so many emotions...

Well there is an end in sight. My doctor appointment wasn't very fun because I found out that even though I'm having strong contractions I'm still not dilated. But Dr. H did tell me that I am going in Sunday evening to be induced! YAY! I'm excited to know it's almost over, but I still have 4 more days to wait. Excited, disappointed, nervous, anxious. *sigh*

Tomorrow is going to be a sad day for this mommy. I have to go in to register Hailee for pre-k. Sad, proud, sad, excited, sad.... I can't believe she's old enough to start school. But she is so ready and that makes me so proud because I know she will love it...school, friends, teachers...it's what she plays when she's at home anyway! Just look at her...so big yet so small. It's going to be much more difficult for me to let her go everyday than for her to leave. At least I can admit that!

So not happy...

here it is 3 days after my due date and my contractions have pretty much stopped. This is getting to really irk me! This, I'm sure, means I still have not dilated. I really wasn't wanting a c-section but at this point I'll do whatever it takes to get this baby OUT! Besides, the doctor said if I have a c-section they'll be able to repair my hernia, too! So, you see, it could be a good thing.

well stink...

today's my due date and still NO baby! All this waiting is making me crazy. I had some good, hard contractions on Tuesday, then they slowed down. THEN yesterday I had some serious pains and was really considering a trip to the hospital, but they weren't contractions so I knew the doctors would just send me home anyway. I feel pretty cruddy today and my mother-in-law said she felt the same way before she went into labor with one of her kids so I'm hoping this crud is worth it!

Today is Darren's 35th birthday. Wow. I remember celebrating his 22nd with him right after we started seeing each other. How time flies. The best part is that I love him more now than I did then!

My two favorite ladies....

Aren't they beautiful? My mom and my daughter! This was taken 2 days ago before we went out for dinner. We did get some photos of me with them but who wants to see a big, fat, pregnant lady? Not me! lol

I'm anxiously awaiting my doctor appointment tomorrow. They are going to do an ultrasound to check Braden's kidneys. If he still has fluid around them then I may get induced. At least that's what they told me at my last check up. Mom is going with me so she'll remember to ask the important questions!

So I guess that's all for now, until I have more news. Cross your fingers for me...I want this little boy out asap, but I also want him healthy.

So much fun!

Well, we are having so much fun with my mom here! She is really helping out so much. It's weird sitting back while she cooks and cleans, but she insists! I do help a little...a girl gets bored you know. I really should be getting lots of scrapping done, but just haven't had the "oomph" to do it! Hard to believe, I know! I've been doing lots of online shopping so I can't say I don't have enough new goodies to play with, because boy I do! Maybe tomorrow. That's my goal. (Don't we all look alike in this photo? Well, except for my ENORMOUS prego face!)

We got out today and got a few more things for Braden. Diapers are pretty important to have ready :) But after walking through Wal-Mart my legs and feet hurt SO bad! I came home, put on my jammies, laid on the couch, and took a nap. AHH! What a nice feeling. I go in for my check up on Monday and plan on BEGGING the doctor to let me have this little guy early! I'm so miserable and it's getting so hard to move around...heck it's getting hard to breathe, he really should induce me and make me happy! right!

Hailee is really excited. She goes through Braden's clothes and shows us what she likes, changes dieapers on her stuffed toys (she's actually pretty good at it!), and tells us (mom, me and Darren) how much fun it will be with a baby in the house..."even if he just sleeps and poops"! lol I just hope all the sleeping doesn't make her bored and then disappointed!

Well, this big lady has had it and am off to bed! Happy weekend to all!

if you're looking for something fun to do check out the online scrap party at www.scrapbookplayground.com. It's going on tonight and tomorrow! Fun challenges already posted and more games to come tomorrow!!!

Time to get serious...

...about this whole take it easy thing! Mom is here, and helping a ton, but it's hard to just sit back and let her do everything. Plus, I'm used to going out and doing things when she visits, and since she hasn't even been here a week, it still feels like one of her fun trips here. But, we went to walmart this morning and now my ankles, feet, and toes are so swollen! They look horrible and feel horrible! But, only a little over 5 weeks left until my due date...3 if I'm lucky :)

I haven't taken a TON of pictures since we're not doing a whole lot, but I do have a few and hope to get a really good one of my mom and Hailee to post on here!

3 more days!!!!!!

And my mom will be here!!! I'm so excited. I know this won't be a normal "fun" visit, but at least she'll be here and that's what matters! There is a movie theater close by so we may take Hailee to see Doogal one day...that's still resting so I'm allowed!

I finally picked up a package of diapers and wipes. Hard to believe I'm due in less than 7 weeks and so not ready! Hailee was born in January and her room was done in November, complete with all the things we needed! Granted I had 2 showers by then so all the things we had were given to us, but still, we were much more prepared! A friend of a friend gave us some clothes and a blanket. The clothes are REALLY small (the baby was a preemie) so won't last long, but it's a start. And my mom is bringing some clothes, too. I did finally order, from Old Navy, an outfit to bring Braden home in and he'll wear it in pictures with Hailee. So, I may not be totally prepared, but I'm getting there. I guess it's different because I didn't have a shower, he isn't getting his own room (he'll sleep in ours but use Hailee's closet) until he's about 2, and all the things we need for him we have to get on our own. But...it'll all start to fall together, I'm sure of it!

ugh!

This whole take it easy thing is going to get old fast! It's not *official* bed rest, but it's still boring, and hard to get used to. I can't even sit at my desk long because my feet and ankles swell so bad. So here I sit on the couch, which isn't easy to get off of, but I suppose that's good since I'm not supposed to be on my feet much. At least my mom will be here next week to help and keep me company. Poor Hailee doesn't get what's going on and I feel horrible!

I did manage to get this layout done....it's for the newsletter, as well as one of my March dt layouts, at www.scrapbookplayground.com. I hate pictures of me so it's not easy to do a layout about myself, but I think I'm happy with how this turned out.

Well, off to web shop!

It was so nice...

...to sit and scrap for myself, and not for one of my design teams. Don't get me wrong, I love doing all my design team work, but it's nice to do a layout just because. Well, this one did qualify for some challenges at www.scrapbookeronline.com, but it was still fun choosing which pictures and which paper to use!

I got a LOT done today! I did 2 projects for www.readysetcreate.com that aren't even due to Jen until May 10th! wow! talk about being ahead of schedule. I'm also caught up on all my March assignments for www.scrapbookplayground.com. I guess I want to stay ahead because I know I'll fall behind once Braden is born.

Wednesday morning I go for my checkup. If they can't tell me what's wrong and fix this stupid, not going away pain in my stomach I think I'll just scream! It's been pestering me since Friday afternoon! It's all I can do to stand in the kitchen and make dinner...that's ridiculous. So if they can't fix it, or find a way to ease it, then I'll go to the ER and they'll take care of it for me! That's part of the reason I'm trying to get a lot done for my design team stuff, too...afraid they'll put me on bedrest...Darren thinks they will, or should. Yeah, like he could handle me being on bedrest! lol It would drive him more nuts than it would me!!!! :)

I survived...

I turned 31 yesterday and survived! Go me!!! lol I had a nice birthday night out. Carrie & OW, Darren and myself dropped all the kids at Playtime and went to dinner. We wanted Texas Roadhouse but there was a 2 hour wait! wow... So we went up the road to Lonestar Steakhouse and waited 45 minutes. Yeah, like that's MUCH better, lol. We had a nice time, adult conversation, and just enjoyed the meal with no kids. We were then supposed to see the movie Firewall, but it started at 7:50 and we finished eating at 8:30pm....so we tried to find another movie. No luck after 3 theaters! We just decided to pick up the kids and go home (by this time it's after 9 pm). Hailee had so much fun at Playtime and that made us happy.

Today, I took Hailee to see Curious George. It was a fun mommy-daughter day...had lunch, ate junk at the movie and came home. Now she's playing outside while daddy works in the garage! I did some much needed housework but now my "spot" on my stomach hurts so bad that I've decided to spend the rest of the day at my scrap desk!

I didn't get a picture of Darren & me yesterday, but I just love this one of Hailee and Darren!

shhh..

{{{whispering}}} Hailee is sleeping (see the photo?) and it's the first time she's taken a nap in a long time! I don't count the other night when I told her to clean her room or lay down...she did lay down and slept for about 30 minutes...because it was late and we had to wake her for dinner. So that doesn't count...it counts today because it's been 45 minutes and I don't have to do ANYTHING...I can enjoy the quiet...so here I am on my blog!

Well, I recently had the chance to do a layout using Sarah P.'s pictures of her totally cute kids! I did it for scrap-a-sista at www.scrapbookeronline.com. It was a lot of fun. It was also the first time I scrapped a 12x12 page in over 6 months! I'd post the picture but if big sis MF saw I might get in trouble! lol I have to stay on her good side since I told her to consider me for one of the guest design team spots.

I've been busy with some other design team work, having lots of fun! I'm so grateful for being part of the wonderful teams I'm on! Three wonderful ladies took their chance with me and for that I'm thankful....and loving it!!!!

I am going through my current issue of Scrapbooks Etc. and found some ideas on birth announcements. Darren and I decided that I better start getting supplies now so I can have them almost finished when the baby gets here...good idea I think! Once Braden is here all I will have to do is add the important info and stick a picture in the envelope! Now I'm excited to get working on those...off to shop I go!

oh boy...

This is what Hailee did to herself last night! lol She knows the rule is to "color on paper only". So I asked her "does your face feel like paper?". I got an odd look and a big duh-mom "NO" response. So then I asked "then why color on your face". Of course her answer was "I don't know". Well, to try to keep her aware of what she did...I didn't wash her face! She came in and woke me up this morning and when I saw her, I laughed! We'll see if she learned her lesson or not! (oh and ignore the bad wall behind her...the house is a constant work-in-progress!)

*ahhhhh*

I got out of the house! Yay! It was just a trip to Wal-Mart, but after 2 days of NOT leaving the house, it was wonderful! The back roads are still very icy, but main roads were fine. lol, we made it an "adventure"! We took back roads on the way there, had lunch at the McDonalds inside, then looked around the toy area for Hailee, car area for Darren, craft area for me (I bought some floss cards and straight pins to fix up my ribbon mess!). We even looked around in books...got something for my step-dad and Darren got an rc magazine. Then we picked up some milk and a few things and came home. It was just nice to get out. Hailee is even in better spirits! It's supposed to be warming up this week so the roads will be okay and I won't get stuck in the house again! I love winter and snow, but ice is the pits!

I'm so BORED!

As happy as I am about the snow we have...I'm bored to death! This is the 2nd day of being stuck in the house. Hailee is driving me BATTY! lol I told Darren no matter what, we're going somewhere tomorrow! I need to pick up a birthday gift for my step dad so maybe I'll do that. When we woke up this morning it was raining...freezing rain...and it hasn't stopped. The road at the end of the drive looks like an ice rink!

I did manage to get a little more done on my Basic Grey Lunch Pail for the "challenge" from Beth at www.scrapbookeronline.com but I can't do the actual layouts until Darren is at work since it's his birthday gift! lol But, I did the tabbed dividers and have the stuff ready for the outside. I have GOT to find some matching ribbon...oh boy, a trip to Michael's is in order, too! :) I'm really hoping to be done by the end of the month but since this is the time of year Darren is home a lot I may not make it...but hey, at least it's started!

Well I better get my stuff ready for the new challenge at www.scrapbookplayground.com. I'm having fun with the weekly challenges but need to make sure it's not too far out there or people won't do them.

I saw a new technique I want to try in the current issue of Scrapbook Answers. After I try it out I may use it for a challenge also...let's hope I don't screw it up too bad...lol

yippee!!!!

We got some snow last night! FINALLY!! We were having such a mild winter it was starting to make me sad :) But...this is what we woke up to this morning! Right now it's just ice, with some snow left in spots....but it's going to snow again tonight, too! We were lucky that it happened on a weekend because if it does this during the week Darren has to go out with all the crazies and clear driveways and parking lots for his customers. I have enjoyed the day...caught up at www.scrapbookeronline.com and www.scrapbookplayground.com, watched Lisa Bearnson on QVC...but fell asleep...how horrible am I? Falling asleep watching yummy scrapbook supplies in action? Don't worry, I did find 3 things I can't live without....and with my birthday just 6 days away I won't have to! :)

brrrr...

it's so cold outside! It's 32 degrees! Here's a picture from just 2 days ago when it was 75! I'm using this as my CAD for today at http://scrapbookeronline.com. We're going to be cold for the next few days so it's actually almost like having winter! I can't wait until Darren gets up from his nap (yes, he's asleep!) and makes a fire! I'll get my cocoa and my new issue of Scrapbooks Etc. and sit in my rocker! I actually would love to nap, too. The baby woke me up last night kicking. Darren was laying close enough that he felt it and started laughing! Then I tried to move different to get the kicks to stop but ended up awake because he {baby} had hiccups. Darren thought that was even funnier! It would have been funny if it weren't at 5 am! Oh well...just preparing me for my future sleepless nights...

DO THIS DAILY...YOU MAY HELP SOMEONE TODAY!

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So it's Thursday.

Not much happening...but am looking forward to Survivor tonight. I'm an addict! It's the only show that Darren will watch with me. Hailee even likes it! So I guess you could say it's family night! lol

This is a layout I did for the next issue of RSC. I'm also going to enter it in the SBO February contest...unless I come up with something even better before the deadline!

So, I'm 31 weeks pregnant now and ready to be DONE! I hurt everywhere....I always said boys were trouble! lol I guess this is what I get for opening my mouth :) Hailee is super excited to be a big sister. She talks about all the things she's going to do to help out. I just agree and say "yes, I"ll need so much help from you" but I know when the time comes it'll go one of 2 ways. 1) she won't help at all or 2) she'll be in the way and I'll get mad. I hope that doesn't happen. I don't want her to feel she's in the way and that the baby is getting more love or attention than her.

well enough rambling for today! I hope to have something interesting to say next time!

Photo Attempt...

I'm going to attempt adding a photo...don't laugh!


this is Hailee...inking the edges of her paper! That's my girl! This was taken yesterday after eating one of her Valentine Chocolates! notice the lovely lips. lol

I did it.

I never thought I'd enter the world of blogging...yet here I am! It may take a few days to get this thing going and become interesting....or it may NEVER become interesting! lol

I hope to find time to write something everyday...even if it's just a hello to all my fellow bloggers!!!

Please bare with me while I get this set up!