!!

Well time to get things done today!

Happy Over The Hump Day

Happy Hump Day! Finally it's wednesday and now we're over the hump. This week is just dragging on and on. It has been a nutty couple of days though.

I finally made a decision on the favors and even grabbed some of the stuff for them yesterday. While I was in Washington, I stopped at Target to blow my $50 in Gift Cards I got as an incentive for filling out my health profile at work. (FREE MONEY). So I bought the two games for my DS that I'd been wanting (Well two of many I've been wanting). Mario Party and Vocabulary Builder. Both very addictive!!!

I didn't get much sleep last night because of the storm. At about 3 this morning it sounded as though someone was shooting paintballs at our house. (YES THAT IS HOW HARD IT WAS RAINING). I made Matthew turn on the TV to attempt to drown it out. We were listening to the political crap so what could possibly be more boring! I still didn't sleep well. It kept waking me so now I'm super tired!

Surprisingly for as nasty as it was last night, it actually looks nice outside. The sun is shining and it's not really cold. I wish I was outside and not stuck indoors. It sucks the weather is going to be icky again. I can't believe the crazy weather we're having.

I keep seeing the insanity that's going on in central states with the tornados, floods, and stuff. Didn't they just get through the Ice Storm not even a month ago! It's devestating!!! It also reminds me of the movie "The Day After Tomorrow". Really makes you think.... That movie was just on too! I mean, it's not exactly the same but unexplainable weather in the wrong season, sounds a lot like what we're getting right now. I mean it's freakin January and most people are walking around without coats on!!!

I just keep hoping we don't have bad weather next month for the baby shower (though that'd be my kind of luck). Keep your fingers crossed for me. Preparations are actually coming along nicely, if we could just get the list of guests finalized. My family is just too huge, plain and simple. I want to invite everyone but I just can't and it sucks! Ah well, we'll get it together sooner or later.

I think I'm stopping to get some Dairy Queen on my way home. I've been wanting a blizzard all day. Perhaps it's a craving, but I know that's what I want on my way home. I don't know what to think though because Ice Cream for me is a norm. I love it and wanting it isn't that unusual.

Well time to take down the Christmas decorations at work. FUN TIMES! I was actually enjoying looking at the pretty purple Christmas tree!