They say there's a first time for everything and last night I actually had one of those moments!
On our way back from baby class, Jon and I saw a guy talking on his cell phone (I know, pretty much an everyday occurrence)... wait for it...while riding his motorcycle! Has anyone else come across this?
He was helmetless. At first he tried to hold his phone and steer his bike with one hand, but he was a little too swervy. Then he held it up to his ear with his shoulder. Jon and I were so waiting for him to drop it, but alas he came to a stop at a red light, finished his call, and put the phone away. Still, it was the highlight of my week... sad, but true.
Jon asked me to add another first. We also made a stop at the border on our way home last night (Jon was desperately craving tacos - he seems to have more cravings than me these days!) and the fast-food-drive-thru guy was... actually friendly! He made small talk, asked how our day was, and referred to Jon as buddy and bro. We almost asked to see the manager to tell him what a rare employee he had. Or maybe he was just stoned, but either way - two firsts in one night!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
24/7
There aren't enough hours in the day sometimes. I have so many little projects to do and they all take more time than I plan or realize. I know you all feel my pain. Since I'm currently pressed for time, here's a condensed blurb about what's been up in Casa de P family:
- Last night we relaxed and hung out with friends (Jess and Jerry) all night. They made us dinner, gave us our shower present (a diaper disposal system), and let us hang out on their couch and watch Wipeout with them. Jon and I both needed a night of pure laziness so it was great for us. Sorry we were the guests that would just not leave, Jess!
- Today I got some of my little projects done (which included uploading photos to Snapfish, working on my Baby Shower book, catching and releasing a lizard after three previously unsuccessful attempts), but I also spent some time helping out my mom since she had a "mishap" (her term) last night. She sort of slipped/fell/caught herself/strained her already damaged rotator cuff. Hard to explain... but basically she can't lift or use her right arm at all. She's in a lot of pain and she has to sit still and not "do stuff" 24/7. It's the doing stuff part that is going to drive her batty in about 2 more hours. Let's hope she has a fast recovery time.
- Tonight is our last official baby class (with the exception of the one we need to make up when Jon was sick). It will be nice not to have to take those hours out of our night a couple times a week anymore. Tonight's all about the boob so it should be interesting!
- Th-th-th-that's all folks!
- Last night we relaxed and hung out with friends (Jess and Jerry) all night. They made us dinner, gave us our shower present (a diaper disposal system), and let us hang out on their couch and watch Wipeout with them. Jon and I both needed a night of pure laziness so it was great for us. Sorry we were the guests that would just not leave, Jess!
- Today I got some of my little projects done (which included uploading photos to Snapfish, working on my Baby Shower book, catching and releasing a lizard after three previously unsuccessful attempts), but I also spent some time helping out my mom since she had a "mishap" (her term) last night. She sort of slipped/fell/caught herself/strained her already damaged rotator cuff. Hard to explain... but basically she can't lift or use her right arm at all. She's in a lot of pain and she has to sit still and not "do stuff" 24/7. It's the doing stuff part that is going to drive her batty in about 2 more hours. Let's hope she has a fast recovery time.
- Tonight is our last official baby class (with the exception of the one we need to make up when Jon was sick). It will be nice not to have to take those hours out of our night a couple times a week anymore. Tonight's all about the boob so it should be interesting!
- Th-th-th-that's all folks!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Baby Class
Not much time to write. Jon and I are off to baby class in about 5 minutes and the heavens just opened up with two blasts of lightning that were close enough to make even the baby jump.
Plus, I was already drenched once today in a torrential downpour and don't feel like going for time #2. Maybe we should leave early...
Plus, I was already drenched once today in a torrential downpour and don't feel like going for time #2. Maybe we should leave early...
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Summer Showers...
...bring many presents!
I've been so fortunate to have so many amazing showers. Yesterday was the last of them (sigh) and it did not disappoint: Venessa did a great job of making the place look cute and festive; she and my mom put out a delicious spread of appetizers, pizzas, and desserts (including the new million dollar winning recipe from the Pillsbury bake off); many of my wonderful Florida friends were able to attend; we played fun yet challenging games (it's apparent that my nursery rhyme skills are seriously lacking!) - I think a good time was had by all.
No one had more fun than me as I got to rip into another set of fantastic gifts! This round included super cute clothes (of course), soft bath items and bath lotions, a diaper caddy, changing pad covers for when the little one pees through the clean ones!, some safety items that I've really been looking forward to getting, gift cards (I'm already planning my purchases as I'm heading to the store tomorrow), a couple of cute memory/photo frames, and a baby book (finally, I've been waiting and waiting to get one!).
For homemade gifts, mom made me tons of pretty burp cloths. If the amount is any indication, I'm going to have one spit-upy baby! My friend Chris also painted a little jewelry/knickknack box from Ikea (our fave place) in pink with brown flowers to match the room - adorable!
I could go on and on, but today is actually a chore day and I have to get back to reality. The laundry timer just went off and the bills are sitting next to the computer waiting to be paid. Stupid bills, I'm thinking an Office Space-like refusal to pay them. I'm already not going back to work so I'm halfway there!
Thanks for everything yesterday gals!
I've been so fortunate to have so many amazing showers. Yesterday was the last of them (sigh) and it did not disappoint: Venessa did a great job of making the place look cute and festive; she and my mom put out a delicious spread of appetizers, pizzas, and desserts (including the new million dollar winning recipe from the Pillsbury bake off); many of my wonderful Florida friends were able to attend; we played fun yet challenging games (it's apparent that my nursery rhyme skills are seriously lacking!) - I think a good time was had by all.
No one had more fun than me as I got to rip into another set of fantastic gifts! This round included super cute clothes (of course), soft bath items and bath lotions, a diaper caddy, changing pad covers for when the little one pees through the clean ones!, some safety items that I've really been looking forward to getting, gift cards (I'm already planning my purchases as I'm heading to the store tomorrow), a couple of cute memory/photo frames, and a baby book (finally, I've been waiting and waiting to get one!).
For homemade gifts, mom made me tons of pretty burp cloths. If the amount is any indication, I'm going to have one spit-upy baby! My friend Chris also painted a little jewelry/knickknack box from Ikea (our fave place) in pink with brown flowers to match the room - adorable!
I could go on and on, but today is actually a chore day and I have to get back to reality. The laundry timer just went off and the bills are sitting next to the computer waiting to be paid. Stupid bills, I'm thinking an Office Space-like refusal to pay them. I'm already not going back to work so I'm halfway there!
Thanks for everything yesterday gals!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Prep
I think my body is starting to prepare for the event to come. My hips, low back and pelvic area are really starting to ache. I feel like I tried to do the chinese splits without properly stretching first and now I'm hobbling around in agony.
If only this was the worst it was going to get!
Jon is taking pity on my patheticness and making me a delicious meal of crab legs, grill potatoes and pineapple slices. Follow that up with a movie and an early night to bed and I should be feeling fine for my baby shower tomorrow! Gift opening can be a lot of work you know. :)
If only this was the worst it was going to get!
Jon is taking pity on my patheticness and making me a delicious meal of crab legs, grill potatoes and pineapple slices. Follow that up with a movie and an early night to bed and I should be feeling fine for my baby shower tomorrow! Gift opening can be a lot of work you know. :)
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Water Feature
I've been to all kinds of movie theaters: scuzzy ones, comfy ones, fancy shmancy ones... but yesterday was the first time I've ever been to one with a water feature!
Mom and I headed over to the cheapo theater to see Now She Found Me (we'd never even heard of it, but when you're only paying a couple bucks it's amazing how you're more willing to take the risk). As soon as the movie started so did the thunderstorm that had been brewing outside. You could hear the lightning cracks, the booms of thunder, and the torrential rain pinging against the roof. It must have been an impressive storm as it lasted almost the whole movie.
After a while, I got to thinking that the water sounded really trickley and close. The theater was pretty dark so it was hard to find at first, but then I saw it – a huge leak in the ceiling raining down upon the chairs in the first couple of rows.
I know it’s an old theater, but I wasn’t sure if they knew about the leak or not. I ducked out of the movie just to give them the heads up. The guy didn’t seem too concerned:
“Is it on the left hand side of the theater?” he asked.
“No,” I said, “the right hand side.”
“I mean if you’re sitting facing the screen, then it’s on the left hand side,” he pressed.
“No. Facing the screen, it’s on the right hand side,” I tried again.
“Oh, that must be a new one,” he finally relented. “We’ll put some cones down there later.”
This was not a small leak mind you. It would be like if you turned on one of those waterfall showerheads full blast, let it pour and continue to leak for over half of the movie!
We’ve always remarked how nice it is that even though this is the cheapo theater, it doesn’t smell all dank and musty. I’m starting to wonder if we’ll still say that after our next visit...
Mom and I headed over to the cheapo theater to see Now She Found Me (we'd never even heard of it, but when you're only paying a couple bucks it's amazing how you're more willing to take the risk). As soon as the movie started so did the thunderstorm that had been brewing outside. You could hear the lightning cracks, the booms of thunder, and the torrential rain pinging against the roof. It must have been an impressive storm as it lasted almost the whole movie.
After a while, I got to thinking that the water sounded really trickley and close. The theater was pretty dark so it was hard to find at first, but then I saw it – a huge leak in the ceiling raining down upon the chairs in the first couple of rows.
I know it’s an old theater, but I wasn’t sure if they knew about the leak or not. I ducked out of the movie just to give them the heads up. The guy didn’t seem too concerned:
“Is it on the left hand side of the theater?” he asked.
“No,” I said, “the right hand side.”
“I mean if you’re sitting facing the screen, then it’s on the left hand side,” he pressed.
“No. Facing the screen, it’s on the right hand side,” I tried again.
“Oh, that must be a new one,” he finally relented. “We’ll put some cones down there later.”
This was not a small leak mind you. It would be like if you turned on one of those waterfall showerheads full blast, let it pour and continue to leak for over half of the movie!
We’ve always remarked how nice it is that even though this is the cheapo theater, it doesn’t smell all dank and musty. I’m starting to wonder if we’ll still say that after our next visit...
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Mismatch
Last night's baby class was fun. We've all been hanging out together for a couple of nights now so people are starting to relax and let their true personalities show. Plus there are some mismatched couples that are great for people watching.
First couple: The guy is kind of slight and has effeminate features and the girl has man hands. To make it worse, they are one of those sickeningly affectionate couples. It was really hard to focus when all I could see was her man hands stroking his back and arms and basically snuggling the whole class long. Later, when we were practicing our pregnancy relaxation/breathing techniques and she was lying back on his chest, he had his hand full on her boob. So interesting!
Second couple: She looks mid to late 40s and he looks early 20s at best. They actually look very similar so Jon and I were beginning to think they were related, like maybe he was her son and was just there for support or to be her coach (seemed a little disturbing, but then she wants a home birth so she seems a little wacky to me!). Last night though, the doula (which Jon kept calling medulla for some reason) asked if all the guys were the dads and he didn't indicate otherwise. Hmmm...
The doula had us practicing some interesting exercises last night too (thank God Jon and I had chosen a spot way in the back corner of the room). Everyone was laughing their butts off. The men were making fun of us women folk when we were using the birthing ball, but it all got turned around on them when the doula made them lay on their backs, assume the delivery position (Jon lacks flexibility so watching him try to get his knees up and hips open was hysterical enough), and do several sets of pushes. I should have grabbed out the camera phone!
I should have titled today's blog "Tuesdays Tasks" because I got so many little tasks done and checked off my list today: made three doctors appts (dentist for additional pregnancy cleaning, general doctor for last thyroid test, and pediatrician for meet and greet); called 2 cord blood companies for info and prices; ordered breast pump etc. My ear felt like it was on fire after several hours of phone-calls, but I felt very productive. Guess I can feel justified in being lazy then with the rest of my afternoon/evening!
Shannon out- :)
First couple: The guy is kind of slight and has effeminate features and the girl has man hands. To make it worse, they are one of those sickeningly affectionate couples. It was really hard to focus when all I could see was her man hands stroking his back and arms and basically snuggling the whole class long. Later, when we were practicing our pregnancy relaxation/breathing techniques and she was lying back on his chest, he had his hand full on her boob. So interesting!
Second couple: She looks mid to late 40s and he looks early 20s at best. They actually look very similar so Jon and I were beginning to think they were related, like maybe he was her son and was just there for support or to be her coach (seemed a little disturbing, but then she wants a home birth so she seems a little wacky to me!). Last night though, the doula (which Jon kept calling medulla for some reason) asked if all the guys were the dads and he didn't indicate otherwise. Hmmm...
The doula had us practicing some interesting exercises last night too (thank God Jon and I had chosen a spot way in the back corner of the room). Everyone was laughing their butts off. The men were making fun of us women folk when we were using the birthing ball, but it all got turned around on them when the doula made them lay on their backs, assume the delivery position (Jon lacks flexibility so watching him try to get his knees up and hips open was hysterical enough), and do several sets of pushes. I should have grabbed out the camera phone!
I should have titled today's blog "Tuesdays Tasks" because I got so many little tasks done and checked off my list today: made three doctors appts (dentist for additional pregnancy cleaning, general doctor for last thyroid test, and pediatrician for meet and greet); called 2 cord blood companies for info and prices; ordered breast pump etc. My ear felt like it was on fire after several hours of phone-calls, but I felt very productive. Guess I can feel justified in being lazy then with the rest of my afternoon/evening!
Shannon out- :)
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Due Date Contest
When I was home in MN, we started compiling a list of people's guesses for the baby's arrival. I've listed the guesses so far (on the left hand side of my blog below my picture).
To be entered in the money contest, you need to submit your day and time (am or pm will suffice) to either Jon or myself along with your $1 bet. It's okay to guess the same day/time as someone else. In the event of a tie, the pot will be split between the winners. If no one picks the correct day/time, the pot goes to me.
For those of you who are far away and/or not interested in the money contest, you can still submit your guess to either Jon or myself just for fun.
For a full list of contest rules and regulations, please email me. :)
To be entered in the money contest, you need to submit your day and time (am or pm will suffice) to either Jon or myself along with your $1 bet. It's okay to guess the same day/time as someone else. In the event of a tie, the pot will be split between the winners. If no one picks the correct day/time, the pot goes to me.
For those of you who are far away and/or not interested in the money contest, you can still submit your guess to either Jon or myself just for fun.
For a full list of contest rules and regulations, please email me. :)
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Ponderosa Playroom
The playroom is pretty well finished. I know, you guys keep teasing me about putting the playroom up now (don't worry I understand that it won't get used much for the first year or so). Mostly, I needed to move the desks out to make room for the horses. Where else was I going to stable my herd?
Here's a closeup of my horses: Poco (my childhood pony) and Gypsy (named for the first horse born at Agate Lake). Gypsy is the larger horse that was beautifully handcrafted by Bart (our long-time neighbor and friend).
This shot also shows the gorgeous painting my Aunt made me (okay, actually the baby) of the resort (cabin 7).
Here's a photo of a table that Jon made for me back in high school when we were dating. We're going to cut the legs down to make it more kid-friendly. The two chairs have family history as well (one was purchased from our elementary school circa the 1940s, the other was mine from childhood). Mom and I made the artwork today from old canvases and fabric.
This is the last shot of the playbin area. The artwork above was painted by Jon and given to me as a wedding present.
The P Family Ponderosa is ready for riders. Giddy up!
Here's a closeup of my horses: Poco (my childhood pony) and Gypsy (named for the first horse born at Agate Lake). Gypsy is the larger horse that was beautifully handcrafted by Bart (our long-time neighbor and friend).
This shot also shows the gorgeous painting my Aunt made me (okay, actually the baby) of the resort (cabin 7).
Here's a photo of a table that Jon made for me back in high school when we were dating. We're going to cut the legs down to make it more kid-friendly. The two chairs have family history as well (one was purchased from our elementary school circa the 1940s, the other was mine from childhood). Mom and I made the artwork today from old canvases and fabric.
This is the last shot of the playbin area. The artwork above was painted by Jon and given to me as a wedding present.
The P Family Ponderosa is ready for riders. Giddy up!
Friday, July 18, 2008
What a Difference...
... a year makes!
Here's a photo of me from July 07 (St. Petersburg, FL)
Here's a photo of me from July 08 (Crosby, MN)
Something seems a little different, right?
Today I got my haircut. Maybe I'll take a photo tomorrow and put that up here as well to see if I get a better reaction from the blog world than I did from Jon! :) It feels so much better to have that hair up and off my neck. I've had longer hair for almost two years now - I was in desperate need for a change. I do miss my dark dye, though it is nice to see what my natural hair color is. It had been over a decade so I could barely remember it myself. You can weigh in on that too.
Anyway, that's all for now. TGIF for you working stiffs!
I decided to edit and add the photo tonight. Here you go...
Here's a photo of me from July 07 (St. Petersburg, FL)
Here's a photo of me from July 08 (Crosby, MN)
Something seems a little different, right?
Today I got my haircut. Maybe I'll take a photo tomorrow and put that up here as well to see if I get a better reaction from the blog world than I did from Jon! :) It feels so much better to have that hair up and off my neck. I've had longer hair for almost two years now - I was in desperate need for a change. I do miss my dark dye, though it is nice to see what my natural hair color is. It had been over a decade so I could barely remember it myself. You can weigh in on that too.
Anyway, that's all for now. TGIF for you working stiffs!
I decided to edit and add the photo tonight. Here you go...
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Thrifty Thursday
My doctors appt this morning:
1) took for-ever (thank goodness I told Jon not to come)
2) resulted in more crap for me to take to get rid of my hacking cough (we've added Claritin and Robitussin DM into the mix)
After that depressing event, mom and I checked out the cheapo movie theater and saw What Happens in Vegas... pretty cute and funny. Though laughing does tend to make me cough more so I felt a little bad for the rest of the moviegoers (it probably wasn't as disruptive as I thought considering most of the white hairs are probably deaf anyway).
Tonight I'm off to bowling to hang with my old gang the Pinderellas. Gotta see how they are representin' without me this summer. :)
I still haven't had a chance to go through any of the pics and get anything posted (as you are obviously aware), but my plan is to do that this weekend... we'll see...
1) took for-ever (thank goodness I told Jon not to come)
2) resulted in more crap for me to take to get rid of my hacking cough (we've added Claritin and Robitussin DM into the mix)
After that depressing event, mom and I checked out the cheapo movie theater and saw What Happens in Vegas... pretty cute and funny. Though laughing does tend to make me cough more so I felt a little bad for the rest of the moviegoers (it probably wasn't as disruptive as I thought considering most of the white hairs are probably deaf anyway).
Tonight I'm off to bowling to hang with my old gang the Pinderellas. Gotta see how they are representin' without me this summer. :)
I still haven't had a chance to go through any of the pics and get anything posted (as you are obviously aware), but my plan is to do that this weekend... we'll see...
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Roadtrip Revisited
Don't worry, I'll be giving you the cliff notes version of our trip home (mostly because it wasn't nearly as exciting as the trip up!)
Day 1
We left Crosby around 7 am and intended to stop in Rockford, IL. The travel day was pretty uneventful. We talked, I read, the usual. Rockford was under construction and there was a semi trailer jack-knifed at the exit for our planned hotel, so we ended up driving on a little farther. I don't even remember the town we stopped in. I do remember we had pizza delivered for dinner! (Sorry Sara, food ranks high in my memory bank apparently.)
Day 2
Mom was tired and actually let me drive some! I guess she thought she could handle it since she would have her eyes closed and thus would not feel the need to tell me what to do every second. I enjoyed the drive except for when a wolf came shooting out of the brush at an Olympic paced dash right in front of me. Let's just say that got the heart pumping a little and I'm pretty sure MBP woke up and started flopping around. Thankfully the wolf froggered his way across and disappeared down the brush on the other side where I imagine he later claimed his gold medal. Let's hope he doesn't let his new-found fame go to his head and pull a Michael Phelps/Oksana Bayul (sp?) post-Olympic DWI.
The worst part of day 2 was in Nashville, TN when we were looking for a hotel. We drove around for literally an hour and a half looking for a place that would allow a dog. Even hotels that are supposedly "pet friendly" are not in Nashville. We ended up staying in a fancy Doubletree with a huge non-refundable pet deposit. We did eat some good, if overpriced, room service though.
Day 3
In a word...sucked. We slept late to make up for the stressful night before, so we didn't get on the road until almost 9:30. There was torrential rain when we were trying to make it through the Chattanooga Pass so it was slow going at best and we even had to stop and wait it out for a while. Then we hit that freakish road construction that we got trapped in on the way up. I assumed we would be safe since it had only been on the other side of the freeway, but they must have finished the Northbound side and moved on to the Southbound. Lucky us! That took an extra hour or more. And with the time change working against us (we lost an hour)....ugh! We had already made reservations for Valdosta, GA (not wanting another Nashville experience) so it was another late check in.
This particular La Quinta was a bit ghetto. The didn't have an elevator. Our first room's A/C wasn't functioning so we had to move (luckily it was just right next door). We were excited about the fact that IHOP was catering the continental breakfast, but it was the worst of any hotel. No waffles, no pancakes, no french toast - what?! But our biggest complaint was the tub.
Mom showered first and suggested I might want to skip it. Considering I slather on a tub of tummy butter every night, skipping it really wasn't an option. She instead vehemently warned me to be careful. I kind of expected her to be overreacting due to my preggo status, but she was right. It was the most f***ed up tub I've ever seen. It was so rounded that the only flat part to stand in was about the width of a balance beam. You would have to stand with one foot in front of the other to be on level footing. I felt like I was attempting a field sobriety test and failing. (Apparently carrying an extra 20 pounds in your gut affects your balance a bit.) I opted for standing with my feet side by side, but this meant that they were at an incline up the sides of the tub. I confess I held on to the handicap rail several times when trying to maneuver around for shampoo etc. It was a bit of a workout!
Day 4
We just wanted to be home. We hardly stopped at all - a couple of times to pee (no food breaks necessary) and we made it home by mid-afternoon.
Okay, I think that catches you up on that. Today was another work day for me. I cleaned out several cupboards in the kitchen and the pantry and one closet upstairs. Mom's van is loaded down with Goodwill trip number one. Tomorrow I have the two hard closets to get started on. Guess I should try to relax a bit tonight to save up my strength!
Day 1
We left Crosby around 7 am and intended to stop in Rockford, IL. The travel day was pretty uneventful. We talked, I read, the usual. Rockford was under construction and there was a semi trailer jack-knifed at the exit for our planned hotel, so we ended up driving on a little farther. I don't even remember the town we stopped in. I do remember we had pizza delivered for dinner! (Sorry Sara, food ranks high in my memory bank apparently.)
Day 2
Mom was tired and actually let me drive some! I guess she thought she could handle it since she would have her eyes closed and thus would not feel the need to tell me what to do every second. I enjoyed the drive except for when a wolf came shooting out of the brush at an Olympic paced dash right in front of me. Let's just say that got the heart pumping a little and I'm pretty sure MBP woke up and started flopping around. Thankfully the wolf froggered his way across and disappeared down the brush on the other side where I imagine he later claimed his gold medal. Let's hope he doesn't let his new-found fame go to his head and pull a Michael Phelps/Oksana Bayul (sp?) post-Olympic DWI.
The worst part of day 2 was in Nashville, TN when we were looking for a hotel. We drove around for literally an hour and a half looking for a place that would allow a dog. Even hotels that are supposedly "pet friendly" are not in Nashville. We ended up staying in a fancy Doubletree with a huge non-refundable pet deposit. We did eat some good, if overpriced, room service though.
Day 3
In a word...sucked. We slept late to make up for the stressful night before, so we didn't get on the road until almost 9:30. There was torrential rain when we were trying to make it through the Chattanooga Pass so it was slow going at best and we even had to stop and wait it out for a while. Then we hit that freakish road construction that we got trapped in on the way up. I assumed we would be safe since it had only been on the other side of the freeway, but they must have finished the Northbound side and moved on to the Southbound. Lucky us! That took an extra hour or more. And with the time change working against us (we lost an hour)....ugh! We had already made reservations for Valdosta, GA (not wanting another Nashville experience) so it was another late check in.
This particular La Quinta was a bit ghetto. The didn't have an elevator. Our first room's A/C wasn't functioning so we had to move (luckily it was just right next door). We were excited about the fact that IHOP was catering the continental breakfast, but it was the worst of any hotel. No waffles, no pancakes, no french toast - what?! But our biggest complaint was the tub.
Mom showered first and suggested I might want to skip it. Considering I slather on a tub of tummy butter every night, skipping it really wasn't an option. She instead vehemently warned me to be careful. I kind of expected her to be overreacting due to my preggo status, but she was right. It was the most f***ed up tub I've ever seen. It was so rounded that the only flat part to stand in was about the width of a balance beam. You would have to stand with one foot in front of the other to be on level footing. I felt like I was attempting a field sobriety test and failing. (Apparently carrying an extra 20 pounds in your gut affects your balance a bit.) I opted for standing with my feet side by side, but this meant that they were at an incline up the sides of the tub. I confess I held on to the handicap rail several times when trying to maneuver around for shampoo etc. It was a bit of a workout!
Day 4
We just wanted to be home. We hardly stopped at all - a couple of times to pee (no food breaks necessary) and we made it home by mid-afternoon.
Okay, I think that catches you up on that. Today was another work day for me. I cleaned out several cupboards in the kitchen and the pantry and one closet upstairs. Mom's van is loaded down with Goodwill trip number one. Tomorrow I have the two hard closets to get started on. Guess I should try to relax a bit tonight to save up my strength!
Can't Sleep
I'm hoping it's just my over-organizational nature and not my "nesting" setting in (it's a little to early to deliver at 32 weeks), but I have a list of house things I want to get accomplished and thinking about it is keeping me awake. If I could actually get back to sleep, I'm sure I would have a strange pregnancy dream about being smothered by the crap in our closets.
Our actual living environment is relatively clutter-free, but we have absolutely no storage or closet space (especially since we cleaned out the nursery room closet and stuffed what was in there into already full spaces). Thus the majority of my to do list involves ruthlessly cleaning out closets and making trips to Goodwill.
Though I didn't get to any closet cleaning yet, today was still very productive. I unpacked all my bags from the trip, unpacked and put away the majority of the shower presents, organized all the baby clothes, and rearranged two rooms. (Actually Mom did all the rearranging, I mostly pointed since I'm not allowed to lift or push anything heavy. I'm sure her back will not be thanking me tomorrow.)
Somewhere along our 2000 mile journey home, it occurred to me that I needed to turn our loft into a play room area. Since we have always used that space for our office, that meant all that furniture (two desks, book shelf, computer equipment and chair) needed to find a new home. There weren't many options so the guest room drew the short straw so to speak. We moved the bed against the window, freeing up one wall and then put all the desks etc in that new space. It's a little less spacious and cozy than before, but not too bad.
Those projects took me all day and then we had our first baby class in the evening, so it was a full day. Which is why sleeping would be appreciated about now...
Goodnight.
Our actual living environment is relatively clutter-free, but we have absolutely no storage or closet space (especially since we cleaned out the nursery room closet and stuffed what was in there into already full spaces). Thus the majority of my to do list involves ruthlessly cleaning out closets and making trips to Goodwill.
Though I didn't get to any closet cleaning yet, today was still very productive. I unpacked all my bags from the trip, unpacked and put away the majority of the shower presents, organized all the baby clothes, and rearranged two rooms. (Actually Mom did all the rearranging, I mostly pointed since I'm not allowed to lift or push anything heavy. I'm sure her back will not be thanking me tomorrow.)
Somewhere along our 2000 mile journey home, it occurred to me that I needed to turn our loft into a play room area. Since we have always used that space for our office, that meant all that furniture (two desks, book shelf, computer equipment and chair) needed to find a new home. There weren't many options so the guest room drew the short straw so to speak. We moved the bed against the window, freeing up one wall and then put all the desks etc in that new space. It's a little less spacious and cozy than before, but not too bad.
Those projects took me all day and then we had our first baby class in the evening, so it was a full day. Which is why sleeping would be appreciated about now...
Goodnight.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Home Sweet Home
The trip back from vacation is never as exciting as the trip there. The 4 days seemed even longer this time, though there were some fun and interesting moments.
And I'll be sure to tell you about them when I'm not so exhausted... :)
And I'll be sure to tell you about them when I'm not so exhausted... :)
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
And we're off...
Mom and I leave tomorrow and as I won't be posting again until Monday at the earliest, you can all take a vacation from my blog. It's okay, you have my permission.
What? You don't like the idea of living without my ramblings for 5 days? Then feel free to entertain yourself by reading old posts. :)
Look forward to lots of pictures next week as I have tons of photos on my camera I want to download....
Have a great weekend!
What? You don't like the idea of living without my ramblings for 5 days? Then feel free to entertain yourself by reading old posts. :)
Look forward to lots of pictures next week as I have tons of photos on my camera I want to download....
Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Rattle Run
Today we took the loaded-down Honda over to Brainerd to get another key cut. We managed the trip North on only one key, but we weren't feeling as confidant about our luck holding out on the trip back South.
The Honda dealership in FL had told my mom it would cost $170 to get a new key micro-chipped and cut. Want to guess how much Brainerd Honda charged?..... $21.50. Yep. Forget calling it the Sunshine State, it's more like the Screw Me State. Frustrating!!
Anyway, on the drive we also got the chance to test the rattle of our load. Not too bad. My father, with his professional tetris-style packing technique, has everything pretty well secured. Even Gypsy will have a rock-free ride. No sense putting miles on her unnecessarily. Though she has been kid-tested already.
After the shower, when I brought her out to the P's so the men could see, Maddie spied her in the back of the van and her eyes immediately lit up. We let her climb up into the back of the van and rock away. She had a blast (there were even a few tears when we finally had to take her back out). Mostly it gave a whole new meaning to the phrase: "if this van's a rockin', don't come a knockin'."
Later homies... rock on!
The Honda dealership in FL had told my mom it would cost $170 to get a new key micro-chipped and cut. Want to guess how much Brainerd Honda charged?..... $21.50. Yep. Forget calling it the Sunshine State, it's more like the Screw Me State. Frustrating!!
Anyway, on the drive we also got the chance to test the rattle of our load. Not too bad. My father, with his professional tetris-style packing technique, has everything pretty well secured. Even Gypsy will have a rock-free ride. No sense putting miles on her unnecessarily. Though she has been kid-tested already.
After the shower, when I brought her out to the P's so the men could see, Maddie spied her in the back of the van and her eyes immediately lit up. We let her climb up into the back of the van and rock away. She had a blast (there were even a few tears when we finally had to take her back out). Mostly it gave a whole new meaning to the phrase: "if this van's a rockin', don't come a knockin'."
Later homies... rock on!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Gypsy, Tramps & Thieves
So my Minnesota summer vacation is coming to a close. Just a couple of more days (we're leaving Thursday) and we'll be back on our four-day road trip. The only difference will be that this time it's Florida or Bust!
We decided to get a headstart by packing the van today (no Jess, we won't need a U-haul, but it was close!). We are packed to the roof with tables and supplies my Mom wants to take back to FL and all my wonderful shower gifts. Sadly, this is not a new experience for us. Whenever we make the drive we always try to make the most of the space and so we joke that we look like "traveling gypsies, tramps and thieves." This time there's only one Gypsy and she's bucking up her back legs in protest of her cramped accommodations. :)
Anyway, the 4th was splendid here, probably one of the better celebrations in the past few years. The parade was entertaining as usual with it's 50 firetrucks and emergency vehicles from towns all around the area (it's practically tradition for someone to comment on the fact that there had better not be any fires or accidents on the 4th as no one would be available to respond), bands, dancers, volleyballers, politicians etc. This year we also had the addition of a tractor convoy!
My parent's picnic was fun. Of course I ate too much. I would list all the goodies except Sara keeps teasing me that my blog is starting to read like one large menu. I can't argue. Vacation has always meant that you eat every three hours in my family (one hour eating and two hours thinking, talking about, or planning the next meal). The beer gardens in the park were hoppin' and we had fun catching up with classmates and friends we only see once a year. The evening festivities at the P's were entertaining as well and came complete with a fireworks display by Uncle Jon for the kids. Due to their bedtime schedule he had to light the fireworks at 7:30, which is basically broad daylight during a MN summer, so they weren't as spectacular as they could have been. The kids thought they were the best though (clapping and screaming "more, more" after each one) so that's the important part.
Later we took Jon's grandpa's pontoon out onto the lake for the real fireworks display. They were amazing this year. Where we've been docking the past couple of years puts us right off the point where they launch. You have to lay back and point your head straight up to the sky to see them as they burst right overhead. It's like watching them in an omnitheater-type experience. And the ones that have the long lasting tentacles that drip down to almost the waters surface - wow! - it's like being inside a constellation.
I haven't had a chance to read any blogs all week (and may run out of time tonight as well, I'm just waiting for my cousins to come over for a BBQ...I know, more food!). I hate feeling like I'm missing out. I hope to catch up before we leave, but if not I'll have plenty of time when I get back. In the meantime, I am thinking about you guys. Miss you and hope you're having fun too!
We decided to get a headstart by packing the van today (no Jess, we won't need a U-haul, but it was close!). We are packed to the roof with tables and supplies my Mom wants to take back to FL and all my wonderful shower gifts. Sadly, this is not a new experience for us. Whenever we make the drive we always try to make the most of the space and so we joke that we look like "traveling gypsies, tramps and thieves." This time there's only one Gypsy and she's bucking up her back legs in protest of her cramped accommodations. :)
Anyway, the 4th was splendid here, probably one of the better celebrations in the past few years. The parade was entertaining as usual with it's 50 firetrucks and emergency vehicles from towns all around the area (it's practically tradition for someone to comment on the fact that there had better not be any fires or accidents on the 4th as no one would be available to respond), bands, dancers, volleyballers, politicians etc. This year we also had the addition of a tractor convoy!
My parent's picnic was fun. Of course I ate too much. I would list all the goodies except Sara keeps teasing me that my blog is starting to read like one large menu. I can't argue. Vacation has always meant that you eat every three hours in my family (one hour eating and two hours thinking, talking about, or planning the next meal). The beer gardens in the park were hoppin' and we had fun catching up with classmates and friends we only see once a year. The evening festivities at the P's were entertaining as well and came complete with a fireworks display by Uncle Jon for the kids. Due to their bedtime schedule he had to light the fireworks at 7:30, which is basically broad daylight during a MN summer, so they weren't as spectacular as they could have been. The kids thought they were the best though (clapping and screaming "more, more" after each one) so that's the important part.
Later we took Jon's grandpa's pontoon out onto the lake for the real fireworks display. They were amazing this year. Where we've been docking the past couple of years puts us right off the point where they launch. You have to lay back and point your head straight up to the sky to see them as they burst right overhead. It's like watching them in an omnitheater-type experience. And the ones that have the long lasting tentacles that drip down to almost the waters surface - wow! - it's like being inside a constellation.
I haven't had a chance to read any blogs all week (and may run out of time tonight as well, I'm just waiting for my cousins to come over for a BBQ...I know, more food!). I hate feeling like I'm missing out. I hope to catch up before we leave, but if not I'll have plenty of time when I get back. In the meantime, I am thinking about you guys. Miss you and hope you're having fun too!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Showerrific!
Hi all! I guess it's been a while since I had time to get to a computer, huh? I'm sure you're all just dying to know what hijinks I've been up to so let me think back...
Monday
- ran errands in Brainerd
- Jon and Rio arrived! (Rio promptly tossed Angel on her back and re-established her dominance in my parent's house, they never have issues like this is FL - it's so weird...)
- spent the evening at the P household where we dined on their famous family enchilada recipe (we don't make them often since the recipe is from Jon's grandparents restaurant and makes like 84 in a batch!)
- got to cuddle with baby Ben, Maddie and big Nick while catching up with Laurie & Anthony
Tuesday
- spent the day at the lake with the crew above (exhausting even though we have a 5:3 adult to child ratio :) )
- headed back to the R household for a delicious fish fry where we gorged ourselves on sunfish, crappies and perch all caught on... you guessed it... Agate Lake (courtesy of our fishing friend, Harold, thank you!)
- my childhood best friend/college roomie/"sister" Sara (aka SKMoe as Jon calls her) came for dinner and it was great getting us three musketeers back together
- we toyed with the idea of lighting a fire and making Smores, but it was 80 and humid by MN standards, instead we sent the men to the DQ for Thin Mint Blizzards (real Girl Scout Thin Mint cookie chunks in creme de mint ice cream...I highly recommend!)
Wednesday
- spent the day at the lake visiting (do you see a recurring pattern here? ahh, MN summers)
- last night was my other MN baby shower thrown by my "big sis" Heather and my second mom Penney
Shower 2
Wow! What a beautiful and fancy affair. They worked so hard and will promptly begin receiving calls to cater other shower events I'm sure.
The food: they had tons of delicious homemade appetizers; fancy drinks served in real glasses including blueberry sangria (which I was depressed I couldn't have) and raspberry lemonade with fresh fruit (which I pretended was the sangria!); and then while I was opening presents, Penney set up a dessert buffet of cheesecake with raspberries and Better Than Sex Cake drizzled with chocolate syrup and toffee sprinkles...I sampled both of course!
The games: they had several fun games but my favorite was a posterboard of 30 celebrities with their faces obscured by a baby face. You had to guess the name of the celebrity - it was so fun and not just because I rocked at the game and only missed 4. :)
The gifts: again I don't know where to begin with the gifts. We got so many cute things last night. Lots of cute clothes of course, the most adorable pair of Sketchers tennis shoes, toys, great books, lullaby music, a bouncy chair, a beautiful child's rocking chair, the musical crib thingie (not mobile but the thing you attach to the side of the crib), bath tub with towels and washcloths, diaper wipes and warmer, diapers! I know I'm forgetting things... oh, a couple of cute Christmas ornaments and picture frames.
The piece de resistance: The most amazing rocking horse made by Penney's husband, Bart. He made the horse out of maple and the seat/saddle out of black walnut. She has a luscious dark yarn mane and tail. I will post pictures when I get back to FL. Her name is Gypsy after the first horse ever born at Agate Lake Resort. (If you remember seeing Poco in the baby room pictures, Gypsy is twice as big and much more regal looking. Jon said: "If this was the Breeder's Cup, Gypsy would kick Poco's butt!" Not that I love you any less for it, Poco. :) )
Well, I could go on, but I am neglecting the family and missing my lake time. Things will be busy here with the 4th and then the weekend so I'm not sure when I'll be back online. In the meantime, enjoy the 4th (ie 4F's: food, festivities, fireworks and fun)!
Monday
- ran errands in Brainerd
- Jon and Rio arrived! (Rio promptly tossed Angel on her back and re-established her dominance in my parent's house, they never have issues like this is FL - it's so weird...)
- spent the evening at the P household where we dined on their famous family enchilada recipe (we don't make them often since the recipe is from Jon's grandparents restaurant and makes like 84 in a batch!)
- got to cuddle with baby Ben, Maddie and big Nick while catching up with Laurie & Anthony
Tuesday
- spent the day at the lake with the crew above (exhausting even though we have a 5:3 adult to child ratio :) )
- headed back to the R household for a delicious fish fry where we gorged ourselves on sunfish, crappies and perch all caught on... you guessed it... Agate Lake (courtesy of our fishing friend, Harold, thank you!)
- my childhood best friend/college roomie/"sister" Sara (aka SKMoe as Jon calls her) came for dinner and it was great getting us three musketeers back together
- we toyed with the idea of lighting a fire and making Smores, but it was 80 and humid by MN standards, instead we sent the men to the DQ for Thin Mint Blizzards (real Girl Scout Thin Mint cookie chunks in creme de mint ice cream...I highly recommend!)
Wednesday
- spent the day at the lake visiting (do you see a recurring pattern here? ahh, MN summers)
- last night was my other MN baby shower thrown by my "big sis" Heather and my second mom Penney
Shower 2
Wow! What a beautiful and fancy affair. They worked so hard and will promptly begin receiving calls to cater other shower events I'm sure.
The food: they had tons of delicious homemade appetizers; fancy drinks served in real glasses including blueberry sangria (which I was depressed I couldn't have) and raspberry lemonade with fresh fruit (which I pretended was the sangria!); and then while I was opening presents, Penney set up a dessert buffet of cheesecake with raspberries and Better Than Sex Cake drizzled with chocolate syrup and toffee sprinkles...I sampled both of course!
The games: they had several fun games but my favorite was a posterboard of 30 celebrities with their faces obscured by a baby face. You had to guess the name of the celebrity - it was so fun and not just because I rocked at the game and only missed 4. :)
The gifts: again I don't know where to begin with the gifts. We got so many cute things last night. Lots of cute clothes of course, the most adorable pair of Sketchers tennis shoes, toys, great books, lullaby music, a bouncy chair, a beautiful child's rocking chair, the musical crib thingie (not mobile but the thing you attach to the side of the crib), bath tub with towels and washcloths, diaper wipes and warmer, diapers! I know I'm forgetting things... oh, a couple of cute Christmas ornaments and picture frames.
The piece de resistance: The most amazing rocking horse made by Penney's husband, Bart. He made the horse out of maple and the seat/saddle out of black walnut. She has a luscious dark yarn mane and tail. I will post pictures when I get back to FL. Her name is Gypsy after the first horse ever born at Agate Lake Resort. (If you remember seeing Poco in the baby room pictures, Gypsy is twice as big and much more regal looking. Jon said: "If this was the Breeder's Cup, Gypsy would kick Poco's butt!" Not that I love you any less for it, Poco. :) )
Well, I could go on, but I am neglecting the family and missing my lake time. Things will be busy here with the 4th and then the weekend so I'm not sure when I'll be back online. In the meantime, enjoy the 4th (ie 4F's: food, festivities, fireworks and fun)!
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