Now that you are all caught up I can post about what today holds for me. It's already nearly 8:30 and all I have done since Tancy left at 5:30 for work is blog!! I have some pictures to post next and then I have to get to a few things... I wont say work... cause I really don't want to do that to myself today. But I do have things I need to accomplish today. Mostly, I'd like to get Lillie's room back in order today.

It was an early morning, but I felt rested, which is good. Normal routine, coffee, pups, Tancy off to work. My leg is still so sore from that charlie horse, it's amazing. I limp around the house. Which means I'll be getting dressed and putting my shoes on soon to try to minimize that.

Tancy works days today through Wednesday. Thursday we will probably go get the items we still need for Lillie (baby monitor, second base for the car seat, bottles, clothes hamper, etc.) It's hard to believe we still need anything... we truly got so much stuff. I intend to start Thank You cards today and don't know exactly how to convey just how thankful we truly are to everyone. I have to say that everyone went above and far beyond what they should have done (normally you'd say expectations, but we didn't have any expectations other than a good day with friends to celebrate our little one coming soon). I'm also not sure how long it will take me with the way my hand has been going numb and/or hurting me. So I want to start on them as soon as I can.

I have a pile of laundry (ours... I got Lillie's done yesterday) to do and the kitchen to get back in order. I don't know how much of this I will get to today, but I am pretty sure my calendar is clear while Tancy is on days, so I've got three days to make progress with it all. If I get those things done while she's still at work I'll take back the duplicate items we got if I can figure out where most of it came from, I think I can. It's amusing how many people pick up the same rattle or teether. That's predominantly what has to go back... believe it or not, we even got some of the same clothes! Maybe we aren't as diverse as we think we are.......... nah! LOL.

Outside of what's to be done around here and baby stuff, I honestly can't think of anything else I need to do... which means I really don't have much to talk about. Haha! Good thing since I've been blogging for 3 hours huh?!

I have another check up on Friday. We will see the doctor we hope will deliver Lillie and hopefully see if we are making any progress. I've been cramping, having Braxton Hicks, feeling pressure... but with everything going on it is impossible to gauge if that's "progress" or just the level of activity I've had for the last few days. Since I have at least a couple days full of things I want to get done I doubt I'll get a good gauge on it any time soon. But we will know more on Friday either way.

My goal for today, if nothing else is this: lots of water and Lillie's room put together (clothes put away where they are going to go and all other items organized). Thursday there will be a few more items to put away, but nothing major and that should be fairly easy. I think, after today (hopefully) the hard part will be done with regard to Lillie's room.

Tomorrow and Wednesday I will worry about the laundry and the kitchen. Tancy will have to do the floor, so I am not even going to think about that one right now. Mom and Aunt Jan both made it back home safely. I hope to see both of them again very soon, though I doubt it will be at the same time... that's a rare occurrence. Though I have been very fortunate to have that three times in a little over a year (more than I've had in the last 12 years)! Casie's baby shower, Mom/Aunt Jan's birthday in October of last year and our baby shower. Good stuff!

Today my heart is still full of appreciation and just completely overwhelmed with love and support. I sent out a text yesterday just to say a quick thank you, love you... and how lucky we are to have such a village to help us with our baby. We are truly three of the luckiest girls in the world. There will not be a thank you good enough to express our true gratitude to those who put the shower together and those who attended, not to mention for all the goodies we were given! So, I am sending out all these feelings of warmth and appreciation out there to everyone,  that's a good start to giving back.

I guess I need to get moving, my tail bone is hurting which means I've been sitting for far too long. I hope you all have a wonderful day. It's Monday, so I am sure some of you are grumbling at that statement, but I truly wish it for you. If nothing else, may time to go home come quickly and you have a great evening with people you love.

Love to all!

Sunday morning came just as early as the rest. About 7:00 I guess. I probably, normally, would have slept later... but like I said before, I didn't want to miss a thing.

At 5:00 I woke with the worst charlie horse I have ever had. It was so bad that I had to wake Tancy to help me get it to stop. I couldn't move! After she got it to ease, it still took me 5 minutes to be able to get up and stand, then I had a limp, it was so sore. When I got up at 7:00 I could barely walk on it. I dressed and put on shoes before too long hoping that the support from my shoes would help some.

Jeanette and Luca were up, I could hear Luca talking... a big change from most kids that stay here... usually they wake us up screaming, laughing, running, etc. Funny stuff. She's a very well behaved little girl who looks, and acts, just like her Mom. Very adorable. Like Jeanette's very own mini-me!

I think Mom was up already too. My memory is a little foggy about yesterday morning, of all mornings, for some reason. Oh! She was up because the coffee was ready. We all made our way to the living room and/or kitchen. I told Luca she needed to wake Tancy up! So Jeanette carried her in there to rattle Tanc. She was up soon. She even made Luca scrambled eggs.

We all ended up moving a bit faster than any of us wanted. There was still a bit to cram in to the last moments together and I was already dreading taking Mom to the airport. Now, I always hate to see her go, but I don't usually feel so torn up about it. It's sad usually, but it was close to devastating for me at this point. We had coffee, we talked, we got dressed, we tried not to think or speak about her leaving. Jeanette and Luca got ready and Tancy took them to the playground. Luca had been inside with too much TV and not enough activity. Mom and I cried together before they were even out the drive way good. I wanted her to stay longer. I am sure if I had pressed the matter, she would have conceded, but I just couldn't do that to her. It's not fair to guilt someone and it isn't fair to use emotional black mail either. I understand why she needed to go home, why staying wasn't a good option and although I couldn't hide how I felt I refused to make her any more upset than she already was on her own. We decided to leave the house a bit early for fear that we would either sit and squall together or clean the house. LOL.

I took the back way, not sure if it's longer or shorter, but I like it better than taking 85. Aunt Jan was at the airport already and waiting for Mom so they could have a bit of time before going home.I was respectful of that and even tried to get her there a bit earlier so they could have some time. Mom asked if I wanted to see Aunt Jan and tell her bye. I was relieved to not really have to make that decision, I knew she would already be past security. But I knew in my heart that would be the final blow for me... to have to tell them both bye... my Mom and my second Mom... that would just devastate me for the rest of the day. No way I had that in me. Mom knew it wasn't even an option and also understood why I wouldn't have been able to if it were. We talked and cried and laughed along the way. Boy did I hate pulling up to the door at the airport though. We hugged, she told Lillie bye, we hugged again. I told her to stay out of trouble with Aunt Jan. She smiled. I watched her walk in to the airport and drove away sobbing. I don't remember the last time I cried so hard over leaving family or having family leave me.

I sent Tancy a text message telling her I had dropped Mom off and I was torn up. The even harder thought, at that moment, was that I couldn't just come home and fall apart in her arms. We still had family, still had good byes to say, still had to pull it together. That ended up being a great thing... but at the time the thought made it that much harder for me. I called Pops to tell him that I had dropped Mom at the airport. He was washing Mom's car. We talked for a bit and then I got off the phone to collect myself.

I ended up stopping at Burger King to get lunch for us (Tancy, Jeanette, Luca and myself). I made it home just minutes after they got in from the park. Tancy's Mom, Jessi, Missy & Zach were there waiting on them when they pulled up. We visited a bit. They were all tired. Missy didn't sleep well... probably at all to be honest. Jessi said she really didn't sleep much either. Mrs. Sue was tired from all the running and going and doing all weekend after working all week and then the drive down. I know as much as they hated to go, they were ready to be home. I can completely understand that! They left around 11:30 - 12:00ish.

We hung out with Jeanette and Luca. They painted on Lillie's wall. Jeanette was worried sick that Luca would paint on the wall. Luca did fine. We so enjoyed having them here and really wished we had more time... we only got a little more than 24 hours with them. Though we completely understand. Jeanette made a huge sacrifice by coming... she left her 4 month old son (whom she's breast feeding) at home with her husband just to come be here for us... So as much as would love more time, how could you possibly not be overwhelmed by the gift of that 24 hours?! They left our house at about 1:15 I guess?

Still no "call" from my cuz.... I think that hurt even more than the text saying she wasn't coming... no call, no word, all weekend... Nothing to be done about it, but that doesn't change the fact that it hurts. I don't know how sick she is, if she's ok... I don't know anything...

The house was instantly still. Too quiet. I didn't want to fall apart again. I didn't want to start tearing the house apart cleaning either. So we started with all the gifts, still piled up in the utility room. I started with the gift bags. Tancy started with the big items that needed put together, or played with. LOL. She put the stroller/car seat combo together first, we were most excited to get this put together and check it out. I used the coffee table as my staging area for everything... which proved to be much too small for everything when it was all said and done! Tancy got the combo put together and took the base out to put it in the car... she came right back in for keys and headed back out. She came right back in again, she'd been stung (and yes, she has an allergic reaction). I gave her some benadryl, doctored her and she was back out to kill it! She did so successfully without getting stung again and then put the base and car seat in the car. She moved on, itching, to the next item after rolling the stroller into Lillie's room (for now).

I worked diligently on going through everything. Setting duplicates to the side for return. Items to be washed in one spot, bath stuff in another, shoes over here, diaper/lotion/grooming over there, trash (wrapping paper, tissue paper, ribbons) between my knees, cards to my left, ribbon on the arm of the couch, bags folded and put behind the cards (which were in a wicker basket). I had baby shit everywhere.... which you'll probably read again in the coming weeks... only then it will literally be baby shit! Haha! Tancy got the baby to toddler rocker put together, she liked it alot and it's now by the love seat waiting on Lillie. She got the high chair out and put together, minimal work there, and put it in the utility room. She got the pack 'n play out and put it up in our room, I know it seems early, but putting it up now is part of getting the dogs acclimated to it and all the new smells. She was really feeling terribly by this time. She'd gone through all the big stuff and would normally have been going through the "toys", but was getting really drugged feeling from the benadryl and trying desperately not to scratch all the itching. I started laundry going, one full (and big) load of bedding and bath. I had all the bath stuff, toys, wash, etc., together and Tancy took it into the bathroom for me. I started putting things away, at least in the area it belonged.

Tancy ordered pizza and I worked diligently to get everything picked up out of the living room. Another load of laundry, another good sized load, on full of clothes this time. Once everything was relatively put away we let the dogs in. They had ended up being outside most of the weekend. Just too much going on in the house for them to be under foot. The pizza came and we ate dinner and relaxed. Tancy fell asleep laying on my lap on the couch. I felt so bad for her and was really quite concerned. The sting site started out about the size of a nickel. It was already swollen well past the size of a silver dollar. I had draw a circle around it with a pen in the very beginning to keep track of the swelling. At 6:00 - 6:30 I told her to go to bed. I was folding the bedding and towels I had washed and would be back soon.

When I went to the back she was sacked out. I checked her arm again, it was swelling more. I drew another circle around it. I got a bath and got in bed... found that I wasn't sleepy at all and headed back in the utility room for the other load of clothes drying. I moved the third load (red stuff) into the dryer and headed to the back to fold everything. Tancy never checked up. Around 8:00 or so I checked her arm again and it had swollen to the size of the palm of my hand nearly. I was worried and wasn't sure what to do. She said she was fine, just sleepy from the benadryl, so I just kept checking her. Before it was all said and done I got all the laundry folded and in some order to be put away. She snored most of the time. LOL.

By 10:00 I checked her again, swollen a bit more, but it was progressing very slowly so I took that as a good sign. I had done all I could do without "working" and decided it would be best if I went to sleep. Tancy's family had made it home safely, so I was happy for that. It didn't take me long to go to sleep, surprisingly.

Another incredibly full day. Love, laughter, smiles and tears. A truly amazing 4 days!

Well, the day kicked off early like the others, just not as early. I think I was up at 7:00.

Aunt Jan and Britt were coming by before the shower so that Aunt Jan could finish her painting. We drank coffee and just chilled out and had an easy morning. Jeanette was suppose to land around quarter till 9:00 and we were anticipating her and Luca's arrival. Very excited about that!

Fairly early Mom started pulling the roast that she'd put in the oven last night apart. Oh my god did it smell good! I had a taste and it was better than it smelled even!! She wouldn't let me do anything, so around 8:00 I went to get my bath. I put on some comfy clothes, no sense in putting on my shower clothes and risking getting something on my shirt (it is bound to happen with me). Tancy followed shortly behind me, but did put on what she intended to wear to the shower. While Tancy and I were in the back getting ready I got emotional. Not sure why.... so much going on maybe, excitement, anticipation, hormones, who knows really... but I felt very emotional.

Mom got ready just before Jeanette and Luca pulled up in the drive way, she, like me, put on something other than what she intended to wear to the shower. Jeanette and Luca got here around 10:00 I guess. Luca had fallen asleep once they got in the car and Jeanette drove around a bit giving her a little longer nap time. We made our introductions and took a minute to catch up and before long Aunt Jan and Britt were here. Britt was in her shower clothes as well. Aunt Jan had on a t-shirt and brought the shirt she meant to wear.

Mom was steady working on the pastalaya. It was smelling sooo good... it was almost painful. Tancy and I had a pork sandwich. Mom made rice for Aunt Jan and Britt to have some of the gravy on. A house full of women... now that's a good day... each and every one of them I love dearly and are special to me in a very unique way. My heart was over flowing, again. So far I'd had two full days filled with love and happiness... now there was another one ahead of me. I just couldn't believe we were both so lucky to have all this love, support and happiness for us and our little one. Wow. If only everyone could be so fortunate. It really blows the mind and I can think "What have I (we) done to deserve all of this?!"

Before we knew it, it was time to leave for the shower. Everyone made their way out and for 6 grown women and a 2 year old we were on time!! No herding cats, no lagging behind... it was great! We made it to the shower and I was amazed at how many people were there and at all the decorations. It was truly amazing! Again, overwhelming that all this fuss was for us. The decorations were gorgeous. Fresh flowers, packets of seeds for flowers with a "note from Lillie" to everyone, a huge table of gifts, a punch fountain, food, food and more food. It was a gorgeous day, the lake looked so inviting, the grass was pretty and green, the temperature was great... we could not have asked for a better day.

We both tried to speak and visit with everyone... that is harder to do than you might think. You want to give everyone time and let them know how much you appreciate them. Catch up if you haven't seen them in a while. Introduce to Mom's and important people... but it really is hard to do. We did our best. It is really important that everyone knows how much the day meant to us, how much they all mean to us. We played games, we ate, we opened gifts. Wow, there was a ton of gifts. I knew there was a pile... but wouldn't fully appreciate the amount of "loot" we got until we started going through it all later.

Gary and Curtis had to leave first, prior obligations. Hated to see them leave, but completely understood and was just sooo thankful that they were a part of this day. From there more friends left for other obligations, again, sad to see them leave, but thankful they made it. Aunt Jan and Britt must have left around 5:00, not sure of the time. I wouldn't see either of them again the weekend. I was sad about this most of all. But I also understand the need they had to spend some time together. I want time with my Mom when she's here and I can be stingy... Britt had been very sharing with me and I will forever appreciate that.

It was 6:00 or later when we started tearing everything down to head home. We loaded gifts in our car, Jeanette's car and Heather & Sonia's truck. (Yes, there was that much.) Heather and Sonia, Jenn & Tab, Sandy and Tancy's Mom, sister's, cousin, niece and nephew all came back to the house with us (Tancy, Mom, Jeanette, Luca and me) for pastalaya and more time together. It was a great evening. Again, the house was filled with laughter and my heart just continued to overflow with love and appreciation. Our utility room overflowed with gifts!

I am not sure what time everyone bugged out to be honest. Luca was the first to pass out... but she's two so we will let that slip this time. Haha! I know that Ms. Sue and Mandy didn't get back till about 8:00 or so and stayed an hour or an hour and a half before they all left. Jenn and Tab were the first to leave, they had lots to get done on Sunday and it was getting late. Sonia and Heather were next, I think... they had their own stuff to take care of on Sunday. Next was Tancy's family, Zach was crashed out in our bed and they had all had a very full day of getting things ready and running. Sandy stayed a bit longer and then made her way home. Tancy and I helped Mom (as much as they would allow me) to clean the kitchen up before we all headed for bed. We sat up and visited for a while, the four of us. Jeanette led the way for us to go to bed... all tired. It ended up being another midnight turning in. We were all so worn out.

What can I say, I am such a lucky girl. Three days full of so many wonderful moments! I could not have asked for more!! I couldn't have asked for less, it was that much!!

Wow, Friday morning kicked off fairly early. I woke up at 5:00 and laid there till I heard Mom get up at 6:00. I think part of it was being excited that she was here and not wanting to miss any time with her... and part of it is my routine, I'm usually up right around 5:00 when Tancy's on days.

We made coffee, asked how each other slept and talked about what was on the agenda for the day. I woke up with both of my hands dead asleep, so Mom was kind enough to feed the dogs for me. That's incredibly frustrating! Before too long Tancy was up and joined us in our morning beverage of choice. We had to be at the doctors for 9:10 and then we were free agents. Aunt Jan and Britt were suppose to come by, we weren't sure what time yet and it was too early to call or text to find out. Tancy had a physical therapy appointment at 3:00. We were pretty much hanging out at the house all day. My kind of day!!

We started getting ready before too long and were out the door right on time. We got to the doctors office a bit early and they took us right back. I thought I was going to have to see the doctor that I don't care for, turns out we got to see the midwife. I had lost 4 pounds (I attribute that "loss" to the scale the week prior being off), my blood pressure was 120/70, my urine didn't show any protein or sugar. All looking good so far... and best news yet, no pelvic exam!! Yay. Mom was back with us, wanted her to be able to hear Lillie's heart beat. We saw our midwife, asked a few questions. No concerns so it was a short visit. Lillie's heart beat was 135, right on target. Mom was up above my head, so I don't know if she teared up or not... but she sure did squeeze my hand. That made me smile. Our midwife felt around on my belly, seems little Miss Lillie has moved down some since the last appointment, so that is good! Progress! With all that done, we were outta there!

All three of us were hungry, so we settled on IHOP and then just had to decide what we all wanted. We enjoyed our visit over coffee, orange juice and unsweetened tea while we waited on our breakfast to be cooked. We talked to Pops on the phone, was glad to hear everything went well. We heard from Aunt Jan, looked like it would be 2:00 before they made it to the house... we were hoping it would be earlier, but they had things to take care of. So we would just have to wait. Our doctor called Tancy, she needs to go in for some blood work, so we got that scheduled. She also called her physical therapist to see if she could come in earlier, she could but only by a half an hour. We headed home, had one stop to make, some sort of bow or something for Mom's shower gift. In/Out and we were minutes from home.

We sat down and hung out for a while once we got home, then it was time to start on dinner for that night. I cut onions and mushrooms, Mom went over the recipe and decided quantities. Before we knew it we had a mess of food going. Once I had cut up everything and gotten Mom the ingredients she needed I sat down... it wasn't my idea, but I tried to listen. LOL. We talked and laughed and cut up. It was a great day. Soon Aunt Jan and Britt were on their way and that just lightened things further. And boy, did they come in with a mess of stuff. Aunt Jan had made these tissue paper water lily's. They were absolutely gorgeous (I kept them, want to put them in Lillie's room, just have to figure that out). She'd also brought cala lily's, tiger lily's, any lily she could find. She placed them all over the living room and kitchen. She and Britt also had on t-shirts, that Aunt Jan no doubt came up with herself, that had lily's on them with "Celebrating Lillie - May 30, 2009" underneath the flowers. I was blown away and really couldn't find the words. I am sure I must have seemed less than grateful, but I was flabbergasted. When Tancy got home she gave us each a gift... blown glass pendants, each with a lily inside and a heart shaped "dog tag" that said Lily (the lady had done this unbeknownst to Aunt Jan, which is why the spelling is different). Tancy's was a green/blue and she put hers on immediately. Mine is pink/yellow and I went to put it back in the box and got fussed at... I can't explain doing this... I tend to do it with something I really, really like... I feel like I need to save it or something. Makes no sense to anyone I am sure, it doesn't really make sense to me... but it's what I do. (if memory serves, I did that the first Christmas that Tancy and I were together with diamond earrings... bet she thought I was crazy)

Aunt Jan set about making our t-shirts like theirs and we all just hung out and munched on the dips and goodies we had spread out all over the kitchen. As a big surprise, Tancy's family (Mom - Sue, sister - Jessi, cousin - Missy and nephew - Zach) showed up alot earlier than we expected. It was just before 4:00 I guess. It was great to see them so early and have them be able to come by the house and spend some time. We had both been worried that we wouldn't have enough time with them. (Speaking of cousin, still no call from mine.) Everyone chatted and munched, it was a great evening. Around 5:00, maybe 6:00 dinner was ready. Shrimp and crab fettucini... We ate shortly after Mom said we could eat. It wasn't that anyone was starving particularly, but it smelled so good you couldn't resist. Mandy was suppose to be on her way, but at 7:15 we finally called her and she was 45 minutes from being at the house... Mrs. Sue was soo tired, she'd worked a week of midnights and had very little sleep during the trip down. So I encouraged her to head to Mandy's and go to bed... Mandy could bring the girls and Zach home with her. She decided that was a good idea... I felt so bad for her, I knew she must have been miserable.

At 8:00 Mandy did finally arrive. Wondered why her Mom left. Had been "killing time" shopping before she got down to the knitty gritty because she didn't think they were in yet. She and Lauren ate and everyone visited for a while. I guess it was about 9:30 or so when they headed for Mandy's. I had hit my stimulation limit for the day. We'd had lots of laughs, wonderful, belly laughs. We'd talked and eaten and it was truly a delight... but my battery was running out fast and I was feeling myself withdraw.

Aunt Jan was working on her "one horned butt fish". I tried to visit with her in Lillie's room some.. but also was urged (by everyone) to sit down and put my feet up. I swear, it was like having two Moms here... wait, I pretty much did! Mom and Aunt Jan both watched my water consumption like hawks, constantly asking if I needed some, how much I'd had, etc. I love them both for that. They are too funny... like I'm 12 again! Haha. They wish, that would make them 18 years younger too!! (Bet that gets a rise out of one of them... if they are reading...) Mom and Aunt Jan cleaned the kitchen up and put things away after Aunt Jan had gotten to a stopping point on her drawing/painting. I guess it was 10:00 - 10:30 when Aunt Jan and Britt left. I so enjoyed visiting with Britt. I got to talk to her quite a bit, she stayed in the living room or kitchen quite a bit, which is where I was usually parked, so it was great to catch up and get to know her a little bit, as an adult. The last time Britt and I spent any real time, we were both kids.

After they went to bed Mom put the roast on for the pastalaya we were going to have for Sunday dinner. We stayed up to help with that as much as possible, visit with her, talk about the day and just relax a bit. The roast smelled so good! Wow! When everything that needed to be done was done we headed to bed. It was between 11:30 and 12:00 by the time we all got to bed. We were absolutely exhausted. I know I have been working hard in the last week or more cleaning, but this was just as tiring... so much stimulation, all great, don't get me wrong... but I didn't have to be rocked to sleep that's for sure!

Tancy and I got in bed, talked about how lucky we are to have such great family and were asleep before we knew it. Another terrific day.

Ok, so I am going to do this one day at a time... since it seems there is too much to blog about in one update.

Thursday morning I got up with Tancy as I usually do. Coffee, take care of the pups, the usual routine. I had a few last minute things to do, fold a load of towels, make the bed, etc. Then I got in the shower to get ready to go get my family from the airport. I talked to Mom, she was excited, they were shortly on their way to the airport. I got a text message from my cousin who was suppose to come, sick, can't make it but would call later. I was heart broken. No way around it... and a text, it was a hard pill to swallow, I had been looking forward to this visit for more than two month. I allowed myself a cry about it and then pulled it together. My Mom was coming in and I was going to soak up every bit of that no matter what. Mom called again, on their way. I told her about my cousin not making it and we discussed adjusting some of the days plans. We had planned a spa day for the three of us after I picked them both up from the airport (both coming from Louisiana), so I had to take care of that first and foremost. That made me emotional again... but what could I do. Mom and I talked several times through the process of me getting ready and her waiting at the airport.

Before long she had boarded the plane and I was trying to find things to occupy myself till time to leave. Trying not to be emotional about the abrupt cancelation and limited information. I managed to busy myself without tearing the house apart cleaning something or organizing anything. I left a bit early to go get a refill on Tancy's anti-inflammatory and then I was on my way to the airport. Do you know how hard it is for me not to be early for something? Especially if I am excited?! It's nearly impossible!! I got to the cell phone lot at the airport about 10 minutes before Mom was scheduled to land. I posted on Facebook and Myspace that I would probably not post till Monday, took care of some last minute messages and before I knew it she had landed. I then began to circle the pickup area (cause they wont let  you park even for a second if you passenger isn't outside already) and before long I had her in the car with me. I couldn't believe it! Finally!! We had been counting down the days, literally, for nearly a month and waiting for this day for two months! I had already called and rescheduled our spa time, I updated her on those changes and we were off. Both in awe that we were finally together, that the day had actually made it and we didn't have to wait any more.

Our first stop was a quick bite of lunch, on the go of course, we had places to be. We left from there and headed directly for the spa. We both had massages and I then had a manicure and pedicure. We got there just a few minutes early and before long I was on the massage table letting go of all the stress of the day and days prior... relaxing and resetting. The massage was over before I knew it and I was on to more pampering. Mom was on to get her massage, deep tissue and reflexology... not exactly relaxing, but what she wanted/needed. My mani/pedi was great and I do so enjoy the people at the spa. They are all fantastic and just wonderful in so many ways. When it was all over we said our goodbyes, they all asked that I bring the baby by when she arrives so they can meet her. How sweet!

On to our next destination, a little shopping. If we'd gone home we would have surely gone sound to sleep. Mom pulled some gift wrapping out of her bag... they (the ladies and gentleman at the spa) had given me a gift... a certificate for a mani/pedi. How sweet!! Mental note, send thank you card to spa. We went to Babies R Us in Concord. Mom was certain she needed a shower gift. We shopped around and just had a good time looking at all the baby stuff there is... it really is amazing what all people come up with! I am sure you can manage without most of it. LOL. We got what she intended to get. But not before getting the one person who was socially inept to help us, unknowing that she would continue to follow us around the entire store when it was all said and done. We finally broke free, perused a bit more and then headed out.

All day long we had been texting Aunt Jan, checking on where she was and when she got in. She had some trouble with getting off the plane. They grounded some flights due to bad weather, which limited "parking" spots for incoming flights. They sat on the tarmac for an hour and a half I guess... then they didn't have her luggage. At the time we thought they had lost it and we were upset for her. She was staying with her daughter and son-in-law and they were having dinner together that night. We woudn't see her till Friday, which we understood, but were still sad about.

We were going to stop at Target to get a gift bag and I needed gas, but the bottom fell out and we had a torrential down pour. I stopped for gas, noticed the time and called Tancy to tell her that we would meet her for dinner instead of see her at home and then leave... we could eat earlier if we just met her. By the time I got gas she was on her way and the restaurant was about mid way between us. We got there just before her, the rain had let up, thankfully and went in to get a table. She joined us shortly and it felt like the weekend had now officially begun. We ordered edamame and then sushi, some predetermined and some we designed (so to speak). It was fantastic... and I do love to watch Mom eat food she loves. If you haven't experienced it, there's no describing it to you... but you know that she's truly enjoying every moment of it. After dinner we headed for home, but not before stopping to get Tancy some tiramisu. Then it was "home James". We got home and tried to settle down for the evening. The tiramisu was more like a custard, it was good as long as you didn't compare it to a real tiramisu. Make sense? We watched a bit of TV but were all fairly tired. It had been a really long day and the weekend promised alot more activity.

It was a truly wonderful day.

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Well, I've managed to:
Make the bed
Fold the towels
Get a shower (shaved my legs and all!!)
Lathered down
Dried my hair
Ironed my clothes - I know... I never do that! Surprised myself.
Got dressed
Unloaded the dishwasher and put everything away
Reloaded the dishwasher
Wiped off the counter tops
Emptied and rinsed out the coffee pot

I am just watching the clock now for time to leave to go get my Momma. I now have to say that because I got a text message that my cousin who was coming is going to be unable to make it. She was sick all night. I would be lying if I said I wasn't heart broken. She was unable to make the shower in Louisiana and I haven't seen her in forever it seems. I don't want to sound like an ass, I am really sorry to hear that she's sick, but I was so looking forward to some time with her. I cried. There's nothing to be done about it, I know... but I had to blog about it so that I can enjoy everyone else who will be here this weekend.

I don't have anything else in the house to get done before I leave for the airport... and I have another hour and some change before I can leave. Ugh! I don't know what to do with myself. I am so excited I feel a little sick to my stomach. There's still that sadness there too... but I can't let that stop me from enjoying the time with my Mom. Timing just sucks.

I might be able to leave about 15 minutes earlier than planned. I need to pick up a prescription for Tancy at some point today. Will probably be easier to do before going to the airport. After the airport is our "Spa Day" and then we will be ready to come home for sure!!

I've talked to Mom three times this morning. She's so excited and already having herself a good time laughing and cutting up. No doubt the people at the airport are enjoying her. She's probably made a friend already and  is chatting them up about where they are headed, where she's headed, etc. I just got a text message from her a bit ago and she's already on the plane. I can't wait to see her!!

Well, I guess that's all I've got. I hope you all have a fabulous day!

Love to all!

Oh yes, I am the happiest girl in the world today!! Good morning and how the hell are ya on this fine Thursday morning?! I hope you are all doing well, probably most of you are still slumbering away, catching those last moments before the alarm clock screams at you to wake up!! I hope you are sleeping soundly. And I hope, the second you open your eyes you know it is going to be a great day.

Wow, I can't believe today is finally here. I have been counting down the days for a month, and a month before that trying not to think about how long before this day got here. It's gonna be a fantastic weekend, I just know it.

Yesterday you all know about my shopping excursion and getting it all home and put away. You also know how freakin' tired I was for almost the entire remainder of the day. I managed to get the laundry done, dishes done and dinner cooked. Tancy walked in the door and we sat down to the table, I know... eating a meal at the table... CRAZY! Haha. Once we were done we started picking up everything from dinner and getting to the last items on the list. She took the stuff in the carport, and by the back door, out to the shed for me first. I cleaned the kitchen so that I didn't have to contend with this morning. I also set the coffee pot for this morning so that it would be ready when I got up, I do so enjoy that.. .when I can remember. She came inside and put the curtains back up for me in the back bedroom. I took the trash out and set it on the landing. She got started on the floors. I cleaned our bathroom. Once I finished our bathroom I worked on cleaning the couch and love seat, removing dog hair... She wrapped up the floor and put the trash in the can (what would fit). She rested while I finished the furniture. Once I was done we headed to the back. We folded the clothes and put them all away and then we got baths. We were both exhausted and over it all. We watched the new episode of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey", my newest favorite reality show. LOVE IT!! She was asleep before it was over. I was asleep shortly after.

I woke at my usual times, 1:40 and 4:30. Aside from those times though I slept soundly. I actually woke feeling more rested than I have previous mornings. Not sure why. Probably the excitement about the day. No matter, I am thankful to not feel so worn down and exhausted. I made our coffee, let the pups out, did our normal routine. I talked to Mom briefly, she sounds great and really excited... I am too. I keep watching the clock to see if its time to get ready. LOL. I have a few things to complete this morning, just because I want to and it will help to kill time. Then I am getting a shower, getting ready and heading to the airport.

The dogs new bed for the living room came in yesterday. So we've been working with them... keeping them off the couch and teaching them to get on their bed. I am tired of the hair all over the couch and subsequently on your clothes. Not to mention with guests its just a pain to have a dog think that's their spot. So, they have a bed now... that's their spot, a place they can go if they are feeling stressed or just want to chill and a place I don't have to worry about hair and/or dirt for the time being. I have always worried about the hair on stuff, especially when we have people stay that don't have inside dogs, but considering a baby makes me like it alot less. We'll get it worked out though. After hundreds, I am not exaggerating, of "No's" and "Off's" this morning alone both dogs are actually laying on their new bed. Scout has been incredibly skittish of it. It makes unfamiliar noises and has a funny smell (new). I worked with them yesterday with treats... but they focus more on the treats and just get too excited. So the only way to teach them to go to their bed is to keep them off of the furniture and not pay attention past that. I was saying "Good boy Hemmi" if he got on the bed... but then he thought I wanted him to come to me. So that doesn't work. I haven't said one word and their are both chilled on their new bed, probably already sleeping. Good puppies. It's really hard to teach them new things. It's our own fault, but we learn as we go too. It's definitely teaching me patience! And treats are great rewards for some things, but not when it ends up distracting them from what you want them to actually be doing.

I will fold the towels and make our bed here in a minute and hope that helps time pass so I can get ready. The dogs will stay inside while I am gone. I'll drag their new bed into the hall way, (usually put their old bed in the hall for them) which should help them get more comfortable with it, and put the gate up to keep them there while I am gone. They seem to actually do well with what ends up being a bit kennel. And from a safety perspective, they hear anything... if someone even drives up they are barking. It echoes down the hall way and they sound like they would tear your ass up! I don't know if they actually would. Labs aren't exactly known for being guard dogs, but she sure is protective. Terriers can be known for being aggressive, but he's pretty skittish sometimes. I hope we never find out what they would do if someone broke in.

After the shopping trip yesterday the fridge, freezer and pantry are so full it's almost embarrassing. I was going to take a picture to post, just to give you an idea how much stuff I got yesterday, but that just didn't seem right. I am very thankful to have so much. We don't do without much of anything, thats for sure and we also have family that help out for things like this weekend... we didn't foot the grocery bill alone. But its moments like yesterday, looking into our fridge that is crammed full, that I can't help but feeling a little guilty to have that much when I know there are people who have nothing. I am not sure what to do with those feelings when they hit.

It's raining cats and dogs here. Suppose to stop today or tomorrow? I can't remember right now. We have gotten so much rain in the last week... its really been alot. Not just rain, not even steady rain for a week, we have had some real gulley washers. They hit hard and fast and then it'll stop for a bit. Then it'll rain constant for a while, then another gulley washer. It's been so humid, I think that's another thing that made yesterday so difficult for me... the air was so thick. I have enough trouble catching a breath with Lillie in my lungs, add that much moisture to the air and it feels like breathing soup. I am hoping that Saturday is a nice day. I know it isn't suppose to rain, the high is 84, I am just hoping that the humidity will not be bad. We'll be basically on the water and should have a good breeze, so I am hopeful.

Well kids, I think I am going to wrap this up and get those few small things done. It is 6:00 here and I have decided to get in the shower at 8:00. I have plenty of time, but I am ready to get moving in one way or another. I hope you all have a fantastic day today. Don't be surprised if I don't blog again until Monday, I will be very busy soaking it all up. Today is spa day, tomorrow is doctor and then everyone here, Saturday is the shower and then everyone here and then Sunday everyone leaves (I am trying not to think about that because I anticipate it being a very difficult day for me). Monday Tancy's back to day shift and I'll be by myself again. Maybe Lillie will decide to make her appearance soon.

Anyway, have a wonderful day. You can reach out and touch the weekend from here! I hope you enjoy yours as much as I plan to enjoy mine!

Love to all!

Hello all. I hope this finds you all doing well today. It's Wednesday, hump day. Yay! Tomorrow my Mom, cousin (Larisa) & Aunt (Jan-E-Poo) all arrive. I don't know if I will see my Aunt or not tomorrow. I'll expect not to and be pleasantly surprised if I do. I'll pick Mom up first and about an hour and a half later we snag Larisa. Then the three of us head for some time at the spa to relax and beautify! Haha! I am looking forward to that too!

Yesterday, believe it or not, I did manage to dust the living room!! It really took alot to muster enough energy to get it done. I don't know what my problem is... I have go no juice left in my battery these last few days. So I got that done and had to sit down. LOL. Ridiculous when I think about it, but very true. Tancy got in around 6:15 I guess, we had just long enough to take the puppies out to potty, freshen up and head out to meet friends for dinner. We got there just minutes before them and got a table.That was entertaining, the girl sat us at a booth, which is fine (although scooting my rotund self in has become a task), I actually prefer to sit at a booth usually. However, when I went to sit down I quickly noticed that my belly was NOT going to squeeze in and the table was bolted so there was no moving it one direction or the other. I managed to catch the girl before she left and explained the issue, whilst rubbing my belly. She kindly moved us to another table. We just laughed.

So they got there just behind us and we said our hellos. It's always great to see Gary and now we got to meet his new love interest. Very nice guy, good looking, personable and easy to talk to... no shockers there, that's just what I would expect for and from Gary. We had a great dinner, we laughed, we talked, we got to know each other better. It was a good visit for certain. Sadly our new friend will be unable to attend the baby shower... luckily for him I am guessing. Haha! Before we knew it, it was after 9:00 and we started making our way to the door. I think we all could have stayed and talked much longer... but we all had early mornings ahead and they were cleaning up the restaurant around us. Tancy and I made a bee line home and were both exhausted beyond words. My eyes were literally rolling back in my head on the drive home.

When we got home we got our pajamas on and crawled into bed. I was ready for sleep immediately, Tancy was about a half a second behind me. I slept hard. I guess it was right at 10:00 by the time we got in bed, I woke up just after 1:00 for a potty run. I woke up again just before Tancy's alarm clock went off. I did NOT want to get up. But I did. Normal routine, coffee, pups out, pups in, pups fed, made sandwich. I really could have gone back to bed... but since the two days prior were completely unproductive I decided against that. Instead I thought I would hit it early. When Tancy left I went to the back to get dressed. I was out the door by 6:15.

I went to the Wal-Mart closest to the house and got the things that I wasn't going to get at Sam's. I had everything on my list and was home by 7:20! Not bad. I unloaded everything and put it all away. I made another potty stop and headed out for The Sam's Club. I was in Hickory for 8:00, incredibly proud of myself and my early start. I would probably have time to go home, unload everything and put it away and even, maybe, take a nap before moving on to the next task at this rate. Then came the hiccup... Sam's doesn't open till 10:00 unless you have a business membership! Ok, so I head over to Target just to kill some time. I find something for both Dad's for Father's Day. I pick up a few things and a magazine to occupy me during my wait and I check out. I go to Sam's and see that people are coming in and out, what seems like alot of people, so I decide to see if I can get in. I ask the lady and she says "It's business only from 7:00 - 10:00. You can only get in if you have a business membership." I thank her and turn to leave and this is when my feathers get ruffled... She says to me, as I am turning to walk out "That's what the sign outside is for!" If she hadn't been a senior citizen I might have said something ugly to her... but I refrained. I don't know why that rubbed me so wrong, but it definitely did. I even contemplated getting what I needed elsewhere... trouble with that was that I would pay alot more some place else... that's why I was there. So I silently stewed in my car while I read the People magazine I had picked up at Target. I saw many, many people do the same thing I had done... only instead of waiting, they left.

Finally at 10:00 they let us in, and not a second before 10:00 Buddy, you can believe that! It seems silly to me, why wouldn't they want to make everyone's money any time the doors are open?! It's a week day morning for crying out loud, how many nonbusiness people are getting in the way of the business people?! Anyway, I started on my list, making my way down the appropriate isles and steering clear of the isles that didn't have something on my list (this is how I spend more money than I need to... by going down every isle).There were a few items that they didn't have, so once I had gotten everything I needed there I headed to check out. I was tired, ready for a nap, hot, sweaty and just ready to be done. But next I had to go to the Wal-Mart next door and get the items that they didn't have at Sam's, only because they were key items.... otherwise I would have scratched them off and gotten them later. I piled everything into the back of the car, all the cold stuff in the cooler and off I went.

I went through Wal-Mart like a sprinter! I just wanted to get what I needed, get the hell out and get home. I was dreading unloading everything and putting it all away on my own. I was having some Braxton Hicks, I was sweating and having trouble catching my breath. I got everything I needed and got to check out. Somehow I picked the worlds oldest check out lady. I am serious, she had to be in her 80's! She was sweet (unlike that old bitty at Sam's), but bless her heart, she just had trouble with that new fangled technology. We got through it, luckily I only had a few items. I got out to the car to find a bit pick up truck parked to close (on the drivers side of course) to my car. Ugh. There was someone in the passenger seat and I almost asked him to move the damn thing over. Pregnancy hormones must be making me irritable cause my threshold for bullshit is not very big! I kept my mouth shut and just put my stuff in the car. I left out of there and hit a drive thru for something to eat and was on my way home.

I think lunch was a good idea, it seemed to give me the energy I needed to get everything unloaded. I managed to get everything packed in without passing out. Yay me! LOL. You know, if you have ever been to Sam's, everything is packaged big, so I basically packed everything in one item at a time. Ugh. And the steps suck!! I got it all in though. Then I had to start putting it all away. Little by little I managed it. I put the cold stuff up first. Then I started on the pantry items. Lastly I put away toiletry stuff. I didn't think I was going to find room for all of it... but I did. I was pretty proud of myself to be honest. And just as I finished getting it all put away a wave of sit down and be still hit so hard I thought I'd have to sit down in the floor right where I was. Thankfully I made it to the couch. I balanced the check book (cause I just spent ALOT of money) and then made sure I didn't go over Mom's budget (as per her request... but can she trust me is the question? Haha!). Then I typed up address labels for thank you notes. My hand goes numb and/or hurts so quickly that I don't think I can hand write all the addresses after the baby shower. So I first printed labels with our address on them for the return labels. Then I took all the addresses that I had for the invitation list and put them in the label format. I didn't print them because I don't know if I will have to add or remove people, but its all there. I just have to make any necessary adjustments and hit print. That will make it go alot faster this time than it did for Louisiana. Pretty proud of myself for that one!

I talked to Mom for a minute. But honestly I am so tired my brains just wouldn't focus on our conversation. So we wrapped it up and said our bye's... She'll be here in less than 24 hours! I can't wait. I am hoping to get our bathroom cleaned this evening. Right now I am not moving off the couch though. I took out some ground meat for dinner, thinking about a throw-together spaghetti. Sounds good to me. I don't have anything else on my agenda. I was hoping the rain would stop long enough to get the stuff out to the shed... but again... even if it did, I don't think I could summon enough energy to make it happen.

Tomorrow I'll get up with Tancy like usual and get ready, once she leaves, to go to the airport. I'll have plenty of time. I'll get them, we'll have some pamper us time and after we all get home we will leave for dinner out. No sense in ruining a good relaxing evening with cooking at that point. Then Friday morning is my doctors appointment. Mom wants to go. I haven't talked to Larisa. Tancy's going to stay home though, so I figure Larisa will hang out till we get back. Then we'll come home and Aunt Jan and Britt should be getting to the house to hang out, paint on the wall, etc. Tancy has PT at 3:00. We will be cooking and hanging out and I am just really excited!!

I think that's all I got kids. I just wanted to give you a quick update on yesterday and today. I'm gonna put this computer away and clear my brains for a bit. I hope you all have a great day and a wonderful evening at home.

Love to all!

Wow. I have been incredibly unproductive today... what is that about?!

I got up and got dressed, got the puppies loaded up and headed out to take them to the groomer. I tried a new approach getting them ready... Hemmi gets incredibly excited about leaving. He coo's like a dove, it's the weirdest thing you have ever heard. So, in all our "conditioning" of the dogs to all types of things I decided to try something to help him settle down. I got their leashes out of the pantry and instantly he started. And it's the kind of sound that makes you want to laugh and irritates you at the same time. I just walked around the house doing this and that with the leashes in my hand until he settled a bit. Then I put their leashes on them. He kicked it back up a notch, so I continued to move about the house doing things and letting them just walk around with the leashes on them. Just letting him settle in and calm down some. Not until he does do we start for the door. Now comes the real fun! I have to calm myself at this point, be ready for him to just go absolutely ape shit. As soon as I pick up the leash the cooing picks up again. When I touch the door knob, it gets even worse and he absolutely CANNOT sit still. I have to keep telling him to sit and stay. He listens, good boy. I open the door and have to continue with the "sit", "stay", "wait". I step outside the door and he listens and stays put. Scout is just chillin' waiting for the que. She's much more relaxed about it, until she gets her nose to the ground. So I say "ok" and they head out. I tell them "easy" so they don't pull me slap down the steps. They do very well and go gently down the steps. We get to the truck and Hemmi wants in before the door is even open. The process starts again, "sit", "stay", "no". This is a bigger challenge than getting out of the door. I get the door open and after a few reminders I manage to get a few things moved from the back seat into the front to make room for them. Not until I give them the "ok" do they actually get in the truck. Ok, we are getting there.

Hemmi wouldn't sit down in the truck. This bothers me because if I had to slam on my breaks he could possibly be thrown into the front seat. I ask him repeatedly to sit. He, of course, does not. I start to get pissed and decide that wont help his attitude and its probably not going to make him sit either. So I just stop trying and drive on. I stop at BiLo before the groomer so I can get some more coffee. I can't run out of that while everyone is here... and if I stock up now I'll have enough through Lillie's arrival and all the family coming in. They were really good for that stop as well. They didn't try to get out, they didn't jump into the front seat, they just chilled in the truck. I was starting to relax a little more, thinking, maybe they are getting it.

We get to the groomers, a little shop down by the town square, parallel parking might I add! I feel my anxiety pick up, so they are going to pick up on that. I try to remain calm. I get out and tell them to wait. I come around to the passenger side, away from the traffic, and open the passenger door. They instantly want out. But I want them to wait and get out of the back half door. So I give them proper commands, grab their leashes and make them wait on me. At this point I am so proud of myself for using the right words, reinforcing what they already know and working so hard at it myself. I am also proud of them, they didn't pull me down the stairs, they didn't jump out into traffic, they really are doing pretty good. And in a second, that second where I tell them "ok", how I feel about it all changes!

They both jump out of the truck, pulling me in an instant. Scout has her nose to the ground and she's ready to be off to explore (typical lab). Hemmi, however, seems to have caught a case of the flying shits! It is truly terrible. Thankfully there's grass there cause it would have run out into the street otherwise. He got it on himself. They are both pulling leashes in opposite directions, so he also manages to get it on Scout as well. It's on Scout's leash and I manage to narrowly avoid getting it all over me my standing on the leash so she pulls it through the grass. OMG! I am mortified. I tell myself that all dogs poop, especially when they are nervous. But I can't help but feel irriatated with them pulling me and not listening. There are so many smells and sounds. I am sure they are freaked out. I just want them to stop pulling me, slow down and listen. I do manage to make it to the door and get them inside, at least I don't have traffic to worry about. I tell the girl at the counter that Hemmi had a nervous stomach and I think it's on both of them! She says no problem and takes them back. I am relieved to just not have their leashes in my hand, to not be in control at this point. I have to give yet another lady my information and tell her exactly what we want done. She is very nice. I can see the work space, it's just a gutted old building. I leave out and just want to get the truck away from the mud pie that Hemmi left before someone associates me with it and expects me to pick it up. I know I shouldn't feel that way, but its practically liquid and there's no way to "pick" it up!

I leave and head for home. In my brains I am thinking about what to do when I get home. Too many things, I can't focus on what I need to actually do. I get home, take all the CRAP out of the truck that shouldn't be in there, pack it in and put it all away. I think "Do I dust first or go clean the bath room?... Or do I take the stuff that goes out to the shed out first to get it out of my way?.... Or do I make my Wal-Mart run first?... Or how about laundry?... Strip the bed?" and I am exhausted! So I get something to eat because I am hungry. I try to refocus and decide where to start. No luck, I could go sound to sleep. Finally I give in and head for the back. I lay across the bed and try to catch a little cat nap. Maybe that will help me get moving. Just as I am feeling like I might sleep some the phone rings. It's Tancy. I tell her never again do I want to be left to take both dogs anywhere by myself. I tell her what happened and she of course thinks its hilarious. I do, at this point, but it wasn't this morning when it was happening. We talk for a bit and then she's got to go. While we are on the phone my Mom texts me to call her. So as soon as Tancy and I get off the phone I call Mom. We talk about groceries that I need to get. I have actually made one decision... that is while I am gone to get our groceries I am just going to get what we need for the weekend. So I need to make sure I have a complete list. We have a great conversation. We laugh. I have Mom laughing so much that she's fussing at me and telling me I'm going to get her into trouble. That doesn't stop the laughter and that just makes me want her here more. While we are on the phone I get the call from the groomer that the pups are ready to be picked up. I am both happy and apprehensive.

Ok, I have two stops to make before picking up the dogs. I need to go by GNC and take back the Glucosamine and Condroitin that I got for Tancy and get Ginko, which is apparently what I was suppose to get. I do that and then head to BiLo (Yes, I was just there this morning getting coffee) to get cream of shrimp soup for our weekend menu. Like the coffee, this is the only place in North Carolina, that I know of, where I can get cream of shrimp soup. I run in there right quick, and since they have buy one get one free on dressing I go ahead and get the italian dressing we need for our menu. Ok, I'm outta here! Off to get the pups. I get there, park at the scene of the crime and go in. I don't even know how bad they might have been or if Hemmi shit a mess all over the place after I left. Scout normally leaves her mark at the counter before she ever goes back... so I don't even know if she shit on them too! However, much to my delight as soon as I walk in they begin to tell me that they LOVE both dogs and would take them in a heart beat... that they were incredibly well behaved. Hemmi was a bit shaky while they did his nails... but gave in to licking the lady trimming them before it was all said and done. He was also, apparently, a little Houdini and let himself out of the kennel! But they went on and on about how well behaved they were and how much they just loved them both! Whew! I was so pleased to hear this. I just can't even tell ya!

The trouble started when they brought them out to me and they both proceeded to pull me around the front of the shop. I got out as quickly as I could for fear that one of the them would leave a present in the floor before we could get outside. When we get outside they both pee, but no shi-tastrophe! Yay! They do try to drag me to the truck. Again, so many sites, smells and sounds that they are unfamiliar with. I try to be understanding of what a challenge it must be for them... but it is incredibly irritating to me. I don't like being pushed, pulled, shoved or anything of the like by anyone or anything. It results in me being instantly pissed! We get to the truck, I take them around the drivers side, in traffic, to prevent them from getting in the poop. It's a bit of a challenge, but I don't get them or me hit by a car and finally we are all in the truck! Home James!

We get home and now we go through the same routine as we did leaving, only, obviously, in reverse. I make them wait till I say "ok" to get out of the truck. I make them sit for me to get a few things out of the truck. I take them to the front yard to potty because there's some grass there and they wont, hopefully, get muddy. Then we head inside. I tell them "easy" going up the stairs so they don't pull me up the stairs. They lsiten. We get to the door and they are made to wait to come in until I give them the signal. They have to sit once they are inside so I can take the leashes off of them. They move about the house and Scout plops herself down in the living room floor while Hemmi follows me around. I go back outside and get the rest of the stuff out of the truck that I couldn't get with them. The cream of shrimp soup, the Ginko and the trash in the truck. I pack it all in and put everything away. Hemmi just wants to be right under me, which also aggravates me. I finally settle down, ready to pass out just from that little bit and both dogs settle down and PASS OUT!

So here I sit, on the couch, Hemmi at the other end of this couch sleeping and Scout on the love seat sleeping... and I am wishing I was sleeping. I am exceedingly tired. That's the only way I know to explain it. I want so badly to get up and finish up what I have to do here. It's an hour, hour and a half worth of work max. But I just can't seem to muster up enough energy to make it happen. And the thought just occured to me that I need to figure out something for dinner tonight. I am tired of eating fast food... but I am tired in general and don't really want to cook. Ugh.

Ok, now it's time for the lessons that I have learned today. I am looking at today and seeing the lessons it has provided me for what is to come. A dog pooping in the grass is what dogs do. If a little poop bothers me I have such a rude awakening coming. If I am embarassed by a dog doing what it naturally does, I am going to have an even harder time with a kid! Getting frustrated isn't going to do anything but make it all worse, my attitude will only get worse and the dogs (or kids) will only feel that tension and their behavior will only get worse. To surmise, my lessons are, today and probably for many days to come, in what is truly embarassing, in my own behavior (it is possible to look like a jackass over something small) and in patience.

I am sure once Lillie is born some of my feelings on this subject will change. But I firmly believe that having pets, especially dogs, especially inside dogs, teaches you great lessons and prepares you for having a kid. I know there's someone reading this right now who disagrees so vehemently they are debating a response... but we are all entitled to our own opinions. I'll get back with you when Lillie is about a year old. But I can tell you, I experienced today what I know I have watched parents go through... to me the dogs were behaving horribly, I was trying to correct them. I ended up looking a bit like an asshole and to anyone else, the puppies were just being puppies. And at the end of it all, the people I left them with loved them and said how well behaved they were. The real problem was my reaction to them.

I don't know if that makes any sense to anyone but me... but I am trying, not only to train the dogs, but to learn more about myself each and every day. There are wonderful examples of places I could improve each and every day... the trick is me being able to see it.

Well, my dinner dilemna has been solved. We are having dinner with some friends of ours who we have been planning on having dinner with tonight for more than a week... I just wasn't sure if it would work out. It will work out. So, I am thinking I have about 3 hours till Tancy gets home and I would be happier to knock out at least one task before we go. Plus I need to freshen up a bit so I don't look so tired, knocked up and frumpish when we go to dinner. That means I need to get off of here!

With that said, let me wish you all a great evening. I am sure it's been a hellish day back to work after a long weekend. So I really hope that you can leave work shortly and head home for a great evening, relaxing, quiet and just exactly whatever it is that you need. I am sending each and every one of you all the positive energy I can muster... just send me your energy (so I can get my butt up off the couch). Haha!

Love to all!