Tuesday, June 23, 2009

another Monday!

Sea World was fabulous! Check FB for pics, because I am too lazy to upload them on here right now. :)
It was so nice to get away for a few days and spend time with my family. After a rough couple weeks for my Mom and the kids, we all welcomed some fun away from Abilene. Aaron absolutely loved Sea World and we plan to go back the weekend of his birthday in October with Oma and Opa. Everyone asked what his favorite part was and I am honestly stumped on that question! He loved Shamu, the dolphins, the waterpark, the Pirate Show...everything! The only thing I was less than impressed on was the show "Cool Vibrations." It was advertised as "a fast-paced show that includes daredevil skiers performing many water ski elements including pair, swivel and solo skiing."

Ha.

Amity's advertisement would read "scantily dressed bikini girls singing and dancing flirtatiously with half-naked beach boys singing about 'partying in the summer' and 'summer romance' along with a little boat/water ski action in the distance." Boo.

Overall though, it was a wonderful trip! We made it 3 days with NO NAPS for Aaron...which is amazing, considering he still takes 2+ hour naps every day. And I think I drank my body weight in Sierra Mist both days at Sea World! :)

Onto a different note! I'm 34 weeks today. Time is flying by and I still have to remind myself that Ella Claire will be here in just a few short weeks! Aaron talks about Baby Ella/Baby Sister with adorable affection and I cannot wait to see the expression on his face when they meet for the first time. *little tear*
I'm experiencing some braxton hicks, but nothing too uncomfortable. Once I lay down and put my feet up, they go away.

Tonight we head to the pool again for picnic, swimming and relaxation. Aaron has a newfound interest in the sand volleyball court. He loves bringing buckets and trucks to "play in the dirt" with. It's amazing what simple things will keep kids entertained for hours and hours! :)

Monday, June 15, 2009

Monday

Haven't blogged in awhile, but this week has slowed down tremendously so I'm once again finding time for the important things in life! Like BLOGGING!! Or FACEBOOK!!

Ella's stoller arrived at our doorstep last week and it's so cute!
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Everything is pretty much ready for her arrival in July. As of now, the scheduled date is July 27th. Thomas has said from Day 1, that he thinks she will be earlier than that. Originally, I thought that was crazy! Especially after me being so sick the first half of my pregnancy. But now, for some reason, I think he may be right!? We both may end up being completely off base, but here's some of our thinking on why she may come earlier:

1) We just "have a feeling"! :)
2) Dr. said she is measuring above average and that I'm carrying her low.
3) Pressure. Lots and lots of pressure already.

Like all Moms-to-be, I am itching to hold my sweet baby girl, but all I really care about is that she comes in God's perfect timing and not a day before she is completely and fully developed and prepared to live outside of me.

Today was a sweet day. Aaron slept until 8:30, giving me some nice extra sleep. I made some delicious tuna sandwiches (with dill relish, apples & raisens) along with fresh apple slices and...ahem...Cheetos! Aaron and I met Thomas up at the pool for our picnic lunch then Katy and Deron joined us for a nice cool dip in the pool. After that, we came home and I was able to get alot of work done from the house while Aaron took a good 2 hour nap. Seriously, is there anything better than a silent house for 2 straight hours? I think not! :)
After a trip to WalMart for some much-needed groceries, I made some yummy Swiss Chicken. If you know me, this is one of our favorite family meals. And it's SO simple! Quick recipe:

2 1/2 lbs of boneless, skinless Chicken breasts
4-6 slices of fresh swiss cheese
1 can Cream of Mushroom
1 can Cream of Chicken
1 can of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (i use fat free...)
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350. Grease pan. Place chicken in pan. Cover with cheese. Mix the soups and milk. Pour over chicken. Cover and cook 45 minutes. Uncover and cook another 15 minutes.
Serve over white rice. Goes great with broccoli or garden fresh salad!

Tonight, I am listening (via monitor) to Thomas "putting Aaron to bed". His version of Aaron's nightime routine is quite a bit different from mine. I can hear lion roars during a hard-core wrestling match, bubble water being splashed all over the bathroom floor and the most animated version of "Where's Waldo" being read over silly giggles. I don't mind though...Daddy time is so good for him!

So now, I am craving something sweet.... a chocolate cake with rich buttercream frosting sounds amazing...but as I look through the pantry, I just might have to settle for sugar-free chocolate jello pudding.....*sigh*

Our big trip to Sea World is coming up in a couple days...more about that next week!

Thursday, June 4, 2009

it's coming along

The two Handy Mannys put together Ella's crib this week. Aaron loves helping Daddy "fix" things.
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So here it is! All done! The bedding is still a bit wrinkly because I haven't washed it yet. I was so excited to put it on to see how it all looks with the colors we picked....I like it! :) Although, I do feel like this wall needs to "soften up" a bit. Maybe some satiny/sheer drapes/canopy thingy around her name? I don't know...
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Here is the changing table. Not organized yet...
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And her closet...our sweet little girl aleady has too many clothes! :) YAY! Now I just need those matching bows and headbands...
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You can see her diaper bag here. I'm going to get "Ella" monogrammed in brown on the flap.
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We are putting up a cute storage container/dresser/thingy this weekend...will keep pictures coming.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

if you insist....

tagged by KT love....

8 things to look forward to:
1. finishing setting up Ella's room
2. Seeing my sweet baby girl for the first time!
3. being done with potty-training!!
4. getting my crazy bangs grown out where I can "swoop" them again...ugh.
5. going to Sea World in a couple weeks
6. re-doing our master bathroom...someday...over the rainbow...
7. being molded and shaped into a more mature wife, mother and friend
8. going on a cruise....again...someday...maybe...

8 things I did yesterday:
1. ordered some final things for Ella's room (lamp, diaper hanging thingy, mobile)
2. ate Dante's with my boys and ran into an old friend
3. supported my parents on a hard day
4. got a SUPER CUTE new diaper bag at Kids Village!!!!!
5. had heartburn for the first time...lol...because of Dantes!
6. went to WalMart and got keys made. now we finally have 2 sets...(long story)
7. watched my son hit 4 line-drives in a row (playing baseball in the backyard)
8. went to a Mom's Prayer Group and enjoyed encouragment,fellowship and prayer....and too many chocolate chip cookies! :)

8 things I wish I could do:
1. draw/be more artistic
2. walk up our stairs without becoming out of breath! :)
3. get a pedicure every other week. can you say, "Cha-ching?!"
4. buy my husband a boat
5. get better at writing people notes/cards for no reason except to say "I'm thinking about you"
6. be a more patient mommy
7. be a more serving wife
8. be a more listening friend

8 shows I watch:
1. LOST...but that is losing it's thing for me...getting a little too much.
2. Who's Line Is It Anyways? OK, I know this show is ancient, but I just started recording it and I LOVE it! One of the only shows that actually makes me laugh out loud.
3. What Not To Wear..ha...doesn't really inspire me much during pregnancy..
4. Jon & Kate Plus 8
5. anything on Playhouse Disney (with Aaron...)
6. Dancing with the Stars (when it's on...)
7. Here Come the Newlyweds
8. A Baby Story. I cry every time...

People to tag:
1. Ashley S
2. Rachael N
3. D'nae
4. Jenn B
5. ?
6. ?