Sunday Funday

My favorite thing to do in the summer is spend a day with Dudes. In the summer, we go exploring and last summer we found a new favorite spot, Stella's Lake (aka Big Sandy). Usually, our adventures include my mom and her two dogs, Stevie and Sixy. This Sunday, we enjoyed our last perfect summer day, but without the rest of our gang. After going to work for a few days last week, Dudes was feeling a little bummed. We spent all summer together so she was upset that she wasn't getting any action.

I decided to take her for one last adventure. She LOVED it!

My dudes runs like a crazy woman, up and down the trails (usually Stevie would be right on her tail). Her favorite thing of all is swimming...she is OBSESSED with her flappy and she will stop at nothing to get me to throw it in the water.

Oh Mommy, please throw it, please please please!

To finish off our perfect day, we stopped at Stella's farm market. 

It is my all time favorite place in the summer. They have the best peaches, tomatoes, and corn I have ever tasted. I wanted to stock up because summer is coming to a close, and I wanted to cut the peaches and freeze them to use throughout the fall. They are so good in smoothies and muffins. I want to freeze some fresh corn for soups and stews this fall too. There is nothing better than Stella's sweet corn.

Just picked and getting unloaded!

Look at all of these wonderful tomatoes! They are so good. It was a perfect day and I am so sad that it was one of my last days like this until next summer! I can't wait to bring our baby girl next summer! 

Date Night with a Sausage

All week, I was looking forward to a date with my honey. When Friday arrived, I went to work in my classroom in the morning. It is starting to look like a classroom again! I will post some pics when I finish. Then, I went to a math workshop. I was skeptical because I used the math program last year, but the instructor was wonderful and gave me some pointers to help me out. So it was worth my time and made me a little motivated and excited to start a new year.

On Friday night, Dobbie and I headed down to the Borgata in Atlantic City for a Chelsea Handler show. A well needed date night with my hubby. We both read her books, and we think she is funny, a little ridiculous, but funny. I was so worried that we would hit a ton of traffic, but it was fine! We zoomed down in no time (just want to mention that I had been sitting for a long time at this point - 3 and a half hours at training then driving home then 1 hour in the car). When we arrived, Dobbie took me to one of my favorite places to eat in the Borgata, the noodle bar. Since we had to work, we didn't have time to go down earlier and make reservations anywhere, but that was fine with me! I LOVE the noodle bar. When we got there, there was no line and we ate in about 40 minutes! Of course, I loaded my pad thai with soy sauce...(at this point, I just want to mention my enormous salt intake and lack of drinking any water).

Next up, the show! As we sat down in our seats, we were excited. We had never been to a comedy show together. We got there at a good time because we only had to wait about 10 minutes before the show started!

Once the show started, it was amazing! We were loving it. It felt so good to laugh. I was so thirsty at this point that Dobbie waited in line with all the drunk girls to get me a ginger ale at the bar. I chugged that ginger ale. As Chelsea Handler came on, I had to go to the bathroom, but I didn't want to miss the show. I ended up laughing so hard that I actually peed my pants!

So as the show was going on, I started to get a little uncomfortable. As we were leaving, I stood up, and my feet were throbbing. I looked down to my unrecognizable toes! They looked like sausages!!! They were so swollen! My poor fingers...I couldn't even make a fist and I thought Dobbie would have to cut my rings off. Sitting all day, not drinking water, and eating salty food really did a number on me! Poor Dobbie...he thought he was going to have a date night with his wife. He ended up having a date night with a sausage. Yuck! I had a great night, but I couldn't wait to get home and put my feet up and chug some water!!!

Meet My New Friend

Our 2 year anniversary was last week. I was so happy to have another anniversary, and Dobbie and I decided to stay home together, relax and have fun. We are going to see Chelsea Handler this weekend at the Borgata so we decided to just spend time together. We didn't want to get each other presents because we have been doing a lot for the baby. Plus, I want to not get gifts and save the money so we can take an awesome vacation for our 5th or 10th anniversary. I want to go back to Hawaii, and I want Dobbie to see how amazing it is!!!

So anyway, I wake up on the morning of our anniversary to this...

I knew it could only be one thing! My new friend...the diaper bag that I had been eyeing. A few weeks ago, I went to the Jersey Shore Outlets with my friend A, and we saw this bag! I loved it! I told Dobbie that I found a diaper bag that I loved, and he drove all the way to those same outlets and surprised me with it. It is beeeeee-u-tiful!

It really is something else to have someone that would do anything to make you happy. Dobbie is the type of person to surprise you just when you least expect it. He knows how to bring home flowers to brighten my day or just do something to let me know he was thinking of me. On our anniversary, he really surprised because I didn't know he was really listening to me about the bag (and because we were NOT supposed to be getting each other presents). He is one special husband...and no not because he introduced me to my new friend! Thank you Dobbie! You are going to look great carrying it around filled with diapers and sippy cups!

28 weeks

Wow! 28 weeks... I officially have 3 months to go (12 weeks). I just can't believe that it has been 28 weeks! The time has gone by so fast! At the 28 weeks, I ...
*look like this!!!

She looks more pointy in this picture! Everyone thought I was having a boy because of how I was carrying...whatever that means! 

*am heading back to work. I spent all day yesterday and plan on spending all day today in my classroom setting up. I was dreading it, but once I get some things done I get excited. I love a fresh start and September = fresh start.

*have trouble shaving my legs. I feel bad for Dobbie for the next 3 months.

*have a rock solid belly, and I LOVE watching it move when the baby girl is awake!

*can feel our baby moving everyday. She is a little bugger at night around 10 or 11pm. She must be having a dance party alone in there or she is just as excited as I am to watch reality tv!

* am scheduled to get the dreaded glucose test this week. Fun times... I hope I pass with flying colors.

At 28 weeks, we have the nursery painted in the brightest, cutest pink. Wanna see?

Sweet Taffy with Penelope bedding from Pottery Barn! Where is the crib?!?!?!

We had both of her dressers delivered this weekend, and they look amazing! I haven't done too much more in her room yet because I have to decide on a few things. I really want to get a tree wall decal, but I can't decide on the design or color. Here are some links of some that I really like...if you are interested.

From seller Designed Designer

From Seller NouWall

From Seller Simple Shapes

So I am deciding on a design and I have NO idea what color I want. Oh, and I don't think I would add the animals. I am not a fan of owls and Dudes is NOT a fan of squirrels so both are out of the question. I do like the birds though and they would match her bedding.

Here's to another week of a healthy, happy pregnancy!

The End of Summer

Good morning! It is here. I don't want to say it too loud, but I am afraid we all know what I am talking about. The end of summer has arrived. While the weather may not be cooperating with the adjustment of our mental states, we have begun thinking of fall. Dreaming of reds, golds, oranges, and yellows. Dreaming of pumpkins and beautiful mums. Dreaming of hay bales on your front step (oh wait, I am not allowed to do that this year because of the smelly mess we encountered last year). Dreaming of smelly goodness that comes from a pot of soup or stew and watching football. Summer is coming to a close and nothing signifies this more than going back to school.

Dobbie and I took one last short trip to the shore last night. We just wanted a little time to relax before this crazy week is about to begin. We ended up strolling to the boardwalk (and my intention of cutting back on carbs and sugar was thrown out the window) and just hanging out with Dobbie's wonderful parents. Dudes loved being back at the shore too. She watched people from the balcony and loved it. We didn't spend the night because our to-do list today is a little overwhelming. Plus, I am so uncomfortable at night that Dobbie thought being home in our own bed would do me good!

So, today it begins. We are preparing for the first real signs of fall. We are putting our house back together after a whirlwind of a 24 hour room makeover for our baby girl. I am doing TONS of school work to get ready to head into my classroom (because it is finally done being cleaned) and I am mentally preparing for everything I have coming up in front of me. I am painting the second bookcase that was made for me by my friend A's husband! I can't wait to get it finished and set up in the classroom!

So here's to preparing for fall ... and hoping the 90 degree heat begins to do the same thing. But first, let me go take care of the most important thing... because if I don't that tennis ball will be dropped at my feet approximately 252 times.

A Room of Her Own

Fall is in the air! It's back to school time, and I have run out of days to relax and unwind. With that in mind,  it is time to get this little girl a room of her own. Why have we not done it yet? Who knows! The time flew by this summer! We have officially started her nursery! It is so exciting. I did my part by moving all of her sweet, precious, little things from one spare bedroom to the other. Hey, at least I helped!

As you can see, her room needs to get painted and furnished so I can organize and put away all of her things! Just looking at all of her things in the spare bedroom makes me feel anxiety and stress. However, when you have men at work, what can you do! 

It will only be until this weekend, and then I will be able to get in there and finally give her things a home! Dobbie and Pop Pop are working hard to give my girl a beautifully sanded and painted room. Not only, are they working on sanding and painting, but they ripped out the old "BT special" closet. They are going to put in a closet organizer for my little peanut.

Men At Work! Look at the pink! It is so bright! I hope we like it when it is all done.

For those of you in the area, USA baby is going out of business. We bought her furniture from there, and the two dressers will be delivered Saturday. Good thing, it gave us the motivation we needed to get that room started and finished! I cannot wait to see the end result! I just can't wait to put it all together with the finishing touches. I am just so nervous about my paint choice! I hope it looks good! 

27 Weeks

Today, I am 27 weeks! 13 weeks left to go!

At 27 weeks, I ...
* love being pregnant!
* feel baby girl kick throughout the day.
* am trying to walk 45-60 minutes a day.
* finally bought a pair of maternity jeans and I LOVE them!
* can't seem to find a bra that fits.
* am starting to have trouble bending over!

I am going to make a big, big effort to cut back on carbs and sugars. I don't want to gain too much weight, and I am feeling a little down about how much my body has changed (not my bump, of course, I am referring to my love handles and saddle bags). I don't want December to roll around with a new baby and no signs of my old body.

I cannot believe 6 months have gone by! I know people say that time flies, but it really did. The past 6 months have been wonderful. I am beginning to worry about the next 3 ... I am starting to get a little uncomfortable and I can see how it will get worse! But I am not complaining because it will all be worth it in the end.

Mac is Back!

Well, I missed a few blogging days because of a near catastrophe with my computer. It would have been a catastrophe had my wonderful husband not purchased the apple protection plan. Now, let me give you some history on this computer before I get into the story. A few weeks after Christmas, my husband surprised me with the love of my life, my mac. I had wanted one for longer than anyone should want something or complain about wanting something.

After we had the computer for about a week...all hell broke loose. My husband spilled soda on the laptop. I was so devastated that I cried! YES, I cried over a laptop. I know what you must be thinking, but it is just that it was so beautiful and new - I didn't want anything to be wrong with it. Anyway,  the keys were really sticky and horrible, but it worked. Until the next morning that is, the computer would not even turn on! So superman (aka Dobbie) took the laptop back to the Christiana mall in Delaware. Somehow, he worked his magic and I got a new hard drive and a new keyboard. He must be one sweet talker because liquid damage is the worst thing you could mention at Apple. They will look at you like you have the black plague. Dobbie did his thing and just like that - it was back to being brand new and wonderful.

Ok, fast forward 8 months. Last night, my computer wouldn't respond. We know how to take care of our things ... I promise! I don't know what happened. After 8 months, my wonderful new macbook pro just plain old stopped working - along with my heart and breathing. The laptop is my life blood! I am ashamed to tell you how much time I actually spend on it. However, after a few hours at the Apple store today, I am back up and running!!!!! I was so happy that I got the new hard drive I needed and I didn't have to ship it anywhere. I did lose some pictures and files, but all in all I am a happy girl.

Hello Love, I am happy to have you back!

Even my Dudes was upset the computer wasn't working...

What's Wrong Mom?

So the moral of the story...back up all of your stuff! I finally got my external hard drive today, and I plan on using it! At least, I didn't lost any pictures of Baby Kay yet. I would have been a complete mess.

So now as I sit on my "new" laptop, I am wondering what I should do first...tutorials for work, lesson plans for work, schedules for work or welcome letters for work...hmmm.... maybe I should have had it shipped somewhere!

Desperate To See My Babe

How come when you become pregnant, no one tells you anything. I mean people share stories about pregnancy and birth, but no one gives you a bulleted handbook that lays it out in front of you. I guess what I am trying to say is ... WHY DIDN'T ANYONE TELL ME that I will get to see my baby girl at 20 weeks and I WON'T SEE HER AGAIN UNTIL SHE ENTERS THIS WORLD! If I would have known I would have really taken it in. I would have closed my eyes and taken a picture in my mind of what it felt like seeing her. I wish I could bottle up the excitement I felt seeing her move and kick her feet. I wish I could relive the joy and emotion I experienced when I saw her lift her little arm up to her mouth. I didn't know this would be my last ultrasound for our first baby girl.

I am desperate to see her. I want to see how she has changed since these pics...

This is my baby girl at our 19 week anatomy scan. This was the day we found out it is a girl! I wish I could see her now at 26 weeks. In the end, having to wait to see her will make the day of her delivery that much more special. 

To My Husband

Happy Anniversary Dobbie.

2 years ago today was the best day of my life. I love you more than words can say. The life we share is everything I have always wanted, and I am truly blessed to have you by my side. You really are a wonderful husband, son, and friend. Soon, you will add daddy to that list.

I can't wait to see you with our baby girl. The way you take care of me, you love me, and you cherish our relationship gives me peace of mind that in a few short months you will take care of the baby girl, love the baby girl, and cherish our new family.

Happy Anniversary! We make a great team, and I appreciate everything you do!

Love,
Me.

Sweet Taffy or Blushing Bride

Well, we are in full on baby mode! With school lurking right around the corner (even more so since my principal decided to blow up my inbox this week), we want to get a few more things done for our little peanut before I go back to work. Numero uno - painting her room. So the question is sweet taffy or blushing bride? What do you think?

Aside from painting I guess I should figure out all of this stuff?!?!?!

Some of it was so generously given to me by my friend! Thanks A! Most of it is clothes. Don't you just love all of the pink? It melts my heart. I can't wait to dress my little girl in her new clothes, but until then... I guess I should get to organizing before doomsday (aka start of school).

26 Weeks

Okay, okay I was 26 weeks yesterday, but I am new to this blogging thing.

At 26 weeks, I am...
*feeling my little girl flutter and kick all the time! She is up most of the night!
*getting more hungry than ever before
*starting to feel pressure
*waking up 2-3 times a night to go to the bathroom
*just started to be able to see my stomach move from the outside! How cool is that? Now Dobbie can see and feel her too!

It seems like my belly doubled in size all of a sudden. In the past two or three weeks, it just grew out of no where.

I know I need Dobbie to take the picture for me.

ATTENTION: Next image may scare you!! Proceed with caution.

I am willing to subject myself to this embarrassment because I love my baby girl and I want to remember everything about being pregnant!

I even have a bare skin, full on front shot, but I will spare you.

Being pregnant has been wonderful to me so far (you know, with the exception of the ever growing thighs and butt, cellulite, not fitting into any clothes, and not being able to lay in bed comfortably). Who wouldn't enjoy these wonderful things?

All kidding aside, I love being pregnant. It has been easy and smooth so far (knock on wood), and I keep the end result in mind every second of the day. Holding my baby girl and looking into her eyes.

Poor Dudes

My dudes is not feeling too good. We have so much fun together during the summer. We go for long walks, we go to the lake, we go to dog parks, and we go to the creek. For the past 5 days, she has been throwing up all of her food, and we can't really do anything. It is usually after she eats then takes a big drink. It is strange because she isn't really acting sick so it is hard to tell what is wrong with her. But I don't know any doggie who throws up after they take a drink?!?!

I called the vet, and they told me to give her the special delicious diet of .... boiled chicken and rice. Disgusting. The thought of the plain chicken breast boiling makes me gag, but it worked. For a day. She was sick again tonight. I am beginning to wonder if her daddy is sneaking her treats when I am not looking.

Get better Dudes because summer is almost over, and we only have a few more days of having fun!

No Longer Waiting...

My very first post!!! I am so excited to begin my blogging journey. This blog was a long time coming. I am married to a wonderful man, and in a few short months, I will become a first time mom. Throughout my life, I have waited for the milestones. I was changing careers, going back to school, waiting for what would come next, just waiting to be happy. Then, I met my husband, and everything in life fell into place. Finally, I feel like the waiting is over. I am truly happy. I have a loving, caring husband. We have a spunky, sweet border collie named Lexi. We purchased our first home. I completed my master's degree. I have the teaching job that I hoped for. We have the most important thing of all...a baby girl on the way. So, I can honestly say... all the waiting is over. I already have the "next big thing" and it is called life. Now, it is time to live it...and this blog will help me remember all the good and the bad. I am happy exactly where I am, and I am no longer waiting...

Photo Courtesy of Cindy Patrick Photography