Good morning all. It's a slow Wednesday morning here so far. Woke up around 8:30 and working on my second cup of coffee currently.

Yesterday morning started fairly early. Tancy had an appointment with an orthopedist to see about her issues with her knee. We got there early, had to wait, but she liked the doctor and his PA. They think the issue is her knee tracking (we knew this was an issue) improperly. So, the Rx is an anti-inflammatory and another course of physical therapy. All of which is do-able, so we will start that this week.

We left there and stopped at the bagel shop for lunch. It was good. Then home. We both decided to take a nap. This was the second morning of up early on our "vacation" and we felt like we deserved it. So it was about 11:00 when we got home. Tancy laughed at me because I put on my night gown before getting in bed. She just got in bed in the clothes she was wearing. I was asleep pretty quickly. Once Tancy shut the TV off I was sound asleep. The dogs got restless and she got up with them, I went back to sleep. I slept about 3 hours. She said she got up about 30 minutes before me. The nap was just what I needed. I had felt so tired and my belly had been so sore... the nap seemed to help that. I need to do that more often probably, nap when I feel that tired. But I don't ever stop long enough to nap when I feel tired enough to.

So after our nap we hung around and watched some TV. Around 3:30 we started getting ready for dinner. Tancy got ready first and once she was done I ushered her out and locked the door. There's something to be said for going out to dinner and not being seen until you are all ready and put back together. This was my thought process, recapture those early dates in a way. So I got ready and once I was ready to walk out the door she got to see me again. I was ready 2 minutes ahead of schedule. LOL. We headed out to dinner. We went to this place called "The Wood Shed". We had heard that they had great steaks and we are both big fans of a good steak. We got there around 5:30 and were seated immediately. It was like going back in time to the 1970's. They play nothing but golden oldies, country music. I am serious. They probably didn't play a song that was on the radio after 1979! Everything was wooden, the ceiling, the walls, the booths... the floors are brick. Honestly, it was a step (or 4) back in time. Our waiter was great, he had a voice for radio, smooth. We ordered and before long it was sitting in front of us. It was ab-so-lutely amazing. I got a ribeye and Tancy got a filet... both so tender and delicious. I don't think I have ever had a better steak. We took turns naming the person singing the song and when it was on the radio... or that our grandparents used to sing that song. It was fun. It was quiet and it was nice. We even had dessert. We brought left overs home of our steaks and our dessert.

When we left the restaurant we went for a drive. It was still pretty and light out and we love to ride around on back roads. We would have seen a movie, but there isn't much interesting out there right now. I guess it was about 8:15 when we got home. It was a nice evening. I had the rest of my dessert and we watched our DVR episodes of Paranormal Society. We love that show! I guess it was around 10:30 when I finally gave up the ghost... I don't know how far Tancy was behind me in sleep, I don't think she was very far.

Scout licked all F'in night. Wow! Cause I am not up enough with the peeing and the hips hurting and being excessively hot... I have to now wake up to tell her to knock it off!! After about the third time I was ready to either cry or beat her to death! I didn't do either, I just tried to calm myself and not feed into it with my own hysteria. By 8:30 and round 9 of the licking (I exaggerate) I was done. We both were I think. We got up, made coffee, fed the pups, etc. I am almost to the bottom of my second cup of coffee.

Today, it looks like we will work around the house. I would like to get the grass cut in the front yard and then get some house work done too. I think Tancy might do the trim work in the yard and Tylor is suppose to come over after work to help her cut up the trees that she & Heather cut down on Sunday. I think I might not have blogged about that... I know I blogged that we had marked trees to cut... well, they cut them all on Sunday and now they have to be cut up for firewood and the back yard cleaned up. Tancy and Tylor will work on that today.

Tomorrow night Gary is coming over for dinner and to see Lillie's room. He's going to paint a quote on her wall for us, his touch to her room. I can't wait to see him and spend some time. Saturday night Jenn & Tab are coming over for dinner. I can't remember the last time they were here. I am really looking forward to some time with them... just have to figure out what I want to cook for Saturday. Monday night Tancy will be back on nights. Mandy will go with me to the Birth & Beyond class that night... should be fun! I have my infant CPR class on Thursday, I am looking forward to that. I can't remember what is on the schedule past that... but will be glad to see May start, puts us that much closer to meeting our little munchkin.

Tancy's Dad predicts that she will be born on the new moon. That's either 5/27 or 6/22. Anyone else want to name their predictions as to when she'll get here??

Alright kids. I am ready to put on some work clothes and get to gettin'. I hope ya'll have a great day today. It's hump day, so the week is nearly half over for most of you... more than half over for some of you. Either way, I hope it's been a pretty good week and you have a great weekend ahead of ya. I would like to take a minute to ask that everyone send my friend Jennifer and her family lots of love and positive energy. Her grandfather passed away (I had posted in a blog) I believe about a week or so ago.... anyway, like everyone who has lost someone they love, they still have their struggles and can use all the positive energy that you can send them. I appreciate it and I know they would too. Sending all I can muster to them and all of you as well.

Also, I want to thank everyone who wished us a happy anniversary and congratulated us. It was very sweet and we appreciate each and every one of you.

Love to all!

Week 33 of Pregnancy: Fetal Immune System

This week your baby may be anywhere between 17 to 19 inches in length and weigh more than four and a half pounds. At this
stage in fetal development, your baby  could grow a full inch more this
week alone — especially if he or she has been on the shorter side. 
Weight gain can range from a third more growth to a full doubling
before the big debut.
 
The level of amniotic fluid in your uterus has reached its maximum at 33 weeks pregnant,
making it likely that you have more baby than fluid now. That's one
reason why you're probably feeling lots of nudges and pushes — there's
less liquid to cushion the blows. (Of course that means you're even
closer to your baby now!)
 
If your uterine walls had eyes,
here's what you'd see: your fetus acting more and more like a baby,
with his or her eyes closing during sleep and opening while awake. And
because those uterine walls are becoming thinner, more light penetrates
the womb, helping your baby differentiate between day and night (now if
only baby can remember that difference on the outside!).

And
good news! Your baby has reached an important milestone about now: The
development of his or her own immune system that (along with antibodies
from you) will be able to provide protection from mild infections.

Just a quick update for everyone. Before too long I will be getting ready for dinner with my honey for our anniversary.

I will say that I am feeling more uncomfortable these days. Harder to sleep. More discomfort in my belly, sore and tight and all those fun things. But nothing unbearable or miserable (yet). My hands swell more and more, but it isn't like fluid as much as nerve stuff, kinda like my leg. My hands go numb, hurt to make a fist (or anything closely resembling a fist) or grip a cup. This isn't anything new, just more prevalent.

I have been trying to sit on the yoga ball in the evenings some. It gives me some relief from my sciatic, which is a constant issue at this point. There's some degree of numb all the time and the pain sets in quicker than it was. But, again, nothing I can't deal with, just another sign that little Miss Lillie is getting bigger and stronger.

It's alot of fun to watch my belly move around. But she's getting sneaky. It's like she knows when I am trying to get someone's attention to watch or feel because she will stop immediately. Even with Tancy... and previously she would always move for Tancy.

Our check up went well yesterday, gained 3 pounds (2 left before I hit my pre-pregnancy weight... sounds backwards to most, but its the way it is for me). I had lost a pound last week, so I don't feel too bad... not much I can do about it one way or another, I am not eating bad foods or alot, so I am not stressin'. My blood pressure was great 110/68. It's been good the entire pregnancy, so glad for that. I have felt calmer throughout my pregnancy than I did before... again, probably backwards for most, but that's just how it is for me. I measured big again, but based on paying attention to how the doctors are running the tape, I have decided it has more to do with their technique than anything. I know this particular doctor measured below my pelvic bone, where the doctor last time measured right at it. So, when we go back, in 2 weeks we will have another ultrasound (wont complain about getting to see her again) to track her growth from the last one. I am guessing that they will make an educated guess as to how big she will be full term. I am a little excited about this. (You figure I lost 10 pounds and have gained 8 of that back... how does that work out in terms of baby?) Otherwise all is well.

I took a three hour nap today. I needed it desperately. I have a bit of a nap headache, but still feel better than I did. My lower belly, just above my pelvic bone, has been so sore lately. Just to stand up after sitting or laying down takes me a second to adjust to. Again, nothing unbareable, just uncomfortable and different. Heartburn and even nausea has kicked in again... the heart burn is quite ridiculous!

I think another reason I am so tired lately is my allergies. I haven't taken anything in 7+ months and the pollen is everywhere. I stay stuffy and sneezy. Also, I know that feeling like I can't breathe adds to being tired alot. All signs that we are getting close to the finish line. I am so excited!!

Well kids, I think that catches ya'll up. I hope ya'll have a great day. I'm off here to go get ready.

Love to all!

Good morning all. I hope this finds you all doing well. The weather here is absolutely gorgeous!! It feels so good to be outside in the sunshine. Yesterday got very near 90 degrees, it was warm, but still nice outside.

We got up yesterday morning around 8:00. Tancy fed the dogs and made the coffee... I love it when she does that. As silly as it sounds, it is like vacation when I don't have to do those things... I have said this before, but it is so true and each morning that she does it only reinforces that feeling for me. We had time to drink our coffee and then it was time to get ready. We had an appointment to take Scout to the vet at 10:15 for her ears.

We got out the door in plenty of time to make it to the vet. They were running behind because they were doing $5.00 rabies shots. But we finally got back there to see the doc. We like him. He isn't exactly the most personable, but he loves the animals that he sees and he's good at what he does. That matters the most. Anyway, turns out, Scout has a yeast infection in her ears... say it with me... "Poor baby". Anyone that has ever had a yeast infection knows how miserable that is, can you imagine that in your ears?? And to not have opposable thumbs with which to hold on to something that you could get in there to scratch?! Anyway, she got a shot that would give her some pretty prompt relief, a pill and a lotion. Hemmi has been licking her ears, the doc said to try to keep him from doing that. You see, Labs have all these issues, allergies, neuroses, etc. Their ears are a bit bigger and flop over their ear canal, so if any moisture gets in there it doesn't dry like it would for a dog with smaller ears. Thus the yeast infection. It might not have come from Hemmi licking, he might have been trying to help her, but it furthered it for certain. So, we got all her medicine and headed home.

We took the back way home (not a short cut) just to not be on 321. And on the way home we decided to go ahead and paint the kitchen back to blue. We really didn't have anything else on our agenda for the day, and Tancy really really wanted it back blue. So we brought Scout home, gave her the first round of medicine and made sure they had plenty of water outside. We left them in the yard to play some and headed to Lowe's to get the paint and a piece for the back door. We then went to the pet store to get some salt for the aquarium and talk to him about some issues we have been having. Before it was all said and done I brought Tancy home to start on the kitchen and headed back with a water sample and a list of what we put in the tank. Our water tested good but we needed some trace elements in our water, so I got that and headed back home.

By the time I got home my leg was really bothering me. It goes from being numb to feeling like there's 100 pounds of dead weight hanging off the outside of my leg. It's painful in a very strange way and it make my hip and its socket ache miserably. So when I got home I stayed put for long enough for it to ease up a bit. I talked to Mom on the phone for a while, she was on her way home from work. Then I started working on my inside plants. My Aloe desperately needs to be repotted, I run into this every spring. I was hoping to not have to repot it this year because I end up with sooo much of it. But, looks like I am going to have to bite the bullet yet again. Anyway, I pulled out all the dead stuff from all my plants (Aloe and Peace Lilly) and then watered them all. By the time I was done Tancy was almost done too. So I started putting things back where they go on counters, etc. Before too long it was almost all put back together.

After putting the kitchen back, except what goes on the walls, we took the trash to the dump. Silly, but nice just to do things together, even riding to the dump together. The weather was so nice any reason to be outside was a good one. Then I decided it was a good time of the day for a slush from Sonic, ideally I would have preferred a snow ball, but I haven't seen alot of snow ball stands here. So we headed off to Sonic and ended up at Quizno's for our dinner. Back home we waited on Mandy and Steve to come get the truck. They were here and gone in a matter of 30 minutes. They were getting posts for a clothes line and a new mail box.

We had a conversation earlier in the day about thinning out some of the trees in the back yard to give the prettier, smaller trees a chance to grow and fill out. So we went out into the back yard to take a look (and mark) the trees that can come out. All either pine trees or dead. We have quite a few oaks, pear trees, dog woods and holly trees. I think it would benefit those trees to thin the rest out a bit. We just want to be careful not to thin too much. We like our privacy in the back yard.

Back inside we caught up on some shows we had on DVR. It was just a great evening, chilling out together and talking about anything and everything. I love evenings like that. The blinds open and the sunshine coming in, snackin' on whatever, watching TV or just talking, its great! I love my baby and I truly love spending time with her!! Fairly early I got a bath, the pollen is really getting to me and I needed to feel like I washed all that off from the walk in the yard. I have been feeling particularly miserable in the evenings for the last two evenings. I guess we were in bed by 8:00. We watched some more shows on DVR and by 10:00 we were both asleep.

I guess we were up around 7:30 this morning. She made coffee, I fed the pups. Compromise. I can't expect her to do it all every morning while she's off. I don't think we have alot going on today. Tancy's gonna fix the seal on the back door at some point. Then we will head to Mandy's to see Lauren before she leaves for prom. Then there'll be a bon fire and some hot dogs. I gotta go get the stuff for pineapple upside down cake and get that done before we leave today.

Tancy's already up and dressed. I am on the phone with Mom. I need to wrap this up and get dressed, Mandy & Steve are on their way over here to get something out of the car that they left and need. After they leave I guess I'll go get the stuff for the cake and get that taken care of.

The weather is gorgeous, again. I am so happy about that, I can't even begin to tell ya. I plan to have a great day today. I hope you all do to!

Love to all!

Hello kids! How the hell are ya?! I hope you are all doing well. It's not long before the weekend starts, I am sure you are all gearing up! The weather here is gorgeous and I am looking forward to a weekend of more of the same.

Well, last I left you I was going to try to get moving and get some things accomplished. Boy did I!! I guess it was just before 7:00 at that point. I headed to the back and got dressed and promptly got to work. I cleaned our bathroom first. I must admit I was touched with a light case of pissed. I had to take a razor blade to get wax and some other unidentified sticky/hard substance off of my counter tops in the bathroom. This is what did it. I don't mind cleaning the house, as a matter of fact, that is my responsibility, home and not working. However, I don't appreciate, nor do I intend having to clean up after people. So, I talked to Tancy about it and should it arise again I will not be the one to clean it up. (Just for clarification it wasn't there from Tancy, the culprit shall remain nameless.) But I scrubbed our bathroom from top to bottom before I moved on to the hall bathroom. This bathroom was equally cruddy and I must have scrubbed for 10 minutes or so to get the paint off of all the surfaces in there. But I finally got it up and the bathroom looks much better now. I scrubbed it from top to bottom before moving on to my next item on the list... sweeping and mopping both bathrooms. Got all that done and put those cleaning products away (if you keep picking up after yourself as you go it makes finishing up much easier) and grabbed the next round.

My next step was our bedroom. Put away our pajamas, collect any dirty clothes, make the bed. Move the dog bed, sweep the floor and then dust. Once all that was done I actually diverted from my path and loaded the dishwasher so as to free up the kitchen sink. I made clean mop water and headed back to mop our bedroom floor. I closed each completed rooms door so that no one (me or the puppies) tracked up the clean, wet floor. On to the back bedroom. Straighten everything, sweep, dust, mop. Lillie's bedroom just needed swept and mopped.

I swept and mopped the hall way. Then I moved into the livingroom. I emptied out the mop water (I am very particular about my mop water) and swept the livingroom floor and kitchen floor. I then got my dusting stuff and dusted the livingroom good. Wow, it's amazing how much dust collects... especially in the places you don't look! LOL. After I was done dusting I made fresh mop water and swept the pantry and utility room (the last rooms to be swept) and then mopped the pantry, utility room and kitchen. You guessed it, then I emptied out my mop water.

It was a bit early, about 10:00, to get ready for lunch with Tancy, but there wasn't much else I could do at that point, so I decided to get a shower and start moving in that direction. The shower felt great. Something about a shower specifically after cleaning house all morning. I got myself dressed and got the puppies settled in. I put away the cleaning stuff I wouldn't need when I got back home from lunch and I was out the door.

I was early, but I had a plan. I knew of this bagel shop on my way that I wanted to stop at for lunch (Tancy had requested McDonald's but this would be soo much better). I was overwhelmed with the options on the board, so I just had them make our sandwiches the way we like them. I got Tancy an onion bagel, toasted of course, with turkey, onion, tomatoe and pickle. I got a salt bagel (wow, it was good, but my lips stayed puckered for a good while after lunch) with ham and tomatoe. I had them put cream cheese and chive spread on both (fresh I might add). I also got some fruit salad and a bottle of water. By the time I got out of there and to the plant I was right on time. I had to wait just a little bit for Tancy, but I didn't mind.

We made our way to a picnic table, I took out all the goodies. Tancy was impressed. Unfortunately the wind was so bad we had a hard time enjoying our lunch. We managed, but it was tricky. Before long it was time for her to go back to work so I took her to where the guys who dropped her off for lunch were and once they came out of the plant she joined up with them and I headed home.

Once I got home I changed back into my grubby clothes so I could get back to work. I mopped the living room floor, that was all I had left to do in there and I was ready for the floors to be done. Honestly, it just absolutely wrecks my back to do the floors... but I couldn't stand it. What else can you do at that point? I mean, really, whats the point in cleaning the house if the floors aren't done? It just doesn't make sense. While the floor was drying I finished cleaning the kitchen. Unloaded the dishwasher and put those away, wiped the counter tops down good and the stove too. I put all the dirty rags and such in the washer so that would be out of the way too. I cleaned off the table and wiped it down. I sat down for a bit and let my back rest some. Before long I got up to wipe the glass door off the living room... snotty little nose prints were just more than I could stand anymore. LOL. And then I wiped the glass doors off the kitchen. I sat back down and as soon as I did thought about the fact that the outside of the glass doors off the kitchen were muddy from the dogs jumping, pawing, etc. So I fixed a bucket of ammonia and got a scrub brush and went to work. Tancy called just as I was getting into it to say she was on her way home.

We knew Mandy had passed her test at work so Tancy wanted to take her to dinner. I told her to call Mandy and let me know for sure. I was gonna finish up what I was working on and then put on some decent clothes. I got the doors finished, much better, though they could still use some attention. Tancy called to say that she had gotten Mandy on the phone and we were gonna go pick her up and take her to dinner. I headed inside, put away all my cleaning stuff and got dressed.

Tancy hit the door, changed her shirt, made a potty run and we were off to Mandy's. We picked her up, went and ate Chinese. We had a good visit and laughed and just caught up. Then we took her home and headed home ourselves. It was already after 8:00 and it takes 45 minutes from Mandy's house to ours. We were both tired too.

We made it home around 9:00. I moved the wash to the dryer and Tancy took out the trash. As soon as I had all my end of the day stuff done I headed to the back to get my pajamas on. Tancy checked her refugium and then headed to the back herself. Our TV was out because our roof guy moved the dish and we couldn't get a signal now. I called Dish and they scheduled someone for sometime between 12 - 5 today. We got settled into bed and she watched Bill Maher that we had on DVR, thankfully we had DVR. It's so weird how you react to not having TV! I watched it with her, since his format has changed I enjoy it more.

Scout's having trouble with her ears still, we gave her another dose (I had given her a dose around 5:00 because she was so irritated) of benadryl and hoped she would settle down. I don't know if you have ever heard a dog try to scratch their ears with their throat, like people do, but that's what she was doing at 10:00 last night. Poor thing, it took her quite a while to settle down. We agreed that I should call the vet and see what they recommend. Once she settled down we were both asleep pretty quickly.

Thankfully I slept better last night than I did the night before. I was back to my side of the bed. I don't think that has anything to do with it... just happened to sleep a bit better last night. I also managed to remember to set the coffee pot last night, so this morning when I got up the coffee had already brewed. Yay! I love it when that happens. LOL.

I let the pups out to potty and got their breakfast. I fixed our coffee and then let the puppies in and fed them. The TV was out, so there wasn't that normal morning noise. Seemed strangely quiet. Tancy left for work at her usual time. When she did I got dressed and got a few things done around here right quick and then headed to Wal-Mart for some groceries. I think I left the house by 6:00.

I had been making a list for a few days. This aggravates me because lately it seems like I am "grocery" shopping no less than once a week. It's aggravating for a couple of reasons; 1. It isn't like I am cooking 3 meals a day... we are still eating out... so we aren't going through that many groceries, 2. I am apparently not getting what I need in my previous trip to need additional items so soon, 3. I don't like shopping. So, I made sure that I had a proper list and checked it before leaving the house. I also grabbed my coupons that I had been clipping. When I got to Wal-Mart I almost wondered if they were even open... honestly, there wasn't almost no one there other than the people who were working. Nice!

I got my coupons out (should have done this at home... but I'm learning) took out what I needed, checked expiration dates and put them in order of how I would move through the store (so I didn't miss anything). I strayed from my grocery list only if I had a coupon. I got everything on the list except coffee (can only get it at BiLo) and the bulbs for the light over my stove (can only get those at Lowe's). I saved $10 with the coupons I had. Now, I know this isn't alot... but like I said before, I am learning. I didn't have a coupon for everything I bought. It wasn't double coupon day or anything (I don't think Wal-Mart does double coupons). But I was pretty happy for any savings. For my first round I think that was pretty good. It, at the very least encourages me to keep working on it and learning to be a smarter consumer. The savings that wasn't measured though, that I have diligently been working on, is buying the lesser priced items. For example, there's a brand of milk that looks like the store brand that is nearly $5.00. But if you go down about 4 doors, there's the other brand of milk that looks like the store brand that is $2.48... big deal, especially when I buy a gallon of milk at least once a week (sometimes more). I also buy stuff that's reduced if you buy more than one (only if it is actually cheaper, you have to pay attention). So, I couldn't tell you what the savings might be there... well, I guess I could, but I don't want to be that obsessive.

I left Wal-Mart with all my groceries loaded up and headed home to put them all away. Initially I was only going to put away the stuff that needed to be refridgerated or frozen. I still needed to go to Lowe's and BiLo. But I decided to put it all away and be done with it. Once that was done I lit out again. Lowe's first. Went right to the bulbs and was out like a flash. On to BiLo. I spent a little more time than I expected in there... but it was for good reason. They only had one brick of coffee on the shelf. That wasn't acceptable since I could see at least one more brick, I just couldn't reach it. So I got an employee over with a step stool and he got down what they had for me. I hadn't picked up one item at Wal-Mart that I wanted because I thought I had it at home... turns out I didn't have it, so I got it at BiLo. Then I was out of there for sure. Back home, unload and put away those items. Change out the bulb in my hood over my stove, good deal!

Our roofing guy was back. He's been making progress getting all his shit cleaned up around the house. Thankfully. I am sick of looking at it all. I paid some bills and balanced the check book. Sucks how there's nothing left. Oh well, I'm also thankful that it was there to pay the bills with. I sent Sonia the mailing address list per Mandy's request and Sonia and
Gary got the physical address for the plant (per Mandy's request). I
talked to Sonia on the phone a bit. They may make it out to Mandy's on Saturday night.

Tylor came by before too long to get Lauren's ball glove. I took out the B-B-Q for him to heat up for lunch. I had a tomatoe sandwich. He replaced my busted flood lights with the new ones I had picked up this morning. I love that kid. He's a mess and depending on who you talk to there's just no telling what descriptions you might get... but I think he's a sweet heart. All I have ever had to do was ask him nicely to do something, or in today's case, let him know I need something done and he will take care of it for me. I can appreciate that. He probably wouldn't like me saying he's a sweet heart, but I think he is. When I met him, I never expected to feel like he was my nephew, he was already 18 and I'm only 7 or8 years older than him... but today, I can tell you absolutely that he is my nephew. Our relationship is obviously different than mine with Zach, I was actually around before Zach was born (barely), but he's just as much my nephew. So yeah, I love me some Ty. He stuck around a bit longer. The Dish guy was here and in and out of the house. I don't know if he was being protective or just hanging out... either way I didn't mind. But when the Dish man cleared out Ty did too.

Just before Tylor left I started re-filling my bird feeders. The bird seed was completely gone out of 2 of the 4 feeders. Another was about half empty. I also picked up another humming bird feeder (I had one like it last year, but can't seem to find it) that suctions to a window. I filled it and stuck it to the living room window where we can see the humming birds come up to feed. I love watching the humming birds. With three feeders and the butterfly bushes we should see a good many this year.

I sent my Thank You note, the only one that came back undeliverable, back out to its intended recipient. It's really taken me too long to get that back in the mail. Oh well, whatcha gonna do?! I got pork chops to make Pops delicious red-eye gravy. I am going to be gettin' on that here in just a minute. I also got the stuff to make Tancy butterscotch pie. It's her favorite and I thought I'd be sweet, for a change. Haha!

I called the vet about Scout. They want us to bring her in, of course, just to rule out an inner ear infection or something that is actually treatable. They said that they can give her a shot for the itching, even if it isn't an infection and that would help her to stop with the scratching, etc. So, we have an appointment for 10:15 in the morning. I am telling you, we can't go a day without something on the calendar. Yesterday was a clear day. Oh well, gotta take care of Scout. It wouldn't be right to have a pet and not take care of them, so we make the appointment. I hope she doesn't have an infection... but an explaination to what she's got going on would be nice. At least then we would have an idea of what to do for her.

Right now I am thinking a nap would be really nice... but it's already pushing 2:30 and with any luck Tancy will be home by 6:00. So I don't want to waste my time napping when I could be getting dinner (and dessert) going. It seems like I have done more today. But I can't think of anything else. With that said, I just thought about the fact that there are some things in my fridge that need to go bye-bye... so I'm gonna wrap this up, take care of those things and get dinner and Tancy's pie going.

I hope you all have a great day and a great weekend. I don't know when I will post again... Tancy will be on vacation for the next 10 days. Our anniversary is Tuesday!! 5 years! I will try to blog on Monday since we have a doctors appointment. It'll just depend because Monday is a busy day (OB first, then Chiropractor... home for a bit or whatever errands we might have... then back into town for our Birth & Beyond class). At the very least though, ya'll enjoy your weekend.

Love to all!

Good morning all. How are you this fine Wednesday morning? I hope you are all doing very well.

Wow, it's almost 6:00. I have been on the computer since Tancy left for work at 5:30. A complete crab ass this morning. Nothing entirely unusual, maybe a little worse this morning. I told ya'll that we switched sides of the bed so we can snuggle, which we haven't done in months because I require the body pillow to get comfortable. Well, that puts Tancy's alarm clock on my side of the bed, on top of the dresser... so guess who gets to shut it off? Me! This morning I think that is what kicked off my sweet and sunshining disposition. I already didn't sleep well and to have to hit snooze on the alarm (which meant getting out of bed) just didn't set well. I just stayed up at that point, snooze does me no good...

Anyway, lets go back and start from yesterday where I left off. I got off the computer and went back to bed. At that time it was 7:00 and I slept till 10:00. I was amazed. I wasn't sure I would fall asleep at all and I certainly didn't expect to sleep that long! I woke up wide awake and feeling better. I made a few phone calls. I talked to State Farm, I think I mentioned having sent in receipts, etc. for the hail damage stuff (since our guy is STILL working on the repairs... but I wont get started on that this morning or my mood will tank). Well, they called to go over it and tell me that they will be sending the rest of the money less adjustments. Good deal. I talked to Gary, he's going to come over at some point this week to work on the quote for Lillie's wall. I am excited about that, not just the quote, but Gary coming over and hanging out for a bit.

Before too long it was time to get a bath before heading out for my massage. It was a good bath. I even shaved my legs!! I know! LOL. Hey, it's gotta be done sometime. I also managed to moisturize, my skin has been predictably itchy. Let me just say, it takes alot of lotion to cover this body! Wow, I was tired by the time I was done with that. Haha. I got dressed and although it was early left the house. The sun was shinning and the wind was blowing. It was a nice day. I stopped at Wal-Mart first to pick up a few things and then off to my massage, I only got there about 15 minutes early, not too bad.

The massage was fabulous. He took a little extra time to work on my hands for me. They hurt so bad when I try to grip something (like a coffee cup handle or anything that requires me to close my hand). Plus I seem to have no strength in my hands right now. He also showed me a few stretches I can do for my hand and my sciatic. He's a nice guy and I know he gives me a little extra time and attention every time. I am very appreciative. While I was there I also rescheduled the "spa time" we have for when Mom and Larisa get in. We moved it to Thursday after they get in so that we have all day Friday with Jan-E-Poo.

I left there, went to the produce stand, picked up some fresh tomaotes and a head of lettuce. I had decided to make shrimp salad for dinner. It makes me think of my Paw-Paw when he was in "the big house" (no, I don't mean jail... that's what we called his house because it was huge!). It also makes me think of Uncle Louis, I guess because anytime we had it they were both there... I can't remember which of them actually made it. Anyway, it is delicious and fresh and light and it just makes me think of them. It's one of those memories that is triggered by site, taste and smell. I can see the kitchen and dining area when I think of shrimp salad. I miss them both.

Anyway, I picked up the tomatoes and lettuce and headed home. I didn't do too much once I got home. I just wanted to enjoy the relaxed state my body was in... and my mind. Before too long though I got dinner going and before I knew it Tancy was calling to tell me she was on her way home. I got the salad finished and was waiting on her, bowl in hand, when she walked in the door. We both had two bowls. Delicious.

We caught up on some shows we had on DVR. She made me brownies. We just enjoyed the time together. I guess it was 9:00 or so when we headed to bed. Neither of us were awake for very long. But my slumber was short lived. I woke up at 10:54 thinking it was time to get up. My bladder was full like I'd slept for 14 hours, so painful. I was sweating and my hips were hurting. I got back in bed after my trip to the bathroom and tried to settle back in. I managed to pass out again, exhausted, but the rest of my night went much the same... wake up, hurting and hot with a full bladder. Sometimes I would wake up without a full bladder, thank god for small favors, and turn over or try to find a more comfortable position. I didn't have alot of luck with that. Between the body pillow and Tancy I felt some what hemmed in, with just a spot the size of my body (not one word!) to turn over in... do you know how hard that is to do big and pregnant?! I slept uncovered, I would fall asleep, cover up and wake up hot. It was a long night. Then the alarm went off and you already know how I felt about that.

Up, let the puppies out, start coffee, turn on the TV and the morning news, let the puppies in, feed the puppies, fix our coffee and park my ass on the couch to watch for the weather report. Give Tancy the weather report, answer her questions, try not to be a t-total bitch to her... there's really no reason for that. See her off to work and then get on the computer. Now you are all caught up.

Today I need to clean the kitchen back up. No big deal, just need to put a few things in the dish washer. I'd also like to clean our bathroom at least. Just the usual stuff. I have the laundry caught up thankfully. I need to dust. I'd love to do the floors again (Tancy just did them on Monday) but my back just cannot take it. I can push the "shark" around though, might have to do that. The game plan is for me to meet Tancy for lunch today at the pavillion. That will be nice. I'll have to remember to wear something a bit warmer than I normally would. The high today is 69 and the pavillion is on the lake... so that wind will be a bit cool.

Pops leaves tomorrow to go watch a nascar race, if memory serves. Don't ask me where, I don't remember. I hope he has a good time though. He surely deserves a vacation away from work and chores.

Who knows what Mom will get into while he's gone. She might just clear the calendar and enjoy having nothing at all to do! Never can tell about her, but I hope she has a good time doing whatever it is she decides to do.

Casie's been hard at work planning Marlie's birthday party according to her facebook updates. I will be excited to see the invitations. I wish I could make it, but I really don't see how that's possible. Even if Lillie came early (or late) it really isn't feasible... I still want to be there though.

Mandy's been working on the shower plans for May. I gave her shit yesterday, when she called for MORE information from us. LOL. I told her I didn't think we were suppose to have to do anything. We got the place, what else could you want?! Haha. I am just kidding of course. She has her test today on all the training she's done for her new job. It determines how soon she's on the floor taking calls. I hope she does well, I know she will be fine.

Not much else to report really. I could so go back to bed. I am tired and cranky... but given the fact that I really want/need to get some things done in the house today and I will be meeting Tancy for lunch, I should probably get off of here and get to work on a few things. I can probably have it all done before its time to get ready to meet her. We'll see how ambitious I am today... I haven't been even slightly ambitious the last few days.

Alright kids, that does it. I am going to put on something other than my Maw-Maw night gown, crank up the tunes and get some work done around here before the mood leaves me. I hope you all have a great day today. It's hump day, half way there!!! Sending out love and positive energy to everyone today.

Love to all!

Good morning all. I hope this finds you all doing well.

So Sunday I didn't do anything. Well, I managed to get the dishes done and some laundry as well. I don't know what my problem was. I had every intention of getting things done around the house... but I just couldn't find the motivation to actually do anything. So I sat on the couch, surfed the web, listened to the radio or watched TV. I talked to Mom on the phone and Missy on the computer. I wasn't depressed or anything, just never managed to drag myself off the couch to get anything done. That did kinda bum me out a bit to be honest.

When Tancy got home we ordered pizza and vegged together. She was exhausted and I still just felt like a blob. We enjoyed our night together though. I am always happy when she's home and we have time to spend. I don't think we were up very late... probably asleep by 10:00. We've both been pretty tired lately.

Monday morning we planned to sleep in... but I was up before 8:00. I made the coffee, took care of the puppies, my normal routine. I did it all somewhat begrudgingly I'll admit. This was my one day off too and I wanted a break from my usual morning responsibilities. But, she needed sleep and I was up first (cause the dogs were pacing the floor... if I had continued to lay there I would have just been more pissed off). She was up shortly behind me. I did my best not to be an asshole. In case ya'll haven't picked up on it, mornings are NOT when I am at my very best. In fact, mornings are probably when I have the highest chance of being a complete asshole without even thinkg about it or realizing it. I keep my communication to nods, one word answers and grunts until I can behave like a human being.

Soon it was time to get ready to take the car in to get the tires rotated. We got moving. It didn't take long to get that done and then we went to see about Tancy getting a hair cut. She was really unhappy with the way her hair was looking. We managed to find someone who was open and would cut it for her. A while later we were out of there with a new hair product as well. Home James and then left over pizza for lunch. After that we did a water change in the aquarium and then chilled out.

Sandy called at about 1:30, she wanted to ride out for a bit. We told her come on, but that we had class and had to leave at 6:00. Tancy swept the floors. Sandy got here right at 3:00 and was hungry. We went to Taco & Tequila, our local favorite (though our true favorite is El Paso). She had lunch, Tancy at chips and salsa, I got an order of sopapilla's. Yum. We left there and she wanted to go to Goodwill to get some pants, so I drove us over there. She got some britches and then told me she wanted to go to Big Lots. When did this become Jodie's Senior Transportation Service?! LMAO! I am just kidding of course, but Sandy just has that way about her... and she's not really a senior. By the time we got back to the house we didn't have long to visit before we had to leave, but we took advantage of every minute. Tancy's Mom called just as we needed to be leaving. Sandy was waiting for her to get off the phone to tell her bye. Got all that wrapped up and we left out.

We didn't get to the hospital as early as I had wanted (got hung up with the phone and telling Sandy bye, then Tancy had to pee and get a sweat shirt... lol). Most everyone was already there. I don't like walking into a full classroom. Oh well. We weren't late, we just weren't early. So we started out with an introduction to our teacher who is a labor and delivery nurse (3 years in this field, 12 years as a nurse). We immediately liked her. Then we all had to introduce ourselves. We were, not surprising, the only lesbians in the class. I am pretty sure we were the least uptight too. LOL. There was one older couple. I'd guess the wife was at least Tancy's age and the husband was older. There was one odd couple. The guy (cause I don't think they are married and didn't introduce as husband and wife) was in his late 50's if I had to guess. The chick was probably somewhere between me and Tancy in age. It wasn't just their age that made them odd, their interaction was strange as well. They were definitely together... but if I had to guess he wasn't happy about her being pregnant or being there. Anyway, there was a woman, close to my age, due the same day as me, with a little girl who was joined by her Mom (her husband will attend the remaining classes). There was a couple, probably my age maybe a bit younger, he was very supportive (the only guy in there who gave off the supportive partner vibe). There was a young hispanic couple (whom I think the teacher offended when she spoke of Mexico). There was a younger couple, mid 20's maybe late 20's... the wife is 6'3", the husband might not even break 6'... awkward but very nice. Then the really young couple that came in late (I don't even know if the girl was 20). They didn't introduce themselves like the rest of us because they came in after we had done that exercise.

The next exercise was a "get to know each other" kind of thing where we all had a piece of paper with descriptions: has blue eyes, speaks another language, is having a girl, etc. And you had to talk to the other people in the class and write a name by 5 horizontally or vertically. The winner got a prize. I don't like games like that. We didn't win. Shocker! LOL.

The "partners" had an exercise
where they had to act out a pregnancy symptom that we (their preggo's)
had more than likely experienced. That was entertaining. Especially to
watch the men pull a card and whince at what he'd just read. Amy, our
teacher was very kind to them, allowing them to pull another card. She
then went over the other cards that no one picked or the ones that no
one wanted to do. We talked about who had had what symptoms and any
additional problems we might have had.

We watched a birth video. Nothing shocking there either. After that it was terminology, possible signs of labor, warning signs and things that you should call your doctor (while in route to the hospital) immediately should you experience. Didn't tell us much we didn't already know there. We did win a prize there for knowing the terminology. She told us, if she could give us one piece of helpful advice it would be to stay at home as long as possible. That once you get to the hospital they begin interveining and doing it "your way" becomes less likely and less possible. Plus the beginning stages of labor are long and going to the hospital will probably just result in a trip home to wait it out. Again, not much we didn't know there.

Once the classroom type stuff was done we moved into the other room and all the moms-to-be got yoga balls to sit on. She showed us how sitting on that and rocking side to side would help with the early stages of labor... even through the duration of labor should we opt to not have an epidural. That's the first relief I've had from my sciatic issues in I don't know how long. I will be using my yoga ball at home, I can tell you that... not just for labor, for watching TV even!! That one thing made the entire class worth it.

Class wrapped up about 30 minutes early. We were all pretty thankful. Even though you know most of what they tell you it still seems like alot to take in. I think she felt like she had left something out, finishing class so early, but everyone was pretty thankful I think. We got a few minutes to talk to her during class, she likes our favorite doctor (apparently she's one of the hospital favorites). I asked her about how high Lillie is and at what point is that concerning. She said if my water breaks and the baby is still high, then that would be a cause for concern because the umbilical cord could prolapse (come out first) and that would be an emergent situation. But she could not drop right up until labor kicks off and it wouldn't be a concern. I wasn't worried about it, but I was glad to hear that it really doesn't mean much of anything (except that I can't breathe!) that she's up so high.

At this point, our ideal birth situation would be our teacher as our nurse and our favorite doctor delivering. Everyone put that out there for us.

I am not worried about much of anything. That was another exercise, left over for the next class. We had to write down our biggest fear. I don't really have any, so I wrote "What I can't prepare for, complications". My hopes (outside of who provides care during labor and delivery) are just to manage early labor at home for as long as I can and is safe. Not to get to the hospital too early, or too late. And to have a relatively quick delivery. I do hope to deliver vaginally, but wont be devastated if I require a C-section... as long as it all results in a healthy baby, that is all that matters. I hope to put off an epidural for as long as I can since having one early can slow labor, but not so late that I miss my window.

Anyway, class broke up at 9:00, we picked up a quick bite. I was starving. Then we headed home. We folded a few clothes (I did finish the laundry yesterday) and put them away and then crawled into bed. We were both spent and were asleep quickly.

We swapped sides of the bed so that the body pillow was on the outside instead of between us and Tancy snuggled up to me. That was nice. I don't know the last time we snuggled up like that to fall asleep. I need to lay on my left side, so it's usually not really gonna happen. It was also the first night in a while that I slept through the night. I didn't wake up to go to the bathroom. Scout woke me up twice "diggin" in their bed. But I managed to fall back to sleep. I woke up at 4:00 and had to pee, but slept till 4:30 and then got up. I got back in bed, 15 minutes till the alarm goes off and dozed again. Tancy had me hit the snooze button and I dozed again till it went off. Tancy got up and so did I.

She had set the coffee pot for me the night before, so that was one thing down. Pups, coffee, try to wake up. She leaves for work, I start blog. Right now I am thinking about going back to bed. I can hardly keep my eyes open at this moment. The puppies are sleeping, so they wouldn't mind. All I have going on today is my last pregnancy massage at 2:00. I think I might go back to bed for a bit...

I hope ya'll have a great day!

Love to all!

Week 32 of Pregnancy: Fetal Postion

This week your baby weighs
almost four pounds and could be up to 19 inches long. And though that's
a head-to-toe length, your baby is actually back to a curled-up
position (you try standing up in those cramped quarters!). At 32 weeks pregnant,
you're likely feeling tapping and squirming instead of your baby's
signature rocking and rolling. That's because, while comfy, your baby
is a bit tight for exercise space right now. Your baby has also
probably settled into the head-down, bottoms-up position in your pelvis
in prepartion for birth. That's because the fetus's head fits better at
the bottom of your inverted, pear-shaped uterus. It also makes it
easier during childbirth if your baby comes out head first. Fewer than
five percent of babies prefer the bottom-down (or breech) position by
full-term. Don't worry if your baby hasn't assumed the head-down
position yet. There's still a good chance he or she will flip
head-side-down before birth — even in the tight confines of your
uterus. 

  While
your baby is still getting nourishment through the umbilical cord, it
won't be long before you'll be bringing on the breast milk or formula
(and soon after, the mashed carrots and peas).  In anticipation of that
momentous transition to mouth feeding, your baby's digestive system is
all set and ready to go.
 
And because your baby is
accumulating more fat, his or her skin is finally turning opaque (like
yours), which means those see-through days are over.  Though weeks away
from D-day, your baby's looking more and more like a newborn. 
 
And
speaking of that big day, hope you're resting up for it — because your
bambino certainly is. In preparation for that big first date with you,
your baby is sleeping like a baby — with sleep cycles of 20 to 40
minutes long (which would also account for the decrease in movement
you're likely feeling these days).

Everything here is basically as it was last time I posted a pregnancy update. Nothing new to report that I can think of. I do have one question... At 32 weeks pregnant, with sleep at a premium; up to pee, tossing and turning to find a comfortable position and just plain sleeplessness. How in the world are you suppose to rest up?!

I can tell you that her movements have definitely changed, they are (for the most part) bigger and more intense. She even wakes me up at night moving around. Probably one of the few things that wakes me that I don't mind.

Good Sunday morning everyone. I hope this finds you all doing well. Honestly, if any of you are up already, its a pity! It's not quite 6:00 and I have been up for an hour already. Lucky me. I know, I have a shitty attitude in the morning... I am working on it... but it is what it is.

It's suppose to rain here today, all day. But I am thankful for the last two, absolutely gorgeous days. Friday I managed to be outside nearly the entire day. It was great. Yesterday I was out and about all day and that was good too.

So here's my recap of yesterday. I got off the computer and got ready to go to the car dealership to get the oil changed and the headlight replaced in the car. I was out the door by 7:00 and there just after 7:30. Me and the old folks... silver haired, coffee drinking, paper reading, been up since 3:30 old folks. All of us waiting on our vehicles to be serviced and then figure out what to do with the rest of our days. I had already made up my mind, on my way in I had passed a yard/plant sale that I was going to stop at on my way back home. Then I was going to get my tires rotated. After that I had a list of things to do when I got home. I was out of the service department by 8:15 and headed to the yard sale to look at plants.

I was terribly disappointed with the plant sale. There were tons of plants. Unfortunately they were priced very high so I didn't get anything. Bummer. I left there to have my tires rotated. I cranked up the tunes on my iPod and rolled the windows down and just enjoyed the cool, crisp morning breeze. The tire place was packed! I mean people waiting outside. There was no way I was going to wait that long or outside. So I called them and made an appointment for Monday morning.10:00 so I don't have to be up to early, but if I do end up early I am not sitting and waiting on time to go get that done.

I toured around the town square and headed for home. I kept a look out for any other plant sales. I really need some more lavender... but I need to keep it alive this time. I am just not sure why I've had so little luck with it thus far. I have a pretty green thumb. I also want some mint, it proved to be great for my heart burn. Additionally I want some more ivy... I couldn't bring my ivy plants in this winter because we had the house on the market and that wasn't very aesthetically pleasing to see them in the tub, so they froze outside. I really don't like losing a plant. And then there are my ferns, they too had to be left outside. I wish I had room for a green house. I would absolutely LOVE that. I would have a safe place for starter plants and a warm place to keep them in the winter. I have been thinking about some azalea's and/or dog wood trees for the property line on either side of our front yard. Right now we have some straggly trees. I wouldn't mind some "filler" and something that blooms pretty flowers. Anyway, no other plant sales, so I headed home.

I figured I would work on getting the bathrooms done and finish trimming my butterfly bushes... and if I still had some wind in my sails I would wash my car. I hadn't been home for too long when Mandy called and asked if I wanted to go with her and Lauren to finish getting stuff for Lauren for prom. Initially I said no. I had things around the house I wanted to do and I was worried about all the running around and the issues I was having with my back still. But the more we talked I thought about how long its been since we had a girls day together to just cut up and enjoy each others company. So I decided that everything at the house could wait. I had another day of shift to get some things done and Tancy would only have one day off and then I would have at least three more before she goes on vacation. Plenty of time to get it all done. So I said yes. It was going to be a little while before they got here but I had a project to work on so that was fine.

I fixed myself something for lunch (peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a glass of milk) and bummed around the house till they got here. I wanted to go to Once Upon A Child to see what all they had so I got that address while I was waiting. I guess it was just after 2:00 when they drove up. We visited a minute and then headed out. We stopped at Petsmart first for dog food. Then at Wendy's for some lunch for Lauren. Then we went to Once Upon A Child. It was too full of people for me to look at much of anything. I felt very claustrophobic and just needed to get out of there. The place is big though & they have lots of stuff. Whatever we don't get at the shower here I think we'd do well to see about getting it there.

Then it was on to the mall. Lauren need some girdle type underwear and the sticky cup type bra for her prom dress. We got those no problem and then headed to get her some "decorative" bobby pins. By the time we got out of the mall my leg was completely numb and my hip (same side, right side) was making me absolutely miserable. So we skipped the trip to Target where we were going to look for something for our friends new baby. We headed home. It was a great trip, lots of laughter. I am so glad I decided to go with them. We got home and Lauren stayed a while to visit, but then had to go... too cool to hang out with us. LOL. Mandy and I hung out, caught up and eventually I started cooking dinner. Tancy was home about 6:45 and we had dinner. I made a throw together spaghetti (you know, cook the meat, add the onions and mushrooms, cook that down for a minute or two, open a can of sauce, add it and let it cook till the noodles are done... dinners ready!) Mandy stayed a while longer (she had said she was leaving after Tancy got home) and we had a good visit. I think it was pretty close to 8:00 when she left.

It had been a full day, but a good day. Tancy got her bath and she and I caught up on each others day. She had worked so hard that day and was absolutely exhausted. By 9:00 she was out. I wasn't too far behind either. We are both tickled that today is her last day of this shift (and trying not to dwell on the fact that she only has the one day off before heading back). We plan to sleep in tomorrow. I am hoping it will be a slack day. I think she needs a day to just recharge a bit. I don't know what we will do, I don't have anything other than the tire rotation on my schedule... but I can't speak for what she might have on hers.

I slept... but again it was full of waking up to go to the bathroom and turning over to find a comfortable position that just isn't to be found. At 1:24 I woke up for a potty run. Lillie was moving and kicking and that made it harder to fall back to sleep. But I managed. She woke me up at 3 something moving around. I was laying on my right side, but nearly on my back. My right hip was hurting me terribly. I turned over again. Ugh. It's the same process  every night. Once again I woke up to look at the clock 4:44, the alarm goes off at 4:45. Shit! Tancy hit snooze and I was fast asleep as soon as she did... but when it went off again I wished I had just gotten up at 4:44. I had been gone yesterday so much that I hadn't reset the coffee pot to brew on its own... so I had my normal routine to contend with.

Up, push the dogs out of my way so I can get to my slippers and robe. Drag my feet all the way to the kitchen and get the morning going with coffee and taking care of the puppies. We had about 25 minutes together this morning before Tancy left for work. I hated to see her go. I know we would have both rathered to crawl back in to bed and snuggle up. We are both really tired today. She headed out to work and I grabbed the computer.

I don't know exactly what I will do today. I just checked the weather forecast... the rain is suppose to start around 4:00ish. I might be able to get  the butterfly bushes done by then. You just never know how reliable the forecast is. Yesterday the forecast was calling for rain by 10:00, so it's been pushed back 6 hours in less than a 12 hour time frame. I would like to get the bathrooms done today. I also would like to get the laundry done. So, once again, there's no shortage of chores on the list.

I don't have anything profound to share with you this morning. Nothing funny or uplifting. It's just me and my list of things to do today. Maybe you all have big plans today, or plan to do nothing. Either way I hope that you enjoy your day. Sending you all lots of love and positive energy today. I think we could all use that, always. Where are my peeps by the way? I haven't really seen anyone reading lately. Daniele read last night... what's up with that? These are the same people who will give me shit for not blogging in a day or two! Oh well, I write no matter who reads, always the same old me.

Love to all!

Good morning all. I say that just to be polite at this point... there's nothing good, in my mind, about being awake before 5:00 on a Saturday morning. Long gone are the days of being up all night, partying, and just getting to bed at 5:00 in the morning. Coming soon are my days of up all night with a baby, midnight feedings and dirty diapers. But this morning, I am especially offended to see such an early hour. So! I hope that you all have a more pleasing morning this morning. It is, after all, Saturday. That is something to be happy about for most everyone, seeing as it means no work. I hope you have some fun things planned for today.

Wow, I was productive as all get out yesterday! You know my morning routine, it doesn't change much from morning to morning... just earlier or later. If Tancy is off, sometimes I get lucky and she takes over and I don't have to lift a finger, those mornings are divine! After my blog I tidied up around the house which didn't take long since everything was basically already in its place. But the kitchen needed cleaning, dishes needed done and I desperately needed to clean out the fridge. So I got the dish washer unloaded and reloaded and turned that on. It wasn't a full load, but I knew, with cleaning out the fridge that I'd have too much for one load (I presently am not about hand washing dishes unless it is something that has to be hand washed). So, while the one load was in process I began cleaning out the fridge. Wow, it is both sad and disgusting how much food we waste. That isn't exactly fair, we have gotten some better, but we've also cooked very little recently. And, now we have the freezer, I can freeze that big batch of spaghetti before it goes bad and has to be thrown out... or the roast... or whatever it might be. So I am hoping that helps. I don't like wasting and wasting food is just a terrible thing. By the time I finished cleaning out the fridge, putting things back in a sensible order and emptying containers, the washer was finished. I unloaded the clean dishes and reloaded with dirty dishes. Again, not a full load... but the two wouldn't have made it in one load. I turned that load on and took the trash bag with the food in it outside. Back inside I wiped down counter tops, found new homes for the items that have been sitting on the counter tops, cleaned the stove and even washed my sugar container (how does that get so gross?). I refilled my coffee canister, creamer bottle and sugar container. I cleaned out the junk drawer, again, and put things in their appropriate homes. I also managed to get the batteries in an organizer and organized to be able to get what I need (my breast pumps alone take a ton of batteries). I broke the coffee pot down and ran a cleaner through it. I even got my tupperware cabinet reorganized and my silverware drawer as well. Lastly I wiped down cabinet doors (just a quick pass) for good measure, it needs some more attention, but squatting is uniquely challenging at this point. I ran a cycle of water through the coffee pot and moved on to my next project.

Now, let me say, I am pretty sure I ate all day long yesterday. Before I started on the kitchen I had some cottage cheese and mandarin oranges. Prior to that I had only had my coffee. After I finished in the kitchen I decided I was hungry again and made myself a sandwich. I then noticed that my ever growing belly was catching all the crumbs from my sandwich... bummer. I had already talked to Missy on the phone and my Mom, both great conversations. I can't wait to see both of them in May. Missy might even make it down for Lauren's graduation. That's just one of the things I love about Missy, she makes every effort (and it's got to be hard to work it all out with her work schedule and now that she and her husband have separated and share custody of the kids... there's alot to coordinate) to come here and be a part of what we have going on. I am always so appreciative of her.

After my sandwich I decided it was far too beautiful outside to spend the day inside. I had already pulled all the blinds up to get some good sunshine in the house, it was a bit cool to open the windows at that point, but I knew I just had to get outside. So once the dew had dried off the grass good I headed outside (mind you I only stopped for about 15 minutes from the kitchen to the next chore). I got the mower out of the shed, that's a bit tricky and was off to mow the front yard. The new mower is nothing like the old one, it is much nicer and does a better job by far. I think it was the right choice for us. I just took my time and got the yard done, rolling up my shirt sleeves to get some sun on my shoulders even. I used the mower to blow the grass off of the driveway (I'd like to get a blower one of these days) and then to the back yard. I wasn't ready to give it up just yet, so I made a pass in the back yard too. I parked the mower to cool off before I washed it off and put it away, grabbed my pruning clippers and headed back to the front yard. My butterfly bushes needed to be cut back and today seemed like just the day to do it. I got through 3 of the 5 before I decided I might better call it a day and finish the other two tomorrow. I came inside and I believe I got another snack. Oh! I had some peaches and water. I sat the can of peaches on my belly and Lillie would kick it. Never enough to knock it off, but she was moving it pretty good. I bet she could have kicked it off for just a little bit!! It made me smile.

Then I decided that I would put out all my feeders. I have two (missing one more) humming bird feeders and 4 bird feeders that fill with seeds. I made up the humming bird food (syrup) and put that out first. Then I put the seed in the other feeders. I then decided to clean up the carport. I moved everything around, swept all the leaves out from under the landing, put everything under the landing for now (it all goes either in the shed or under the house... but hasn't been moved yet) and then gathered up the leaves (full of insulation) and put them in the trash... I couldn't do what I would otherwise do and sweep them out into the side yard because of the insulation. I got everything as organized as I could and it looks better already. I can't wait until its completely cleaned out!

I washed off the mower and put it away and then I headed inside for another snack. I had cookies (2) and milk (a small glass) this time. I am telling you, I ate all day long!! I decided to call it a day, it wouldn't be long before Tancy would be calling because she was on her way home and I wanted a shower before she got home, so there was no point taking on another project. But then I decided that I needed to check out the coffee pot and see how clean it had gotten. Not clean enough for me. So I got out the vinegar. I scrubbed the inside with a wash rag first, getting as much of the build up out as possible. Then I ran a cycle of vinegar and water through the pot and then another cycle of clean water through the pot. After that was done I took a wash rag to the inside again... I got everything out of it that is coming out without something more than vinegar and a cotton wash cloth.

About the time I got cooled off good our next door neighbor came over with a trencher to bury our down spouts and air conditioner run off for us. I looked like hell, but who cares?! He and his worker started and I basically stayed in the house. They were almost done when Tancy called to say she was on her way home. Sandy had called and wanted us to meet her to see a friend of ours play, I talked to Tancy about it and she decided that she was up for it. I still hadn't had my shower. Wow. David was done before I knew it and told me he'd be back to put the last piece of pipe down for the ac run off and what needed to be done to attach the down spouts when our guy finally finishes that. They were on their way and I couldn't get the blinds down and to the back for a shower fast enough!

By the time Tancy got home I was mostly dressed and only had to finish getting dressed and dry my hair. She fed the fish, let the pups out to potty once more before we left and I was ready just that quick. We headed out to meet up with Sandy and snag a bite to eat on the way. Burger King, hit like a ton of bricks. I don't know why, but I ate it so fast I am not even sure I chewed it. We got to the coffee house where our friend was playing at about 7:45 - 8:00. I was exhausted already, but glad to hang out a bit. They played well and we enjoyed the company. Tancy and Sandy played checkers like two old people. It was entertaining to say the least. I guess it was probably 9:15 or a bit later when we got out of there and headed home. By the time I got in the car to leave my back (on my right side) was burning from my sciatic and my left hip was hurting as well. I was a mess and really just needed to be in bed.

Tancy talked to her Mom on the way home. I just tried to keep quiet, I hurt so bad it was hard not to grunt or groan all the way... even driving was a challenge at that moment. That kind of discomfort makes me prickly. I think Tancy took it to mean I was in a bad mood or something, but I honestly just was trying to get home and get my legs up, hopefully get a little relief. The hip I can take, the numbness I can handle... but when the burning up my back starts its a whole new ball game. We made it home and I struggled to get up the stairs, that's the really messed up part of my left hip hurting like it does, it feels (constantly) like I have a muscle tearing or something and when I put weight on it, it feels like it is going to go out. Anyway, I got in and to the back only to find that I had some clothes on the bed that I needed to tend to first. This frustrated me because all I could really even wrap my brain around was getting in bed. I just pushed forward and got it done, I got everything folded (it was just a few things, but god it seemed like it took an eternity to get it done) and put away, my robe hung up and in the closet, changed my clothes and hung up what I'd just taken off, put what was dirty in the hamper, made a potty run (better now than once I am comfortable) and all the other stuff that I do before bed (alarm set, fan on, light out, bathroom door closed, noise maker on, cell phone off) and lastly took my medicine. I winced and crawled into bed and got myself situated, grunting the whole time. I swear, I felt like a beached whale... there seems to be soo much of me to get situated right now... this has to be on top of the pillow for proper support, this has to be under the pillow, that has to have a pillow keeping it from touching the other and yet another pillow has to prop something else up. It's alot to orchestrate. I managed it all, got comfortable and just prayed for sleep to come soon. I honestly can say that if I'd been awake feeling that way for much longer I would have been reduced to tears. Thankfully I didn't have to contend with that, I was asleep pretty quickly.

Last night I slept a bit better than the last few. I was up at 2:13 to pee. I turned over a couple of times, but I slept incredibly hard when I was asleep. I didn't have any episodes of laying in bed awake looking at the clock. So, at this point, I would call that a good nights sleep. Funny how that definition has changed!

This morning my routine was a bit different. See, yesterday, after all my efforts to get the coffee pot cleaned up and looking brand new I decided to set the timer on it so the coffee would be done when I got into the kitchen. So when Tancy's alarm went off and I realized that she'd gotten up and started getting ready I rolled myself out of bed and headed into the kitchen to see if I had set the timer right. I knew it had coffee and water in it, so worst case scenario I would just have to turn it on myself. But as soon as I rounded the corner into the kitchen I could smell the coffee. Oh my god! So good. I let the pups out and got their food ready while I was waiting on them to potty (since I didn't have to get the coffee going). They came in and ate and I fixed our cups. And let me just tell you, I was feeling some kind of crabby this morning.

I sat on the couch sipping on my delicious coffee, trying to get the dogs to GET OFF ME! Hemmi wants too much attention so early in the morning. They just want to be right up my ass. I love them, but 5:00 in the morning isn't the time for licking my hand and getting in my face. Tancy joined me in the living room and had some coffee. I think we talked some... honestly I don't remember. I was focused on trying not to be a bitch. She took the truck to work today, I need to take the car in to get the oil changed and the headlight that is out fixed. I need to see what time they open and be there early so I can get back and work on the items left on my list. I need to get both bathrooms done and I want to finish trimming my butterfly bushes back. That's the game plan for the day for me.

I am always amazed at myself... not because I am so amazing... but because I will have a morning like yesterday where all I really want to do is sit on my ass and do nothing all day. And then by 8:00 I am fully dressed and elbow deep in something. I don't stop for more than 10 minutes all day long and I get more done in a days time than alot of people (people that I know) get done in days. I am proud of myself for not doing what some women do (again, women I know) and act as if I am incapable of doing anything simply because I am pregnant. I can't say that I haven't used that at all, I don't think I have, but I am sure there have been instances where I wasn't feeling 100% and used that to not have to do something. Or simply allowed someone to do something because they didn't think I should be doing it while I am pregnant. But for the most part, I do what I've always done... even more in some circumstances. I mean I didn't weed eat or push mow yesterday, which still needs to be done. I'm not doing any heavy lifting, that's one thing I have steered pretty clear of since I found out I was pregnant (sure I have done some, but nothing like I did before I was preggers). I hope that some of this energy and motivation sticks. I can get alot done in a day at this point and I don't want to return to the days of doing absolutely nothing with my day. Those are depressing days. No, I am not talking about taking a break, I am talking about the days where I don't feel like getting dressed or brushing my teeth, the days where it's obvious I am not fully myself. I don't want those any more. I know I will have them, I guess that everyone does. I am just hoping for them to be farther between.

A friend of mine from high school who came to the baby shower lost her grandfather yesterday evening. He's been sick for some time. I know he had parkinsons and I am not sure what other health issues he had... but he passed away after a long hard fight. Please send all your prayers and positive energy out to her and her family. He was a very important person in her life and I know it is a huge loss for them. I am sending my love and thoughts out to them today myself.

Well kids, on that note I am gonna wrap this up. I hope that you all have a wonderful day today. Do something that makes your heart feel full and light all at the same time.

Love to all!

Good morning everyone. How are you this morning? Some of you aren't even up yet... lucky dogs!

Today is suppose to be a gorgeous day. I am so thankful. It seems we've had so many gloomy days this year (yes, I mean since January... seems to be predominantly gray) I am tickled to have some sunshine and pretty blue skies. Today and tomorrow are both gonna be purrty days. Sunday it will rain again (see what I mean). I don't know what the forecast is after that, hopefully the rain is just Sunday.

Yesterday was a full day for me. I got alot accomplished. I got off of the computer and started getting dressed. I knew I would be early, but I was ready to get the ball rolling for the day. Once I was dressed and ready to go I gathered up my legal paperwork and some insurance paperwork as well (might as well get all my running done). I left the house right at 7:30. I was at the DMV at 7:40, too early, but that was ok. I waited till just a couple of minutes before 8:00 and then headed to the door. I had to wait at the door for a minute or two before they unlocked it, but I was the first in line. I went directly to a desk and gave the lady (that's a very nice word for this woman... we dealt with her when we moved here... not a nice person), she wasn't exactly personable, but she was helpful and that was all that mattered. Within 15 minutes I had my new drivers license and voters registration change done as well. Yay!! It's done! I have finally, completely, legally gotten the necessary changes made to my name. I am so happy, I just cannot tell ya. The drivers license was the last piece to make it final. Cost $10 and worth every penny.

I left the DMV with a pep in my step and headed off to get Tancy's inspection on her truck done. North Carolina just moved to a new system of the tag and inspection being due at the same time. They've also done away with inspection stickers (not the inspection mind you, just the visual reminder that you need one... whatever). So this year we had to do our inspections when the sticker showed us due. Next year we will have to have had them by the time we pay to renew our tags. I am expecting it is going to be a cluster (insert expletive) for the first year or so. They will not renew your tags if you don't have a current inspection sticker. Should be fun!! They should do like Ohio does and you get your tags renewed at your birthday... they don't have inspection stickers at all, or inspections if memory serves. How are you going to not have a sticker, but still require the inspection. People are going to forget because they have had the visual cue for so long. Hell, I would forget with the visual cue. Guess we'll all have to get smarter. It took about an hour to get the inspection done, the guy wasn't there when I arrived. I will say that being pregnant has had its perks. When I have gone in for stuff like the inspection sticker (there was 1 guy ahead of me) they move me through pretty quickly (yes, ahead of the guy that was there first). Men seem to be particularly nicer... must be the huge boobs! LMAO!

Once the inspection was all taken care of I headed to our Insurance agents office. We rarely have a need to go there, and rarely go if we don't absolutely have to since they are about 45 minutes away.... there are closer offices, but we really like the people there and they know us by name at this point (really since the start) and I like that kind of personalized service. So, we stay. Thankfully most everything we have to do can be done by phone or email. Anyway, I brought the fella we deal with my legal documentation to get all our insurance stuff changed over. I also found that the insurance card for Tancy's truck was not in her truck, so I had him print me a new one to keep in the truck. I had thought ahead to bring our receipts from all the work on the house we've done to be sent in and he was nice enough to fax that off for me (I could have done it myself, but to take care of several things made the trip worth it). Additionally I wanted to see what our options were for life insurance for Lillie when she gets here. We discussed a few things and he printed me off some information. Life insurance confuses the hell out of me, so I brought it home and filed it away. I asked Mom to help me take a look at it and make a good decision when she comes in May for the shower. She knows what I am wanting in a policy and understands insurance (she basically grew up in insurance).

With all that done I headed back toward home. I wanted to stop and pick up some bread and milk (yes, I just bought bread on Sunday and I needed milk again). Made that mad dash into Wal-Mart and got what I needed and headed  home. I unloaded the groceries, let the dogs out, put the groceries away and let the dogs back in. Then it was time to get down to business. The first thing I did was to scan my drivers license to send in to the credit union for my name change there. After firing off that email I started going through my list. I took care of the stuff on the Duke side of things, insurance, beneficiary, etc. Then on to utilities and miscellaneous bills. I had one place I had to go in and fill out a card (save till the end of the day if there's time, if not the next morning) and two places to fax in my documentation. Everything else I was able to take care of either online or on the phone. Sent off the faxes and then headed out to our power company to fill out the card for the name change. They are only about 10 minutes away, so no big deal. Got back home, faxes had gone through and all my tick marks to be taken care of were checked off. I have a packet or two of forms to fill out and send back for the change, but that's not a big deal either... I can say that the process has been started and/or completed for all of my "stuff". I still have to change my name at doctors offices, etc. But I will do that as I go in... they always ask if there have been any changes anyway. I am happy and proud of myself at this point. I have managed to get just about everything done, in one day, that I had planned to get done over a months time.

I take out some tilapia for dinner and just veg for a while. I feel sleepy and restless. I grab a snack, trying to stave off hunger till dinner time. I am also feeling a little bored, so that doesn't help with the eating. I get an email from Tancy, she was able to get the pavilion at work for our baby shower. Now I know this doesn't sound like anything to most everyone else... a pavilion at a nuclear power plant for a baby shower... oooohhh! But it's a really nice pavilion on the lake with a good breeze and a pretty lawn. It's plenty big enough for all who might show and temperature wise it should be comfortable with the breeze off the water. So we are happy about the location. It's in Huntersville, so it wont be too far from anyone. We were running into trouble figuring out where to have it, what was fairly central, big enough and wouldn't cost any money. Found it!

I guess it was about 6:30 - 6:45 when Tancy called to say she was on her way home. I started dinner cooking. Mom called while I was on the phone with Tancy. Since I had been trying to get in touch with her all evening I got off the phone with Tancy and talked to her till just after Tancy got home. By that time dinner was done and it was time to eat. So I told Mom I'd talk to her later and fixed mine and Tancy's plates for dinner. We ate and caught up on each others day.

Our friends had their baby Wednesday night, she did end up having to have a c-section. He weighed 8lbs. 14 ounces! She's barely 5' tall... that's a big baby!! Anyway, Mom and baby are doing well. I am not planning to go up to the hospital, I know they will have quite a few visitors as it is. I figure we will wait till they come home, give them a few days to settle in, and then go see them. We got a picture of him though and he's absolutely adorable. I would post his picture, but seems strange to post pics of other peoples kids so I will refrain. Wishing them all well though.

After we ate dinner and sat on the couch visiting for a bit (not long because she didn't get home till right at 7:00) we decided it was time to head "to the back". We got settled in bed and Scout started this new obsession she has where she shakes her head causing her ears to flap loudly against her head. Best we can figure is it starts with an itch and then she becomes obsessed with it. This went on for 45 minutes or so before we gave her some benadryl, hoping it would help with the apparent itching she must be feeling. She'd lay in the floor and use her paws to try to scratch her ears. Tancy checked them and didn't see anything (she just got them cleaned). So all we could do was to not acknowledge and wait for her to settle down. I think it was 10:00 before she settled down... and let me just tell you, that is one of those sounds that you just want to stop. We were both fully frustrated by about 9:00, but there's nothing to be done. This is what they both do when they wake up too... next time we go to the vet we need to ask about that. But labs are notorious for being neurotic, so there. By 10:00 we were both asleep.

I am pretty sure I slept most of the night. I turned over a few times. Comfort does not come easily. But I did not get up to make a potty run. I knew if I got up Scout would start all over again (I know this because she's done it before and because at 9:45 she had laid down and had stopped, I got up to pee and she started up again), so I managed to hold it. The house was cooler last night and I think that helped me to sleep a bit more than I have the last few nights.... but I will tell you, this morning, I don't feel like I slept much at all last night. I stay so congested lately and am always sniffling and working hard to get enough air. I know that's a big part of why I feel tired so much. Even when I am falling asleep I have to lay just so to get good air flow. All the new ways of doing things when you are pregnant, even laying down, are quite entertaining when you stop to think about it. I am sure it would be even more entertaining if I were watching someone else do it (I know Tancy finds it funny sometimes).

I woke up at 4:44 and was instantly worried that Tancy was late. I asked her what time she got up, she looked at the clock and said in a minute. It wasn't a minute before her alarm went off, which she turned off to snooze. I got up and started my morning routine. My head feels full of gunk. Nothing is moving anywhere, so if I had to guess it isn't really full of gunk, everythings just swollen from all the sniffling and such. Either way it feels fairly miserable. We had our coffee, I got the dogs fed and before I knew it, it was time for Tancy to leave for work. I started on the blog and the dogs are presently laying here beside me, on the couch, snoozing away.

Seems like there's something else I am forgetting to write about... but honestly I have no idea what it would be right now. As I type Lillie is kicking me on my right side just below my ribs. She's moving around and my whole belly moves with her. It feels strange to sit here and type and feel all that movement. Sometimes she kicks or moves so much that it moves my arm from where it is resting as I type.

Today I need to clean up the kitchen. I, for some reason, thought Tancy had picked up after dinner last night... she didn't. No biggie, I don't know why I would have thought that. I'd also like to clean the bathrooms if I have the energy today. I've got 12 hours, I should be able to get it done in there somewhere. I can't think of much else to be done around here. I am planning on it being a fairly easy day. I've worked on one thing or another for the last few days. It'll be nice not to have much to do for a day.

I know that Aunt Jan and DJ are headed back home today. I am wishing them a safe trip. Dad, Casie and Chuck are both working today, I am wishing them a quick and easy day. Mom's weekend has started, I hope she enjoys the day to herself today. Tancy will be half way through her work week at the end of shift today, I know she's counting down the days till her "vacation" kicks in. Alot of the girls are going to Stomp this weekend, I hope they all have a great time!!! Other than that, I honestly have no idea what the hell else is going on. LOL. I am so disconnected right now, there's just so much going on lately and so much to be taken care of... I have a hard time keeping up.

Alright kids. I think that's all I got today. I am sure there's something I forgot, but I honestly don't know what it is at this point. I'll check back in if I think of anything. I hope you all have a great day and a wonderful weekend (I will blog again, but you might be having too much fun to check).

Love to all!