Seeking Warmth

Do you remember Nana?
She is going into the hospital for blood transfusions. Please pray for her. She loves Christmas and us. She would love you too.

I saw this on Kbroome who saw it on Amanda's Blog

He is gracious, and He is good.

He is just, and He is good.

He is merciful, and He is good.

He is risen, and He is good.

He is faithful, and He is good.

He is compassionate, and He is good.

He redeems all things.

He is the Good Shepherd.


And in this Advent Season, I am joyful the Savior in the manger.
Not Celebrate? Your burden is too great to bear?
Your loneliness is intensified during this Christmas season?
Your tears seem to have no end?
Not Celebrate? You should lead the celebration.
You should run through the streets to ring the bell and sing the loudest!
You should fling the tinsel on the tree,
And open your house to your neighbors and call them to dance!
For it is you above all others who know the joy of Advent.
It is unto you that a Savior is born this day.
One Who comes to lift your burden from your shoulders,
One Who comes to wipe the tears from your eyes.
You are not alone, for He is born this day to you.

Ann Weems, Kneeling in Bethlehem

On Beauty Products

I've never been good at putting on makeup, doing my hair, maintaining my nails, ect.
Just recently I have started feeling like I'm aging. Wrinkles. I started using face lotion and conditioner. I've purchased stuff to make the wrinkles under my eyes disappear and new concealer to conceal my dark eyes.
Not being savvy on beauty trends, I want to know what you use.
What makes your skin glow and (if you have them) wrinkles vanish?

PS I am doing before and after pictures of my wrinkled eyes. They really pop when I smile and I smile a lot these days.

Choo Chooo

Choooooo Choooooo
That's me jumping on another trend train.
Hints: Ice, Eskimo... Igloo? Well no, but that makes sense too.
Fur. Faux Fur to be exact.

I got this vest but I am dressing it down and wearing it weather appropriate.
Do you wear fur, faux fur?

Smoke Stack

I drove by the new Cancer Center this morning on my way to work. The construction workers were smoking outside of the fence. Ironic?

**Are you done with your shopping?

Its True

I hope I dont disappoint you. I was disappointed with myself until I made a list of pros and cons. (I love to make lists)

Facebook. I signed off a month and ten days ago.

I've miss keeping in touch with people. The thing about FB that drove me crazy is the thing that makes me want to go back. Everyone takes to their status to share good news, exciting times and even sad ones. I understand they could tell everyone at once and its an extra five minutes to call or send separate texts but in short, I miss out on these moments because I'm not on the social network.

Going back I will limit the time I spend on the site and choose to avoid those who bog down the homepage with negativity.

Recently, I've heard about my own baby being posted and me not being able to see her new pictures.

I hoped my vacation would last at least until 2011.

Pitiful? Maybe but this should take your mind off things..

Pin the..

This post goes out to the lady in the car next to me, at the red light.

My baby loves her passy. When she is sleepy, she loves it even more.
She was sleepy this morning in the car.

So, while driving and while I was stopped at the red light I was trying to satisfy my sleepy baby. As a new mom I have not developed eyes in the back of my head just yet so I have to blindly find the passy and insert into her mouth, Pin the Passy in the Mouth.

While you were staring, at the relight, I took my body, turned it around and rubbed her fuzzy head. I also left my hand in hers when the light turned green.

That's what I was doing, when you were staring.

I Tried it Too!

Shellac Manicure.

She tells a better story here. (I'm in a hurry)

You should give it a whirl for the holidays!

It's Blog Debut

They've been mailed, most have been received.

We Made Treats

What's the Password?

Do you have trouble remembering all of your passwords? I swear it seems like there is a password for everything these days. Can you remember when the only password you needed was for the clubhouse? Me too.

We, Dustin and I, have a password we are supposed to use for everything and it works great until the bank, paypal, mortgage company, ect tell you its time for a password update. No, that wasn't the plan. We really need to keep our same password.

I cant tell you how many times I've locked myself out of an account trying to guess the what we changed our password to.

Dustin now has an "ap for that".

I'm Electric

I think I produce more static than anyone I know.

I get shocked at the self checkout, when I give kisses, opening doors, and my hair sticks out 2 feet on all sides.

Seriously.


(I'll Pink Pig Post When I Have Our Picture, Let's Just Say It Was Nothing Like We Expected.)

Traditions

(Random but it just tickles me when I hear that you guys read this thing!)

We are starting to develop Christmas traditions for our little family, I love it! You already know that we set up our tree early, ok really early, and that we go to the Christmas Parade. (oh, how did that go? she slept through half but watched the other half gleefully bundled in a fuzzy jjcole) This weekend we are going to ride the Pink Pink, it will be a first for both Dustin and Avery, I'm equally excited for both. I wanted to take them both to the Festival of Trees but after getting their hopes up, I found out it doesnt exist any more. Scratch that for a tradition.

Christmas Eve we will leave cookies and milk for Santa, on one of the three sets we have. How did we get three? (thanks for asking) I mentioned it to Mom, and of course, she was on top of this and bought one last year for little Avery. After searching "everywhere" and not finding it, we bought a second. It's cute but a week later we found a set at Pier 1, combining this round one, the salad plus the mug, and thought it was perfect! That same afternoon, we were decorating Mom and Dad's tree.. yep, we found the original cookies for Santa set. So thats the story of the three. Glad you asked? So, back to traditions, growing up we read the Christmas story every Christmas Eve. I think our (for now) trio will do the same.

For your patience, and my joy, here are some pictures.




The Parade


Santa Baby

Gift List

What are you giving this year?
What are you asking for this year?

We wont tell.

Parade

The Christmas Parade is tonight! I cant wait for Avery Cate to see all the lights, hear the music and cuddle close with me to keep warm. (don't fret, we are sitting in the back of the car)

Of course, she dressed festive for the event.

I was unloading all of her things this morning at daycare and I noticed she was gone. Out of her car seat and out of the room. She's getting new skills every day but I don't think unbuckling, crawling or walking are her thing just yet. Also missing was one of her teachers.

Just in time for me to give her kisses before I left, the teacher brings Avery back from her own parade around the classrooms to show off her festive attire.

It's a Parade Day!

Birds and Baby

(I'm thrilled with the Zulily responses. I hope you all find it as fun as I do!)

I also wanted to give a Shutterfuly shout out too- quickly. We placed a big order on Sunday and some things already arrived with others already shipped. Amazing!

In addition to all of our Christmas preparations, I am picking up goodies for a baby shower this weekend. I was looking at the registry and reminiscing about Avery's first week in this world. It was months ago and so much has happened since so I enjoyed letting my mind wander while I wandered through the isle collecting gifts for these two love birds and their baby girl.

Zulilly

Ok, my heart pounded with excitement when I received my Zulily email this morning.

Dont know about Zulily? In short, its an online shopping center for all things momma and baby. Seriously, all brands, all items, all up to 70% off retail! You will get a daily email of what companies are offering promotions that day. Promotions stay up for a few days but expire within a week.

Today, drum roll please, MUD PIE is on sale! Little AC wears tons of Mud Pie and we always receive "how cute" and "what brand is that". It's not too expensive at regular price but its on sale!!

So, you have to sign up to shop but its FREE!! If you go HERE I will receive a coupon or gift certificate. Once you sign up, you will get your own link for $ and you can share it with others! (I know, it may be tacky and I've told tons of people about the site without mentioning the rebate but I'm blogging and thought I'd throw it in..)

Cyber Monday

My email is blowing up with Cyber Monday deals. Seriously, I'm twitching just trying to keep my fingers off the mouse.

We shopped this weekend. I mean, I'm always up for shopping but I'm trying to control myself - these "FREE SHIPPING" and "40% Off" headers are killing me.

I did some holiday laundry for little AC, my baby cant squeeze another ruffle skirt into her closet, and I have bags of clothes waiting to be wrapped for Christmas.(Shh, dont tell her)

I cant promise I'll stay away from Cyber Monday but I promise to give little Avery lots of smooches for her 5 month birthday!

* We took Avery and Graham to see Santa, waited in line with gigantic dogs, little dogs and a rabbit. Dustin was to get Avery's attention and I was acting like a fool to get Graham to look at the camera. Both were distracted. We held up the line and went home with these prints.

Ten(ish)

I hope you had a great Gobble Day!! We sure did.

I never made it back around to tell you what I was thankful for so here are 10ish:

1. God's Grace
2. Our amazing family and friends
3. My baby girl, my man, my puppy and our health
4. My home, career, and memories I've made
5. Sleep, lots of it, and antibiotics.
6. Grande skinny vanilla latte with an extra shot tossed in
7. Chocolate.
8. People who make me laugh, Board games and card games
9. AOL Radio and Christmas Music
10. Pictures

Gobble

Yep, still got the yuck and I've even managed to give it to Dustin.

We got an email that sent me racing across the house to the computer, our proofs were ready for our viewing pleasure. Now, onto making holiday cards!!!

Speaking of holidays, Thanksgiving is Thursday. Thursday. I'm sorry, I've seemed to misplace the first 10 months of 2010. Please let me know if you find them.
(Even more strange, we were discussing New Years Eve plans. Actually acknowledging the coming of 2011.)

I know we are supposed to reflect on our blessings daily, but this week always brings them to the forefront. So, I'll be reminiscing and giving thanks for all that my family and I have to be so thankful for. Maybe I'll share some with you..and you can share some with me.

Here's one, (and it's a proof)

Feeling Blah

I have yucky stuff swirling around in my head, not thoughts, cold and sinus stuff.

Avery's had it for months so I try not to whine but man I feel- BLAH!

Three

Three years ago, today was a Saturday and I was just waking up in a local hotel with a dozen of my best friends. A few minutes from now Dustin showed up with flowers and an ornament coke.

After collecting my gifts, a kiss, eating breakfast with the girls... it all began. It was my wedding day!!

Today is our three year anniversary. Throughout these last few years there's been laughter, tears of joy and sadness, tons of memories made and a lot of love shared.


First Time Dustin Saw Me in My Dress


Cutting the Cake


Leaving in Style

Shutterfly

Do you remember when I told you we had our Christmas pictures taken? Well, our proofs should be ready any day now and I can’t wait to see how they turned out!! In the mean time I have been adoring Shutterfly’s Christmas card designs. L.O.V.E. Them!!

Have you used Shutterfly before? Earlier this year I made a calendar with Avery’s newborn pictures and I was so pleased with the results. (psst!! Great Christmas Gift Idea!!) Shutterfly also prints affordable canvas photos, I can just imagine one of my baby’s Christening pictures on an 8x14 canvas!

So, if you haven’t decided on your Christmas cards yet- hey even if you have- check out their 2010 holiday selection and make sure we’re on your mailing list! I’d love to see your card!

BLOGGERS- Want to get 50 free cards from Shutterfly?? It’s so simple, go here to learn more.

*Special thanks to Lindsey for posting so yours truly could tell you!

Coveted

My Nana has been in ccu this week. She had two Strokes in late September, rehab, surgery, and a stay in ccu. She is scheduled to have another surgery today, we covet your prayers.



Nana, Dustin, Avery and I having Halloween lunch.

Preview

Tis the Season!

We decorated for Christmas. (Dustin would tell you I did but he did help)

It was our tradition to decorate our tree on our anniversary, the 17th. It's a week day this year and we will be busy both the weekend before and after. So with some free time yesterday, the tree went up along with mantel decorations, wreaths, table runners and more.

Avery loves the big tree. I do too. So does Dustin.

I hope she loves her tree too, once it's complete that is.

(Lauren took pictures for us this weekend- some of Avery in her Christening gown and others for our family Christmas card. Cant wait to see them!)

Heated

It's cold. Very Cold.

This morning it was tough to get out of bed it was so cold. (Honestly, its hard every morning.) Avery's hands were like icepops thanks to the tall ceilings and large window in her room. We need to heat her room with a secondary heater. Do you know of any SAFE heaters?

The thought of one of these in her room send chills down my back (not because I'm cold, because I'm scared.)

Solid

We are introducing solids to AC (Avery Cate).

She has had rice mixed in her bottle for several weeks but now its rice cereal and oatmeal using a bowl and spoon, a silver spoon. (My grandmother gave Avery a beautifully engraved silver spoon for her Christening) I quickly realized a single silver spoon wasnt going to work so we bought more, courtesy of Gerber.

Within the same week of introducing a silver spoon Avery started to exhibit a new trait. Dustin and I refer to it as attitude. When she isn't content she now displays this by bowing her back. Yep.

We are adding a lunch veggie next week and I am considering silicon spoons.

Farewell FB

So, I've made the choice to remove myself from Facebook for a while. I'm ok, Dustin's ok, We're ok, Avery is ok- it's just something I'm doing for me.

I'm also challenging myself to be a better wife, mom and friend. I want to spend time talking to my man and watching tv with him instead of being plugged into my phone. I want to print and frame more pictures of AC instead of creating FB albums because its easier. I'm going to call and text my friends instead of checking their status to see how they are doing.

This is not something I'm doing to get others to leave FB and I definitely don't want it to seem like a soapbox speech. I'm just simply saying I'm leaving the network and why.

So, I am split 50-50 on where I stand about going back.

Ryan. Watch. Sleep.

We went to Atlanta to celebrate friends' birthdays Saturday night. AC (Avery Cate) got a little rowdy so I excused myself from the outdoor patio, stepped onto the side walk and attempted to soothe her. A black SUV pulled up and I thought it was strange. Then two people got out and I was thinking that was a little extreme for the pizza place we were at. Anyway, they walked by and I turned and apologized for the noise. It was a familiar face. It was Ryan Seacrest, seriously. I, in my too tall heels, started back down to the patio and ran into Dustin. He saw him too, everyone did. I should've asked him to pose with my baby in an effort to make her happy again.

Turns out I didnt need Ryan, I needed to return her to the party and let our friend Casey feed her.

Tornado Watch. This is the kind of day where everything should be closed and everyone should stay home, an extra day of rest. It is dark and rainy which makes for a sleepy me.



(Avery's sleep pattern is "outta whack". Down at 9ish, up at midnight, again at 5 and slept till 8:30. We need to cut out the up at 5 and sleep until 7ish. You see, this is what we became accustomed to and now she's got something going on. No matter how tense I get when I hear her on the monitor, and I know this post sounds ugly too, I still love the girl and I l.o.v.e. holding her and rocking her back to sleep.)

Enjoying..

I blogged last 19 days ago. I'm sorry.

I'm trying to be a good mommy, wife, friend, employee and coworker, sister, daughter, granddaughter. Blogger has fallen to the bottom of the list although it is something I truly enjoy.

My joys lately have consisted of picking out clothes for a nearly 4 month old baby girl, sitting on the couch with my man after our little one is down, holding her when she wakes up, taking care of my grandmother, chatting with friends while driving, fall weather and desserts and taking advantage of extra sleep.

We took Avery to the pumpkin patch, this weekend she is going to a festival and grown up birthday party, the following she will take a hayride has a duck and dive into November with pictures of her Christening gown.

You were missed

I miss my blog.
I miss my blog readers but we are living life in the fast lane.

I had to cancel date night with my love so I could clean our nesting grounds. Once my house is clean, laundry done, pictures uploaded and bags packed, I'll blog.

Sucker

I'm a sucker for fall! They say Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer but it is official enough for me. Football, Fairs, Pumpkins, Autumn Candles, Wreaths, Sweaters, Candy Apples, Mmmmm!!

Avery and I are both anticipating boot weather, we have some cute ones on deck.

Baptism

Avery is being Baptised on Sunday.
I made and mailed invitations.
I bought while silk monogrammed slippers and Granna Kacki and Gran P, my parents, gave Avery her gown and had the slip embroidered. Its gorgeous.
We, well I'll probably be moral support most of the time, are making white chocolate rose pops, raspberry cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes (I will be icing them with a pastry bag), and chocolate cups to fill with fruit. For 20 people.
I'm nervous she will cry. She generally cries in church and at home, or in public when the gas monster strikes.

I cant wait to show you pictures, not of her crying but of her special day.

Hospital Stay

Saturday evening Avery was fussy. I get it, she's two months old. Sunday, she slept and didnt eat. She slept 20 out of 24 hours and had 23 ounces of formula from Saturday night to Monday morning. (She should've had almost double the ounces)

We had an appointment on Wednesday for her 2 month check up and shots. I debated if I should just wait a few more days to see the doctor or call with my concerns. I called.

Avery has been congested for 3 weeks and I wasnt particularly concerned about this because the doctor told us it was just a head cold and she is too young for medicine anyway. This is what concerned me.


The indented softsopt can be dehydration.

We went to the doctor at 11am, she was examined and we had a chest xray. By the time we left the XRay room on the 2nd floor, rode the elevator to the 4th floor the doctor was waiting for us in our exam room. He explained there was a spot on her XRay that he didnt like and we had a room waiting for us at the hospital. Of course, I took her to the doctor by myself just thinking we would be told everything is still ok. The PA handed me tissues and suggested I call "back up support".

We walked straight into the Peds wing of the hospital, into our room and then they took her away. When they brought her back she had an IV in one arm and blood drawn from the other. She was given fluids for dehydration and we started antibiotics by 12:30.



RSV and Flu tests came back negative.
Viral Pneumonia was the culprit.

Tuesday morning when the doctors and residents made their rounds wearing their masks because we were quarantined(like an episode from Grey's Anatomy) we expected to receive our walking papers and go home. I had the bags packed, ready to go.

We stayed 3 days, 2 nights.

My sweet baby was the best patient ever. She was a pretty cute one too!





She already has a sense of humor, "Mommy, this stinks!"



So, we are at home now waiting it out. She reacted to her "take home" antibiotics poorly so we discontinued them. We're thankful that we caught it early and that so many people love our family and lifted us up in prayer.

Shop to My Lu

For the past 11 months, Pregnant for 9 + mommy for 2, I've been shopping for little people clothes.

We recently received a package with some things from here

Mom, Avery Cate and myself are heading to a consignment show tomorrow. I have my eye on a Strasburg Halloween set. Wish me luck!

And just this morning I agreed to go to one of these

*Hot item on my shopping list- Halloween Costume. We will dress as a family if we can come up with a good idea.

I thought these were cute but she'll be 4months (ahhhhh) and can rock more than a onesie.

Giving Thanks

I said an extra pray of thanksgiving last night.

Yesterday morning we were all scurrying to get where we needed to go on time. Dustin helped me load Avery and all of our bags into my car, kissed us both and raised the garage door on his way back inside.

I use the rear view camera anytime my car is in reverse, I almost cant backup in a car without one. As I was backing up, I saw something flash across the camera. I thought it was the neighborhood cat until I heard a noise. I knew that sound. It was Graham!

Somehow he managed to get out of the house. I'm so thankful he wasnt hurt, I think he yelped when he saw the tire inching by.

Last night I gave thanks for this technology and the safety of my baby boy.

Crazy Eight

She isnt this little anymore and at times it makes me weepy.

She's 8 weeks old today.

For her 8th week birthday she gave mommy a sleepless night. Where did our 7 hours straight go? For her 8th week birthday I'm giving her extra milk at bedtime. I'm thinking of Thanksgiving, I sleep really well after I eat a big meal. Maybe she'll do the same.

How are you? What's your favorite iPhone Ap?

Oldies but Undies

*This post may be TMI for some of you.

To protect the guilty party, I'll use an alias. Bubba sounds good.

Bubba noticed a hole in his/her panties. (Please note I refer to underwear as panties for both men and women, I dont discriminate) Bubba was content with wearing this particular pair of panties regardless of the hole.

If you noticed a hole, a big hole, would you wear them anyway? I didnt think so. So after encouraging Bubba to do the right thing, toss 'em, the panties made their way to the top of the trash pile.

I told Bubba that I should probably look in my collection to see if I have some offenders, I know there are items from my college days buried in the drawer. Do you toss out panties often? Its usually something that people buy, adding to the stash.

Bubba also noted, wisely, "thats why people say "I have underwear older than you"".

Well, if nothing else, I hope this post inspired you to clean out your "drawers".

Via

Did you try to check in on us at the end of last week? I don't know what happened to the blog, as it said it was unavailable, but I'm glad its back.

We survived our first week, well 3 days, of daycare!! Avery's daily note said she was a Happy Superstar each day.

The weekend was not long enough, there was way to much going on to get any rest. Due to lack of sleep and knowing I had a tough day ahead, I needed caffeine this morning. I made a B-line to Starbucks to get the new Via iced coffee packets and I must say I do love it!

A bottle of water, a packet of lightly sweetened coffee, a dab of milk and a good shake = incredible. But not as incredible as this little girl...

6 Weeks Later

I've been living in an altered universe for the last 6 weeks where all that matters is her.

I've done crazy things like dig through the sheets looking for her in the middle of the night or swaddle the dog and take him to the pack-n-play just to find Avery already in there, walked out of the house without any shoes and forefit a purse for just a wallet, phone, keys and diaper bag.

I was plopped back into reality today. 6 weeks=work
My coworkers have made it an easy transition and I've cluttered my desk with photos of my sweet baby. My mom is keeping her today but it's back to daycare tomorrow.

Tomorrow may be another story.

Dry Run

I start work next week which means Avery starts daycare. We found a great church that she'll be attending 4 days a week.

I needed to take her supplies, yes she has school supplies, in this week so I thought it would be a good idea for us to have a "dry run". The plan was to take her for a few hours, let them get used to each other and let me wein myself from her slowly.

She and I were both in tears when I left.

Trying to be productive and help the time pass, I went to the gym to walk. The TV was on the View and they had a cupcake segment. Great, I'm sad and now I'm watching people eat Yummy gourmet cupcakes while I walk. Guess what I had for lunch.

Now I'm at home, in the quiet, just watching the clock waiting to go pick her up. I'm trying to wait long enough for them to give her a feeding. I prepared enough bottles for two feedings but I don't think I'll be able to wait that long.

iCaved

Dustin has wanted an iPhone forever but being the Scrooge that I am I begged him not to get one.

I worry about the touch screen technology, the money pit the apps can create and the price in general.

We picked up our iPhones yesterday. I have no clue how to operate the thing and I'm in way over my head. Help Me.

7 vs 2

So, I've been hanging on to (X) lbs since two weeks after birth. I dropped (Y) immediately but the rest of the weight is stuck. Stuck I tell you.

Dustin and I did the Cleveland Clinic Diet, a 3 day diet. My Dad used to do something similar once a year and he would drop around 10lbs. Not looking or expecting to drop 10, but a few would be nice.

It's the morning of day 3 and Dustin has dropped 7 lbs!!! He isnt the one who put on (Z) lbs and the primary reason for the grapefruit, hotdog, tuna, saltine eating diet. I'm the culprit and I've managed to shed a pitiful 2 lbs. 2.

Bitter? Maybe.

0 for 2

I had two "must haves" when we were expecting:






The breast friend didnt work out for us and now the nap nanny is recalled.

http://www.wsbtv.com/consumer/24391388/detail.html

We love our wub though!

Grace

We are more than pleased with the outcome of our maternity session and Avery's newborn shoot from our photographers, Graceology. We've heard that people cant believe how much we spent on our pictures... you would be shocked if you know how much we didnt spend. These guys have an incredibly priced baby package that includes maternity, newborn and 6 month pictures. Dustin is still trying to figure out how they havent lost money by picking us up as clients.

So if you need a photographer, give Graceology a whirl.

Avery Cate's Newborn Pictures

To Keep or Not to Keep

Do you think Chick Fil A keeps, discards or reuses the potato pieces poked out of their waffle fries?

It has been a debate around our place for a few days...

Two Week Notice

Avery Catherine was born two weeks ago, June 29, 2010.
6lbs 10 oz
19 inches

We've gone nonstop since...
Jaundice
Weight Loss
Supplement
Soy Supplement
Hypoallergenic Supplement
Smiles and Giggles
Snoring and Sneezing
Diapers on a naked baby or clothes swallowing her whole

Its been a whirlwind but I cant imagine her not being here, she's perfect!

It's Saturday

We slept in late today, really late. It dawned on us that it may be the last Saturday morning we get to waste, oh for the next 13 years or so.

Now that we are up, we are tackling left over items on the "To Do List" including:
Removing PMI from the rental house
Cleaning out the fridge
Sterilizing more stuff
Writing thank you notes
Unpacking and Repacking

I also have been pondering the question, "What if I need to pump or she is hungry at her 1st doctors appointment"? Will he wait an hour or so for us to solve this problem?

Status Update

Our bags are 80% packed but bottles and things are washed.
Clothes are washed and hanging, by size, in her closet.
Carpets are clean and all baby gear is taking its place.
I had my nails cut very short, toes painted and brows waxed.
And there are still plenty of things left to do..

We're off to see the doctor one last time before we have our baby girl!

Insured

I pretty much despise working with any kind of insurance. I feel like they're always trying to pull one over on me not to mention it costs an arm and a leg to have and it takes an act of Congress before you can use it.

I ran back and forth so much yesterday trying to fill out paper work that I rubbed blisters on my toes. Did I mention there was only 1 page of this paper work that caused me to run all over town? The other pages were fine and all of the information was provided, just not in the manner the provider would like to see it. Ugh.

I've delegated Avery's insurance to Dustin :)He's such a good daddy!

Warning

We are going to the hospital on the 28th to be induced on the 29th. Avery Cate will be here soon!!

We have a lot to do within the next 10 days, so my posts may be limited.

Will you forgive?

Fireflys

I saw a lightening bug this morning... in the parking deck. I never thought about them being "day bugs" so it caught me by surprise. My surprise turned into disappointment when I realized that I didnt get to experience my first firefly on a summer night walk, flickering in all its glory.

Have you seen lightening bugs this summer?

VIP Parking

Dustin has been eyeing this spot for 9 months.

Swing Batter Batter

We went to a baseball game this weekend. I wore a halter black linen dress, hair in a pony tail and flops. It was hot but I was actually doing fine with the weather contrary to the size of my feet.

Around the 7th inning Dustin, the sweet guy he is, walked me to the restroom. As we rounded the corner this lady turned to her guy friend and said (loud and clear) "She must be miserable". I then faced my husband and questioned if I really looked that terrible. No matter how hot it was outside, this caused a spike in my temperature. Rude.Rude.Rude.

I think I'm going to write a book for my friends, ok maybe just some notes. What to expect when expecting- the real truths. The good, bad and ugly people.


(In my "check" last week I was pleasantly surprised, thrilled, and giddy when the Doctor said I was beginning to thin out- Hoooorrraay!)

Jumper

I got a jumper last summer and loved it. This summer I donated it to a friend since I wouldn't be wearing it. Someone should enjoy it!

There are so many adorable one-pice outfits this summer and my anatomy isn't jumper material just yet. Well, that's what I thought until I found some jumpers with lower waists. The lower waist cradles Avery and is oh so comfy.

Do you wear jumpers?

Catch Your Breath

We woke up to our baby boy gasping for air early this morning. Dustin rushed him to the Emergency Vet just in time for Graham to get his breathing under control. A few spells later we were at our regular vet before the doors opened.

Our poor pooch had things stuck in all sorts of places, he was terrified and so was I. The Doc finally concluded that he was suffering from swollen adenoids and put him on a combination of medicines.

He seems to be doing much better, thank goodness! It was a scary day.

Packing

(We didn't see "T" last night, her family couldn't make it. Maybe next time.)

I'm trying to pack one of these


for our trip here


but I don't know what half of the things on the online checklist are for. I feel so lost.

I also need ideas of what I should pack to wear home. Right now my little girl and I will both be wearing birthday suits.

Seeing "T"

As Foster Parents we are required to complete 10 hours of training each year as well as complete a CPR/First Aid course and have monthly visits from our caseworker, even if our home is on hold. We have been a bit preoccupied and have not completed our hours or CPR classes and we are due for a home visit. We plan on doing online trainings later this year.

Tonight we are going to collect a few hours by attending a Foster Parent meeting. We received word that our "Little T" will be in attendance. She is with a new family and we want to introduce ourselves and hopefully continue to keep in touch.

The dad's name is Dustin. I couldn't help but wonder if she thought there would be a Michele too.

Scrub

No, this isn't a post about TLC's song "No Scrubs", although it is a catchy song, in this post I will boast about St. Ives Apricot Scrub.

I got a spray tan a few weeks ago, and loved it. After two weeks it began to fade in misc areas. For example, my feet (with the exception of my toes) were white and from my swollen ankles up- I was tan. While I was taking a hot shower- not boiling the baby hot though-I noticed I could wash away the tan.

Dustin took me shopping for body scrub and that's when I found the St. Ives. It smells wonderfully and worked like a charm. I couldnt help but notice it said it was for both face and body so I suggested to Dustin that he give his face a nice scrub.

Dustin, my macho man, shaved after he gave face a good scrubbin'. He was excited to see no cuts, no irritations, just a smooth finish. Our theory is the scrub softened the hair.

So from the Rikard household, we give the Apricot Scrub 2 thumbs up!

Philapina

Philapina- (Fil uh p nuh), our GPS named after my dad. He himself is like a GPS knowing every route so we thought it was appropriate to name our GPS after him.

Philapina was stolen our of Dustin's car today. She had a good run, took us several places and even lost us a few times.

Luckily we don't have another trip scheduled, other than the hospital but that's not scheduled anyway, until September. Time will tell if we get another system or MapQuest our way.

Goodbye Philapina.

Nursery

Snapshot

I've done it again, neglected the blog. Please forgive.

Dustin made a garden- hydrangeas, blueberry bushes and encore azaleas.

We are replacing the current foyer floor (blonde wood) with a darker cherry wood.

Dustin and I packed our bags and had a weekend get-a-way to Tennessee.

We finished the nursery.

Due Date: Early July, Less Than 12 Hours Away: June

IDOL

Did you watch American Idol this week? More importantly, did you watch last night?

I've been a huge Lee fan from the beginning so I'm thrilled that he won!

I've also been a fan of the show and Simon since it's beginning. It was emotional for me to see Simon go. As each Idol, minus 2, walked out during a tribute I knew who I watched that finale with and who I spent the season chatting with about our favorite contestant. Dustin thought I was bonkers for getting upset about Simon's farewell, but I'm going to miss the old guy.

Cheers to Simon, Lee and Idol!

Bon Voyage

Tonight we are attending a Make A Wish event. My mom and her business partners have been chosen to sponsor a young girl with Cystic Fibrosis. She is has chosen to go to Hawaii so tonight is her Bon Voyage party.

Everyone attending is thrilled to be a part of such a special day, a lasting memory for Brittany.

Ruber Ducky, You De One

(Title reflects bath time with our foster child)

We are co hosting a shower tonight and then spending time with gracious friends and family Saturday and Sunday to celebrate our sweet baby.

By Sunday evening we should be squeaky clean.

Nie Needs Us

I've blogged about Stephanie at NIENIE several times. She needs our prayers.

(She and her husband were in a terrible plane crash a little over a year ago, have 4 children, and are continuing their recovery efforts)

Strange Encounters

Dustin, being such a patient husband, was waiting for me in the parking lot of a strip mall while I finished grabbing a few things. When I made it back to the car I was told the following story...

Dustin was enjoying chicken nuggets when he felt someone hovering over him. There was a man standing at his window. Dustin rolled down the window and the man asked for money. With an honest answer, Dustin said he didnt have any cash. The man nodded and noted that he sure would like one of those nuggets. Dustin handed him a nugget. The man didn't retract his arm and walk away but asked for a "dip". A dip of sauce. The man ate his nugget, sin sauce.

This story had me in stitches all night, I could just see the wheels in Dustin's head spinning.

After more shopping and dinner, the nuggets were his snack, we got ice cream. Recees Blizzard thing for Dustin and fat free yogurt for me. I noticed an older lady sitting near us and we exchanged smiles. When Dustin and I laid down the spoons and headed to the trash, she stopped me and said "Sure did look like you were enjoying that ice cream." I didnt even know what to say, "Thanks?"

Eat Cake

I love cake.

One perk of my job is party planning which obviously requires delish cakes! So we celebrated a 20th anniversary on Friday and I ordered a cake; a white cake with fudge frosting and eclair fillings between each layer. We have leftovers.

How long can I feed on the leftovers? Until it molds? Let it mold and cut off the mold?

Summary

I found a lamp for the nursery, not an antique though. Not wooden either but porcelain. I love it.

My Popsicles? Dustin chopped the watermelon and I diced the limes, froze them overnight for a delish breakfast treat. I dont know if the toothpaste was the culprit, but it wasn't as refreshing as I had dreamt of the night before.

Shrub Garden. We are planting a garden this weekend, weather permitting, as part of our back yard overhaul.

Jake. Little Jake's birthday was Tuesday and I'm looking forward to seeing the birthday boy this weekend. Toy in tow.

Do you have weekend plans?