Now that I am feeling more like myself and have some energy, I finally sat down to make that horrific to-do list that I've been putting off. One of those things is to clean the basement, so we can clean out the spare bedroom for Will. (It's so cram-jammed with crap, Will calls it "the closet!") It's a HUGE job, so instead of trying to find a day to tackle it, I'm trying to do it in small increments. I spent a few minutes grabbing stuff off of a table downstairs and going through it while I was between loads of laundry. That's when I spied it....
A stationery box covered in a faded sunflower print. I knew what it was even before I touched it. Brian's letters to me when we were dating and then engaged!! The night was shot, people. Instead I had something much more interesting to do.
I sat at the dining room table and pored over the box's contents. It was stuffed with letters and silly trinkets. Letters from his naval deployment my senior year of college, when we were apart for 3 1/2 months. Silly, quick letters while he was on the submarine. Deep, thoughtful letters. And lovey, mushy ones too. Not only did they make me smile, they let me re-live our first two years together. Things were so different back then, but it was fantastic to visit for a little while.
After I was finished reading, I stacked them all neatly back into the box and am looking for a safe place upstairs for them. Someday our kids might like to read them, though not ALL of them! :)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
On Our Way....
Back from vacation! The first day is always the hardest. We put over 2,000 miles on my car, and it's already asking for an oil change! (I love a smart car)
I went to the OB yesterday for my monthly checkup and everything looks really good. I got to hear the heartbeat on the Doppler, and the doctor said that it was nice and strong. I even got a little emotional about it in the car on the way home, hearing the heartbeat just makes it more real for me. (Not that I was in any kind of denial, mind you....it just really cements in my mind that I am going to be the mother of TWO children!) I go back at the end of August for a regular appointment and ultrasound. Brian's coming too because yes, we are going to try to find out what we are having! So while we're waiting.....what do you think, pink or blue?
I went to the OB yesterday for my monthly checkup and everything looks really good. I got to hear the heartbeat on the Doppler, and the doctor said that it was nice and strong. I even got a little emotional about it in the car on the way home, hearing the heartbeat just makes it more real for me. (Not that I was in any kind of denial, mind you....it just really cements in my mind that I am going to be the mother of TWO children!) I go back at the end of August for a regular appointment and ultrasound. Brian's coming too because yes, we are going to try to find out what we are having! So while we're waiting.....what do you think, pink or blue?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Hi, Baby....
This vacation is spoiling the hell out of all three of us! We stay up really late at night, and then we sleep in till like 9 (Will included.) Will also has a TV in his bedroom. We taught him how to use his remote the first night we were here, but he found a "Sponge-Bob" marathon and refused to sleep. (He's not allowed Spongebob at home, so he turns into a little junkie if he happens to see it) So now the remote comes with us when we kiss him goodnight.
I went into his bedroom this morning and turned on "Handy Manny" and we snuggled in front of the TV for a little while. Then he wanted to roughhouse and climb all over Mommy, which is of course a big no-no. For the millionth time I explained that "Mommy has a baby in her belly" and that's out of the question. He kissed my belly and said "Hi Baby! " Awwwwwwwww.......that just about melted my heart! Then he rolled over and went back to Manny.
I went into his bedroom this morning and turned on "Handy Manny" and we snuggled in front of the TV for a little while. Then he wanted to roughhouse and climb all over Mommy, which is of course a big no-no. For the millionth time I explained that "Mommy has a baby in her belly" and that's out of the question. He kissed my belly and said "Hi Baby! " Awwwwwwwww.......that just about melted my heart! Then he rolled over and went back to Manny.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
I swear, Google knows Everything!
That Google....what a smarty-pants! It knows everything!
We're still on our vacation, and we are in Farm Country. It's a lovely, relaxing vacation. But we've learned a few things....make a list when you venture out to the far-away Super Walmart, and don't venture out looking for a restaurant, pick one out of the "Dining Guide" or you may just find dirt roads and corn fields!
On many of our drives this week, we noticed these weird purple boxes hanging in trees on the side of the road. Curiosity finally got the better of me so I just typed "Puple Box side of road New York" into Google, thinking it couldn't possibly be enough information. Oh, but it is. Oh Google, you never cease to amaze me!
We're still on our vacation, and we are in Farm Country. It's a lovely, relaxing vacation. But we've learned a few things....make a list when you venture out to the far-away Super Walmart, and don't venture out looking for a restaurant, pick one out of the "Dining Guide" or you may just find dirt roads and corn fields!
On many of our drives this week, we noticed these weird purple boxes hanging in trees on the side of the road. Curiosity finally got the better of me so I just typed "Puple Box side of road New York" into Google, thinking it couldn't possibly be enough information. Oh, but it is. Oh Google, you never cease to amaze me!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
A Vacation
Hooray for vacation! We're staying at a lovely resort, and we're intent on just having a relaxing, lazy time, seeing the sights and taking in the atmosphere.
Of course, that means the food too. There are all sorts of things that we've done food-wise that we just don't do at home. Like the country market yesterday. We bought a pound of fudge in order to get a half pound free. Last night Brian and i sat at the dining room table in our chalet and had our own little "tasting." (I have met my match and it's name is Dulce de Leche fudge.....that stuff is lethal!) I bought some fresh-made cream cheese mixes, the idea of pineapple-pecan cream cheese on mini-bagels just sounds delicious) And Brian bought the most manly of treats...jerky. Only this wasn't your "SNAP INTO A SLIM JIM!" variety, it's the homemade kind that they sell at the country market. And just to be weird....he bought ostrich jerky. Not my cup of tea, but hey he's on vacation. Also, New York is a state that sells Yuengling, his favorite beer, so he's a really happy camper. (Though he'd be beside himself with joy if they ever started selling Yuengling in MA!) We stopped at Wal-mart for some groceries and bought sugary cereal. (We don't ever have that in the house, so Will got to experience the joy of Froot Loops for breakfast this AM) Will also loved the swimming yesterday and did not want to stop!
I'm just glad that I'm in the second trimester of this pregnancy and can enjoy this stuff, this vacation would've been much different had it been a month ago!
Time to get off the computer and do something. It's vacation......get out there and live a little!!
Of course, that means the food too. There are all sorts of things that we've done food-wise that we just don't do at home. Like the country market yesterday. We bought a pound of fudge in order to get a half pound free. Last night Brian and i sat at the dining room table in our chalet and had our own little "tasting." (I have met my match and it's name is Dulce de Leche fudge.....that stuff is lethal!) I bought some fresh-made cream cheese mixes, the idea of pineapple-pecan cream cheese on mini-bagels just sounds delicious) And Brian bought the most manly of treats...jerky. Only this wasn't your "SNAP INTO A SLIM JIM!" variety, it's the homemade kind that they sell at the country market. And just to be weird....he bought ostrich jerky. Not my cup of tea, but hey he's on vacation. Also, New York is a state that sells Yuengling, his favorite beer, so he's a really happy camper. (Though he'd be beside himself with joy if they ever started selling Yuengling in MA!) We stopped at Wal-mart for some groceries and bought sugary cereal. (We don't ever have that in the house, so Will got to experience the joy of Froot Loops for breakfast this AM) Will also loved the swimming yesterday and did not want to stop!
I'm just glad that I'm in the second trimester of this pregnancy and can enjoy this stuff, this vacation would've been much different had it been a month ago!
Time to get off the computer and do something. It's vacation......get out there and live a little!!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Giving Mom a Good Scare...
I was getting ready for work yesterday, and Will was doing his usual weekday morning routine: eating a cereal bar and watching "Blues Clues." I went to my room to get dressed for work, my usual routine. Suddenly I hear this loud noise and Will's yelling. I step out closer to the bedroom door to hear what he's yelling about.....and it sounds like "Mommy! The TV is on fire!!!"
Well, I think I broke some sort of speed record for sprint n' hurdle for the amount of time it took me to bound, half-dressed from one side of the house to the other! Yeah.......there's no fire. He's simply played with the remote and the TV screen is snowy and loud from all the fuzz. By now he's covering his ears and screaming "Loud Noises!!!" I switch it back to Blue and his friends and lovingly tell him that the TV is indeed not on fire and it's all OK now. "Thanks, Mom." And he puts his thumb back in his mouth and goes back to zoning out to Blue's antics.
I guess it's a good thing that he'd at least warn me if there was a real fire, right??? :)
Well, I think I broke some sort of speed record for sprint n' hurdle for the amount of time it took me to bound, half-dressed from one side of the house to the other! Yeah.......there's no fire. He's simply played with the remote and the TV screen is snowy and loud from all the fuzz. By now he's covering his ears and screaming "Loud Noises!!!" I switch it back to Blue and his friends and lovingly tell him that the TV is indeed not on fire and it's all OK now. "Thanks, Mom." And he puts his thumb back in his mouth and goes back to zoning out to Blue's antics.
I guess it's a good thing that he'd at least warn me if there was a real fire, right??? :)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Little Things
I had a grumpy day at work yesterday....nothing big but about a million little things annoying me. Mostly computer stuff, which is enough to make any sane person a little crazy!
Later on, it was the little things that make you happy. When I came home with Will, there was a box on the porch, addressed to me. Look what was inside:
Later on, it was the little things that make you happy. When I came home with Will, there was a box on the porch, addressed to me. Look what was inside:
It's the yarn that I bought to knit a baby blanket! And it's here in time for me to take on our vacation! There are ten different kinds of yarn in there! I tried to pick out a blanket pattern that would be suitable for a boy or a girl, since I really wanted to get started before we find out what we are having so I would have ample time to put it together.
I've also started putting together a new Winnie the Pooh birth record. And I have unfinished business in my "Project Graveyard" (i.e. unfinished tote bag, wedding record....) but I'm so excited about these new things that they will have to wait just a little bit longer. (Why would I want to weave in tails or backstitch flowers when I have baby stuff??????)
Here's another little thing to make me happy: Jennifer Weiner's new book is out today! It kind of sneaked up on me, I checked out her website last week and was surprised to find out that a new book was coming out soon. I'll definitely make some time to pick it up today.
So there you have it. It's the little things that can make or break you!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Cap'n Daddy
We had another fun-filled weekend. We started it at a 39th birthday party on Saturday, seeing some friends whom we don't get to see too often but always have a great time with. Plus, the host has decided to not have a 40th birthday because he wants to stay home and be sad, so we were sure to get our licks in this year.
We spent another Sunday at my parents cottage, and Will got to go out on the boat again! He also got to try fishing with Daddy, but no fish were biting. It's just a little pontoon boat, big enough for four or five people. But he treats it like a pirate ship, calling Daddy "Cap'n" and saying he wants to go to Treasure Island. If you ask him what treaures are there, he'll tell you: a teddy bear, doggie, his blankie and diapers! He's very into pirates right now.
It's Sunday evening, and we're now on Vacation Anticipation! We leave for NY on Friday morning and it can't come soon enough! Four days lie between us and a week-long vacation. Hope they fly by!
We spent another Sunday at my parents cottage, and Will got to go out on the boat again! He also got to try fishing with Daddy, but no fish were biting. It's just a little pontoon boat, big enough for four or five people. But he treats it like a pirate ship, calling Daddy "Cap'n" and saying he wants to go to Treasure Island. If you ask him what treaures are there, he'll tell you: a teddy bear, doggie, his blankie and diapers! He's very into pirates right now.
It's Sunday evening, and we're now on Vacation Anticipation! We leave for NY on Friday morning and it can't come soon enough! Four days lie between us and a week-long vacation. Hope they fly by!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Makin' My Day
I went for my three-hour diabetes test today. I failed the first one, so this time I had to fast past midnight, come in early and drink some orange sugar gunk. I became a human pincushion, getting my blood drawn every hour to see how my body reacts to the gunk. Obviously, this part wasn't the best part of my day.
The best part was chatting to an elderly woman, a stranger, in the waiting area when I first got to the lab. I did not mention why I was there or anything about babies. She looks at me and says "Well Dear, when are you due?" Yessss! I've reached the point where people look at me and see that I am pregnant! It took a while to show with Will, but apparently when you are doing this for the second time you show a lot faster. I didn't take any belly shots last time or any measurements. But I did this time, and between seven and eleven weeks my belly grew two inches! Yowza! This must be why I'm already half out of my wardrobe and breaking out the rubbermaid tote of maternity clothes!
Anyway, "Dorothy" in the lab waiting area totally made my day. Thanks!
The best part was chatting to an elderly woman, a stranger, in the waiting area when I first got to the lab. I did not mention why I was there or anything about babies. She looks at me and says "Well Dear, when are you due?" Yessss! I've reached the point where people look at me and see that I am pregnant! It took a while to show with Will, but apparently when you are doing this for the second time you show a lot faster. I didn't take any belly shots last time or any measurements. But I did this time, and between seven and eleven weeks my belly grew two inches! Yowza! This must be why I'm already half out of my wardrobe and breaking out the rubbermaid tote of maternity clothes!
Anyway, "Dorothy" in the lab waiting area totally made my day. Thanks!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Summer Holiday
We had a very nice weekend at Nana and Papa's cottage in CT. We only spent one night, since I was feeling crappy again on Friday. So we ventured out on Saturday after lunch.
I love the cottage. It's quiet and relaxing, and we have the lake to play in/on. Plus we always have a fire by the shore at night. And since this was Independence Weekend, we had our annual "Burn Item." Some people have fireworks (they're legal in CT) but we choose something special to burn on the fire. It's a weird tradition, yes. But very enjoyable, as it is the one time of year you get to embrace your inner pyro. :) It started the first year, six years ago, with a huge cutout of a wooden goat. Someone had left it under the house that my parents just bought, along with a ton of other wood and junk. So let's burn it. This year's item was a beat-up wicker chair. Throw it into the fire ring! Let me tell you something--wicker goes up like nobody's business. (No, there are no children present, and yes, we are VERY careful!) For a little while it was easy to confuse the fire with daylight!
We also had a cookout on Sunday, and Will got to go on his first pontoon boat ride. He had a great weekend getting spoiled by family and friends alike, and had very little nap time because he didn't want to miss anything!
Hope everyone had a great weekend, too.
I love the cottage. It's quiet and relaxing, and we have the lake to play in/on. Plus we always have a fire by the shore at night. And since this was Independence Weekend, we had our annual "Burn Item." Some people have fireworks (they're legal in CT) but we choose something special to burn on the fire. It's a weird tradition, yes. But very enjoyable, as it is the one time of year you get to embrace your inner pyro. :) It started the first year, six years ago, with a huge cutout of a wooden goat. Someone had left it under the house that my parents just bought, along with a ton of other wood and junk. So let's burn it. This year's item was a beat-up wicker chair. Throw it into the fire ring! Let me tell you something--wicker goes up like nobody's business. (No, there are no children present, and yes, we are VERY careful!) For a little while it was easy to confuse the fire with daylight!
We also had a cookout on Sunday, and Will got to go on his first pontoon boat ride. He had a great weekend getting spoiled by family and friends alike, and had very little nap time because he didn't want to miss anything!
Hope everyone had a great weekend, too.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Stunted
My get-and-go has got-up-and-went.
The creative juices have gone bust. I know that this is only temporary, but boy is it frustrating. I have two or three craft projects "almost" finished and I've lost almost all interest in putting on the final touches. I have ideas for Christmas gifts that I can't seem to dreg up to fruition. I want to start knitting a baby blanket but I'm daunted by the sheer size of a project like that!
And yet, I'm going crazy with no project to keep my hands and mind occupied. I have a three-hour diabetes test on Tuesday....what am I going to do with myself, since I can't leave the dr's office during that time? Aughhh! It's silly, I know, to be annoyed at something so trivial. But here I am....and I hope I pick a project to stick with soon!
The creative juices have gone bust. I know that this is only temporary, but boy is it frustrating. I have two or three craft projects "almost" finished and I've lost almost all interest in putting on the final touches. I have ideas for Christmas gifts that I can't seem to dreg up to fruition. I want to start knitting a baby blanket but I'm daunted by the sheer size of a project like that!
And yet, I'm going crazy with no project to keep my hands and mind occupied. I have a three-hour diabetes test on Tuesday....what am I going to do with myself, since I can't leave the dr's office during that time? Aughhh! It's silly, I know, to be annoyed at something so trivial. But here I am....and I hope I pick a project to stick with soon!
A Month of Rain
June, 2009 will go down in my memory as the rainiest June we have ever experienced. It rained almost every day!!! It makes for a real summer downer, as well as a lot of cranky people feeling like they're going to mildew. :) The running joke around here is that we all didn't know that we moved to Seattle!
Today is July 1st. Yesterday and the day before were actually nice, and Monday was really warm. I thought July would be an improvement. Today is really dark and it's pouring hard out there. Fabulous.
Brian's car is a manual transmission, and I always say that when it's my turn to take his car, it's always pouring. I hate his car in the rain! Not so much because of the shifting and clutch, but because I catch my raincoat on the gearshift. He took my car to work today to pick up my car registration at the dealership and get the car inspected, which I totally appreciate. But I see that today is no exception to the rain rule!
Hundreds, thousands of schoolkids are out of school for the summer and clamoring to get out of their houses. Stay-at-home moms are dying to get out of the house instead of testing their creativity for coming up with yet ANOTHER rainy-day activity. Gardens are choked with a month's worth of weeds because it hasn't been sunny enough to get rid of them. Basements smell musty.
C'mon Mother Nature, cut us a break! Bring summer back!
Today is July 1st. Yesterday and the day before were actually nice, and Monday was really warm. I thought July would be an improvement. Today is really dark and it's pouring hard out there. Fabulous.
Brian's car is a manual transmission, and I always say that when it's my turn to take his car, it's always pouring. I hate his car in the rain! Not so much because of the shifting and clutch, but because I catch my raincoat on the gearshift. He took my car to work today to pick up my car registration at the dealership and get the car inspected, which I totally appreciate. But I see that today is no exception to the rain rule!
Hundreds, thousands of schoolkids are out of school for the summer and clamoring to get out of their houses. Stay-at-home moms are dying to get out of the house instead of testing their creativity for coming up with yet ANOTHER rainy-day activity. Gardens are choked with a month's worth of weeds because it hasn't been sunny enough to get rid of them. Basements smell musty.
C'mon Mother Nature, cut us a break! Bring summer back!
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