*OoOoOoOoO...We're HALFWAY there*

Bon Jovi says it best "We're halfway there, OooooO livin on a prayer.  Take my hand and we'll make it I swear.  OoooooooO Livin on a Prayer."

We have reached the halfway mark! Whew!  20 down, 20 to go and it's the most amazing feeling ever!

The top pictures are the side view of the real thing and the monthly update I get online.  Although, that baby looks wayyyy bigger than the one I saw on Friday!  Yes, baby B is breach.  I pray that he/she flips to the head down position SOON.  It will just make me feel better!  When I do an angled shot you can see there's a bump...the belly is there.  It's low, but it's there.  (Is this what I should have put on facebook this morning?)  Everyone cracks me up.  

Baby B is the size of a cantaloupe weighing in at 10.5 ounces and 7 inches long from head to rump.  This week the baby has started swallowing amniotic fluid for nutrition and practice (swallowing and digesting).  Kinda sounds gross if you ask me.  But practice makes perfect and we want our lil bean to be healthy and able to eat/digest!  It says the baby's weight gaining has jut begun, which is exciting for me.  This week is a huge milestone, I never thought we'd get here :-)  

We also decided to wait on the baby's room decorations and bedding. I know, I don't sound like myself.  It's really logical though.  Baby comes at the latest on March 22nd...and we move shortly after that.  I'm talking...weeks most likely.  The majority of our stuff will be packed up in March anyways and since I am having the most difficult time finding neutral bedding I like, I'm over it.  'Grandma Pat' and I found some of the cutest material in the special order section at Joann Fabrics.  I fell in love with a crib set up for a little girl and know that I want my little boy to be all blue and baseballs.  So, waiting will be our best option.  Excited for the decorating to being in Chicago!

I get to see my man is 24 days...love this pic b/c it's also the logo for our favorite show!  Doing much better dealing with him leaving today.  I know it will get better, but never easier.  Again, I have SO much to look forward to during my trip in November...I cannot wait.  Yay for the sunshine here in AZ!

A Tough Good-Bye

I have dreaded writing this post...probably for the fear that I will cry (again).  Why write it, you might ask.  I have lots of reasons, but it all sums up to this is my blog and I want to remember this later on down the road.  Saturday was a hard, hard, HARD day.  At one point, I was afraid the tears wouldn't stop falling from my eyes.  I don't know how to explain it.  It felt like my heart was breaking.  Maybe not breaking but that someone was removing part of my heart and I was to live without the other half as if it was no big deal.  It started with Michael deciding he was leaving early for Dallas.  Those of you who know me, know I like to be in charge (things go my way, I usually know what to expect, I have it all planned out in my head- we're good).  Let the flood gates begin.  I begged him to stay, to not drive and take his flight Sunday morning.  I tried to persuade him with alternate plans of action...nothing would work.  I cried...a lot.  And I was just overall so negative.  It's hard being positive when you're that upset, so I allowed myself to grieve.  

It's not the 7 weeks that is bugging me.  It's the fact that we will not live together until I move to Chicago come April.  I feel like I took/take SO much for granted.  I'm almost mad at myself.  I rarely stopped to think how lucky I had it...even when I was frustrated M didn't put his dishes in the dishwasher, left his clothes on that bathroom floor, made too much noise at 5 am while he got ready for work and I was sleeping, or didn't help with the huge mound of the week's laundry.  Now, I would gladly do a load of his clothes, if only it meant he was here with me.  I secretly missed his banging around this morning when I woke up at 6:30 am with a text from him.  I wouldn't even complain if he slammed his dresser drawers, if only it meant he was here with me.  Oi.

Once I got over the slight depression and the tears subsided (this morning...I literally cried for 2 days), I found the positives.  Distance is where we started.  We would not be where we are today without our long distance days.  So, we've got this.  We dated for a year long distance and the longest we ever went without seeing each other was 2 whole months.  That sucked.  But that's not going to happen now.  He isn't going to war, I get to talk to him every day and hopefully video gchat him.  He will get to see my growing belly.  I get to see him in 25 days (most likely) and maybe even TWO weekends in a row (could I be that lucky?)!  That will be the halfway mark in this 7 week training.  Once he's in Chicago, I will see him at least once a month...if not, every other weekend.  Mind you, he will probably be in Chicago come December.  This may mean I am solo for our first Christmas as a married couple (sadly, our first of many most likely), but I am hoping I am with him to ring in a HUGE New Year for us.  This also means I will be 7 months pregnant.  Super exciting, but also rough to do solo.  Then I flip my head around and think about all the single moms that go through this solo...BUT I've had M for the first half (which again is lucky), so I know how grand life is prego when he's around :-)  It's a double edged sword!  I remember the days when we'd talk on the phone so much our phone bills were outrageous...ha ha ha.  Oh those were the days...

The evening and night hours are the worst.  I've never been one to sleep good alone.  Pretty much starting at birth since I was colicky and wouldn't sleep without motion.  (ie. on my mom or dad's chest)  Then I had night terrors and with that I was terrified of nighttime/sleep.  SO...I'm going to have a ritual that seems to help me sleep.  Say goodnight to hubs, get myself ready for bed, then read...until I can't focus on the words or keep my eyes open.  Books tend to get my mind somewhere else...therefore, not focusing on the weird noises I hear or the empty spot next to me in our king sized bed.  It doesn't help with a time change.  Although I'm lucky here again, that will be much better soon!  The time change sucks...it's hard to reach family and friends b/c the time is so different..even an hour is tough.  It's crazy.  

One awesome thing...and another reason Saturday, October 23rd was monumental.  Michael felt that baby kick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!  I was SO SO SO excited.  It melted my heart, therefore, I cried.  But it was an awesome moment.  There were two fairly good kicks.  His face lit up and he smiled so big...even his eyes were grinning.  Not to sound lame.  Needless to say, baby B is pretty active.  At some times more than others...and it's not usually a time of day, interesting enough.  I find myself getting lonely, so I just jiggle my belly and wait to feel the movement.  It's really pretty spectacular.  One of the best/most amazing things about pregnancy.  Again, I'm lucky.    

I know there will be ups and downs the next few months...but I also have seen one thing ever so clearly.  Michael is the only guy I've loved.  It's as true as it comes.  It's mind boggling, out of this world fantastically overwhelming.  I cannot imagine me, my life, or my family without him.  He is beyond the most perfect man for me.  I love him.  More than he can even fathom.  He's honestly my best friend, completing me in all aspects and bringing out the best in me.  I am thankful I found him and have him for the rest of my life.  I know it's sometimes annoying to read about things like this, but I'm struggling at finding the right words!  I guess there really aren't any.  

Here's to a much better day today...thank God.  The tear ducts must be dry and all 3 of us are OK with that.  Glad I got past the first hump...the first week solo will be next followed by the first full weekend.  Before we know it, I will be in TX, which gives me so many things to look forward to (immediate family, extended family, and an early baby shower).  25 and counting down...

*SO* in LOVE

Wanna see something perfect?  I know you do, so here:

So, we got some pretty good face shots like the one above.  The caption should read, "Hello.  I'm a ____.  I see you."  Literally the baby is looking straight at us!  There are several pictures, I could really post them all.  There's even one of the baby's mouth open wide.  It kinda freaks me out.  It looks like the baby is screaming, but nothing can be heard.  We got some great arm pics too.  The tech did avoid the leg region since we do not want to know the sex.  It was funny.  They did all the measurements and everything looks fine.  No clef pallet, nor clef lip- check, check.  The heart was above the kidneys- check.  There's skin on the outside of the spine- check.  Nice cervix- check.  Nice placement of the placenta- check.  Everything seems right on target for a March 15th baby!  

Today also marked the first day I had unbutton the top button of my jeans!  A little tear may be shed.  Good-bye designer jeans.  See you in about 8 months (the maternity ones don't count).  My doctor also told me that he won't let me go past March 22nd.  Whew!  We had another great visit with him.  He's just right for us.  He's even from Arlington Heights, which, for those of you who don't know, is where Mike was born.  Therefore, in the same general area we will be moving to in May.  He knows the little situation we have on our hands about Mike being in Chicago...he will most likely have his cell # to call him when he needs to get on the next flight home, he'll do anything in his power to make sure he's present for me!  Yayy!  Go team Mommy!

Thursday: Things I'm Lovin

#1 Burnt Toast!  *Ah*  I have always liked my toast on the more crisp side.  I like it to taste toasted.  Then smear on the butter...love lots of butter, hate jelly.  But recently, when I make toast, I make sure it is toasted to my liking.  In other words, I stand over the toaster to watch the bread cook.  lol.  It tastes great!  Sometimes I will just make toast and eat it like I used to...before I knew how bad the carbs in bread were for you.  Probably a pregnancy thing, I wouldn't call it a weird craving, BUT hilarious nonetheless.  It is a craving though.  Most days I want it right after I workout (odd, huh?), so I make Gracie wait to go on our walk until I have my toast.  Those of you who don't know..Gracie barks really loudly at me when she wants a walk.  She looks at you and prances right over to her leash and doesn't give up until she gets what she wants.  G will even follow you around barking just to make sure you know exactly what she's talking about.  She doesn't like to wait for my toast.

#2  Arizona Weather.  Since I posted about Chicago last time, I thought I'd post about something I will desperately miss from AZ.  I live a mile high.  On average, we are 10 to 20 degrees cooler than Pheonix and usually 10 to 15 degrees warmer than Flagstaff.  It's perfect.  We are right in the middle. We get snow in the winter that lasts for a day, then the sun is out melting it away.  There's honestly around 350 days a year of sunshine.  As I speak, we've had three cloudy days in a row due to storms, but that rarely happens.  Even on these days though, the sun finds its time to shine.  I love it.  We are surrounded by mountains (not huge ones, but bigger than the ones in KS...lol).  It's the high desert.  It's great b/c most people have no clue about this climate.  Yet, I ended up here (thanks, Mike).  The picture is of our downtown...you can see the skyline.  Right now, wearing a hoody and jeans is needed in the evening hours. But shorts and t-shirts can still be rocked in the middle of a nice day and at the (outdoor) gym.  It will be missed.  I am most definitely not ready for a Chicago winter, but I will be...I have to be!

That's all for now...next week will be better- PROMISE :)

19 on the 19th

A bump pic from the side.

And one kinda angled of the front.

19 weeks and SHOWING folks :-)  Baby B is now the size of a large mango.  Roughly 6.5 inches and 8.5 ounces!  Neurons are now connected between the brain and the muscles, so baby is more in control of movement.  Also, the cartilage running throughout the body is now turning into bone.  The 'nasty' white stuff that covers the baby's body is now in place.  We sometimes see that at birth.  It's a covering that helps protect the baby's skin...imagine a 9 month long bath- sick!  So it keeps our baby from being a prune and hurting when it comes out.  Lol.  I hate that feeling :)  Ok- I just read from my book, word for word, "A mango dipped in greasy cheese, actually."  Yum- doesn't that make you want to vomit?  We surely can't wait to get you out and see you for ourselves...hummm...I wonder what you are?  We head to the doctor this week.  Thursday for a checkup and Friday for an ultrasound.  The ultrasound isn't with the lady we like since we had to move it for Mike, but oh well.  Any ultrasound is better than none.  Grandma Pat is coming and I think Lauren and Doug are too.  We will see.  I am SO excited.  Although, it's tough b/c this is the appointment we'd find out the sex.  Just don't show us the region between the legs ma'am!  Lol.  

I am pretty sure I felt the baby moving!!  It might be too early and it could have just been gas bubbles or what have you.  On Saturday night when we were out with 'Daddy,' baby B either did or did not like the live band playing at one of the bars.  He/She was going nuts...literally every few minutes it felt like summersaults were being preformed in my belly.  I told Michael I was either feeling the baby, or we might have to go home soon b/c my stomach is not happy.  I'm sure the music mixed with caffeine had the baby all out of sorts.  I promised I wouldn't ever do that again!  However, it was cool.  I've never felt that much movement in there.  And never for that long of a period of time.  It always seems like short spurts...again not sure if it's just gas.  Who knows.  I am SO ready to feel baby B and have Daddy feel him/her too.  

Speaking of...Daddy leaves Sunday.  Boo.  However, I'm feeling much better about the whole scenario.  Last week, I cried every single day...a few outbursts here and there daily.  This week, I cried once...on Monday, to him.  I guess that helped.  Good news:  our flight benefits start as soon as Mike begins ground school!  Yayyy!  Watch out to those far away...I will be on a plane as much as I can until baby B's arrival :-)  Whoop Whoop!  If only I could make it to KU's Homecoming this weekend.  Our schedule just didn't work for me.  Darn.  I've got some trips in mind Chicago, Texas, and Kansas.  Then once M is done with training he might have some time off...the unknown of that time sucks.  On the positive side, he gets to come see me on his days off.  So we will learn to look forward to our time together.  It's not going to be like it was that last year of college...one every two months or so.  This could be once a week kind of a deal.  Every other week, for sure.  Once we know his schedule a month in advance, we can plan these out...and maybe even plan baby B's induction so Daddy can be present.  Life is going to work out for me.  Whew!

Rewind

HAPPY HAPPY 4 MONTH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TO MY OTHER HALF!

Weekend Events

Saturday was a fun day full of all things prego!  Three other prego ladies and I spent five-ish hours at the Edamame Spa in Scottsdale, which is connected to Destination Maternity.  This store had all 3 maternity stores in it...including A Pea in the Pod.  Fun!  There was only one massage therapist, so it took a little longer than we all would have liked.  BUT we all got to relax for 50 min with a $20 discount.  They made us a cheese and meat platter and brought us cupcakes.  Ginger, my massage lady, told me that with the energy she was feeling from me, we are having a girl.  Yeah, so what, right?  What does this crazy woman know?  Just for the record, she knew what the other two pregos with me were having without knowing previously.  And the third, she guessed a boy and they'll find out in 2 weeks.  Kinda crazy.  I tried on the pair of Hudson's that I want to/will purchase once I'm a tad bigger and really need them.  Come on now, I'm planning on at least 3 more pregnancies...I will get use out of these suckers!  It was fun b/c I put on the 'tester' 9th month belly with my jeans...check out this bump:

Aren't these jean a must-have??  They're amazing :-)

Better visual with a shirt on!  It's a biggin.

Here's Nicole and I messin around.  I'm due 4 days before her and she has on the 7th month belly.

It was a nice getaway.  We went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner...I had a burger, fries, and a slice of Snickers cheesecake...only a few bites were left.  Man, was I hungry!  Once I got home, the boys and I headed out for Mike's going away party with his work friends.  They always take the guy out downtown and drink a lot.  I drank some caffeine at 9 pm, so I could stay up and take them home when the time came.  I did great.  And I was proud of myself.  Early in the night, our friends had their 6 week old boy, Tucker, present.  I was in heaven:

After a couple of bars and several beers later, we headed home at 1:20 am.  I was singing away in the car and all of a sudden heard snoring...all three boys in my car were sound asleep.  The next morning was glorious for me, reliving the evening with the boys who didn't remember much towards the end of the night.  No hangover for me- yayyyy!  I was just completely EXHAUSTED.  2 am bedtime is not cool for baby B and I...I tried to sleep in, but it didn't really help.  Nonetheless, Sunday night's sleep was glorious.  Sleep deprivation may very well be a pregnant woman's hangover.  Sunday was filled with football and more friends saying "good-bye" for dinner.  Here's two pics of hubby from the weekend.  Two different friends told me each of them were my future:

Ha ha ha.  First, Mike being a goof while I take care of the child.  Although, I am making quite a face.  Second, Mike checking out the computer with Nicole's daughter and our jealous dog, Gracie!  It going to be so very interesting to see how she reacts to baby B's arrival.  Poor G is jealous of anyone that takes away our attention from her!  Loved my 2nd to last weekend with my man before he's gone for 2 months-ish.  Time with him is perfect.  He's been a great father-to-be lately.  Barring with me through my moody times/days and really just being there for me.  I'm one (dare I say it, Caitlin?)  LUCKY DUCK!

OH- and how could I forget!  Thanks for the responses on the last post about diaper bags.  I was thrilled when all three of the polka dot bags were at Destination Maternity.  And, Caitlin and Angie, the first one has you completely fooled.  Don't worry, it fooled me too.  It's adorable, don't get me wrong, it's big and fashionable, but honestly, that's about it.  I almost felt like it was cheaply made.  The inside looked like and felt as if it would rip right open if handled slightly rough.  The changing pad is lame beyond measure.  The material felt like the old couch you never sat on at home and I doubt it comes clean easily.  I'm SAD!  I thought it'd be great b/c it's more purse like.  Since Miss Amber is correct, inevitably a diaper bag turns into your purse.  She also brought up a great point about practicality...it's easy to manage stuff with a bag that's not going to make it all worse.  *ah* What to do.  I did really like the last polka dot bag.  I just am not sure if it's what I really want to be stuck to my side for the next few years.  I dunno.  Maybe just keep looking, it's not like I don't have time or anything...lol.  

Diaper Bag Delima!

Alright folks, I know this might seem somewhat premature, but those who know me, know I'm a planner. Sorry in advance for being on top of things.  (Side note:  I say this now and I felt real prepared for the wedding and still found myself scurrying around until the day of...interesting, eh?)  I want a "cool" diaper bag...for the lack of a better adjective.  A bag that's practical, with interior pockets, stroller straps, an over the shoulder strap for me, a changing pad, trendy, not too pricey, an easily cleanable surface, and gender neutral, of course!  I also want to purchase this for myself since I know there's a boat load of other things we will be in desperate need of.  Here are the three I have come down to:

#1  The Skip Hop Studio Diaper Tote in Pewter Dots or Charcoal Dots

Click Here for Details

Click Here for Details

#2 OiOi Diaper Bag- Black floral Jacquard Carry All

Click Here for Details

#3 OiOi Diaper Bag- Dot Hobo

Click Here for Details

Thursday: Things I'm Lovin

Sweet Home, CHICAGO!!!!  I must admit that we've had Chicago on the brain this week.  Since I couldn't blog without mentioning our HUGE news, the city made the list!  Michael "heard from a little bird" that he's ranked 5th in seniority by birthdate in his ground school.  Which means, that since there are 6 spots open for New York and 6 for Chicago, we will get our pick!  Chicago it is ladies and gentlemen, unless something goes terribly wrong.  Lets hope the birdie he heard from isn't messing up...the poor thing has no idea what's on the line- lol.  We really have no business being in NY, in fact, the thought scares me.  Our little world is coming together.  I feel like everything is falling into place at just the right time.  Although, I know there are some things I'd prefer to have happen...ie. Mike be present at our child's birth (big BIG thing), I know we are blessed with life thus far and gotta stick to it.  We truly do love this city.  I can't wait to explore.  One day, we'll be Chicago Cubs season ticket holders attending every game (probably in the bleachers). 

CrossFit, Inc.  As most, if not all, of you know, I CrossFit.  I have for two and a half years now and don't see quitting or leaving an option.  I will never go to any other workout routine.  And that's an impressive statement.  I workout 3-4 times a week.  I kick my own booty willingly and have gained muscles in places I never thought possible (me? biceps? no!).  I work hard for those muscles and will show them off when I feel the time is right.  I will get a shot of me and my 38 week pregnant belly doing some sort of CF movement.  I love it.  I feel strong.  CF is much like a cult...and everyone who does it will admit that.  The cult-ish atmosphere has probably pushed some people away and that's OK.  We are a tight knit community that truly believes in being fit...not just some fad diet or a boot camp class taken a couple times a week.  We are a team.  We challenge each other, push each other, and want the best for everyone.  A competitive side has come out in me...one that I knew kinda existed, but now it likes to shine.  I like to win...to be the best.  But I am far, far, far from it and congratulate the girls that beat me at any workout or lift.  It's a family.  Many tears have been shed and dried in the gym...over workouts, over life, over an ice cold beer.  It's seriously a lifestyle.  I preach and preach to all our friends...do CrossFit, just do it, you'll love it.  One day, we will own our own gym.  Probably out of our garage for free b/c that's what both of us see in our future.  But then we will be able to share the love of fitness with those around us (since the guy down the street is too expensive).  

more to come...off to work!

Preggers

Here are two girlfriends and I in Tempe "tailgating" for the ASU game we attended a couple of weeks ago.  It was HOT outside, I'm pretty sure we are all sweating here.  And this pic was taken with my iPhone, so it's not the best quality.  I forgot my camera and wanted documentation of this day...good thing I remembered before dark!  Ashley is on the left, pregnant with Harper due November 16th (so so so cool having someone due on MY birthday!), then me, preggo with baby B due in March, and Nichole, not preggo in this pic.  WAIT...WAIT...Nichole found out about a week ago they're expecting.  Yayyy!  So excited for them.  Now, get this...she went to the doctor on Monday to find out via the internal ultrasound, she's 15-16 weeks pregnant.  So, YES, in this photo she IS preggers too!  Yayyy!  Ha ha ha...craziest thing ever.  She skipped her whole first trimester and will find out more details Saturday at an external ultrasound.  Nichole might even be able to know what she's having already.  Just thought I'd post how grand it is to have such good friends paddling the same canoe you are :-)  

And 'POP' Goes the Weasel

EIGHTEEN WEEKS!!!

(in gender neutral yellow, of course)  

For some odd reason, I have been itching to get to this point.  My friend, Devon, is also prego with her first.  She's 6 months along, so a little further than me.  BUT she told me awhile ago that she finally looks prego AND can feel the baby girl move.  She was at 18 weeks.  I felt like if I could make it to 18 weeks, I've pretty much made it the whole 40, ya know?  So the countdown began and the day has come :-)  Baby B and I have made it to my mini finish line.  Drum roll please....here's the belly:

I believe it has popped!  Baby B is growin like a weed, I'm sure!

And when I push it out, there's definitely something there.  Although I've always been able to stick out my gut, this look a bit different :)  It's not just my organs I'm pushing out...poor baby.  lol.  I have two sites that tell me interesting info about the baby.  And I'm not sure which one is more accurate.  So, now it tells me baby B is a sweet potato.  Five big ol' ounces and five and a half inches!  The other site says he or she is a maximum 7 ounces and 6.5 inches.  Baby B can yawn, kick, roll, punch, hiccup, and swallow.  We have an ultrasound on the 22nd (we moved it from the 26th, so Michael can attend), which will be amazing b/c hopefully we will see all these things happening.  Plus, who doesn't love an ultrasound when pregnant?  Another chance to look at the baby that's growing inside of me, duh?!?!?  

Hubby and I spent Saturday cleaning out the garage.  I feel SO much better.  We know where all our stuff is and how much we will have to move with us come May.  Next step is cleaning out the spare/junk/guest room.  I figured we needed to clear out the garage in order to move what's in that room out.  Once that process has started, I will feel better.  I believe Papa has started on the furniture.  Well, I know he just got electricity so all his machines will work...exciting!  I'm thinking those will be finished post holidays...just around busy season (sorry dad) and will really make me feel like a baby is coming to live with us.  ha ha ha!  Now, if only we owned this home and I could really decorate.  Oh well.  There will be a better time for that.  

Change.  It's still goin on around here.  Gracie seems much better though.  That I am extremely grateful for.  I am dealing with the fact that my other half is leaving me for seven weeks straight.  I will surround myself with my fabulous friends (ie. lots of trips to Phoenix).  It's just those hard times that worry me...and I'm 900 times more emotional.  Confession:  I cried doing laundry yesterday.  Why?  I don't know...maybe b/c I don't want to be alone, I love MJB and miss him when he leaves for a night, and I absolutely don't want to sleep alone for that long.  Nighttime scares me.  It has since I was just a little girl.  I'm ready to stop anticipating him leaving and start the countdown to his return.

Not much planned for the weeks ahead.  A good-bye for Michael with the work ritual and lots of us time, which is exactly what I'm needing right now.  I want to fill up my bucket, overflow it with M so that I have enough of him until he gets home :-)  Positive vibes coming from this end!

G'day

Shout Out to Hubby

I am going to brag in this post.  Beware.  I am SO very proud of my husband.  Meet Michael James:

This is on our honeymoon- livin the dream!  For those of you who don't know this whole story, I will try my best to sum it up quickly and not make this a marathon post.

M started attending college in the fall of 2002 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (when we first met, I said, "huh?" like I'm sure most of you are).  At first, he thought he wanted to be in the Air Force, but changed his mind upon entering Riddle.  He worked his butt off for four years completing his Aeronautical Science degree, minors in Flight Meteorology and Safety Science, and working as a server at Outback.  Once he graduated, all the airlines were furloughing their pilots (laying them off), so he chose to be a flight instructor.  While this wasn't that bad of a choice, it wasn't what he ultimately wanted to do.  M has been flight instructing at Riddle since 2006.  He has been building his hours, taking leadership opportunities, and working his butt off to bring home a good paycheck for us.  Eventually, explaining to people that he's a flight instructor was bugging him.  He's a pilot- he worked hard to be one and was looking forward to the day that he could respond to the quesiton, "What do you do?" with "I'm a pilot for _____ airline."  Well, folks that day has come!!

CONGRATULATIONS 

MR. BUTTENOB!

Michael went to an interview for American Eagle at the end of August.  It was an interesting process but received a 'conditional' job offer.  He had to pass a background check and a medical in order to be offered a job.  He passed those, as well as, the Captain's board.  His ground school date is October 25th (aka. rigorous job training).  He will be working his butt off again to learn the rules, regulations, and ropes of a whole new airline.  After several tests and being away from home for 7 weeks straight he will officially be a pilot for American Eagle.

What's more exciting is that we will be moving from Prescott, AZ!  I've enjoyed our 3.5 years here thus far, but have been looking forward to a move closer to family.  Turns out M will have a choice between Chicago and New York.  While we know there's a chance he gets based in New York, we will be able to live in Chicago near family (he will just have to commute)!  I was hoping for Dallas, as it's a place we can actually afford to live and it'd be nice to be close to my side of the family for a period of time, but we have family in Chicago as well and ultimately that's where we wanted to end up.  It will be great to get settled and prepare to raise our family there.  I will be looking for a job and hoping to find a good sitter for baby B.  Although, it kills me b/c I'd love to stay at home for a few years...there's just no way we could survive off a first year pilot's salary (it's sad how much they make).

Look out, Chicago.  The Buttenobs are coming  in the spring of '11!!  We are elated...our life is changing in more than one way.  Change is good.  Change is what we wanted (and still do, just now, we have it).  We've just gotta get this prego to tame those emotions :-)  I'm not looking forward to the unknown- that's just not my personality type.  Nor I am looking forward to the 7 weeks straight of no hubby around.  But I couldn't be happier for him.  He's growing up and entering more of a 'real world' lifestyle.  Michael James, I am so very happy for you and all you've accomplished.  You deserve this spot as pilot and I cannot wait to see where this next year takes us.  I love you.  xoxo, Your Proud Wife

Thursday: Things I'm Lovin

This grill from Crate and Barrel was a wedding gift from my boss.  And...I LOVE IT!  It has a gas starter, so I don't worry about 'explosive things' and lighter fluid (nor losing my eyebrows and eyelashes).   Plus, we still get that charcoal taste.  Once Michael taught me how to use it, it's super easy.  The best part- is that it's GREEN.  My favorite color.  Naturally, I bought the matching doormat on sale so everything fits together.  We will be ready for grilling anytime.  I wanted to list this before grilling season leaves us.  Here in AZ we still have a few more weeks for it especially on Football Saturdays and Sundays, but it's getting chillier by the day :-)


Eventually, I hope to get better with these items, so they can be things other reads will use.  Yes, maybe you will purchase that grill at the end of the season sale or whatever...BUT my next few probably won't do much for ya.  However, they are the things of the week for me!  FLAVORED TOOTSIE ROLLS.  OMG- I avoid the Halloween candy aisle at the store b/c I know good and well that if I buy any now, it will NOT be there come time for trick-or-treaters.  I made the wrong turn, if you will, and entered the sugar overload, carb haters hell, prego lady's heaven.  I found the world's largest bag of flavored tootsie rolls.  Usually, they are in some kind of mixture with other candy that ultimately makes them taste funny.  (has anyone else ever noticed that candy does that? sick)  But, no, not this year.  AND they have new flavors.  It took all the power in me to not buy the bag (even though it was in my cart not once, but twice! lol)  Then, we attended a friend's son's 4th birthday party Sunday.  He broke open the pinata and lo and behold...there they were. Calling my name.  Since there were only 3 little boys attending the party, prego moved her way in and grabbed a handful of the delicious, chewy, sugar bits.  It was awesome.  Now, if only that curbed my craving...

And not playing favorites, BUT check out these little loves.  These boys are my nanny boys:

Meet Troy and Hunter.

And look at them before:

Man, how time flies.  In the individual pictures, they're almost 18 months (and I just realized I told someone this morning they were 16 months...sad face!).  I have to guess in the picture of them together that they're no more than 3 months.  They were born in May and my iPhoto says this was taken in August.  *sigh* Times flies.  I got teary eyed the other day thinking about them going to kindergarden, then driving and dating, and playing football...I love boys.  I could also go on FOREVER about these two.  They're SO opposite, but are twins.  Hunter has a mouth full of teeth, is rambunctious, tough, loves balls, hits, bites, runs, loves to be tackled, and has a terrible temper.  Troy is more reserve, although he does everything Hunter does, he does so more cautiously.  He has a two for one tooth we love and is a 110% momma's boy.  I think I'd be fine with 4 boys.  I know I say this now and may regret it later.  Michael will die with 4 girls.  So, I'm willing to go the other extreme.  They're fun.  While I love bows, dance class, dressing up, and girly things...they're just SO high maintenance!  (coming from me, right?)  Everyone tells me baby B is a boy...and all my life everyone has told me I will have all boys.  It's great.  I want hubby to have his boy and if I can bring FOUR of them into this world for us...even better!  I might even have that wild hair that tries for a girl on #5...why not?  (again, I say this now)  We shall see.  I am SO excited for March to come so I can see what's growing in my "lovely lady lump" now!

Those are my loves this week...until next time...

I mean- REALLY????

I think I've mentioned Gracie 'acting out' since I've been pregnant.  I haven't divulged the truth to that statement.  I'm not embarrassed..well, not as much as I thought I'd be.  I had heard of people's dogs freaking out when things change (ie. when the mom/wife is pregnant).  I always thought and even voiced that I don't see Gracie as that kind of pup.  She's been such a good dog for years now.  She's no lab...duh, she's a husky.  She doesn't particularly listen, it's more like she listens when she wants to or you better know how to get her to listen, which we do for the most part.  Or I guess Michael does.  When she thinks she's owed something, like a walk, she will not leave you alone until you do it.  She's vocal when we are around, but doesn't bark around other dogs (she'd rather quietly wine).  She's stubborn and will run away if you take her off her leash.  She's overly friendly and will definitely "welcome" you into our home by goosing you or straight up pouncing you.  Again she's a husky and we knew what we signed up for.  However, I didn't know how she'd act when the pregnancy hormones hit us!

Where do I begin?  I take you back to last Monday...I left the house like I do 4 times a week to workout.  I was gone for the typical hour and a half.  Since we were at a friends house on Sunday watching football and eating junk food, I hadn't taken the time to put away our leftovers.  After my workout I came home to a bag of chips exploded on the living room floor, a dozen chocolate chip cookies devoured, and half a bag of Mike&Ike's eaten.  Really?  I've left numerous things on the kitchen table in a standard grocery store plastic bag and not once has she eaten anything.  I would have taken a picture if I wasn't in tears, screaming, and calling Mike to make sure she wasn't going to die.  I left her out of her crate when I went to work, so for 6 hours she was fine.

Now come Tuesday mornings workout.  Gracie didn't get a walk b/c of her incident yesterday (Monday) and we were gone over the weekend.  I knew this was going to be a rough morning, as we go for a walk every day together.  This was one of those things that she feels owed so she gets naughty quick.  Nonetheless, I took her for a walk before my workout thinking she'd behave while I was gone.  When I returned from the gym on this day, Gracie had chewed her water bowl and a cardboard box that was in the entryway.  I mean...really?  It's just so out of her character.  When she's hot she likes to literally dig the water out of her bowl, but I'm there to stop her.  It looked like this is what had happened.  Then upon noticing she had no more water left, I'm sure she got pissed and decided to show that bowl who's boss.  STILL.

We put her in her crate the rest of the week...we actually say, "Gracie, can you go to your office?"  Stolen from my sister-in-law's family, the office refers to her crate.

Friday morning I felt lazy, didn't sleep well the night before, and wanted to stay cozy in bed.  I go up to let G out and went back to lay in bed.  Our roommate, Doug's, wallet just so happened to be on the kitchen table.  Gracie has tried to chew it once before, but I was around to stop her.  This time she was sneaky and quiet, I didn't hear a thing nor did he in the shower.  SO...his cards and such were dumped out and a nice hole chewed on the corner of the wallet.  I wanted to drop kick the brat.

Sunday morning we came back from a fun, friend filled weekend in Phoenix.  We walked in at about 7 pm and G had obviously gotten ahold of something and it was all over the living room floor.  I didn't get a pic of this either, as Michael was extremely pissed and not in a humorous mood.  I did get a pic of the aftermath.  She had chewed a Pizza Hut box to shreds.  AND got a very special, important photo album off the shelf that has been there for months now to chew out every page.  Jenny, brace yourself, I only need a few pictures so I have the complete collection.  But the album of all our wedding photos from my dad and Jenny got chewed apart.  Exhibit A:

   

This was special b/c there were so many pictures in there that Michael and I didn't have or had never seen.  It sat in the same spot since we received the gift and what possessed G to chew it, I have no idea.  SO very frustrating.

Bottom line, she's a daddy's girl.  She will do anything to please Mike.  I feel like she can sense my hormones and is reacting b/c she doesn't know what to do.  Yesterday, G and I had a great day.  She was so sweet.  She cuddled up next to me when I got home from work and slept on or near me all night.  We even shared a pillow this morning.  Hopefully, this is her wanting forgiveness and will be THE END of the naughty madness.  Keep your fingers crossed for us :-)

FOUR and a HALF MONTHS

Happy October!

I do love this month...it seems to be a great 'transition' month.  Summer to fall.  Pool parties to holiday festivities.  And it just to happens to be my little sister, Caitlin's, birthday month.  Fun.  In fact, her b-day is 10-10-10 this year...SO cool.  There's my shout out to you Caitor!

Here's the 'lump' we've all been waiting for...ha ha ha...I had to say it, it made me literally laugh out loud:

Looking a little 'puffier.'  Sorry this image isn't as clear as some of the others.  How about a close up?

From a higher angle I look more prego.  Still waiting on the full 'pop,' but Mike even tells me I look less chubby now and more prego.  Thanks babe!  Baby B is the size of your hand now.  Either a large yellow onion or a sweet potato!  How they're the same, I don't know.  About 5 cm long and more than 3.5 ounces.  It makes me freak out to look at my hand and think the 'thing' that was once the size of this period . is now HUGE.  He or she has started gaining body fat this week, which will continue throughout life.  It's just starting now- how cool.  Also, lil baby B has it's very own finger prints...so in a way, some identity.  I read that the baby can hear the dog bark and may even be startled, which is good to hear now b/c when he or she arrives they'll recognize that noise and will hopefully not freak out.  That will be an interesting adventure- crossing my fingers it goes smooth.  The article also said, he or she will sleep right through the dog barking once delivered since the exposure happened in utero.  22 days until our ultrasound, which will probably be the last one for awhile.  boo.  

I like that I can laugh now at my small lump.  Everyone tells me I don't even look pregnant...I was told all weekend how tiny I am.  But folks, I eat everything...and that's really unlike me.  Most of you know, I follow (or followed) the Zone Diet.  I loathe that the word diet is even in it's name b/c it's truly a lifestyle.  I loved it.  It gave me energy and a truly healthy body.  Then I started CF and gained the muscle.  Anyways, the gist of the eating habits I had were mostly protein with a balance of carbs and fat.  Keeping sugar at a bare minimum, if I even ate it at all, and focusing carbs on fruits and veggies.  I have let the sugar gates down, if there's such a thing, kicked the Zone out the window and I eat what I want.  However, I am proud to say this is all in moderation.  Since I have the Zone background, I try to play catch up and give my body what it needs (usually protein since meat sounds sickening) and not what I want : )  Oh the fabulous life of eating while prego.  (sense any sarcasm?)

We might be having a delayed monsoon season.  There have been several storms rolling through Prescott the past few days.  Full on thunder, lightening, random downpours...and black clouds.  I love it.  It makes me feel lazy.  Wish I could cuddle up with a good book all day kind of lazy.  If the pics I took with my iPhone ever came out as cool as they seem..I'd share a pic with you.  Maybe one day.

I am TERRIBLY homesick!!  I need to see my family.  I want to be closer to home SO bad.  Then I could just go out for a visit and maybe not even have to worry about a flight or taking off too much work.  Ugh.  On the other hand, I am VERY thankful I get to go home for a week in November.  The weekend after my birthday, for an early baby shower, to see family, over Thanksgiving...AND hubby might be able to meet me there.  So exciting!  I am also very thankful that Michael knows I am a family girl and understands I am homesick to the max.  Such a lucky girl.  

I've got SO much more to say...probably should have written over the weekend, but I will be good for the rest of the week no doubt.  Gotta get going with my day though...later gators.