Help!

As I'm trying to figure out the nursery. I'm in need of some help. Our nursery will remain neutral colors with the paint. (We are doing bead board on the bottom half of the wall and a "warm" beige on the upper wall. However, the bead board will be higher than half way with a shelf). Like this (except beige paint not blue):

That way it can remain the nursery for every baby without having to repaint, and the decor will be either boy or girl appropriate. I'm a little stuck on how I will decorate for this little one. I don't like the princess/diva stuff (I'll spare you my tangent but let's say I could devote a whole blog post on this subject). I prefer the bright colors to pastels. I'm thinking lady bugs but then I saw this picture from one of my email newsletter I receive. I love the wall pictures in this. The problem, in the newsletter it doesn't tell you where you can buy the decor. I'm on the hunt for this wall decor. PLEASE HELP! I love everything about these pictures. I love all the different tones of pink, and the bright colors.

Merry Christmas

We went back to PA for Christmas. We haven't been back for that length of time in 2 years, and it was wonderful. We soaked in as much family and friend time and it was marvelous. However, the trip didn't start out with great expectations. Brad came sick. We spent the night before our flight in the urgent care with him hoping they could give him something. It made him slightly better, but he wasn't healing. So back to an urgent care we went, where they increased his antibiotic and gave him some wonderful cough syrup with codeine. We tried every thing under the sun for his cough. Every medicine every wise tale with no avail. We tried the Vick's vapor rub on the feet which I've heard people swear by, but alas, that didn't work either. But luckily, the new drugs did the trick and he was much better on the return. At the urgent care in PA they gave him a bracelet. However, even the sickness didn't seem to damper our spirits too much.

Here we are celebrating Christmas with my mom's family.
Here I am with my cousin. We've been close since we were young. And we are both pregnant! Which is really not shocking to our family. She is around 15 weeks and I am now up to 24 weeks. Here we are with a bump picture. I couldn't resist it.

I loved his ear over his eye while he slept. This dog ate well. Everyone kept feeding him.

During our trip we went to NYC. I love the big Apple, love it. It feels like home to me. I love the sites and the sounds, not so much the smells. Here we are on board the train to take us to Penn Station.

We met some of our favorite people in the world. It was their youngest girl's birthday, who we loved to pieces, and she was surprised for the trip. They even kept us a secret. We ate at the most delicious Italian restaurant.

We saw the "Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall" a very festive show. This was actually the very first NYC show I ever saw, at 8 years old. My Nanny took me for my 8th birthday (I got to skip school that say and all!) I've been in love with shows ever since.

Of course, the photo opt must at the Rockefeller Center.

Breakfast with friends.

This is "Auntie LuLu" as my children will refer to her as. She is my longest friend. We've been friends for 18 years. If we were Catholic she would be our little Apple's godmother, we aren't but I still think it's cute so I'll refer to her as such.

Christmas with my Dad's family - it was so nice visit everyone.

Brad with my uncle. If you can't tell the resemblance of my uncle and my dad. They speak "computers" with each other.

My aunt and my Nanny.

My brother and his family and an aunt. The baby he is holding is the sweetest little thing. I took all these pictures of her while I was there, but I realized I did them all on my mom's camera. I'm going through with drawls from her.

Birthday Celebration

So I got this shiny beauty for my birthday/Christmas. It's so pretty I don't want to messy it up with my finger prints. The screen is nice and big and it actually runs longer than 15 minutes with out it being plugged in!! Yes, I know this means I part with my old one, which served me faithfully, but it is going to a good home, my dad. Yes, my dad actually said he would like it. My Nanny got him a kindle a few years ago and little by little he is accepting technology. The man even checks his email daily.

My birthday was a wonderful day. I decided to give Brad his Christmas gift early on my birthday. We took a half day of work and went a received a couples romantic massage package at beautiful resort. Oh, my was it heavenly. We then made reservations at their fancy shmancy restaurant and ate a glorious dinner.

In the lobby of the resort was this gingerbread house - Hogwartz Castle.

Awesome

I often wonder how different my work day would be if this was my office and the furry one is my associate.

And I think, "It would be AWESOME."

No turning Back

My job was posted today.

It's bittersweet.

I can't tell you how blessed I feel to have the opportunity to stay home and raise my children. We've worked hard to get to this point. I've raised so many other people's kids I'm looking forward to the rewards of raising my own. I can't wait to teach them, love them, and not so much the discipline them part, but you get the idea. However, there is some sadness. I loved my job. Some days more than others depending on who I had to interact with. But I enjoyed the challenges, the projects, the team work experiences, and the sharing of new ideas (and even better when they were successful). I really enjoyed working for my boss. When I first started, and maybe I shouldn't be admitting this but he's gone now, the boss I started with drove me crazy. Leaving wouldn't have been so hard had he still been here. But my new boss has taught me so much. He is a great teacher and he loved to teach. I enjoyed being under his direction. I can honestly say I have never learned more from anyone [ in the professional world] than from him. Now, I remind him [daily] that I would love a part time assignment that I can do from home. However, I know it can be difficult with budgeting, but I can try!

Anyway, I think there is always a bittersweet feeling at the end of a chapter. I have loved this chapter of my life [our life] and so with sadness/fondness I close it. That doesn't mean I'm not excited or looking forward to [with some anxiety] the next one. I know I will love it as much and probably more. But as I said, there is no turning back, and I'm happy about that.

Fascinating

This little gummy bear...



Grew into this baby (GIRL).

How to have an Itch-Free Night

Baby Oil: Check Bio Oil: Check

Cocoa Butter Lotion: Check

I have two strikes against me for trying to have itch-free nights. It's winter and my mid section is stretching. You will find plenty of products on the market advertising prevention of stretch marks, and yes, I have them all. Most people seem to just laugh at me and say, "Good luck" but I don't see the hurt in trying. Some of the products are my own creation, such as the baby oil. However, it seems to keep my skin hydrated which is one of the goals of avoiding stretch marks so it can't hurt. Also it feels so good on an itchy body.

Steps:

1. Apply the baby oil while in the shower or bath

2. After you are dried apply the bio oil (apparently this is the newest and hottest thing on the market).

3. Just in case the other two didn't get all of it smother on the cocoa butter (which, by the way, many women have sworn by works to prevent stretch marks)

4. Ahhhh. It's heaven to an itchy girls skin.

Because I just Have to...

Am I the only one? I get annoyed when people tailgate me when I'm driving through residential streets, especially I'm going an appropriate speed for the area (which is not below the posted speed limit). So when I do get tailgated I slow down. By about 15 to 20 miles per hour. I think it's funny, no?

I iz going Mom...

I iz going to Hogwartz mom, and I iz going to be a gryffindor.

This is the scarf I knitted for the Harry Potter Premiere. I ran out of time, so I had to knit it very quickly. There are many, many flaws, and it's a bit tad short. However, it came out and it served it's purpose. However, I think it might fit a little boy in the Midwest who just started reading/listening to Harry Potter with his mom, who I don't think would mind the flaws. (Maybe ?)

Sniff** Sniff**

I thought my precious laptop was a gonner. I've had this beauty for 5 1/2 years - ancient in the tech world. However, there is no other inanimate object I have bonded so closely with. This thing has my blood, sweat and tears. Okay, maybe not the blood part,but sweat and tears for sure. All those long nights together wondering if I'll finish my final or if I'll even be able to start it. The emotional break downs I had while typing on it. Really, it brings a human and laptop together.

However, I married a techy and he worked his magic and the laptop is back! I was not ready to part from it.

Sorry, for the blur my camera's flash was off and as soon as I snapped the pic the battery was drained. Notice how the kitchen table is Brad's work bench? Notice the gun. Yeah, maybe that is what Santa needs to bring him... or me.

A Humble Request

Dear Friends and Family,

I have an odd request. If I am linked on your blog (which I'm honored if I am) could you just use our first names please?

I'm well aware that if someone wants to find us they will, and yes, I do have a facebook account, but I would just like to take this one (small) precaution.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

I Surprise Myself Sometimes

My dad has always been an avid Sherlock Holmes reader and loyal fan - which is why I steered clear of them. I thought they were a bit too above my reading level. But on a recent trip with my parents and my dad's handy dandy Kindle he tried to get me hooked.

My first story I read was, "A Scandal in Bohemia" where "the woman" is introduced. The strong, intelligent, and witty Irene Adler. I love a story with a strong woman. And well, I LOVED it. The stories aren't anything I thought they would be. I've been going online to read them. My dad received a new Kindle for his birthday so he his sending me his old one with all the complete works of Sherlock Holmes.

Honestly, I dare you, read them if you haven't.

That's it - I'm done.

So I had all the pregnancy books. I was reading them religiously, however, you want to know something? They were making me go CrAzY! I was turning into a paranoid weirdo. I was worried from the temperature of the water in my shower to various cramping and other weird things going on in my body (which is going to happen!!) I finally took the plunge and threw them away. And I feel so much better. I told my doctor he better just tell me the no's no's because I threw them out, and luckily he supported my decision.

Apple's Beat

I heard the Apple's heart beat today. It's such a beautiful sound. The big day of the ultra sound is November 19th, WOO-HOO!!

It's November and I'm Grateful

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays (okay, let's be honest, I love every holiday) and it's highly anticipated. I don't know if it's all the food I let myself indulge in coupled with a relaxing day, or if it's the next day that I look forward to. I do love having a four day weekend, and I have one man to thank for this, him:



As Thanksgiving draws near I thought it would be nice reminder to see the actual proclamation written by Abraham Lincoln proclaiming it a holiday (or I should, reiterating it a holiday, Washington proclaimed it a holiday but it was not celebrated consistently), and the reason behind for such a holiday. Lincoln had a way of turning words into elegant touching beauty.

**EDIT: I realize this is hard to read you can catch a copy here: http://www.infoplease.com/spot/tgproclamation.html

InSpIrE

I saw this on a website, I don't know where it originated. It looks like it's a quote based off of a quote by H.Q. Wells, and I liked it.

New addition

This is my sweet new niece. She is also my namesake - Okay, I really don't know that but we both share the same middle name so I'm going to say she is named after me and toot my own horn :) But I think she is adorable.

I can't get enough

I can't get enough of this candy, either can Brad. It's not sold in every grocery store, so when I finally did find a grocery store that had it, I bought 5 pounds of it. Yep, I have 5 pounds of it in my house. I probably eat about 50 pieces a day.

The Good,the Bad, and the Ugly

The Good: Currently, I am at home being lazy with my two favorite girls.

The Bad: I ruined two perfectly good dresses (one mine the other my SIL's) - however, it's washable.

The Ugly: Getting sick on myself while driving on the freeway in my Halloween costume... TWICE. (I got sick on my drive into work. Stopped at my SILs who let me clean up and found me some other black dresses to wear. Attempted to finally get to work, while on the way got sick again. This time I gave up and went home).

Verdict: Not my morning, however if you could see me now you might say it was in deed my morning.

Apple of my... womb?

At 15 weeks, this is the current size of my baby, who I will refer to as Apple (no, that will not be the name of the child just the nickname for the blog - it makes a cute nickname). I've learned I'm a little behind on this whole baby thing. Everyone keeps asking me, "Have you signed up with this baby site yet? Or this one?" And the answer is no. To be honest, I know I'm pregnant but it's still a little surreal. I still don't feel pregnant. I've been very lucky; my sickness has been minimal. And on the occasion I do get sick, I'm relieved because it reassures me everything is okay. I learned this was how my mom was too. But I digress, I finally got on the ball and signed up for baby center. It sends you daily updates of what is going on in your body and the baby's. I love it. However, the daily updated reminded me that I have 175 days to go! I still have a list of 1,000 things to do! I talked my dad into (and really there is no having to talk him into it I asked and he said, "Of course) to come out in February to be the "Project Manager" for our up coming project, "Prepare for Baby." Because really in a state of panic, distress, and chaos there is no better man to lead. Thank goodness. However, I keep pushing things off by going, "I'll just wait for dad to do that." Or "I'll just wait to go shopping with mom for that." Maybe once I know the sex I'll get more into the shopping thing. I won't know until Thanksgiving. I hope it comes soon.

What took us so long?

Our dogs are notorious for their lack of walking skills. They are constant pullers, and then when they actually see something pull worthy it's a disaster. We tried all the humane tactics to train the dogs to stop pulling, however it was to no avail. I finished reading, "Animals Make us Human" by Temple Gardin. She gave the most incredible insights into these furry friends we love and cherish like family. She said when you are walking your dog and it has the leash that attaches to the collar (around the neck) the dogs will pull because pulling alleviates the pressure and/or pain the leash strains on their neck, giving the dog instant gratification, therefore reinforcing the behavior of pulling. She said harnesses are a successful tool because it distributes the pressure on the whole upper torso, therefore the dog shouldn't have to pull to alleviate the pressure. So we decided to try them. And HOLY COW are they amazing. I couldn't believe the difference in their walking. It is actually easy to walk both dogs by yourself now. Now, don't get me wrong when they see another dog, skate board, little child etc. they will pull like crazy however the constant pulling during the walk has stopped. I've been converted.

Because I spent many a days (and nights) in this library.

Why my CEO is better than yours :)

Because my CEO rented out a theatre on November 18th (that's right folks a day before the release date) and the company with their guest will get to watch the first part of this Epic Finale . Did I ever mention how much I LOVE this series? I. AM. SO. EXCITED. I wish I was better at knitting so I could make Gryffindor Scarfs.

What would Freud Say (I don't think I want to know)

My dreams are keeping me from a restful night’s sleep. They are off the wall and intense. I heard that dreams become vivid and frequent with my “condition” but this is getting out of hand. I spend my nights engaged in all out war with zombies and monsters. In every dream loved ones are involved, including my dogs. However, Brad has yet to be in them. I am married to Brad in the dream but he is off fighting too just not with me.
After these dreams I do not wake up rested; I wake sore, tense, and emotional. I wake up with knots in my back and neck and stiff muscles like they’ve been worked to their full potential. However, I do have to admit I am quite the skilled fighter in these dreams. Seriously, people you should see me with a blow torch gun saving my nieces from a 5 horned lizard man. I even shock myself. Then once with a zombie who was going after Sydney, this one is a dozy. I got him unconscious on the ground (I will spare you the details of how I got him unconscious and on the ground) and then I found a hose. One end I attached to a gas line (I have no idea how) with the other end I shoved into his mouth and pumped him full; lit a match and bye bye zombie.
Do you see what I mean??? Crazy, intense?? I need help people! Major help. I cannot keep dreaming like this. What do I do??? Any ideas how to alter my dreams? Should I eat ice cream before bed? Not eat something? HELP!!!

Let's talk dirty

What is the run down on cloth diapers? By what I'm reading they have certainly come a long way from what I pictured them as (the white diapers with the safety pin). Who has tried them? Who liked them? What do I need to know? My biggest concern is the clean up. I'm not too keen on having poop in my washing machine or going down my drains other than the toilet drain. Words of advice please. (Just for the record: while out running errands or visiting family/friends I would still use disposable - I don't want to have to be carrying around dirty cloths on top of everything else. However, if you were one of those that only used cloth please tell me how you did it). Also if I have any strangers reading this blog, I know I think I'm that cool [it's because I read complete strangers blogs so I think everyone does it :)], please don't be shy.

THANKS!

A Glimpse

Over the weekend we watched this movie:

And, well, I couldn't help but think if/when Brad and his brother Chris are old and maybe widowed this would be them.

In Case you're Wondering

Yes, I got both.