Just back from the doctor's office and not only did I get an intra-muscular shot in my rear end that hurts like hell, but I gained another 9 lbs since my last visit! 9 pounds in 4 weeks.
Ugh.
I'm now 1 lb shy of my weight goal for the ENTIRE pregnancy, and I still have 12 weeks to go.
My new goal is to only gain 2 lbs by my next appointment, which is in three weeks. If it were tomorrow then maybe I'd have a shot at achieving my goal.
I'm not going to go nuts about this, but it is pretty frustrating when I really feel like I did a lot to watch what I ate over the last 4 weeks.
My belly is pretty large, but all of my clothes still fit, I still wear my rings with no problems, my shoes and socks are fine - where is the weight going?! I'm going to be really upset if we find out I'm carrying a 12lb baby already. At this rate, I'll be giving birth to a 4 year old in March.
On the bright side, I confirmed with my doctor today that they will not let me go more than 7 days past my due date should the little one decide to be late. Hooray!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Hamilton
Frank just got off the phone with the vet, and she is on board with the Florinef course of treatment. She has never used it before, but as it is a much more affordable option and doesn't require a monthly trip to the vet for injections (or WORSE, us learning to give him injections at home) we're going for it.
She wants us to do some research, along with her, about the potential side effects and different issues that can arise. She specifically mentioned monitoring H's electrolytes and also adding salt to his diet to help him remain hydrated. While I'm not sure how to monitor electrolytes yet, I did already begin to add salt to his food last night.
There are some great websites with information on dogs with Addison's and ways that we as owners can help to manage the disease. I'm so grateful for that! I feel like I have some direction and some things to try, and I don't feel like my world is crashing in on me (which is how I felt last night). I have every intention of doing my best to care for our dog and to simultaneously be a good steward of our finances - it will be a delicate balance, but we'll find it!
As for Hamilton, he seems to be doing better already. He certainly isn't 100% yet, but he is better. More interested in food, more wagging of the tail, responding to our voices and to treats - we're on the right path.
We've increased his steroid dosage, per our vet, and will keep them at an elevated dosage until he is back to normal. He'll eventually be back down to just 1/4 pill each morning.
I'm still not happy to find out that my darling hound has a disease that has no cure, but I'm grateful that we discovered it before it hit a 'crisis' level and that there are treatment options that won't bankrupt us or force us to make a really difficult decision.
She wants us to do some research, along with her, about the potential side effects and different issues that can arise. She specifically mentioned monitoring H's electrolytes and also adding salt to his diet to help him remain hydrated. While I'm not sure how to monitor electrolytes yet, I did already begin to add salt to his food last night.
There are some great websites with information on dogs with Addison's and ways that we as owners can help to manage the disease. I'm so grateful for that! I feel like I have some direction and some things to try, and I don't feel like my world is crashing in on me (which is how I felt last night). I have every intention of doing my best to care for our dog and to simultaneously be a good steward of our finances - it will be a delicate balance, but we'll find it!
As for Hamilton, he seems to be doing better already. He certainly isn't 100% yet, but he is better. More interested in food, more wagging of the tail, responding to our voices and to treats - we're on the right path.
We've increased his steroid dosage, per our vet, and will keep them at an elevated dosage until he is back to normal. He'll eventually be back down to just 1/4 pill each morning.
I'm still not happy to find out that my darling hound has a disease that has no cure, but I'm grateful that we discovered it before it hit a 'crisis' level and that there are treatment options that won't bankrupt us or force us to make a really difficult decision.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Bummer
***So, I thought it was cute that H was so tired out from hangin' with other dogs all weekend but it turns out that he is a very sick hound. Frank and I have spent a combined 3 hours (and lots of money) at the vet today and the preliminary diagnosis is Addison's Disease.
It is something that H will have for the rest of his life and we're currently working on figuring out how to best manage his disease once he is back to full health. Right now he is about 8-10lbs underweight and not terribly interested in food, which makes gaining those pounds back more difficult. He was very dehydrated, but has had IV fluids and we're making sure he is drinking water at home. H is getting specialty meals, though this evening he managed to pick out the hunks of chicken and leave the rice and kibble in the bowl...stinker.
I'll keep the blog posted on his status, but for now we're waiting for final tests to come back and for the steroids to kick in (help his appetite and also help with the adrenaline deficiency). We're lucky that we caught the symptoms before he got worse, this disease can be fatal if left untreated and they go into shock.
Lots of TLC and treats for now, and hopefully we'll have him back to normal soon!***
What happens when you board your two hounds with three other dogs for a long weekend? They sleep.
We don't usually cover the hounds with blankets, but we turned the heat down while we were gone so the house was still a bit chilly when they came home. It is cute, though, isn't it?!
It is something that H will have for the rest of his life and we're currently working on figuring out how to best manage his disease once he is back to full health. Right now he is about 8-10lbs underweight and not terribly interested in food, which makes gaining those pounds back more difficult. He was very dehydrated, but has had IV fluids and we're making sure he is drinking water at home. H is getting specialty meals, though this evening he managed to pick out the hunks of chicken and leave the rice and kibble in the bowl...stinker.
I'll keep the blog posted on his status, but for now we're waiting for final tests to come back and for the steroids to kick in (help his appetite and also help with the adrenaline deficiency). We're lucky that we caught the symptoms before he got worse, this disease can be fatal if left untreated and they go into shock.
Lots of TLC and treats for now, and hopefully we'll have him back to normal soon!***
What happens when you board your two hounds with three other dogs for a long weekend? They sleep.
We don't usually cover the hounds with blankets, but we turned the heat down while we were gone so the house was still a bit chilly when they came home. It is cute, though, isn't it?!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Status Update
As of Saturday, December 25th I am 27 weeks pregnant. Just under 13 weeks to go!
Lots of fetal movement, especially in the early morning and late at night. Luckily, it isn't strong enough to wake me up or keep me from sleeping but it is getting stronger so that may soon change. I'm hungry often, but it doesn't take much to fill me up - makes for frequent small meals throughout the day.
I lucked into a great sale at a Motherhood outlet store and scored two new sweaters and a dress - big win for me!
Lots of fetal movement, especially in the early morning and late at night. Luckily, it isn't strong enough to wake me up or keep me from sleeping but it is getting stronger so that may soon change. I'm hungry often, but it doesn't take much to fill me up - makes for frequent small meals throughout the day.I lucked into a great sale at a Motherhood outlet store and scored two new sweaters and a dress - big win for me!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
I'm Thankful For
-my amazing husband (I would expand on this, but that would make for a really really really long post)
-my younger hound sleeping through the night (partially thanks to my amazing husband taking them for walks)
-diet coke
My day started out just fine, but has taken a bit of a slide thanks to some hiccups at work. All of it is out of my control but all my responsibility at the same time (STRESS MUCH), so I'm trying to remain calm and stay positive. No reason to let some stuffy micromanaging procrastinating bureaucrat ruin my day/week/holiday when I have so many wonderful things and people in my life.
Though, if he keeps being a stuffy micromanaging procrastinating bureaucrat, I may have to be grateful for some frozen yogurt this afternoon.
**did you know that if you type "explitive deleted" between "<" and ">", your text will in fact be deleted?**
-my younger hound sleeping through the night (partially thanks to my amazing husband taking them for walks)
-diet coke
My day started out just fine, but has taken a bit of a slide thanks to some hiccups at work. All of it is out of my control but all my responsibility at the same time (STRESS MUCH), so I'm trying to remain calm and stay positive. No reason to let some stuffy micromanaging procrastinating bureaucrat ruin my day/week/holiday when I have so many wonderful things and people in my life.
Though, if he keeps being a stuffy micromanaging procrastinating bureaucrat
**did you know that if you type "explitive deleted" between "<" and ">", your text will in fact be deleted?**
Friday, December 17, 2010
I'm Excited About: Sleep
We had a small victory last night - we slept!
We've been trying different things to get Rutledge to sleep peacefully through the night and last night I decided that we would let both dogs stay on the bed in the living room and see how it goes. The big risk was that R tends to be a bit destructive when left uncrated (mostly trash, paper, and occasionally electrical wires), but we were getting desperate.
Frank and I went up to bed and left the hounds snuggled on their bed. No one got up to follow us, no one wandered up to whine at our door, it seemed to be working!
At 2am I woke up to whining. But it wasn't Rutledge, it was Hamilton! He was whining at the back door because he needed to go out. I let both dogs out, picked up the piece of junk mail that R had begun to demolish, and then brought them back in and sent them to the basement. I crated R and had H snuggle into his bed, then went back upstairs and....SLEPT UNTIL MY ALARM WENT OFF AT 7:04AM.
So, it wasn't a total victory as I did have to get up at 2, but I am sure I was back asleep by 2:15 and then slept for nearly 5 more hours.
We know that R still gets into trouble when left unattended, but at least we got some reasonable sleep last night!
We've been trying different things to get Rutledge to sleep peacefully through the night and last night I decided that we would let both dogs stay on the bed in the living room and see how it goes. The big risk was that R tends to be a bit destructive when left uncrated (mostly trash, paper, and occasionally electrical wires), but we were getting desperate.
Frank and I went up to bed and left the hounds snuggled on their bed. No one got up to follow us, no one wandered up to whine at our door, it seemed to be working!
At 2am I woke up to whining. But it wasn't Rutledge, it was Hamilton! He was whining at the back door because he needed to go out. I let both dogs out, picked up the piece of junk mail that R had begun to demolish, and then brought them back in and sent them to the basement. I crated R and had H snuggle into his bed, then went back upstairs and....SLEPT UNTIL MY ALARM WENT OFF AT 7:04AM.
So, it wasn't a total victory as I did have to get up at 2, but I am sure I was back asleep by 2:15 and then slept for nearly 5 more hours.
We know that R still gets into trouble when left unattended, but at least we got some reasonable sleep last night!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Happy Birthday, Frank!
Today is Frank's 30th birthday - happy birthday!
This time last year we were having dinner at Rays the Steaks and I told him, "By this time next year, we'll need to at least be talking about our plan for kids. We don't have to have one, but we need to know when we'll start trying." He agreed, and we had a lovely dinner.
This year when we go to dinner we'll be accompanied by our little one, riding safely in my belly.
Happy birthday, darling husband! Just think, this time next year you'll be getting your first birthday present from your first child!
We both love you so much, I hope you have a wonderful day
This time last year we were having dinner at Rays the Steaks and I told him, "By this time next year, we'll need to at least be talking about our plan for kids. We don't have to have one, but we need to know when we'll start trying." He agreed, and we had a lovely dinner.
This year when we go to dinner we'll be accompanied by our little one, riding safely in my belly.
Happy birthday, darling husband! Just think, this time next year you'll be getting your first birthday present from your first child!
We both love you so much, I hope you have a wonderful day
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Disaster!
I attended a holiday reception last night for a group of PAC people, and while I had a lovely time chatting with friends and colleagues and meeting new ones, disaster struck.
It was almost unnoticeable to those around me, but there was some serious panic going on in my head (and my stomach).
I ate pumpkin.
It was hidden in a tiny, bite-sized pie. The woman offering it mumbled and I thought she said "apple," which happens to be my favorite kind of pie.
Disaster.
I nearly gagged right there in front of the DC PAC world.
For those who are unaware, I hate pumpkin. To the point where I tell people, "no thank you, I'm allergic." It is that bad. I don't know why I hate it, but I do, and that fact was reaffirmed last night as I literally choked down this tiny little disgusting pie and tried not to gag on my friends.
I'm going to stop writing now because just thinking about this tragic event is making me gag. Blech.
Lesson: If the server mumbles, ask them to speak up!
It was almost unnoticeable to those around me, but there was some serious panic going on in my head (and my stomach).
I ate pumpkin.
It was hidden in a tiny, bite-sized pie. The woman offering it mumbled and I thought she said "apple," which happens to be my favorite kind of pie.
Disaster.
I nearly gagged right there in front of the DC PAC world.
For those who are unaware, I hate pumpkin. To the point where I tell people, "no thank you, I'm allergic." It is that bad. I don't know why I hate it, but I do, and that fact was reaffirmed last night as I literally choked down this tiny little disgusting pie and tried not to gag on my friends.
I'm going to stop writing now because just thinking about this tragic event is making me gag. Blech.
Lesson: If the server mumbles, ask them to speak up!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Puppy Problems
Our younger hound, Rutledge, has an annoying habit of not wanting to go to bed and then waking up well before 7am in a PANIC each morning. It is pretty annoying, especially when he throws in the 3 or 4am panic attack just for kicks.
He is still crated at night and when we're not home, and this is for the sake of our possessions. We left him uncrated a few nights ago and woke up to a total mess in the basement. He had chewed on everything he could get his little paws on, from paper to a gatorade bottle and a CD case. Basically, he proved to us that he isn't ready to sleep out in the open with Hamilton.
So, tonight I devised a plan. It is too cold and windy for Frank to take them for a walk, and keeping him awake is pretty labor intensive for us, so we've turned to raw hide.
For some reason, Rutledge takes hours to chew down a raw hide. Many, many, many hours, like days. So, here we sit enjoying some Monday Night Football while our little hound chews away at the raw hide that I gave to him 2 hours ago - he's barely made a dent. We're really hoping that this solution will help him to stay awake until bed time, and wear him out just enough that he'll both fall asleep quickly and stay asleep for the night.
Hamilton had a raw hide, too, but he is a big boy and therefore his treat was gone within an hour of giving it to him. Now he is just pacing the living room trying to figure out how to swindle Rutledge's raw hide away from him. Good luck, H, but since it is our precious sleep on the line I don't think you'll be very successful.
If this plan works, we should be able to use one raw hide for at least a week with R and hopefully we'll all sleep better for it.
He is still crated at night and when we're not home, and this is for the sake of our possessions. We left him uncrated a few nights ago and woke up to a total mess in the basement. He had chewed on everything he could get his little paws on, from paper to a gatorade bottle and a CD case. Basically, he proved to us that he isn't ready to sleep out in the open with Hamilton.
So, tonight I devised a plan. It is too cold and windy for Frank to take them for a walk, and keeping him awake is pretty labor intensive for us, so we've turned to raw hide.
For some reason, Rutledge takes hours to chew down a raw hide. Many, many, many hours, like days. So, here we sit enjoying some Monday Night Football while our little hound chews away at the raw hide that I gave to him 2 hours ago - he's barely made a dent. We're really hoping that this solution will help him to stay awake until bed time, and wear him out just enough that he'll both fall asleep quickly and stay asleep for the night.
Hamilton had a raw hide, too, but he is a big boy and therefore his treat was gone within an hour of giving it to him. Now he is just pacing the living room trying to figure out how to swindle Rutledge's raw hide away from him. Good luck, H, but since it is our precious sleep on the line I don't think you'll be very successful.
If this plan works, we should be able to use one raw hide for at least a week with R and hopefully we'll all sleep better for it.
Status Update
25 weeks, 2 days pregnant. 14 weeks, 5 days to go to due date.
Not much news to report. I'm getting bigger and I seem to tire easily. Frank has been very helpful when I have the urge to clean - we spent hours cleaning the basement, sorting through stuff and getting rid of stuff we don't need. I'm such a lucky woman!
We painted the bathroom back to "boring" since we know we're moving out. I figured it was the easiest place to start, I knew I had enough primer and the right paint color on hand to tackle the task without having to hit Home Depot. It is nice to have that task finished, and we only had a disorganized bathroom for about 24 hours.
Not much news to report. I'm getting bigger and I seem to tire easily. Frank has been very helpful when I have the urge to clean - we spent hours cleaning the basement, sorting through stuff and getting rid of stuff we don't need. I'm such a lucky woman!
We painted the bathroom back to "boring" since we know we're moving out. I figured it was the easiest place to start, I knew I had enough primer and the right paint color on hand to tackle the task without having to hit Home Depot. It is nice to have that task finished, and we only had a disorganized bathroom for about 24 hours.
Friday, December 10, 2010
I'm Excited About: Moving Again?!
Ok, so I'm actually not excited about moving again but I'm trying to at least not be completely depressed. The owner of the duplex is selling it at the end of our lease and as we're not in a position to make an offer, we're packing up and moving again.
There are good things and less than good things about this news. I'll start with the less than good things and end on the good things!
Less Than Good:
-We're either going to be moving the week of my due date, or one month after the due date. This is less than ideal because I could actually be in labor while we're in transition, OR we could have a 1 month old child during our move. Not ideal, but oh well!
-I'm tired of moving. I enjoy living in a 'home' environment and that takes time and energy to create, while we didn't ever really put our full efforts into our current place I'm not really excited to have to start over entirely somewhere else.
-We're going to be paying more rent and have less storage no matter where we go
-The potential new place doesn't have a fenced yard for the pups, so we're back to taking the dogs out when they have 'business'
-I won't get to 'nest' like I want to because we'll be in transition.
Good Things:
-The realtor who is selling our place is a sweet woman and is working really hard to help us make the transition as easy as possible. She even lobbied to have the owner let us out of our lease a month early so we wouldn't be stuck paying double rent - and so that she can show the house on the market BEFORE the baby comes! (Baby, please don't come more than 14 days early, though you are now welcome to come up to 9 days late)
-We already have a very strong lead on a new home! It is a 2.5 bedroom house that is about the same amount of square footage as our current place, but it is a free standing home - no neighbors through the walls! It is close to church, still in Arlington, an easy commute for me, etc etc.
-The landlord at this potential new place is a wonderful woman and we have it on good authority (our friends have lived there for 1.5 years now) that she is a fantastic landlord and appreciates good tenants. This is a perk that is priceless to me. I'm tired of distant owners, management companies, and corporations that really don't care about you and your family. This would not be the case at the house, quite the opposite really!
-We now have the reason and opportunity to cleanse our lives of more 'things.' You know, the stuff that accumulates because you have room for it and you 'might use it one day for something?' Yeah, we're getting rid of that before the move - if we've moved it 2 times and not used it or even thought about it, we're not moving it again.
-It looks like we'll be getting a dishwasher! new baby+bottles+dishwasher=yay!
-Walking the dogs twice daily will be good for them and for us. And with the potentially reasonable landlord, perhaps some sort of temporary dog-run can be installed over time.
-We're looking at signing a 2 year lease, which means we'd stay put for more than 12 months! Something we have yet to do since we got married. (When we move in March/April we will have been married for 3 years and we'll be settling into our 4th home.)
-I'm hoping that all of my 'nesting' instincts will make the packing, sorting, donating, life-cleansing an efficient process. When it hits, it is strong, so as long as I have somewhere to direct the energy I think I can get a lot accomplished before I'm too big to move around comfortably.
Goodness, what a life!
I hope that I'm not coming off as whiny, we really are trying to take all of this in stride knowing that God knows His plans for us and He won't give us things that we can't handle. It won't be easy, He never promised that, but it is possible and it will work out somehow!
Mostly for now this means that there won't be any more "look at this room" posts because starting this weekend it all starts coming down and getting boxed up. (Even though I did just hang three pictures upstairs, oh well) Just think, next time I have a "look what I did to decorate" post it will likely be a nursery in a new house! Isn't that exciting?!
There are good things and less than good things about this news. I'll start with the less than good things and end on the good things!
Less Than Good:
-We're either going to be moving the week of my due date, or one month after the due date. This is less than ideal because I could actually be in labor while we're in transition, OR we could have a 1 month old child during our move. Not ideal, but oh well!
-I'm tired of moving. I enjoy living in a 'home' environment and that takes time and energy to create, while we didn't ever really put our full efforts into our current place I'm not really excited to have to start over entirely somewhere else.
-We're going to be paying more rent and have less storage no matter where we go
-The potential new place doesn't have a fenced yard for the pups, so we're back to taking the dogs out when they have 'business'
-I won't get to 'nest' like I want to because we'll be in transition.
Good Things:
-The realtor who is selling our place is a sweet woman and is working really hard to help us make the transition as easy as possible. She even lobbied to have the owner let us out of our lease a month early so we wouldn't be stuck paying double rent - and so that she can show the house on the market BEFORE the baby comes! (Baby, please don't come more than 14 days early, though you are now welcome to come up to 9 days late)
-We already have a very strong lead on a new home! It is a 2.5 bedroom house that is about the same amount of square footage as our current place, but it is a free standing home - no neighbors through the walls! It is close to church, still in Arlington, an easy commute for me, etc etc.
-The landlord at this potential new place is a wonderful woman and we have it on good authority (our friends have lived there for 1.5 years now) that she is a fantastic landlord and appreciates good tenants. This is a perk that is priceless to me. I'm tired of distant owners, management companies, and corporations that really don't care about you and your family. This would not be the case at the house, quite the opposite really!
-We now have the reason and opportunity to cleanse our lives of more 'things.' You know, the stuff that accumulates because you have room for it and you 'might use it one day for something?' Yeah, we're getting rid of that before the move - if we've moved it 2 times and not used it or even thought about it, we're not moving it again.
-It looks like we'll be getting a dishwasher! new baby+bottles+dishwasher=yay!
-Walking the dogs twice daily will be good for them and for us. And with the potentially reasonable landlord, perhaps some sort of temporary dog-run can be installed over time.
-We're looking at signing a 2 year lease, which means we'd stay put for more than 12 months! Something we have yet to do since we got married. (When we move in March/April we will have been married for 3 years and we'll be settling into our 4th home.)
-I'm hoping that all of my 'nesting' instincts will make the packing, sorting, donating, life-cleansing an efficient process. When it hits, it is strong, so as long as I have somewhere to direct the energy I think I can get a lot accomplished before I'm too big to move around comfortably.
Goodness, what a life!
I hope that I'm not coming off as whiny, we really are trying to take all of this in stride knowing that God knows His plans for us and He won't give us things that we can't handle. It won't be easy, He never promised that, but it is possible and it will work out somehow!
Mostly for now this means that there won't be any more "look at this room" posts because starting this weekend it all starts coming down and getting boxed up. (Even though I did just hang three pictures upstairs, oh well) Just think, next time I have a "look what I did to decorate" post it will likely be a nursery in a new house! Isn't that exciting?!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Christmas!
I LOVE Christmas! It is my favorite holiday, by far.
I've decorated our house slowly since 11/28, because while I am a major lover of all things Christmas I am also a firm believer that Christmas doesn't start until after Thanksgiving.
We're still building our decoration stash, and I try to be a frugal shopper and only add to it during post-Christmas sales. Tough to do when you love the holiday as much as I do!
Luckily I have some Christmas-loving relatives that have pitched in to help out over the past couple years, so it isn't all left to me.
This year I'm hoping to pick up a few things: mistletoe (we have a great archway between our living and dining rooms that is BEGGING for mistletoe), a stocking for Rutledge, and maybe a couple of throw pillows.
I'm willing to wait for post-Christmas sales for all of it except for the mistletoe. I've already started shopping for some on Amazon!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
I've decorated our house slowly since 11/28, because while I am a major lover of all things Christmas I am also a firm believer that Christmas doesn't start until after Thanksgiving.
We're still building our decoration stash, and I try to be a frugal shopper and only add to it during post-Christmas sales. Tough to do when you love the holiday as much as I do!
Luckily I have some Christmas-loving relatives that have pitched in to help out over the past couple years, so it isn't all left to me.
This year I'm hoping to pick up a few things: mistletoe (we have a great archway between our living and dining rooms that is BEGGING for mistletoe), a stocking for Rutledge, and maybe a couple of throw pillows.
I'm willing to wait for post-Christmas sales for all of it except for the mistletoe. I've already started shopping for some on Amazon!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Status Update
24 weeks pregnant. 16 weeks until my due date.
Not much new, unless you count feeling great as 'new.' I've finally kicked the cold that wouldn't die, and I'm not yet to the part where I'm swollen and miserable. I'm doing my best to enjoy this time and appreciate the 'cute' part before it all goes down hill again!
BUT, I did get weighed on Friday and oops! I've gained a little more than my doctor and I had hoped. I'm not over my allotted weight yet, but considering that I have 16 weeks to go it is looking like it could easily get out of control. My doctor didn't say much other than "be careful, especially with the holidays," but I have a plan. I know why I've put on so much extra weight...dairy. I LOVE milk, I eat yogurt on a regular basis, and I have two kinds of icecream in the freezer (ok, three).
Dairy always does this to me, and I always hope that 'this time' will be different but it turns out that I'm as suceptable to dairy's evil weight piling abilities during pregnancy as I am during nonpregnancy. Bummer.
Looks like I'll be cutting back on the cereal, switching to nuts ands fruits instead of yogurt, and keeping my icecream intake to a minimal (and pre-8pm) level.
I'm not trying to lose weight, but I will be trying to 'maintain' it a bit more effectively.
Perhaps I'll even throw in a few lunch time eliptical appointments during the week, and actually start walking the dogs instead of just sending them out in the morning...don't hold your breath, hounds, but I'll try.
Not much new, unless you count feeling great as 'new.' I've finally kicked the cold that wouldn't die, and I'm not yet to the part where I'm swollen and miserable. I'm doing my best to enjoy this time and appreciate the 'cute' part before it all goes down hill again!
BUT, I did get weighed on Friday and oops! I've gained a little more than my doctor and I had hoped. I'm not over my allotted weight yet, but considering that I have 16 weeks to go it is looking like it could easily get out of control. My doctor didn't say much other than "be careful, especially with the holidays," but I have a plan. I know why I've put on so much extra weight...dairy. I LOVE milk, I eat yogurt on a regular basis, and I have two kinds of icecream in the freezer (ok, three).
Dairy always does this to me, and I always hope that 'this time' will be different but it turns out that I'm as suceptable to dairy's evil weight piling abilities during pregnancy as I am during nonpregnancy. Bummer.
Looks like I'll be cutting back on the cereal, switching to nuts ands fruits instead of yogurt, and keeping my icecream intake to a minimal (and pre-8pm) level.
I'm not trying to lose weight, but I will be trying to 'maintain' it a bit more effectively.
Perhaps I'll even throw in a few lunch time eliptical appointments during the week, and actually start walking the dogs instead of just sending them out in the morning...don't hold your breath, hounds, but I'll try.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Where Have You Been?
Took a little holiday hiatus from the blog - sorry about that. Mom, Dad, and Patrick came up to VA for Thanksgiving so I was busy off having adventures with them.
On Thursday we had Thanksgiving dinner with Tina and one of my friends from high school and her husband. It was fun to get to sit down with everyone and then hang out digesting for a while. There was a lot of football to be had, as well as plenty of food (even though we had one casualty - the green bean casserole didn't make it...moment of silence for the casserole dish that also didn't make it). We mostly lounged around after dinner and then everyone hit the hay.
Friday consisted of more football, this time of the college variety. We all watched as Alabama choked against Auburn, none of us really knowing what to do since we strongly dislike both teams. In the end, we were mostly rooting for Auburn to get knocked around enough that they might be a little slow next week against the Gamecocks in the SEC championship game.
We decided to venture into the city on Saturday to see the Norman Rockwell exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery/National Gallery of Art (same building...two names). The Rockwell exhibit was really cool, and is made up of the two private collections of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The one question that was left unanswered for me is, do they have these pieces on display somewhere all of the time? Or do they live in storage?
We also got to see one of Dad's sisters and her family. Frank and I see them on occasion, but my parents only see them every other year or so, so it was a nice visit. The four of us went back to the gallery afterward, I wanted Dad to see the Presidential portrait exhibit. It is a permanent exhibit, and one of my favorites in DC. If you've never been, I highly recommend it! They have at least one portrait of every president as well as some other cool paintings and artifacts throughout the hall.
Saturday night was, of course, highlighted by the sound beating that the Gamecocks delivered to the Clemson Tiggers. Nothing says 'quality family time' like gathering to watch the sad faces of Clemson fans on a big tv. 29-7. Lovely.
Today was brief; church then departures. The SC crew hit the road around 11, hopefully beating a lot of the other traffic on I-95 S.
Things I'm thankful for, looking back on this weekend:
1. Dad kept on top of our dishes. With 5 adults in the house and no dishwasher, it was a life-saver to have such a vigilant dish washer among us. I think I thanked him 100 times, but I'm not sure it was enough!
2. Success in hosting the family. I know my family, and I generally can anticipate their needs, but there is always that nervous "what if we forgot something important" feeling just before the arrive. My parents and brother were great guests, helpful, happy, easy, and I'm glad Frank and I had the opportunity to host them for the holiday.
3. The Gamecocks pounded the Tiggers. 'Nuff Said.
4. The hounds behaved....mostly.
On Thursday we had Thanksgiving dinner with Tina and one of my friends from high school and her husband. It was fun to get to sit down with everyone and then hang out digesting for a while. There was a lot of football to be had, as well as plenty of food (even though we had one casualty - the green bean casserole didn't make it...moment of silence for the casserole dish that also didn't make it). We mostly lounged around after dinner and then everyone hit the hay.
Friday consisted of more football, this time of the college variety. We all watched as Alabama choked against Auburn, none of us really knowing what to do since we strongly dislike both teams. In the end, we were mostly rooting for Auburn to get knocked around enough that they might be a little slow next week against the Gamecocks in the SEC championship game.
We decided to venture into the city on Saturday to see the Norman Rockwell exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery/National Gallery of Art (same building...two names). The Rockwell exhibit was really cool, and is made up of the two private collections of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The one question that was left unanswered for me is, do they have these pieces on display somewhere all of the time? Or do they live in storage?
We also got to see one of Dad's sisters and her family. Frank and I see them on occasion, but my parents only see them every other year or so, so it was a nice visit. The four of us went back to the gallery afterward, I wanted Dad to see the Presidential portrait exhibit. It is a permanent exhibit, and one of my favorites in DC. If you've never been, I highly recommend it! They have at least one portrait of every president as well as some other cool paintings and artifacts throughout the hall.
Saturday night was, of course, highlighted by the sound beating that the Gamecocks delivered to the Clemson Tiggers. Nothing says 'quality family time' like gathering to watch the sad faces of Clemson fans on a big tv. 29-7. Lovely.
Today was brief; church then departures. The SC crew hit the road around 11, hopefully beating a lot of the other traffic on I-95 S.
Things I'm thankful for, looking back on this weekend:
1. Dad kept on top of our dishes. With 5 adults in the house and no dishwasher, it was a life-saver to have such a vigilant dish washer among us. I think I thanked him 100 times, but I'm not sure it was enough!
2. Success in hosting the family. I know my family, and I generally can anticipate their needs, but there is always that nervous "what if we forgot something important" feeling just before the arrive. My parents and brother were great guests, helpful, happy, easy, and I'm glad Frank and I had the opportunity to host them for the holiday.
3. The Gamecocks pounded the Tiggers. 'Nuff Said.
4. The hounds behaved....mostly.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Forgot to give this one a title
1. I started to clean yesterday (inspired by my husband who cleaned his side of the room on Friday!) and ended up taking pictures off of walls, patching holes with spackle, doing touch-up painting in the dining room/living room, and cleaning out space in the basement.
Two full trash bags and three trips out to the recycling bin later...I wasn't near finished. I vacuumed, resisted the urge to clean out the coat closet (might do that today), and did my laundry. The combination of house guests coming and being pregnant has hit - it took all of my strength not to paint the stairwell and REpaint the bathroom. Not kidding.
2. The Colts lost to the Patriots last night. Not only that, but they lost because Manning threw 3 picks in the game - that is for a season total of 7...he almost doubled his season total during this game. Not fun, especially when your husband is a Patriot fan. Ick.
There is always next year - yes, I'm writing this year off already - and maybe Manning should take it easy for the rest of the year and we'll come back 110% next year when half of the team isn't hurt.
3. My smaller hound is having issues, which is causing me to have issue. R wakes up at 6:56am every day, no matter what and begins to FREAK OUT as if someone is stabbing him in the face. Then, once let out to 'do his business' he won't go back to sleep. If he keeps this up, someone might give him a reason to FREAK OUT...
The amount of exercise he gets is more than the average hound, and it doesn't matter how much water he drinks, or what time he goes to bed. There aren't even any noises that we can pinpoint that would wake him up. THERE ARE ALSO TWO OTHER DOGS SLEEPING PEACEFULLY BESIDE HIM WHO SEEM TO BE FULLY CAPABLE OF SLEEPING PAST 7AM.
4. I am hungry all of the time. We need to finalize our Thanksgiving menu, we then need to go to the store to purchase the necessary items. This could be disastrous. I may have to send Frank all by himself for fear that I'll forget to buy a turkey but remember to buy cookie dough.
5. I've never been one to have dry skin issues or use lotion on a regular basis. This has changed, and now I am applying generous amounts of lotion to my belly every night before bed and every morning after I shower. My legs and hands have also decided that they thirst for lotion, so that is a fun new routine for me.
6. That is all for now, maybe there will be more insanity later...stay tuned.
Status: 22 weeks, 2 days pregnant. 17 weeks, 5 days to due date.
Two full trash bags and three trips out to the recycling bin later...I wasn't near finished. I vacuumed, resisted the urge to clean out the coat closet (might do that today), and did my laundry. The combination of house guests coming and being pregnant has hit - it took all of my strength not to paint the stairwell and REpaint the bathroom. Not kidding.
2. The Colts lost to the Patriots last night. Not only that, but they lost because Manning threw 3 picks in the game - that is for a season total of 7...he almost doubled his season total during this game. Not fun, especially when your husband is a Patriot fan. Ick.
There is always next year - yes, I'm writing this year off already - and maybe Manning should take it easy for the rest of the year and we'll come back 110% next year when half of the team isn't hurt.
3. My smaller hound is having issues, which is causing me to have issue. R wakes up at 6:56am every day, no matter what and begins to FREAK OUT as if someone is stabbing him in the face. Then, once let out to 'do his business' he won't go back to sleep. If he keeps this up, someone might give him a reason to FREAK OUT...
The amount of exercise he gets is more than the average hound, and it doesn't matter how much water he drinks, or what time he goes to bed. There aren't even any noises that we can pinpoint that would wake him up. THERE ARE ALSO TWO OTHER DOGS SLEEPING PEACEFULLY BESIDE HIM WHO SEEM TO BE FULLY CAPABLE OF SLEEPING PAST 7AM.
4. I am hungry all of the time. We need to finalize our Thanksgiving menu, we then need to go to the store to purchase the necessary items. This could be disastrous. I may have to send Frank all by himself for fear that I'll forget to buy a turkey but remember to buy cookie dough.
5. I've never been one to have dry skin issues or use lotion on a regular basis. This has changed, and now I am applying generous amounts of lotion to my belly every night before bed and every morning after I shower. My legs and hands have also decided that they thirst for lotion, so that is a fun new routine for me.
6. That is all for now, maybe there will be more insanity later...stay tuned.
Status: 22 weeks, 2 days pregnant. 17 weeks, 5 days to due date.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Seriously?!
When did it become mid-November? Thanksgiving is next week, real winter weather is headed our way this weekend, Macy's windows are all covered up because they are doing their big Christmas window display reveal next week.
When did this happen?? I need a week off to catch up with life or else I'm going to be ready for Christmas some time in February.
Anyway, the good news is that my parents and younger brother will be making their way up to our house next week for Thanksgiving! I'm looking forward to spending some down time with them up in our neck of the woods. I really do love where we live, I just get so caught up in life that I often forget to take advantage of it. Hopefully I can do a little DC living while the family is in town.
When did this happen?? I need a week off to catch up with life or else I'm going to be ready for Christmas some time in February.
Anyway, the good news is that my parents and younger brother will be making their way up to our house next week for Thanksgiving! I'm looking forward to spending some down time with them up in our neck of the woods. I really do love where we live, I just get so caught up in life that I often forget to take advantage of it. Hopefully I can do a little DC living while the family is in town.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Status Update
A week or so ago I began to notice a new feeling in my abdomen that was happening somewhat regularly. It took a while to figure out what it was because 1)I've never been pregnant before 2)It didn't feel like 'flutters' 3)pregnant women are gassy so I kind of wrote it off as gas 4)It felt like little muscle spasms so I sort of thought my uterus was having small growing pains/spasms
Anyway, turns out it is the kid! I can't say if it is kicks, punches, or flips but I do know that it is fetal movement. It happens most often mid morning, around dinner time, and when I lay down to go to sleep.
The coolest part, in my opinion, is that Frank can feel it now, too! It took a few days of trying before he felt it, but earlier this week it happened! It was neat to see him react to the feeling - it is still faint like a small misplaced heartbeat.
I'm doing my best to enjoy it now when it is small and only occasional. I know later I'll be begging the little person to stop so I can go to sleep!
Another milestone, passed.
I am 21 weeks pregnant, 19 weeks until the due date.
Anyway, turns out it is the kid! I can't say if it is kicks, punches, or flips but I do know that it is fetal movement. It happens most often mid morning, around dinner time, and when I lay down to go to sleep.
The coolest part, in my opinion, is that Frank can feel it now, too! It took a few days of trying before he felt it, but earlier this week it happened! It was neat to see him react to the feeling - it is still faint like a small misplaced heartbeat.
I'm doing my best to enjoy it now when it is small and only occasional. I know later I'll be begging the little person to stop so I can go to sleep!
Another milestone, passed.
I am 21 weeks pregnant, 19 weeks until the due date.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Ode to Potbelly
I don't know how I ever lived without you
I don't think I could live without ever again
Your Italian sandwich is enchanting
And your cookies are perfect to the end.
Your location is so convenient to my office
The pricing is so very hard to compete with
The online ordering is so simple
A happy life without you is now a myth
I loved you even before I was pregnant
And I promise to love you forever more
However, if I keep eating with you often
I may someday no longer fit through your door
(In case you don't have a Potbelly near you, or you do and have never gone inside - I highly highly recommend it! You can search for locations on their website, http://www.potbelly.com/)
I don't think I could live without ever again
Your Italian sandwich is enchanting
And your cookies are perfect to the end.
Your location is so convenient to my office
The pricing is so very hard to compete with
The online ordering is so simple
A happy life without you is now a myth
I loved you even before I was pregnant
And I promise to love you forever more
However, if I keep eating with you often
I may someday no longer fit through your door
(In case you don't have a Potbelly near you, or you do and have never gone inside - I highly highly recommend it! You can search for locations on their website, http://www.potbelly.com/)
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Status Update
WOOOOOOAAAAAAH We're half way there! OOOOOOOOOOH livin' on a prayer!
We had our 20 week scan yesterday and everything looks great! We counted fingers and toes, and even saw the baby's brain (already his/her daddy's boy/girl!). The technician told us that the baby is measuring 1 day ahead of schedule, which works for me.
baby toes!
I am 20 weeks pregnant.
20 weeks until our due date.
I'm starting to feel the baby ( I think ) move around a little. Tends to be when I have a full bladder...though that may be unfair because it seems I always have a full bladder these days.
They didn't weigh me so I don't know if I've gained any more.
And the fun pregnancy activity of the week is......wait for it......teenage style breakouts on my face! Yay! Combine that with my awesome head cold and therefore super dry nose (due to all of nose blowing) and I'm your every day 14 year old boy! My face is oily, dry, broken out, and red all at once - awesome! It will pass, it will pass, it will pass.
We had our 20 week scan yesterday and everything looks great! We counted fingers and toes, and even saw the baby's brain (already his/her daddy's boy/girl!). The technician told us that the baby is measuring 1 day ahead of schedule, which works for me.
baby toes!
I am 20 weeks pregnant.
20 weeks until our due date.
I'm starting to feel the baby ( I think ) move around a little. Tends to be when I have a full bladder...though that may be unfair because it seems I always have a full bladder these days.
They didn't weigh me so I don't know if I've gained any more.
And the fun pregnancy activity of the week is......wait for it......teenage style breakouts on my face! Yay! Combine that with my awesome head cold and therefore super dry nose (due to all of nose blowing) and I'm your every day 14 year old boy! My face is oily, dry, broken out, and red all at once - awesome! It will pass, it will pass, it will pass.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
A New Twist on "Leftovers"
We didn't have nearly as many Trick or Treaters as we thought we'd get, so we've been left with two very large bags of candy. I had heard of something a while ago and decided that I'd give it a try.
Halloween Candy Pie!
One pie crust, one pie pan (or small casserole dish if you are me), and a bunch of candy is all you need. I filled the pie crust with M&Ms, snickers, twix, etc and popped it into the oven for about 45 minutes on 350. Let the pie cool until the chocolate sets, then, go for it!
It is sweet, and a little bit chewy from all of the melted caramel.
Who knows how much of this we'll eat, and how many cavities we'll get in the process, but it was a fun experiment and I'm glad I did it!
Halloween Candy Pie!
One pie crust, one pie pan (or small casserole dish if you are me), and a bunch of candy is all you need. I filled the pie crust with M&Ms, snickers, twix, etc and popped it into the oven for about 45 minutes on 350. Let the pie cool until the chocolate sets, then, go for it!
It is sweet, and a little bit chewy from all of the melted caramel.
Who knows how much of this we'll eat, and how many cavities we'll get in the process, but it was a fun experiment and I'm glad I did it!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Happy Election Day!
Just your friendly neighborhood reminder to go vote today! Just because it is a midterm election, doesn't mean it isn't as important as a presidential year! No matter what side of the aisle you associate with, or what your biggest issue is, every election is a chance to have your voice heard.
I hope you've taken time to brush up on your issues and candidates. The worst kind of voter is an uneducated voter! Find out what matters most to you, starting at the local level, and familiarize yourself with your candidates. You'd be amazed at the impact your local leaders have, and they need your support and constant interaction!
Sure, sure, Congress matters but the best governing happens at home. Remember to support your local school board, county council, even the dog catcher! These are the people that know your neighborhood and they need your support if they are going to do their jobs well.
Always remember, Vote Early and Vote Often!
I hope you've taken time to brush up on your issues and candidates. The worst kind of voter is an uneducated voter! Find out what matters most to you, starting at the local level, and familiarize yourself with your candidates. You'd be amazed at the impact your local leaders have, and they need your support and constant interaction!
Sure, sure, Congress matters but the best governing happens at home. Remember to support your local school board, county council, even the dog catcher! These are the people that know your neighborhood and they need your support if they are going to do their jobs well.
Always remember, Vote Early and Vote Often!
Monday, November 1, 2010
I'm Excited About: Owls & Apples
I decided to make my own nursery bedding after fruitlessly looking for a set that appealed to me (that was not insanely expensive). So far I've chosen the fabric, purchased the bumper pads, and gone over the pattern for all of the pieces.
Since our housing situation is still somewhat up in the air, the only plans we're making for the nursery involve the items that would move with us if we moved. I'll paint the walls back to a neutral/sand color to satisfy both the colors in the nursery and the possibility that we'll be moving again in early 2011.
The owls & apples will be the bumper cover, with the yellow gingham used for the ties. The yellow gingham will be the bed skirt, possibly with a line of owls & apples a couple inches up from the bottom (if I have enough fabric). The curtains will be a combination of the two, as will a throw pillow or two (for me in the rocker, not for the crib). And lastly, I've decided to make a ribbon board with the owls & apples - somewhere to keep all of the cards and things we've been receiving.
I was originally looking for a bright green gingham to be the complimentary fabric, but after scouring three different fabric stores I decided to go a different route. I chose yellow gingham! I even took a picture of it next to the main fabric, but somehow I deleted it just now. Cool.
Since our housing situation is still somewhat up in the air, the only plans we're making for the nursery involve the items that would move with us if we moved. I'll paint the walls back to a neutral/sand color to satisfy both the colors in the nursery and the possibility that we'll be moving again in early 2011.
The owls & apples will be the bumper cover, with the yellow gingham used for the ties. The yellow gingham will be the bed skirt, possibly with a line of owls & apples a couple inches up from the bottom (if I have enough fabric). The curtains will be a combination of the two, as will a throw pillow or two (for me in the rocker, not for the crib). And lastly, I've decided to make a ribbon board with the owls & apples - somewhere to keep all of the cards and things we've been receiving.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Waiting
I'm waiting for:
1. The anti-bark collar we ordered for Hamilton. It sprays citronella at his face when he barks. This would be mean if he only barked to come inside, go outside, alert us to something, etc, but he doesn't do that. He stands in the back yard and barks at (wait for it.....) NOTHING. So, yeah, he's getting an anti-bark collar.
2. The prong collars we ordered for both hounds. These are the ones that look mean and scary, but in reality are perfectly safe (when used properly) and are a great training tool. The hounds have to learn to walk like gentlemen on their leash if preggo me is going to be able to walk them, not to mention being able to walk them with a baby strapped to my chest/in a stroller.
3. My bumper form I ordered this week. I decided a little while ago that I would be making my own crib bedding, and since I have the bumper fabric picked out all I'm waiting for is the form (stuffing). I still need the complimentary fabric, but that will have to wait.
4. Our 20 week anatomy scan next Friday. We aren't finding out the sex of the baby, but it will be nice to see the little one again!
5. And finally, our first day care tour and interview. I stumbled upon a place pretty close by to our house and we're going to check it out next week. The wait list isn't too long, actually seems to be just about right for our due date and my return to work!
1. The anti-bark collar we ordered for Hamilton. It sprays citronella at his face when he barks. This would be mean if he only barked to come inside, go outside, alert us to something, etc, but he doesn't do that. He stands in the back yard and barks at (wait for it.....) NOTHING. So, yeah, he's getting an anti-bark collar.
2. The prong collars we ordered for both hounds. These are the ones that look mean and scary, but in reality are perfectly safe (when used properly) and are a great training tool. The hounds have to learn to walk like gentlemen on their leash if preggo me is going to be able to walk them, not to mention being able to walk them with a baby strapped to my chest/in a stroller.
3. My bumper form I ordered this week. I decided a little while ago that I would be making my own crib bedding, and since I have the bumper fabric picked out all I'm waiting for is the form (stuffing). I still need the complimentary fabric, but that will have to wait.
4. Our 20 week anatomy scan next Friday. We aren't finding out the sex of the baby, but it will be nice to see the little one again!
5. And finally, our first day care tour and interview. I stumbled upon a place pretty close by to our house and we're going to check it out next week. The wait list isn't too long, actually seems to be just about right for our due date and my return to work!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Status Update
18 weeks pregnant
22 weeks until due date
Baby is approximately 5.5 inches long and weighs more than 6.5 ounces.
As for me, I'm nearly 100% in maternity clothes now. I've started to pack away my pre-preggo clothes as I do my laundry, which is making my closet and dresser drawers look very sad! I managed to wear normal pants yesterday, but they are a size up and low slung on my hips. I'm hoping to turn them into maternity pants with an elastic band (they were a score from the clothes swap, so if it fails I won't have wasted any money). I really like them though, so I hope it works!
22 weeks until due date
Baby is approximately 5.5 inches long and weighs more than 6.5 ounces.
As for me, I'm nearly 100% in maternity clothes now. I've started to pack away my pre-preggo clothes as I do my laundry, which is making my closet and dresser drawers look very sad! I managed to wear normal pants yesterday, but they are a size up and low slung on my hips. I'm hoping to turn them into maternity pants with an elastic band (they were a score from the clothes swap, so if it fails I won't have wasted any money). I really like them though, so I hope it works!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Something Exciting Happened!
Frank passed the Virginia Bar! He is now an official licensed attorney!
Hooray!
Hooray!
I'm Excited About: Baby Stuff
This weekend I'm attending a baby shower for some friends of ours, then on Monday I'm going in for my 2nd trimester screenings appointment and hopefully another sonogram (or at least a doppler).
The baby shower rush that hit me during the last 12-18 months slowed down a few months ago so it has been a while since I've attended one. I'm really looking forward to this shower as it is a different group of people than usual - not that I don't love the 'usual' crowd, I'm just excited to see and meet new friends, too!
Speaking of the 'usual' crowd, I just have to mention that they are some of the coolest and kindest ladies you could ever hope to call your friends. As the news of our pregnancy made the rounds, I got calls, emails, and even cards from many of the women whose babies we've celebrated in this past year and a half. And the advice is priceless! They are all too sweet to offer advice, and they are right there for me with my endless list of questions and concerns.
I'll let you know how the next appointment goes, but don't hold your breath hoping to find out if we're having a boy or a girl - we're waiting for the birth to find out ourselves!
The baby shower rush that hit me during the last 12-18 months slowed down a few months ago so it has been a while since I've attended one. I'm really looking forward to this shower as it is a different group of people than usual - not that I don't love the 'usual' crowd, I'm just excited to see and meet new friends, too!
Speaking of the 'usual' crowd, I just have to mention that they are some of the coolest and kindest ladies you could ever hope to call your friends. As the news of our pregnancy made the rounds, I got calls, emails, and even cards from many of the women whose babies we've celebrated in this past year and a half. And the advice is priceless! They are all too sweet to offer advice, and they are right there for me with my endless list of questions and concerns.
I'll let you know how the next appointment goes, but don't hold your breath hoping to find out if we're having a boy or a girl - we're waiting for the birth to find out ourselves!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
I Fixed It!
For some reason I really enjoy fixing things and/or putting things together. Whenever we buy a bookshelf or other piece of furniture from Ikea, I can't wait to put it together! Our couch even came in pieces from the distributor and I had a blast working with Frank to get it all fixed up.
I have no explanation for my love of constructing and fixing things, it is just something that is part of me.
There is a bowl in our kitchen that has a chip in it - I have saved the chip and am waiting/trying to remember to buy the right kind of glue so that I can replace it. I'll be so happy when it happens!
Yesterday, I fixed a lamp. It wasn't terribly difficult or exciting, except that in my last two attempts to fix the lamp I've blown the fuse for the entire first floor of our home. Oops. But, I tried it again last night - did a little more thinking, and was able to come up with a solution that accomplished two things: 1. I didn't not lose power on the first floor of our home when I plugged it in. 2. The light came on when I flipped the switch!
I am quite proud of myself, and rode the high of having accomplished this task for most of last night. Yay me!
Now, if any puppy of mine decides to chew on a wire again - my hope is that it will be a live wire this time and puppy will learn his lesson on his own. That is how the first one figured it out, and he doesn't seem too terribly affected by the ordeal!
I have no explanation for my love of constructing and fixing things, it is just something that is part of me.
There is a bowl in our kitchen that has a chip in it - I have saved the chip and am waiting/trying to remember to buy the right kind of glue so that I can replace it. I'll be so happy when it happens!
Yesterday, I fixed a lamp. It wasn't terribly difficult or exciting, except that in my last two attempts to fix the lamp I've blown the fuse for the entire first floor of our home. Oops. But, I tried it again last night - did a little more thinking, and was able to come up with a solution that accomplished two things: 1. I didn't not lose power on the first floor of our home when I plugged it in. 2. The light came on when I flipped the switch!
I am quite proud of myself, and rode the high of having accomplished this task for most of last night. Yay me!
Now, if any puppy of mine decides to chew on a wire again - my hope is that it will be a live wire this time and puppy will learn his lesson on his own. That is how the first one figured it out, and he doesn't seem too terribly affected by the ordeal!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Status Update
17 weeks pregnant
23 weeks until due date
Baby's length: 5 inches
Baby's weight: 6 ounces
23 weeks until due date
Baby's length: 5 inches
Baby's weight: 6 ounces
Friday, October 15, 2010
I'm Excited About: 3rd Annual Clothes Swap
The clothes swap is tomorrow! The clothes swap is tomorrow!
There isn't one part of this event that doesn't excite me! I get to hang out with lots of great girls, shop for free clothes in my own home, eat yummy treats, and get rid of some of the 'stuff' in my life. Sounds like a heavenly day to me!
Here is a final plea (and invitation) to scrounge up your 'stuff' and head over to our house tomorrow at 12 noon. Just look at the list of great things about the event! How can anyone say no to that?
And a reminder that even if you can't come for the actual event, or if you can only come for 5 minutes - come anyway and dump your stuff! I'll happily take it to the donation center with everyone else's stuff. (And you can claim the charitable donation for yourself, I only claim the things that are mine, fyi)
I hope to see you tomorrow!
There isn't one part of this event that doesn't excite me! I get to hang out with lots of great girls, shop for free clothes in my own home, eat yummy treats, and get rid of some of the 'stuff' in my life. Sounds like a heavenly day to me!
Here is a final plea (and invitation) to scrounge up your 'stuff' and head over to our house tomorrow at 12 noon. Just look at the list of great things about the event! How can anyone say no to that?
And a reminder that even if you can't come for the actual event, or if you can only come for 5 minutes - come anyway and dump your stuff! I'll happily take it to the donation center with everyone else's stuff. (And you can claim the charitable donation for yourself, I only claim the things that are mine, fyi)
I hope to see you tomorrow!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Need. More. Sleep.
The title of this post was actually a tweet I posted the other day, and is still true.
Last night I went to bed at 9:30pm (immediately came home from small group, went upstairs, brushed teeth, put on pjs, got in bed) and slept until almost 8am (made the morning rush to work a little more rushed, but it is raining and that slows down everything anyway). Do the math with me - 9:30pm to 8am... that is 10.5 hours of sleep.
I will say that I feel pretty rested today, but it is only 10:30am and I'm not sure how long this feeling will last. There is a good chance that my body will go into Nap Mode around 2pm, between my two lunches.
This whole 'growing another person' thing is really tiring!
I'm doing my best to get to bed on time these days. I've given up all but one tv show that I watch on a weekly basis - and it comes on at 8pm! All other shows have been relegated to Hulu when I have time.
I've always needed more sleep than the average bear, but this is a new experience all together. Before, I would just need to sleep in once a week or so to catch up on my Zzzs, but now I'm falling asleep at my desk in the afternoon, falling asleep at the end of small group, falling asleep during the 9th inning of the Braves' must win play off game! (I almost missed the end of Bobby Cox' managerial career - for those of you that know me AT ALL, you know how insane that is)
Anyway, I'm trying to roll with the new 'normal' and get the rest my body is demanding. I know it is for a great cause, so if I need to go to bed at 9pm every night so be it.
I just hope this kid I'm cookin' is as good of a sleeper that I was, and still am.
Last night I went to bed at 9:30pm (immediately came home from small group, went upstairs, brushed teeth, put on pjs, got in bed) and slept until almost 8am (made the morning rush to work a little more rushed, but it is raining and that slows down everything anyway). Do the math with me - 9:30pm to 8am... that is 10.5 hours of sleep.
I will say that I feel pretty rested today, but it is only 10:30am and I'm not sure how long this feeling will last. There is a good chance that my body will go into Nap Mode around 2pm, between my two lunches.
This whole 'growing another person' thing is really tiring!
I'm doing my best to get to bed on time these days. I've given up all but one tv show that I watch on a weekly basis - and it comes on at 8pm! All other shows have been relegated to Hulu when I have time.
I've always needed more sleep than the average bear, but this is a new experience all together. Before, I would just need to sleep in once a week or so to catch up on my Zzzs, but now I'm falling asleep at my desk in the afternoon, falling asleep at the end of small group, falling asleep during the 9th inning of the Braves' must win play off game! (I almost missed the end of Bobby Cox' managerial career - for those of you that know me AT ALL, you know how insane that is)
Anyway, I'm trying to roll with the new 'normal' and get the rest my body is demanding. I know it is for a great cause, so if I need to go to bed at 9pm every night so be it.
I just hope this kid I'm cookin' is as good of a sleeper that I was, and still am.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Status Update
Meant to do this on Saturday, but forgot.
16 weeks, 3 days along.
23 weeks, 4 days until 'due date'
I don't have another appointment until the end of this month so I don't have a weight update for you, but I can tell you that non-maternity clothes aren't cutting it anymore. I have a few skirts I can wear that sit below my now nonexistent waist, but other than that I'm wearing maternity jeans and dresses.
I few darling friends have offered loaner maternity clothes, which is a huge money saver and greatly appreciated! The four pieces I've purchased myself have set us back $120, but would have been $175 if not for a nifty coupon for Gap. You can see how acquiring an entirely new wardrobe for the next 6-9 months could get out of control financially, so I am continuing to shop sales and plan to hit some consignment shops around town to help cushion the blow.
It would be nice if I were allowed to wear jeans to work, but I'm not - and that is the ONLY thing that I don't love about this company and its policies toward pregnancy/maternity/family. Everything else is wonderful, so I try not to focus too much on the 'no jeans' policy.
Anyway, according to thebump.com the baby is approximately the size of an avocado. I think they mean the normal avocado, not the 'low fat' ones that are huge. 4-5 inches long, and 3-4 oz in weight.
I haven't felt movement yet, but it is becoming less comfortable to sleep on my stomach - something I will be sad to lose soon.
16 weeks, 3 days along.
23 weeks, 4 days until 'due date'
I don't have another appointment until the end of this month so I don't have a weight update for you, but I can tell you that non-maternity clothes aren't cutting it anymore. I have a few skirts I can wear that sit below my now nonexistent waist, but other than that I'm wearing maternity jeans and dresses.
I few darling friends have offered loaner maternity clothes, which is a huge money saver and greatly appreciated! The four pieces I've purchased myself have set us back $120, but would have been $175 if not for a nifty coupon for Gap. You can see how acquiring an entirely new wardrobe for the next 6-9 months could get out of control financially, so I am continuing to shop sales and plan to hit some consignment shops around town to help cushion the blow.
It would be nice if I were allowed to wear jeans to work, but I'm not - and that is the ONLY thing that I don't love about this company and its policies toward pregnancy/maternity/family. Everything else is wonderful, so I try not to focus too much on the 'no jeans' policy.
Anyway, according to thebump.com the baby is approximately the size of an avocado. I think they mean the normal avocado, not the 'low fat' ones that are huge. 4-5 inches long, and 3-4 oz in weight.
I haven't felt movement yet, but it is becoming less comfortable to sleep on my stomach - something I will be sad to lose soon.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
28-35
Frank and I took a little road trip to Philadelphia this past weekend with another couple who went to college with Frank. We went to the University of Pennsylvania to see Dartmouth take on Penn in football.
The drive up was mostly uneventful, save a little bit of heavy traffic here and there. The ladies took the back seat and we never ran out of things to talk about, which I partially credit to the fact that we're both pregnant! Although, she is all 'cute pregnant' with her bump and I'm still just 'bloated pregnant' with the only bump being the extra pounds I've started to collect.
The game was exciting, even leading to a riveting overtime, but in the end Penn came away with the win. Dartmouth played a great game, and the surprisingly large crowd cheered with energy throughout the entire afternoon. Their record is now 2-1, which is a pretty good start for the Big Green!
One weird thing...at the end of the third quarter, when the Penn side sang their alma mater, they threw toast down onto the track around the field. Frank said it is a tradition based on a pun of "give a toast to dear old Penn," but we all agreed it seemed silly, wasteful, and messy. They even had a zamboni-like vacuum machine that some poor groundskeeper had to drive around during the fourth quarter to pick up all of the bread!
The weather was perfect, if not a little on the warm side, the company was excellent, and the game was great (up until the very end). All in all, a great way to spend a fall Saturday!
The drive up was mostly uneventful, save a little bit of heavy traffic here and there. The ladies took the back seat and we never ran out of things to talk about, which I partially credit to the fact that we're both pregnant! Although, she is all 'cute pregnant' with her bump and I'm still just 'bloated pregnant' with the only bump being the extra pounds I've started to collect.
The game was exciting, even leading to a riveting overtime, but in the end Penn came away with the win. Dartmouth played a great game, and the surprisingly large crowd cheered with energy throughout the entire afternoon. Their record is now 2-1, which is a pretty good start for the Big Green!
One weird thing...at the end of the third quarter, when the Penn side sang their alma mater, they threw toast down onto the track around the field. Frank said it is a tradition based on a pun of "give a toast to dear old Penn," but we all agreed it seemed silly, wasteful, and messy. They even had a zamboni-like vacuum machine that some poor groundskeeper had to drive around during the fourth quarter to pick up all of the bread!
The weather was perfect, if not a little on the warm side, the company was excellent, and the game was great (up until the very end). All in all, a great way to spend a fall Saturday!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Visitors
We have two friends staying with us for a little while - one is a person and one is the sweetest, most well-behaved golden retriever you've ever met! We're happy to have both of them here, and I think even the hounds are learning to enjoy sharing their space!
Here is Hamilton (the non-snuggly one) hanging on his bed with Ms Milly (also not much of a snuggler, at least with other dogs) - both being very careful to have no contact with each other. Its like a jr. high dance on that dog bed!
We're hoping the hounds will pick up some of Milly's good manners while she is here. No luck so far, but we've got time.
I didn't want to leave the little dude out, so here is a gratuitous (and weird) picture of Rutledge.
Here is Hamilton (the non-snuggly one) hanging on his bed with Ms Milly (also not much of a snuggler, at least with other dogs) - both being very careful to have no contact with each other. Its like a jr. high dance on that dog bed!
We're hoping the hounds will pick up some of Milly's good manners while she is here. No luck so far, but we've got time.
I didn't want to leave the little dude out, so here is a gratuitous (and weird) picture of Rutledge.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Status Update
15 weeks pregnant
-finally gaining weight (up 4lbs at last appointment after losing 2 during weeks 8-12)
-looks like I have a preggo-belly, but it is actually mostly bloat and fat, still waiting for the cute firm bump to arrive (likely waiting another month or more)
-I fell pretty good and even my lactose-intolerance seems to be easing up
-finally gaining weight (up 4lbs at last appointment after losing 2 during weeks 8-12)
-looks like I have a preggo-belly, but it is actually mostly bloat and fat, still waiting for the cute firm bump to arrive (likely waiting another month or more)
-I fell pretty good and even my lactose-intolerance seems to be easing up
Friday, October 1, 2010
Bethlehem, PA
Here are the pictures of the historic Bethlehem area I was able to explore a few weeks ago. I meant to post these a while ago, but I got derailed with the appendicitis the day after we got back from the wedding!
Nearly every front door had a Moravian Star hanging. I couldn't get enough!
Their cemetery took my right back to college, not to mention walking past Sisters' House and Brothers' House!
I'll definitely be going back, and I'll absolutely be going to the Historic Hotel Bethlehem for Sunday brunch - the most amazing brunch spread I've ever seen! Who's coming with me?
Nearly every front door had a Moravian Star hanging. I couldn't get enough!
Their cemetery took my right back to college, not to mention walking past Sisters' House and Brothers' House!
I'll definitely be going back, and I'll absolutely be going to the Historic Hotel Bethlehem for Sunday brunch - the most amazing brunch spread I've ever seen! Who's coming with me?
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
What Can You Give?
Through college, early post college, and even during our 'trying to live responsibly during law school' years I've found it challenging to find time and/or money to give to worthy causes. We've done our best to make church tithing a priority through it all, but beyond that it can be hard to find two spare nickels to give!
There are two things I've found that absolutely anyone can do, or at least try.
1. Donations of goods. I used to make runs to Goodwill on a fairly regular basis. Sometimes it would be just one bag of clothes, other times it would be four or five. Usually this would happen after a cleaning-spree when I'd decided that I didn't need half of the 'stuff' in our home.
More recently, Tina and I have begun a tradition of a twice-annual clothes swap and donation party. We've had two so far, and our third is scheduled for October 9th. The format is friendly and usually involves food, drinks, and a fun mix of friends. (consider this an invite)
By having our clothes swaps in April and October, we catch everyone during the time they are switching their summer and winter wardrobes out - a perfect time to get rid of things you didn't wear! The donation part comes after the party; once all of the clothes have been picked over, they are sorted and taken to Goodwill by one of the hostesses! It is a great motivator to clean out your closet, get some new-to-you (and free) clothes and accessories, and then have everything carried off to a donation center for you.
2. Give Blood. I'm O negative, also called a 'Universal Donor' meaning anyone with any blood type can be given my blood, so I've long felt a responsibility to donate as often as possible. During college, it was a way for me to give while on a shoestring budget! It takes almost no time, and once you are on a schedule it becomes a routine part of your life.
I'm not currently giving blood because of the pregnancy thing, but I plan to start back up again as soon as it is safe for me to do so.
I really encourage you to consider adding blood donation to your 'giving' plans. It is something that is of great need at all times, not just following major disasters.
What can you give?
There are two things I've found that absolutely anyone can do, or at least try.
1. Donations of goods. I used to make runs to Goodwill on a fairly regular basis. Sometimes it would be just one bag of clothes, other times it would be four or five. Usually this would happen after a cleaning-spree when I'd decided that I didn't need half of the 'stuff' in our home.
More recently, Tina and I have begun a tradition of a twice-annual clothes swap and donation party. We've had two so far, and our third is scheduled for October 9th. The format is friendly and usually involves food, drinks, and a fun mix of friends. (consider this an invite)
By having our clothes swaps in April and October, we catch everyone during the time they are switching their summer and winter wardrobes out - a perfect time to get rid of things you didn't wear! The donation part comes after the party; once all of the clothes have been picked over, they are sorted and taken to Goodwill by one of the hostesses! It is a great motivator to clean out your closet, get some new-to-you (and free) clothes and accessories, and then have everything carried off to a donation center for you.
2. Give Blood. I'm O negative, also called a 'Universal Donor' meaning anyone with any blood type can be given my blood, so I've long felt a responsibility to donate as often as possible. During college, it was a way for me to give while on a shoestring budget! It takes almost no time, and once you are on a schedule it becomes a routine part of your life.
I'm not currently giving blood because of the pregnancy thing, but I plan to start back up again as soon as it is safe for me to do so.
I really encourage you to consider adding blood donation to your 'giving' plans. It is something that is of great need at all times, not just following major disasters.
What can you give?
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
All Clear
Frank and I just got home from my first follow up appointment and we got a really great all clear! We heard BW's heartbeat for the second time. Dr. Elliot let us listen for a little longer than was 'medically necessary,' which was nice.
So, back to life as normal - at least as normal as normal is around here.
Progress Report: 13 weeks, 3 days pregnant. 1 less appendix than 8 days ago.
So, back to life as normal - at least as normal as normal is around here.
Progress Report: 13 weeks, 3 days pregnant. 1 less appendix than 8 days ago.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Surprise!
I was planning to announce some exciting news in my next post, but my body had another surprise in store that has taken up the last 3 days of my life. Now, before anyone's imagination starts running away with itself, let me sum up what is happening.
1. Frank and I are expecting the arrival of our first child sometime around the end of March 2011. We're very excited, and of course a little nervous as we're about to become first time parents.
2. I had my appendix removed on Tuesday evening. WHAT?! Yep, went to the ER on Monday night with sever abdominal pain and vomiting, but was sent home after about 5 hours. Luckily I had an appointment the next morning with my obgyn and she immediately jumped into action thinking it was appendicitis due to my symptoms and continued pain.
She was right on, and after an MRI to confirm, I was admitted to the hospital and scheduled for surgery. Since I'm 12 weeks pregnant they suggested that I have a spinal instead of using general anesthesia, meaning I was awake during the entire procedure. It was interesting to say the least, and for those of you who are curious - the spinal didn't hurt in the least!
They did an old school appendectomy, not the laproscopic kind that the usually use these days. That decision was made due to my being pregnant - by having just one incision in my right side, they could more easily avoid 'uterine manipulation' during the procedure. Fine by me, my tummy already has plenty of scars so what is one more?
Anyway, after two nights in the hospital (three if you count 11pm-4am Monday to Tuesday) I'm back at home resting and recovering.
So, to summarize: I'm pregnant, but no longer have an appendix and everything is fine.
Happy Thursday!
1. Frank and I are expecting the arrival of our first child sometime around the end of March 2011. We're very excited, and of course a little nervous as we're about to become first time parents.
2. I had my appendix removed on Tuesday evening. WHAT?! Yep, went to the ER on Monday night with sever abdominal pain and vomiting, but was sent home after about 5 hours. Luckily I had an appointment the next morning with my obgyn and she immediately jumped into action thinking it was appendicitis due to my symptoms and continued pain.
She was right on, and after an MRI to confirm, I was admitted to the hospital and scheduled for surgery. Since I'm 12 weeks pregnant they suggested that I have a spinal instead of using general anesthesia, meaning I was awake during the entire procedure. It was interesting to say the least, and for those of you who are curious - the spinal didn't hurt in the least!
They did an old school appendectomy, not the laproscopic kind that the usually use these days. That decision was made due to my being pregnant - by having just one incision in my right side, they could more easily avoid 'uterine manipulation' during the procedure. Fine by me, my tummy already has plenty of scars so what is one more?
Anyway, after two nights in the hospital (three if you count 11pm-4am Monday to Tuesday) I'm back at home resting and recovering.
So, to summarize: I'm pregnant, but no longer have an appendix and everything is fine.
Happy Thursday!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Feels Like Home
Frank and I are in Pennsylvania for a wedding this weekend, and it feels like home. Now, I'm from South Carolina and I've also lived in North Carolina and Virginia, so having a small town in Pennsylvania feel like home is a little strange. But it does.
That is because I am currently sitting in the Historic Hotel Bethlehem in Bethlehem, PA.
Is it making sense yet? Bethlehem, PA is an old town that was founded by Moravians a long time ago. In the mid-1700s a young girl named Elizabeth lived here, but left when she was 17 and walked to a new Moravian settlement in North Carolina. Salem, North Carolina.
I am in the home town of the founder of my college. I am once again walking the brick walkways that were once walked by Elizabeth Oesterlein, and it feels great.
There are Moravian stars everywhere, especially throughout this hotel. They are on the doors of the elevators, the floors, and the walls. I was almost moved to tears when we first walked into this beautiful place.
I am impatiently waiting for the shops along Main Street to open so that I can shop for Moravian stars, smell the familiar scent of beeswax candles, and close my eyes to be transported back to my college. There is a cemetery here that is identical to the one that runs along side Salem - it might actually bring me to tears. I woke up to that sight every day of my senior year, and I walked the paths through it on those days when I attended class.
It never crossed my mind to make this pilgrimage, but now that I am here I can't believe I never thought of it before. To all of my Salem sisters, it is a long drive from just about everywhere but it is worth it. I've been here for less than 24 hours and I'm already trying to figure out how I can get back here to soak it up some more.
And to Sister Oesterlein, thank you. Thank you for being such a bold and daring teenager. Thank you for walking away from this comfortable, established place and literally walking to North Carolina to found the place that would become my home 229 years later.
That is because I am currently sitting in the Historic Hotel Bethlehem in Bethlehem, PA.
Is it making sense yet? Bethlehem, PA is an old town that was founded by Moravians a long time ago. In the mid-1700s a young girl named Elizabeth lived here, but left when she was 17 and walked to a new Moravian settlement in North Carolina. Salem, North Carolina.
I am in the home town of the founder of my college. I am once again walking the brick walkways that were once walked by Elizabeth Oesterlein, and it feels great.
There are Moravian stars everywhere, especially throughout this hotel. They are on the doors of the elevators, the floors, and the walls. I was almost moved to tears when we first walked into this beautiful place.
I am impatiently waiting for the shops along Main Street to open so that I can shop for Moravian stars, smell the familiar scent of beeswax candles, and close my eyes to be transported back to my college. There is a cemetery here that is identical to the one that runs along side Salem - it might actually bring me to tears. I woke up to that sight every day of my senior year, and I walked the paths through it on those days when I attended class.
It never crossed my mind to make this pilgrimage, but now that I am here I can't believe I never thought of it before. To all of my Salem sisters, it is a long drive from just about everywhere but it is worth it. I've been here for less than 24 hours and I'm already trying to figure out how I can get back here to soak it up some more.
And to Sister Oesterlein, thank you. Thank you for being such a bold and daring teenager. Thank you for walking away from this comfortable, established place and literally walking to North Carolina to found the place that would become my home 229 years later.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Home, for now
We're back in the weekly routine at home after a successful trip to Charleston, SC for my friend Adair's wedding. Not even the threat of hurricane force winds and rain could keep us away - though it did alter our travel plans a bit. Worked out, though, we got to spend the night with T & Lisa in NC and the hounds got to hang with Guinness, the largest lab they've ever seen.
Here are some pictures of the weekend. We hit the Charleston Riverdogs game on Saturday evening with Hillary, Abigail and Jason. Then the rest are from the wedding itself (which was at the SC Aquarium, sweet!)
Adair and her husband, Dave, dancing at their reception.
Yes, Abigail and Shannon are wearing life preservers. Yes, all three of them look uncomfortable. Blame it on the "Shark Attack."
Frank and me at the reception.
Here are some pictures of the weekend. We hit the Charleston Riverdogs game on Saturday evening with Hillary, Abigail and Jason. Then the rest are from the wedding itself (which was at the SC Aquarium, sweet!)
Adair and her husband, Dave, dancing at their reception.
Yes, Abigail and Shannon are wearing life preservers. Yes, all three of them look uncomfortable. Blame it on the "Shark Attack."
Frank and me at the reception.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Uhhh..
Trying to think of things to tell you. Here is what I've got:
-Frank has a cold. This is rare and unfortunate. He never gets sick, and he fights it off with everything he can think of. Hopefully it won't stay long and the beach air this weekend will kill it off by Friday evening.
- R is having his operation today. That means he'll be one sleepy/groggy puppy for a couple of days, which is fine with me. He'll also get chicken and rice for dinner for the first time in his little life. I'm hoping he'll forgive us, or at least forget about the surgery when he realizes his culinary fortune.
- I'm on a 'summer schedule' at work, which means I arrive at 8 and leave at 4. The arriving at 8 part stinks, but the leaving at 4 is pretty awesome. This continues until next week, then I go back to 9-5.
- I'm not playing fantasy football this year. I don't feel like being the commissioner and no one else volunteered to step up, so we're just not doing it. I'm ok with this, I think I need a break.
I think that is all for now. Have a happy Tuesday!
-Frank has a cold. This is rare and unfortunate. He never gets sick, and he fights it off with everything he can think of. Hopefully it won't stay long and the beach air this weekend will kill it off by Friday evening.
- R is having his operation today. That means he'll be one sleepy/groggy puppy for a couple of days, which is fine with me. He'll also get chicken and rice for dinner for the first time in his little life. I'm hoping he'll forgive us, or at least forget about the surgery when he realizes his culinary fortune.
- I'm on a 'summer schedule' at work, which means I arrive at 8 and leave at 4. The arriving at 8 part stinks, but the leaving at 4 is pretty awesome. This continues until next week, then I go back to 9-5.
- I'm not playing fantasy football this year. I don't feel like being the commissioner and no one else volunteered to step up, so we're just not doing it. I'm ok with this, I think I need a break.
I think that is all for now. Have a happy Tuesday!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Puppy Visit
We have a third dog this week! Can you count all three in this picture?
This is Canela, the Finnish Spitz. Her owners are in Hungary for the week so she is hanging with us. She and Hamilton are good friends, Rutledge is a little too friendly with her, which she doesn't really care for...
This is Canela, the Finnish Spitz. Her owners are in Hungary for the week so she is hanging with us. She and Hamilton are good friends, Rutledge is a little too friendly with her, which she doesn't really care for...
Thursday, August 26, 2010
More From Philly
Thanks to a tip from my boss, Em and I hit the Reading Terminal Market for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. It is a really cool indoor market that (obviously) used to be a terminal for the Reading Railroad! We LOVED it and decided we'd eat there every day if we lived in Philly. They had everything from delis to grocers and a used book store.
The first morning we had crepes - mine had strawberries, blackberries, and cheesecake. Yes, cheesecake. And it was wonderful.
After breakfast we hit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The Liberty Bell took all of 5 minutes because we didn't read any of the exhibit information...oops.
The Independence Hall tour was nice, only lasted about 45 minutes. They open with a little talk from your tour guide/ranger, then lead you into the main building.
First up is the old court room. The King's crest that hung in this room was the same one that was dragged through the streets of Philadelphia and later burned after the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to the public.
The second room is the State Assembly room, mostly known for being where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. The big chair at the front table is where George Washington sat and the table in the foreground is likely where the PA Delegates were seated.
The structure and details of the building were beautiful. I really wish people still used the kids of molding and detail in their homes and public buildings.
The first morning we had crepes - mine had strawberries, blackberries, and cheesecake. Yes, cheesecake. And it was wonderful.
After breakfast we hit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The Liberty Bell took all of 5 minutes because we didn't read any of the exhibit information...oops.
The Independence Hall tour was nice, only lasted about 45 minutes. They open with a little talk from your tour guide/ranger, then lead you into the main building.
First up is the old court room. The King's crest that hung in this room was the same one that was dragged through the streets of Philadelphia and later burned after the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to the public.
The second room is the State Assembly room, mostly known for being where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. The big chair at the front table is where George Washington sat and the table in the foreground is likely where the PA Delegates were seated.
The structure and details of the building were beautiful. I really wish people still used the kids of molding and detail in their homes and public buildings.
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