StarryBride

Christmas is fast approaching

2009-12-03T15:28:00.004-06:00

Thanksgiving came so quickly. We had already started Christmas shopping. We are more than half done. Our tree went up on Thanksgiving. Richard spent hours strategically placing our Christmas lights on our house weeks before Thanksgiving. But we forgot one important step in the process of preparing for Christmas: cards.

In the past, we started planning weeks before Thanksgiving. We always do a photo card.

2006 - Richard and I relaxing on the couch

2007 - our wedding picture

2008 - 5 month old Christian

Of course Christian was going to be the star of this year's card, but we had not planned anything.

So the Sunday after Thanksgiving we bought a large silver ball ornament and a big plastic candy cane. We dressed Christian in his nicest polo, drapped a white sheet over the couch and attempted to have a little photo session.

Between our delayed point and shoot camera and Christian's inability to sit still, none of the pictures are card worthy. Christian loved to hit the ornament with the candy cane and at one point turned the candy cane on us! This, however, is my favorite picture.

We chose instead a picture my dearest friend Molly took of Christian a few months back. She always takes the most brilliant and beautiful pictures of my son, capturing his personality and light.

So I proudly present the outakes of our botched photo session:

State Fair 2009

2009-09-07T20:27:00.005-06:00

View from the Space Tower:

Foods Consumed by Richard and me:

Pronto Pup
French Fries
Cheese Curds
Deep Fried Oreos
Deep Fried 3 Musketeers
Hot Dish on a Stick
Deep Fried Banana Split
Corn
Taffy

Litter Box Woes

2009-08-03T20:21:00.002-06:00

My poor cats deserve a new litter box. They have been sharing the same box for roughly four or five years. For a short time, I was not cleaning it enough, so they started using the litter catching mat in front of the box as a second litter box when the litter box was full. (I didn't know they were doing this until a week ago). So I threw out the nasty stinky mat. Bought them a new bright, pretty, filtered litter box, a new mat, and a new scooper. The new box has a hinged door to help control the smell and litter spillage. (The old box once had a door, but they broke it off after a few months).
I took Elvis and Maddy down to the basement. Showed them the box. Put them in the box. Showed them how the door swung open and closed. I showed them each twice.
I thought we were all happy. No smelly dirty box. Fresh sleek plastic. Brand new litter. Nice new mat.
Then there was a smell...
An uninvited smell where there shouldn't be a smell.
A poopy smell...
....in the dining room.
At four a.m., Richard woke me up frantic because he noticed the smell (I noticed it the night before but thought it was Logger's gassy behind).
So we searched, me half awake for the origin of the icky odor.
Richard discovered it. Hidden between the wall and the bookcase where we keep the spare high chair cover and the awning to Christian's first car seat (forgot that was there). The cats had made their own litter box in desperation. So we scrubbed and washed and washed and washed and washed the fabrics and the floor (thank God they missed the carpet).
We figured out the cats couldn't figure out how to enter the litter box. The hinged door was a barrier to their sanctuary. Pushing their head against it to go in and out was just too much (don't forget they have used a hinged litter box door in the past). So I removed the protective door.
And I checked tonight: they are using the litter box. Yeah!

Mr. & Mrs McWoolery!

2009-06-01T20:20:00.003-06:00

I wish I had more pictures of Michelle and Chris's special day. My husband decided it would be better to rely on Molly's camera rather than take pictures with ours. True, Molly does take awesome pictures, but now I have none to share on my blog...besides these adorable ones of Michelle! And I finally got a picture of Ryan! Woo Hoo

Putting up the baby gate

2009-04-26T19:33:00.001-06:00

What a pain in the ass this was! Richard got it up though. The poor cats haven't figured out how to get around it which has made for some amusing acrobatic moves by Maddy. Hee hee. We usually leave it open unless Christian is on the move.

Easter Bunnies are Mean

2009-04-05T19:11:00.002-06:00

Martinis and a Bride To Be

2009-03-27T20:18:00.003-06:00

17 March

2009-03-17T08:45:00.000-06:00

Lots going on today.....

St. Patrick's Day.....

Ryan's 30th birthday....

and

Logger's 2 year anniversary of joining our family....

The day we brought Logger home

Richard and I were running errands on March 17, 2007. We had been talking about getting a dog since we bought our house six months earlier. We decided to go to the animal shelter to just "look". We met two dogs there. Logger and an older yellow lab. The yellow lab was very sweet and we were very close to adopting him. He had hip problems and would have had a hard time maneuvering all the stairs in our split level house. We decided to meet Loggerhead. Logger and his brother (Turtleshell) were by far the cutest puppies there. Turtleshell was barking nonstop while Logger sat next to him, tail wagging feverishly.

In the room, Logger played with Richard and me. He immediately climbed into Richard's lap. Richard instantly adored him. Our final test was to see how he would react to cats. The staff let out one of the cats who was familiar with dogs. Logger ignored the cat the whole time. So we made our donation and brought Logger home.

If you have ever been to my house or had the pleasure of babysitting Logger, you know he is a crazy dog. He does everything except ignore my poor cats. In fact he herds them to where he thinks they belong. He is convinced they are going to steal his bones or his precious Chicken (rubber dog toy). He is also the sweetest dog you will ever meet. He loves everyone and insists on kissing you. He loves Christian. For the first 5 months, Logger never missed a diaper change. He would never let the cats near Christian. Every morning Logger has to say hello to Christian. And when Christian and I arrive home at night, Logger has to lick Christian. He sneaks Christian kisses every chance he gets.

Let me back up....Logger had a rough start at our house. A week after our wedding (April 2007), Logger ate a bottle of Aleve. My friend Kelli rushed Logger and me to the animal hospital. Logger spent two days hooked up to tubes, receiving fluids and antibiotics. It was one of the scariest two days of my life. Even though Logger was still a fairly new addition to my life, he was my constant companion. Richard had begun driving over the road and was gone for two weeks a time. Logger kept me occupied and made me feel safe. I wasn't ready to lose him. $2000 later Logger walked out of the hospital healthy and happy.

Logger is the fastest dog I have ever met. He out runs every dog he meets. It is amazing to see him cut corners and race around trees.

Logger has a long list of things he has consumed. The Aleve bottle was just the beginning. He has eaten a leather journal, multiple pairs of shoes, my dental mouth guard, gum, a tube of bactracin, stuffed animals, all the cat toys in our house, baby formula, most recently seven chocolate covered granola bars, and much much more.

I can't stay angry with Logger. He is so sweet and loving. He is my best friend. He keeps me sane while Richard is working. Just when I think I am at my breaking point, Logger is there. He comforts me, he loves me. He is my best friend. I am so excited for Christian to grow up with Logger. I know they will be the best of friends.

Logger 2008 and a pregnant me (this was after Antonio accidently gave me a black eye with a frisbee)

Logger 2009

Logger relaxing on Christian's Boppy pillow

Vroom Vroom!

2009-02-16T12:47:00.004-06:00

Richard and I purchased a new car. A 2008 Dodge Caliber. I have never owned a car in the 2000s nor had a car under 75,000 miles (I don't count Richard's truck since he bought it before he met me and I rarely drove it). We traded in Richard's Ford Ranger. (The kicker is we learned as we were about to leave the dealership that they already had Richard's truck sold.)
Richard now gets the pleasure of driving my 1998 Ford Taurus to work. He isn't too happy about it and the guys at work are giving him a hard time, but he is excited for me. And he feels better knowing Christian and I are in a more reliable car.
I love my new car!
What I love about my new car:

It sits higher than my Taurus
It only has 12,000 miles!
The body style
The tire pressure monitoring system
There's a cooler in the glove compartment!
CD player, IPod holder, built in Satellite stereo, direct IPod connector
More cupholders!

What I miss about my Taurus:

Lumbar support
Automatic climate control
Automatic headlights (I keep forgetting to turn on my headlights because I never had to in my Taurus!)

Below is my actual car taken from the Fury Dealership website. The color is Dark Khaki Metallic. I was a little unsure about it especially since the salesman called it Gold. I really like it now.

Happy Birthday Jack!

2009-01-28T09:03:00.001-06:00

Jack is joyful.

Jack is playful.

Jack is infectious with his laugh.

Jack is cuddly.

Jack is silly.

Jack is adorable with his dark eyes and contagious smile.

Jack is precious.

Jack is two today.

My "Mom" Cut

2009-01-03T22:27:00.002-06:00

Nothing Says Christmas Like Stars and Pigs

2008-12-22T20:02:00.003-06:00

We decided to make Christmas Cookies this weekend. Christian sat in his high chair and watched me cut out stars and pigs from sugar cookies and gingerbread dough. Yes, stars and pigs. I realized that I have Halloween cookie cutters, 8 different star cookie cutters, and two pig cookie cutters. No Christmas cookie cutters.

So Richard and I decorated pigs and stars.

My Mom + Text Messaging

2008-11-24T19:27:00.002-06:00

My mom finally bought a cell phone. I'm so used to her not having a cell phone, that I forget to call her on it.
While I was talking to her today, I realized she has the ability to send and receive text messages. I teased her that I was going to send her six text messages a day. She panicked and begged me not to because she didn't know how to receive or respond to text messages.
As soon as I hung up the phone, I sent her a text telling her I loved her and to have fun in Tennessee. She sent a text back: "gh"
I instantly texted back: "What?"
Her reply, "ggg" !!!!!
I was laughing so hard. I called her while I was still in hysterics. She said she couldn't figure out how to type on the phone's number pad.

A Special Day Indeed!

2008-10-22T18:57:00.002-06:00

Today is a special day. Today is my dear and beautiful friend, Michelle's birthday! She's 28 years old today!

One year ago today, I found out I was pregnant (that was a hard secret to keep at Michelle's birthday dinner!)

Today, Christian turned 4 months old!

Squeaky Clean Teeth

2008-09-09T19:48:00.003-06:00

I haven't been to the dentist in almost 3 years. I have a slew of excuses, but the truth is the more I procrastinated, the more scared I became. I was scared of the number and extent of cavities that were multiplying in my mouth. I was scared of the poking and prodding. I was scared of the inevitable lecture of flossing (I do floss just about every day! I swear!)
So I finally made an appointment at a local dentist. In the waiting room, I sat at the edge of my seat, anxious and ashamed of my lack of regular dental visits. But when my name was called and the dental hygienist led me into a room, I was suddenly hopeful.
Instead of sterile metal equipment and bare white walls, the equipment was cream and the walls were a warm caramel color. The blinds on the window were wooden as were the cabinets. It felt warm and inviting. And The Today Show was playing on an LCD monitor in front of the chair. And as the dental hygienist lowered the chair to look into my mouth, I noticed the normally blinding fluorescent lights were covered with a coral reef scene complete with 44 fish (I counted).
The dental hygienist was gentle and kind. When it came time to polish my teeth, she asked me which flavor polish I would like. I expected my choices would be mint, cherry, or bubble gum. But on top of those three, she offered me strawberry, cinnamon, grape, raspberry, or cookie dough! Yes, cookie dough. Apparently it is very popular with the kids. I chose raspberry and it was wonderful!
Dr. Pat came in to examine my teeth. I expressed my concern about a particular tooth. He took one look and then said he would show it to me on the screen. He put a little camera in mouth and played the video on the LCD TV screen. I saw my troublesome tooth. This was new and fascinating.
To my relief, it wasn't a cavity. However, I would probably need a crown in a few years. I have a large filling in that tooth. And my grinding has made the tooth flat. So little fissures have developed in my tooth.
I love my dentist office! I never thought I would say that. I have some awful memories associated with the dentist. I remember being in high school, getting a filling, gazing out the window during an ice storm. The window overlooked Hwy 172 in Green Bay. The ice storm was so intense, I watch car after car slide into the ditch and down the hill. It was awful to witness and I knew I would have to drive in it soon with a numb, drooling mouth.
Then in my early 20s, I had another filling. The dentist injected Novocaine into my gums. All was fine until I went to work that night and my cheek swelled. I called the emergency on call dentist. Apparently the dentist who injected the Novocaine, shot it into my nerve. And there was nothing I could do, but take a few Tylenol and wait it out.
So Albertville Family Dentist, you are awesome!

First Week Back

2008-09-01T15:27:00.002-06:00

Last week was my first week back to work. It was a mess. Lots of damage control. Tons of paperwork.
I thought I would cry the whole 26 miles to work. I thought I would miss Christian to the point of a meltdown. But I was so busy, I barely had time to dwell on the fact that I missed him so much. Only when I pumped twice a day, did I have a chance to think about him. I used that time to call and check on how he was handling our separation. He was, of course, just fine.
I am very lucky. My mom came to stay with us for two weeks while I return to work. This made my life so much easier. My anxiety level was not nearly as high as it would have been if he went right to daycare. My mom is awesome with Christian. He loves her so much. They have a great time together. We're both going to miss her when she goes home this weekend.
Next week, he starts daycare. Our daycare provider, Shannon, is a wonderful person. And I know he will be well taken care of at her house.

MN State Fair

2008-08-25T19:21:00.005-06:00

MN State Fair Attendance on Sunday: 183,528

Richard, Molly, Ryan, and I went to the MN State Fair on Sunday.

Four blisters and a sun burned scalp later, Richard and I had devoured lots of delicious fatty food:

Double Cheese Pizza on a Stick
Deep Fried 3 Musketeers on a Stick
Mini Donuts
Spaghetti and Meatballs on a Stick (deep fried of course)
Deep Fried Fruit on a Stick
A Pronto Pup (on a stick)
Walleye on a Stick (are you seeing a theme...)
Deep Fried Cheese Curds
Fresh Squeezed lemonade
Hot Dish on a Stick
Alligator sausage on a Stick

We also visited some sheep, ducks, and rabbits. And we saw the Iron Jack Lumberjack Show. One of my favorite parts was the Sky Ride. Richard and I took a round trip. We got the "Cow Car", complete with a cow bell. It was a blast! We also visited the winning vegetables. The largest pumpkin was 834 lbs!

For more great pictures of our state fair adventure, check out Molly's blog

Mess

2008-08-16T09:23:00.002-06:00

I usually have to change my clothes at least once a day because of baby spit up or breast milk leakage. It always centers around Christian.
Then the day came where I had to change my outfit and it had nothing to do with Christian.
First I had to change my pants because in a sudden burst of excitement by Logger, he peed on my leg.
Then I was cleaning out the refrigerator. I had a container of pudding and whip cream (left overs from a delightful fruit trifle my mom made). It slipped out of my hands and plopped in the sink, sending pudding and whip cream into the air and covering my shirt and hair.
Christian didn't spit up on me once that day. I was just a magnet for mess.

August 10: Happy Birthday Logger

2008-08-11T15:02:00.002-06:00

My little Loggerhead turned 2 years old yesterday!

Unlikely Playmates

2008-07-27T13:19:00.000-06:00

Pizza Face

2008-07-24T14:33:00.002-06:00

Today is Richard's birthday. He is 27 years old. We aren't doing anything special today because Richard has to work in an hour. And I haven't been able to go shopping.
I'm starting to miss my freedom. The freedom to just go any where and do anything. Since I have to pack Christian up and lug around a car seat and diaper bag, going shopping has become less appealing. Running a quick errand is no longer quick when I have to get Christian in and out of the car.
I am not saying my son is a burden. Everything is more of an adventure with him. I never know if he is going to get fussy. Or hungry. And I need at least somewhere to breast feed or some way to warm up a bottle.
We've taken him grocery shopping a few times and out to dinner once. We've ran errands with him yesterday. He's been very good.

In other news, my son is going through puberty. He has pimples all over his face. My estrogen is still in his system from when he was in the womb. This is causing acne. Poor kid. All the other babies are going to tease him.

Eskimo Pies

2008-07-21T14:37:00.002-06:00

With a last name as common as mine, there are bound to be at least a dozen people who share your name.
I didn't Google Christian's name before choosing it. For the same reason we didn't share his name with others, we didn't look at who else shared his name.

A week after Christian was born, Richard and I were watching Modern Marvels on the History Channel. It was the history of ice cream episode. I was playing on the computer when I heard Christian's name! I demanded Richard rewind the program (LOVE satellite TV). Sure enough, they said Christian's name.

Christian shares a name with the gentlemen who invented the Eskimo Pie (who was not an Eskimo)

I wondered who I shared a name with. Would there be anyone famous?
Kelly the actor (who is male)
Kelly the body builder (part of a mother/daughter body building duo)

What famous people do you share your name with?

How Did This Happen?

2008-07-19T08:04:00.002-06:00

I've been on maternity leave for 4 weeks. I have 5 more weeks to go. I haven't had any contact with work since Christian was 3 days old (he's almost a month old!).

My boss called me on Thursday. I've been promoted.
How do you get a promotion while on maternity leave?! That's awesome!
I am now a Onsite Operations Manager (versus a Site Manager). It came with a nice raise and more opportunities for bonuses.
I will oversee three accounts and manage the account I am currently assigned to. I will have to travel to Madison, WI at least once every 6 weeks. My stay in Madison will be paid for and I can visit with my sister, Brother-in-law, and nephews.

Sitting on the couch eating BonBons

2008-07-15T14:00:00.004-06:00

I could never be a stay at home mom. I'm already addicted to day time TV. I hate day time television. Soap operas, talk shows, reruns, and court shows. Luckily, I'm only addicted to reruns. I've been watching endless episodes of Gilmore Girls (not so bad) and Roseanne (yes, that Roseanne) and Friends and Just Shoot Me. And many others. Also, I watch Judge Judy religiously now.

It's awful.

I don't get enough exercise either. It's too hot outside to take Christian for a walk. At least at work, I walk a lot. Maybe I can figure out a way to walk on my treadmill with Christian. I need to do something.

I try to clean the house, but my son loves to nap in my arms. And well, I LOVE holding him. I could do it all day. I do do it all day. It's probably not such a good thing because he will never get used to napping in his bouncy or bassinet. He does sleep in his bassinet at night. We don't let him sleep in our bed. He's in my lap right now as I type this!

I've become accustomed to doing things with only one hand or moving things by kicking them. It's terrible.

My Life Revolves Around My Breasts

2008-07-03T17:24:00.003-06:00

It's true.

Sleeping. Shopping. Eating. Blogging. Everything. We have to time every activity we do according to Christian's feeding schedule.
We have to time our meals just right so that Christian has just eaten by the time it is done. Yesterday, we went to visit Richard's grandfather. We couldn't leave until Christian ate because it's an 1.5 hour drive and I didn't want to breast feed in the car with my mother-in-law on the side of the road or in a gas station bathroom. It was bad enough I had to feed him in the small camper bedroom.
My breasts have never felt so important, so loved.
I know I could pump and bottle feed him, but I'm not ready to do that yet. I want to wait at least two weeks before I give him a bottle. Breastfeeding is tough business and I don't want a bottle to jeopardize the progress we've made.
Soon, he will only need to eat every four hours. Then I will be a little more free. Although I enjoy every second with Christian, running errands can be difficult with only a small window of time. And I don't want to leave Richard with a screaming, hungry baby that he can't feed.

Holy Crap! I had a baby!

2008-06-30T10:30:00.002-06:00

Christian Steven was born on Sunday, June 22.

I've started his own blog: http://babychristiansteven.blogspot.com/

Motherhood is going well. I fell into the role smoother than I thought I would. Breastfeeding and 3 am diaper changings feel normal to me already. I am still adjusting to only 2-3 hours of sleep at a time. Richard thinks I'm pushing myself too hard because I don't take naps during the day. I've tried, but I'm not a napper. It's hard for me to sleep when Christian sleeps. Since I'm breastfeeding, it's not like Richard and I can switch off feedings. He does help me change him every few hours. Or he will burp Christian for me. Plus, I actually enjoy breastfeeding time with Christian. He is extra cuddly and sweet right after.

I hate diapers. I don't mind changing them. I'm annoyed that they don't stop the pee. They leak. This is how the couch, the bed, and me all got wet.

(Photos courtesy of Molly)

Progress! Finally!

2008-06-21T23:03:00.002-06:00

I was pretty bummed after my week 39 checkup. I was eager for this appointment because I was ready. I am ready for Baby FermaNels to come. I wanted to make it to week 39 and he can come any time.
At 38 weeks, I was 50% effaced (how much my cervix has thinned) and the baby's head was completely down in my pelvis.
At 39 weeks, I was....the same. No progress.
If I had been even 1 cm dilated, my doctor offered to strip my membranes which would move labor along. (You can be dilated 2 cm one day and go back to 0 cm the next. Dilation does not guarantee labor will begin). So we discussed how long she would let me go over my due date (1.5 weeks).

I took a nap today. I took my jeans off and slept in just my T-shirt and underwear. I woke up an hour later, fixed my hair and makeup, and put my jeans back on. I felt something cold against my inner thigh and figured my jeans had gotten wet from washing my hands. But it felt weird. So I reached down and felt something gooey. I instantly screamed, thinking one of the cats puked on my jeans and it was smeared on my leg. Richard came running. I pulled my hand out to reveal a gelatinous pile. It looked like lubrication jelly. I instantly freaked out, trying to figure out where it came from. Richard immediately asked if it was my mucus plug. I had no idea. I searched my pregnancy book and discovered it was. I lost my mucus plug during my nap and it stuck to my leg! (sorry if this grosses you out!)
I'm very excited about this because it means I'm one step closer to going into labor. It also means my cervix has thinned more (Yeah!).

PS: I'm not going to scrapbook it, Molly.

15 Days to Go

2008-06-12T11:21:00.002-06:00

I fell today. Don't worry. I didn't get hurt although I freaked out all my employees. I went to sit down in a chair and it kicked out from under me. I fell on my butt and just started laughing.

Updates: Ribs still hurt. Pelvic bone hurts when he moves. Tired all the time. Sleeping is hard since my belly has gotten larger.

But, I'm hanging in there. Two weeks to go...

And yes, this is one of my favorite pregnancy shirts (thanks Kim)

Please remove your foot

2008-06-10T11:25:00.003-06:00

His foot is lodged in my ribs. This has become his new favorite place. I guess it gives him a little extra room to stretch out since he refuses to move out instead of up. But it hurts!
I have to sit perfectly straight or stand. Otherwise, I have a butt or a foot stabbing my ribs.

Richard's grandpa has a brain tumor. This past week, we've spent many hours at the hospital with this family with many more hours to accrue later this week. I've actually enjoyed my time there. His aunts and uncle are in from various parts of the country (and they are my favorites of Richard's relatives!). And I've met lots of extended family. I really enjoy family history, so it's been fun to listen to all the stories. Especially the ones of Richard. =)
Richard's grandpa (his namesake) has a tumor the size of a fist pushing against his brain. It was causing mini seizures which disrupted his speech and memory.
Richard went to see him last Friday morning. He asked to his his great grandson, not realizing he hasn't been born yet. It took awhile for him to comprehend that the baby will be here in 3 weeks. Then he started asking for me. I went with Richard's brother, Josh, to the hospital Friday after work. Richard's grandpa was so excited to see me and my belly. Luckily, Baby FermaNels cooperated (which he rarely does), and Richard's grandpa got to feel him kick.
Over the course of the weekend, Richard's grandpa proudly introduced my belly to all his visitors. He is obviously excited to become a great grandpa (Baby FermaNels will be the first great grandchild).
By Sunday, the anti-seizure medicine had done its job. Richard's grandpa was able to speak clearly and walk around. He had his first surgery yesterday to cut off the blood supply to the tumor. It was a success. Tomorrow, they will remove the tumor. It is looking like the tumor is non cancerous. As tumors go, he has won the lottery.

Week 37: Full Term!

2008-06-08T15:45:00.002-06:00

Baby FermaNels is officially full term! But I don't want him to come yet. Reasons:

Most importantly, I want him to have the best chance to be healthy. The longer he stays in the womb, the more weight he'll gain and the more developed he'll become. I can put up with any discomfort if it means he'll be healthy.

Secondly, and stupidly, I have one more project at work to finish before I go into labor. It starts this week and lasts the full week. I don't want to leave it unfinished. Plus I have two brand new employees. I want them fully trained in before I leave. Since my company does not offer maternity leave, my employees and my boss are on strict orders not to contact me while I am on short term disability. I don't want to come back in late August to a mess.

I had my first scare last Wednesday. I haven't missed a single day of work because of this pregnancy. I'm pretty proud of that. On Wednesday, I started getting shooting pains on the top of my stomach. My doctor told me to come in and get checked out. I knew I wasn't in labor, but Richard freaked out. We don't have a bag packed, so he frantically started throwing things in a duffel bag.
Obviously, I'm not in labor. Baby FermaNels is out of room. He is suppose to be growing outward, but he is stubborn (gee, I wonder where he gets that from?!) and insists on growing up. He is now past my ribs. The shooting pain is being caused by the baby pushing on nerves under my ribs. He is also in birthing position. His head is in my pelvis. So when moves, he is either hitting my pelvic bone or my ribs. Very uncomfortable. It has actually become more comfortable to stand than sit. Luckily, I don't have swollen feet.
But I can hold out. I would rather be uncomfortable than for him to come too early.
Tonight, Richard and I are going to properly pack a bag.

If one more stops by.....

2008-05-27T19:40:00.004-06:00

Vultures. They are all vultures. My doorbell rang 4 times in the last 24 hours - all contractors wanting to give us an estimate. I have fliers shoved in our newspaper box. And of course a half a dozen littering our yard (which I promptly recycled). My house phone rings with men offering free estimates. I can't even walk Logger without being stopped by at least two stormchasing contractors. The main road into our neighborhood was littered with trucks from seven different companies all soliciting.

So I went with the first person we talked to. Our new neighbor down the street who compared storm damage with the rest of us. A simple sign in the yard wards off unwanted and unruly coyotes.

Perhaps I should start from the beginning....

The storm that devastated the small community of Hugo also hit us. Only we were fortunate only to have hail. Three waves of hail bombarded our house. I stood in the middle of our great room. One hand around Logger, the other clutching my stomach as if to protect my two boys. Richard stood at the front door, snapping pictures.

After the first wave of golf ball to tennis ball size hail, we joined the neighbors to compare damage. Some far worse with a broken window or two. Others with only few pieces of chipped siding. We fared somewhere in between.

I had gone back in the house to watch the news. Richard called me to come outside. A funnel cloud was forming far in the distance. I ordered him in the house. Of course he didn't listen and continued to gawk at the sky with the other husbands. He came running home when the second wave of hail hammered us.

We are all safe. And that is what matters. Only some cosmetic injuries to our young house.

One month from today....

2008-05-27T11:34:00.000-06:00

Everything will change...

GB Baby Shower - Titletown Brewery

2008-05-26T14:00:00.000-06:00

Molly and my mom threw me a baby shower in Green Bay. The afternoon was filled with fun games (if you said "baby" you lost your bead necklace. The person with the most necklaces at the end of the shower won). I lost my necklace early on to my cousin who tricked me! Other games included matching baby animal names to the adult animal (ex. puppy to dog) and guessing which characteristics and features of Richard and me I hoped the baby inherits. All of these I had never played before.
I received more gifts than I could ever hope for. The most precious of all was this painting Molly had ordered for Richard and me:

It is so beautiful and personal. Little parts of our lives pulled together into a single painting. Including my wedding flower, my pets, the bluffs and river that separates Molly and me, the origami from Molly's wedding, a semi truck, my supportive family. I'm crying now just writing about this wonderful treasure.
We hung it in our dining room so we could share it with more people. Richard and I gaze at it often, amazed by the detail and beauty. Richard points it out proudly to every new guest that enters our house.

Michelle made me the cutest crocheted pig. I had to hide it from Logger because it combines his love of destroying stuffed animals and yarn. Michelle also made the baby the softest blanket complete with stars.

Little Abby came to play. Vicki's youngest daughter.

Abby took an instant liking to Molly!

My sister, Kim, made me a diaper cake! I really don't want to take it apart. Another very special gift from someone I love so much.

My nephew Antonio stopped by. More than anything, he wanted to stick his fingers in the cake.

My sister and my nephew Jack.

My bestest friend Molly. She will make a wonderful Aunt. I am so lucky to have her in my life. And since I planned my baby around her teaching schedule (unlike my wedding), I'll have the privilege of having her stay with me a few days before my due date (just in case!) and she will be there, beside me, when my son enters the world.

The girls working hard at Molly's tough animal game!

35 Weeks: Smooth Sailing

2008-05-26T13:06:00.002-06:00

I saw my doctor last Friday. At the end of the appointment, she commented, "You are the most laid back, easy going, first time pregnant woman I have ever seen!"
Score one for the Sloth! My belly is growing outward since I have no more room to grow up. Baby FermaNels continues to push on all my organs including my stomach and bladder. His favorite thing to do is stick his butt into my ribs. My doctor confirmed that is head is down and his butt is on my right side. He's in the correct position for a healthy birth (Yeah!!).
Thursday and Friday my sciatic nerve caused shooting pains down my left leg, through my knee, and into my shin. I could barely walk at work. I've been working a lot of hours for the last three weeks. Thank goodness those are over. When they ended, the shooting pain ended.
This weekend, I started feeling Braxston-Hicks contractions. My stomach gets hard. Almost as if I have an actual bowling ball under my skin. Sometimes they are accompanied by a small cramp. This is absolutely normal. I guess you start getting them around week 6 of your pregnancy, but cannot feel them until the end of your pregnancy.

Week 33: The Battle Begins

2008-05-11T19:41:00.002-06:00

I've had an easy pregnancy so far. That's all over.
Most nights I wake up in excrutinating pain in my hip. It's from all the extra weight resting on the joint. Some mornings, it feels even worse. Some mornings I can barely walk downstairs. So I'm starting to get creative with pillows, hoping to take the pressure off my hips.
The sciatic nerve has kicked into high gear again. It's bearable during the day. But the later it gets, the more painful it becomes. This searing pain down my lower back and into my butt has caused me to scream. Moving becomes too painful. I have broken down and cried several times.

But with only 7 weeks left, Baby FermaNels moves all the time. My belly will jolt to one side. An appendage will kick out suddenly. He gets the hiccups sometimes, which is always fun. He sticks his butt into my ribs daily. It's uncomfortable, but also exciting. I love feeling him move.

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T19:23:00.003-06:00

My wonderful husband wanted to buy me a Mother's Day present. I insisted he couldn't as I don't consider myself a mother yet. Others did not listen. I received a Mother's Day card from my mom, numerous text messages from friends, and these lovely flowers from Molly.

I think of my own mother who has always put my sister and I first, who loves us unconditionally, who always made sure we never went without. My mother who to this day sends us care packages just to let us know she was thinking of us. My mother who has always been there to listen, to advise, to share. She has never held back at telling us the truth (even when we wanted her to!) and taught us to be independent.
And I do love my unborn son unconditionally and I am doing everything I can to ensure he arrives healthy, but I know nothing about him. What will he look like, what will his favorite color be, will he be more artistic or musical or academic or all of the above.
So, I don't consider myself a mother until I can look into eyes and see his bright future a head of him.

2008-04-29T11:10:00.005-06:00

The nursery is about 95% ready. We still have to put sheets on the crib (don't want to get dust on them over the next 2 months). And we didn't hang anything on the walls. We may rearrange the furniture once we purchase a glidder.

My dad and Richard painted the room Pale Moss Green. It's hard to see in the picture, but it's a really pretty pale green.

I washed all the new oufits that will fit Baby FermaNels in the first three months of his life. It was fun to fold the little socks and cute onesies.

PS: The fan, guitar, and baby gate are just hanging out in the room for a month.

Week 31: No More Room

2008-04-25T19:55:00.003-06:00

At my doctor's appointment today, I found out I am short waisted. My uterus can't grow anymore. I've run out of room. What does this mean? It means the baby will grow out and he will put even more pressure on my lungs. I will run out of breath much quicker. I've already noticed this. If I talk constantly for a few minutes, I run out of breath.
I have gained 2 pounds bringing my total weight gain to 19 pounds! I am right on track!
My blood sugar level was 83: perfectly healthy.
We talked about my birth plan and her birth plan for me.
I told her I have had an easy pregnancy. She replied, "I'm glad you recognize that. You've been doing great."
I've gotten lots of "You look great!" this week. I think because its obvious that I'm pregnant, but I haven't gained much weight for as far along as I am.
I feel good too. I am still very flexible and can squat without any problems. I've been doing my pregnancy workout or walking Logger two to three times a week. I forget I'm pregnant sometimes until I run into something with my belly! Or Baby FermaNels kicks me.

Other news this week:
I think we have a name picked out! This has been one of the hardest parts of being pregnant. Richard and I could not agree on any names. The two we originally picked out have since been axed. (Richard didn't think the names fit the baby's ultrasound pictures.) But we finally agree on one. One we both really like. But we're telling anyone. (It's driving my mom CRAZY!)
My parents are in town! Richard and Dad are painting the nursery tomorrow. My mom and I are picking up the crib and changing table. I am so excited to get the nursery ready. I think everything will feel real once the room is ready.
Time is going by so fast!

Week 30: 10 weeks to go!

2008-04-22T20:27:00.001-06:00

My shirt says "From Here.... To Maternity" and has a pinup girl before pregnancy and during.
A spoof on the movie From Here to Eternity
A shirt from my sister's maternity collection!

Oh Baby!

2008-04-22T10:59:00.003-06:00

My first baby shower (which I kept mistakenly calling it "my bridal shower"!). Kelli and Jen put together a small baby shower for me at The Cheesecake Factory.

Good food, great company, and silly games made it a wonderful Sunday afternoon. An adorable little outfit from Nikki.

My friend Joanne from my last job.

The cutest bath gift basket ever From Michelle

One month old Emma woke up towards the end to join in the festivities

Brenda and I checking out the new toy from Jen

Kelli and Jen!

Michelle Chelle!

Showing off my belly for a game
Nikki!

And the usual strawberries. I drank Strawberry Lemonade. And had strawberry cheesecake. These are strawberries courtesy of Michelle's Kids Brunch! Thank you, Michelle!

1 down, 49 to go! (Hopefully more than that!)

2008-04-21T11:43:00.005-06:00

Cutting our wedding cake together on our anniversary

Richard tasting the nastiness that is freezer burn.

And we tossed the rest in the garbage. What a waste. It was delicious a year ago!

Today is our one year wedding anniversary. I can't believe it has been a whole year. I feel like I was just stressing over seating charts and guest lists.

We celebrate our one year achievement, Richard and I dressed up (this is an achievement in itself since I don't have any skirts or dresses that fit my pregnant belly!) and ate dinner at Biaggi's in Maple Grove. We then went home and attempted to eat the top of our wedding cake. Gross. It was cracked and freezer burned. We each took one bite and threw the rest away. I should have let Richard eat it a few weeks after our wedding.

We spent the rest of the evening watching The Wild game and relaxing.

I did it again...

2008-04-18T11:15:00.002-06:00

I ate a half a pound of strawberries while driving 70 mph down Hwy 94.
I finished of the other half pound later that night.
I think I'm up to 17 pounds of strawberries consumed.

Week 28: No News is Good News

2008-04-07T11:22:00.004-06:00

I had my Week 28 checkup with the doctor on Friday.

I gained 6 pounds in the last month, bringing my total weight gain to 17 pounds. I'm on the low end of gaining weight and with uterus size (She measures from my belly button to the the top my uterus. Yes you can feel it. It's weird). Baby FermaNels has a healthy, normal heartbeat: 132 beat per minute (needed to be between 120-150).

And I had my gestational diabetes test. I was terrified of this test. Not the test itself, but of having to change my diet if it came back positive. I would have to cut down on my sugar (no sour gummy worms), cut down on my carbs (no fruit - including strawberries! [13 pounds devoured and counting!]), and be forced to eat things like oatmeal (not too bad), eggs (blah!), and meat (EWWWW!).

To take the test, I had to chug a bottle of super syrupy sugared orange soda. If Fanta and Jolt had a one night stand, this would be their love child. It was so sugary, I wanted to brush my teeth as soon as I finished. It gave me a slight stomach ache. I felt like I had eaten candy all day and nothing else. The Sugar Gut Rot.
Fanta has been my savior since I became pregnant. It's what I drink when I would normally drink Dr. Pepper or Cherry Coke. Not anymore. This test ruined orange pop for me.
I sat in the waiting room, playing Brain Age 2 on Richard's DS. After an hour, they drew my blood. If I didn't get a call, that means my pancreas is acting normal. If they call, I would have to go in for further testing. Further testing involves a 3 hour test. Yuck.
It's been two full business days and no call. I'm hoping that is good news.

Childbirth Classes: The Drama

2008-04-03T09:43:00.004-06:00

Last night was our first of four - three hour Childbirth Preparation Classes. I was very excited that Richard was able to come (even though Molly would have been an awesome partner). It was something I really wanted us to do together.

Our instructor, Jane, is fun and down to earth. She made everyone feel very comfortable, even Richard who was terrified the instructor would be a hippie.
Our baby will be the youngest in the class. Most are due in May, with the exception of one other June baby.
Lots of talk about vaginas and placentas and bags of water and mucus plug and cervix. Complete with a 3D model, the instructor showed us how the baby moves down through the pelvis. Ouch! He turns! And his head pushes on your rectum (hence the pooing on the table) and that's how you know when to push. You feel like you have to take a big 'ol poo. Ack!

I was looking forward to the hospital tour the most. I was delighted to find out we would spend the last hour of class viewing the Labor & Delivery department of North Memorial!

Again, our instructor was great. She explained every step and detail from the moment we park in the ramp to our discharge. When you arrive at Labor & Delivery, you have to go to a Labor Assessment room. They decide if you should be admitted or should go home to wait it out. I don't want to be sent home. The hospital is over 20 miles from our house! (So we have to make sure, Molly! Pressure's on!)

One of the stops on the tour was the Birthing Room. The room little Baby FermaNels will arrive. It's not a huge room. We crammed 16 people in this room. I become very claustrophobic in small areas or areas with too many people and not a clear exit. The room was a stifling 75 degrees (our instructor couldn't figure out how to turn the heat down). About halfway through the instructor's explanation of the room, I became light headed. I took off my winter coat. My purse felt so heavy on my shoulder so I set it on the floor. Richard leaned in and asked if I was okay. I said yes. Then my hearing became muffled. I was no longer listening to the instructor, I just wanted to leave the room. When my vision started to get fuzzy, I turned to Richard and said, "I need air. I'm light headed." He put his arm around me, and ushered me out of the room. He asked me again if I was okay. I told him I needed to sit down. He grabbed the instructor and told her I was light headed. She immediately told me to slide down the floor. She had me take off my sweater and called for a nurse to get me some water. The nurse came with a wheel chair. "No, no, no, she doesn't need a wheel chair. Just water." The nurse returned with ice water and a little orange juice. As I sipped my juice, the instructor turned to the rest of the class. "Let's not stare at Kelly, but this is exactly what you need to do if you are in labor and you are feeling light headed or have a contraction. Just slide down the wall."
I immediately started feeling better once I sat down. Apparently, all the color had drained from my face and it started to come back as soon as I sat down.

At the end of the tour, I thanked the instructor again for helping me. It was a combination of over heating and claustrophobia. She recommended I write the claustrophobia on my birth plan so the nurses will be sensitive to it.
Hopefully next week will be less dramatic. And I hope I'm not know as the girl who almost fainted.

Week 27

2008-04-01T20:08:00.002-06:00

Week 27: Whoa!

2008-03-31T10:43:00.002-06:00

Saturday night, I was watching television in bed. Richard was asleep next to me. Baby FermaNels was kicking as usual (he's most active right before I go to bed). I glanced down and my stomach was moving! It looked like it was doing the wave. I lifted up my pjs to watch it. It was the weirdest thing. Even though I couldn't make out a hand or foot, I could see him pushing out! I quickly woke up Richard so he could witness this phenomenon. But as usual, Baby FermaNels got gun shy and stopped moving.

The Big Easy with Ms. Molly and Ms. Amy

2008-03-26T19:41:00.004-06:00

This vacation had many firsts for my unborn baby:
First plane ride
First boat ride (we took a ferry from Algiers to Canal St)
And first goofy vacation T-Shirt:

These pictures are not in any order. I wanted to show different pictures from what is on Molly's blog.

The Nature Preserve:

The French Quarter:

Bourban St. smelled like stale beer and urine. And it was all tourists shopping! The drunkards were yet to come out.

The Levee on the Mississippi:

The Metairie Cemetary (founded in 1838):

And to sum up our vacation to New Orleans:

Sniffles..

2008-03-26T11:12:00.002-06:00

I'm allergic to New Orleans. Or Amy. Or Amy's mom. Or the airplane. Or I just plain caught something along the way.
At any rate, I have a nasty head cold and since I am pregnant, I can't take any medication. So I am forced to fight my way through the congestion and head pressure, alone.
As soon as I am feeling better, I will post all about our fabulous trip to New Orleans.

I have to blow my nose now.

Where is Charlie? And why does his horse hate me?

2008-03-18T11:11:00.002-06:00

Leg Cramps. Charlie Horses. Pulled calf muscles.
This has now made my list of things I hate about being pregnant.

I don't know why this happens, but it is very common for pregnant women to get leg cramps in their sleep. It is also extremely painful and annoying.
I pulled my right calf muscle last week. And my left calf muscle this week.
How do I train myself not to stretch in my sleep?

My List of Things I Hate About Being Pregnant:

1. Sciatica nerve (Thank goodness the baby rolled off the nerve by week 14)
2. Sleeping on my side (hip pain, leg pain, uncomfortable) Between me, Logger, and the pregnancy pillow, poor Richard has no room in bed.
3. Nosebleeds (enough said)
4. The awkward stage between fitting in your regular clothes and wearing maternity clothes. (Your regular clothes are too tight, but maternity clothes are too big. Either way, everyone thinks you are just getting fat)
5. Leg Cramps (see above post)

My List of Things I LOVE About Being Pregnant:
1. He's kicking!! (This is such a wonderful, indescribable feeling)
2. The fluttering (He's moving around!)
3. The cute belly (sometimes I just want to hug my own belly)
4. Eating (although I'm making smart choices, I don't feel silly for eating a pound of strawberries in one sitting or feel guilty if I never have leftovers anymore)
5. The bond between Richard and me (he has become very protective of me, and I oddly like this)
6. The bond between my mom and me (she understands all the weird things I'm experiencing and helps me see the lighter side of it)
7. The bond between my sister and me (I can ask her any medical question, any pregnancy question, any baby question, and she will give me an honest answer)
8. Monthly doctors visits (Who likes to go to the doctor?! Me! Because I get to listen to Baby FermaNels's heartbeat)
9. The bond between Molly and me (This is about as close as two friends can ever get. And she'll be right there next to me when the baby arrives. She'll probably be the one driving me to the hospital.)
10. The unknown factor. (When will baby come? What will he look like? Will he have my blue eyes? Will he have Richard's nose? What will he name him? Will he have hair right away? How big will he be? Will he love semi trucks like Richard?) There are so many questions. And I can't wait to find them out.

Baby Dreams

2008-03-14T11:09:00.002-06:00

Supposedly your dreams are more vivid when your pregnant. I've only had a handful of baby dreams.
1. I gave birth to a toddler boy. He was already two years old.
2. I had given birth to a baby girl and she had long curly black hair (weird)
3. I was in labor (that's all I remember)

Then they got more vivid:
4. Our baby boy was born. Richard named him Seedman and we would call him Seedie for short (!!). I panicked and started searching through an endless pile of baby name books for a different boys name, any boys name. I couldn't find a single name that worked.
5. I was six months pregnant and back in high school (yikes!). I was in gym class and there were a lot of girls pregnant. We were excused from the exercises the rest of the classes had to perform. Then the teacher said we had to do line sprints (I think they are called "Suicides" also). So I took my place on the line. I sprinted to the blue line and back, then to the red line and back, then the black line and back. I had beat all the boys in the class. The teacher patted me on the back. I left gym class and met Richard in the library. He was looking for pregnancy fitness videos for me. He checked out four or five vhs videos. We were walking down the hall and I was telling him about how fast I was in gym class when I went into labor, right there in the high school hallway. Richard tried to pick me, but I was too big. And then I woke up.

Crazy crazy crazy

Week 24: Nosebleeds and Kicking

2008-03-07T21:57:00.003-06:00

I've gained a total of 11 pounds. The nurse was laughing at me because I'm actually watching what I eat. She thinks I should take advantage of 9 months of eating anything I want. But it will eventually have to come off.

I've been getting nose bleeds a lot. Only one last week, but four the week before. Being pregnant causes my blood vessels to be larger than normal. And combined with our dry winter air, I'm getting nosebleeds on a regular basis. My doctor recommended putting Vaseline in my nose.

The baby kicks all the time now. Richard can feel it now. The baby kicked for the doctor yesterday. She put the sonogram machine on my belly to listen to his heartbeat and he kicked it! She exclaimed, "He wants out of there!". He's a feisty little FermaNelson.

This baby makes me do the craziest things?!

2008-03-04T20:40:00.003-06:00

On my way home from work, I stopped at the pet store to buy Logger some biscuits. As I was leaving all I could think about was garlic bread. I had to have garlic bread for dinner. I didn't care what I had with it as long as there was garlic bread. Thankfully there is a grocery store down the road from the pet store.
As soon as I walked in, I spotted strawberries. Screw garlic bread; I needed strawberries...now. (I bought garlic bread too. Just in case.)
I got in my car and immediately opened the container of strawberries.
Three things you should know about me:
1. Other than my morning granola bar, I rarely eat while driving.
2. I never eat from the grocery bag or takeout bag. I always wait until I get home.
3. I always wash my fruit and vegetables before eating them

So there I was, flying down I-94 at 70 mph shoving unwashed strawberries in my mouth! Before I knew it, half the carton was gone. So I called Molly to tell her how shocked I was with my behavior and also to stop myself from eating them.
But as I write this, I'm polishing off the remainder of them. =)

Week 23: Thoughts on Labor

2008-03-04T12:13:00.003-06:00

I am terrified of labor. I hear stories about how easy it was to horror stories about bleeding and emergency C-Sections and 6 hours of straight pushing!
I have so many fears about labor. The pain factor is a big one. But I'm hoping an epidermal will clear that right up. And then there are the "icks": Am I going to tear? Or should I have the doctor cut me? Am I going to poo on the table? Will I know?
Then I heard stories about the nurses pushing on your stomach after you give birth to get the afterbirth out. It is suppose to be very painful.

So, I registered for Childbirth Preparation Classes through my hospital. And either my husband, Richard, or my bestest friend, Molly, will be my partner. I've already been told we will watch the 1970s birth video we were forced to watch in 9th grade Health Class. Great.

It's all worth it though, right?!

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY KELLI!!

2008-02-29T12:39:00.002-06:00

My friend Kelli (who is married to Richard's best friend) was born today 24 years ago. But today is her 6th birthday!
Her husband is throwing her a surprise birthday dinner complete with 28 of her closest friends! It should be fun. =)

Mmmm...Brownies

2008-02-26T12:14:00.002-06:00

I had my first craving this weekend. It wasn't a I-Must-Have-That-Now craving. More like a Wow-That-Looks-REALLY-Good. Food commercials are torture. Everything looks good.

The funny thing is it wasn't even a food commercial. It was a Carsoup or Carfax commercial. And the woman in the commercial made brownies with horse laxatives in it. And all I could think was "Man those brownies look delightful. I wish we had brownies." Nevermind they were tainted with horse laxatives! So Richard and I stopped at the store and I bought brownie mix.
Richard got a kick out of this.

I did manage to make the brownies last 3 days. But I would eat 1/3 of the 13x9 inch pan in about 2 minutes.

I would love to hear about other pregnancy cravings people have had.

Week 22: And so it begins...

2008-02-25T11:43:00.002-06:00

Pregnant and formerly pregnant friends have warned me that everyone will touch or rub or pat your belly.
I didn't think complete strangers would invade my personal space and just touch my pregnant stomach. But they do.
People I work with, that I barely talk to, are touching my swollen abdomen. It's weird.

If we've hugged in the past, then I'm OK with you reaching out for my belly. If you are family, then you have the green light. That relationship has been established. I trust you and aren't jumpy if you touch me. But if we are just acquaintances or strangers, please ask first. I'll most likely say yes. But at least I won't be taken by surprise!

Did the baby just kick or was it just gas?!

2008-02-21T07:50:00.002-06:00

My sister gave me The Baby Plus belt to use starting at week18. It has a little speaker that attaches to your belly. It sounds like a heartbeat crossed with footsteps. And the tempo varies and increases every week. It is suppose to stimulate the baby's brain and help him distinguish between my heartbeat, his heartbeat, and other sounds. He's most active when I use it. Lots of fluttering. On Monday, I had it straped to my belly and I was reading a book in bed. Suddenly my book gets pushed up. And then I feel what can only be described as a belly hiccup on my left side. And then another.
This happened again on Tuesday night.
He's kicking!
It feels like a gas bubble popping in my belly. Or a hiccup.

Logger was laying half on my belly (he likes to cuddle up to my stomach now). And the baby was kicking him. But Logger didn't flinch.
It's too soon for someone else to feel it from the outside. Hopefully in another week or two.

Why I Love Coming Home

2008-02-19T11:54:00.000-06:00

Week 21: Where Are My Feet?

2008-02-15T11:57:00.003-06:00

I used to be able to look down and see my feet. My bulging tummy and ever expanding breasts (seriously, are they going to stop getting bigger?!) have taken over my line of sight when I look straight down.
When my stomach eventually goes back to normal (oh please, God.), will my feet still look the same? Is this what overweight men feel like when they haven't seen their junk in years? hmmm...

Week 20: Confession

2008-02-15T11:51:00.002-06:00

Before I "popped", I would actually arch my lower back and stick my stomach out a little further. I grew tired of the awkward phase of looking like I gained 10 pounds. I wanted it to be obvious that I was pregnant.

My Funny Valentine

2008-02-14T13:14:00.004-06:00

Elvis Chommers FermaNelson: My 7 year-old, blue eyed, door opening, scratch my cheeks siamese mix.

Madeline (Maddy) Meowington FermaNelson: My 8-year-old, spoiled princess, need to sharpen my nonexistant claws on everything, my tail is misbehaving so I must chase it, tuxedo wearing kitty.

Loggerhead Turtleshell: My 1-year-old, pill popping, butt wiggling because I can't control my tail, jumpy, Where's my chicken!?, fast as a greyhound, let me french kiss you puppy.

My Valentine

2008-02-14T07:51:00.003-06:00

My husband Richard!
This is our third Valentine's Day together. This "holiday" will always be special to us because Richard proposed to me on our very first Valentine's Day.
There will never be a Valentine's Day as perfect as that one.
This year, we celebrated last night. We made dinner together and relaxed. I bought him his favorite popcorn (http://www.daleandthomaspopcorn.com/). I wanted a foot massage. =)

So HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

I'm So Excited! And I Just Can't Hide It! (sing along)

2008-02-12T12:55:00.000-06:00

Molly and I are going to New Orleans! Our first ever trip together (we've been friends for 16 years; You would have think we've traveled farther together than a carpool to Green Bay).
We're going to visit Miss Amy, who was my best friend in high school. Amy is in the Navy and has been transferred all over the coast line (Pensacola, FL; Washington D.C; New Orleans; even Japan). I have never visited her in the 7 years she's been enlisted. I am so excited to see her and to travel with Molly!

Week 19: The Big Question

2008-02-07T07:54:00.000-06:00

These are the first images of our baby.

I can't even explain how this feels. It's very overwhelming and exciting. It makes everything seem real.

And the big news:

It's a ...........
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
BOY!

He's fiesty too. He was flaunting his manhood, showing off. He made the ultrasound tech laugh!

He also kicked back at the ultrasound device. I couldn't feel it, but we could see it. The tech said we are going to have our hands full with this one. Taking after Richard already.

It's amazing what you can see on the ultrasound. We could see him moving his mouth (talking back already!). He made a pouty face. He was rubbing his eyes.

The tech kept trying to get him to put his hand down. She made me switch from my back to my left side to my back to my right side. She pushed on him, jiggled him, begged him. He moved, rolling almost completely around, but wouldn't move his hand from his face. Little stinker.

Richard was just in awe. He wanted a copy of the pictures so he could show them off. He's going to keep one taped to his work clip board.

We were hoping for a girl. But Richard said it best: "As soon as the image came up on the screen, I didn't care what we were having. I'm just happy we're having one. I'm not disappointed at all."

Exactly. He's healthy (ten fingers, ten toes) and boisterous. That's more than we could ever hope for.

PS: I'll post larger pictures of the ultrasound pictures

I Gave In

2008-01-31T12:08:00.000-06:00

I'm wearing maternity clothes.
I bought black dress pants from Gap Outlet (I love the Outlet Mall). And I hung up the maternity shirts that I'm not drowning in.
I definately look more pregnant.
I don't like these style of shirts. The ones that cinch at the waist (tie in the back) and flow out past the hips. Empire Waist. Baby Doll shirts. (I know, Michelle, they look good on you!). But I feel fat in them.
I'm forcing myself to wear them because my sweaters are starting to creep up in the front and my dress shirts now have the "gape" (happens when your button down shirt is too tight around the bust). Now I have the "gape" at my Plus Size boobs and my belly!
My friend at work, Nissa, says people will start talking behind my back now: "Is Kelly pregnant or just letting herself go?" Hee Hee

Week 18: The Peeing Post

2008-01-25T11:57:00.000-06:00

3:00 am: Woke up and HAD to go to the bathroom. No more water right before going to sleep

5:30 am: Alarm goes off. Head right to the bathroom

6:40 am: Should be leaving for work, have to pee instead.

7:45 am: Drop everything. Run to the bathroom to pee.

8:35 am: Here we go again. Pee pee pee

11:00 am: Please get off my bladder, baby. I have to pee again.

This is getting ridiculous. Its not a "I feel like I'm going to have to use the bathroom soon." It's a "if I don't get to the bathroom in the next minute, I'm going to have change my pants!"

17 Weeks: The Bulge

2008-01-24T12:21:00.000-06:00

I am 17 weeks pregnant although most people still think I'm in my first trimester. I'm not showing too much and I'm fighting maternity clothes. I am wearing maternity jeans as my regular jeans won't button. But my dress pants will stay up unbuttoned, so no maternity clothes at work yet. I'm refusing to wear the obvious babydoll/empire waist maternity shirts. They look HUGE on me right now. I only have a little bulge. It feels rather large to me, but I don't think its very obvious to everyone that I'm pregnant. (Although one person at work asked me!)
The baby finally shifted and stopped pressing against my siatic nerve. So I'm going back on the treadmill (only to walk though. It's been too long since I jogged.)
I woke up at 3 am, starving. But I didn't eat anything. I'm not used to this eating all the time stuff. It's very unnatural to me. But when the baby is hungry, the baby is hungry.
Only a few more weeks until the ultrasound....

PICTURES COMING SOON

Anxiety

2008-01-24T12:12:00.000-06:00

I don't know about this whole pregnancy thing. About having a baby. About being responsible for another life. Even now, before it is even born, my choices affect it. What I eat, what I do, what I don't do. I want my baby to be healthy and happy. So I try to make choices that will give it the best chance for that wish to come true. But if I do something, like a lift a 30 lb box or accidently eat feta cheese (I didn't know the salad came with it. I tried to pick off most of it), how will these small insignificant things affect my baby.
Do we have enough money to afford this baby? Daycare, diapers, formula (oh please, oh please let me breastfeed), and a countless other expenses that I'm not thinking of.
I'm a worrier. I worry about everything, but especially money and my family. This drives Richard nuts.

I can usually get myself out of a situation if I don't feel comfortable or I get scared. But I'm stuck. I'm pregnant. And there is only one way out. This baby is coming whether we are ready or not. Some days I'm ready, but most days I'm scared as all hell.
Not including how much we can fuck up this child with our parenting skills, but what genetic mishaps did we pass along to it. Will have the worst of us or the best? I guess we can only hope for the best part.
I thought getting married, bonding yourself to another person for the rest of your life, was scary.
This is much, much more frightening.

The Rules of Pregnancy

2008-01-22T19:11:00.000-06:00

I had no idea there were so many rules and restrictions associated with being pregnant. My doctor, various pregnancy books, and friend who are or were pregnant have given me rules and restrictions for my pregnancy:

1. No drinking (duh!)
2. No smoking (of course!)
3. No caffeine (doctor says up to 2 oz a day is A-Okay though)
4. No fish or seafood (although tuna and salmon are suppose to fine according to pregnancy book)
5. No deli meat (doctor says there is no real evidence this causes harm)
6. No soft cheeses: feta, blue cheese, etc (not pasteurized)
7. No dying hair (chemicals leak in through your hair follicles. Although my sister the nurse and my doctor says this isn't true.)
8. No pumping gas (I have a very cautious friend)
9. No picking silverware or food off of floor (obviously I'm not going to use it or eat it, but I don't see why I can't pick it up to get rid of it!)
10. No sleeping on back or stomach (my hips hurt already)
11. No squats (my favorite exercise was vetoed by my doctor even though Fit Pregnancy shows squat exercises)
12. No lifting more than 25 lbs (Logger is my limit)
13. No cleaning cat litter box (YES!)

And the list goes on. This is what I could think of off the top of my head. Please add more if you know them.

Most of the rules are understandable and I agree with. But not pumping my own gas! No way. It isn't possible. What am I suppose to do on days when Richard is driving in South Dakota and my gas tank is empty (like today)? Full service pumps are few and far between.

BRRRRRRRR!

2008-01-18T11:57:00.000-06:00

Forcast for the Twin Cities:

Today:
High temp: 4 degrees
Low temp: -11 degrees
Right now: 0
Feels like: -20 degrees

Saturday:
High: 0 degrees!
Low: -14 degrees

Kick-off at Packer Game on Sunday: -5 degrees!

16 Weeks: Fluttering

2008-01-17T10:41:00.001-06:00

My stomach flutters, little butterflies flittering inside my belly. Then a quick jab above my pelvis. And then more tickling inside me.

My baby is moving.
It has fingernails and long legs (longer than its arms). And it kicks. But not strong enough to really feel it. Instead, it creates flutters.
It's a weird sensation. But it's exciting because its the baby moving. It is growing so fast and yet, I haven't grown too much.
A few people at work have commented they can tell I'm pregnant from the side. I have gained two pounds. And my sweaters and button down shirts are starting to get tight.
My memory is getting wonky too. A few people have said its the pregnancy. I'll set things down and forget where I set them.
Today was an all time low for wonkiness:
I made frozen waffles for breakfast this morning. After I put syrup on them, I stuffed them in the microwave to warm up a little. When I went to take them out, I opened the cabinet door next to the microwave instead of the microwave door! I did this twice!
I'm losing it.

I haven't been the best friend....

2008-01-15T12:10:00.000-06:00

In ninth grade, Molly had a swim meet. In fact, she had several. I did not make it to a single one. Perhaps this is why we didn't speak for the next two years....
I never went to her forensic matches. I have concluded I was lazy in high school.
I DID go to the Vagina Monologues...TWICE!

Friday, Molly had a poetry reading. I made it a point to go (must make up for the missed swim meets! I feel a little guilty for missing them when we were 14).

Molly was understandably nervous. The regulars who attend these poetry readings are elderly, so Molly was a little apprehensive about some words in her poems. But Emily, Chris, and I convinced her not to edit her work. And no one flinched or gasped. It fit the poem and message.

And although she says she was nervous, her voice did not quiver, her hands did not shake, and her face was not flush. She read beautifully.
It's funny because when Emily was reading, her half hour seemed very long. But Molly's was over too quickly. I wanted more.

The response from the audience was very positive. They giggled at the right moments, teared up when appropriate. I think everyone really enjoyed her work.
I hope she has one again soon. I want to go.

Take a Guess!

2008-01-08T12:45:00.000-06:00

I saw this on Michelle's friend Carrie's blog. Had to add it to my own blog.

Go on...take a guess.

Richard and I are going to find out if we're having a boy or girl. But I don't know if we're telling....

14 Weeks

2008-01-03T17:37:00.001-06:00

I don't' think anyone can tell I'm pregnant, except for me. My stomach was fairly flat before (see my honeymoon post). I can't suck it in anymore. And my stomach is hard and a little bulbous. My pants are getting tighter (which is a terrible feeling - baby or no baby). I am not in maternity clothes yet.
I guess it is different for all women. I mean when they start to show. I know you show sooner with your second baby because your body doesn't have to rearrange organs. Once they rearrange to make room for a baby, they stay that way. (very strange).
I didn't gain any weight in my first trimester, nor did I lose any. I haven't been eating more than usual, just more often. And I'm trying to get some exercise on a daily basis. Although the stupid, stabbing, sharp pain in my tail bone (caused by my sciatic nerve) prevents me from doing my regular exercise routine.
Yesterday was the first day I was starving all day. I would eat a snack and an hour later, I felt like I hadn't eaten at all! It was frustrating because I'm not used to this. I really try to watch how much I eat. I actually had to buy a snack out of the vending machine! (I never buy food out of the vending machine). I came prepared today. Loaded with apples, apple chips, peanut butter sandwich, yogurt, and a fruit cup, I ate a little healthier. With the right snacks, I didn't feel nearly as hungry (although I still ate more than usual).
No cravings yet. My sister, the nurse, says I will crave what my body needs. If I'm low on iron, I'll probably crave a high iron food like spinach or (ACK!) meat. If I need Vitamin C, I'll crave lemons or oranges. I'll probably crave some weird combination of pickles and apple sauce (I used to mix them when I was kid!)
Next appointment is at 16 weeks. Only about a month away from finding out the sex of the baby (!).

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T15:12:00.001-06:00

2007 was a big year.
And it was an unusually happy year for Richard and me.

Highlights:

January 25: My nephew Jack Craig is born. He is welcomed by big brother Antonio!

March 17: Logger is adopted and becomes a member of our family!

April 21: Richard and I get married!! Except for a few people I had no control over, this was my dream wedding. It was 80 degrees outside in April..in Minnesota!! (average is high 50s!). Richard gave the most touching, impromptu speech. I cry just thinking about it.

April 25 - May 2: Honeymoon to Mexico! It was my first time outside the country. And Richard's first trip to the beach. We had so much fun!

May: Logger eats Aleve and is in the hospital for 2 days. Result: $2000 = healthy Logger (ok, one not so good memory, but it turned out well!)

August 11: Molly gets married! She was such a beautiful bride! Such a beautiful day! She looked so happy.

October 22: Richard and I find out I am pregnant! (and on Michelle's birthday!) We are so excited and have a hard time keeping it a secret.

December 17: We get to hear the baby's heartbeat! Strong and healthy. It's a beautiful sound. Richard remarks that is sounds like a CB radio! (my husband: the trucker!).

Overall, a very good year!
Our wedding brought Richard and his extended family closer together. We keep in contact with Aunts and Uncles Richard hasn't spoken to in years.
This weekend, we are going to the traditional family Lutefisk and Meatball get together. (yeah for me!)

Another Reason to Love Austrailians

2007-12-21T12:56:00.001-06:00

After work, I ran to the library to drop off a soon to be overdue library book. As I left and started driving home, I realized my cell phone was missing. First I thought it fell between the seats as it has done that before. I pulled over and preceded to tear my car apart. No luck. Panic sets in. Must retrace steps.
I drove to the library, checked the parking lot: nothing. Drove back to work. Checked around the parking space my car had been: nothing. Retrace the walk to my car: nothing. Check my office: nothing. Ask my employees: nothing. Ask the receptionist: nothing.
Less than an hour before, I had walked all three floors of the building. This is the last time I can recall having my cell phone. So I walked each floor, asking co-workers as I went: nothing.
The cleaning crew promised they would put it on my desk if they found it.
So I trudged back to my car. Tore it apart once again. Nothing.
And so I cried. All the way home.
I feel helpless without my cell phone. Fears creep into my head: what if I get in an accident? what if slide into a ditch? what if something happens to the baby? what if something happens to my family and they can't get a hold of me?

Forty-five minutes later I pulled into my garage. My husband runs out of the house exclaiming, "Thank goodness you are home!". I burst into tears, telling my husband between sobs that I had lost my phone.

"Don't worry, Kelly. A man found it in the parking lot. Molly talked to him."

After reassuring my parents I was okay (Molly had called them trying to get a hold of my husband). And then getting the info from Molly. I called the man. He was Australian. He had found my phone in the parking lot of the library.

We made arrangements so I could collect my phone.

When he dropped my phone off, I tried to give him a Thank You card with a small reward in it. He wouldn't take it.

"Australians don't accept tips or reward money. I'm just glad you got your phone back," he said proudly.

I am so thankful there are still good Samaritans out there. He saved me so much money and time and stress!

Two Pink Lines

2007-12-19T19:51:00.000-06:00

I have a bun in the oven.

I am 13 weeks pregnant.

I am due June 27, 2008.

I feel wonderful.

We have known since October (since Michelle's birthday!), but decided to keep it a secret from most of the world until we passed the precarious first trimester.

We told our parents and siblings first and then Molly (my bestest friend for 16 years!). And then my grandparents.

I told Molly, my parents, and my sister, Kim, by giving them the above picture framed.

Kim's response: "I knew it!"

Molly's response: "Really?!" (followed by a tight hug)

My Mom's response: "Kelly baked bread!"

Richard told his parents by giving them baby booties.

I broke the news to my grandparents by mailing them a picture frame with four windows. The first two windows had pictures of my nephews: Antonio and Jack. The third spot had a note: "Baby [cousin's last name]. Due: January 2008." (My cousin's wife is very pregnant.) The fourth position had another note: "Baby [my last name]. Due June 2008."

I told Richard by placing a baby bib ("I Love Daddy") on his night stand. And laid the positive pregnancy test next to it. Then I waited for him to wake up. When he did, he ran downstairs exclaiming, "I'm going to be a daddy?!?!"

Richard and I are more than excited. I think our loved ones may be more ecstatic then we are! Richard's mom loaded me up with maternity clothes, baby scrapbooking supplies, and a pregnancy book. My mom bought me maternity clothes and some baby outfits (even a little dress!). My sister had her old maternity clothes at my parent's house the next weekend. Molly bought me a pregnancy book and sent Richard and me flowers. The support and love has been wonderful and so so helpful.

I am scared and excited and overwhelmed with what the next six months will bring. I know, no matter what happens or how I may change (not only physically, but emotionally as well), I have a wonderful, supportive husband, fantastic parents who would do anything to help me, a generous sister who answers, with her nursing background, even my most silliest of pregnancy questions ("What if I have cravings for lard?!") And a best friend/sister who will listen to me babble on and on about this pregnancy (and read endless letters about it too) and at all hours of the night.

And so my blog which was once nicknamed the "The Log Blog" by Michelle after my relentless posting of my dog, Logger, will now become "The Baby Blog" {insert clever nickname by Michelle}

My Favorite Cake Eater

2007-12-19T12:16:00.000-06:00

Santa called Michelle a "Cake Eater". This amuses me to no end. Check out her account!

I tried to upload pictures to my computer this morning. No luck. I'm going to try again tonight

Does anyone care if I shave my cats?

2007-11-28T13:05:00.000-06:00

My 2 little (OK, big) furry cats are going through their teenage angst phase (even though they are technically middle age). Or they have decided to hate us for getting the Loggerhead puppy.
In the last month, I have come home from work, exhausted, fishing around the wall for the light, only to step on broken glass. My lovely cats have decided they are now allowed on the counters. They have also decided when Richard and I are not home, drinking glasses look much better smashed on the kitchen floor. I don't know if its the swinging tails, the playful paws, or the gyrating tummies that are pushing the glasses over the edge.
Richard and I have resorted to the spray bottle technique. Maddy is fast though. She leaps off the counter before I can grab the bottle. She knows she is not suppose to be up there. They both know.
The problem is once they see us glaring at them, voices raised, feet stomping, their first reaction is to jump down, onto the floor. But Logger sits there, waiting. Waiting for them the leap so he can chase them. So they have to jump from counter to counter to dining room table (their safe haven from the dog). It's as if they are jumping over a crocodile with its snapping jaw.
Does anyone have any other suggestions to keeping them off the counters?

It's Contagious!

2007-11-27T12:32:00.000-06:00

My bestest friend, Molly, had a large wedding party. 7 girls. 7 boys. (I say it is large because I had 4 people TOTAL!)
My point is of the 7 girls and Molly, all but one now has a blog. Nikki, our high school friend who migrated south east, has just started her blogging adventure.
Check out the other bridesmaids' and Molly's handy work:
Molly
Chris
Emily
Angie
Chelsea

Friends & Wine

2007-11-14T12:39:00.001-06:00

Molly and Ryan's Annual Wine Tasting Extravaganza!
Richard and I drove to Red Wing early. I haven't seen Molly in over a month! I wanted to be selfish and have some time with her all to myself. Richard and I helped her clean and organize. Richard kept Ryan company while he sashayed around the kitchen making delicious, rich appetizers (he even improvised on a few recipes to make a meatless version for me!). I was Molly's little helper for the wine tasting. I made labels for the bottles and assisted her when bringing out the new mystery bottle (the wine tasters had to guess types of wines from 8 different varieties). Richard, who has never liked wine, even tried a few and liked some.
It was fun to watch reactions to different types of wines. The bitter, the overly sweet, the just plain bad.
Oddly enough, and without purpose, Molly chose all wines with animal names! I wish I could remember all their names....
It was a fun night, filled with conversation, tasty food, and good friends.
By the end of the day, Logger was exhausted. He loves to play with Penny (Molly's Golden Retriever). But he gets overwhelmed when Zephyer (Molly's giant lab) joins in and double teams him. Angie and Lane brought their dog, Bear. Bear was obsessed with Logger. She followed him all night, nose stuck in his behind. If he stopped for a second, she would try to mount him. By the end of the night, you can imagine Logger was tired of this. He began growling at her if she even looked at him. So Richard and I took turns scooping Logger up and holding him on our laps.

Zoo Boo

2007-11-12T12:19:00.000-06:00

The weekend before Halloween, my parents, my sister Kim, her boys: Antonio and Jack, and I went to the NEW Zoo Boo.

Antonio dressed up as a Boxer and little Jack was a skeleton. Antonio loved the Trick or Treating part of it. He would scream, "Trick or Treat" at the employees working the Trick or Treating stations. And he always thanked them for the generous handfuls. Of course, with large amounts of candy, came the hunger for eating the candy. He would tell Kim specifically which candy he wanted: "I want a Tootsie Roll."

Antonio rode the Merry Go Round of Endangered Animals.

He also danced with Ema (my mom) and a group of employees dressed as lions and skunks and other animals.

It was so much fun to see him run and get excited for candy. He is at such a fun age.

Earlier that day, he ran laps around my parents couch. Logger would chase after him. Logger would shower him doggy kisses. Antonio would giggle and exclaim, "Logger is crazy!"

Don't Worry...

2007-11-09T12:32:00.000-06:00

Be Happy! (sorry)
Because I will be posting soon. I didn't forget about my blog. Just haven't had time.

Best Friends

2007-09-27T17:37:00.000-06:00

Logger annoys our cats, Elvis and Maddy, to no end. He tries to herd them as if he were a sheep dog and they were his faithful flock. He snips at their legs when they jump to get away. And he sticks his nose in their behinds every chance he gets. Oh and he chases them around the house. He is an annoying little brother to them.
But then.... the truth came out. Richard caught Logger and Maddy in the act! The act of friendship.
He caught them cuddling!

Aren't they cute?!

Logger denied this ever happened until we showed him the pictures.

RenFest '07

2007-09-11T20:17:00.001-06:00

Snot: "Where are you going?"
Puke: "To take my wife's panties off."
Snot: "Why would you do that?"
Puke: "Because they've been riding up my leg all day!"
-Puke and Snot, MN Renissance Festival 2007

September 1, 2007: A hot, sweltering summer day. And Molly wore all black.

We ate lots of tasty bad food including more cheese curds and a caramel apple that stuck to every part of me. We watched half of a bad magic show and thoroughly enjoyed the comedy of Puke and Snot. Jokes so awful they make you groan.

As with any fair, the animals are my favorite. I talked to the piglets (in my secret pig language!) and I pet a few brand new puppies. The goats are always entertaining. And I saw the biggest horse I have ever seen! This woolly guy was cute. I resisted the urge to pet him.

Our first outing with Molly and Ryan since they took the big plunge. They were very patient with Richard and me as we searched for the perfect souvenir mug.

Do you see the poof ball of hair behind us?!? Wow!

Sweaty, tired, and smelly. That sums up how we felt at this point.
Richard swears he'll never go to another Renaissance Festival. He's a country boy. His alliances lie with the State Fair. He says Molly and Ryan will just have to go with us to the State Fair next year.
Sounds like a plan!

My Mother's Seance

2007-08-31T07:38:00.000-06:00

Monday evening, I chatted with my dad on the phone. He casually mentioned that my mom was going to a seance Tuesday night. WHAT? That's so odd. I had never known anyone to go to a seance. Let alone treat it as casually as if she were attending a Pampered Chef party.

Tuesday night, under the full moon, my mom attended her first seance. In her own words:

"We first stood and held hands and the psychic (Regina) said a prayer.
Then we sat in a circle with our feet flat on the floor and our palms up with our eyes closed.
She told us a story about walking through a rain forest to an island. We were supposed to imagine that we were there. She was every descriptive, saying things like “the moss on the ground feels like velvet on our feet”.
Then she asked if anyone wanted to contact someone. She had already told us to just say our name, the name of the person we wanted to contact, and the relationship of that person to us.
I said “ Bonnie Christopher My Son”. Right away, she said, “I see a pinwheel”. I audibly gasped and burst out crying.
Brenda, Laura, and Mary Lou said later that they heard me gasp in shock. I told her that we put a pinwheel on his grave. [Every year on Chris's birthday, my mom puts a pinwheel by his gravestone.]
She asked if there was anything I wanted to say to him and I said ”Tell him I love him and I think of him every day”.
Regina said Christopher wanted me to know that he chose to go when he did so he wouldn’t be a burden on me. He said he would have been in a wheelchair and I would have spend the rest of my life taking care of him. When the angels came to him and gave him a choice, he chose to go so he wouldn’t be a burden to me.
Then she said “You have a daughter”. And I said “I have two daughters”. She asked me your names and I said “Kim and Kelly”. She said, “Christopher is trying to get Kelly to lighten up, but she’s not listening”.
I thought about that and it made sense.
Oh – she said if I smelled baby powder and there was no baby powder around that Christopher was there.
She said he’s with a large white dog. She asked if I ever had such a dog and I said no, but my parents did.
Do you remember, Ginger, the Japanese Akita? She was born 3 years before Christopher. We got her when I was in high school. I can’t explain it, but I feel he really is with Ginger. It just makes sense to me."

I have never believed, nor disbelieved psychics. I have never had an experience with a psychic. I also started crying when my told me about the pinwheels. How would she know about that? And how would she know that I worry about everything and take everything seriously.
I am taken back by this. And now I'm a little curious about psychics.

The Great Minnesota Get Together

2007-08-28T11:53:00.000-06:00

Richard and I along with our friends Nikki, Josh, and their son Collin ventured to the Minnesota State Fair on Saturday.

We did a lot of walking and eating.

Richard and Kelly's list of things we ate at the fair:

Cheese Curds (deep fried)
Funnel Cake
French Fries
Root Beer Float
Corn on the Cob
Corn Fritters
Bull Bites
Deep Fried Milky Way
Sloppy Joe on a stick
Hot Dish on a stick
And a variety of lemonade, water, and pop

Attendance on Saturday: 182, 277 (www.mnstatefair.org)

Princess Kay of the Milky Way butter sculpture!

Nikki and I: a couple of turkeys!

Richard eating his Deep Fried Milky Way.

Richard LOVES looking at the new trucks.

Josh and Collin, hanging out.

My favorite is visiting the barns. This cute cow looks so peaceful.

Goats are my favorite to pet. They have so much energy and they nibble on everything! I wonder if Logger is part goat...

Baby Piglets!!

Meet Pretty Ricky. He is Minnesota's Largest Boar.

He ways a modest 1200 lbs! Such a cutie!

Tunnel Vision

2007-08-17T11:26:00.000-06:00

I went to the eye doctor yesterday. It has been about 18 months since my last appointment. And I was on my last pair of contacts. I made sure I scheduled the appointment right after I started wearing my last pair. Last time I was at the eye doctor, I was scolded for wearing such filthy lenses and then he proceeded to rip them from my eyes!

This was a new Optometrist. The little clinic was set in a new strip mall. The doctor was wrinkled and hunched. He looked as though he should have retired 5 years ago.

I sat in the exam chair and we chatted about my eye care history. When he stood up to exam my eyes, he exclaimed that he was going to cut my bangs because they were too long. I thought he was serious until a small chuckle escaped his mouth, followed by throaty cough.

He then jokingly called me Veronica Lake and asked when my next movie was coming out. I did a polite laugh, but I didn't really know who Veronica Lake was. I knew she was a classic film star, but I didn't realize she was from the 1940's!

He came in for a close up. He smelled like a hospital and his hands were bone cold.

After exclaiming my new lenses would make my eyes better than 20/20, he handed me over to his assistant to pick out frames. He told her to collect my old glasses and put them in the ancient frames cabinet on display. I think he was joking because a smile spread across his face. I smiled back and thanked him.

I picked out new frames and paid my bill.

And I kept my old, Logger abused glasses. Just in case.

Mrs. Molly

2007-08-15T07:56:00.000-06:00

I can't believe Molly is married.

Even though Molly and Ryan have been together for 8 years, and I could never imagine them apart, I can't imagine them married. I now understand how weird it was for her to hear me call Richard "my husband".

Molly and Ryan. Husband and Wife.

The wedding was beautiful. It had hailed and stormed (even causing the tornado sirens to blare) the night before. Even late morning of the day of the wedding, it down poured. And around 6:30 pm, hail pounded so hard against the roof of the reception hall, it sounded like fireworks. But for pictures and the ceremony, it was a perfect day. Sunny and hot. Molly radiated in the sunlight. Odd to see her in front of the camera instead of behind it.

The park clearing, right on the Mississippi River, was protected from the deafening sun by the trees' canopy. Little spiders fell from the trees onto our skirts. And Molly floated down the aisle, bright white against the lush green and brown backdrop.

7:30 am: Too early for this bride

Drowning in crinoline!

Emily!

Chris!

Angie!

Megan!

Nikki!

Molly's bridal locks

Sister Chelsea putting on Molly's makeup

Molly & Me: Rain, Rain, Go Away!

Molly's Bouquet

Ryan walking up the aisle!

Mike & Me (see Molly peeking behind us. I told her bad jokes while we waited to keep her from crying too soon.)

Here Comes the Bride....

Ryan's Mom's reading

Mr. Sutton's adorable song!

The Groomsman!

The Bridesmaids!

Eireann's emotional reading

You may kiss the bride!

Mr. and Mrs. Ryan and Molly

Richard's view as we walked down the aisle!

Richard's view again

Just Married!

My Husband!

First Dance!

Father/Daughter Dance!

Feeling no pain. I defiantely enjoyed the night!

WOW!

2007-08-09T21:17:00.000-06:00

My best friend is getting married tomorrow. WOW!

I'm in shock by this. I can't believe Molly is getting married tomorrow.

Molly and I met in Seventh Grade homeroom. She was new and weird (I'm sorry Molly, but you were). She had a southern accent and duck boots. She was shy and silently beautiful. Huge blue eyes.

We were inseparable during Seventh and Eighth Grade. Partners for every lab, field trip, and study group. We played computer games together and called boys late into the night.

Ninth grade: I had my first cigarette with Molly. On the old concrete farm bridge behind my parent's house. Molly cut off her long trademark locks. I permed my hair. Other things besides our hair changed that year. We grew apart. Or rather our teen angst and need to belong pushed one another towards other friends.

Fast Forward twelfth grade: Walking down the hall, a notebook is passed to me from an old friend. We have matured enough to start to learn how to accept our differences.

Freshman year, College: Molly and Chris come to visit me in Minnesota. I visit Molly at her crazy apartment in Green Bay. We are rebuilding.

Sophomore year, College: Molly moves to Minnesota. She only lives 5 blocks away. But I believe my life is too busy to hang out with her as much as I want to (rather a boy is in the way). I meet Ryan for the first time. Molly gets to know the first of my long term boyfriends. I kill her fish while pet sitting.

Age 22 - 23: We both live in Roseville. We swim together, and cook together, and drink together, and grow together. We carve pumpkins drunk and visit Chris in Eau Claire during the worst snow storm in years. I'm with long term boyfriend #2. Molly and Ryan are happily together. Molly stays with me while I recover from my freak nose bleed that cost me 3/4 of my blood supply.

Age 24 & 25: Molly moves away to Winona. I clean Molly's toilets. I kill fish number 2 & 3 while pet sitting (I blame the B&N fish). Molly pulls me out of depression when a long term relationship ends.

Age 26 - 27: Molly moves to Red Wing and buys her first house with Ryan. Richard and I get serious (long term boyfriend #3) and quickly, very quickly get engaged. Molly and Ryan get engaged. I move west to buy a house with Richard. The last fish dies naturally so I can't kill it.

Richard and I get married. Molly and Ryan get married...TOMORROW!

I'm sure Molly has LOTS to add to this. And I want to know her version of the highlights.

PS: This picture is from 1999! Aren't they cute

The Wedding Pictures Have Arrived!!

2007-08-06T11:45:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Sutton did a fabulous job! I love them! She was so nice and generous and made albums not only for Richard and me, but also for my parents, my grandparents (!), and my in-laws.

Molly's Last Hurrah

2007-07-30T20:51:00.000-06:00

Saturday was Molly's bridal shower. Eight of us painted plates, bowls, mugs, pigs, jewelry, and jars at ColorMeMine in Woodbury. I think for most of us, it was the first time we had ever done this activity outside of middle school. It came naturally to the moms and Angie. I know I struggled to keep my lines straight (I'm very nervous to see how my pig turned out!).

We ran out of time. Chris and I ran late and did not have all the food set up by the time the party started. It took us a good 15 minutes to get settled in.

We ran out time. The cake wasn't cut. The presents weren't open. But we had a second stop on our field trip bridal shower. We went out to dinner at Green Mill (one of Molly's favorites). We were able to take our time and watch Molly open gifts. We enjoyed the cake even though we were stuffed from our meals.

Molly received some great gifts. Including this cutting board in the shape of a book. Who knew?!

Most of us are friends from various pockets of Molly's life. And we've never all hung out together like this. Chris and I are friends from middle school, but rarely get a chance to see each other. Angie is Molly's friend through her husband Lane (who is Ryan's friend). Chris, Angie, and I have are acquaintances. Emily is Molly's coworker and fast becoming a steadfast friend to her. Evonne knows Molly through her ex-fiance.

We quickly bonded together as if we've known each other for years and do this all the time. Conversation and interaction flowed easily.

The Bachelorette Party

We began the evening at The Marquette in downtown Minneapolis. We unwound from the flurry of the bridal shower with homemade white wine.

Molly learned to put eyeliner on so that her eyes would "POP". (I can count on one hand how many times I've seen Molly wear makeup!)

We played games (one involved peanuts and a salami). And watched Molly open various naughty gifts. I decked her out in a sash, a crown, a wand, beads, a candy penis necklace, and a badge made out of a condom and plastic penis. She was thrilled, as you can imagine.

I couldn't resist taking this picture. It's the closest thing to having my name in lights!

We made Molly ask 10 strangers awful pick-up lines, including "Do you work for UPS? Because I've been checking out your package all night!" and "Is there an airport near by or is that my heart taking off!" and "Is that shirt felt? Do you want it to be?" And the classic, "Nice shoes. Wanna fuck?"

She was reluctant at first, apologizing before spitting out the line. By the end of the night, she was rattling them off without thinking twice.

We sprawled out across the hotel room, talking until late into the night (or early into the morning).

And now, I present, The Drunk Kelly Montage:

Kelly & Molly

Kelly & Emily

Kelly & Chris

Kelly & Evonne

Happy Birthday Richard!!

2007-07-24T20:30:00.000-06:00

Richard turned 26 today!

I forgot to take a picture of the cake before we cut it!

We spent the night eating his favorite chinese food and relaxing. I had to get him this goldfish cookie since it was so cute! He thought it was too cool to eat.

The Crane Invasion

2007-07-23T11:08:00.000-06:00

The History of the Paper Cranes:

According to Japanese, Chinese and Korean tradition, cranes stand as a symbol of peace, happiness, eternal youth and long life. Legends hold that the crane lives for a thousand years. Cranes also mate for life and remain devoted to their partners. The male and the female work together to build their nest and care for their young. Crane motifs were often used in Japanese weddings, on the wedding kimonos and in Japanese wedding decorations. It is said that if you fold 1000 paper origami cranes the gods will grant you a wish, be it for peace, health or luck.

Today, couples will fold 1,000 cranes as a wish for a long and prosperous marriage. Others will fold the cranes as a get well wish for someone who is ill and many people fold them for peace in the world. The folding of the cranes can be done with entire families and friends, not just the bride or the one making the wish. It is believed that the more people involved, the more luck you will have!

Chris, Chelsea, and I folded 1000 cranes. With the help of Angie and Lane, we were able to surprise Molly and Ryan.

Angie was able to get Ryan and Molly out of the house for a few hours. Then Chris and I ventured to Red Wing and placed cranes all over their house (bet Molly is regretting giving me a house key!)

The cranes, waiting to go to Red Wing.

1000 cranes!

We started with the bookshelves. Molly has so many, we thought we would be able to fit most of them on the bookshelves. We were wrong.

We had to get creative. We shoved them in door frames...

Attached them to wall hangings...

Attempted to make a "heart" on their bed....

Attached them to dresser handles...

Used skewers to create an arrangement...

"Enhanced" picture frames....

Stuck them in the blinds and the window frame...

Don't worry! We didn't forget Ryan's space!

Ryan's computer...beautified!

Yes, we are nerds

2007-07-22T14:06:00.000-06:00

Michelle and I ventured to the Maple Grove Borders at 9:30 pm on Friday night. Our Mission: to capture the new Harry Potter book at 12:01 am. Here is a photo blog of our adventure:

I purchased my copy at 12:20 am. Michelle (who did not reserve her book before hand!), got her's closer to 1:00 am. Thank you for coming with me, Michelle! It was fun!

What we learned from our midnight bookstore adventure:

*Death Eaters wear black plastic bags and are afraid of sex books.

*Little kids dressed up in Harry Potter costumes: cute! Adults dressed in little Harry Potter costumes: disturbing

*Michelle LOVES Ron Weasley

*People will tar and feather you if you don't have the right color wrist band on ("There are people with BLUE wrist bands who are trying to buy their books! SILVER ONLY!)

*Your Mom Eats Shoes!

Home Sweet Home

2007-07-18T10:00:00.000-06:00

It has been one year since we bought our first house.

We started looking for houses shortly after we became engaged. We started in Elk River. After no luck of finding the house of our dreams, we moved on to Anoka, then Champlin and Ramsey, then Andover, and Coon Rapids. All the houses started to blend together until we couldn't distinguish between them. After 50 houses, we expanded our search west into Dayton, St Michael, and Otsego. It was the fifth house we looked at that final day that caught our eye.

Our realtor was reluctant to show it to us because it was a Model Home. Typically, builders will erect one Model Home in a development to showcase the different styles and options they offer. These houses go up for sale almost immediately, but the builder won't release them until they are finished building in the development. Our wonderful realtor was worried that the house wouldn't be available for several months.

As soon as we pulled in the driveway, Richard was sold. We had started looking at newer split level houses, but they all looked the same. Especially on the outside. This was a three level split and it looked different. I fell in love with its brand new smell and clean slate. My parents had built their house; I'd never lived in a house that had memories of other families. Richard also loved the newness, but also the unique floor plan. I loved corner kitchen sink with two windows. I love the laundry room was on the 2nd level next to the bedrooms. Richard loved the undeveloped field behind the house (but for how long would it stay undeveloped). And we both loved the quiet, family neighborhood. And best of all...we could see the stars at night.

We made an offer that day. The house was available immediately, but we weren't the only family with an offer on the table. The next day we left for Tennessee for my Grandparent's 55th wedding anniversary.

We were stuck in St. Louis, our plane delayed multiple times. Our realtor called us. The builder accepted a different offer because she could close sooner than us. We were crushed. I sat on the floor near gate B29 and cried on Richard's shoulder.

When we arrived in Memphis, we got a call from our realtor. The initial buyer refused to agree to arbitration if something went wrong, so the builder backed out. The house was ours if we wanted it.

We moved in six weeks later.

Happy Birthday Antonio!!

2007-07-13T15:08:00.000-06:00

This is a little late. I meant to post this last week. Antonio's birthday was actually July 2nd. And his party was July 7th. I apologize for this belated post.

Blowing out the candles!

Antonio was very excited about his Monster Truck plates

Baby Brother Jack!

Jack with Papa

Richard LOVES birthday cake!

My sister, Kim

Antonio and Jack with Papa and Ema

Blue Velvet, RIP

2007-07-09T10:03:00.000-06:00

Richard and I left Green Bay at about 1 pm Sunday afternoon. We would pull into our driveway around 5:45 pm.

About 30 miles outside of Green Bay, we pulled over because my car was overheating. It was 95 degrees outside and extremely humid. Richard was able to cool the car down with the help of my dad (who we had called for advice). So we continued our trek home. About 87 miles outside of Green Bay, Richard wakes me up (I had been taking a nap in the passenger seat). "Call your dad. The car just died." Sure enough, every warning light had come on. Some I had never seen before. Richard coasted the car to the shoulder of Hwy 29. The car wouldn't start.

I pulled Logger out of the car and gave him water while Richard poked and prodded under the hood. My dad was going to come get us. Some how, Richard was able to get the car started. My dad and Richard agreed that we should go back to Green Bay. We weren't going to make it home, at least not in my car. Richard quickly figured out that if we didn't use the stereo, lights, or air conditioning and if we went less than 55 mph, the car ran fine. It was the most miserable car ride ever.

Poor Logger was panting nonstop. Richard and I were sweaty and frustrated. The heat was suffocating even with the windows down. I was extremely crabby. Richard was trying to keep the mood light, but I was ready to cry.

Four hours after we left Green Bay, we arrived in Green Bay. We swapped cars with my parents. We left Green Bay at 5pm for the second time. We arrived in Otsego 9 hours after we originally left Green Bay.

Until we figure out what is wrong with Blue Velvet or if she is even worth saving, I get to drive my mom's car. It has wonderful air conditioning.

PS: These pictures are from when my parents gave me Blue Velvet in 2000. She looks so shiny and young!

Not Again

2007-07-06T11:20:00.000-06:00

I stepped out of the shower this morning. Usually Logger greets me at the shower. He didn't this morning. Which lead me to believe he was up to no good. And he was.

Logger decided to eat a tube of Bactracin. I was able to read around his teeth marks. And of course if ingested, call poison control.

I locked Logger in the bathroom with me and induced vomiting (a trick I learned from his last mishap). Of course, he didn't vomit. I called Richard to tell him what his naughty puppy did. He called his mom and poison control (FYI: calling the Animal Poison Control costs $55). Poison Control said he would be fine, but he'd have a scorching case of diarrhea.

We're leaving for Green Bay tonight. Sorry Mom and Dad, but we're bringing Logger and his diarrhea.

The Subtle Hint

2007-06-28T12:52:00.000-06:00

My mother. I love my mother. I love her more than anything else. She is sweet and kind. She is witty and goofy. She is a wonderful person. But she's also very silly. She would call it practical.

Last weekend, my mom and I went to the neighbors' garage sales. Baby and kids stuff galore. She picked up clothes and a blanket for Antonio. Some toys for Jack. And a bassinet for me. That's right. My mother bought me a bassinet. (Keep in mind I don't have children and am not pregnant.)

I did consent to it. However, this isn't the first time she has offered to buy me baby items. Thanksgiving last year: My mom and I get a little loopy and go shopping at the Outlet Mall at Midnight (Day after Thanksgiving specials!). While buying Antonio some clothes at the Carter's Outlet Store, she wanted to buy me a diaper bag. (I liked the color combination). My wedding was in six months!

Ultimately, I talked her out of buying the diaper bag.

This is why I love my mother. She makes me smile.