Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Just a quick update!


Photo courtesy of www.AshleyLayfieldPhotography.com

When I start to get pissed off at my friends who have not updated their blogs in a while, I think Gee you have a little bloggy you could update. So here I am because Mel - the 4th of July is long gone!

Today baby D is 5 months old! I'll do a photo shoot tonight to capture the moment. She is 14 lb 14 oz and 2 foot 2! She is now eating bananas in her rice cereal. I tell her to think of it as a stepping stone to cheese steak hoagies!

Not much else to share - like everyone I am gearing up for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas and looking forward to all three very much. And trying to get inspired. I have NO none scrapbook girl trips coming up and since CE 2006 those have been what drives me. Planning the trips, and the shopping tours and the swaps and the circle journals and the classes and the projects and the outfits and making so many new friends. I was inspired. Now I miss my friends, I miss the events, I miss the planning. I found this http://www.teresacollins.typepad.com/ inspiring today!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Some baby goodness

For my facebook holdout - NIKI - I have included a shot. She also provides me with inspiration.

Today I will tell you the story about her charm bracelet. The first Christmas that Ernie and I were together, he bought me a charm bracelet. My idea was to make it a christmas charm bracelet - but he shops on Christmas Eve and so all that was left were angels. The next year, I was then pregnant and I gave him the charm bracelet to add to. He bought a pacifier and a pink, blingy ribbon (breast cancer) more purchased because I love pink, and bling and ribbons! (we did not know it was a girl at Christmas) Seriously I do love ribbon, I have TONS of it in the craft room, I adore Tinsel Trading, and have lots of books with craft ideas using ribbon. I never throw a piece away. I look forward to the day that I will be able to put ribbons in Daisy's hair. I'm not rushing that cause I know with that will come washing it, drying it, combing it, and having her fuss at it being fixed.

It is my hope that Ernie will add a charm every year symbolizing what was important in her life. And I find it special that it started with an angel.

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Quick update!

The labor day weekend was very fun and went by much too fast. Miss Daisy has started on the level 2 born free bottle - big step in her 3 month old life. She also rolls back to front, front to back and if I would permit right on down the road! According to the books, if she would just do a raspberry she would be all caught up!

Friday I made a big list of all the things I wanted to accomplish - and got straight to work dying a chenille bedspread a lovely shade of pink. I plan to use the fabric for a Boppy cover and for a coat for Daisy. I then proceeded to do nothing else on the aforementioned list the rest of the weekend. On Thuesday my wonderful friend Mel sent me flowers to the office - the yellow roses tipped in orange with Daisy - so cute and fallish. It was a great almost surprise. She called to verify the office address when I was covering phones - it so surprised her that I answered she just talked to me.

Saturday, we all went shopping and I finally checked out the Pink Cabbage in Ellicott City. This store is awesome! It has tons and tons of shabby chic treasures. We must have walked around for an hour. I purchased a business card case handmade using my Vera Bradley pattern (Pinwheel Pink in case you were wondering), a pink flamingo, 5 magazines for $1.00 each and a dish that you write on. We lunched at the little general store next door. We even tried the fried pickles - yummy. We also had lettuce wraps from PF Changs takeout for dinner!!

Sunday Grammie and name yet to be determined (we are letting Daisy decide what to call her own remaining grandfather) came up for a visit.

Monday, I relaxed around the house. Watched Disk 2 of The Big Bang Theory and I have to say I adore Sheldon - he is soo soo funny.

Mark the calendar - I even did a little scrapbooking.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

WHO WROTE THESE????? I would like to give credit.

I stole this from Heather's Blog... because they are the funniest LOL LOL things I have read in a long long time! I've bolded my personal faves.

Random Thoughts of the Day:

I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can’t wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that’s not only better, but also more directly involves me.

I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?

Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.

I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

The letters T and G are very close to each other on a keyboard. This recently became all too apparent to me and consequently I will never be ending a work email with the phrase "Regards" again.

Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

There is a great need for a sarcasm font.

I think everyone has a movie that they love so much, it actuallybecomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.

How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

The only time I look forward to a red light is when I’m trying to finish a text.

A recent study has shown that playing beer pong contributes to the spread of mono and the flu. Yeah, if you suck at it.

Lol has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".

I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantrontest is absolutely petrifying.

My brother's Municipal League baseball team is named the Stepdads. Seeing as none of the guys on the team are actual stepdads, I inquired about the name. He explained, "Cuz we beat you, and you hate us."Classy, bro.

Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a dick from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"

MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

I would like to officially coin the phrase 'catching the swine flu' to be used as a way to make fun of a friend for hooking up with an overweight woman. Example: "Dave caught the swine flu last night."

I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

Bad decisions make good stories.

Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!

Is it just me or do high school girls get sluttier & sluttier every year?

Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem....

You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren’t doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.

There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

"Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.

While watching the Olympics, I find myself cheering equally for China and USA. No, I am not of Chinese descent, but I am fairly certain that when Chinese athletes don’t win, they are executed.

I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello?Damnit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

When I meet a new girl, I'm terrified of mentioning something she hasn't already told me but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.

I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.

Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...

Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.

I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, hitting the G-spot, and Pinning the Tail on theDonkey - but I’d bet my ass everyone can find and push the Snoozebutton from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time...

I wonder if cops ever get pissed off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.

I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.

The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There’s nothing like being made to feel like a fat bastard before dinner.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

I had this thought and had to save it.

What everyone says is true - the minute they put that baby in your arms - all parts of pregnancy and labor become a distant memory - and you feel as though your life began at that moment!

I know that I did actually have a life prior to Daisy - there are remnants of it, my car is the same (although now I have an infant car seat and a mirror which I am supposed to see her since she rides backwards but usually what I see is either darkness or the roof of said car) and my office is the same. But I am not the same - I am the mommy! I am the magic fairy princess who makes smiles appear and while she is too little for real tears so crying disappear. I am the woman who is planning her first Halloween costume in August and her first holiday outfits (casual dress is done, fancy dress and jammies are still on the list) and yes I have even given thoughts to her first birthday - just 280 days away. I give thought to the fact that this time last year we were conceiving her, but that seems a lifetime ago.

Sunday, August 02, 2009

My mind is just flowing with cool stuff!

I'll make a list:
.5 I know you'll ask first about this - baby Daisy is doing wonderfully, right now she is snoozing in the swing I think I have about 5 more minutes. She is a great sleeper, a great eater, a great smiler, and I count my blessings every 5 (1) minute. This is her on her 2 month birthday or 2 month anniversary - I am not sure what to call it when you are counting the months!

1. Tomorrow is my fabulous friend Fran's birthday! I have lots of treats planned and I am so excited.
2. yesterday I went to a great store in Waldorf called Time and Again Antiques and this girl has some great stuff at great prices. Very shabby chic! I would definately plan to hit there if you are in the area - or plan a trip - hit the quilt store in LaPlata on the same day.
3. I also went to Jane's to check out the new Stampin Up stuff - there is some great new stuff in the catalog.
4. We finished the day by going to the Moonlight Madness at Once Upon A Child in Crofton. Madness is was - get a load of this!! They advertised a sale that increased in discounts as the day progressed - I went about 9pm really to kind of get a feel for what was left and what is the rock bottom price. Well the system was confusing - green and orange tags (but must be summer clothes) were clearance for $1.00. I started going through and not much was speaking to me and I was tired so I just picked out one little top for next summer. I ring up. At the counter, I notice a sign that says 10-3pm - 60% off, 3-8pm - 75% off at 8-11pm everything is 1.00. I get to the car and realize that my 1.50 little tank top would have been cheaper earlier in the day. I go back into the store and speak to a manager owner type man and he says yes it is true that I would have paid less earlier. I explain that the ad in the pennysaver where I heard about said "SALE" did not explain it that way. He says we have been doing it this way for 6 years. I say Can I just return it - because it is going to irritate me every time I look at it. He says yes, I wait and then the woman cashier starts talking about all this info I have to give to do a return (oh hear is the kicker part - he says to me "Normally clearance merchandise is non returnable but I am not going to debate you." Debate ME - he was not going to debate me because can you imagine the uproar I would have created in this store at 9:30 at night when I started explaining to everyone in line their policy!!!!!!!!!!!!) so I say just forget it I'll keep the (explective under my breath) shirt. He also explains that for 3 WEEKS before summer stuff was 50% off (so understand this - 3 weeks ago, NOT late at night, NOT a saturday night) I would have paid .25 cents less for this item! I was so aggravated by this. I can't say I will never go back but I certainly! will start questioning their prices and their policies by telephone before I step into the store. OH and just in case you want to sell something to them - be prepared for how little they will offer you - .07 cents to less than 2.00 for brand new stuff with tags on it! SHAME on Once Upon a Child in Crofton MD!
Gotta run - she is still sleeping - I must have worn her out with all that running around yesterday!! We are having some guests this afternoon and I AM still in my jammies.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Checkin in - in case anyone still reads this

I am sort of getting the hang of this. I LOVE being a mom - I love holding my daughter. I may be biased but she is the cutest baby I ever did see. She is starting to smile - I mean she does but not on cue. She wakes up a little during the night sometimes she needs food and sometimes she just needs some cuddling. She is outgrowing 0-3 month clothes. She is long in the torso.

It brings tears to my eyes to think that she is mine.

Monday, June 01, 2009

She's arrived!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



The story of the birth of my daughter - Daisy! I put this here because I was starting to forget and I wanted to remember how I felt. This could be TMI - feel free to skip if birth stories are not your thing.





Last Monday night, Memorial Day, I sort of leaned over the chair and said whoo that is starting to get painful. From about 10pm to 1am, I had pains that I had to get out of bed and walk off. From 1am to 7am I starting timing between them and decided these were contractions. Went to the Dr, and he examined me and said nope - just braxton hicks and still just 1 cm. But I did not go into work because I was still in pain and having contractions. Again Tuesday night as I lie on the , Ernie says "We'll get through this, come on", he was so kind and gentle. He lit a candle upstairs, and took a massage ball and rubbed my back with it. This continued, I even took a tylenol thinking they would subside. The pain was all in my hips. I kept track but was never 5 minutes apart. somtimes 6 sometimes 12. I had a regularly scheduled appt at 8. I forced Ernie to go with me for some reason (divine intervention - there was no reason to think that todays appt was any different from yesterday's), even though we really did not think it was anything. He got dressed for work. We go in, they put me on the fetal monitor and she says well you are having contractions. The dr comes in and reaches in to check the cervix and says "you are 8 cm" and you are about to have this baby! I walked out of the door and said to my mom, change of plans, I am in labor, I'm 8 centimeters, and I have to go to Laurel Regional across the street. The women in the waiting room were congratulating me. I walked out of the medical building and into the car.

The hospital is just across the street - my mom dropped me off out front and I walked into the lobby of the hospital. The man says "you have to register." Calmly I tell him that I don't have to register because I am in labor and already at 8 cm. I then get escorted upstairs but I am still walking and still pretty calm actually. All the birthing classes, all the labor preperations (how to massage through the pain), the hosptal tour, everything for nothing because my labor was 80% over and I didn't even realize it.

Next, I meet the most amazing nurse - this angel sent directly from heaven - she will always be someone I count as making the most amazing day - the birth of my child so perfect - Marvera. She greeted me when I arrived on the floor, hustled me into my room, started my IV. She said she would try to get my epidural. I said I am ok without it. I had really wanted to go natural but if I was miserable I would have the drugs. Marvera spent the next two hours monitoring me, the baby, helping me though contractions, she found a fan, she got a cool cloth. Kim and Ernie arrived. Luckily we had my bag and pillows in the car although there wasn't even time to look in the bag. My water still had not broken but just as they were about to do it, I threw up and it must have broken then. Around 10:30 am, Marvera asks if I am ready to push. She quickly teaches Ernie how to hold my legs, the DR comes in and gets dressed in scrubs and what looks like a welding mask. He suggests some Pitocin - how much faster he wants this to go is beyond me. I am in no position to argue at this point. in my head I justify the baby will be out before the pitocin really gets through my system. I had been drug free up til now and really did not want it. Again, my guardian angel, we waited about 5 or so minutes and decided I really did not need the Pitocin. About 20 good pushes, it's a feeling I can never describe. It hurt but I was so happy that the baby was about to come and I was tired. When I said I can't - Marvera said it's the only way to get this baby out". It isn't something that you can practice so some of the pushes were me trying to get the hang of it. I did not have a mirror, and Ernie who I was not really sure how he would handle the delivery room, said you really could see the head. Daisy really wanted out - cause at 11:25 am on May 27th 2009, she bounded into the world. I did get to hold her for a few minutes but there were medical type things that had to be done for me and for her.

Ernie went to find the grandparents, and they came in about 30 minutes after she was born. The cameras started flashing at that point.

I am finishing this post 18 days later - because breastfeeding (I hated it, I quit after 4 days (the lactation consultant that came is horrified I know) and I failed and it made me feel so inadequate) and post partum(for someone who always had it together and thought she was so prepared - it hit me like a ton of bricks - taking me back to the hospital for a day which I will always always regret) , and getting used to having a newborn to take care of took over. The days do fly(Whole days go by and I don't even take one photo or bathe) . I constantly worry - is she breathing, is she sleeping enough or too much, eating enough or too much? is she too hot or too cold? Oh the patrol for poop is terrible. That was 48 hours - thanks Cori for giving me a little relief on that aspect. The books tell you so many different things - call the Dr for every little thing and then the Dr tells you that is totally normal. Her umbilical cord still has not fallen off and of course I am sure that I have done something wrong there. Not to mention every baby gadget takes a PHD in engineering to understand - the car seat and the stroller snap and go - what a crock more like snap and buckle and push and pull and go. I still don't know how to get the side down on the crib and breathe Megan breathe.

Another wierd part is I don't even remember what it was like to be pregnant - those 9 months seem like two years ago. I don't remember the pain of childbirth. That hour seems like nothing to the pain of watching your newborn cry and your not sure how to fix it or when they prick her foot for the rubi(something) test.

I am trying to get a grip and just love her and I do more than anything else in the whole world. Everyone says it will get easier or I'll just get more used to my new life. I won't miss sleep as much as I'll like waking up to see a milky sleepy face. I just can't wait to see what the next 18 days holds!

NOW

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Checking things off the list, lots of lists

My mom has been here a week helping us to get ready and unfortunately Mother's Day was just filled with more preperations. We took a 3 session birthing class - the first one I had to leave a little early to get to the shower, Saturday was good and I stayed the whole time and Sunday was really quick paced which I loved. There were a few minutes of quizzing us and I wished there had been more of that - I feel like when you are quizzed you really know it.

Saturday we had to return something at Buy Buy Baby (those stores just overwhelm me! There are 4000 things but yet only one of something I need. I am better at a Yard Sale - one choice and the price is right!) We then got some lunch at Whole Foods, did a little more shopping and headed home. I was just so tired.

Sunday we grocery shopped - it was bad - I had fed the dog table food FOR THREE meals. I watched Marley and Me last night - my dog is the opposite of Marley. He is patient and gentle, and rarely barks (only when he means it) and I just know he is going to be a good protector of the baby. He eats whatever I put in his bowl and if I am out of food he just rolls with it. We made a nice dinner for Mother's Day but nothing very special.

Last night, we worked on the car seat. We are borrowing this from another family and so we had no directions. Luckily Ernie is a very mechanical thinker and he figured out how to move the straps, add the extra head protectors and how to get it out of the base. Now we just have to install the bases into the car and we are done with that part.

My suitcase for the hospital is slowly getting done - when I come across something that I think I might need or want, I put it in. I have no clothes in there but most of the easy to forget items are there. There are a few things I will have to add at the last minute.

Like I said checking things off the list.

Thursday, May 07, 2009

I am truly blessed


Sunday was my third shower - this time with all of my wonderful friends from work and my mom and Ernie's mom were able to attend as well. The wonderful wife of my boss hosted it at her beautiful home. The super fun part is several of the younger girls were there (many of whom I babysit) and they were so excited to play the games and to show me the scrapbook. Gaby (you may remember two short years ago, I planned her shower) planned all the extras, as well as sent out the invites, and just worked endlessly to make it a really special party. All this and she is due with her second the end of June - it's a girl - we plan to have Daisy and Emily be the best of friends.





This photo shows the girls and I competing to put a diaper on the doll with one hand behind our back. OK I won but I was not about to be beat by a nine year old. And I admit I was sweating it a little. Lily before the game had the best quote "I don't even know how to put on a diaper with two hands!" Lily is all personality!


Again my little fashionista got oodles of cutie cutie outfits - including little needlework bunny slippers that were adorable. She got some great books too. And a few practical gifts too!


It was a fabulous party!


Saturday mornings...

where you'll find me is at the yard sales. I really love the thrill of the hunt - sure I could run to target and get everything I need in one fell swoop. but not for 90% off which is the average savings at the yard sales. Sometimes it's 80%. But considering the best I can do in the real world is 10-20% off. Today was no different - my mom and I (yes I drug her out - I offered to come back and pick her up but she did not want to miss the sales) headed to Piney Orchard Community Center - easily 75-100 vendors and loads of people. We picked up a few things - a frame, a photo album, oooh the diaper pail that I was registered for (for 90% off). My mom found a great cardigan sweater. Left there very happy. Next stop - a dud can't even remember what we found.

Then we headed to the other end of the spectrum - the Landon Azelea Festival. Their shopping area is gorgeous - lots of really preppy stuff, monogram's galore, pink and green galore, adorable baby things. Getting ready for the baby has made me a little more tight with the money so i did not end up buying anything but browsing was lots of fun.

We next headed to a friends car party. It is a BBQ where people arrive in their great cars, bikes etc and park in the yard and show off engines and kick tires. Eat some food and that is the party. It was lots of fun.

I ended the day with a pedicure!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Big reminder!

I decided to babysit this past weekend - promising myself that I would use the money to jumpstart my babies savings account. Three kids boy, age 12, girl age 9, and boy age 7. I love babysitting for this family! The kids are rowdy, and silly, and have the sweetest blue eyes. The parents are easy going. The house is so beautiful - resort like really. Friday night was pretty easy. Saturday morning - things got a little hectic - I took them to putt putt. People must have thought is that lady nuts - having another one. Saturday morning as I cut up a pancake - I found myself saying "Get your foot out of your breakfast." I told them that was one sentance I never thought I would say. Around 1 - I found myself tired and the youngest being bad (he accessed the roof from the balcony and it scared the daylights out of me - I literally started to cry) I did not think I would make it. Luckily they calmed down in the afternoon (it was August hot this past weekend) and Saturday around 5 they played outside until about 9. Went and got showers with me asking only once and fell asleep. Sunday AM was good too, they had friends over to play, I made arts and crafts with them.

All in all, these are good kids! Great kids really. They are smart, funny, healthy, active, adorable. It was a great reminder of what life with a child was going to be like - there are moments that crack you up - like when the little one told me it was his robot that was bad and not him or moments that scare the crap out of you. Moments when you even doubt what your saying - the oldest cut himself and we had to wonder about stitches. Moments when everyone is playing sweetly and you let yourself breathe.

All moments worth remembering!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

The first yard sale day of the season!

Last Saturday yard sale season kicked off with a bang as the Pennysaver sponsored their Spring yard sale at the Bowie Baysox stadium. Ernie opted not to be around and I was a little worried to go by myself. I borrowed Mrs Brown's wire cart from Fran and I was out the door by 6:55 am and lined up at about 7:35am. (yes earlier than a work day) I had comfy shoes, my yard sale hip purse filled with ones and quarters and I was excited. My first find was a dishwasher bottle rack, $1.00. I found a lady with baby books and toys, and a pink mixing bowl. I found the lady who sells the cleaning products and toiletries for cheap - stocked up on stuff there. I was tired by the end - but excited about my purchases and so happy to have had my cart.



I hit two more small sales (one had onesies for .25). I found one more at a church in their sports field (again so happy to have the cart) - more baby stuff. And I called it a day - final expenditures $40.00. I stopped at the scrapbook store where all budgeting went out the window - two pieces of paper, and two small packs of embellishments $8.00, I splurged on a magazine called Oh Baby for $17.95 (after yardsaling all morning - that seemed outrageous). I finished the morning at chik fil a with a chicken sandwich, french fries, a sweet tea and A MILKSHAKE!!



I spent the rest of the day relaxing, sorting out all the baby stuff into where you will need it, (you know food stuff in the pantry) and bath stuff together to put in the bathroom, and getting an idea of what I still need. I may have even taken a nap. It was a perfect start to what I hope will be another fun yard sale season.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Baby Shower with my NJ Peeps

One of the things that my mom starting talking about as soon as she found out I was pregnant was a party to celebrate with family and friends in New Jersey. The prospect of that made me so happy as these are women that I have known my whole life. Millville is such a huge part of my life, my grandmother, my mother and I were all born there - we all went to Millville Senior High School. My mom's house previously belonged to my grandmother.

While I realize it is unusual to plan your own shower, I also wanted to make sure that my guests had a great time and I had tons of cute ideas. So I threw proper ettiquette out the door - and helped my mom to make what I thought was a great great event.

This first photo is my mom and me in our adorable matching outfits. I totally scored this dress on ebay and it arrived Thursday. The wreath on the front door was made by my uber talented Aunt Pat full of Daisy's and the sign says "Everything's coming up Daisy!"







This photo is of one of my favorite things - we had a "Candy Bar". I had seen some photo examples of these online. I started looking for pink and yellow candy as soon as I knew it was a girl. We even trekked up to Dylan's Candy Bar when we went to NYC to get some cute additions. There were merangues, pink mints, pink lipsticks, yellow and pink starburst (yes I personally sorted them), lemonheads, marchmellow ropes, pink and yellow peanut butter cups and a pink jelly bean assortment from Jolly Rancher. I had stickers on the bags that said "Thanks for making my day so sweet!" The lighting is a little off in the photo but the whole thing was just too cute!




Another personal touch that I thought would be cute was to have baby pictures of us and of the grandparents. The big pink scrapbooked one is me. To the right is Grandma Darlene. In the green frame is Daddy and Uncle TC. In front of the green frame is Poppop Ernie and to the left of me is Grammy Kim. It made a sweet presentation. Not shown but on the same table is a frame that I gave my mom when I told her I was pregnant. In it said - look for an updated photo on June 4th, 2009.


There were about 25 women who were able to join us including my best friend from age 3 Ali (from North Carolina) and her mom Paula (from Georgia) and they brought their new nephew Hunter (who has the most adorable blue eyes), who by the way used to live just two doors down. There were neighbors from the across the street, Bernadette and Jaquay, and next door Lynne and Meghan and the woman who introduced my parents, Mrs Cossaboon. My mom's longest and dearest friends, Sally and George from Goldey, and Phyllis who was her single girl friend and they still keep in touch and Dottie who my mom does to Fenwick with. My sister and niece were there - my oldest niece Alix - was off looking at colleges (which blows my mind because she was born when I was in college). My Aunt and two cousins, and then a second cousin from my grandfather side. And in the family tree that adds branches - and aunt and cousin Lacey from my dad's first wife's side of the family. I grew up with three sets of grandparents with an extra grandfather. The beauty was that everyone liked each other (most of the time) and everyone was welcome. And my grandfather's side that was divorced but his family never divorced us were cousins, Donna (who my mom watched her baby when I was in high school) and Brenda and Mary (who you may remember I have had the opportunity to reconnect with lately because she has come back to Millville and settled down a bit with the addition of her little guy Joel.) Mary did a lot of the photography shown here. It was so wonderful to see everyone.


And of course the gifts - it is so helpful to have such wonderful things to surround the baby with and to have the help when there are so many new things needed. I have registered at babies R us and at Target. A few people went to the practical side and picked up registry gifts, a few went more practical and got the sickness supplies that otherwise I would be running out in the middle of the night for. These gals also could not resist the adorable baby clothes and found dresses and day outfits. Kathy, Jill and Dawn went to the most exclusive baby shop in Millville and found a dress with a sash, a sweater and little white shoes for her. Just absolutely gorgeous. Aunt Pat got into the action and sent a few more outfits and some cutie cutie toys up from Florida. Donna and Brenda made an adorable gift basket with an elephant toy, an outfit and one of those towels with a little hood. Make no mistake this girl will be adorably dressed in pink for the first year of her life.

It was a wonderful day, I was so happy for everyone to share in this momentous occasion with me. It meant so much to me.

Monday, April 06, 2009

Quick weekend recap

Saturday I vegged - at home slightly attached to couch. Watched some TV on the web and worked on a few scrappy projects.

Sunday - I was up and out bright and early I had some errands to run. First was the dollar store where I found the exact same candy that I trudged all the way to Dylan's Candy bar in NYC so I could feel all hoity toity - at the dollar store. And I returned something there I had bought awhile ago. Next a haircut - just a bob above my shoulders - cute! Next Target - I live like across the street but I really don't get there that often. I had a coupon for a free gift card just cause I registered there - and they honored it. YAY. I finished Target with a soft pretzal - they have the best soft pretzals and fountain cokes! Next headed to Arundel Mills - not as productive. But I did get to share a coupon with a lady at Bed Bath and Beyond so that was nice to RAK someone. Next Micheals, where I found 2 of the things I have been looking for! Finally Safeway, where I stocked up on some groceries. Headed home and felt good about a good day!

Then last night, due to some drama that is continuing so I am not going to talk about it here, I found myself awake at 3am and staring out my bathroom window - when what to my wondering eyes should appear but a deer! Just mosying through my tiny townhouse front lawn and then mosyed back to the woods. How crazy is that?!?! I would not have believed it if I did not see it.

And that sums it up!

Monday, March 30, 2009

NYC was fantastic!

NYC and the Grace Crop was just a great weekend all around!

Thursday, I left the office at 4pm and unfortunately it was raining and there was road work so what should have taken 90 minutes took 2.5 hours. After that, I met up with my mom in Pennsville (thanks for the help, Jeff) and we the rest went pretty smooth. When we arrived at the hotel, Mel was already alseep - but she had been up since 2:45 Seattle time.

Friday morning, we (Mel, my mom, my new dear wonderful friend Teri and Karen "I'm always up for a trip - heck a dog fight in back baldey"and me) got up and out and our first stop was Tinsel Trading. I love their displays but you know - the new store not as much fun. I honestly did not buy one thing. We checked out a few more places in the Garment District and then headed back to the hotel and dropped off packages and coats (weather was about 60 - perfect for just a sweater). Next we headed up town - one thing I always forget - yes the street blocks are short - but the ave blocks are LOOONNG. We eventually took a taxi. Next destination was Dylan's Candy Bar - fun! Then we wanted to have lunch at Serendipidity but the wait was too long - we went across the street to Patsy's for pizza and it was delish! We then went back to Sere... for a frozen Hot Chocolate. Then we headed to Kate's Paperie, and it was almost 4:30 by this point. We skipped our fancy dinner at Sardi's (just needed a rest) and then left for the theatre. Wicked was awesome and I was so pleased with my eBay tickets! We walked home from the theatre and fell fast asleep.

Saturday, we headed to Staten Island for the Grace Crop. We used this car service and I HIGHLY recommend them. If you ever need a car service in the NYC area they are great. Well priced, on time, they call when they are en route and then again on location! I can't stop raving about them. The Grace Crop was fabulous - Barbara and her friends do an outstanding job. As soon as we arrived, Kacey and Kristin started screaming! What a welcome! The food is so yummy - good NY Italian food. And the door prizes -
this pic is everyone from my table that won - notice who is missing?? yes me no luck continues!! Everyone at my table won but poor poor pitiful me. Second year in a row.


Sunday, we headed back to Staten Island to have have brunch at Kristin's home. Her home is beautiful, the table was beautiful, the food delicious and she even had cucumber water. She also has many scrapbook home decor projects around her home which are so much fun to check out. We of course headed down to the scrap room. We rushed out of there to make the 1:21 to the city and the 2:00 ferry. I finally rode the Staten Island Ferry - that was very cool! It was a little foggy but we could still see the Statue of Liberty and some skyline pics. Kristin had said Century 21 was 30 seconds from the Ferry - UH more like 8 blocks. We checked out Century, it was very crowded and then had lots of good buys (but not rock bottom prices) so I was ready to go about 3:30. I still had the trek home - which went very smoothly - I got taxi's quickly, the train was a quick one, traffic was easy and I was home by 9.
It was so awesome to have my last hurrah before I become a mama! Mel flying in from Seattle - it was so great to see her. Teri and Karen are so much fun and a laugh a minute and they were great traveling companions - always up for whatever. And having a weekend with my mom - another nice addition to her 65th year!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

NY Bound!

I leave tomorrow for a fun, friend, scrapbook, shopping, Tinsel Trading, Wicked weekend - (do you love the alliteration?) I am a little nervous about this trip. There are a lot of transportation logistics. And really the typical NY thing is to walk everywhere but I am six months pregnant. Of course, I am not packed yet so tonight and tomorrow morning will be a mad dash. I still have my swaps to finish. I just hope my friends give me a by - that I did the best I could to arrange a lovely weekend. I'll report back next week with lots of pictures and I know that we will have fun.

Just say a prayer that I have a safe and stress-free trip.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Whenever...

Whenever I check google reader and my dear friends have not updated and I find myself missing them - I think "Gee, maybe they feel the same way about you!"

So this is NEW with me time:

In an effort to not become a mommy blog - I'll make this quick - all is well. Doctor this morning and all my symptoms are normal. My growth is normal and my BP is normal. I feel good - not as tired as first tri, not as great as second tri.

I am in the middle of reading The Handmaid's Tale - as highly recommended by Alison. So far it is interesting and I am plowing through it but I am not captivated.

Back on the eBay fever, I have 6 items listed and lots more coming around the bend. I love getting rid of stuff and having a few dollars to show for it too!

T.C. is visiting us from Colorado and the boys have done lots of riding and just hanging out being brothers. Last night we had dinner together and then they went and got us ice cream. I really like having the two of them together - yes there is a lot more commotion. But last night as I was in my room reading and could hear them in the basement talking - I could not hear what they were saying except when they insulted each other - it just felt nice. Ernie and T.C. are exactly what brothers should be - close and fun and wrestle each other and protective and loved with no mushiness. Sadly, he leave on Monday. But he will be back the beginning of July to see the baby and attend a family reunion.

Oh I got my Stampin' Up! order this week - great chipboard album and their baby girl kit. Plan to use as the baby album for the first year. I wanted something easy - that I could just throw pictures into and not feel the need to keep up but to have something ready to show and share at the end of the year. and someplace I could journal the milestones. I need to cover the chipboard - not sure what the best way to do that is going to be.

That is all the excitement I have for now.

Monday, March 09, 2009

in response to said Tag

In response to Mel's said Tag - 4th folder, fourth picture - I present my cousin Mary's baby boy - J! This guy is so awesome - for one he is about 5 months old in this pic, we are at the Texas Roadhouse where it is very loud - and he is sitting up on the table taking a milk induced snooze.

At Christmas, about 9 months old he was teetering around and getting a few words out. Yesterday was his first birthday!! How exciting is that. Big brown eyes and just a little curl to his hair, two parents who adore him. He is a sweet little guy.

As for who I tag, I say if your reading this and go check out your 4, 4 and then if your so inclined blog about it.

Friday, March 06, 2009

Last weekend was just so great!!!

Saturday morning - early I got up, dropped Ernie off for an errand and headed to the Wee-Cycle sale in Havre de Grace. This is such a great idea!! I found a few things - I am truly trying to hold back because I know there will be gifts coming from friends and family. My fabulous photographer friend - Ashley -(seriously book a session with her - you will be thrilled with the results - she has this special camera that makes you look younger and thinner and more glamorous than you thought possible. (Insert my maternity shot she did here!!) She is bogged down now with photos from the weekend but as soon as she sends mine to me - I will post here. I left the sale and went to Anne's crop to scrapbook with all my friends. Jean made me the most adorable bibs - I LOVE more than anything a homemade gift - my friends are so talented. (Add photo here too!) Here is a shot of our table. The other great part there was sharing 3 boxes of scrappy stuff with everyone and coming home with a little cash from the swap table!!






After the crop, I drove to NJ to my mom's house! When I got there, my cousin Jeff was there - not really surprising - sometimes when he finds out I am coming, he comes down to see me. But my mom opened the door and she was dressed up, her hair was done (many many times she greets me in curlers!) and she had on makeup. They ushered me into the bathroom - I'm pregnant and had been on the road for an hour and half. And then took me into the living room to surprise me with a Baby Shower - ALL FROM MY AUNT PAT!! I was so exhausted that I asked if it would be ok for me to open in the morning. Sunday morning we had a nice breakfast and talked to Aunt Pat on the speaker phone and I opened all of these goodies. Gorgeous clothes, the softest sweetest blankets, the teeniest, tiniest socks, great organizers for the room. Everything was so perfect. My aunt has amazing taste and style - she always has!
This is my mom explaining that all of this is from my aunt! They had been in cahoots for 6 weeks to plan it out. She had mailed everything and then had my mom put bows on and fluff it up.


Can you see all the presents surrounding me? Everything was so pink and sweet and soft and perfect!!


Monday morning we woke up to a winter wonderland outside. Luckily I had planned to stay through Monday and was able to come home Tuesday morning. My mom and I lounged around, worked on some scrapbooking projects. She had made yummy food - again yummy food as rare at my mom's as makeup. We did have to take an hour or so to clean off the car and sidewalk. The neighbors were kind enough to come by and shovel her driveway.


It was a just a perfect mix of a perfect weekend!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Took care of more preparations

First of all, I spent a lot of time in the craft/guest room this weekend trying to weed out, clean out and rearrange to make room for my baby girl and my wonderful mother/live in nanny. Plus T.C. will be visiting us the whole month of March (yeah for soldiers safe arrival back to US soil!) A big bag of trash went out this morning, a big box of recycling will go out Thursday and I have lots of things to sell/give away at the crop this weekend. Lot's more to get rid of!!



Saturday we went to our friends (and Ernie's boss - technically my boss too) house and his wife, Denise loaded us up with all kinds of great baby stuff. We just went through the basement and pulled out all kinds of good stuff. Denise's dad is a hunter and has a room in his home devoted to his trophies - all I can say is it is more amazing than I would have even thought.



After that we headed to a whole other planet known as Babies R Us. Oh my goodness - I had researched ahead of time, and I had a small list but still the place was crowded and noisy - and Ernie was less than enthusiastic about the whole experience. He liked to fire the scan gun. I was just so overwhelmed when we left there. My thought is - there are a few certain things that I want - but it seems to be from a few different stores. I love the things on ETSY with this being my favorite - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19559962 Are they not beautiful?? And this hat - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19457305 How adorable is that??

Monday, February 16, 2009

Sickenly Sweet!

Friday morning, I woke up at 6:30 and had to go to the bathroom - I am 24 ish weeks pregnant - nothing earth shattering about that. Then all hell broke loose - I had caught the dreaded stomache flu. I knew exactly what to expect as Ernie had had it on Wednesday. At 6:30 am, I thought to myself 6 more hours and this will all be over. Right on cue for the next 6 hours, on the hour I wretched my poor guts out. In between, I was even slightly productive, taking calls and emails from the blackberry in bed because sitting up was more than I could handle. I slept the afternoon away and by 6:30 was done being sick (I only scheduled myself 12 hours). That is the sickenly part.

Saturday, my wonderful valentine, surprised me with roses and a perfect card that said all the things I needed to hear. He also went to the grocery store and cooked up steak, mashed potatos, and corn for dinner. We even had ice cream for dessert. Sunday, I got the best present - he started doing some fixing up around the house. The trim got painted, the bathroom wall is being patched and the broken toilet even got repaired. All the roses and chocolates in the world don't hold a candle to someone doing the home repairs.

And thats the sweet part!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

How can you not love this face?

I thought before the baby comes, I should blog about our other baby - yes the dog! I never ever ever thought I would be the owner of a pit bull. But love of my man brought this dog into my life and I am forever changed because of it. I still remember on our first date - Ernie said my dog will love you - HOW TRUE. I still remember the first time I met him - I was so afraid to put my hand out to pet him. I was so nervous of stepping on his tail and having him bite me. And that is the best part about Diesel - he senses the fear and just parks himself at your feet until you like him. He did it with my mom too!
He has a bully side too and will try to get away with as much as possible. He takes up wayyy too much of his fair share of the bed. He has torn up the carpet in the basement, the blinds on the sliding glass door, he figured out how to open the door knob so now I have to lock it.
In preparing him for the new baby, we have taken to pulling his tail, or ears or poking at him when he is sleeping, taking his food away just making sure he does not display any aggressive behavior. Sometimes he does not even wake up. Most times he gives me a look like "oh please, it is going to take more than that to get a rise out of me."
What I love most, is that if you get mad or yell, he always bounces back. His love for us never waivers. He is as happy to see me if I leave the house for 2 minutes to get the mail or 9 hours to go to work, every time he is at the door - ready to love me. I wish more relationships were like that.
I know in a few months, our lives will change. I know everyone says the dog becomes just a dog but I hope I never forget what a great dog he is. How lucky I feel to be his mommy. How much I love his face.

Monday, February 02, 2009

Early stages of nesting

So here I am about 23 weeks along - it's a girl by the way - and I have started the nesting process. On Saturday, I spent the whole day in my craft room/spare bedroom trying to clean out and even played with my scrap stuff a little. I have a bag of trash, gave away a bag of stuff on Saturday and have another bag ready for VVA to pick up on the 19th and a bag of paper recycling. And in the midst of all this I found a medical receipt good for $10.00, a gift card to Nordstrom, the wireless adaptor for the computer (yeah for having a desktop and a laptop at our house) and a 2G card for my camera. Once the current bags get moved, I will start again.

Sunday in my love for a bargain, I went to Costco and aside from the sample lunch I was served, I left with nothing. I jotted down prices for comparison sakes but I find the grocery to be about the same if not cheaper when you get stuff on sale - which I always do. I then headed over to Safeway where they were practically giving it away.

Next weekend's goal is clothes - as in closets. Then the following two weekend's I have quite a honey do list prepared - including moving furniture and maybe if I am very very lucky painting.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

My wonderful mother is turning 65!

First I can divulge all kinds of info on here because not only does she not read my blog but she does not have a computer - gasp I know.

Friday January 16th is Mom's 65th birthday. First I started this idea of a card party and contacted all sorts of friends and family to send her a birthday card to celebrate her big day. She thinks my cousin started it so I have just been playing along. It has been very fun to check in to see who mailed her a card every day.

Next I took the day off on Friday well a half day and I will be driving up to visit her and take her out for afternoon tea at this little tea shoppe in Millville. That part is a surprise -I just told her to be ready. I also plan to have some balloons in the car to tie to her mail box and her porch. Friday evening we may go to the movies or we may just watch a chick flick at home.

Saturday we are going to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Neither of us has ever been and we thought it might be fun. We jokingly said we would get a wheelchair and she can wheel me half the time and I can wheel her half the time. We plan to take a tour, eat at the Museum restaurant and check out the store - not too long a day for these gals.

Finally I purchased a digital camera for her. I thought with all the baby pictures it might be a good idea to go film free. We will see how that goes over. Sunday, I think we will spend the day training on the new camera.

I also plan to have some special treats through the 65th year!! She is such a special person in my life I wanted to do everything possible to make it a fun great day.

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Scroll past 100 things

I finally posted something I had started back on the 9th. Scroll past 100 Things to check it out.