There are no two people in this world that are more different than my husband and I.
Seriously - NO two married people have such different opinions, personalities, interests, and all around views than Dain and I do. I mean, when Paula Abdul sang "Opposites Attract", she must have been singing about us. (Now I'm thinking about the awesomeness that is that video and I must post it).
Ahh, a nice break. Now back to my story... Per my previous post I had determined it was time to get going on some things for this kid. Namely, the crib. We need to just start making decisions and moving forward. We have to purchase things slowly since we're not made of money...and if we want to spread them out...we have to start now!
We went to Babies R Us yesterday. Basically we just wanted to look at some cribs in person (since we hadn't yet), and check out the car seat that I love but have only seen online.
Dain was immediately amazed by the sheer amount of STUFF that is in that store. Babies require a lot of crap - but there is a surplus of bonus items in that store that don't really make sense to me. Add to that the fact that there's a portrait studio in that particular store, and you get an overwhelming experience for Dain.
We meandered through the aisles and wound up at the car seats - and we both really liked the one I had posted about a month ago. I was thrilled...we were agreeing on this stuff and it would be easy.
Until...
We got to the furniture section and that was that. For some unknown reason we're having a full on argument about the style of the furniture - and why we're not just buying a new dresser that matches the crib we pick, instead of painting the old dresser to go in the room. AHH. Dain thinks we should have all new things for the all new baby, that match and are the same color/wood. He likes the styles of cribs that I hate, and basically hates what I like. I was excited to paint the dresser to put my own "stamp" on the furniture, and don't care that we may have a colored dresser and wood crib/changing table. On the way home, it basically came to him telling me to just decide on whatever, and he'll live with it. I refuse to do this.
This is our life. Compromise because we're so different. Our version of compromise is that one person just sucks it up and deals with the other person's decision - it's never an actual compromise.
I don't know how the crib saga will end up, stay tuned. But, at least we like the same car seat!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Get Crackin'
It's time for me to get off my growing butt and start getting things done!
According to my books, and this one website I frequent - I should start a lot more of the planning process about now!
Here's what I need to be doing:
1. Researching Child Care Options
2. Starting a Registry for Baby Items
3. Looking at Life Insurance
These are big items...a bit daunting - but I can handle it. In fact, I called the Child Care Resource & Referral Network today, and got a list of providers in my area, both in-home and centers. I tend to prefer those who provide care in-home...I just think it's a more authentic environment. I don't know. Anywho - I can start making calls whenever I want now. That's a big task!
I have started to look at things online - obviously - but have not committed to where I will register. I want to do something like a Babies R Us and then an online site that carries some of the cloth diapers I want. (There will be an update blog on that soon). Plus, registering means I'll actually have to make decisions on things that I will want/need for this little booger. I'm not good at decisions.
SIDENOTE: I have my ultrasound on July 5th - and as looking as Petunia is cooperating - we'll find out the sex!!!
According to my books, and this one website I frequent - I should start a lot more of the planning process about now!
Here's what I need to be doing:
1. Researching Child Care Options
2. Starting a Registry for Baby Items
3. Looking at Life Insurance
These are big items...a bit daunting - but I can handle it. In fact, I called the Child Care Resource & Referral Network today, and got a list of providers in my area, both in-home and centers. I tend to prefer those who provide care in-home...I just think it's a more authentic environment. I don't know. Anywho - I can start making calls whenever I want now. That's a big task!
I have started to look at things online - obviously - but have not committed to where I will register. I want to do something like a Babies R Us and then an online site that carries some of the cloth diapers I want. (There will be an update blog on that soon). Plus, registering means I'll actually have to make decisions on things that I will want/need for this little booger. I'm not good at decisions.
SIDENOTE: I have my ultrasound on July 5th - and as looking as Petunia is cooperating - we'll find out the sex!!!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Appreciative
It's been awhile, eh?
I've had quite the week. My cousin passed away last week, after a long fight with cancer and brain tumors. She was truly a wonderful person - proven by the fact that over 1,500 people showed up to the wake Friday night. It was a tough weekend, but a wonderful tribute. Going through the weekend just made me more appreciative of my family and friends. I'm so lucky to have all of you in my life.
Oddly enough - my sister's planned visit from Las Vegas was this weekend as well. It was nice to spend time with her and my nephew who it had been TOO LONG since I'd seen. I'm posting some pictures of my favorite 3 kids (my niece and 2 nephews) from this weekend, as well as a photo of my sisters and dad and I. It was a perfect weekend to spend with family...
Amelia-cakes "fishing" in the pool.
The boys (Adam & Joey) enjoying some lounge time on the deck.
My sisters, dad and I (with Adam hanging on to his mommy). My dad is wearing that t-shirt just for me.
I've had quite the week. My cousin passed away last week, after a long fight with cancer and brain tumors. She was truly a wonderful person - proven by the fact that over 1,500 people showed up to the wake Friday night. It was a tough weekend, but a wonderful tribute. Going through the weekend just made me more appreciative of my family and friends. I'm so lucky to have all of you in my life.
Oddly enough - my sister's planned visit from Las Vegas was this weekend as well. It was nice to spend time with her and my nephew who it had been TOO LONG since I'd seen. I'm posting some pictures of my favorite 3 kids (my niece and 2 nephews) from this weekend, as well as a photo of my sisters and dad and I. It was a perfect weekend to spend with family...
Amelia-cakes "fishing" in the pool.
The boys (Adam & Joey) enjoying some lounge time on the deck.
My sisters, dad and I (with Adam hanging on to his mommy). My dad is wearing that t-shirt just for me.
Monday, June 16, 2008
4 Months - Look Out World
Holy Crap! I made it to 4 months. I made it through the terrible nausea and vomiting. I made it through the fatigue so bad I wanted to sleep at my desk all day. I made it to showing a lot more than I thought I would be at this point.
Yes, welcome to Belly Town...Population: me.
16+ Weeks and here I am
I hope it's possible to widen doorways by the time I make it to 9 months!
Yes, welcome to Belly Town...Population: me.
16+ Weeks and here I am
I hope it's possible to widen doorways by the time I make it to 9 months!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Penny or Lenny?
No these aren't the names I'm choosing for Petunia...
I'm writing a post about Penny - my Golden Retriever - and how her morning affected me.
Our dog is 3 years old, though she acts like a new puppy. She's the most excited, loving dog I maybe have ever come across. She thinks she's a lapdog, always trying to curl up slightly on top of you on the couch. She likes to jump up and greet every person that comes in the door. She never tires of walks, treats, her rubber donut (probably #6 in a series), or being patted on the butt. She just wants to love everyone...sometimes a little too much....
This morning at about 7:00 Dain leads Penny outside on her leash to do her morning business. I was sitting on the couch, lavishing in the fact that I don't have to be at work until 8:30 on Fridays. From inside I hear Dain screeching at Penny - though I can't make out what he was saying. I make it to the door to have him push Penny in the house, and give me a sad look. It seems Penny found a baby bunny in our bushes in the backyard, and apparently tried to drag it out to play...but that doesn't work when you're a big dog, and a baby bunny is, well, a baby bunny. The bunny didn't make it...and I cried for a good 20 minutes, and berated my poor dog who was probably just trying to make a friend. I can't help myself though. Have you MET me? I want to save every animal on the planet. I don't eat meat, won't wear leather, don't buy any products that test on animals, my checks benefit IDA, and want to hug on every animal I see. So, I guess that makes Penny and I alike in a sense. Thankfully for Petunia, I can control my "love".
I will refer to her for at LEAST the rest of the day as Lenny...who just wanted to love those rabbits. (Read Of Mice And Men, or go see the play, people).
Here she is with her new summer do.
I'm writing a post about Penny - my Golden Retriever - and how her morning affected me.
Our dog is 3 years old, though she acts like a new puppy. She's the most excited, loving dog I maybe have ever come across. She thinks she's a lapdog, always trying to curl up slightly on top of you on the couch. She likes to jump up and greet every person that comes in the door. She never tires of walks, treats, her rubber donut (probably #6 in a series), or being patted on the butt. She just wants to love everyone...sometimes a little too much....
This morning at about 7:00 Dain leads Penny outside on her leash to do her morning business. I was sitting on the couch, lavishing in the fact that I don't have to be at work until 8:30 on Fridays. From inside I hear Dain screeching at Penny - though I can't make out what he was saying. I make it to the door to have him push Penny in the house, and give me a sad look. It seems Penny found a baby bunny in our bushes in the backyard, and apparently tried to drag it out to play...but that doesn't work when you're a big dog, and a baby bunny is, well, a baby bunny. The bunny didn't make it...and I cried for a good 20 minutes, and berated my poor dog who was probably just trying to make a friend. I can't help myself though. Have you MET me? I want to save every animal on the planet. I don't eat meat, won't wear leather, don't buy any products that test on animals, my checks benefit IDA, and want to hug on every animal I see. So, I guess that makes Penny and I alike in a sense. Thankfully for Petunia, I can control my "love".
I will refer to her for at LEAST the rest of the day as Lenny...who just wanted to love those rabbits. (Read Of Mice And Men, or go see the play, people).
Here she is with her new summer do.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Handcrafted is Best
All this talk of me handpainting a crib just goes to show you that I really love handmade items.
I've always been a bit of a creator. As I mentioned in previous posts, I make things. I make jewelry fairly regularly (though not since Petunia has taken up residence), I sew, I paint, I make anything for my house that I possibly can make myself instead of buying in stores.
On that note - there's a website I love called "Etsy" which is basically a big marketplace of homemade stuff. I went on yesterday just to browse...I did a search for "diaper bag" and there were like 300 pages of items!! Some of which MAY not be diaper bag appropriate as far as fabric goes - but I say WHO CARES!?! I have to carry it - and I don't see myself carrying a traditional waterproofy-type bag...
SO here are some of the cutes that I got to: there are WAY more - but I think they're fantastic - and ALL are handmade!
Next search - BEDDING!
I've always been a bit of a creator. As I mentioned in previous posts, I make things. I make jewelry fairly regularly (though not since Petunia has taken up residence), I sew, I paint, I make anything for my house that I possibly can make myself instead of buying in stores.
On that note - there's a website I love called "Etsy" which is basically a big marketplace of homemade stuff. I went on yesterday just to browse...I did a search for "diaper bag" and there were like 300 pages of items!! Some of which MAY not be diaper bag appropriate as far as fabric goes - but I say WHO CARES!?! I have to carry it - and I don't see myself carrying a traditional waterproofy-type bag...
SO here are some of the cutes that I got to: there are WAY more - but I think they're fantastic - and ALL are handmade!
Next search - BEDDING!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Productive Weekend
Well - I hit 15 weeks yesterday - almost 4 months in! Lately I had been feeling like I hadn't really done anything for the baby yet. Like, it wasn't really changing much around me. Well, besides my continually growing bump that Dain's relatives were all over at his cousin's graduation party - and the fact that I couldn't have a beer there...
This weekend made me feel like I was making steps forward to get ready for kiddo. We finally were getting our new carpet installed in our upstairs on Saturday -and to me this meant it was the perfect time to get rid of the crap we don't need, and get the extra rooms changed around.
A few evenings last week we went through our closet to rid ourselves of old clothes that don't fit, etc. We emptied out our computer desk as it was going to the St. Peter's Barn Sale as a donation. We cleaned out our board game selections to about 1/2 the size of our former stash. We also went through our books so that we could donate to others to enjoy. We gave Kohl (Dain's brother) the TV in our office that never was used, and donated the VCR that went to college with me. It felt great! As I mentioned in a previous blog - I'm a HUGE pack-rat - but I finally allowed myself to get some things out of my house, as we're going to have a lot to move in!
Saturday morning bright and early, Kohl came over to help move the desk outside...and we loaded the boxes and bags of our other donation items outside as well. I loved seeing the people from the Barn Sale coming to pick the items up. It felt like a weight off my shoulders. This, all at the same time that two men were upstairs putting in beautiful new carpeting that will increase our home value!
Once the carpet-layers were done - we got the twin bed in the office (now with a lower amount of furniture as the desk and TV were gone). We got everything set up again, and it was great.
Our guest bedroom is now all ready to become a nursery!
All I have to do is paint, get a crib, figure out the decor, get a rocking chair, get a changing table, paint the dresser....
This weekend made me feel like I was making steps forward to get ready for kiddo. We finally were getting our new carpet installed in our upstairs on Saturday -and to me this meant it was the perfect time to get rid of the crap we don't need, and get the extra rooms changed around.
A few evenings last week we went through our closet to rid ourselves of old clothes that don't fit, etc. We emptied out our computer desk as it was going to the St. Peter's Barn Sale as a donation. We cleaned out our board game selections to about 1/2 the size of our former stash. We also went through our books so that we could donate to others to enjoy. We gave Kohl (Dain's brother) the TV in our office that never was used, and donated the VCR that went to college with me. It felt great! As I mentioned in a previous blog - I'm a HUGE pack-rat - but I finally allowed myself to get some things out of my house, as we're going to have a lot to move in!
Saturday morning bright and early, Kohl came over to help move the desk outside...and we loaded the boxes and bags of our other donation items outside as well. I loved seeing the people from the Barn Sale coming to pick the items up. It felt like a weight off my shoulders. This, all at the same time that two men were upstairs putting in beautiful new carpeting that will increase our home value!
Once the carpet-layers were done - we got the twin bed in the office (now with a lower amount of furniture as the desk and TV were gone). We got everything set up again, and it was great.
Our guest bedroom is now all ready to become a nursery!
All I have to do is paint, get a crib, figure out the decor, get a rocking chair, get a changing table, paint the dresser....
Friday, June 6, 2008
Cribs (Not on MTV)
I'm loving this blog right now! It's great to be able to get the feedback from everyone on everything - especially the "stuff" I'm considering. I mean - 12 comments on my bassinet? I LOVE IT! (And now, I'm a blog dork).
So in the interest of keeping the opinions going...I'm going to bring up the crib. Get those comments ready!
I'm looking (online) at cribs. There are a million cribs out there, and they range in price from about $200 to $15,000! (I'm not kidding, I saw one for $14,995 on a website the other day). I'm a TERRIBLE decision maker...and in this case it's worse because I can't even decide on a style. I am a creative person, and I like to have unique looking items, usually in the retro or antique or earthy categories. However, these qualities aren't incorporating themselves into my crib search. The one thing I'd really LIKE is a crib that's a color...I love color. But, the cribs with color options are few and far between, and usually in the high price range.
Here are the things I'm taking into consideration:
1. I have a dresser that will be a part of the baby's room. However, it can be painted/stained. Still, I want to keep that dresser's style and look in mind.
2. I would like to have a convertible crib (that can turn into a toddler bed when the kid is too old for the bars).
3. Price is a factor. We're not loaded.
Here are some of the cribs I've been drawn to and why:
1. I like this one because it would go well with the dresser that I mentioned before that is already in the room. It's simple and a bit retro-ish. Cons: it's fairly low to the ground.
2. Here's a crib/changing table combo. I like this one. It's VERY mod...but I think could be cute with the right decor. Cons: I don't like the drawer handles & it's pricey!
3. This one is a little more traditional. I like the rails with the detail. It looks a bit antiquey to me which I like. I'm normally not a fan of the cribs with the higher back than the front. Cons: doesn't match the dresser.
4. I like that this one has some color. I'm normally not a fan of white - but I like the orange pop to it - and it's got a cute changing table to go with it. I could paint the dresser orange and then I'd have lots of color in the room I guess. Cons: it's white.
5. I'm OBSESSED with the color of this crib. I hate the style - but the maker of this crib makes another style in the same color options...in fact they have every color of the rainbow available. Cons: Really pricey.
SO there it is folks. I'm still a ways from making a decision - but that's where I'm at now. I had a great thought to go to Once Upon A Child and get a second-hand crib and paint it. Then I can make it whatever color I want! I guess that I still love the thought of the wood as well. Thoughts? I think once I find out what the little booger is and how I want to decorate is down, that will help!
So in the interest of keeping the opinions going...I'm going to bring up the crib. Get those comments ready!
I'm looking (online) at cribs. There are a million cribs out there, and they range in price from about $200 to $15,000! (I'm not kidding, I saw one for $14,995 on a website the other day). I'm a TERRIBLE decision maker...and in this case it's worse because I can't even decide on a style. I am a creative person, and I like to have unique looking items, usually in the retro or antique or earthy categories. However, these qualities aren't incorporating themselves into my crib search. The one thing I'd really LIKE is a crib that's a color...I love color. But, the cribs with color options are few and far between, and usually in the high price range.
Here are the things I'm taking into consideration:
1. I have a dresser that will be a part of the baby's room. However, it can be painted/stained. Still, I want to keep that dresser's style and look in mind.
2. I would like to have a convertible crib (that can turn into a toddler bed when the kid is too old for the bars).
3. Price is a factor. We're not loaded.
Here are some of the cribs I've been drawn to and why:
1. I like this one because it would go well with the dresser that I mentioned before that is already in the room. It's simple and a bit retro-ish. Cons: it's fairly low to the ground.
2. Here's a crib/changing table combo. I like this one. It's VERY mod...but I think could be cute with the right decor. Cons: I don't like the drawer handles & it's pricey!
3. This one is a little more traditional. I like the rails with the detail. It looks a bit antiquey to me which I like. I'm normally not a fan of the cribs with the higher back than the front. Cons: doesn't match the dresser.
4. I like that this one has some color. I'm normally not a fan of white - but I like the orange pop to it - and it's got a cute changing table to go with it. I could paint the dresser orange and then I'd have lots of color in the room I guess. Cons: it's white.
5. I'm OBSESSED with the color of this crib. I hate the style - but the maker of this crib makes another style in the same color options...in fact they have every color of the rainbow available. Cons: Really pricey.
SO there it is folks. I'm still a ways from making a decision - but that's where I'm at now. I had a great thought to go to Once Upon A Child and get a second-hand crib and paint it. Then I can make it whatever color I want! I guess that I still love the thought of the wood as well. Thoughts? I think once I find out what the little booger is and how I want to decorate is down, that will help!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Thought I Was In the Clear...
So I thought this morning sickness (all DAY sickness) was over for me. I had been feeling better...evening was the only time I was really feeling nauseated anymore. Don't get me wrong, I'm still tired as hell, and there's not a lot I always feel like eating, but I thought the puking was over.
Until last night...
Yeah - I hadn't had a salad in a long time. Roughage wasn't really going down for me, or even sounding good. However, yesterday for lunch my office was ordering in - and the only things on the menu for vegetarians were salads and french fries. So, I did what any "normal" person would do - ordered a side salad and fries!
It went down fine and even my office-mate was surprised - then on the way home from work at 4:00 I started to feel like crap. I got home and knew it was all over. I threw up like I've never done before. It was so strenuous that last night my throat was raw and sore and I couldn't eat anything but a popsicle. I woke up to find my throat is still hurting mildly - but the fun part is the broken blood vessels all around my eyes and mouth. Thank goodness for concealer.
Don't you want to be pregnant too?
Until last night...
Yeah - I hadn't had a salad in a long time. Roughage wasn't really going down for me, or even sounding good. However, yesterday for lunch my office was ordering in - and the only things on the menu for vegetarians were salads and french fries. So, I did what any "normal" person would do - ordered a side salad and fries!
It went down fine and even my office-mate was surprised - then on the way home from work at 4:00 I started to feel like crap. I got home and knew it was all over. I threw up like I've never done before. It was so strenuous that last night my throat was raw and sore and I couldn't eat anything but a popsicle. I woke up to find my throat is still hurting mildly - but the fun part is the broken blood vessels all around my eyes and mouth. Thank goodness for concealer.
Don't you want to be pregnant too?
Monday, June 2, 2008
Pictures
So I wanted to include a picture of my continually growing bump on here. Here I am at 14+ weeks. Again, not even CLOSE to a good photo of me - but I love the fact that my dog Penny is standing right with me. I swear I do not position my animals for photos - they just love the camera!
Getting enormous!
While I was posting pictures - I thought I'd include my cutie pie niece as the flower girl at the wedding we went to this weekend. She was TOTALLY in her element - and VERY posey as you can tell. So cute!
Getting enormous!While I was posting pictures - I thought I'd include my cutie pie niece as the flower girl at the wedding we went to this weekend. She was TOTALLY in her element - and VERY posey as you can tell. So cute!
Opinion Request #2
Since my last post worked out so well - I thought I'd try again...
If you've been to my house - you know that space is limited. We have no idea where Petunia is going to keep things, especially downstairs. Once we get the "nursery" ready - there will be plenty of room there - but who sits upstairs all day? No one!
Anywho - one of the first things needed for a baby is a bassinet or cradle for them to nap and sleep in for the first few months. It is extremely important to me to have something easily portable. I want to be able to have this downstairs with me during the day, and upstairs in my room at night. I don't want one of the HUGE ones that takes up a lot of space and that I couldn't lug up the stairs myself. Besides - space is limited in my downstairs as I said - so the smaller the better!
Here's one I've come across that folds up, and is SUPER portable! While I'm not nutso about the color in the picture - there are other colors available - and I want to stay gender neutral. I would really prefer an off-white or white, but the brand that carries those colors is more than twice the price...so I'll save some cash and go with a green or yellow.
What are your thoughts??
If you've been to my house - you know that space is limited. We have no idea where Petunia is going to keep things, especially downstairs. Once we get the "nursery" ready - there will be plenty of room there - but who sits upstairs all day? No one!
Anywho - one of the first things needed for a baby is a bassinet or cradle for them to nap and sleep in for the first few months. It is extremely important to me to have something easily portable. I want to be able to have this downstairs with me during the day, and upstairs in my room at night. I don't want one of the HUGE ones that takes up a lot of space and that I couldn't lug up the stairs myself. Besides - space is limited in my downstairs as I said - so the smaller the better!
Here's one I've come across that folds up, and is SUPER portable! While I'm not nutso about the color in the picture - there are other colors available - and I want to stay gender neutral. I would really prefer an off-white or white, but the brand that carries those colors is more than twice the price...so I'll save some cash and go with a green or yellow.
What are your thoughts??
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