Update and some more advice please...

Irene hasn't had a chance to update her blog so I thought I'd let everybody know what was going on in Delaware (as far as I know).

Everybody made it back to their destinations in one piece. Irene, mom and the kids had a good flight without any major drama. Mom will be in Delaware until Saturday to help Irene and Philip get their new place set up. Yesterday Irene said that James asked her how many days they were going to be staying in the new place. Irene told him that it was their new home and that they would be there for quite a while...she then asked him why he was wondering. He responded with, "Well, I really like College Station." So, I guess reality hits us all at different times. Hopefully all three kids will adjust with as little confusion as possible.

Koby finally made it home close to midnight on Monday. He had delays both in Philadelphia and Atlanta and then had to drive back home from the airport in Houston. He was absolutely exhausted yesterday.

Now for the advice part...I had such a great response from everybody in the past so I thought I'd try my luck one more time!

I have questions/concerns/issues about the following things. If you have time I would really like to hear your take on them.

Pediatricians (for those in B/CS with Scott & White insurance)- I would like to know who you feel is best and/or if you've heard negative things about any particular doctor.

Crib Mattresses- I've seen them range anywhere between $50-200. Should I go with a happy medium or is there something special about the expensive ones that is important?

Gliders/Ottomans- I've heard lots of moms say that these are just about as essential as diapers and wipes...but they are really expensive. Do you recommend a particular brand/style that is both economical and a quality product? We don't even have a recliner or rocking chair so we will end up needing to buy something.

Nursing Bras- I will be returning to work and pumping so I'd like to have a couple bras that, how should I put it...give the new girls a nice shape under my work clothes. I know I've seen nursing bras at Motherhood, Let's Go Dreaming, Sears and JC Penny's but I'm not sure which are good quality.

I guess that's about it for now. Oh, in case you would like to know, I had my 32 week checkup yesterday and everything is looking normal and progressing nicely. No red flags of any kind! :)

What I'm ExCiTeD about...
Koby's co-workers have organized a shower for us at lunch today. He works with lots of guys and I think it's sweet that they cared enough to organize something. We'll have hamburgers, drinks and cake! Sounds great to me! :)

The time has come!

No, not that time.

It's 3:30am and Irene, my mom and the kids just left my house to head to the airport in Houston. I've been anticipating this exact moment for quite some time. I've wondered how I was going to feel, what I was going to say, how they were going to react. When Irene told me that their flight was at 7am I was a little bit sad. I guess I thought we would do a big to-do and, for example, if their flight left at 3pm we would spend the whole day laughing and playing and eating...enjoying the final few hours in College Station together. Maybe I'm being dramatic (which I think I might be allowed since it's 3:30am and I'm pregnant) but that's just how I envisioned it. But for some reason I think this way worked out better.

I am sad. I have fears. I have regrets. I have an empty house (except for the dogs) that was once scattered with toys, videos, luggage and most importantly, little, cozy, sleeping bodies.

At the same time I have excitement. I have hope. I have peace. I have joy that John is going to have a new opportunity to help battle his autism. He is a beautiful boy with a sweet heart and he deserves a shot at this new school.

I'm off to go climb in bed and hopefully catch some zzzzz's. I have to go into work tomorrow and try to keep myself composed...yeah, that ought to be interesting. So, goodnight, or good morning...

What I'm ExCiTeD about...
Koby comes home today!! He left on Friday to help Philip make the drive to Delaware and I really miss him.

New Additions

I'd like for you to meet Roc...aka cousin Roc, Rock-o, Rockefello, or rat dog.

He is Irene and Philip's dog that will soon be joining the Weatherford household. The place that

they found to live in Delaware doesn't allow them to have any pets (and apparently the crazy landlord is apprehensive about children too...ha, the nerve of those yankees!!!) so he will be staying with us until we find him a place to stay. Yeah, right. The reality of this situation is that ever since they decided to make the move and knew they wouldn't be able to take him, Koby and I wanted to keep him. Actually, it's more like we didn't want him to go to some strange people's house and be scared and never be able to see him again. But, we held off until the very end and told Irene and Philip on Sunday that we would gladly take him in. Of course we requested monthly "child support" because he is obviously going to eat us out of house and home! :)

I'm not crazy about having 3 dogs now but I do know that he is great with babies/kids, he can go the whole day without having to be let out, and he really is a sweet dog.

*side note* I woke up at about 12:30 last night and baby Olivia had a bad case of the hiccups. It was so sad!! Maybe I'm a wuss, but I hate the hiccups so I felt terrible that I couldn't do anything about it. I did drink some water which I don't really think made a difference. I told Koby this morning and he jokingly asked, "Did you hold your breath?". He's so funny!

Baby Got Back!!!

Irene took the kids to the splash pad by my house yesterday so I stopped on my way home from work and took some pictures. Rosemary looked precious in her swimsuit and was more than happy to model for us...these pictures are just too cute so I just had to share!

I also got some good ones of James and John. I'm really going to miss all three of them so much! They grow up so fast and I can only imagine how much they are going to change and mature when I only get to see them a couple times a year!

Falling Behind

Geeeez, I thought I would be a lot better at keeping up with this blog than I have been lately but I guess I'll just have to put more effort into it. Come to think of it, I shouldn't be that disappointed. I've always had a hard time with things like journals and diaries, which is essentially what a blog is. Anyway...

Since the last time I posted there's been a few things (read: a lot) going on. Last Tuesday I had my second ultrasound. The main purpose of this was to follow up on the position of my placenta. It was a little bit low the first time around so the doctor (and me) wanted to see how it had shifted. It turned out to be normal and it is high enough where it shouldn't be in the way when Olivia decides to make her voyage. Oh, and Olivia is still a she so BRING ON THE GIRLIE STUFF!!!!

Then there was the 4th of July. We got up really early that morning and drove to Kountze, TX (about a 3 hour drive). It's by Beaumont in east Texas if you've never heard of it. Every year, Koby's mom's side of the family holds a HUGE family reunion...the McDonald Family Reunion. We had fun and got to catch up with some of his cousins, aunts and uncles and Koby's grandmother. I love her! She is everything a grandmother should be and at 81 years old she doesn't miss a beat! I managed to take my camera, but it stayed in my bag and I never took any pictures! I am notorious for doing that. Maybe we'll get some from Glenda (my other mom) and I'll post them later.

July 5th was my cutie pie's b-day (Rosemary). She turned 2 and we went to eat at Mi Cocina. We didn't do anything big for her that day because my parents were going to be arriving the next day and so were some friends of Irene and Philip.

On Friday, Koby worked really hard and started painting the nursery. As you probably guessed I didn't want to go with a flashy color...nothing bold at all whatsoever. I've come to realize that I tire of things like decor fairly quickly and I know if I were to go with yellow or some other color that I'd want it repainted in 6 months. Which I also know if I asked Koby to re-do the paint that soon the answer would be something along the lines of, "Woman! Have you lost your mind?" Plus, we ended up having TONS (tons=7 gallons) of paint left over from the other rooms we painted over memorial day so I could not justify buying more paint when we had about $150 worth of paint sitting in our garage. (We tried to return it but they don't let you return colored paint and we listed it on Craig's list, but had no takers) So to give it slightly different hue, Koby mixed half a can of colored paint with half a can of white paint. I think it turned really nice!

On Saturday we had family time. We "celebrated" Rosemary's b-day at Freebirds for lunch and then planned to meet at the Campbell's house that evening for cake and presents. Of course I didn't get any pics of the cake or presents because I forgot my camera. But, I had a good excuse...keep reading and you be the judge.

This is our baby...Isabella and she L-O-V-E-S to go play disc golf with Koby. She always does really good and stays close. But not this time. Koby took her and Klowie to the park on Saturday afternoon and she must have gotten tangled up in some barbed wire (Austin's Colony in case you were wondering which course). She didn't act hurt and Koby didn't even know that she was injured until he saw that she had two huge fleshy gashes on her chest. Since it was Saturday evening we had to take her to the ER for pets known as the A&M Vet School. They were nice enough, but it was a good 6 hour ordeal by the time we took her in and were able to pick her up. We ended up making it to Irene and Philip's just as they were about to light the candles on Rosie's cake. Actually, to be honest, they waited on us for about 10 minutes. Anyway, dogs are so tough. She has several other scratches on her body, but nothing else that required stitches. So now she had to wear one of my old sleep shirts to keep her from chewing. She's not very happy about this.

Sunday morning we all got up and went to church together. It was extra special because, in case you didn't know, Irene and Philip are getting ready to move to Delaware. This Sunday will be their last Sunday at A&M church. I was really proud of myself because not only did I think to grab the camera as we were running out to church...but I also got somebody (thanks Daniel!) to take our family picture!! So this was nice...plus we were all dressed up!

Haha, notice how Koby and Philip are matching in their khaki pants and white polo shirts!

Silly boys.

This week has been pretty good and has been going by very quickly. Monday we finally got the crib in and Koby has started to slowly assemble it. Also, Koby was summoned for jury duty and spent the whole day at the court house. Luckily, he didn't get selected because the case was something along the lines of aggravated sexual assault of a child. Not a jury I'd like to be on.

Yesterday I got to hang out with some girls from church over dinner. I was really tired, but I had a wonderful time. I LOVE GIRL TIME! I guess I better get it while I can right?

What I'm ExCiTeD about...

My job had a baby shower for Koby and I today and it was REALLY awesome. I got to see some old friends and got lots of nice things for Olivia...and I got to eat some delicious cake. I'll post some pics tomorrow or the next day.

Thanks!!

Wow! Thanks for the comments on the previous "advice" post. My mind is still spinning, but I feel like I have a little bit more direction. Since you guys were so responsive, I'll pick your brain about one more thing...type of diapers. Is there a particular brand that is best? I really don't want to buy/register for the expensive ones if the cheap(er) ones work just as well.
What's the scoop on the poop?

What I'm ExCiTeD about...
Last night after running some errands I was on my way home and just felt so beat. I then started complaining to myself about being tired, etc..but then *BAHM* it hit me.
There is a human life being created inside my body.
I know what you're thinking. You're 7 months pregnant and this is just now registering??? No, I'm not thaaaat slow (shut up Aaron!). I guess I just tend to overlook the sheer miracle that it truly is. So today I'm excited to be exhausted!!

Advice

Ickkkk...its Monday. A rainy one at that.

The weekend went by so fast its unbelievable but I had a great time. I got to hang out with my friend JJ on Saturday and then Sunday I got some rest and bought some baby stuff and a dress for myself at the mall. Koby's mom drove in town around dinner time yesterday and we went out for breakfast this morning. It was super yummy!

Anyway, we will be registering for baby stuff soon and I thought I would ask all you moms (and dads) for some advice. I know most things can be returned/exchanged if they don't work, but I want to try to register for the exact thing I need. I'm not too worried about the little stuff, but I could use some advice about things like:

• strollers (I know for sure we want one that is tall-people friendly)
• car seats (safe of course, but I will be dropping baby off, Koby will be picking baby up. Do they make them where you can buy two bases?)
• monitors (want one that will last but not super fancy)
• bassinets/pack-n-plays (absolutely clueless)
• breast pumps (again, clueless)

Any advice would be appreciated!

What I'm ExCiTeD about...

I have an ultrasound tomorrow and I'm very eager to see what baby Olivia looks like now. Last time she moved around a whole bunch but I couldn't feel it because she was still so small. I have a feeling it will be very different this time around! :)

I've been tagged!

First memory - I remember sitting on the steps of the hospital in Abilene when my grandma died. My dad was crying and I remember feeling scared. I think I was about 4.

First real kiss - Daniel Lopez in 8th grade, outside of the choir hall, right before gym class! I was so freaked out!

First love - I guess Daniel was, at least it felt like love at the time. We "dated" for 2 years.

First thing you think in the morning - What is today? Do I really have to get up so early?

First question you'll ask in heaven - How the heck did I get here!? Just kidding! I really don't know what I would ask. I think I would say thank you first.

First thing you think of when you hear the word vacation - expensive

First best friend - Angela Pounds. We met in kindergarten and were inseparable for the next 6 years. I have no idea where she's at now.

Last time you dressed up -I don't really remember...but we are going to a wedding at the end of July so I'll dress up for that. Plus it will be mine and Koby's 7 year anniversary so I'll want to wear something extra nice!

Last thing you ate -cinnamon toast

Last CD you bought - Gwen Stefani's second album.

Last good book you read - What to Expect When You're Expecting. It's not so much a story book, in my opinion, but a guide. Oh and I read a book called Belly Laughs by none other than Jenny McCarthy. It was pretty funny.

Last time you cried - A couple of times this week. I'm about ready to kick these hormones to the curb.

Last time you told someone you loved them -this morning I told Koby and my puppy dogs!

Last really funny thing you did - I don't know if this is funny or just stupid, but here's the story. I work in a college at TAMU and our dean has a...well, pot-belly. I hadn't seen him in a while (he's been traveling) and so about a week ago we ran into each other in the main office. He politely commented about how much my belly had grown since last time he'd seen me and so I (without thinking) replied back with this, "Yes sir! I'm almost catching up with you!!" Of course I had a big smile on my face and lets face it, who can get mad a pregnant lady, but he kind of laughed and then went on with his business. Anyway, not only was the comment inappropriate to say to my top-boss but come to find out he 1) has somewhat of a complex about his weight and 2) has actually been on a diet for a few months and has been losing weight.
So, funny... a little bit. Stupid... a lot a bit!!

Last thing you watched on TV -The Early Show while I was getting ready this morning.

I tag...Irene, Rachel and Angela!!

What I'm ExCiTeD about...
It's FRIDAY! What more can I say!

28 Weeks!

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and all went well. The results came in for my gestational diabetes test and I was negative. I wasn't really too worried about it, but I was still glad when he said that everything was fine. I am still slightly anemic (even though I'm taking an iron supplement) but my iron count hasn't gotten any lower either so he said not to worry about it. I'm also measuring right on target and he (the doctor) didn't gripe about my weight.

I've never had to "manage" my weight before so this is something that I've had to get used to. Well, now that I think about it I did try to stay under a certain weight in college one semester while I was in a strength training class but that was only to avoid having to lift heavier weights for the test! Anyway, where was I? Oh, I'm blessed with a good metabolism (thanks mom and dad) and since I'm tall there are lots of places for my weight to spread out. Having said all this, I am a bit concerned that I've already gained about 30 lbs and the baby is just now starting to put on all of her weight!! Everybody keeps saying not to worry about it and that I'll "bounce" back to my old self after the baby. I just love that word...bounce...makes it sound so easy! But alas, Koby always eases my worries. He's been a constant encouragement and reminds me that as long as I, and the baby are healthy that it doesn't matter what the scale says. He says I'm more beautiful than I've ever been and I love when I catch him staring at my belly! I really need to be more disciplined when it comes to walking and eating right though. It's just so much easier to come home after work and lounge around. Who wants to get out and get all sweaty anyway?

I decided that I'm going to add a little "what I'm excited about" section to the end of my blogs. I tend to get caught up worrying about the little things so maybe this will help me focus on the positive things too.

What I'm ExCiTeD about...
My friend JJ from Dallas is coming to visit me tomorrow. I haven't seen her since her b-day in mid-December so I know we will have fun catching up and we are going to do some shopping!! I can't wait!

Back-tracking

Today I'm feeling a little bit overwhelmed. I keep thinking about all the things that I need to do, which leads me to think about all the things that I want to do. This can be frustrating because these two lists rarely seem to overlap for me! Plus I'm really sleepy today so a simple task that usually wouldn't seem overwhelming, well...seems overwhelming. But I did manage to think back at all the things we've done around the house since we moved over the Christmas holidays and I thought I'd share.

Here is the front of our house. We really haven't done much to the exterior except a few small landscaping touch ups. The bushes on the right side of the garage are gone and we now have a cute planter with pretty yellow flowers. The grass is also MUCH greener since it's now summer instead of winter (when the pic was taken) and we have had lots of rain lately.

This is what our bedroom used to look like.

This is what is looks like now. We still have the artwork above the bed...just hadn't put it up yet. :) Koby was exhausted after painting the ceiling in this room. Not only did it take two coats of Kilz (primer) plus two coats of white paint, but it is also vaulted so his arms, neck and shoulders were killing him. But it looks really nice now...what a man!!!

(By the way, now that I'm looking at the paint in this picture it looks pinkish peach. It's not. It is Rich Taupe to be exact.)

This same weekend we also painted the living room, dining area and entry way.

Living room before.

Entry way before.

Living room after.

Entry way after.

Last but not least here are our "happy face" pictures that we took. We did this project over the Memorial day weekend and it took us about 3 1/2 days. Exhausted barely begins to describe what we were. Anyway, I made Koby take my picture as proof that 1) I helped and 2) I wore a heavy duty mask to protect myself and the baby from the paint fumes!