One of the blogs I read is written by an also-pregnant mommy-to-be. Weekly, she does a little recap of how her pregnancy is going.
Although it's not hard to discover the origin of WriterChic, it has developed, since Seth's birth, into a family/me blog, rather than a pregnancy/baby blog. And of course, now that I have readers who are neither pregnant nor parents, I've tried, somewhat conscientiously, to keep this from becoming a blog "all about the baby," (which, of course, if you deduce from some recent posts, hasn't been all that hard to do, since I'm still getting used to the entire IDEA of Itty Bitty).
Anyway.
I realize I don't talk a lot about Itty Bitty or his/her pregnancy. But I also don't want to someday look back on this 8 month window and feel like I "cheated" him/her out of his/her time in the family spotlight.
So, in an attempt to rectify that, I'm going to (try to faithfully) do weekly summaries of where Itty Bitty and I are at.
Here, a little bit overdue, is this recap for this week:
How far along? 17 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Down 4 lbs from my first obgyn weigh-in.
Maternity clothes? Only if I feel like it, because I have some really cute spring and summer maternity clothes. But out of necessity? Nope, not yet. Even my regular clothes are loose.
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Only with the help of Ambien, several times a week, per Dr. Morgan's orders. It is the ONLY way I'm getting enough rest to stay healthy and keep up with Seth.
Best moment this week: Feeling Itty Bitty move for the first time.
Movement: Yep, and only a day behind when I felt Seth. Until they are definite kicks, etc., I really get creeped out by the feeling....but what can you do?
Food cravings: Have been getting sick again with almost anything I eat this week, so, I'm back to wanting only lemonade.
Gender: Gut still says girl. Only 14 days til we know.
Labor Signs: None.
Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: Sleeping well, not being sick, having more energy to run after Seth.
What I am looking forward to: Out ultrasound on the 15th.
Weekly Wisdom: n/a
Milestones: Fetal movement.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Rock the Vote
I've added a new widget to the blog, just for fun.
Underneath my pregnancy ticker (right sidebar), you'll see a place to cast your vote.
So, what do you think? Is Itty Bitty going to be Seth's little brother or sister? I'm leaving the poll open until April 15, when we'll get the official verdict from Dr. Morgan.
Underneath my pregnancy ticker (right sidebar), you'll see a place to cast your vote.
So, what do you think? Is Itty Bitty going to be Seth's little brother or sister? I'm leaving the poll open until April 15, when we'll get the official verdict from Dr. Morgan.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Temporary Insanity
One of the things I love most about blogging is the chance to reconnect and stay in touch with some of my college girlfriends.
One of my favorite ex-PCC lady friend bloggers is Jeanette at Temporary Insanity. She is an uber-talented mommy of three who makes time to tend her kiddies, blog, and run a super cute Etsy shop.
In honor of her one hundredth post, she is doing a fun, kind of secretive giveaway, once she gets 100 comments. See, isn't she clever?
So, please, if you're a Writer Chic reader, take a few minutes to visit Jeanette at her 100th post, and leave her a hello.
One of my favorite ex-PCC lady friend bloggers is Jeanette at Temporary Insanity. She is an uber-talented mommy of three who makes time to tend her kiddies, blog, and run a super cute Etsy shop.
In honor of her one hundredth post, she is doing a fun, kind of secretive giveaway, once she gets 100 comments. See, isn't she clever?
So, please, if you're a Writer Chic reader, take a few minutes to visit Jeanette at her 100th post, and leave her a hello.
152, -4, 140/80, 4/15
Here are the stats from this morning's appointment:
Itty Bitty gave us a quick scare when we weren't able to readily or easily find his/her heartbeat, but after some not-so-gentle prodding, Dr. Morgan came up with a healthy, steady 152 beats per minute. Although down significantly from the 180s, it is still much higher than Seth's 130s, so even Dr. Morgan is holding to her prediction that Itty Bitty is a girl.
I have lost an additional 4 lbs since my last visit, which puts me down about 10 for the pregnancy. Dr. Morgan didn't seem overly concerned, but said that I shouldn't lose any more weight. She is okay if I don't gain for the next month, but that we may need to do some digging if I lose more weight by my next appointment.
My blood pressure, which I suspected was misbehaving, was 140/80. Not alarmingly high, but high enough to raise the nurses eyebrows. The plan is for me to take it as easy as possible in the next week, acquire a cuff to monitor at home, and stay hydrated. If it is up again at my next appointment, I will most likely be put on some BP meds. Boo.
No ultrasound today, but Jim and I have an appointment scheduled with both the ultrasound technician and Dr. Morgan for early Wednesday, April 15. Only three weeks until we can see Itty Bitty again, and hopefully find out if s/he is our son or our daughter.
In the meantime, Seth, I think, finally just dozed off for his nap, and as soon as I hit "publish post," I'm off to join him.
Itty Bitty gave us a quick scare when we weren't able to readily or easily find his/her heartbeat, but after some not-so-gentle prodding, Dr. Morgan came up with a healthy, steady 152 beats per minute. Although down significantly from the 180s, it is still much higher than Seth's 130s, so even Dr. Morgan is holding to her prediction that Itty Bitty is a girl.
I have lost an additional 4 lbs since my last visit, which puts me down about 10 for the pregnancy. Dr. Morgan didn't seem overly concerned, but said that I shouldn't lose any more weight. She is okay if I don't gain for the next month, but that we may need to do some digging if I lose more weight by my next appointment.
My blood pressure, which I suspected was misbehaving, was 140/80. Not alarmingly high, but high enough to raise the nurses eyebrows. The plan is for me to take it as easy as possible in the next week, acquire a cuff to monitor at home, and stay hydrated. If it is up again at my next appointment, I will most likely be put on some BP meds. Boo.
No ultrasound today, but Jim and I have an appointment scheduled with both the ultrasound technician and Dr. Morgan for early Wednesday, April 15. Only three weeks until we can see Itty Bitty again, and hopefully find out if s/he is our son or our daughter.
In the meantime, Seth, I think, finally just dozed off for his nap, and as soon as I hit "publish post," I'm off to join him.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Looking back
Thank you so much for you support and kind response to my last post. I know that I sent the mothers into a tailspin of worry when I publish posts like that, but it really, really helps me to get it out on "paper," and honestly, sometimes it helps for Jim to read my words in bloggyland before we talk. Usually, when we talk it's me going around in circles for an hour, so this way, he gets some frame of reference if I tend to get emotional and confusing. (who, me?)
We ended up having a really good heart-to-heart on Friday night, and were blessed with three nights of easy bedtime routines for Seth (we've decided to prep for the toddler bed); a great family day on Saturday with a trip to Costco and chores around the house; and since our Sunday School teacher was AWOL at the Bristol Nascar race, we had a leisurely Sunday morning with strawberry french toast and some snuggle time in bed with Seth.
I'm willing away the next several hours until I can head in for my obgyn appointment. My excitement is two-fold. My dear friend Sarah and I have back-to-back appointments, so I will FINALLY get to see her and meet her infant daughter Anna Claire. Due to Anna Claire's early arrival, we haven't had the chance to get together since her birth, but tomorrow, I'll finally get to get my hands on that lil peanut.
And of course, my lil peanut-to-be...
As I mentioned earlier, I have just a couple things that I need to share with Dr. Morgan about how I've been feeling (physically) for the last few weeks. I'm hoping, or course, that all is well, but that she will want to order an ultrasound, just to check on things from the inside. If not, I'll have to be satisfied with the doppler heartbeat until our "big ultrasound" in April.
If, however, we are lucky enough to get an ultrasound this week, this is what I'll expect to see:
We ended up having a really good heart-to-heart on Friday night, and were blessed with three nights of easy bedtime routines for Seth (we've decided to prep for the toddler bed); a great family day on Saturday with a trip to Costco and chores around the house; and since our Sunday School teacher was AWOL at the Bristol Nascar race, we had a leisurely Sunday morning with strawberry french toast and some snuggle time in bed with Seth.
I'm willing away the next several hours until I can head in for my obgyn appointment. My excitement is two-fold. My dear friend Sarah and I have back-to-back appointments, so I will FINALLY get to see her and meet her infant daughter Anna Claire. Due to Anna Claire's early arrival, we haven't had the chance to get together since her birth, but tomorrow, I'll finally get to get my hands on that lil peanut.
And of course, my lil peanut-to-be...
As I mentioned earlier, I have just a couple things that I need to share with Dr. Morgan about how I've been feeling (physically) for the last few weeks. I'm hoping, or course, that all is well, but that she will want to order an ultrasound, just to check on things from the inside. If not, I'll have to be satisfied with the doppler heartbeat until our "big ultrasound" in April.
If, however, we are lucky enough to get an ultrasound this week, this is what I'll expect to see:
This is a shot of Seth at 16w2d, exactly how far along I am today. Look at that little profile! Wasn't he gorgeous, even this early? And so smart -- look at that thoughtful pose!
Anyway, I should take advantage of his sweet slumber right now -- it's nap time as I type -- and catch some rest myself. Spring has definitely sprung here in TN, and my allergies are not happy. Maybe a little snooze of my own will help.
I'll be back tomorrow with an update on Itty Bitty.
Happy Monday!
Friday, March 20, 2009
In the trenches
So, hi.
We're here.
It's been a lovely week of spring weather, except for Wednesday, who had an attitude and threw a 40-degree day in the mix. So, lots of time out in the sun, at the park, walking around the neighborhood.
No news on the baby front. I have an ob appointment on Tuesday morning. Having some thoughts and concerns (don't worry, Mom, or anyone else) that I hope will prompt Dr. Morgan to order an ultrasound, but I'm not holding my breath.
Seth is at this very moment screaming at me and pounding on his crib rails, and I'm crying right along with him. Since we got back from our trip to Ohio, combined with Daylight Savings Time I think, we have been having major sleep issues, both at nap time, and at bed time. Namely that he doesn't want to. Sleep. EVER.
I feel horrible for letting him cry in his room, but I KNOW that he needs to rest -- he played hard at MOPS this morning. And to be honest, I need a little down time of my own.
Daina has been telling me for weeks that I'm not really "dealing with" all the changes that I've undergone in the last several weeks -- well, really, since the move. To which I've argued that "dealing with it" is exactly what I've been doing.
But as I sat at MOPS this morning and fought back tears the whole time, I realized that maybe I'm not "dealing" with things well.
I tried to ask a question about how to talk to your spouse about differences in parenting without it seeming like you're fronting a strategic attack, and, whoa, did I get some pretty intense responses. Talk about feeling attacked. And as I sat there and listened to these women offer their "advice" and "two cents," all I kept thinking was "this is not how this conversation would be going if I were having it with Sara" (Seth's former babysitter and my mommy hero).
She would have understood exactly where I was coming from. She would have known exactly what to say, too, and how to say it. And knowing that just brought to the surface all of the other emotions I've been tamping down.
I'm homesick. I'm lonely. I'm longing for real relationships. I feel really, really overwhelmed with parenting a toddler, while feeling like the calendar is already racing towards August when a newborn will be added to the mix.
I don't think it will surprise anyone to hear me say that this current pregnancy was unplanned and unexpected. But maybe it'll surprise you to know that I still feel, four months into it, that IF I could turn back time, and IF I could control what happened, that I would choose to postpone this pregnancy, oh, about a year.
Does that mean I don't want this baby? No, so get off your high horse and stop judging me for what I just said. I'm just being honest. With boxes that are still unpacked, papers to be filed that are literally spilling to the floor, artwork yet to be hung, laundry piling up into unmanageable heaps, this pregnancy just feels like another thing on a never-ending list of things to be "dealt with." And I hate that! Could I sound any less maternal?
This is why I'm so eager to have another ultrasound, to know the gender, to choose a name and a nursery color scheme, to give a personality and a place to this little person who is coming whether or not I feel ready/capable/competent enough.
And I'm realizing as I run out of steam that this post is very much all over the place.
So, if you're reading, and have some piece of advice or "I've been there" story.....can I just ask that you not share it? Not right now, anyway. I'm just feeling really fragile, and I'm afraid that I'll take anything left in the comments too personally, or too negatively, or too something.
So, let's just leave it at "thank you for reading" and if you want, I could sure use your prayers. I know that this is just a season, and it will pass, but right now, in the trenches, it kinda sucks, and I kind of want out.
We're here.
It's been a lovely week of spring weather, except for Wednesday, who had an attitude and threw a 40-degree day in the mix. So, lots of time out in the sun, at the park, walking around the neighborhood.
No news on the baby front. I have an ob appointment on Tuesday morning. Having some thoughts and concerns (don't worry, Mom, or anyone else) that I hope will prompt Dr. Morgan to order an ultrasound, but I'm not holding my breath.
Seth is at this very moment screaming at me and pounding on his crib rails, and I'm crying right along with him. Since we got back from our trip to Ohio, combined with Daylight Savings Time I think, we have been having major sleep issues, both at nap time, and at bed time. Namely that he doesn't want to. Sleep. EVER.
I feel horrible for letting him cry in his room, but I KNOW that he needs to rest -- he played hard at MOPS this morning. And to be honest, I need a little down time of my own.
Daina has been telling me for weeks that I'm not really "dealing with" all the changes that I've undergone in the last several weeks -- well, really, since the move. To which I've argued that "dealing with it" is exactly what I've been doing.
But as I sat at MOPS this morning and fought back tears the whole time, I realized that maybe I'm not "dealing" with things well.
I tried to ask a question about how to talk to your spouse about differences in parenting without it seeming like you're fronting a strategic attack, and, whoa, did I get some pretty intense responses. Talk about feeling attacked. And as I sat there and listened to these women offer their "advice" and "two cents," all I kept thinking was "this is not how this conversation would be going if I were having it with Sara" (Seth's former babysitter and my mommy hero).
She would have understood exactly where I was coming from. She would have known exactly what to say, too, and how to say it. And knowing that just brought to the surface all of the other emotions I've been tamping down.
I'm homesick. I'm lonely. I'm longing for real relationships. I feel really, really overwhelmed with parenting a toddler, while feeling like the calendar is already racing towards August when a newborn will be added to the mix.
I don't think it will surprise anyone to hear me say that this current pregnancy was unplanned and unexpected. But maybe it'll surprise you to know that I still feel, four months into it, that IF I could turn back time, and IF I could control what happened, that I would choose to postpone this pregnancy, oh, about a year.
Does that mean I don't want this baby? No, so get off your high horse and stop judging me for what I just said. I'm just being honest. With boxes that are still unpacked, papers to be filed that are literally spilling to the floor, artwork yet to be hung, laundry piling up into unmanageable heaps, this pregnancy just feels like another thing on a never-ending list of things to be "dealt with." And I hate that! Could I sound any less maternal?
This is why I'm so eager to have another ultrasound, to know the gender, to choose a name and a nursery color scheme, to give a personality and a place to this little person who is coming whether or not I feel ready/capable/competent enough.
And I'm realizing as I run out of steam that this post is very much all over the place.
So, if you're reading, and have some piece of advice or "I've been there" story.....can I just ask that you not share it? Not right now, anyway. I'm just feeling really fragile, and I'm afraid that I'll take anything left in the comments too personally, or too negatively, or too something.
So, let's just leave it at "thank you for reading" and if you want, I could sure use your prayers. I know that this is just a season, and it will pass, but right now, in the trenches, it kinda sucks, and I kind of want out.
Monday, March 9, 2009
For Jenny...
After she commended me for not letting blogging pressure get the best of me, my dear friend Jenny suggested that if I didn't want to write, I could at least do a picture montage of Seth.
So, here are some of my favorite shots from the past 3 months that haven't had their five minutes of bloggy fame yet.
So, here are some of my favorite shots from the past 3 months that haven't had their five minutes of bloggy fame yet.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Itty Bitty Update
"Your adorable little fetus is busy with thumb sucking, toe wiggling, and (not so cute but equally amazing) making urine and breathing amniotic fluid as the liver, kidneys and spleen continue to develop. Lanugo (thin, downy hair) is growing all over the body for warmth."I'm three weeks out from my next obgyn appt. I am still miserably nauseated, exhausted, and desperate for the second trimester energy to appear.
Maybe if the energy shows up, I'll be able to write a more riveting blog post than this. ;)
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
At attempt at a catch up
This is going to be a train wreck, so bear with me.
I know I've been a horrible blogger. I stick to my newest ideal that it is not my blog that dictates my life, but my life that dictates my blog. And lately, life has dictated that there is no time for the blog.
Friday, February 20, after a fun spa day at MOPS (where I won a free on-the-spot haircut -- whoo-hoo!!!), Seth and I headed north. After a quick stop in Louisville to drop off more loot to Daina and give her belly on last good luck pat (more about the twins' arrival later in this post), we made it to Lebanon to spend the evening with Jerry, Nikki, and Jackson. Jerry is a better parent (than I, not than Nikki); he took pics of the boys, I didn't. Sorry.
Saturday, we drove the final stretch in horrible Ohio weather. Snow, snow, and more snow. Ice, drifting, lots of accidents. A two-hour trip took five. Blah, blah, blah. I was never so happy to get out of the car in Toledo.
Sunday, church. So great to see our Westgate family and to spend some quality time with Dad.
Monday, lunch date/play date with Kristen/Emily and Stephanie/Aaron. Yummy food, happy babies, and the familiarity of friendships that just pick right back up where they left off. Good times.
Tuesday, lunch in Bellevue with my grandparents. More sweet memories. Jim arrived from TN after a day of business meetings. Daina announces the birth of her twins, Ari Zachary and Gregory Ethan. What joyous news!
Wednesday, lunch with my Westgate gals. So, so nice to see Lisa, Abby, and Andrea. Wish we had had more time together. Was supposed to meet Kelly for some Premier time. Thought it was Friday. Oops. Kelly, I promise, next time I'll get my calendar straight.
Thursday, um....Jim played hockey. I don't remember what Seth and I did.....Oh! Lunch at Jessi's with Sara and all the kids. We also got Seth's first haircut. Tear. Pictures to come.
Friday, Jim and I ran errands. Trip to the courthouse to get my birth certificate, oil changes, and Quizno's for lunch. Discover Itty Bitty likes BBQ chips. Jim hung out with Doug, Andy and Scott, and Seth and I went back to Sylvania to hang out with Dad.
Saturday, a quiet morning at home to play; lunch with our friends Chris and Majorie; a trip to Verizon; and back to the Gregory's for the annual get-together.
Sunday, early service at church and the LONGEST DRIVE HOME EVER. Seth was not a happy camper, and apparently, pregnancy also makes me car sick. Fun.
This week has already been a blur. I was supposed to go to Louisville to spend some time with Daina and the boys, but Itty Bitty isn't much liking the second trimester any more than the first, so I've been in PJs on the couch all week. Hopefully, I'll feel better by the weekend. It's supposed to be 74 on Saturday!
I do have pictures and videos to share. Be patient. Seth has been fighting naptimes, and my "morning" sickness peaks right about the time Jim gets home, so my blogging time is precious.
Thanks to the 4 faithful readers I still have after my hiatus. ;)
I know I've been a horrible blogger. I stick to my newest ideal that it is not my blog that dictates my life, but my life that dictates my blog. And lately, life has dictated that there is no time for the blog.
Friday, February 20, after a fun spa day at MOPS (where I won a free on-the-spot haircut -- whoo-hoo!!!), Seth and I headed north. After a quick stop in Louisville to drop off more loot to Daina and give her belly on last good luck pat (more about the twins' arrival later in this post), we made it to Lebanon to spend the evening with Jerry, Nikki, and Jackson. Jerry is a better parent (than I, not than Nikki); he took pics of the boys, I didn't. Sorry.
Saturday, we drove the final stretch in horrible Ohio weather. Snow, snow, and more snow. Ice, drifting, lots of accidents. A two-hour trip took five. Blah, blah, blah. I was never so happy to get out of the car in Toledo.
Sunday, church. So great to see our Westgate family and to spend some quality time with Dad.
Monday, lunch date/play date with Kristen/Emily and Stephanie/Aaron. Yummy food, happy babies, and the familiarity of friendships that just pick right back up where they left off. Good times.
Tuesday, lunch in Bellevue with my grandparents. More sweet memories. Jim arrived from TN after a day of business meetings. Daina announces the birth of her twins, Ari Zachary and Gregory Ethan. What joyous news!
Wednesday, lunch with my Westgate gals. So, so nice to see Lisa, Abby, and Andrea. Wish we had had more time together. Was supposed to meet Kelly for some Premier time. Thought it was Friday. Oops. Kelly, I promise, next time I'll get my calendar straight.
Thursday, um....Jim played hockey. I don't remember what Seth and I did.....Oh! Lunch at Jessi's with Sara and all the kids. We also got Seth's first haircut. Tear. Pictures to come.
Friday, Jim and I ran errands. Trip to the courthouse to get my birth certificate, oil changes, and Quizno's for lunch. Discover Itty Bitty likes BBQ chips. Jim hung out with Doug, Andy and Scott, and Seth and I went back to Sylvania to hang out with Dad.
Saturday, a quiet morning at home to play; lunch with our friends Chris and Majorie; a trip to Verizon; and back to the Gregory's for the annual get-together.
Sunday, early service at church and the LONGEST DRIVE HOME EVER. Seth was not a happy camper, and apparently, pregnancy also makes me car sick. Fun.
This week has already been a blur. I was supposed to go to Louisville to spend some time with Daina and the boys, but Itty Bitty isn't much liking the second trimester any more than the first, so I've been in PJs on the couch all week. Hopefully, I'll feel better by the weekend. It's supposed to be 74 on Saturday!
I do have pictures and videos to share. Be patient. Seth has been fighting naptimes, and my "morning" sickness peaks right about the time Jim gets home, so my blogging time is precious.
Thanks to the 4 faithful readers I still have after my hiatus. ;)
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Painting Easter Eggs...
Oh, wait. I mean paint and Easter eggs.
Well, not really Easter eggs. Just eggs.
Oh, let me explain.
When I knew that we would be moving into a new home in Nashville, TN, I secretly began to dread the thought of painting a new home. Or, maybe not so secretly. Pretty much every one knows I abhor painting.
But I wasn't even excited about picking out paint colors, even if I could convince Jim that we should hire a professional painter.
Then, I stumbled across The Nester, and found this gem of a post. My worries were over.
We couldn't get Tobacco Road matched, but we used SW Blonde, which is pretty darn close, for the kitchen, dining, and guest rooms. We selected, at The Nester's good word, Svelte Sage for the living room. And we trusted Emily's choice of Oyster Bay, though I'll admit we went up (over?) one shade on the paint swatch, for our master bed and bath. We love all the rooms, and The Nester became a proven decorating maven in my book at that point.
So, there's her intro. I love her.
Two weeks ago, she posted news about the fabulous L. Herbert Designs that she's showcased in her beautiful home before. But not just news -- a giveaway.
And I won.
I am SO excited about this. I have a vision for them -- right above our garden tub. The big space is just dying for something this classy and fun and sophisticated.
I'm one lucky duck. Or bird, as the case may be. =)
Thank you, Nester. You rock!
Well, not really Easter eggs. Just eggs.
Oh, let me explain.
When I knew that we would be moving into a new home in Nashville, TN, I secretly began to dread the thought of painting a new home. Or, maybe not so secretly. Pretty much every one knows I abhor painting.
But I wasn't even excited about picking out paint colors, even if I could convince Jim that we should hire a professional painter.
Then, I stumbled across The Nester, and found this gem of a post. My worries were over.
We couldn't get Tobacco Road matched, but we used SW Blonde, which is pretty darn close, for the kitchen, dining, and guest rooms. We selected, at The Nester's good word, Svelte Sage for the living room. And we trusted Emily's choice of Oyster Bay, though I'll admit we went up (over?) one shade on the paint swatch, for our master bed and bath. We love all the rooms, and The Nester became a proven decorating maven in my book at that point.
So, there's her intro. I love her.
Two weeks ago, she posted news about the fabulous L. Herbert Designs that she's showcased in her beautiful home before. But not just news -- a giveaway.
And I won.
I am SO excited about this. I have a vision for them -- right above our garden tub. The big space is just dying for something this classy and fun and sophisticated.
I'm one lucky duck. Or bird, as the case may be. =)
Thank you, Nester. You rock!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Fancy Feet
One of the perks of BlissDom'09 that I haven't told you about is some of the fabulous swag that we got. With sponsors like Disney, Little Debbie, and Lands End, I knew it'd be good.
One of the surprises in our swag bag was a Crocs gift certificate.
My first exposure to Crocs was in 2004, in California, where my dear friend Melissa sported the original classic in orange. Melissa is one of the coolest people I've ever known, and therefore, Crocs were cool, in my book.
I balked at the price tag, though, and never gave in to the hype.
Then, this past Christmas, I received these Mammoths as a gift.
Love. Them.
So, when I saw the gift certificate for $50 worth of Crocs merchandise in my BlissDom swag bag, you better believe I booked it to their website to pick me out a new pair.
Okay, I didn't exactly "book it." I waited a couple weeks until I stumbled across the paper in the bottom of my day timer.
But still.
Look what my swollen, pregnancy-ballooned tootsies will be sporting this summer:
How cute are those? And seriously, if you, too, are still holding out on your first pair of Crocs, let me tell you, they are as comfy as you've probably heard, and, I'm now convinced, worth the money. (PS -- the Mammoths are on sale right now. All you northerners, rumor has it more snow is on the way this weekend, so now is your chance to snatch up a pair!)
One of the surprises in our swag bag was a Crocs gift certificate.
My first exposure to Crocs was in 2004, in California, where my dear friend Melissa sported the original classic in orange. Melissa is one of the coolest people I've ever known, and therefore, Crocs were cool, in my book.
I balked at the price tag, though, and never gave in to the hype.
Then, this past Christmas, I received these Mammoths as a gift.
Love. Them.
So, when I saw the gift certificate for $50 worth of Crocs merchandise in my BlissDom swag bag, you better believe I booked it to their website to pick me out a new pair.
Okay, I didn't exactly "book it." I waited a couple weeks until I stumbled across the paper in the bottom of my day timer.
But still.
Look what my swollen, pregnancy-ballooned tootsies will be sporting this summer:
How cute are those? And seriously, if you, too, are still holding out on your first pair of Crocs, let me tell you, they are as comfy as you've probably heard, and, I'm now convinced, worth the money. (PS -- the Mammoths are on sale right now. All you northerners, rumor has it more snow is on the way this weekend, so now is your chance to snatch up a pair!)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Better than the last
Updated: I changed the privacy settings on Vimeo, so you should be able to access the site now.
Although necessary, I know the last video I made y'all watch was a little sobering.
I promise, this one is WAY funnier.
This is Jim's solution for Seth's too-big wardrobe.
Enjoy.
Although necessary, I know the last video I made y'all watch was a little sobering.
I promise, this one is WAY funnier.
This is Jim's solution for Seth's too-big wardrobe.
Enjoy.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
If you're a mommy, please watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2DVfqFhseo
We go back and forth right now between the carrier and the convertible seats, but I'm thinking maybe we need to install the convertible rear-facing for a while longer.
We go back and forth right now between the carrier and the convertible seats, but I'm thinking maybe we need to install the convertible rear-facing for a while longer.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
BlissDom '09: Part II
They didn't really stress the "why" of this, but they definitely did stress: "buy your domain."
So I did.
While you can still find me at http://writerchicnlawnboy.blogspot.com/, going forward, I'd rather you find me at....
Drum roll....
www.thewriterchic.com
I know, I know. Where'd Jim go? Rest assured, he's still as much a part of all this as ever, but let's be honest....it was a loooong name.
I'm still publishing through blogger.com, so the look of Writer Chic will remain unchanged, but I have the simplicity and professionalism of a dot com now. Go, me!
And on a housekeeping note, if you are a follower of my blog or if you have it bookmarked on your desktop, can you please change it to www.thewriterchic.com? I'd love for any further links or references to take any new readers to the new address. Thanks!
So I did.
While you can still find me at http://writerchicnlawnboy.blogspot.com/, going forward, I'd rather you find me at....
Drum roll....
www.thewriterchic.com
I know, I know. Where'd Jim go? Rest assured, he's still as much a part of all this as ever, but let's be honest....it was a loooong name.
I'm still publishing through blogger.com, so the look of Writer Chic will remain unchanged, but I have the simplicity and professionalism of a dot com now. Go, me!
And on a housekeeping note, if you are a follower of my blog or if you have it bookmarked on your desktop, can you please change it to www.thewriterchic.com? I'd love for any further links or references to take any new readers to the new address. Thanks!
Monday, February 9, 2009
BlissDom '09 Recap: Part I
Did y'all remember that I was away this last weekend?
I was at BlissDom '09.
A blogging conference that I touted as a "writers conference." But now that I'm on the flip-side of it, I'm don't feel that "writers conference" is as much of a fib as I'd thought. I think that what I learned in the two days spent at Hotel Preston will make me a better writer.
I plan to blog this week about what I took away from the conference. There will be some changes coming to WriterChicNLawnBoy, in both look and in name. And I have a bunch of new blogs to share with you.
But for now, the first thing I'm going to leave with you is the BEST quote of the weekend, in my opinion.
In one of the sessions I attended, Melissa Michaels of The Inspired Room shared with us an experience she had with some negative reader feedback. During a necessary and not-all-that-intentional bloggy break, a reader left Melissa a comment regarding why she wasn't "getting on with it, already." (Meaning, why aren't you posting more?) First of all, can you imagine the gall? Second, how rude! And third, I LOVED it, because, well....I've been feeling the pressure of "getting on with it, already" since we've been here in Tennessee.
No one has hounded me to write more, post more pictures of Seth, or put up pictures of the new house. It has all been a self-imposed pressure to show you all that life here in the South is fine.
But to be honest, I'm tired. This pregnancy, while healthy thus far, is kicking my butt. Big time. I'm not sleeping well. Most nights I'm on the couch rather than in bed. I'm constantly nauseated. Thank God that Jim is so patient, because my culinary skills have fallen to demanding french toast post haste the minute he walks in the door. (Too bad it only lasted about an hour -- what a waste of a super yummy dinner!) I'm bone weary. My body already aches from shoulder to hip and it takes most of my energy to keep Seth happy all the live-long day.
So, is my pregnancy an excuse right now? You betcha. It is why I'm not "getting on with it, already." The "IT" being blogging more, posting (or taking, for that matter) more photos, unpacking the final dozen boxes.....
And I learned -- or rather, had it validated -- this weekend that it's OKAY that I'm not. My life comes first -- and right now, staying healthy for this baby trumps all else. As Melissa explained to us that she responded to her impatient, irrational reader, her blog posting doesn't rule her life. Her LIFE fuels her blog posting.
So even though I take WriterChic seriously and want it to be an integral part of my daily life and our family diaring (is that a word?), it needs to fit where I have room. And I haven't (had room).
And it felt really good to hear this weekend that that's okay.
I realize that this is a horribly written post. And maybe it makes sense to only me. But you know what else I learned this weekend? That writing for me, and not necessarily the reader, is okay, too. But that's a post for another day.
And on a completely unrelated note, thank you all for your well wishes on Friday's post. It feels so good to finally have our news be public. Hope you are all ready to take this itty bitty journey with us!
I was at BlissDom '09.
A blogging conference that I touted as a "writers conference." But now that I'm on the flip-side of it, I'm don't feel that "writers conference" is as much of a fib as I'd thought. I think that what I learned in the two days spent at Hotel Preston will make me a better writer.
I plan to blog this week about what I took away from the conference. There will be some changes coming to WriterChicNLawnBoy, in both look and in name. And I have a bunch of new blogs to share with you.
But for now, the first thing I'm going to leave with you is the BEST quote of the weekend, in my opinion.
In one of the sessions I attended, Melissa Michaels of The Inspired Room shared with us an experience she had with some negative reader feedback. During a necessary and not-all-that-intentional bloggy break, a reader left Melissa a comment regarding why she wasn't "getting on with it, already." (Meaning, why aren't you posting more?) First of all, can you imagine the gall? Second, how rude! And third, I LOVED it, because, well....I've been feeling the pressure of "getting on with it, already" since we've been here in Tennessee.
No one has hounded me to write more, post more pictures of Seth, or put up pictures of the new house. It has all been a self-imposed pressure to show you all that life here in the South is fine.
But to be honest, I'm tired. This pregnancy, while healthy thus far, is kicking my butt. Big time. I'm not sleeping well. Most nights I'm on the couch rather than in bed. I'm constantly nauseated. Thank God that Jim is so patient, because my culinary skills have fallen to demanding french toast post haste the minute he walks in the door. (Too bad it only lasted about an hour -- what a waste of a super yummy dinner!) I'm bone weary. My body already aches from shoulder to hip and it takes most of my energy to keep Seth happy all the live-long day.
So, is my pregnancy an excuse right now? You betcha. It is why I'm not "getting on with it, already." The "IT" being blogging more, posting (or taking, for that matter) more photos, unpacking the final dozen boxes.....
And I learned -- or rather, had it validated -- this weekend that it's OKAY that I'm not. My life comes first -- and right now, staying healthy for this baby trumps all else. As Melissa explained to us that she responded to her impatient, irrational reader, her blog posting doesn't rule her life. Her LIFE fuels her blog posting.
So even though I take WriterChic seriously and want it to be an integral part of my daily life and our family diaring (is that a word?), it needs to fit where I have room. And I haven't (had room).
And it felt really good to hear this weekend that that's okay.
I realize that this is a horribly written post. And maybe it makes sense to only me. But you know what else I learned this weekend? That writing for me, and not necessarily the reader, is okay, too. But that's a post for another day.
And on a completely unrelated note, thank you all for your well wishes on Friday's post. It feels so good to finally have our news be public. Hope you are all ready to take this itty bitty journey with us!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Labor Day
Labor Day was always kind of a non-event in our family. I mean, it was a day off work and/or school, but I don't ever remember really celebrating it in picnic/barbecue fashion.
Once I was college age, Labor Day was just a day spent going through registration, purchasing books, and settling into a too-small dorm room with two or three strangers.
Last year, we had a really enjoyable Labor Day picnic with some of our dearest friends (hi Jay and Andrea!!!) at their lakeside campground, eating ribs and holy-cow-these-are-hot jalapeno poppers, and roasting s'mores. To date, it was the best Labor Day on record.
But something tells me that this year will cruise into the winners' circle with the in-the-flesh arrival of this little itty bitty, on or around September 5th.
It is with great pleasure and no small amount of relief that Jim and Ifinally introduce you to our 5th child, currently about 10 weeks gestation. S/he has a beautiful heartbeat of 185 beats per minute, and looks "perfect," according to the ultrasound technician.
Once I was college age, Labor Day was just a day spent going through registration, purchasing books, and settling into a too-small dorm room with two or three strangers.
Last year, we had a really enjoyable Labor Day picnic with some of our dearest friends (hi Jay and Andrea!!!) at their lakeside campground, eating ribs and holy-cow-these-are-hot jalapeno poppers, and roasting s'mores. To date, it was the best Labor Day on record.
But something tells me that this year will cruise into the winners' circle with the in-the-flesh arrival of this little itty bitty, on or around September 5th.
It is with great pleasure and no small amount of relief that Jim and Ifinally introduce you to our 5th child, currently about 10 weeks gestation. S/he has a beautiful heartbeat of 185 beats per minute, and looks "perfect," according to the ultrasound technician.
His/her head is at the bottom right, and looking right to left, you see the left arm ("holding" the yolk sac), the belly, and the left leg
I will post more about this pregnancy -- how I found out, how I told Jim, how I'm been feeling. But for now, merely rejoice with us over our newest blessing.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Today's blog, brought to you by the letter "M"
I have several "real" (read: actual content) blog posts in the works, but they're not ready to publish.
So, Christy was nice enough to assign me a letter for a little midweek meme. She gave me "Z" to begin with, buttering me up with the compliment that I'm "creative enough to come up with some great things," but then she came to her senses and let me work with "M."
So, here we go. 10 things I love that being with the letter "M," in no particular order:
Maternity clothes. They are comfy and styles today are super cute.
Monday night TV. Jim and I got suckered into One Tree Hill after Seth was born last winter, and besides The Office, it's the one show we faithfully watch together very week. Sometimes, I think Seth's first full sentence is going to be "what's under the clothes, Brooke Davis?"
My Best Friend's Wedding. I love Julia Roberts' movies, and this is one of my favorites. I love the concept of the story plot, and the soundtrack to the movie is really good, too.
Maraschino cherries. I could eat them right out of the jar.
Macaroons. I went through most of my life thinking I didn't like coconut. Oh, how sad. Once I discovered the combination of dark chocolate and coconut....heaven!
Matte photography. I do NOT like glossy prints. Yuck.
Macaroni and cheese. I like all kinds: gourmet and blue box. It's probably my number one comfort food.
Massage therapy. It's not something I do regularly enough -- it's expensive! But I LOVE getting a massage -- especially reflexology, where they just focus on hands and feet.
Mustangs. As in Ford. My first car was a white, '97 Mustang, when I was in college. Nothing better than cruising along the gulf coast with my best girls, Sonic limeades in the cup holders and wind blowing through our hair.
Marriage. I'm SO glad my days of being single and dating are over.
If you want to play, I'd be happy to assign you a letter, too!
So, Christy was nice enough to assign me a letter for a little midweek meme. She gave me "Z" to begin with, buttering me up with the compliment that I'm "creative enough to come up with some great things," but then she came to her senses and let me work with "M."
So, here we go. 10 things I love that being with the letter "M," in no particular order:
Maternity clothes. They are comfy and styles today are super cute.
Monday night TV. Jim and I got suckered into One Tree Hill after Seth was born last winter, and besides The Office, it's the one show we faithfully watch together very week. Sometimes, I think Seth's first full sentence is going to be "what's under the clothes, Brooke Davis?"
My Best Friend's Wedding. I love Julia Roberts' movies, and this is one of my favorites. I love the concept of the story plot, and the soundtrack to the movie is really good, too.
Maraschino cherries. I could eat them right out of the jar.
Macaroons. I went through most of my life thinking I didn't like coconut. Oh, how sad. Once I discovered the combination of dark chocolate and coconut....heaven!
Matte photography. I do NOT like glossy prints. Yuck.
Macaroni and cheese. I like all kinds: gourmet and blue box. It's probably my number one comfort food.
Massage therapy. It's not something I do regularly enough -- it's expensive! But I LOVE getting a massage -- especially reflexology, where they just focus on hands and feet.
Mustangs. As in Ford. My first car was a white, '97 Mustang, when I was in college. Nothing better than cruising along the gulf coast with my best girls, Sonic limeades in the cup holders and wind blowing through our hair.
Marriage. I'm SO glad my days of being single and dating are over.
If you want to play, I'd be happy to assign you a letter, too!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Hooray for the Golden Arches
Wednesday, after we went to the bank for our daily visit with Miss Micha and Miss Janet, Seth and I stopped in at McDonald's for a McCafe and some PlayPlace time.
Well, the coffee machine was broken, so I had yogurt and an orange juice, but the playtime turned out to be a goldmine.
Seth, aka The Boy Who Knows No Strangers, made himself right at home with the other family (mom and two kids) who had the same idea as we did. And since he is such a charmer, and we were all bonding over french fries, the other mom, Lisa, and I began a conversation that turned into a 2 hour play date!
We really hit it off, have several things in common, and are planning to meet up at her house on Monday with some other moms/kids for another play date.
Whoo-hoo! I'm making friends. Yea, me!
Well, the coffee machine was broken, so I had yogurt and an orange juice, but the playtime turned out to be a goldmine.
Seth, aka The Boy Who Knows No Strangers, made himself right at home with the other family (mom and two kids) who had the same idea as we did. And since he is such a charmer, and we were all bonding over french fries, the other mom, Lisa, and I began a conversation that turned into a 2 hour play date!
We really hit it off, have several things in common, and are planning to meet up at her house on Monday with some other moms/kids for another play date.
Whoo-hoo! I'm making friends. Yea, me!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, Monday
See, the great thing about transitioning from "bloggy" friend to "in real life" friend with someone is that you feel totally allowed to completely rip off their blog posts. Pretty much word for word.
Yesterday, Seth and I went to Pleasant View to have lunch with Sarah.
She made Toscana Soup, a hearty Italian soup--it was yummy (and somewhat [but not too] spicy).
And some panninis...mmm...good! I love her pannini maker (Thanks, Sarah's mom!)
You just can't beat a Monday afternoon lunch with a friend!
Toscana Soup
12 links spicy sausage (she used ground sausage)
1 T vegetable oil
3/4 cup diced onion
1 1/4 teaspoons minced garlic
2 T chicken broth
4 cups water (I substituted additional broth for this)
2 potatoes, halved and sliced
2 cups sliced kale
1/3 cup heavy cream
Cook sausage according to directions. If using links, cut into 1/2 inch slices when cooked.
Heat oil and saute onions until translucent, add garlic and cook 1 minute.
Stir in broth, water (or broth) and potatoes, simmer 15 minutes or until potatoes are done.
Reduce heat to low and add sausage, kale and cream. Simmer until heated through.
(She added more broth and cream so that it would be a more "soupy" as opposed to "stewy")
Yesterday, Seth and I went to Pleasant View to have lunch with Sarah.
She made Toscana Soup, a hearty Italian soup--it was yummy (and somewhat [but not too] spicy).
And some panninis...mmm...good! I love her pannini maker (Thanks, Sarah's mom!)
You just can't beat a Monday afternoon lunch with a friend!
Toscana Soup
12 links spicy sausage (she used ground sausage)
1 T vegetable oil
3/4 cup diced onion
1 1/4 teaspoons minced garlic
2 T chicken broth
4 cups water (I substituted additional broth for this)
2 potatoes, halved and sliced
2 cups sliced kale
1/3 cup heavy cream
Cook sausage according to directions. If using links, cut into 1/2 inch slices when cooked.
Heat oil and saute onions until translucent, add garlic and cook 1 minute.
Stir in broth, water (or broth) and potatoes, simmer 15 minutes or until potatoes are done.
Reduce heat to low and add sausage, kale and cream. Simmer until heated through.
(She added more broth and cream so that it would be a more "soupy" as opposed to "stewy")
Oh. And the reason I stole Sarah's post rather than write my own?
I have a flood in my living room that I'm trying to contain. Our fireplace is leaking from all this stupid ice and freezing rain. We aren't at all clued in as to where the water is coming from , but it is cold, it is constant, and it's eventually going to fill up the bucket. Grr! The joys of home ownership!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
I've got nothing
I know people start to worry when I don't post for a few days.
All is fine. There is just nothing noteworthy to report right now.
Friday night, we discovered I'm better at Wii darts than Jim is, but that he smokes me in baseball. I couldn't even hit the ball.
Jim worked on taxes most of Saturday, and Seth and I went for a drive and got sort of lost. Had really, really bad Taco Bell for lunch.
Good times at church on Sunday. We may be getting hooked up with a small group soon, and have an invitation to a SuperBowl party next week. We all took looong naps, and then installed cabinet safety locks and Seth's new forward-facing carseat. BBQ for dinner.
Monday, I'm having lunch with Sarah, and Thursday, I'm driving up to Louisville to spend the day with Daina. Our last girls' day before the twins arrive!!
So, yea, just life, plain and simple. There's nothing wrong with uneventful, in my opinion.
All is fine. There is just nothing noteworthy to report right now.
Friday night, we discovered I'm better at Wii darts than Jim is, but that he smokes me in baseball. I couldn't even hit the ball.
Jim worked on taxes most of Saturday, and Seth and I went for a drive and got sort of lost. Had really, really bad Taco Bell for lunch.
Good times at church on Sunday. We may be getting hooked up with a small group soon, and have an invitation to a SuperBowl party next week. We all took looong naps, and then installed cabinet safety locks and Seth's new forward-facing carseat. BBQ for dinner.
Monday, I'm having lunch with Sarah, and Thursday, I'm driving up to Louisville to spend the day with Daina. Our last girls' day before the twins arrive!!
So, yea, just life, plain and simple. There's nothing wrong with uneventful, in my opinion.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Setheroni's Picnic
Welcome to our home, part, well, two, I guess. Here, Michele, are the long-awaited pictures of Seth's new room.
The color on the walls is Sherwin Williams' Picnic.
This is the view from the door. We get beautiful eastern sun on the back of the house, which is a great way to wake up, and perfect for afternoon snoozing. The curtains aren't actually hung yet, they're just on a tension rod for the moment. We haven't yet found Seth's curtain rod.
Yea for easily transferred artwork. Now, if only it were easy to hang symmetrically. You don't want to know how many holes are behind those plaques. ;)
The view from the rocker. I still want to get something to hang over the changing table. I had planned to use the lovely footprint keepsake that Sara and Doug got us for Seth's first birthday, but....um, yeah. I think that those impressions are meant to be done on newborn tootsies. I tried to get Seth's footprint, but when I rolled the clay out wide enough to get his whole foot to fit, it wasn't thick enough to get an impression that would hold. So.... hmm. Back to square one.
Also, the barn to the left of the door was Jim's when he was little. We have several handmade toys, and now the toy box, too, that Jim's grandfather built for him. The thing is HUGE, but we love having it in Seth's room. I think I'm going to hang his quilt on the wall above the toy box.
Seth's dresser. The giraffe you see reflected was also handmade and painted by Jim's grandpa.
The birth sampler embroidered by my grandma and my can't-live-without-it CD player.
Seth's closet. We were going to gt rid of this bookshelf, but I wrestled it into the closet, and it works beautifully. And Seth is actually getting really good about putting things away on it. I love it!
And finally...tubs full of all the clothes he's already outgrown. So sad.
And finally...tubs full of all the clothes he's already outgrown. So sad.
Oh, and one more. The occupant, charging the cameraman!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
You little stinker!
Admit it.
Even if you are an avid blog reader who keeps up with a gazillion blogs, you have your favorites. Those handful that stick out to you because they are funny, well-written, insightful. If you're lucky, the women who write those blogs are also women who you just feel like you connect with -- like if you lived in the same ZIP code, you'd be the best of friends.
Well, Kendra is one of my favorites. I don't remember how I found her, or if she found me, but we somehow clicked. We faithfully read each other's blogs, and we've emailed. My only "criticism" of Kendra is that she, quite literally, lives on the other side of the country -- in Oregon. And that's just too far!
But she quite wonderfully redeemed herself for that on Wednesday.
Earlier this month, Kendra posted about these adorable baskets she'd found for a steal. And of course, I loved them, and told her as much in the comments. Well, sweetheart that she is, she offered to pick up a couple for me and ship them to Tennessee. (See, another pitfall to living so far away is that we can't rejoice over great bargains together if we don't have the same stores. Another boo!).
Our e-conversation went like this:
Me: "Kendra, where are those baskets from? I MUST have them!"
Kendra: "Fred Meyers. Do you have that chain near you? If not, let me know and I would totally be willing to pick ya up some and send 'em your way..."
Me: (trying to be diplomatic and thrifty, even though I TOTALLY wanted to take her up on her offer) "No, I've never even heard to Fred Meyers. And although I appreciate the offer to send me a couple, I'm going to resist and just keep making do with the baskets I already have in my half bath that look just like that -- it was more the fabric I feel in love with. You're a sweetheart for offering, though!"
Well, let me tell you, I'll be bragging on this girl a little bit more in the coming weeks for reasons yet to be shared in bloggy-world, but y'all check this out:
That is the cabinet in our downstairs half-bath. And on those shelves are the adorable Fred Meyers baskets that came all the way from Oregon to Tennessee, courtesy of Kendra. Just because! Isn't she the best, and don't they just look perfect?
And equally exciting -- a sink!
So, there you have it. Our half bath, made all that cuter by Kendra's thoughtful and surprise contribution. Thank you, Kendra! I love them!
Even if you are an avid blog reader who keeps up with a gazillion blogs, you have your favorites. Those handful that stick out to you because they are funny, well-written, insightful. If you're lucky, the women who write those blogs are also women who you just feel like you connect with -- like if you lived in the same ZIP code, you'd be the best of friends.
Well, Kendra is one of my favorites. I don't remember how I found her, or if she found me, but we somehow clicked. We faithfully read each other's blogs, and we've emailed. My only "criticism" of Kendra is that she, quite literally, lives on the other side of the country -- in Oregon. And that's just too far!
But she quite wonderfully redeemed herself for that on Wednesday.
Earlier this month, Kendra posted about these adorable baskets she'd found for a steal. And of course, I loved them, and told her as much in the comments. Well, sweetheart that she is, she offered to pick up a couple for me and ship them to Tennessee. (See, another pitfall to living so far away is that we can't rejoice over great bargains together if we don't have the same stores. Another boo!).
Our e-conversation went like this:
Me: "Kendra, where are those baskets from? I MUST have them!"
Kendra: "Fred Meyers. Do you have that chain near you? If not, let me know and I would totally be willing to pick ya up some and send 'em your way..."
Me: (trying to be diplomatic and thrifty, even though I TOTALLY wanted to take her up on her offer) "No, I've never even heard to Fred Meyers. And although I appreciate the offer to send me a couple, I'm going to resist and just keep making do with the baskets I already have in my half bath that look just like that -- it was more the fabric I feel in love with. You're a sweetheart for offering, though!"
Well, let me tell you, I'll be bragging on this girl a little bit more in the coming weeks for reasons yet to be shared in bloggy-world, but y'all check this out:
That is the cabinet in our downstairs half-bath. And on those shelves are the adorable Fred Meyers baskets that came all the way from Oregon to Tennessee, courtesy of Kendra. Just because! Isn't she the best, and don't they just look perfect?And kind of unrelated, but still fitting for this post. I've been promising my former co-worker and friend Michele that I'd show her pictures of the new house. Yea, I've been saying this since October. But you know how it goes. You don't want to post pictures of the new house with all the boxes strewn about, and then we were having the house painted, and I wanted the pictures to show the new paint...blah, blah, blah.
Well, since I already had the camera out, I decided to tackle the pictures of the half bath and Seth's room (coming soon, I promise). But anyway, here is the rest of the half bath. It was the only room in the house that we didn't have painted. This was the color of our dining room in Ohio, and we both liked the idea of a red bath with black and white accents, so we left it.
Ooh, look! A toilet! I know, the artwork looks like it's hung too high. I agree. But I was planning on putting something (any suggestions?) on the back of the toilet, so I thought I needed to leave the vacant space. I'm open to ideas.
And equally exciting -- a sink!So, there you have it. Our half bath, made all that cuter by Kendra's thoughtful and surprise contribution. Thank you, Kendra! I love them!Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Monday morning
As Jim was getting dressed for work this morning, he said to me from the closet, "Babe, do you know what the temperature is supposed to be today?" I groggily responded from the depths of flannel sheets and pillows, "I don't think it's supposed to be that bad, maybe 40?"
He left for work, and as I lay there for the next several minutes, I heard this odd, yet familiar, sound coming from outside. But I was lazy, and I didn't bother to peek outside to investigate.
But when Seth and I went downstairs for breakfast, I was greeted with a welcome sight:
I know that all our family and friends in Ohio are sick to death of winter and ice and snow, but to this newly transplanted yankee, this white stuff was like a balm to my homesick heart.
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm a LOT less homesick than I expected to be. Not that there haven't been moments, even whole days, of wishing we were still in Ohio, but for the most part, I'm absolutely content here.
But still...to look out my window and see falling snow, to hear sleet hitting the window pane, to watch Seth gaze outside in wonder as the ground is blanketed....it feels like home. And that feels wonderful.
He left for work, and as I lay there for the next several minutes, I heard this odd, yet familiar, sound coming from outside. But I was lazy, and I didn't bother to peek outside to investigate.
But when Seth and I went downstairs for breakfast, I was greeted with a welcome sight:
I know that all our family and friends in Ohio are sick to death of winter and ice and snow, but to this newly transplanted yankee, this white stuff was like a balm to my homesick heart.Now, don't get me wrong. I'm a LOT less homesick than I expected to be. Not that there haven't been moments, even whole days, of wishing we were still in Ohio, but for the most part, I'm absolutely content here.
But still...to look out my window and see falling snow, to hear sleet hitting the window pane, to watch Seth gaze outside in wonder as the ground is blanketed....it feels like home. And that feels wonderful.
On another completely unrelated note, and more for the benefit of Sarah and Christy, I wanted to offer up proof that I really was making chicken pot pie from scratch on Friday. And I have to tell you, it was good. Girls, when we have our first "sister" get-together, this can be my contribution, I promise!
Friday, January 16, 2009
For Harper
Most of my readers probably already know this, but in case you don't...
Harper Brown Stamps was born early Friday evening, but has been flown to Arkansas Children's Hospital in critical condition. She and Kelly will be separated tonight.
You can read more of Kelly's update here. Please join with us in prayer that God would choose to spare Harper's life and heal both her and Kelly.
Harper Brown Stamps was born early Friday evening, but has been flown to Arkansas Children's Hospital in critical condition. She and Kelly will be separated tonight.
You can read more of Kelly's update here. Please join with us in prayer that God would choose to spare Harper's life and heal both her and Kelly.
A reflection on Friday
Outside my window...frost and some ice. It's not the blizzard our families got back home, but it's the most "winter" we've seen since we've been here. All the schools are closed today, so that means no MOPS, and I'm stuck at home. Boo.
I am thinking...about my inlaw's visit this weekend.
From the learning room...recognizing body parts. How many times in a day can I sing "Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes"?
I am thankful for...nap time. It's been a rough week.
From the kitchen...homemade chicken pot pies. We'll see, it's an attempt at a new dish.
I am wearing...jeans and my favorite orange sweater.
I am reading...The Guardian by Dee Henderson.
I am hoping...that we are able to do some fun things this weekend, instead of just taking advantage of "free babysitting" to do chores and work on taxes.
I am creating...a new life here in Nashville.
I am hearing...silence. Sometimes, it's the sweetest sound of all.
I am thinking...about my inlaw's visit this weekend.
From the learning room...recognizing body parts. How many times in a day can I sing "Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes"?
I am thankful for...nap time. It's been a rough week.
From the kitchen...homemade chicken pot pies. We'll see, it's an attempt at a new dish.
I am wearing...jeans and my favorite orange sweater.
I am reading...The Guardian by Dee Henderson.
I am hoping...that we are able to do some fun things this weekend, instead of just taking advantage of "free babysitting" to do chores and work on taxes.
I am creating...a new life here in Nashville.
I am hearing...silence. Sometimes, it's the sweetest sound of all.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
I'm choosing joy regardless, but another reminder wouldn't hurt
Thanks to some link wandering via Christy (who agreed to be my surrogate sis!), I found my way to this great giveaway at Life As Mom.
I need this tee shirt....but maybe you do, too. So head on over there to enter. The contest is open until Saturday.
Good luck...but not so good that you win and I don't! ;)
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Customer Service: an update
When Sarah and Mike were over for dinner on Sunday, we talked a little bit about the situation with the hospital that I posted about here last week. I was admitting to Sarah that I heavily considered the counsel that her sister Christy left in the comments on the original post. If you have read Christy's blog at all, you know that she is an amazing, godly woman, and even from a "distance," I look up to her and appreciate her wisdom. And there was a little part of me that was seeking Christy's approval in making my/our decision about any potential action against the hospital. (Christy, I know you probably think that is silly, but it's true...will you be my surrogate big sis?)
Anyway, after reading Christy's comment, I felt compelled to email her for some further encouragement, to which, of course, she immediately responded, and after some more prayer, I knew what to do.
During Seth's nap on Friday, I pulled up the blog post, to have as a reference as I spoke to the hospital, and dialed the billing department. I really feel that the Lord had his hand on my spirit and on those that I spoke with. The gentleman that I first spoke with was kind, patient, and helpful, even though in the end, as I'd expected, he needed to hand me off to someone with more authority. But still, he listened, he apologized on behalf of the system, and he noted our account appropriately so that we won't receive any more notices until a final resolution is reached.
The next woman I spoke with also was unable to actually "help" me, but she, too, listened to the whole story, taking notes and sensitively asking questions. She let me know that a patient representative would be given my case information, and would be calling me back within twenty-four hours to further discuss.
Sure enough, at 7:30 Saturday morning, a sweet and oh-so-thorough patient representative called me, and again, listened intently to my recounting. She, too, apologized, and said that this case would go to the top of her list, and that we were completely fine in holding off on payment on any of our bills.
And Sunday...here is where things get interesting. Sunday, during dinner, the phone rang. Since Sarah and Mike were over, I almost ignored it, but I recognized the Toledo Hospital phone number. It was our rep. And she had some big news.
She had been able to locate the pathology report. The one we were told didn't exist. Obviously, that was good news, albeit surprising. She is sending me a consent form that I'll need to get back to her in order to release the findings to me.
I'm SO thankful that Sarah was over when I received this news, because it sent my mind in a million directions, and having been on the receiving end of a pathology report, she was able to help me make some sense of what I was feeling.
So, there we are. As much as I'm glad we'll have some answers, this in no way cancels out the issues of the hospital. If anything, it highlights the lack of communication and competence that went into my care that weekend.
We continue to wait, and that's fine. Because I feel that I am handling this right and in the proper way. And as a mom, it makes me feel like I'm fighting for my babies in a way that my body could not.
So there you have it.
Thank you all for your comments and love last week; it meant a lot. I promise to keep you updated.
Anyway, after reading Christy's comment, I felt compelled to email her for some further encouragement, to which, of course, she immediately responded, and after some more prayer, I knew what to do.
During Seth's nap on Friday, I pulled up the blog post, to have as a reference as I spoke to the hospital, and dialed the billing department. I really feel that the Lord had his hand on my spirit and on those that I spoke with. The gentleman that I first spoke with was kind, patient, and helpful, even though in the end, as I'd expected, he needed to hand me off to someone with more authority. But still, he listened, he apologized on behalf of the system, and he noted our account appropriately so that we won't receive any more notices until a final resolution is reached.
The next woman I spoke with also was unable to actually "help" me, but she, too, listened to the whole story, taking notes and sensitively asking questions. She let me know that a patient representative would be given my case information, and would be calling me back within twenty-four hours to further discuss.
Sure enough, at 7:30 Saturday morning, a sweet and oh-so-thorough patient representative called me, and again, listened intently to my recounting. She, too, apologized, and said that this case would go to the top of her list, and that we were completely fine in holding off on payment on any of our bills.
And Sunday...here is where things get interesting. Sunday, during dinner, the phone rang. Since Sarah and Mike were over, I almost ignored it, but I recognized the Toledo Hospital phone number. It was our rep. And she had some big news.
She had been able to locate the pathology report. The one we were told didn't exist. Obviously, that was good news, albeit surprising. She is sending me a consent form that I'll need to get back to her in order to release the findings to me.
I'm SO thankful that Sarah was over when I received this news, because it sent my mind in a million directions, and having been on the receiving end of a pathology report, she was able to help me make some sense of what I was feeling.
So, there we are. As much as I'm glad we'll have some answers, this in no way cancels out the issues of the hospital. If anything, it highlights the lack of communication and competence that went into my care that weekend.
We continue to wait, and that's fine. Because I feel that I am handling this right and in the proper way. And as a mom, it makes me feel like I'm fighting for my babies in a way that my body could not.
So there you have it.
Thank you all for your comments and love last week; it meant a lot. I promise to keep you updated.
Monday, January 12, 2009
No pictures, just peace
Sunday was a good day.
We finally embarked on the find-a-new-church journey. Because we don't know anyone here, we didn't even have "real people" recommendations. No, we were going off really reliable information like "hey, their building looks nice from the interstate," or, "this seems to be about the same size as Westgate." Nice way to pick your spiritual home, I know. But don't judge.
So, choice A yesterday was the looks-nice-from-I-65 option. Overachiever that I am, I made the first mistake of the day. We got to the church a little too early, and there were no greeters or ushers or anyone in the lobby -- they were all still in Sunday School. So, I felt slighted and unwelcome. Strike one (which, I know, is unfair, but it's how I felt). But we got Seth settled in the nursery, though I had some reservations when they put him in the 15-30 month room and he looked like a shrimp compared to the other toddlers. He jumped right in, though, running away from us, and choosing his toys.
We settled into the sanctuary, and my tears began to fall. I had a hard time explaining to Jim what was wrong, but I think it boils down to that this was the first thing that really made this move seem real. Instead of walking around being greeted by name, getting ready to get my mic for praise team, I was sitting, lonely, in a seat, feeling like a second-grader on the first day at a new school.
But things quickly began to turn around when the first person to come up and recognize us as visitors was the pastor. And he was great -- boisterous with a booming voice, and he quickly made us feel right at home. And the worship was great, and the sermon was fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. I think we're both tempted to settle down right away, but we're going to give it a few more weeks and try out Option B and maybe a few others....but there is great peace knowing that there is a church close by that will fit our needs when the time comes.
And, then.
Then we got to have dinner with Sarah and Mike. Sarah is as sweet and charming as she comes across on her blog, and she put me totally at ease to play hostess when my house is still in disarray and not all that clean. We shared a great meal; she bought this incredible salad that I pan to eat all week long, and Jim grilled steaks and chicken that even Mike, the Sarah-proclaimed grill master, gave props to. Yum!
I have a new friend, and I feel so blessed.
(I also think I have a cold, but that's another post.)
I know my blogging has been a little all over the place, both in content and frequency. Sorry? Stay faithful, dear reader, I plan to make it better.
Happy Monday, y'all.
We finally embarked on the find-a-new-church journey. Because we don't know anyone here, we didn't even have "real people" recommendations. No, we were going off really reliable information like "hey, their building looks nice from the interstate," or, "this seems to be about the same size as Westgate." Nice way to pick your spiritual home, I know. But don't judge.
So, choice A yesterday was the looks-nice-from-I-65 option. Overachiever that I am, I made the first mistake of the day. We got to the church a little too early, and there were no greeters or ushers or anyone in the lobby -- they were all still in Sunday School. So, I felt slighted and unwelcome. Strike one (which, I know, is unfair, but it's how I felt). But we got Seth settled in the nursery, though I had some reservations when they put him in the 15-30 month room and he looked like a shrimp compared to the other toddlers. He jumped right in, though, running away from us, and choosing his toys.
We settled into the sanctuary, and my tears began to fall. I had a hard time explaining to Jim what was wrong, but I think it boils down to that this was the first thing that really made this move seem real. Instead of walking around being greeted by name, getting ready to get my mic for praise team, I was sitting, lonely, in a seat, feeling like a second-grader on the first day at a new school.
But things quickly began to turn around when the first person to come up and recognize us as visitors was the pastor. And he was great -- boisterous with a booming voice, and he quickly made us feel right at home. And the worship was great, and the sermon was fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. I think we're both tempted to settle down right away, but we're going to give it a few more weeks and try out Option B and maybe a few others....but there is great peace knowing that there is a church close by that will fit our needs when the time comes.
And, then.
Then we got to have dinner with Sarah and Mike. Sarah is as sweet and charming as she comes across on her blog, and she put me totally at ease to play hostess when my house is still in disarray and not all that clean. We shared a great meal; she bought this incredible salad that I pan to eat all week long, and Jim grilled steaks and chicken that even Mike, the Sarah-proclaimed grill master, gave props to. Yum!
I have a new friend, and I feel so blessed.
(I also think I have a cold, but that's another post.)
I know my blogging has been a little all over the place, both in content and frequency. Sorry? Stay faithful, dear reader, I plan to make it better.
Happy Monday, y'all.
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