If you know me at all - you know that I'm not really a hot weather kind of gal. I love snow...I love big heavy sweaters...I LOVE winter hats (my collection is near 20 now!). So, needless to say, I'm not always thrilled to have the summer arrive. Of course, when I was young I loved the fact that I didn't have school, loved the County Fair (yes I'm from a 4-H background...get over it), and loved being involved in everything that summer brought with it. However, in my older years - I've learned to appreciate summer for the adult highlights - having a beer/margarita at BBQ's or on restaurant outdoor patios, being on stage in various productions at my theater, hosting a seriously awesome 3rd of July party every year in my backyard, etc.
I have to admit this year I've been a bit of a Debbie Downer. Little Boogie is not allowing me to partake in the things that made summer tolerable for me. I get wiped out in the heat fairly easily, I can't go for drinks without being a little sad that I can't have one with everyone else, and we passed the torch on our 3rd of July party to Evan and his roommates. Add that to the fact that my theater (though re-opening VERY soon in Geneva) was closed this summer, even though my sleeping habits would not have lent themselves to a rehearsal schedule anyways! (I get did to act at our murder mystery fundraiser dinners last weekend, so that scratched a bit of my itch!).
I realized my poor attitude on the matter when talking about "enjoying my summer" with my outdoor sales rep on the phone a bit ago. He was talking about street fests, Lollapolooza and tons of beers - and I simply just said "I'm pregnant". That's not a good attitude at all! I realized that summers, especially this summer - have brought some amazing things...and I love them all:
-Getting Dairy Queen treats on a bi-weekly basis (lay off I'm pregnant)
-Taking walks outside with a moderately behaved Penny
-A visit from my sister and too-cute nephew
-Heading to Florida with my mom for Sarah's wedding
-Getting not one, but two visits from my BFF sister-in-law Stephanie
-Sharing excitement with my future sister-in-law Marcy over her wedding plans
-Cheering on Rambone softball at the games that aren't too late in the evening
And perhaps the best thing of all:
-Feeling Boogie kicking for the first time, and now every day
So, no, I still don't love summer - but it's been a pretty great one this year if you think about it...
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Boogie
I've mentioned that Dain is no longer okay with anyone calling his son Petunia. So, I'm trying not to do that anymore! However, we needed something to call the little person that is continually growing inside of me - and kicking me all day long! So, my mom randomly asked my 3 1/2 year old nephew what we should call this baby in my tummy, and he was dead serious in suggesting "Boogie".
It's a winner. From now on - we will refer to him as Boogie. Embrace it.
Thank you Adam!
It's a winner. From now on - we will refer to him as Boogie. Embrace it.
Thank you Adam!
Winners
We finally have a winner! Dain and I have finally made a decision on something serious...the nursery furniture. This whole process is such a...well, PROCESS when you have to compromise on literally every decision. But, we finally realized it was time to get some things decided, starting with furniture. We looked again at the JC Penney furniture - but something just wasn't right to me. I wasn't about to go back to Babies R Us to look around (see my previous blog on that nightmare). SO - I just started pulling options from online again - and it all has always gone back to the first crib I liked, that I posted in one of my opinion requests. So, we're going with it. 
We're going to go with the dresser that matches. It's a little more than we thought we'd spend, but it's real wood, and not that pressboard with the cardboard bottoms that all our other furniture seems to be...so we're thrilled.
I am not thrilled with the changing table that goes with this set (plus it's ridiculously expensive) - so I'm finding out if my dad can build me a simple stand/table that I can put those baskets in. I think it will work a lot better for our intents and purposes, and I'd really like it if I could have something my dad made in the room. Here's a photo of one I like that I sent him to see if it's even a possibility.
FINALLY! Decisions are being made!
We're going to go with the dresser that matches. It's a little more than we thought we'd spend, but it's real wood, and not that pressboard with the cardboard bottoms that all our other furniture seems to be...so we're thrilled.
I am not thrilled with the changing table that goes with this set (plus it's ridiculously expensive) - so I'm finding out if my dad can build me a simple stand/table that I can put those baskets in. I think it will work a lot better for our intents and purposes, and I'd really like it if I could have something my dad made in the room. Here's a photo of one I like that I sent him to see if it's even a possibility.
FINALLY! Decisions are being made!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Go Green!
So - we MAY have reached a compromise!
I was sitting and thinking..."how will I possibly find a way to: compromise with Dain, still incorporate a handmade quilt, be able to put my creativity to use, and be happy with a room all at once"?? Then it hit me! Everything we liked as an idea, and a lot of things we both enjoy are GREEN or can be associated with green. SO - the green room has been born! (Plus, the backstage area where actors get ready for a show is called the Green Room as well - PERFECTION).
Picture this: I'm having the woman restart a new quilt in all shades of green. It will be fantastic! Then, my mom will make the bumper and skirt (you will, won't you mom?) in a shade of green. We'll paint the walls greens (I'm thinking stripes!!). AND THEN, I plan to make small canvases with simple black outlines of "green things" with a green water-wash over them, and hang them all together to make cool art. Some of the green things are: a tree, a DINOSAUR, a baseball diamond, PETER PAN, peas, a recycling symbol, a CRAYON, a frog (Kermit?), etc. etc. etc. I'm excited - so if you don't like this idea...don't come over :)
I was sitting and thinking..."how will I possibly find a way to: compromise with Dain, still incorporate a handmade quilt, be able to put my creativity to use, and be happy with a room all at once"?? Then it hit me! Everything we liked as an idea, and a lot of things we both enjoy are GREEN or can be associated with green. SO - the green room has been born! (Plus, the backstage area where actors get ready for a show is called the Green Room as well - PERFECTION).
Picture this: I'm having the woman restart a new quilt in all shades of green. It will be fantastic! Then, my mom will make the bumper and skirt (you will, won't you mom?) in a shade of green. We'll paint the walls greens (I'm thinking stripes!!). AND THEN, I plan to make small canvases with simple black outlines of "green things" with a green water-wash over them, and hang them all together to make cool art. Some of the green things are: a tree, a DINOSAUR, a baseball diamond, PETER PAN, peas, a recycling symbol, a CRAYON, a frog (Kermit?), etc. etc. etc. I'm excited - so if you don't like this idea...don't come over :)
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Florida
So I'm FINALLY getting to my Florida trip! Almost 2 weeks ago, my mom and I headed off to the panhandle of FL for my friend Sarah's wedding. (For those of you who remember my wedding, she was the MOH).
It was going to be exciting from the get-go. My mom and I are probably two of the world's worst flyers...and we were going on a regional jet (the only plane that went direct from Chicago to Fort Walton Beach). This little guy held about 45 people - one seat on one side and two on the other. It was small - and I couldn't get drunk OR be medicated before boarding! Luckily, my mom held it together - and I did well. We jumped on that Friday morning and arrived in HOT HUMID Florida that afternoon.
My mom and I wanted to stay someplace homey and quaint (two things that do not sit well with my husband or dad) so we booked a stay at a little B&B - Sugarbeach Inn. Super cute place with a super nice owner.
Once we got our things in the room, we headed out to the rehearsal dinner. Here's a photo of us with the SUPER TAN bride! (I had just chopped off 6 1/2 inches of my hair - and pay no attention to how yucko I look after a day of plane-ing).
The views that night from the rehearsal dinner location were amazing!
The next day we got up early and had the wonderful breakfast at the B&B. The cook was so nice, and she was even referring to Eve by the 2nd day (although this is when we thought he was a she!). Afterwards we walked down the path to the gorgeous beach. SUPER white sand and clear water. It was a bit rainy and stormy so we couldn't stay long.
Then we had some free time. It was nice. We visited Sarah's family's rented beach house to see the girl's getting ready and had a bit of lunch. Then we headed out to some of the cute local shops. What a fun area up there. Everything is local, and boutiquey.
That evening we headed out to the State park where the wedding was held. It was POURING rain - so the outdoor wedding idea was scratched and it was moved into this adorable pavillion. It ended up beautiful, as it was screened in, and the trees were in the background.
It cleared up in time for them to get photos outside. Here's me and the ultra-gorgeous bride!
I was obsessed with a tree on the grounds of this park - it looked like 6 trunks grew together.
They had a beautiful tent outside the pavillion with the dance floor and lights. It was so much fun. I had a bunch of pictures - but my favorite is the dark one that turned out fuzzy!
The next morning we got up - finished a few shopping errands that we wanted to do, went to a picnic lunch in the park with the wedding people - and headed out!
All in all - a great trip - my mom and I both had a great time. It was hot and humid as ALL get out...but we loved getting away...and I was so glad I could be there for Sarah's big day.
It was going to be exciting from the get-go. My mom and I are probably two of the world's worst flyers...and we were going on a regional jet (the only plane that went direct from Chicago to Fort Walton Beach). This little guy held about 45 people - one seat on one side and two on the other. It was small - and I couldn't get drunk OR be medicated before boarding! Luckily, my mom held it together - and I did well. We jumped on that Friday morning and arrived in HOT HUMID Florida that afternoon.
My mom and I wanted to stay someplace homey and quaint (two things that do not sit well with my husband or dad) so we booked a stay at a little B&B - Sugarbeach Inn. Super cute place with a super nice owner.
Once we got our things in the room, we headed out to the rehearsal dinner. Here's a photo of us with the SUPER TAN bride! (I had just chopped off 6 1/2 inches of my hair - and pay no attention to how yucko I look after a day of plane-ing).
The views that night from the rehearsal dinner location were amazing!
The next day we got up early and had the wonderful breakfast at the B&B. The cook was so nice, and she was even referring to Eve by the 2nd day (although this is when we thought he was a she!). Afterwards we walked down the path to the gorgeous beach. SUPER white sand and clear water. It was a bit rainy and stormy so we couldn't stay long.
Then we had some free time. It was nice. We visited Sarah's family's rented beach house to see the girl's getting ready and had a bit of lunch. Then we headed out to some of the cute local shops. What a fun area up there. Everything is local, and boutiquey.
That evening we headed out to the State park where the wedding was held. It was POURING rain - so the outdoor wedding idea was scratched and it was moved into this adorable pavillion. It ended up beautiful, as it was screened in, and the trees were in the background.
It cleared up in time for them to get photos outside. Here's me and the ultra-gorgeous bride!
I was obsessed with a tree on the grounds of this park - it looked like 6 trunks grew together.
They had a beautiful tent outside the pavillion with the dance floor and lights. It was so much fun. I had a bunch of pictures - but my favorite is the dark one that turned out fuzzy!
The next morning we got up - finished a few shopping errands that we wanted to do, went to a picnic lunch in the park with the wedding people - and headed out!
All in all - a great trip - my mom and I both had a great time. It was hot and humid as ALL get out...but we loved getting away...and I was so glad I could be there for Sarah's big day.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Decisions, Decisions
Well - now that SHE is a HE - we went back to the drawing board with the decor decisions...
It was nice when the baby was still thought of as a girl, as my husband did not have very many opinions on how to decorate. He trusted me to handle it. He just didn't want to paint the room pink, which was NO problem - because I hate pink.
Now things are different...suddenly he's Mr. Opinions.
SO - here we go. I need some opinions. We're working on "compromising" on a decor theme. Once again, the pre-bagged sets don't really do it for me. I want something a little more original and that I can make my own. (For those of you wondering, the WONDERFUL girl who made the quilt I previously posted is going to start a new one for me, or I can buy one she has pre-made, so I'm not stuck with the girly one!)
What do YOU think of these ideas for a nursery?
-Peter Pan (the original, not Disney)
-Crayons
-Dinosaurs (Dain's favorite idea, not really mine)
-Buddhas
-Where The Wild Things Are (my favorite, not Dain's)
-Alphabet
There were SEVERAL more ideas - all of which were immediately shot down. (Including Beatles, and Shel Silverstein).
On a SEPARATE "decision" note - I'm DISAPPOINTED with the finale of "Legally Blonde: Search for Elle Woods" on MTV last night. (Yes, of COURSE I watch this - it's a theater casting show). They totally picked the wrong girl. Boo Broadway.
It was nice when the baby was still thought of as a girl, as my husband did not have very many opinions on how to decorate. He trusted me to handle it. He just didn't want to paint the room pink, which was NO problem - because I hate pink.
Now things are different...suddenly he's Mr. Opinions.
SO - here we go. I need some opinions. We're working on "compromising" on a decor theme. Once again, the pre-bagged sets don't really do it for me. I want something a little more original and that I can make my own. (For those of you wondering, the WONDERFUL girl who made the quilt I previously posted is going to start a new one for me, or I can buy one she has pre-made, so I'm not stuck with the girly one!)
What do YOU think of these ideas for a nursery?
-Peter Pan (the original, not Disney)
-Crayons
-Dinosaurs (Dain's favorite idea, not really mine)
-Buddhas
-Where The Wild Things Are (my favorite, not Dain's)
-Alphabet
There were SEVERAL more ideas - all of which were immediately shot down. (Including Beatles, and Shel Silverstein).
On a SEPARATE "decision" note - I'm DISAPPOINTED with the finale of "Legally Blonde: Search for Elle Woods" on MTV last night. (Yes, of COURSE I watch this - it's a theater casting show). They totally picked the wrong girl. Boo Broadway.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
STOP - HOLD EVERYTHING!
My life has just been turned upside down!
We went in for a Level 2 Ultrasound yesterday - - and they broke the biggest bomb of all time!
YEP - our little girl is actually a boy...and this time it's 100% sure.
Of course we're thrilled with either - and the doctor said it was the best looking baby he'd seen all week. VERY healthy.
Parts of me feel weird...and Dain's mom agreed. It's like we've all grown attached to the little girl. Everyone was now referring to her as Eve (Genevieve), which was her to-be name. Everyone was "thinking pink" and starting the shopping process. It's almost like we completely started over, and lost her or something...even though secretly she was always a boy...we just couldn't see the extra parts :)
MORAL OF THE STORY: If the ultrasound tech says it's not 100% that the sex of your baby is one way or the other...DON'T BELIEVE IT!
So HOORAY FOR BOYS. This kid is going to have the best set of uncles (both real and "adopted") that may teach him more than I ever want to know. It's already one of the "dudes"!
PS> Dain says you're not calling his son Petunia anymore!
We went in for a Level 2 Ultrasound yesterday - - and they broke the biggest bomb of all time!
YEP - our little girl is actually a boy...and this time it's 100% sure.
Of course we're thrilled with either - and the doctor said it was the best looking baby he'd seen all week. VERY healthy.
Parts of me feel weird...and Dain's mom agreed. It's like we've all grown attached to the little girl. Everyone was now referring to her as Eve (Genevieve), which was her to-be name. Everyone was "thinking pink" and starting the shopping process. It's almost like we completely started over, and lost her or something...even though secretly she was always a boy...we just couldn't see the extra parts :)
MORAL OF THE STORY: If the ultrasound tech says it's not 100% that the sex of your baby is one way or the other...DON'T BELIEVE IT!
So HOORAY FOR BOYS. This kid is going to have the best set of uncles (both real and "adopted") that may teach him more than I ever want to know. It's already one of the "dudes"!
PS> Dain says you're not calling his son Petunia anymore!
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