Friday, February 26, 2010

Bebe's Stuff

This one is all about our bebe.

1. Her name is Avery Catherine. I wanted a one syllable middle name so Avery Cate is debatable. Catherine is my mom's middle name. Well Kathryn is her name but we intentionally replaced the K with a C. It may be pathetic reasons to you, but I think the C is a very pretty monogram and at least it will be ARC not ARK (like Noah's Ark).

2. I wanted a particular stroller. I've seen it around but didn't (still don't) know what kind it is. I let go of wanting this stroller when we saw one in a fancy baby store that sold the frame (carrier not included) for $500. Yes, I think Avery should have the world and we are well on our way but even I could see that this stroller would not be a practical purchase for us. What did I love about this stroller? The carrier is positioned so that the baby faces you and sits up high versus bumping their toosh on the ground. Our solution was the Graco Flip It. It isn't $500 or 500lbs. You can use the stroller in a variety of ways. The baby can face you or face the front because you can literally flip it. You can adjust the handle so it reaches to the front or back.


3. My thoughts on pink may surprise those of you that know me. I don't want a lot of pink everywhere other than her closet. I can not wait to wrap her diaper bottom up in her frilly outfits but I think I will get tired of pink 'things'. Her travel system, as you see, is not girly. Her swing is the same pattern and red and khaki are the colors of her Pack-n-Play. Initially, we wanted this to coordinate too but it did not have all of the amenities that we were looking for. Don't get me wrong, she has a very pink tummy time mat and I hope she gets this stylin' walker.



4. This is her bedding. Please ignore the pink walls, hers will be a light grey.

5. I want a moses basket but I cant calculate an efficient reason for it other than they make great props for photos! Did you, or someone you know, use one?



That's all for now. If your taste isn't our taste, that's Ok. If you would like to comment on our choices, please be gentle as my hormones are not as balanced as they used to be.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

I Saw the Sign

I told you I gave up coke for Lent. It's been a little over a week and I havent had a coke but this isn't necessarily by my own accord.

Two nights ago I dreamed of a fresh fountain coke, the kind that burns your throat and makes your eyes water. That kind. The next morning (yesterday) I fought off the urge to stop at the gas station and pick one up. Instead, I walked to the building's vending machine, asked for forgiveness and inserted my dollar. It came back. I re-inserted my dollar and it accepted it but my balance still remained $1.25. Frantically I pushed the button to return my buck. For minutes I stood in the hallway hammering away at that button, my dollar never came back. No coke.

I stomped back to my office mumbling bad things about the vending machine. A co-worker offered me another dollar but I turned it down. I think it was a sign, a sign letting me know that at that moment I was stronger than I gave my self credit for.

Last night we had popcorn. Popcorn and coke are a match. For lunch I had chicken fingers and fries. I was missing a coke. I've been steadfast so far but I'm not sure I will make it to Easter. If I break, I will try to limit it to one coke a week.

For now, I hear you loud and clear Mr. Vending Machine. (Does a Dr. Pepper count? Those aren't my favorites)

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

What's in the Water?

Yesterday, my grandfather was telling me that there is more gunk in most bottles of water than from the tap - explaining that most bottles of water never see a spring. I drink bottled water or Brita water so this was not something that fell gently on my ears.

Do you believe things can be "in the water"? You know, things other than bacteria things like coincidences.

I work with 8 women in an office of 13. Before I broke the news that I was pregnant, one of my co-workers shared her big news. A few weeks later, we were waiting until we were 12 weeks, I broke our news. There were 2 of us, side by side pregnant, 4 weeks apart. Two weeks later, someone else shared that she was pregnant, a week away from me. There are three pregnant ladies in my office. The "something is in the water" comments started, and the other ladies reassured the bosses that pregnancy was not in their future.

For a few weeks I've accused another co-worker of being pregnant. She has a little boy that will be one in April and she continuously shot down my accusations. Today she confessed. She is pregnant too! This is means 50% of the ladies in our office are pregnant. She is due after the three of us return.

Maybe there is something floating in the water cooler after all.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Talking Points

In the order in which they occurred...

- We saw Valentine's Day. I'm not a movie go'er but Dustin would like to be, so I went. T Swift should not win an Oscar.

- Last Minute. Dustin was invited to play golf, twice, Friday evening. This sparked a debate because we had plans and I did not want a last minute impulse to affect these plans. Lucky for me the times didn't play out as he hoped and it was irrelevant after all. 48 hour notice is preferred.

- What were our plans? Baby Registry, remember? We spent close to 10 hours registering and purchasing things for our little bundle. It was completely overwhelming and I don't believe we created a cohesive and complete registry, but we tried. Cheers to my man for being such a trooper!

- Success. Mom and I were invited to s Kelly's Kids show. Being a new mommy and grandmommy, we'd never heard of this collection but we are dedicated fans now. They don't have many items for newborns as most items start at 6month size, but we made it work for us. I'm not sure which one of us is more excited to see the fall and winter collection.

- That hubby of mine thrilled me once again when he obliged to helping me rearrange the guest room and nursery. Our little foster child, "T", was in one room and the other spare was a guest room. We took apart her former room, moved the guest room down the hall and set up pieces of the nursery (which is in the old guest room). I love the changes already and I have a muscle man to thank for them! Once we executed all of this he decided to put together the travel system, which includes a stroller and carrier, and moved the new glider/ottoman from the living room (where he would like to glide and watch tv) into the nursery.

- Tight! I picked up compression hose today. These lovely accessories were prescribed by the baby doctor to help with my poor circulation. They'll be the next "Big Thing"!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Saddle Up

I'm back in the saddle. Most people I run into or speak with comment on how horrible I sound, I'm sure there are some that would like to comment on my chapped nose, blood shot eyes and hefty breathing, but all I can say is how great I'm feeling. I was telling Dustin that I forgot what it feels like to take in a deep breath, laugh without choking or sleep with my mouth closed but all things considered, I'm doing remarkably better. So much better that I looked forward to working today, cleaning out my inbox and enjoying a real lunch outside the walls of the house.

Dustin and I are celebrating our regained strength by going to register at Babies R Us. Please say a prayer. Last time we walked in and were instantly overwhelmed. This will be our second trip to this zoo of a place and I hope it is successful.

Speaking of a zoo... there was a zebra loose in the city yesterday.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

40 Days

Today is the beginning of Lent. Do you celebrate the Lent Season?

Although Lent is a time to prepare your heart and soul for Easter, some people choose to give up something they love for these 40 days of preparation. A small sacrifice compared to what was given to all of us.

The sacrifice should be an obtainable goal, a realistic expectation of yourself. Dustin and I are going to give up Coca Cola. We should give up all caffeine, well I should, but that isn't realistic. So we are sticking to Coke, I would include Pepsi in this but I don't even like Pepsi.

Are you giving up something for Lent? I love to hear what other people come up with..

MIA

Sorry I've neglected the blog this week, Dustin and I have been a pitiful pair the past few days. It all started with a little cough Dustin had on the way to the church Saturday afternoon. By the time the reception rolled around the cough was a little more rowdy. After dinner, a fever. A blistering fever. We left the reception early, bid adieu to our friends and went to the hotel room.

That night was miserable. I was retrieving ice chips for him, and who's the preggers one? Just teasing. He was hot then cold. Up then down. All night. Early Valentine's Day morning we packed our things, stopped by Walgreens for medicine and headed home. He stayed in bed all day.

Monday he went to Urgent Care and I started coughing. After two hours of waiting they told him he had a sinus infection, gave him a steroid shot and three prescriptions. Not thinking a sinus infection was contagious, I continued to work through the day hacking away at my desk and growing a fever. By the time I got home, I had a fever a little over 100. A nurse friend told us to call the OB after hours folks. We didn't. Around 8, my fever breached 101 and Dustin called the OB. Remember he had a steroid shot and three prescriptions, the on call doctor told me I could take Extra Strength Tylenol and cough drops.

I broke the fever in the early morning hours yesterday but decided to hold off on work until the cough was tamed. I got dressed, packed my things and headed to the office around lunch time. Two hours later I took my coughing, sneezing, feverish self back home. I called the doctor again, during regular hours hoping they would change their mind, but this time they said Extra Strength Tylenol and cough syrup (not drops). When Dustin arrived later in the afternoon, we sounded like a choir of coughers. We coughed in unison and sometimes as each others echos. Last night was my night of misery, hot then cold, up then down. I finally settled sleeping at the foot of the bed wearing summer pjs with the fan on high.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Valentines

Love is in the air!! (So is snow)

What are you doing this Valentine's Day weekend? Dustin and I are going out of town for a wedding, plus we are sneaking away a day early to enjoy dinner and the opening ceremonies.
Cheers to the happy couple, Best Wishes!












Hope you and yours have a great weekend and a lovely Valentine's Day!



Thursday, February 11, 2010

Bounced

Dustin and I tithe. We try to do this once a month but there are times when we double up because we forgot to do this the month before. We received our statement from the church for 2009 and we managed to remember 10 out of the 12 months.

While Dustin sings, it is my responsibility to write the check and place it in the envelope before the offering comes around. I should do this before church so I can enjoy the singing. So, in 2010 we have tithed for both January and February. 2 for 2.

What's the point? Well last night Dustin needed a check, and I'm keeper of the checks although my sweet hubby pays all the bills. He grabbed my wallet and asked "You haven't used these, right?" Well yes, I just wrote the church a check on Sunday. And it hit me!!!! We closed out this account, no I closed out this account, two weeks ago. (there was another bank offering great incentives if you have their checking account) Oh no, Our check will bounce to the church!

I called the church first thing this morning, I don't know why because I knew what they would say. As I expected, the checks have been deposited. Along with the "redo" check, I will write the church an explanation and ask for forgiveness. I can't think of a worse place to bounce a check, can you?

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

H2 (here we gO)

Do you drink enough water? I dont and I was scolded by the doctor on Friday, she even gave me the "if you dont do it for you, do it for the baby." Ouch.

So needless to say, I'm drinking more water. She wants me to aim for a gallon a day, eh hmm I'm aiming for 4 watter bottles a day. Baby Steps (pun intended)

When the water is colder, it goes down easier. Our Brita serves it ohhh sooo cold!
So, what do you say you do this water thing with me? Better skin, better health, bigger pool for the baby.
Speaking of baby, she got these lovely loafers today!

Monday, February 8, 2010

It's a Girl

We found out late Friday afternoon that we are having a little girl.


Our Personal Predictions

The Results

A Sleepy Big Brother

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Define Yourself

This is some new thing hitting Facebook and I found it quite interesting.

Go to Urban Dictionary and enter your name in the "Look Up" search feature in the top right portion of the screen.

What is your definition?

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

B-L-O-G-S

I would ask if you read blogs, but this tells me that you do.

I love reading blogs weather I know the authors or not, no matter. I have blogs that I check daily, maybe this is my obsession, but today they've all stunned me. No one is blogging. Where is everyone? Is everyone OK?

Since my peeps are MIA today, can you suggest some other blogs for me to stalk- uh I mean read?

Even though my readers rarely respond, I will try to keep the blogs going. (Please note: The Rikards is intentionally limited to a weekly post)


(picture)

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Only the Best of Etsy Sample Packages GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Only the Best of Etsy Sample Packages GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Samplings

This would be much easier to explain if I had actual photos of our kitchen, but I don't. I would like to note, before we begin, that our kitchen is not of the caliber of these in photos below.

Recap: backsplash

Our cabinets are oak with a cherry finish, similar to this


Our tile is beige with white accents


Our countertops are faux granite (tan, taupe, white speckles). We have a preexisting lip on the countertops, 3 inches or so. The backsplash would rest on top of this and reach to the bottom of the cabinets.



Our first choice, which the Mr. is now second guessing, was a stacked rock

Possible Alternatives (although not in these colors)




Or just finish painting and leave the backsplash project for another day