14 weeks!!!!

Well, many of you have requested a baby update; so here you go!!!

Well, there are the joys of pregnancy and then there are so many things that are unexpected that goes along with it. Everyone asks...how are you feeling, are you having weird dreams, what do you think the sex of the baby is, what names are you thinking of....so, I guess that's what I can update you all on.

I am feeling great compared to some stories of other moms-to-be. The worst side effect is tiredness. Just the other evening I fell asleep on the couch at 8pm...and slept until 7am...of course, in between I got up at least 3 times to use the facilites. My belly is certainly starting to grow which doesn't hold people back from asking "wow; what are you having twins? triplets?". I will have to say I don't love people like that!

As for my dreams, they have been amazing! They are so vivid and when I tell them to Sean he just gets this "why am I married to her again?" look on his face. Without going into much detail, I have had a dream about a terrorist attack; about how I made friends with 2 cats and a duck and they ganged up on me and threw hermit crabs at me (and this dream I literally screamed out loud and Sean came running because he was still downstairs watching tv), and several other dreams about friends who are pregnant and I have predicted the sex of their children (now they have had ultrasounds and know)...I have been correct with 2 of the 3. I have had a dream about our child...and it was a boy!

As for the sex of the baby; it's really a 50/50 chance however, I will have to say my first instinct was a boy...so, I am going to stick with that; even though I am starting to lean towards a girl. Sean insists this baby is a girl. Actually, he's not the only one...I will say just about everyone has their opinion and insist on the sex of the baby; about 90% say this baby is a girl. Having people guess is quite fun. My one friend came up to me and asked me to show my hands....in return my friend insists it's a girl by the way I showed my hands.

As for names for the little one...we are toying with 2-3 names per sex of the child...but, we are not going to share the names until...the baby is born. We want to have somewhat a surprise for everyone and something fun for them to look forward to. However, since we are still not 100% sold on a name; we are taking some suggestions.

(Here's what the little one looks like now. Weighs about an ounce and is the length of a flip phone)

Our own version of a TLC show...

It's that time to try to do what we can to make our condo look nice so we can hopefully put it up on the market for a quick sale in this economy. Something that has been driving my Dad crazy since I moved in was the kitchen floor...so, I figured; heck, I will take his advice and install "Allure" flooring from 'The Home Depot'.

Well, I thought this project would maybe take 3 hours. Our kitchen isn't that big and it's a simple "stick it together and move onto the next piece" project. And, our friends, Nate and Liz had offered to come over and help us with this project; so we of course said "that would be GREAT!" What I didn't factor in, was the odd shape of the kitchen, as well as the fact that we'd have to move the stove and the fridge out.

(Here's the before picture)

(How do we move this stove out? Little did they know it would be HARDER to move it back in!)

While the boys were re-doing the floor, us girls tackled the closets upstairs. We cleaned out and organized the loft, my side of our closet and the bathroom. In the midst of our cleaning, I found a Christmas present that was for Sean. Yes, a month late, but I guess better late than never. Best part; I couldn't remember what it was; so I was just as surprised when he opened it.

(It was 2 polo shirts from Aeropostale)

And, the final product...10 hours later!!!

To my friends...Josh & Meg!!!

Hello all, well, I have received some ideas for a blog...talk about pregnancy (I have a secret blog about all that stuff...will share link at later date...once it's all up to date), talk about Nate, clarify that money technically isn't paper so it doesn't grow on trees, talk about pregnancy....yes if you read the comments, Josh really thinks pregnancy talk would be fun...or I could talk about Josh..since everything is about him!!!  But of all the topics; I really am going to talk about Josh. 

You see Josh and Meg are great friends of mine who I don't see nearly enough.  They are married and I used to work with the both of them at the YMCA...I shared an office with Josh (who was also my boss) and I would scream across the hall anytime I wanted to talk with Meg. Well, these two are a great couple; who I have looked up to with college and with my career.  I can't tell you all of the times that they have made me laugh (inlcuding the time I threw a piece of paper at Josh in the office and he ducked and fell out of his chair- do you remember that Josh?!?!?)  And Meg, she recommended the best Doctor in this world after she took care of me one day with my lovely cramps (Meg, do you remember that I literally couldn't put that heat patch on...and sure enough 24 hours later you were confirming...did you call the Dr???)  I kind of have them up towards the top of my totem pole of people who I have looked up to for years.   I have also joked if I won the lottery; they would receive a chunk of it...really they would.  Reason why...they both work so hard, have an adorable son, find the positive in EVERTHING...and well, have helped me in times of need in an unknowing way- just th

em being themselves.

Right now, this GREAT couple of mine is going threw something that I personally don't think I could do.  Josh is currently away "playing army guy" for the next year with active duty with the military.  Now, as you all know from previous posts; Sean and I go a few days without technically talking or seeing each other because of our schedules don't mesh; but I will have to say I won't complain about that again.    As we all know, this war has been going on for years...I have always known someone who knows someone in war; but now...I actually know someone...and I know he's a GREAT guy and has a GREAT family awaiting his safe arrival. 

So, Josh and Meg I know you are reading this and I want you to know as shared before that you both are in our thoughts and prayers.  You both are amazing people and whatever I can do to help you both through this time; please spell it out for me as I have no clue what to do.  And,  I guess I also want to share how much the both of you mean to me.   So, to the both of you remember to take this one day at a time...and Josh; you come back safe and when you do...who knows...I may have the little girl you are guessing about. Keep in touch!

Loss of ideas...

HELP! I am having trouble of thinking of ideas to blog about; I guess either my life is getting boring; or...who knows!?!?

Thoughts?

Does $ really grow on trees?!?!?

Since it's made from paper...I guess it does!

Well, I know, I am such a dork...but as we have rolled into the new year...and now saving for not only a baby; but a house for the baby...we have been trying our darndest to save our money...and well, not to mention the economy. Anyways, I thought; I am sure there are others out there that are trying to save some money in these rough times so why not put a post of some easy cost cutting tips that we have and are just starting to do.

• Unplug your cell phone chargers/microwave/lamps...etc while not using them. Yes, some times a pain to plug back in; ecspecially when it's the lamp and hard to see. We really have seen a lot of savings with this. Don't forget your computer as well!
• Make meals at home. Yes, with working it's hard, but try to plan ahead. If you do go out with friends or as a date order water, try to go at happy hour, and check online for any coupons prior to going.
• I use my Discover card for just about anything we really need- Gas, groceries, phone bill, etc...I gain cashback rewards; then I apply that to my bill...or occasionally, I get movie tickets for Sean and I. Remember to pay the enire card off that month...budget for what you charge. When not charging; use CASH for all other purchases and only allow a certain amount of cash for your wallet until your next pay.
• My Mom was always a stickler with the lights...and I would have EVERY LIGHT ON..even if I wasn't in the room..."if your not in the room, turn the light off"~Mom.
• When shopping; don't buy name brand; go to several stores if savings will be significant, cut coupons, and check the aisle ends for clearance items.

Here are new things we are trying:

• Make a list when going shopping and stick to it! (We have tried this once so far...and we only added carbonated water for me and bagels...again for me; but this was much harder than I thought it would be.)
• It's also hard for me to not just stop by Target and check the clearance; so, the only money on me is the cash. My Discover and other credit cards are hiding at home...and I must remember to grab them when I plan on using them; like when my gas light came on last night.
• Keep reciepts of everything purchased for 30 days; then re-evaluate what the money was spent on; needs or wants? Still trying to get Sean to do this one.
• When running errands, try to save on gas and go in sequence or to places closer to home/work instead of traveling.

My weekend...

As anticipated, we received about 10 inches of snow this weekend....and thank goodness I didn't have to go anywhere...then again, I was bored out of my mind.   Friday evening Sean and I quickly ran to Walgreen's to pick up a prescription for me then we got some dinner...went home and relaxed. 

Saturday, we woke up to lots of snow!   Sean had to work in the afternoon; so that morning we lounged around and watched the taped show of 'The Biggest Loser' from Tuesday.  After he left, I took a 3 hour nap!  Really productive!  Not.  So, I did 3 loads of laundry, folded them, ran the dishwasher, put out my valentine's decor, re-organized kitchen cupboards, the pantry, and cleaned the fridge.  When I went again to lay down, my neighbor Jamie begged me via face book to go and explore the snow fall; so...we bundled up and went.  Here's a picture below of the snow in our back woods.  As soon as I went to take a picture...my batteries died.  This picture is from Jamie! 

Sunday was here before I knew it.  Sean and I met up with my family for a breakfast at Bob Evans.  After breakfast we went to Target.  When we got home from Target, Sean went outside to clean his car off; he took mine yesterday with all of the snow...today he had to dig his out.  So, as he was digging himself out, I quickly put away the items from Target, and then fell asleep.  I didn't wake up until Sean left...it made me sad that I slept for two hours while Sean was home...but I guess that is what happens when you dont sleep well the night before and the prescription I am on causes drowsiness...and boy does it ever!  Anyways, today I have done really nothing other than put away the 3 loads of laundry that I folded yesterday, made myself dinner, and relaxed.  I guess it's okay to have some days relaxing and doing nothing, right?!?!  

So, I guess that's it for my boring weekend...did you do anything fun this weekend! 

Spontaneous evening!

Last evening was such a fun spontaneous evening.   Sean was at work and wouldn't be home until 8 but our friends Nate & Liz had a present for us from Nate's sister Stephanie...so they wanted to drop it off.   (By the way Stephanie, I was SOOO touched by your present....it really meant a lot to us that you thought enough to put that together, pink and blue paper and all!!)  Anyways, around 6; the two of them came over and like a good host, I asked if they'd like to come in.  Well, just about an hour and a half passes; longer than they anticpated to stay and we all developed a plan that we would all hide when Sean came home and then we would have Liz jump out at him...of course Sean would have been shocked because he wouldn't have known that Nate & Liz were there...and he would have expected me to jump out.  So, Nate, stood waiting patiently looking out the window peering for Sean's headlights...like a little boy looking for Santa's sleigh. 

We finally heard Sean's footsteps and we ran to our spaces.   (yes, we are crazy)...we heard the door open and then here's the downer...Sean actually opened the front hall closet; which he normally doesn't do and saw their shoes.  Then, us; all in our hiding spots quietly awaiting...Sean screams "Lynsey, where are you; I'm so in the mood"...and then he started loosening his belt.  He then found Liz, then me....then Nate.  So our plan back fired.

Sean was shocked to see that they were still here and after a long day at work, he was thrilled to see them.  Then, the four of us went out to dinner....yes, at 8:30pm.  We went to 'Five Guys'...and if you have one near you; you know how good those burgers are!   After dinner we all sat and chatted until we were the last ones there at ten and felt like we should probably leave.   When we got home, we were still having fun that they came back in and we chatted more.    It was nice to have this stress-free evening with them and just relax with each other.

** SIDE NOTE:  I had really fun pictures of Nate looking out the window and both Nate & Liz in their hiding spots...but I don't have the patience to figure out how to download them right now. 

Dr.'s Appointment

Well, I have been at a loss for blog ideas...I mean what more can I share about our weekends; we went to lunch and movies (yes movies; we snuck into one) while that was lots of fun, I don't think I want to bore you...and well, I was given strict instructions not to blog about our experience at the Social Security office to FINALLY go and change my name...so, why not talk about our second Dr.'s appointment...and a bit about the pregnancy so far!!! 

Today was our second Dr.'s appointment and can I tell you how much I love my Doctor!  It's such a great feeling to have such an amazing Dr...and yes, it's a guy doctor which I NEVER thought I would have.  Well, anyways, today was our second appointment and the nurse asked me a million questions and told me I was boring because of the lack of medical history...and then the best part- she took my blood pressure and it's back down!  It was 132/85 or something like that...where the last time it was threw the roof!   Other great news is that my blood test from the previous appointment said that I have enough immunity to fight off  chicken pox (I have never had them, so I feel like I won the jackpot there!!)  

Finally, the nurse put the little heart monitor on my belly and warned us about the potential on not hearing the heart rate because it's still pretty early; if she didn't hear it, she would then do an ultrasound.  After watching 'Marly & Me' this past weekend, we so badly wanted to hear the heartbeat at 10 weeks.  So, I took a deep breath as the little device touched my belly, and the nurse said within a second "Wow, this is a good little baby" (because we instantly heard the heartbeat) which made me laugh at how the nurse said that...and then because of my laughter it took a few moments to find the heartbeat again...but we heard it!!!  162...and sounded like a little horse galloping or a train chuggling along.   

The sound of the heart beat was so amazing and made me think for a moment while I was listening; as my symptoms of being tired are starting to uplift it's hard for me to even realize there really is a little baby in me...and right now I am the one taking vitamins, eating healthy and trying my best to be active for this little one is all worth it...I can't wait to get that little bump (despite the clothing size) and feel this little one kick me (even if it's in the ribs)...but most of all, I can't wait to see this baby, hold this baby in my arms because I have hunch it's a boy...and he's going to look just like his Daddy! 

In 10 weeks we will find out if my hunch is right...so many people are telling me it's a girl...I still say boy!