August 29, 2008

I've Missed My Husband...

This has been a challenging week for me...dealing with new issues, managing responsibilities, spilling coffee all over the area rug in kitchen, dealing with a feisty french bulldog and doing it all without J. home. He left last Saturday for a week long study via Wharton Business school in Princeton, NJ and my life hasn't been the same without him. I've realized how much he completes the holes in my personality, and makes me a better version of myself. I said this at our wedding and I still mean it today: he is such an amazing person and the world is a better place because he's on it.

I don't mean to immortalize him because {trust me} there are definite moments when he is less than wonderful to be married to, but the majority of the time, I feel blessed to have him to walk through this world with me. He is the most generous, loving, affectionate and complimentary man I've ever known. He reminds me of what it must have been like to date men in history when chivalry was thriving. He always opens the car door for me, never lets me carry shopping bags, always does the dishes if I cook, and now that I'm pregnant, doesn't even let me bend down to pick something up. He is the real deal and I've missed him immensely. I've realized how great we work as a team, and I love what we are together.

Luckily he comes home today and I am so excited that I can hardly stand it! His absence has made me appreciate all the little things he brings to the table and what I need to be thankful for on a regular basis. Plus, it's a three day weekend so I get three whole days with him!!!

Let's see how I feel on Tuesday.

Happy Weekend.

August 28, 2008

Nie Nie Day.

Make sure to check out Design Mom today {another daily stop for me} and see what fun items you can purchase to help the Nielson Recovery Fund.

I already got this adorable bracelet!


There are some amazing items...people's generosity is humbling.

Motherly Sacrifice...

I guess God is trying to prepare me for the intense task of sacrifice in motherhood. Last week I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, and it's been a challenge so far, to say the least. I spent the first few days crying that I couldn't have cake at my shower {or sugar in general, for that matter}. Now I'm crying because no matter what I do right {diet, exercise, deep breaths} my blood sugar is still higher than it should be. I feel like I am living someone else's life right now. I've never had to, nor thought I'd have to, prick my finger multiple times a day and read the numbers on a glucose meter.

Despite my frustration, I am comfortably reminded why I am doing this, and why it so important, when I feel those little kicks from within. I know this sacrifice is going to be worth every moment of deprivation and angst when I have a son, and the mother in me is born for the first time. The past week has been an incredible reminder of sacrifice for another, and going without for the good of someone else. I know in my heart this is all a blessing in disguise, and was brought to me to teach me something I wouldn't have learned otherwise.

Now...only 86 more days to go.

August 25, 2008

Balloons in the Afternoon.

Saturday afternoon Brooks and I went outside and sent balloons up to the sky for Stephanie and Christian. J wasn't available, but sent his love as well. Above are our balloons with our sincere wishes.

Brooks was a little afraid of the balloon, but got over it when he remembered what Stephanie did for him...

Here is the adorable silhouette she made of Brooks last year. It hangs proudly in our family room and we have another one for our baby's room {which has a vintage dog theme}.

We then said our wishes and watched as they went up to the Heavens with all the other well wishes this afternoon.

May our prayers be answered.

August 22, 2008

Dreaming of Fall.

I've taken a little hiatus from the blog this week. I have been feeling so sad for the Nielson family and all those involved. I've been focusing on some pregnancy related issues {nothing too serious} and just getting my head on straight. I am also counting the days until Fall arrives...this heat is officially making me crazy.

I did jump for joy though, when the mailman delivered these delightful catalogs with Halloween all over the place. It makes me want to snuggle up in a blanket and eat little candy pumpkins. It's coming soon...I have to keep telling myself...soon.

I'll be spending the weekend being grateful for what I have and praying for those that still need support.

August 18, 2008

Perspective.

My heart is aching for one of my favorite people in the blog world. Stephanie and her husband Christian were in a small plane crash over the weekend and both are in critical condition. Although I don't know her personally, she was one of the first blogs I started reading religiously and one I never miss to this day. She is such an inspiration and, as a mother of four young children, makes the every day seem magical. Please join me in praying that she and her husband pull through this, and resume their adorable and wonderful life. For updates go here.

{I was going to complain today about my HOT and emotionally charged weekend, plus the fact that I had to sit in the doctor's office for 3 hours today to have my blood drawn every hour for a glucose tolerance test...but this puts everything in perspective.}

{Here is a picture of Stephanie and family that she shared on her blog from Easter.}

Update: Here is an article written in the Arizona Republic about accident.

August 15, 2008

Nike Courage.

Every time I see this commercial while watching the Olympics I get the chills. I love seeing all the great athletes succeeding and failing, but ultimately giving it all they've got, mixed in with this awesome song by The Killers. Nike commercials are the best...



In case there was any doubt, I'm definitely carrying a boy {who will probably love sports like his father and grandfather}. I've never cared much about this stuff before!

Happy Weekend.

August 14, 2008

Magic.

This might be old news for some of you, but since I'm a little challenged in the cleanliness department...I just bought this yesterday. We had many scuffs and marks on the painted walls around our house, and last week J. started ranting about how we just had the house painted in November and we already have to get it painted again {he can be sooo dramatic}. Well, yesterday I went around with my new magic eraser, while J. followed and watched, and erased every single scuff, mark, and line on our walls and doors. It was really amazing.

I feel like a 1950's housewife blogging about this, but it's going to make my life so much easier {and my husband quieter}.

August 13, 2008

Days of Summer.

Lately my days have consisted of: organizing and cleaning out baby's room, giving away tons of junk we have around this house, trying to eat more meat {since apparently I'm now anemic}, buying more baby items than I thought was humanly possible, feeling my baby kick, insomnia, feeling hot and exhausted and watching this machine break the record of gold medals at the Olympics.

He absolutely amazes me and makes me believe that anything is possible.

Is summer almost over?!? I can't even tell you how sick I am of feeling uncomfortable. I long to wrap up in a big sweater and sip hot tea.

August 11, 2008

Always Something to Watch...

I am so excited the Olympics are going on, and love that every night there is something amazing to watch. I loved watching the guys win the gold in the relay last night. I feel so proud and lucky to have been born in this country.

August 8, 2008

Gratitude.

It's been way too long since I've done this, and lately I've been feeling more grateful than ever for the following...

  1. That after I have my baby I get to stay home with him. It's a luxurious option that I realize some women don't have.

  2. My intuitive connection to my unborn son. He has helped me so much already along this journey. Everything I've predicted about him has come true.

  3. That Halloween decorations are coming out in the stores already...I am soooo ready for Fall.

  4. That I have a mom who is retired, and lives close by, to help me after the baby arrives.

  5. That yesterday when I put headphones on my belly and played the Beatles, the baby kicked harder than ever. He must be practicing his air guitar.

Happy Weekend.

August 7, 2008

I'm so excited I found these.

My friend told me about these sandals called Fit Flops and how comfortable they are. I finally got a pair the other day and they are like walking on air! The black patent style is my favorite and they are supposed to work out your legs as you are walking. I don't know about that, but I do know that being pregnant and having these shoes is a must.

August 6, 2008

My recent obession.

I'm currently loving this new soap by Pangea Organics. It has the perfect scent of natural and fresh. I love using it knowing that it's made with 100% pure ingredients and oils. I wish I could smell it everywhere I go.

Lucky Bunny Part 2.

I can't believe this...the bunny was saved again today. I walked outside and heard noises in the pool, looked in and there was the bunny swimming laps again. I called to J. in the house, he came out, offered the pool net and the bunny climbed right up and took another ride to the grass.

We are starting to think he's on a suicide mission...

August 4, 2008

Baby Lovie.

My friend Tricia came to visit this weekend and she brought me this adorable Baby Lovie. It's a small square with blue fuzzy center and soft satin on the back. Her idea is that I can start sleeping with it, then when I start putting the baby down alone, I can put this little Lovie in with him so he has my smell close by. I think this idea is genius and have already started cuddling with it at night. I can't wait until I can smell him on it...