We Made It!!!!

Whew...finally, we are HOME at last!! What a week, and to think this is my VACATION?! hahahaha. Things have been super stressful but exhilarating at the same time. Christmas was definitely memorable, we slept on the floor, had a tiny tree, and left a crusty old muffin and milk for Santa. Lol. He found us though and Gabriel and Grant were both thrilled Christmas morning! In some ways I think the best Christmas present was to go back to the house they remember and celebrate the big day. When we first arrived on Christmas Eve it was like a flood of memories came rushing back to Gabe and he started hugging his bed, old toys, even his dresser! haha. He was just so happy to be there also to see his best friend Josh. That was a blessing because he was over at his house the entire day Monday which made moving, packing, and loading a little easier (mom and I took turns with Grant). Anyway, we finally rolled up to our new house in OH on Tuesday and I really thought we would be unpacked and settled in by the weekend. Um....no way! I seriously think it's going to take MONTHS before we are 100% organized and unpacked. I knew we had a lot of stuff but wow, it really hits you when you have to sort through EVERY box. Don't get me wrong, we are not pack-rats at all, it's just between the baby items (baby tubs, clothes, toys, boppy, swing, bouncy chairs, breast pump, blankets, bottles, etc etc), various holiday decorations, and whatever else...it adds up! Jim and I have been having fun going through old pictures though. Wow, I have some major blackmail photos of friends (and I'm sure they have some of me too) but it's hilarious to look back and remincise from the late 80's and 90's! Anyway, to get back to the house: it is just surreal that we are starting a new chapter, and also ringing in the New Year at the same time. It really lived up to our dreams in every way. It may not be a million dollar mansion but for us...it's better. I think being cooped up with two families under one roof for so long definitely made us appreciate our own space again. It's so neat to see it start to come together in each room. I will post a photo soon, I'm just waiting until at least one room is picture-ready without boxes scattered in it.:) Plus they FINALLY hooked up our internet so I promise to post again soon. Happy New Year!!! May you have a spectacular year ahead!!

Merry Christmas & Home Sweet Home!

Whew....what a day! There is so much going on that I am trying not to think about it or I will get overwhelmed. The great, wonderful news is that we closed on our house and got the keys which means....we officially have a new home! Glen and the rest of the builders did an incredible job and I don't think it's quite hit me yet that it really ours. We walked through and I just kept feeling like I was in someone else's house.:) Tonight we still have to pack for WI, and sneak the presents into the mini-van (I love stow-and-go seating...it's the perfect hiding place)! Lol. For the next several days we will have no access to the computer, or TV, and only limited access with our cell phones. That is going to seem so weird to me! I am excited about it though because that means Christmas in our quiet, peaceful house in Green Bay, kind of tucked away from the rest of the world. Anyway, if you are reading this I hope you have a wonderful, and BLESSED Christmas! Whenever we get back I promise to post pictures of the new place and update on the big adventure!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Almost Home

We are getting so close! Friday we are getting the final walk-through and closing on our new house! It's officially been since July since we decided to build and go through the process of picking out tile, carpeting, cabinetry, hardwood flooring, and everything that goes with it. Looking back, four months is a short time, but it's been a loooonnng 4 months waiting in limbo and living packed-in like sardines. I wouldn't trade it though because we've made some great memories but I know Jim and I both feel like little kids, just giddy and grateful to finally have this process complete! We decided to actually leave for WI on Saturday, Christmas Eve and start packing our old home early. That means we'll be celebrating Christmas Day...one more year in our Green Bay home. My parents are going with us to help, visit old friends, and see my brother for the holiday too. I don't think it matters to the boys where we are for the big day and in some ways I think it will be a fun adventure! We are packing the tiny Christmas tree to bring with us and leaving a note for Santa to look for us back at the old house.:) I guess my only major apprehension I have, is worrying that our WI home will NEVER sell! It seems like everyone we asked, says it took them 2, 3, 4 months to sell their house, and for us it's been over 6 months and still no takers! To me, it's the greatest place ever, and I wish I could tell each realtor and person walking through what wonderful blessings we've had under that roof, and how it's the ideal family house but...I guess it just hasn't been a perfect fit for anyone yet. It's so nerve wracking to think of paying 2 mortgages and Jim and I have both just been STRESSED out at the mere thought! We are so responsible when it comes to money, and we really felt after researching the market and talking to "experts" that we would've sold our house by now!! yikes. So I have to say that's a bit of a black cloud hanging over us right now. Anyway, I'm sure I will post a picture or two when we walk through the new house on Friday! Talk about a great Christmas present, this beats a Red Rider BB gun any day!:)

High-End High Chair

*Looking for the Belly Photo? Scroll all the way down, it's in the right hand margin**



Wow, what a tricked-out, souped-up high chair....I love it! This is the latest from Peg Perego and pretty much does it all! As you can see, this doubles as a chair and a rocking chair! You can manually rock your baby during or after their meal (hmmm, I hope not TOO fast, I can see the spit-up flying now)!:) It also plays soothing music too! Of course all the basics are covered with the 5-point harness and removable feeding tray, etc. Since we have almost all of the other baby items, we are going to splurge and buy a nice high chair this time. We bought our first one with Gabriel and it's literally falling apart! This is a whopping $199.00 but you can get free shipping right now at: www.babyride.com

Spray Away the Pounds?!

I'm not sure what to think about this little invention but celebs are supposedly raving about it. Basically you just spray your food (like rice cakes, fruit, or even major dishes like pot roast) with these little flavored low-cal sprays. You can choose from cookies-n-cream flavor, to root beer float, and even pesto and ranch sprays! It has 0 calories, 0 carbs, and 0 fat and is "supposed" to enhance the flavor of foods, and fill you up so you eat less! Maybe it's my wacky pregnancy hormones right now but....I think I would try this!! I can't lose any weight right now obviously but for $5.95 a bottle, it might be worth an experiment after the baby comes. If you would like to order one (let me know how it works)! Log on to: www.flavorspraydiet.com

Countdown

There are so many big events coming up, it seems like we have 3 different countdowns going on!:) First of course is Christmas! I thought that this weekend we would finish all the shopping but here I sit, less than a week to go and I am not finished!! Thankfully I only have a few small things to buy so I think it will be okay, but still every year I find myself in this situation and promise not to procrastinate next year.:)
The other countdown is the closing date on our house!! They were able to move the date and now we will get the keys to our new home on Friday. It has been a long 4 months with all of us virtually stuck in 1 bedroom in my parents condo. Don't get me wrong, we all get along great and it's been a blessing to be close again...BUT it just gets hard because they are not used to small kids in the house 24/7, and we are not used to being huddled in a small spot with no privacy, 1 closet (between 4 of us) and 1 bathroom! hehe. So I know once we get in the house, we are going to enjoy every second of it!!! Even little things like cooking on my own stove, being able to sprawl out on our big couch, and having control over the remote are all things I can't wait to do! Yesterday we met with a painter and got a sneak peak at the house. The hardwood floor is in, the column is up in the entryway, and even the doorbell is working!:) The boys are beyond excited to have running room once again and the countdown is officially 9 days from today!!! I really hope this week flies by.:)

It's A.......

Big, beautiful, baby BOY!!! We are so excited and it was definitely a comical moment when we found out. The Ultrasound tech really didn't believe she would be able to see either way (she said at 18 weeks it still might be hard to tell). So we were sitting there and as soon as she panned below the waist it became VERY clear that he was a little boy!! haha. She said "Are you sure you want to know" and Jim and I just cracked up because we obviously already knew before she revealed it. It's still sinking in though, I don't think I ever pictured myself as the mom of 3 BOYS but I love it, and we feel incredibly blessed. It's strange to tell people though because certain friends and family actually respond like they feel sorry for us!:) I don't look at it that way at all though. In all honesty, my heart still aches to have a daughter and experience things that my mom and I were able to share but, for now that is not in God's plan. The most important issue is the baby is healthy and we are thrilled to welcome our new addition!! Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond and e-mail! I received some wonderful stories and will save several. Also, they adjusted my dates and I am now officially 19 weeks (yippee). Hard to believe I am almost halfway through the pregnancy already! I have so much more to write but we are mid-show so I better get back to work.:)

Belly Photo!

Well I wasn't going to do it but, I went ahead and decided to post my first preg. shot!!:) I'm 18 weeks and starting to show a little bit!! My sleeve is covering it, but just in the last few days I have started to pop!:) We are doing a contest to guess boy/girl or "undetermined" and I thought this might help the contestants because I know some people claim they can identify the gender by how the mommy carries. Tomorrow at this time we will know for sure.:) I hope I can sleep tonight!:)

What a Gift

I am on an Anne Geddes kick lately! If you haven't been to her site in a while, check out: www.annegeddes.com. They have added a lot of new items like clothing, diaper bags, and all sorts of really good Christmas-gift ideas. This picture just melts my heart (along with the other photo on this page...if you scroll down a bit).
Today I was actually going to post a few pictures from Gabe's preschool Christmas program but, I decided not too. I don't know, lately I just feel very leary about what I write and share. This has been such a personal release for me for over 2 years but a part of me is just very guarded right now. A few people have e-mailed me asking when I am going to post a belly shot but...I just don't know if I'm going too at all. That's all I can really say.

Anyway, time is getting closer until the big ultrasound this week. We had to rearrange Jim's schedule but he will be there for sure, camera in-hand! This time we are going to capture the big announcement on video, I thought that might be fun for our child to see someday. Well the boys are finally napping and I have to start supper, better get going!:)

Home Stretch

The moving truck is reserved, the final walk-through is next Wednesday, and 2 weeks from today we'll be in WI packing up the rest of our house! It is going to be a quick, hectic trip but in some ways maybe that's for the best. I get so emotional when I have to say goodbye and I know if we were going to be there longer, it would be even more difficult to close the door and leave for good. We'll have less than 2 days to pack up the moving truck, clean and go! That is a tight schedule. We had to do it that way in order to have enough time to move into our new house though. Today someone is coming to measure the basement and get all the info. so we can finish it and turn it into a playroom/lounge area. All this, and I still need to Christmas shop!:) Life is not boring right now, that's for sure. Tonight is Gabe's Christmas program at school and I can't wait to see my little guy up there on the stage! Talk about emotional, I'm sure I will tear up at the mere sight of him up there in the spotlight with the other preschoolers.

By the way, the weekend was fantastic at the water park! We stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge and it was such a magical time to go. Whoever does the decorating there has it together, the lobby and hotel looked phenomenal! There was about a 30 foot Christmas tree, gorgeous lights, and so much to see. Santa was there, they even had story time and it snowed in the lobby! They had an arts and crafts room where you could make a gift for someone special, an "earn your elf diploma" area, and of course the awesome water park. The boys loved it and we really felt like we got our money's worth. I highly recommend going this time of year (I know they offer some great discounts up until New Year's). Anyway, I need to rush off to work...let the countdown begin!:)

Gotta Luv Em'

I just caught the new commercial for Luvs diapers and it just confirms what I've already discovered, they are the BEST diaper brand on the market! I never imagined getting excited over diapers but, hey what can I say, they are just that good!:) Now I see they are touting: "Proven to prevent leaks or your MONEY BACK"! Do you know what an impossible, major challenge that is?! I believe it though and after spending tons of money and 4 years on diapers (and soon having 2 kids in them at one time) there is no other brand I will buy. My dad was in the diaper business for 15 years and always told me that Luvs was the best, most durable diaper for a great price. He was the Director of Marketing for a competitor so he hated to admit that, but he knew it was true! Anyway, it's definitely my "mommy must-have" when it comes to disposable diaps.

On another note, we are packing up and getting ready to leave for the water park! I am so excited to have some special fun time with Jim and the boys this weekend. We are also going to try and make it back for the "Chronicles of Narnia" too but after the past week, priority #1 is just to enjoy each other, relax, and hopefully get some sleep!:) Have a great weekend.

Amazing Life

No matter how many pictures I see, or how many children I have... each time I am equally in awe at the miracle of life. When you think about it, there really is no other way to describe it other than a sheer miracle. A few weeks ago I started to feel the first little familiar flutters which I instantly recognized as baby kicks! Now I am 17 weeks and the movement is beginning to feel more regular and strong. It's still just a slight twinge but as soon as I feel it, I know my baby is busy, healthy, and strong. There is nothing in the world more reassuring or calming than to feel that. A week from today we will find out what we are having, but more importantly, I'll be able to catch a glimpse of this growing blessing. I have had plenty of ultrasounds before but I think each one brings it own emotions. I have gone through 3 times now where I was actually scared to see my little child because I knew it might confirm that there was no heartbeat. That is so hard because you have the excitement of seeing your baby, but yet the reality that it will be the last picture you will have. By the time 17-20 week ultrasound happens though, it's always with the same amount of happiness, nervousness, yet peace at the same time! I have been daydreaming for weeks about that day and I can't wait until it's here! I often tell Jim that I think the baby's behavior in the womb is a sign of their personality. Gabriel always kicked me just enough to let me know he was okay, but without ever hurting me. He always got the hiccups and it was so funny to see my belly jump when it happened. Today Gabriel is a gentle, sweet, responsible little boy (who still gets the hiccups quite a bit)! Grant on the other hand came kicking STRONG and hard right from the start! I swore one night he broke my rib (haha) but he would tell me when he was awake, or asleep, and when he was having a solo soccer match. Sure enough, Grant is now a strong-willed, extroverted, athletic (yes at 22 months) little boy! So that just adds to the anticipation with this child. I can't wait to get a feel for his/her personality as the months go on. Well, I better bring my head back out of the clouds and get ready for work. Have a wonderful day!

Midnight Oil

No I'm not talking about the band (although the 80's song "Beds are Burning" was pretty awesome)! LOl. I'm actually referring to the major lack of sleep this week. It's amazing what fatigue can do to a person! Poor little Grant is cutting a molar and he has been utterly miserable. He was up until 1:30 last night (and I wake up at 2:30 for work). That's been the story of the week and usually it's not so bad if I can get a nap but, even that has been a lost cause. It's a wonder I can even get my limbs to function and go about basic daily tasks (jeez I'm so melodramatic aren't I)!:) Needless to say, I will be thrilled when Mark gets back from China and we can go back to our normal work schedule. He usually does news but without him, I am doing it and that's why I've been waking up an hour earlier (and now I have much more sympathy for his schedule)! I think it's just an accumulation of a bunch of things but for now I'm just trying to keep it together.
Jim had a genius idea and we are going to pack up the kids and stay at a waterpark for the weekend. That was a huge morale boost for the boys and I so we are now all looking forward to Friday! They have been so cooped up and I can't wait to give them a change of scenery. They have great pre-Christmas rates at some of the big resorts and you know how we love a good deal!:) Well I have a little time to cuddle with Gabe and watch a movie so I better take advantage of it! Have a great day.

Great Gift Idea

This is such a neat idea from Red Envelope. It's called "The Book of a Lifetime" and could be the perfect gift for a grandma, mom, dad, or someone special. It basically chronicles their life and asks questions about how they grew up, advice on life issues, and lots insightful questions. It's a bit pricey ($80) but it's leatherbound and durable so it could last generations! Pretty neat. I actually found it under the "sympathy" section of the website but I think it would be appropriate any time really. To see more go to: www.redenvelope.com

Maternity Match

Today my order from Babystyle came in the mail and oh how I LOVE my Chiarakruza pants! It's so hard to find cute maternity clothes that look trendy and actually FIT! These are just perfect and best of all, they were on sale!! Since this is my third time around, I have pretty much figured out what brands of maternity clothes are the most flattering (for my akward shape anyway). As far as pants go, I highly recommend Juliet Dream, Bella Dahl, NOM, and now I am adding Chizarakruza to that list! They are a little pricey but Babystyle carries that line and you can get a great discount if you find the right sale! Most of my clothes are stuck in WI so it's been a challenge to find something...anything, that will fit and it felt great to slip into a pair of pants that looked good (finally)!:)

What a Weekend

Wow, is it Monday already?! We had a super busy weekend but it felt great. Saturday I went to Nicole Jeffrey Salon & Spa in Akron and it was fantastic!! I got a massage, facial, and highlights. I don't know why but the past few times I've seen a stylist I have not been that happy with the outcome. I always bring a picture and over-describe what I want but it never turns out the way I hoped. This time though, I didn't even bring a picture and she nailed it!! It's bright blonde which I really like and it gave me such a boost! So, thanks to Gina and everyone at Nicole Jeffrey. Yesterday we had a blast for Jim's birthday and went to a really cool Japanese Steakhouse for dinner. YUM! The boys loved seeing the show and the food was fantastic too! So to sum it up, it was a banner weekend. It's hard to believe we are 20 days until Christmas but I am excited and ready for it to be here!:) I have a ton more shopping to do though so hopefully this week I can crack down and finish the list. A week from Thursday will be the big ultrasound and we'll find out what we are having! It seems like this month we have so many big events coming up! Speaking of which, I need to run home and get Gabe ready for his last swimming lesson. Have a great day!

Happy Birthday Baby!

Happy Birthday-Eve today actually.:) Tomorrow is Jim's birthday and he will be 30!! He doesn't think it's a big deal but I on the other hand, have been running around like crazy trying to make sure the day is amazing for him. It's just hard to think of the perfect gift or gesture for a big birthday like this. He is the most incredible husband and father and everything he does in life, he does for his family and we adore him for it. I just haven't been able to think of something sufficient that would really do him justice. Tomorrow we are just having a low-key dinner with family and the regular birthday events that go with it. I already gave him his big present, it's this print in a beautiful cherry wood frame:


This is called "Reflections" and it's his favorite picture of all time. When we were at Fort Bragg we saw it all over the place and he always wanted it. After we left the Army and moved away, I never saw it again! It took me 6 weeks to order it, have it framed and get it all together but the payoff was totally worth it! It will be neat to see it hanging in our new house. Anyway, this should be a great weekend no matter what and I just want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Jamie and I love you!

Website

This morning I mentioned this website on the show, and it's so good I thought I would post it here too! It's got family-friendly reviews of EVERYTHING from tv shows to movies, books, video games, and even cartoons. It's neat because you can choose an age and then get the best recommendations for that group. The site is: www.commonsensemedia.org.

I will definately be back this weekend to update because I have a ton to write about! Jim's 30th birthday is Sunday and I also have my first belly photo but I've been too chicken to post it! It's not a close-up of my tummy or anything, just a recent shot where you can kinda see that I'm starting to show. With Grant I remember posting a photo every few weeks as my pregnancy progressed but this time, for some reason I'm not sure if I will. Anyway, I have to run because I am making supper and then the boys and I are hitting the mall! Have a great night.