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Thursday, July 31, 2008

Baby room is almost ready!

Here are a few pics of the baby room. It's almost completely finished.... 

IN the picture above, the teddy bear playing basketball is one of the most precious additions to our baby room... Thomas' very own gift and first purchase for the baby after finding out we were having a boy! :) 
Still trying to decide if this one area is too "busy".  Don't worry.... the wall decals are removable...






Sunday, July 27, 2008

Childbirth Tutorial for husbands...

According to Family Feud, these are the Top 6 things a man might do while his wife is giving birth. 

And according to Dita, which ones Thomas is allowed to do... (words in bold)

1. Faint
2. Pace
3. Coach/hold hand
4. Videotape it
5. Sweat
6. Pray

AND things he
must do...

1. Stay by his wife's side unless she has directed him to go away.
2. Mediate between his wife and the nurse at all times (mediation must be verbatim and include the expression, inflection, and urgency displayed in the wife's own voice)
3. Avoid saying "I wonder what the score is..." (although I don't think there are any sports events at this point that could distract him, other than the Olympics which do begin on August 8, two days before our due date.)
4. Avoid eating in front of the wife until she is cleared to eat as well. (Which means he must remain hungry unless express permission has been granted to leave the room for eating by the mother who is in labor)
5. Hug wife and remain close to her in order to provide a sense of security and protection.
6. Remind wife (when prompted) that a precious baby boy will be in arms very soon.


Thursday, July 24, 2008

Are you for real?

The following is a true story based on actual events that occurred within the past 8 days. Names have been omitted to protect the victim and to help the victim avoid any potential lawsuit for which she could be charged with slander by the insane woman and/or members of her family involved in the story. Warning: It is nearly impossible to tell this story any shorter without losing very important details. Please be patient. LOL
About a week and a half ago I began to ponder the big items that we still need to get before Baby Jrew is born. One of those items is a pack ‘n play with bassinet attachment because we are going to use it upstairs for his “sleeping quarters” the first few months. I have also recently become a Craigslist freak and have actually found a few really good deals in this manner. Last week, I contacted a lady who had listed two playpens for sale. I should’ve known I was entering the twilight zone of weirdness just by the title alone. Travel Playpen/Bassinet & Maternity - $150 Exactly how does one sale maternity? Then, upon clicking on the item title, the following appears: PLAYPEN with BASSINET. $95 GREAT to use this while at beach/vacation for baby's personal bed, church & while visiting from home. It folds up into a matching carrying box. I hated having to lay my babies on floors someplace with only blankets, then having to wash them all up when we got back home...this is why I bought one for daughter & she got one from shower.
The seller goes on to list two playpen brand names and a tag that mentioned maternity clothes for sale as well. So, according to the post here, can anyone figure out what is $150 and what is $95?
NONE-THE-LESS, I decided to call the number attached to inquire about the items. The lady said she had two pack n plays that were both brand new. One was beige Eddie Bauer and the other was Winnie the Pooh. I said I was interested in the beige one. I asked her if it had a pattern on the inside. She said she wasn’t sure b/c she had never look inside it. I asked her if it came with a bassinet? She said yes. I asked if it also came with the changing table portion and she said she wasn’t sure. I told her that usually these items are pictures on the box. She immediately responded as if I had caught her in a lie with “Well, I’ll just tell you. I don’t have the box. I bought it from a lady last year who was trying to sell it to a second-hand maternity story that was refusing to buy it from her. So, I met her in the parking lot to buy it. She said it was brand new. I just really want to get my money back from the purchase. I paid $50 for it. In fact, you can have either one for $50.” As we continued our conversation, I explained that I couldn’t come that day but could came later during the weekend. She said she was very busy and it would have to wait until next week. I agreed.
It took a few more conversations on the phone with her before we could nail down a time, but finally we were talking Tuesday evening about coming Wed. am to look at it. I got directions and told her I was bringing along a friend. She said to please call her when we exited the interstate so she would have time to “put her shoes on”. To be continued…
Arriving between 9:30 and 10:00, our said appointment time, I realized I had forgotten to call. I called her and apologized but that we were pulling into her driveway shortly. She huffed (I think) and said okay. We walked to the front door b/c we thought that was the polite thing to do. The daughter tapped on the window and motioned for us to go to the backdoor. We did and were basically waiting on the back patio, where there was a 3-ft blow up kiddy pool. It was empty but nevertheless…. The woman poked her head through a cracked door and said give me a few minutes and closed the door abruptly. Then the daughter arrive on the patio with her tiny newborn boy in her arms. She seemed very young and began telling us that she had the baby natural “right there in the pool, except we put the pool in the living room”. She said she didn’t need one drop of pain medicine. We were polite and congratulated her on the baby, all the while trying to avoid making eye contact with the pool behind us.
So… finally the mom came out. She expressed that she had to get dressed and didn’t have time to do so since we hadn’t called. We apologized again. She said she was going to get the playpen from the garage. Not having seen a garage, I asked if we were parked in her way (in case she needed to drive down the road). She said no and repeated that she was getting it out of the garage. Apparently, she was referring to the storage building located near the road. We followed her off the steps and my friend tried to make small talk with her. She ignored us and kept walking. Very quickly, she slipped in the door of the storage unit and closed it behind her very fast. We waited and she returned empty handed. She said it was located outside as she directed our attention to two very large and long piles of “junk” covered with two long blue tarps covered with mud and dirt. She began by lecturing us that she had carpal tunnel in her arms, a lot of things to do, etc.. and so whatever we undid we would have to put back together. I said “We’re not going to undo the whole tarp. We just want to look at the playpen”. “I know” she said, “but I don’t know how to set it up and I can’t get down there so….” My friend interrupted and said “That’s why I came. I have two kids. I can set it up and put it back together.” After she pulled it out from under a blue tarp, we dusted it off and set it up only to find that it didn’t have promised bassinet or changing table that was in question. The woman said she would get it and returned from the storage shed a few minutes later empty handed. She called the daughter who joined us outside and motioned that it was under the other blue tarp. It was actually the changing table and was covered in mold and dirt. I asked the lady where the bassinet was and she said that was the bassinet. I explained that it was the changing table and pointed to the warning label which said “do not leave child unattended on changing table.” She was certain that was all there was to the playpen and my friend showed them a picture of the bassinet. The daughter, finally, said “Ohhhhh… that’s in the blue bag under there” pointing to the first blue tarp. It was there, in a small blue paper bag. I showed them how it was supposed to hook into the top of the crib and the woman replied “Ohhhhh, that’s what those loops are for.” Then, as my friend began packing it up, I asked the lady if she would take $40 for it since the changing table was covered in dirt and mold. She vehemently declared she could get more for it ($75 or more in fact) and wouldn’t sell it for less. I handed over $50 and she took a sharp turn toward insanity. She said “No! It’s $75.” I reminded her that she told me I could actually have it for $50 and had even offered me a choice between the two playpens she had. She declared she had told me I could only have the playpen for $50 if I had come that same day. Looking very confused, I shook my head and said that is not what you told me. Long story right… well she wouldn’t let down and I refused to pay $75 for it. She handed over my money and my friend “unpacked” the playpen and changing table piece from the car. As I was getting into my car I couldn’t help myself and I said to the lady, “Good thing we showed you how to put it together.” I noticed she carried the changing table piece inside with her as we left… sure to clean it off for the next stupid customer.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Adventures Begin Again....

So, I just said goodbye to Thomas for the week. Everybody say "awwww". Day 1 without hubby is almost over. Congratulations me. :) I was just going to be a little random tonight, however, this post was just interupted by my sweet hubby. Unfortunately, he has news of a new adventure with Thomas and... the band.

Background INFO: So, I decided to be smart a few weeks ago and purchase Triple A for the both of us! Another way to go Dita.... except in this case when Triple A....

Okay. "So, what had happened was..." they got about 3 1/2 hours away from home when they blew a tire on the trailer. Ugh... so, Thomas called triple A. They said two things 1) if you have a spare we'll change it for you for free and 2) if you need us to tow your trailer we can do that too, however, we do not cover trailers so you will have to pay for the tow. Otherwise: here are some phone numbers of people who may help you.

Apparently, we all owe a huge thank you to a man named Bob. He came to the rescue with a tire and replaced it for a mere $60. (not mere to me.. but anyway) They are now back on the road and headed towards their destination: Ridgecrest, NC. At least this adventure was short lived and quite minor!!!!

I am headed towards my pillow so I am a bit chatty. Many have asked me if I am going to be okay while THomas is gone. Just so you all know, I am going to be fine. I live about 1 mile from the hospital. I have a check up tomorrow, and my best friend lives about 3 miles away. So, I'm pretty much taken care of.

This week I plan to finish up the laundry, the baby room, and getting a few needed items like baby shampoo! :) I had a baby shower a week ago and so I will post a few pics of that later this week. I may delete myself from the as I am definitely carrying a "full-size" baby now. We're beginning week 38. Whooopeeeee! I'm also thinking I am going to make a CD of songs that use the word baby. Fun ones, like "baby, baby, I"m falling in love." Any suggestions? The purpose of the cd?... perhaps just for fun... :)

I talked to my brother today... he is a Sgt. and is in Iraq. He has been there for almost a year and has about 4 months left. He is very down in the spirits, so please pray for him. His name is Jon... he's an amazing man who loves the Lord and his family. He is very homesick.

Must go eat a hot cinnamon roll now. :)

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Silly Survey

NOTE: Some questions have been deleted - hence the skipping pattern in the numbers.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No. Truly, my parents do not ever really give me a straight answer about that.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Sometime this week. I can't even remember why. I'm 9 months pregnant okay, I cry a lot right now.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yeah. I hate writing in the car though.... it's like a huge pet peeve of mine.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? honey ham

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? A baby boy on the way... due in 3 weeks!!!! Hip, hip, hooray.. my hips are actually hurting right now.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Depends on who I am talking to, but yes.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS Nope. Lost those when i was in 1st grade. Well, actually I didn't lose them, they were stolen from me in my sleep. :)

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No way.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Fruit Loops, Fruit and Fiber, and Cookie Crisp

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? If I am wearing shoes with shoestrings, then yes. I can't stand for the strings to be hanging outside of the shoe, I have to "tuck" them in. I know, it's insane.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Chocolate... chocolate... and strawberry cheesecake.

27. Hair Color? brown

28. EYE COLOR? blue

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? yes... I am also very blind without them. BTW - did you guys know how good the prices are on prescription glasses at COSTCO? I am a new believer. :)

30. FAVORITE FOOD? Poppy Seed Chicken... hum... when will I be home so I can make some of that.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Hancock... annnnnnnh not so great.

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? The Known World

42. FAVORITE SOUND? The sound of my baby's heartbeat... can't wait to hear his first cry!

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Rolling Stones I almost, sort of hate the Beatles... Don't tell them I said so.

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME??? South Korea

Friends: Installment 3 - Baby Travis

My friend, Jenn, came to visit for 4th of July with her hubby Jason, and their baby boy Travis. He is absolutely precious and loves the camera. Here are a few pics of the little goose. :)



Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Friends: Our bellies

These are a few pics from dinner we had with our friends Matt and Julia. They are dear friends and are also absolutely hilarious. They have a little girl named Eva who is going into kindergarten this year! They are also expecting their second baby girl and are due two weeks behind us. So, we thought we'd do a belly comparison, just for fun, and all the while Eva was our entertainment. She definitely belongs in her own cartoon! We call her Eva-Diva and that she is.

Above: Our bellies - our babies! We can't wait to see you two cuties.


Did I mention that Eva is a professional photographer? She took this beautiful pic of the four of us.


Another belly comparison


A muscle comparison? Who's that hunk on the left?


Thomas and Eva - chillin'


Eva put on an impromptu puppet show for us. Amazing acting skills girl.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Friends: Our bellies, our babies, and butchered sausage - Part I.

So, I have a few pics that have been waiting so patiently on my digital camera for me to get my Macbook back from the tech department of my school!!!!! :) Whooppee! We're just so excited we're going to post a few updates from recent weeks. This is

Part I: Carolyn, her baby boys, and butchered sausage.

So, about a month ago, Thomas and I were in Charleston, SC for a local camp we were working with. We had a great time visiting with a few old college friends while we were there. My friend Carolyn is one of my funniest friends. She is absolutely hilarious and I can't help but laugh my butt off when I am around her! :) So, here are a few pics of her baby boys. Aren't they gorgeous?

This is Cameron. He is so precious. And I might add he loved me to pieces. :)


This is Brandon. He didn't quite take to me as quickly. He refused to give me five and often gave me these kind of looks that say "Don't come near me you crazy woman with a huge belly." Otherwise, he did wave bye-bye and learned to say my name!


Okay, the story of the butchered sausage is not quite as funny as it's title. Carolyn decided she was going to cook some Italian sausage for dinner and yet it would not get done. She must have had it in the skillet for 30 minutes and every single time she cut it, it was red in the middle. We'll say it was a stubborn pig. Either way, she posed for this beautiful pic of the incident that was the brunt of her own stand-up comedy. Nevermind the cuts, the sausage was DELICIOUS!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Michelin Man



Okay. So this is MY nickname for myself lately. Just to clarify, I am the only person authorized to refer to myself in this way so don't get any ideas. :)

For real, I thought I would somehow magically avoid the swelling and water retention others had warned me about. However, it has been a recent plague now going on for about 10 days. Ugh! I have chunky feet, "kankles", and michelin man hands. Well, my hands look mostly normal during the day but get quite puffy at night and make it nearly impossible to make a fist. Why oh why me?!!!

Unfortunately, the doc said I will have to deal with this until Baby Jrew arrives... due in 4 1/2 weeks. Sure, that doesn't seem long to you, but it seems like an eternity to me. In addition, the nurse so wisely suggested I prop my hands up at night time by sleeping on my back and putting my hands on my tummy. Has she ever been pregnant? I would like to know. I have also tried using pillows to prop up my hands when I'm sleeping, but who in the world can control their hands while they're sleeping.

Okay. Other than the syndrome I have complained about, I am doing great. I had my 36 week check up this past Monday. I have to go every single week now. Scary.
So, the doc said I am measuring right on, blood pressure is good, and my weight is still under tabs!!! 25 lbs thus far! He did say Baby Jrew is about 6 pounds right now. Just to be certain I didn't have preeclampsia, he ran some blood tests to make sure. The good news is that I DO NOT!!!! They made me wait for an agonizing two days before they told me this... but we're all thankful. This did propel me into the "nesting" syndrome where I began counting the newborn onsies I already have just to see if I'm really ready for this baby!

Well, off I go. Laundry basket #417 is waiting.