Making a List...

1.  Time has been flying, and my week off of work (sorry, I am a teacher and have an exorbitant amount of time off) went by so quickly.  I had a bunch of plans, things I was going to accomplish throughout the week.  I was about 70% successful - at relaxing.  And, about 30% successful in getting things checked off the to do list.  If you know me, you know that ratio could have definitely been worse!

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2.  I had carolers at my door Sunday.  It was awkward, because they were just kids, and I felt like they wanted something for their efforts.  I was all, "Y'all do know I'm out of Halloween candy, right??"  I mean, I finished that off a week ago.

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3.  We did put up the holiday decorations.  Miles' outdoor lights are definitely the best part of our decor.  My attempts to pull something sophisticated together inside - with my menorah and a hodge podge of Christmas stuff - leaves me feeling insufficient and weak. 

Looking at Pinterest all day, does not help with that feeling.  People are, apparently, really good at decorating.

4.  I just realized during that last little nugget of truth, that I never mentioned Thanksgiving on my blog.  Happy late Thanksgiving!  We are super grateful for all of our blessings, family, and friends.  We ate too much, of course.

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5.  I'm  doing a yoga class, when I can find pants that fit.  Last week, we had a sub.  She made me take naps in different positions for an hour.  It was everything I could do not to burst out laughing during all of these moments of relaxation - being relaxed and reflective is just so not me. 

My normal instructor was back this week.  She makes me feel stretched and strengthened!  I am the least flexible or strong person I know, so having this feeling once a week is important to me.  I have bruises on my knees and can barely sit down on the toilet, but at least it feels effective instead of funny. 

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6.  Breakfast for dinner is good fun.  I had fun the other night.  Just thought I'd share this gem of a dinner idea.

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7.  I'm in the process of looking for a new, used car.  This is beyond exciting to me because I do not like my current car.  It's tiny.  Brett, Shannon, and I have had some major debates on the topic of a van over the past six years.  Despite the fact that they've brainwashed their children into thinking the van is the "coolest car ever," I will not be getting a van just because I'm having a baby. 

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8.  I have five family members with December birthdays.  You can feel sorry for them now.  

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9. And, on random number 9, I'm out of random things to list!

Think Pink

Miles and I were very anxious and excited to find out the gender of our baby this past week.  We didn't want to get our hopes up, because it is semi-early in the pregnancy to find out.  But, you can't help doing so, really.  

As you'll see below, we found out that we are having a little baby girl!  As you'll also see below, she looks like a bird right now.  Her new nickname is Birdie.  

Hopefully, you will not think it is weird that I am keeping a journal (don't know if that's the right word) of cards about the baby experience to possibly share with Birdie in future years, or to just reflect on myself.  They help me process what is going on and remember the differences week to week with how I am feeling physically and emotionally.  

This week I wanted to share my card with all of you.  Since I would want to share everything in this one, I thought it was appropriate.  Enjoy!

Kids Say the Darndest Things

Last weekend, I went to Houston to visit my sister and her girls.  Jacob was out of town, so I didn't get to see him.  But, it was a fun girls' weekend.  I love getting to hang out with Joanie.  She spoiled me with good food, great talks, and a sleep number bed.  I can't wait to go back, again!

I wish she lived closer, but I am really lucky to have her as my sister.  

My nieces are so darn cute! 

Ava, who is three years "old", was very interested in the fact that I am pregnant.  She would point at, or touch, my belly and say funny things.  She said, "My daddy told me you have a baby in your belly," or, "Is it a baby brother or a baby sister?"  Each of these comments was without prompting, at moments I was alone with Ava, and not talking about being pregnant - so it was pretty funny. 

"What? I'm just asking..."

One of her other best questions was, "Why do you have a baby in your belly?"  I responded, "Well, do you remember your Uncle Miles?..." 

Lucy, who is ten months "new", was very polite and didn't pry at all into my personal life.  She just made me hope I have a smiling, happy baby like her. 

"Life is good when you can almost walk!"

My other nephew and niece have also made hilarious comments about my being pregnant, when they found out and since. 

Ben is seven and very knowledgeable about what to expect when the baby arrives, "Good luck with that baby," he told Miles and I as we left his house, "it's going to cry all the time!"  True that, Ben, true that.  And, thank you for the well wishes. 

"You're going to need 'em, Aunt Chell!"

Scarlett, four going on twenty-four, loves babies.  We will always remember how adorable she was with her attention to each Ava and Lucy, when they were infants.  Well, the next time she saw me after the baby announcement, she kept looking at me all funny. With hope in her voice, she finally asked, "Did you already have your baby?"  It had been one week! 

"I could definitely do it in a week - look how easy this is."

All I know, is that my baby is going to be very lucky to be surrounded with all of these fun and funny playmates as he or she (we don't know if it's a baby brother or baby sister, yet) grows up.  I had to write down their comments before I get old and forget what they said.  Plus, I will definitely need ammo to embarrass them in the future, when they get too cool for me.