Bad, bad (and undeserving) blogger

Has it really been a month since my last post?  It can't be!  I read blogs every day so how could I not have posted at least once or twice in there?  I'd like to blame it on it being a busy time of year or that work has been overly busy, which both is true but not so true as I didn't have any spare time to blog!

I am also an undeserving blogger as I notice Morgan has awarded me an award - so very sweet and nice of her but since it's taken me almost a month to acknowledge it and all the bloggers I would award it to have already received it (once, twice or more) I am going graciously say Thank You and unfortunately not follow through on it.  (How was that for a super long, rambling sentence!).  Thank You Morgan!!!  You are too sweet and I appreciate both your reading and your giving me an award. 

We are now 29 weeks 2 days and things are still going really well.  I am truly blessed and lucky!  I really only have three main complaints/side effects:
1. carpal tunnel in my left hand has roared it's ugly head - and bad!  Last week I could barely write it was so bad.  I just wish in April when I had my right hand done my left would have been bad enough to warrant insurance covering it. 
2. I think I might have SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) and will ask my Dr next Friday at my appointment (going every two weeks now - craziness!).  But basically after sitting at my desk or table for long periods of time when I get up I get an agonizing shooting pain in my groin - almost like I pulled a muscle.  It gets better with walking but it can be paralyzing at times. 
3. I failed my 1 hour glucose test last Friday and have to do my 3 hour next Friday.  Praying and hoping I pass that dang test. 

The nursery is about done - Walleye is putting up curtains as I type (or at least I think that's what he's doing with his last day of vacation) so I can FINALLY take a picture to post.  I am in love with the nursery!  And my dear sista has taken the nursery theme and pulled it into the theme of my baby shower!  The invites are the cutest things I have ever seen.  My Mom saw them and jumped at the chance to make coordinating Thank You cards for it! 

I am feeling Lucky move more and more and have noticed a pattern - or somewhat of a pattern.  He/she is most active around 8 pm and 4 am.  I am sure during the day he/she is active but work keeps be busy and I don't make as much of a mental note as to what time and for how long.  Walleye finally got to fee Lucky move - I had been waiting and waiting for that!

Work has been rather crazy - even though students and faculty are gone I have had more than enough to keep me busy...not that I have been all that productive this week.  It's hard when a. there's no one around and b. Walleye is home all week (his company shuts down the week between Christmas and New Years). 

We still haven't found a day care - we thought we had and even had a verbal agreement with her but it fell through and I was devastated and haven't been able to find one I've liked even half as much since.  We need to make a decision soon though!

No where closer to a name for this baby...girl names I think we are fine on but man-oh-man are we having a time with boy names.  I just know because of that we are going to have a boy and that poor child will probably be weeks old before he's named! 

Well I should try to finish up a few things here at work before squeaking out early for the weekend.  What a random post huh! 

Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year!

Names, names, names

We are 25 weeks today!  As of Friday Lucky weighed 1 lb 10 oz – which is so strange to me.  That seems enormous but my OB said it’s within average (which the baby websites I read said 1 ½ lbs is average for 25 weeks so we aren’t too much above average). 

So 25 weeks means we only have 15 left – eek!  105 days!  (Obviously depending upon when Lucky decides to make his/her entrance!!!)  As excited as I am about that I am also a little freaked out by it.  I don’t feel we are really ready.  We have the nursery done, for the most part, and a pack of diapers and wipes, a few burp clothes, a blanket or two but that’s about it.  Granted I did ask for baby stuff for Christmas and we have two showers coming up but it’s still a little unnerving. 

The other thing that is freaking me out a bit is our lack a name for this little blessing.  I think we have two for a girl that we both agree on.  One is first name Greta with my Dad’s first name as her middle name and the other is a combination of the first names of my Dad and Walleye’s Mom for the first name and the middle name being my middle name (which also happens to be my Mom’s middle name).  Obviously my Dad’s first name is both male and female.   We have a few others that we somewhat agree on but we (well I) keep going back to those two.  Being a Daddy’s girl I am pretty set on his name being somewhere in the name.

We are having the hardest time with a boy name.  Walleye is pretty stuck on using his first name as the baby boy’s middle name but I am pretty stuck on using my Dad’s name for the middle name.  My reasoning is the baby will already get Walleye’s last name.  Especially if it’s a boy – he’ll have Walleye’s last name forever, unlike a girl who would most likely change it if she got married.  Neither of us like my Dad’s first name well enough to use it for a first name – it’s a little feminine.  I do however like my Dad’s middle name for a first name with Walleye’s first name as the middle name. 

That combination has extra special meaning to me because my Dad’s middle name is his Godfather’s first name (my Great Uncle, whom we were really close to).  But my Great Uncle didn’t like his first name so he switched his middle name to his first name and put his original first name as the middle name.  It just so happens that the first name my great uncle went by is also the same as Walleye’s first name.  So really the baby would go by my great uncle’s birth name but still have Walleye’s name as the middle name and a tie to my Dad’s name.  Confused yet?  Let’s try it this way…hypothetically speaking:

     My Dad’s middle name is Edwin

     My Great Uncle’s birth name is Edwin Jeremy but he didn’t like that so went by Jeremy Edwin

     Walleye’s first name is Jeremy

     Proposed name for Lucky would be Edwin Jeremy but we could call him EJ   

     But Walleye isn’t too keen on Edwin, which is why I say we could call him EJ

We had originally talked about Adam for a boy – way before we had told anyone we were expecting and we both really liked it but then once we told my MIL we were expecting she started referring to Lucky as “Adam or Eve” and ever since that very first time she said “How’s little Adam or Eve doing?” I can’t stomach the name.  I’ve thought about asking her to stop referring to Lucky/the baby as Adam or Eve but it’s too late – I will always associate Adam with her calling the baby that.

We’ve both thrown out names that the other has said they don’t mind but to be honest sometimes I say I don’t mind because I don’t want to constantly be turning down Walleye’s ideas and I think he might be doing the same.  I just feel bad because I really haven’t liked any of the names he’s thrown out.   Maybe I am too set on the above scenario to really give any other names a chance.  Or maybe it’s just Walleye’s names are just to blah.  Not that I want an off the wall, crazy name. 

Who knew this would be this hard!  And knowing my luck we will have decided on a name and the baby will arrive and we’ll take one look at him or her and decide that is NOT the right name and poor Lucky will go two weeks without a name like my sister did when she was born.  My Grandpa even started a bank account for her with “Baby” as the first name and our last name as the last name. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Yes, I know Thanksgiving isn't for a couple of days but this will be my last chance to post until next week.  (Meaning I am off until Monday and I typically only have time to post from work...mainly when I am feeling rather uninspired to get any real work done and so typing a post both sounds and looks like I am busy!)

I have so many things to be thankful for this year... (no particular order)
1. Lucky (and that this pregnancy has been so easy)
2. My wonderful, wonderful Walleye
3. The general good health of my family - granted not everyone is 100% healthy but things have been looking better the farther into 2011 we go - Duckie's treatments seem to be working and without too many adverse side effects, my Mom's health hasn't declined too drastically and my MIL seems to be not getting much worse even though not getting any better.
4. My family and friends - they are all so loving and supportive
5. That both Walleye and I have decent and stable jobs that allows us a comfortable life
6. My two furry babies - one who loves to cuddle under the covers with me on lazy Saturday mornings and one who loves to "talk" my ears off whenever given the chance
7. That my cousin, who has been deployed to Kuwait since May is able to spend two weeks with his family- including his eldest daughter's birthday and Thanksgiving.
8. That Walleye and my FIL finished painting the nursery, the crib is up and the dresser almost done - all in time for my family to see it - as they most likely won't be up after Thanksgiving until Lucky arrives!
9. We get to "see" Lucky on Friday!
10. The never ending love of our Lord

And the list could go on and on....

Happy Thanksgiving!

One week until....

Black Friday and our next ultrasound!!!  So stinking excited about both!

A week from right now my sister, cousin and I will either be pushing our way through the Black Friday crowds in our 11^th hour of shopping (yes we are going to attempt starting at midnight) or passed out cold from exhaustion after middle of the night shopping!  Either way I’m super excited about it!!!

Next Friday is also our next ultrasound.  Which is good – as I really don’t feel the baby move that much which is sort of freaking me out.  I know with an anterior placenta it’s harder/later to feel the baby and I am sure my weight doesn’t help matters but it’s rather concerning and disappointing to not be feeling Lucky.  Not to mention I want more than anything for Walleye to get to feel him/her!

So when I set up the ultrasound three weeks ago I picked out next Friday with the thought that 1. Walleye and I would both be off work so we wouldn’t have to take any more time off as we are both trying to save up vacation time for when Lucky arrives.  And 2. My sister would be in town and thought it would be way cool for her to attend the ultrasound (if Walleye was cool with it).  I don’t think my sister will ever have kids so this might be her only chance to go for an ultrasound and experience this first hand. 

Well when I brought it up to Walleye originally he automatically, without even considering it for one moment, said no.  He didn’t want her to go.  He didn’t think other people ever went to ultrasounds other than their own child’s.  I asked why and he really didn’t have much of an answer but later said that he didn’t want to her to try to find out the sex when they tell us to look away.  (She’s been pushing for me to find out so she can shop – but I don’t think she’d go that far.) 

It got brought up at a Halloween party and a couple of his friends’ wives agreed with me that my sister should go with.  (Yes, I know completely unfair of me to do that to Walleye – I should have left that conversation between us.)  They kind of bombarded him and backed him into a corner, making him feel pretty crappy.  So I dropped it and figured we could talk about it closer to the date and in private. 

Well earlier this week I reminded him that we have the ultrasound and that I hoped he would come with to the OB appointment after so he could at least meet the OB.  Walleye said if my sister was going to the ultrasound he wasn’t.  I asked why again and he said the room is too small and things are already weird enough with my sister.  I understand the room one but don’t know where he’s coming from with things being weird with my sister.  So now he’s making me feel like I have to decide between him and her and of course he comes first – he’s my husband and the father.  But he’s rather insistent that she can go and he understands she’ll most likely never have another chance like this.  But I still feel bad.  Like I am depriving him of something.  I just don’t know what to do.  I wish they both could/would go with. 

To end with a happier note....while I am off in the cities visiting a girlfriend tonight/tomorrow and going to "Breaking Dawn" my wonderful husband and FIL will be painting Lucky's room!  (And, crossing fingers and toes, putting the crib and dresser together!!!)  I'll post pics when it's done!

Baptism, Baby Showers and Bedding

It's somewhat crazy to me that I am actually thinking about those three things and that they relate to me!  That I am actually starting to plan a baptism, register and give dates for a baby shower and opened a big huge box that was delivered over the weekend that contained our nursery bedding...and that it is all for OUR baby! 

There are days when I am still in shock that I am pregnant - and almost 23 weeks pregnant at that. I am so blessed!

BAPTISM
I have been trying to connect with Father at our Church about how to begin planning the baptism but every time I call he is out and I am told to call back around 8:30 the next morning.  Wouldn't you know those are the mornings when I have meetings during that time. 

Our Church website says that we have to take a 2 day class in preparation which I am hoping is more like the "class" or "meeting" we had with Father prior to our wedding - where we just met with him and discussed marriage and such.  I was telling Walleye about that and he suggested if that's all it is (a meeting with Father) then maybe we suggest he comes over for dinner one night - great idea in my book!  I so excited to talk with Father and to get started planning the baptism (even if it is still months away!)

BABY SHOWER
On our 2nd wedding anniversary we spent the evening registering for our baby shower(s).  This past weekend when I was at my sisters we talked potential dates and locations!  Thinking sometime in January - which in reality is just around the corner!!!

BEDDING
When I arrived home from my sisters this weekend what was waiting on our doorstep but our crib bedding!  I am so stinkin' excited!!!  We can finally pick out paint colors and hopefully Walleye can start painting soon (like maybe this weekend while I am visiting a girlfriend in the cities).  It is even cuter in person than it was online!  There are so many accessories I want to buy to go with it but must be patient as those were put on my Christmas list.  :)

BLESSED
That should really be the first "b" in my title....because we truly are blessed! 

Swift Kick (of punch) to the ribs!

So for a while now I have thought I had been feeling Lucky move but was never 100% certain.  But today, well that's a totally different story!  I am 110% positive Lucky gave me a swift kick (or punch) to the ribs earlier this afternoon.  I was just standing and talking with my coworker and all of a sudden I felt this huge jab to my ribs.  :) I LOVED IT!!! 

We had our 20 week ultra sound last Friday and it was simply amazing!  Everything looked great! No matter how tempting it go we stuck to our guns and did not find out the sex.  And man was it tempting!!!  We do have to go back for another one the day after Thanksgiving as the tech couldn't get a real good picture of Lucky's spine because of how he/she was laying.  No cause for worry and my OB even said he didn't think it was necessary but why not get one more peek!  I didn't argue!  Especially since my sister will be in town so I want to bring her with as I am sure she would love it! (Even if it means interrupting our Black Friday shopping or post-shopping nap!). 

I am a DHW for the next few weeks....Deer Hunting Widow.  Walleye heads to deer camp right after work tonight and I might, MIGHT, see him on Tuesday night for a bit and then he's out at it again until after that next weekend.  I don't mind too much though.  I have a high school friend and her three kids coming up tomorrow for a visit and next weekend I am going to my sister's for the weekend!  Although I do secrety hope he doesn't shoot a deer...or if he does it's when I am not home so I don't have to see and SMELL it when the process the deer at home. YUCK!

Not much else going on right now.  I have been reading and praying for fellow bloggers and tried to comment but for some reason I am not able to comment.  It's getting a little frustrating!!!  Please know I have been thinking of you! 

2nd Wedding Anniversary

On Monday Walleye and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary.  I can't believe it's been two years already - feels like yesterday!  To celebrate we both took the day off, had a lazy morning then drove down to the cities for lunch at The Melting Pot, did some shopping on our way back home and then at night bought blinds for the nursery and started our baby registry!  It was pretty fantastic! 

A while back I read on someone's blog something similar to the below...

Where/how did you meet: He was my neighbor two doors down and after a few weeks of “stalking watching” him I decided to go introduce myself (of course it helped that I had some liquid courage and friends over to encourage me!).

How long have you known each other: since September 22, 2007

How long after you met did you start dating: The night we met! We’ve been inseparable ever since!

How long did you date before you were engaged: 1 year, 3 months, 1 week and 1 day

How long was your engagement: almost 10 months

How long have you been married: 2 years 2 days

What is your anniversary: October 24

How many people came to your wedding reception: about 220 people - we were expecting quite a few more but it was the height of the H1N1 outbreak so several guests couldn't make it

What kind of cake did you serve: The guests had carrot cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and we had a fake cake with a real top layer that was white cake with raspberry filling and fondant frosting

Where was your wedding: The Church of St. Stephen – the same Church his parents were married in!

What did you serve for your meal: Chicken breast, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn and buns for the adults and chicken nuggets and fries for the kids

How many people were there in your bridal party: 15 (5 bridesmaids, 5 groomsmen, 2 ushers and 2 personal attendants and 1 super adorable flower girl)

Are you still friends with them all: I believe so – however one of the BMs and I have not talked in months but not sure entirely why

Did you or your spouse cry during the ceremony: I got a little misty eyed but not as much as I thought I would

Most special moment of your wedding day: Toss up – officially being announced Husband and Wife or when my DH and Dad hugged after my Dad handed me off

Any funny moments: The guys in the wedding party dancing their way into the reception wearing pink, feather boas. 

Any big disasters: A few...

1. The cupcakes were horribly decorated (exactly how we told the bakery NOT to decorate them) and were dry and had no flavor. 
2. A few days before the wedding the flower girl’s mom had a seamstress pressing the FG dress and the seamstress burnt a hole in the top of the FG dress – the seamstress found some fabric (that in my mind sort of worked but was not nearly as cute as the original) and sewed a new top.  It was just ok. 
3. One of the BMs ordered a dress in a size too small for her because her Mom told her she would lose the weight by the wedding and when the dresses came in 4 months prior to the wedding she put off picking it up/trying it on until less than a month before the wedding (the night of my bachelorette party) because she knew it wouldn’t fit.  It didn’t.  Not at all.  Wouldn't even zip up more than half an inch.  Less than a month to go.  She told me she found a seamstress who was able to take out the seams and let it out but what she neglected to tell me was that the seamstress took at least three inches from the hem and sewed a panel down the side!  It looked horrific! 

Where did you go on your honeymoon: Our mini-moon right after the wedding was to the North Shore to stay in a super nice, three story, 5 bedroom, 3 bath million dollar “cabin” for 4 days (which we both got really, really sick during).  A month and a half later we went to Grand Bahama Island in the Bahamas for a week. 

If you were to do your wedding over, what would you change: A couple things...

1. My dress…it was so not what I wanted.
2. I wouldn’t have one of my BMs (yes the dress one somewhat because of the dress incident but mainly because I didn't really want her in it in the first place but felt I had to have her in it since I was in hers).
3. The cake vendor.
4. A written list of what pictures I wanted my photographer to take so we didn’t forget anyone.
5. Go over the beginning of the wedding more during practice – i.e. the Mother’s were escorted up to Ave Maria, then let the song finish before the GMs and BMs started up the aisle (they started right away) so the timing was all off.

What is your song: “Shadow of the Day” by Linkin Park and “At Last” by Aretha Franklin

What did you dance your first dance to: “At Last” by Aretha Franklin

Describe your wedding dress: strapless, unique, ivory, it had a lace bust with beading, then the rest of the bodice and skirt was all ruched, taffeta, that from right to left got longer at an angle, there was a lace with beads ruffle under the hem and then more taffeta to complete the skirt.  It was pretty and all, and was “so me” according to my Mom but not the dress I wanted but it was on sale for a good price and my Mom and Sister both said it was so flattering.  There are two other dresses I wish I would have gotten – they were the only two dresses out of the hundreds (ok maybe it was closer to 75 dresses tried on) I tried on that I got teary eyed…I should have known…

What kind of flowers did you have at your wedding: A really beautiful mixture of fall flowers in oranges, yellows and deep red – calla lilies, daisies, mums, roses, fern frawns, wheat, maple leaves.  Then tied to it I had my Grandma’s locket with of both of my grandparents wedding pictures in it.  DH had an orange/rust calla lily, mini roses, fern frawn.  The MOH, BMs and FG had a mixture of my flowers (minus the calla lilies).  The GM had boutonnieres of one of the flowers but can’t remember which one. 

Did you have the traditional something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue? Of course!! 

• Something old: my Grandmother’s locket with wedding pictures of both sets of Grandparents in it tied to my flowers.  (I really wanted to wear my Mom’s headpiece and veil but it didn’t work with my dress and needed major repair.) 
• Something new: my dress and veil. 
• Something borrowed: my crinoline from my lovely cousin and my headpiece from a BM (whose wedding I was also in). 
• Something blue: My shoes!  So cute!  And then my sister found these adorable blue crystal stickers to put on the bottom that said “I DO”. 

Did you and your husband exchange wedding gifts? Yes, he gave me a beautiful white gold heart shaped pendant with the journey diamonds in it and a white gold chain.  I got him a fancy fillet knife (Lake of the Woods maybe?!?), engraved with: “To the catch of my life…BGFSH 10.24.09” on the blade.

Are your wedding bands engraved? Mine is too thin to be engraved but DH’s is…”BGFSH 10.24.09”

Whirlwind

It's been a while...especially for me!  I feel like the October has been a whirlwind of non-stop activities.  Things the last week or so have been incredible crazy busy - at work and home!  We have a new $45 million building scheduled to start construction in November on campus and I am in charge of organizing the groundbreaking ceremony - complete with guest speaker Governor Dayton!  YIKES!  Not to mention all of my other regular duties.  In the evenings we have been visiting daycares.  Weekends have been busy traveling, housework and cleaning out the room for Lucky.  Not to mention Walleye and his friends have been "getting the woods ready for hunting".  I didn't know one needed to do that but apparently they do!  :)

Our trip was fantastic!  And I didn't get sick this year!!!  I was surprised as the last two years I have. (Although I am still sticking to my story that I get sick as a reaction to the flu shot I get the same time every year and this year we went on vacation before the shot!)

Here are some pics from the trip:

We wanted to hike to the top of that peak but figured it would be a little too much so chose a smaller one just across the way.

One of the many State Parks we visited. 

After a day of hiking we each had our own evening drinks...I fancied mine up by putting it in a wine glass! 

Sunset over Lake Superior outside our "cabin".

Heartbreak Ridge - a beautiful tree canopy lane we drove. 

Early morning (like 7:30 am) hike at the State Park less than a mile from our "cabin".

When we got back from our trip I emailed my family pics and a quick "We made it home.  Had a great time." and my mom's immediate response was "Did you make reservations for next year yet because your Dad and I will come to your house a take care of Lucky?".  Not "Glad you had fun." or "Great pics."!  Guess they're a little excited about their first grand baby!  :) 

Today marks Week 19! Hard to believe I am almost half done!  Still one of the luckiest pregnant ladies I know as I still don't have much for symptoms and have been very blessed with no morning sickness or anything worse than a few headaches here and there, heartburn almost daily and the occasional constipation.  Next Friday is the 20 week ultrasound and I can't hardly wait.   

North Shore Bound!

Walleye and I are both looking forward to our mini-vacay!  It will be so nice to get away and not have anything to do or anywhere to be for a few days.  Plus the leaves are at 75 - 100% where we are headed and the forecast is awesome!  We are so lucky!  We only have reservations for 2 nights but since we both have Tuesday off we are talking about finding a place to stay one more night. 

Oh I just can't wait!!! 

4 years ago tonight

 my world changed forever!  Four years ago tonight I met Walleye!  Read all about it here.

The last four years have been amazing!  I am so lucky to be able to spend my life with this man! 

Thank you God for bringing us together! 

14 weeks!

I still can't believe that I am 14 weeks pregnant!  It does not feel real!  I am so very thankful for this wonderful blessing. 

Last weekend was a blast but also extremely exhausting!  I spent most of Thursday night baking and cooking, as well as a lot of Friday - I was careful not to push it too much and tried to sit as much as possible and take breaks (i.e. reclining on the couch watching the Price Is Right) throughout the day.  Then at night and Saturday morning I finished up the cleaning.  I didn't do my usual super deep clean but the house was still very presentable. 

Saturday my sister arrived first around noon, then my cousin K and her adorable kiddos around 4 and my dear friend S around 4:10.  We got to sit and chat for awhile before the other guests arrived.  We ended up having about 19 adults and 11 kids so it got to be quite loud and chaotic but I loved every minute of it.  The party is a blur for the most part but they usually are.

After everyone had eaten Walleye and I ran through the house to make sure everyone was outside and called everyone's attention and he started off by thanking everyone for coming and saying how much we appreciate their friendship.  And then at the end he said "Oh and we're having a baby!"  Not exactly how I had hoped/planned it would all go but with all the chaos of 11 kids all under the age of 8 we just had to roll with it. 

We had a few people say they had a hunch but for the most part everyone was (pleasantly) surprised. 

We ended the night with a bonfire and s'mores!  I think I crawled into bed around 1 am - I don't even know the last time I was up that late! 

Sunday my friend S, my sister and I were up and on the road to a huge craft fair by 9 am.  Normally that's not so late for me but with not getting to bed until 1, not to sleep until well after 2:30 and getting up at 6:45 to shower and make sure breakfast was ready, it made for one tired Sunfish.  The craft fair was fun - and HUGE.  We were there for a good 4 hours and didn't even see everything.  It was a great time with my sis and friend.

That evening my sis helped me make 4 dozen cupcakes and decorate them with pink and blue frosting and a pink or blue question mark on them for Walleye to take to work on Monday.  They turned out so cute!

Monday I slept in some and then my sis and I went to a diner for breakfast as the thought of cooking anything really didn't sound appealing to me.  After we ran a few errands and then she had to head home.  I spent the remainder of my day baking/decorating 6 more dozen cupcakes for me to bring to work the next day!

I feel like I came to work on Tuesday to relax!  :)  But all in all it was a great weekend and I wouldn't change a thing. 

And not to mention I am so relieved that everyone knows now!  It was getting really hard not to say anything and to keep track of who did/didn't know! 

BIG weekend coming up!

I am so stinking excited for the weekend!  Thank goodness it starts for me in 1.5 hours!

Tomorrow I have off to clean, cook and bake for Saturday.  It's our 2nd Annual Wedding Party BBQ on Saturday!  I love, love, love to throw parties and hosts dinners.  It's been a while since we have seen some of our wedding party (and their kids) and I love getting together those friends who support us and our relationship so much and were a big part of our special day.

The BBQ is also our chance to tell our friends about Lucky!  We are still unsure about how exactly we are going to make the announcement.  You see, Walleye can be a complete stick in the mud sometimes and doesn't get the fun out of making big, grandiose announcements.  He thinks my idea of getting a group picture and the first time saying "Say Cheese" and the second time say "Walleye and Sunfish are expecting!" and capturing their reactions on film (is that the right term for digital cameras?!?!?) won't work and isn't the best idea.  His idea is to just blurt it out as guests show up.  BORING! 

In the end it doesn't really matter how we tell them - just that we get to tell them and in person. 

Then Sunday not only is it VIKINGS football opener but it is also a huge craft fair in a smaller town about 45 minutes north of us.  My sister and I are heading up to the craft fair early Sunday morning and from what I hear it is so big it will take us all day! 

Then because it is Grandparents Day on Sunday we are going to give my MIL her "Grandma" t-shirt and tell my FIL (if he is back from his latest vacation). 

And because there is so much going on all weekend I took Monday off too so I could kick back and relax!  :) 

Fantastic Weekend! (for the most part)

What a fabulous weekend!  I hope everyone’s Labor Day weekend was as good! Great times and fantastic weather!  Windows open in the house all weekend, plenty of sunshine and beautiful temps!

I got to have lunch with my cousin/sister/best friend K on Saturday and she brought me three bags full of baby stuff! It was the very first baby stuff we’d gotten – surprisingly I hadn’t even purchased anything yet.  It was so fun to look through and then show Walleye!  Saturday night we visited my MIL. 

Sunday after Mass, I cleaned and started to get things ready for the BBQ while Walleye and my BIL fixed Walleye’s brakes and Sunday night we grilled ribs. 

Monday was my favorite day!  It was a date day with Walleye.  We slept in, then went to a county park about 20 minutes from our house and did some walking of the trails, had a picnic lunch, stopped by Treasure City (the biggest tourist trap gift shop I have ever seen) and ended the date with a shake from DQ! 

It really was a fantastic weekend.

Saturday night we went to my MIL’s to tell her and called my BIL over – which was perfect because Free Loader was in town picking up her kids from the mall so she wasn’t able to be there. 

It went ok telling my MIL and BIL.  My MIL started in on all sorts of advice – from telling me we told too early as a lot can still happen until after 3.5 months (I’m telling you she doesn’t get that a lot has changed in the medical world since she was a nurse 25+ years ago).  She went on and on about not sharing the name with anyone until after the baby is born.  And then how we are not supposed to give in to the nursery decorating business and actually spend any money to decorate the nursery with a specific theme.  I tried to let it all go in one ear and out another but it was hard.  She does it with this whiny almost crying tone of voice and just doesn’t know when to stop reiterating her point.  This could be a long few months ahead of us if she keeps this up!

My BIL was ecstatic!  I don’t think I have ever seen him smile so big!  It was pretty cute.

We did ask that they not tell anyone, including Free Loader’s kids, until after our BBQ next weekend.  We also said we would tell my FIL when he returns from his vacation.  And we would tell Walleye’s great aunt after the BBQ (his great aunt lives with my BIL). 

After we told them I went home and Walleye went to my BIL’s to look for brake parts and apparently that’s when the not telling anyone rule was broken.  I guess Free Loader walked in the garage about 30 minutes later with kid number 4 in tow and the first thing my BIL did was blurt out that we were expecting.  Then Sunday when Walleye was over fixing the brakes Free Loader’s 6 year old walked in saying she knew a secret about us and that we were going to have a baby.  Seriously?!?!  What part of “please don’t tell anyone, including the kids” did they not understand.  Now we are certain the kids will say something to Walleye’s Great Aunt before we have a chance or worse my FIL!  I am so angry.  I am certain that Saturday night when they show up at the BBQ one of them will say something before we have a chance to make our announcement.  I did text my BIL that I was disappointed that they told the kids and to be sure no one says anything until after we have a chance to make OUR announcement.

And just when I was starting to be less mad at my BIL over this whole vacation fiasco.  Dear God please help me let go of this anger towards my BIL and I suppose Free Loader too.

Thank goodness in a week the news will all be out in the open! 

Less than a month...

until Walleye and I are here:

for a mini, early 2nd Anniversary getaway.  With a view like this:

I cannot wait!  I absolutely love the North Shore of Lake Superior!  We went to that cabin for our minimoon right after our wedding.  Then last year our 1st wedding anniversary was on a Sunday so we left straight from Mass for the North Shore to celebrate our first year of married life at the cabin next door.  I think we are going to try to make it an annual anniversary trip! 

We decided this year to go a little earlier in hopes that we will see the fabulous colors and get in on some of the tourist action. 

I love our visits up there for many reasons...it is so quiet and peaceful.  We have the entire cabin to ourselves - all three floors!  There is a full kitchen complete with pots, pans, plates, silverware, etc. so we can bring food and cook together.  It has an amazing fire place that we can cuddle up next to on the chilly Minnesota Fall evenings.  The views are spectacular!  There are great hiking trails close by.  We make a trek north about an hour and visit a touristy town and get the best pizza in the world (Sven & Ole's) and on our way home get amazing pie (Betty's Pies). 

But most of all I love our visits up there because it is just the two of us.  We can focus just on us!  Our cell phones don't work and we don't bring the laptop so we have no computer connection - we can really cut ourselves off from the world.  I love the time we share together up there. 

I simply can't wait for this year's trip!  With that I'll leave you with a few more pictures....

Amazing!

This morning was AMAZING!  No other word seems to quite describe it better.  AMAZING!

We had our NT Scan today.  I know it is really meant for those who want to know their chances of Downs Syndrome but because I wasn't feeling very pregnant and am a complete worry wart I chose to do it for the additional ultrasound.  It won't matter to us one bit what the results of this scan are - it's our child, nothing will change that.

I am so glad we chose to do the scan.  We got to see our baby, who I think given his/her due date's proximity to St. Patrick's Day, I am going to refer to as Lucky from now on.  Lucky actually looked like a human baby and was moving around a ton.  When the u/s tech tried to measure the nasal bone Lucky had his/her hands covering his/her face...I think Lucky's shy like his/her Mom!  :)

We got see and hear the heartbeat!  172!  It was so awesome. 

I knew I shouldn't wear eye make up to the exam but I did and by the end Walleye was wiping my tears of joy away for me (and keeping me from looking like I was wearing hooker make up).  

I am so thankful we had the opportunity to see our little Lucky today!  It has put my mind at ease.  Praise God for this wonderful miracle!

We told my family this weekend.  When my Mom opened her gift she crumpled the shirt to her chest and started to cry and then finally showed it to the rest of us and my Dad started to cry.  I, of course, was crying as was my sister.  Duckie didn't say much.  Walleye just grinned from ear to ear.  I am a little bummed about Duckie's lack of reaction but everyone else was so over the moon happy!  It was great.  I am so glad we I chose to tell my family that way! 

After lunch the men left for a Twins game and us girls went to visit my Grandma and spend the day together.  I could tell my Mom was having a hard time keeping the secret from my Grandma but we asked everyone to keep quiet until we can tell our close friends at our BBQ in two weeks.  Besides we had to wait since July 5, so two weeks is NOTHING!  :)

The rest of the weekend you could just tell everyone was on a baby high! 

Yesterday I went to my cousin's baby shower and my one cousin who is due ten days after me was there.  She's the one who announced at 5 1/2 weeks, it was hard not to say anything to her and my other cousins/relatives but the day wasn't about either of us - it was about my cousin, his wife and their miracle due on 11/11/11. 

After the shower we decided to tell K (my cousin/sister/best friend) as I just couldn't wait any longer and she truly is like a sister to me.  It was killing me that I hadn't been able to tell her.  She cried and said she just knew it.  She had a feeling I was lying to her and that she just knew it.  She completely understood why I didn't tell her and forgave me for my "little white lie".  Although I still feel horrible having lied to her. 

I am so thankful He has blessed us with this miracle. 

Exciting Weekend Ahead!

I am so ready for a weekend.  Last week was my first 5 day work week since the end of May and it was hard.  Coming in Friday was quite adjustment.

Thankfully this is just a 4 day work week - well somewhat.  Tomorrow I am volunteering to work our university booth at the State Fair so it's work related but not really work.  I am working with one of my best friends, who happens to be an alumna so it worked out well.  After we are going to go out for supper and beers - or she thinks we'll be having beers...can't wait to see her reaction when I order a ROOTbeer instead of a Nordeast!

Saturday we head down to my parents bright an early to get there in time for 11 am lunch.  My Mom got my Dad tickets to the Twins game tomorrow and Duckie and Walleye are going with for a boys day.  That leaves my sister, mom and niece-dog to hang for a girls day!  But the exciting part is we are FINALLY telling my parents!  I can't wait for my Mom to open her present (the Grandma shirt). 

Sunday I get to see my cousin/sister/best friend and FINALLY tell her too!  i just hope she isn't too mad at me for lying to her for the past number of weeks.  Then I have a baby shower for my cousin's wife Sunday afternoon.  Will be fun to see my cousins and aunts.  Just wish I could tell them our news but 1. I wouldn't want to take any attention away from the Momma-to-be and 2. we are waiting to tell extended family until after our wedding party BBQ in September.  (Boy is it going to be hard for my Mom I bet from now until mid-September!) 

All this family time is just what I need!  I can't even wait!  2 more sleeps! 

Do you think these are signs?

So my FIL was scheduled to go on yet another 3 week vacation starting this past Sunday or Monday.  He was taking the bike and meeting a cousin of his in Nebraska and then they were going to head to the Carolinas and Louisiana and such. 

Well last week one of my MILs aids quit so there were open shifts that the family is responsible for covering but they are during the day when Walleye and I are working and we need to save our vacation for the big event in March.  Not sure why my BIL and Free Loader couldn't cover them but I'm not even going to get into that!  So, if you were my FIL wouldn't you take this as a sign from God that maybe you shouldn't go on this second multi-week trip in less than a month?  Nope, not him! 

So then wouldn't you take the possibility of Category 3 Hurricane hitting the exact coast you are headed for around the exact time you'll get there as another sign that God is telling you, once again, to postpone this trip? 

Am I the only one seeing the signs here?!?! 

On a baby note...I have been looking at bedding for months and months!  Way before we were pregnant.  I fell in love with this set the minute I set eyes on it. 

Isn't it adorable? I mean really, it's just simply adorable!  And works for a girl or boy. 

For the longest time we weren't talking much about baby things or looking for baby things in fear we'd jinx it.  And even though I am still not 100% fear free and worry more than I should that I'm going to miscarry or have a missed miscarriage I have been beginning to look more and more for baby things and day dream. (Monday's u/s can't come soon enough!)

So I printed the photo off and showed it to Walleye last night.  I was so excited about it and you know what his reaction was..."It looks expensive."  WHAT?!??!  That's all you have to say?  That's the first thing that pops into your mind? 

I immediately got mad and started crying and told him he took all the fun out of everything.  (He didn't want to spend the money on the Grandma t-shirts.  Why spend the money when we can just tell them and they'll be just as happy?!?!)  I told him how I felt it was so perfect and that I just adored it.  He got defensive and said that's just how he is and I should know that.  I mean I know he's cheap (except when it comes to his hobbies) but come on.  This is our kid!  Not that we have to over spend or get the most expensive stuff but we should at least have fun with it.  Enjoy it. So frustrating. 

Spilled the beans

Another quick weekend this past weekend.  Walleye went 4wheeling with some buddies so I planned on vegging Friday night, shopping with sis Saturday and cleaning the spare room on Sunday...two out of the three things got done!

Saturday I met my sister at IKEA and was hoping to come across the crib section, start looking at cribs and see if she got the picture but I didn't see cribs per se - I saw toddler beds but no cribs.  There was a ton of people there so I decided it was a sign not to tell her.  It just didn't feel right.  So we finished the top floor and decided to grab meatballs (which was probably 75% of the reason we went there in the first place).  So we sat down and my sister starts off a converstaion very nervous and timid and telling me I don't have to talk about it if I don't want to but she was wondering how the IF battle was going.  I just stared at her and tried not to cry but the look on my face must have told her there was not good news ahead because she started to stammer and say we didn't need to talk about it.  I finally was able to speak and barely got out "we're pregnant" before the tears started flowing.  She was so flippin' excited!  It was so dang cute.  She didnt' know whether to get up and hug me or not (since there were so many people around) but finally we got up and huged and cried and laughed.  The whole rest of lunch you could tell she was just on cloud 9.  Actually the whole rest of the day!  We finished our lunch, tackled the lower level and then walked across to the Mall of America.  While at the MOA we proceeded to walk around every stinking floor - and one more than once!  She said at one point that afternoon that she had been praying for us but that she was also praying for something good to happen to our family as we had been having some bad luck lately (Duckie, my Mom, Walleye's Mom, etc) and that this is just what we needed.

I tried to remind her that we are still very cautious and explained that with my lack of symptoms I am pretty nervous and scared.    But it was so dang cute how excited she was!  I can't wait to tell my parents next weekend! 

Sunday I didn't get the spare room cleaned...at all!  I didn't even step foot in it!  I went to 10 am Mass, ran to a large box retailer and the grocery store.  2:15 I got home, put away my purchases, cleaned the kitchen and had enough.  Sat my rear on the couch and didn't get up until Walleye came home!  Oh well we've still got 19 days until the BBQ to get the two spare rooms ready.  :)

I have been doing relatively well on the not worrying - most days.  Some days it's harder than others.  Like yesterday - I didn't feel one bit pregnant.  not one bit.  And it freaked me out.  So much so that I barely got any sleep last night.  Every litle thought would explode in my head into something a million times worse.  I am so thankful we have our u/s in less than a week!  (Well a week from this morning).  I just hope I can keep my worries at bay another 7 days....

Super Fast Weekend!

Wow is it really Monday already?  My last three day weekend flew by.

It started with dinner at my MIL's for her birthday on Thursday night.  Both Walleye and I were rather cool to my FIL - I took my cues from Walleye since it's his Dad.  And I think my FIL realizes that things haven't been too good and that maybe he wasn't acting as he should be during this entire vacation ordeal.  He was overly nice to us, thanked us for everything we did and then offered to take us out for dinner as the least he could do to show his gratitude.  Walleye told him we'd see about dinner some night.

For the most part my MIL's birthday dinner went well...until we were just sitting down to eat our DQ cake and in walks Free Loader with a card and flowers and her 4 kids in tow.  She made a huge ordeal about telling my MIL that she brought flowers and wishing her a happy birthday.  Then tried to make small talk with us while her kids ran screaming and yelling through out the house.  I know this wasn't a very Christian thing to do but I didn't even acknowledge her - not once.  The only time Walleye did was when she asked a question and I had just put a bite of cake in my mouth (thankfully!).  I wasn't sure if she caught on to the cold shoulder or not.  But my BIL did call Walleye the next day to see what we were up to for the weekend - which is rather unusual. 

My FIL claims he knew nothing about the birthday party that was going on on Saturday and that my MIL's friend planned the whole thing.  I don't know if I believe him or not but at this point it doesn't matter any more.  We ended up not going - neither of us wanted to have any contact with my BIL and Free Loader.  And we were actually really busy on Saturday cleaning the house and garage to start getting ready for the upcoming BBQ. 

My FIL leaves on the 17th for another 2 - 3 week motorcycle trip.  Yes, you read that correctly...he is once again leaving for 2 - 3 weeks after having just got back.  He asked Free Loader to watch my MIL from 2:30 - 4:30 on the days an aid won't be there during that time.  Which Free Loader said she would except for when she has a job interview and then if she gets the job.

I about dropped my piece of ice cream cake when I heard Free Loader was actually interviewing for a job.  I didn't think that woman would ever work.  Good for her.  Glad she is actually going to be responsible and not live off the child and state support she receives or my BIL for that matter.  I just never thought I'd see the day.  Although I am hesitant that should she get the job that she'll actually be able to hold onto it.  It's at the prison as a guard but that means some weekend and holiday work - especially as a newbie.  And considering she quit her PT job at the gas station because they required her to work Thanksgiving.  She thought because she had 4 kids she shouldn't have to work holidays. I pray she gets the job and is smart enough to accept it and all that comes along with it. 

Besides the little bit of in-law drama on Thursday night the weekend was great.  Went by super fast.  Walleye and I spent a lot of time together.  Besides starting to get things ready for the BBQ we also were totally and completely lazy and it was heaven!

Well I think that's about enough about my in-laws and Free Loader.  In pregnancy news there's really nothing new.  I still don't feel very pregnant, but I have been very good about leaving it up to Him and not worrying too much about it.  Every once in a while I get a little worried and nervous or an overwhelming feeling that I'll have a missed miscarriage but I usually stop myself, say a quick prayer and go on with my day.  I am excited for my u/s in two weeks!  It will be nice to see the little one again.  And I really can't wait until the weekend of the 27-28 to tell my family! 

And lastly, thank you for the comments on my last post Morgan and Awaiting.  I appreciate the comments and prayers!

So over my FIL and BIL!

I am shaking mad at my FIL, BIL and Free Loader right now!  (Not that Free Loader is technically an in-law.)  I mean my hands are literally shaking I am so mad!

It is my MIL's birthday today.  When the others were on vacay we noticed on my MIL's calendar "Birthday Party" written on this Saturday's date.  I was surprised to see they had actually planned something ahead of time and even more surprised we hadn't heard anything about it.  I asked my MIL about it and both her and her aid were positive it was for one of Free Loaders kids and not my MIL. 

So Walleye and I talked about having a family birthday party for my MIL on Sunday and invite one of her good friends over but then my FIL and BIL were so horrible to Walleye we decided we would just do a nice, simple dinner on her birthday to celebrate.

So we have plans to bring chicken wraps out there for dinner tonight - one of her faves and super easy to make.  Well Walleye called his Dad to see if he had picked up a small DQ cake or any cake at all and his Dad said no and that he wasn't going to because they were having a birthday party for her on Saturday.

WHAT?!?!   Nice of them to invite us or even let us know what they were planning. 

Walleye thinks that maybe they are combining Free Loaders kid's birthday party with my MIL but even so it's still his Mom and he should have been invited.  And not to mention maybe my MIL isn't ready to handle all the commotion of a kid's birthday party with the added guests of Free Loader's family.

I just don't get it.  What did Walleye (or I) ever do to deserve this kind of treatment.  It breaks my heart because family is so important to me.  I couldn't imagine not wanting to talk to my brother or sister. 

Walleye said maybe they are mad about us not inviting them over for supper tonight but my BIL works 4 pm - midnight so it wouldn't work for him anyways and it was obvious this was planned weeks ago before they left on vacay.

Walleye isn't sure we will go on Saturday and to be honest it might be best if we stay away because I don't think I can keep my mouth shut and my MIL (nor the kid) doesn't deserve to have her birthday celebration ruined with a family feud.

It is going to be really hard to be nice and friendly to my FIL as I am still holding hurt feelings for his actions and words and the whole vacation ordeal.  At least we won't have to see Free Loader or my BIL tonight. 

T-shirts and Baby Ramblings

I had my first OB visit - well first visit with my OB and to be honest I don't like her.  She wasn't very friendly.  I felt like she rushed through my appointment - I was told when I checked in she had two patients in labor and could get called to the hospital so maybe that's why.  I felt like she didn't really listen to my questions and made me feel like I was asking dumb questions.  She didn't even introduce herself when she walked in the room.  I don't know if I am being overly picky or overly spoiled at the place in the cities or what.  My next appointment with her is September 20 and if I have the same feelings I think I will then think about switching OBs. 

We weren't able to find the heartbeat on the doppler but she assured me I was too early (8w6d).  She also assured me that my lack of and disappearing of symptoms can be completely normal for all people and that unless I was experiencing bleeding or major cramps things are fine. 

I have decided to let go of all my worries and trust in God that this will be a healthy pregnancy leading to a healthy baby in March 2012.  Besides all the stress from worrying can't be good for the baby (or me)!  I prayed last night for Him to help me let go of the worries and I feel as though I have a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.  I am so thankful for that.

I ordered t-shirts for my Mom and MIL today!  They are so stinking cute!  I got grey one's with Grandma Est. 2012 on the front in blue and pink lettering.  My Mom's birthday is August 29th so on the 28th we will give it to her as a gift!  My MIL's birthday is tomorrow but that's a little too early to tell her yet so will give it to her closer to 12 weeks.  I can't wait to give it to them!  I know my MIL won't be able to see the t-shirt but I thought then every time the aid dresses her in it they'll tell her they're putting her Grandma shirt on and she'd get a kick out of that. 

My Mom recently retired so I was going to put "I start my new job as GRANDMA in March 2012" on the shirt but decided I liked the less is more approach.  I am going to have one made that says "Future VIKINGS fan" with an arrow pointing down and "Kick Off: 03.14.11" on the back for me to wear to the VIKINGS game on 10.09.11 and then Walleye and I can get our pic taken at the game and we can use it as our Christmas card.  

Walleye thinks I added the "Est. 2012" on the shirts I ordered as a dig against Free Loader's kids...which isn't true, I actually wasn't thinking about them when I came up with this and I wanted somehow to put a date on the shirt.  But now that he's pointed it out I hate to admit it but I am pleasantly pleased that it will help reiterate that Free Loader's kids ARE NOT my MIL's grandchildren.  Is that horrible? 

I made the shirt(s) at customizedgirl dot com. And found a $5 off coupon for it at retailmenot dot com. 

As mentioned above it is my MIL's birthday tomorrow so Walleye and I are bringing supper out to her.  We were going to suggest a birthday dinner on Sunday but one of Free Loader's kids has a birthday party on Saturday and to be completely honest we have no desire to see my BIL or Free Loader after the horrible way they treated Walleye on their trip.  In fact I am having a hard time with the fact that I have to see my FIL tomorrow night at dinner.  I am still so angry with him about this entire vacation!  Did I mention that they were supposed to come back on Friday so we could leave town on Saturday morning but then they said they'd be back sometime Saturday which turned into actually getting back MONDAY!  I know, I know, i need to let it go.