Luxuriating at the Lundy Chase Pool

Curious about the title? Well, no worries, that's just my word of the week after watching TLC's Toddlers and Tiaras (hey, cut me some slack, I am seriously bored so I just have my tivo set to record any and every show that might speed my days up some while I sit inside these walls). So anyway, this week there were 3 fams, as always, and one was a family from Loganville, GA. Well, not to take away from the family, because the little girl was just lovely, but let's just say the
mom was a bit different and she had a word she used all the time- luxuriating.

So anyway, she would throw that word out all the time. She would tell her daughter to "luxuriate across the stage" "luxuriate in her beauty" etc. etc. Never once did she describe what the word meant and by her various and sundry uses, context clues did not help.

Anyway, come to find out, it is a real word. But the mom definitely didn't use it correctly per dictionary.com and neither am I going to. I like that she made it her own and so shall I-- ha!

So, I have adopted the word luxuriate and for me it means to relax in a luxurious way. Not that our neighborhood pool is luxurious, but it is relaxing, and when you're 36 weeks pregnant, it's not going to get much more luxurious than the neighborhood pool.

So, that's what I've been doing this week. I've been luxuriating.

I now am the proud sporter of some wickedly awesome tanlines.

Due to the fact that I was too practical- or cheap as some might view it :)- to invest in a maternity swimsuit, I only really have 2 suits to choose from. They are each non maternity tankini tops and regular bottoms. Well, they each still fit, but one is longer so it covers more of the bulbous baby belly I am toting around, so I wear it more. It just so happens that this suit also has much thicker straps and, man oh man, if I don't have the worse white stripes running around my neck and down to the top of my chest. Not to mention how white my belly is compared to the rest of me as well. Oh yes, and then there is the fact that I am two-toned.

My front is tanner than my back because I can't lay on my belly. Let's face it, it's just not going to happen. You try balancing all of your weight on a basketball and lying there for an extended period of time. Oh yes and also consider this so-called basketball is the most precious thing in the world to you and it is constantly moving.

Yeah, not laughing so hard now, are ya? It just can't be done. Preggo women were not meant to be evenly tanned.

So for now I will embrace my multicolored bod, and continue luxuriating at the pool- aka trying to sweat Caleb out- until the time comes for my handsome man to arrive!

D-Day = T minus 1 month!

So we went in for the 36 week check-up today. I just knew there was going to be some progress..... nope not a darn thing.

We are no longer seeing Dr. Hensarling since she is set to deliver in two weeks, so we went to Dr.Marino today the other young doctor. He measured my belly then felt around on it to feel Caleb and literally said, "Well, don't know if you know this, but that is a pretty good size baby you got there."

Thanks, dude. I know. I have been told the whole time, except the very very beginning when he was measuring small for the first 6 weeks, that he was a big boy. I don't want to hear it anymore or I am going to have nightmares of birthing watermelons the size of Duke for the next month.

Anyway, he thought maybe there would be some progress, and got my hopes all up, but alas there was nothing.

So that's the big news for today, that and that the official due date is one month from today. Fingers crossed the little man isn't as stubborn as his mom and dad and maybe decides to debut a little early because I am miserable.

Not miserable in that I am huge and immobile and just bitter, but miserable in that I sit in this dang house all day with nothing to do because it is too hot outside for a big ol' preggo lady. I miss walking outside with Duke and I miss class. That is sad.

Selfishly, I am also hoping for an early arrival so that I have more time to get acclimated before school starts. One, I need to get used to the whole baby depending on me for everything. Two, I want to be healed and able to walk and work out by the time school starts. I have only gained 22.5- 23 lbs so far, but those are 22.5 or 23 lbs that I am ready to shed asap. Hey, you try being 24 on a college campus that Playboy time and time again says has the prettiest girls, and you tell me those size 0's and 2's aren't enough to make you want to skip a meal or ten.

Other than the boredom I think I have nested all I can nest. There is one slight glitch, however. The glider and storage ottoman we ordered from Premier Fabrics in Germantown is back ordered. Seriously, I didn't pay what I did to not have this on time, especially when I was given a very latest finish date of next Friday. This is not cool people, not cool at all.

I need to find some way to get some more color into his room as well. Maybe I should have painted the walls, I just didn't feel like the hassle. Although our neighbor, Rick, who owns his own painting business has offered to do it for free, but I feel like it's a little late in the game to be picking out paint colors and embarking on all of that now.

I also can't hang everything until we have the glider because I don't know how everything will fit together so that is another issue I am running into.

Can you tell I am bored? I am rambling like a mad woman.

I guess I'll stop.

Maybe I'll go to the pool, it's not as hot today, but most likely I won't. I am going to go walk in the old coliseum at 4. That will eat some time. But not enough. If you have any cures for boredom send them and send them fast. My patience ship is slowly sinking.

And the nesting continues

That nesting bug that seemed to bite me hard a little over a week ago, still hasn't left.

Daniel and I have spent all weekend continuing our work to make this the best and most beautiful house possible for the little man before he arrives.

Last night I cleaned, this morning I cleaned, this afternoon I cleaned... get the picture. It wasn't like the was was just that dirty, it was just that I wanted it that clean.

Oh and this was all in between our 3 Lowe's runs thus far since yesterday.

We have completely redone our landscaping. Halleluljiah! We hated the crap they put in when we were building the house and we were happy to say goodbye boxwoods and pine straw, hello azaelas, hydrangeas, flowers, dogwoods and more. Here are some pics!
working on the front yard. Goodbye boxwoods, hello azaelas

backyard, one of the plots before (well technically a mid work shot because he'd already uprooted the bushes and pinestraw)

And after, the hydrangeas. Doesn't the satellite dish add such a great touch, ha!
All of the nasty boxwoods. And look after 6 months, they still hadn't rooted, the landscaping was so pathetic that they did.

Nesting

So, I technically only have 6 days of class left and some finals, but I feel like I can't even make that. I am so ready to nest... finally. I was really starting to feel abnormal or like one of this disconnected mama's because I just had no desire. But the bug hit me this week and it hit me bad.

Since it has hit I have ordered prints for his room. Here are two of them. It is a set of 4, they are nursery rhyme themed. I need to decide if I just want them stretched and mounted (most likely the case) or if I want them framed. Either way I think they are presh.

The nesting continued today with Daniel putting the crib together. But then it was lame because we didn't have the bedding or a mattress. The bedding, by the way, was finally decided on last weekend when mom was here. So I guess maybe my nesting started then. So, after the crib was put together we went to Home Depot and checked out paints for the dresser we are revamping and then bought lots of gorgeous gerbera daisies. Mom bought us one that is beautiful and so we bought 3 more and planted them all. We are going to rip out the hideous bushes the landscapers put in the front and put in azaleas soon.

After home depot we headed over to Target, for trash bags. But of course we left with a crib mattress. Our lil man's crib is no good without somewhere to lay that precious head of his. Oh how this is such a wonderful feeling. God is so good. Now all I need to do is decide on a glider. I was going to have one made but I feel like I may be able to find on a little cheaper. So, the verdict is till out on that. Budget wise, the glider from premier fits, but hey if you can save a few bucks, why not?

Garage Sale, Smashed Toes and 27 weeks of Pregnancy

Well, it's time to stop thinking of life pre baby and start really thinking about life with baby, because the third trimester is upon us and he's coming fast.
Last Tuesday, Daniel and I went in for my second 4-D ultrasound. Yes, my second. The little dude was less than cooperative the first time, and while he wasn't exactly up for the task this time either (it was 7:45 a.m., and like his mother, Caleb obviously didn't appreciate the early morning wake up call), he did let us see him a little better.
There is no verdict as to who he looks like. He just looks like Caleb. Handsome and as healthy as can be. He is also measuring a bit on the large side. Per measurements taken on the ultrasound he was an estimated 2.5 lbs. On Friday I received my weekly pregnancy update from babycenter.com and it told me that my baby was growing and was almost a full 2 lbs. Ha, they obvs haven't met Caleb who apparently gets his appetite from his daddy. No, actually, there is concern about gestational diabetes. I go in this Tuesday, the 20th, for my glucola test. Prayers are welcome. I have been walking about an hour every day, but thanks to part two of this post, that has been put on hold.
So, let's get to that.
This weekend was a community wide garage sale benefiting Newspapers in Education at the old Lowe's building in Opelika. I had planned a garage sale that day at my house and Mom was coming in to help me, but when I heard this being advertised I thought it would just be easier to do it there and have guaranteed shoppers. Well, Wednesday night, after loading my car with crap, I went out to get it ready to put more stuff in. So, I opened my tailgate and BAM! Out flew my old speakers from my surround sound system from high school directly onto my right foot. The pain was immediate and the first three toes on my foot were obviously broken. Long story short, here I am on Sunday, the toes still can't move, the big toes is nasty black, blue and green, and there is horrendous pain on the top of the foot as well, and while it is not 100 % that the foot is broken (I canceled my x-ray on Friday, now I regret that decision) I definitely can't put tennis shoes on for my walks, much less walk 3 or 4 miles. So, prayers about that are appreciated to. I always love exercising and feel like a lard butt when I don't, but exercise is going to be increasingly important if the diabetes test comes back positive.
Okay, now that you know about my nasty foot, let's talk about a brighter subject. The garage sale. It went so well. Mom was a TREMENDOUS help and while not everything sold, I sold way more than I expected, and donated most of everything that was left. What went out wasn't coming back in. Caleb will soon have a nursery.
Oh yes, we made nursery bedding choices too. I will be going with the original toile I saw way back on January 29 when we found out it was a boy. It is brown and cream/linen so the room will be accented with blue to pull in more color. I also am using dots. Daniel is afraid the child is going to go cross-eyed, but I think it will be beautiful and not babyish, which I was trying to steer clear of.
We also decided to be so budget chic and use an old dresser we left stored at the old condo, it was Mom's brilliant idea. We were going to garage sale it and she said why don't you paint it and use it in the nursery. Voila, a brilliant, money-saving (got to love those) idea was born. We are considering blue to really bring the blue in, I am just weary of painted/colored furniture, because outside of black and white I can't say I have ever had any, so I am having difficulties imagining it. But, nonetheless, Daniel and I will be sanding, puttying and painting that thing soon to get ready for the gobs of clothes the little man already has and undoubtedly will continue to get. We found some cute knobs this morning for it too on coolknobsandpulls.com. Cheap and cute.
Now the only major thing left for the nursery to purchase is the glider. Most likely we will be getting the one from premier fabrics in G'town, but Daniel wants to see it first so we will look into that in May when home for the shower.
Well, I better stop rambling. It's back to the books for me. School is winding down and the assignments are piling up. Guess I better ask for prayers about that one, too!

It's Back to the Real World

So, I have been slacking again when it comes to my blogging. Sorry, I think this kid has taken half of my brain and organization, which if you know me and my organization means there is practically none left in my life.

However, it is waning even more now, after our week long 'baby moon' in San Antonio.

It was 7 days and 7 nights of pure bliss. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort. Daniel spoiled me silly and bought a spa package so that I could go to the spa as much as I want, and I did. On Monday I got the mom-to-be package which included a massage, a body wrap, a spa pedicure and a manicure. Tuesday, I had a facial which also included a massage. Wednesday I took the day off to be with the hubs, so we lounged by the pool for the majority of the day. Thursday I went back for another massage, and ended the week on Friday with another massage and polish change. In the end I actually had a surplus of $40 that I just couldn't use and that was after all of my services for the week, tips and two sprees in the gift shop. Needless to say that won't be happening any more for a long, long time.

The spa was in this old rustic looking barn.


Daniel was able to play golf 3 times, which he definitely has missed since moving back to the States.

We didnt' do much touristy stuff because we just wanted to relax which we did pretty darn well. Saturday night we just stayed at the resort and ate at the poolside bar and had s'mores at the firepit before retreating for an early night in. Sunday we did the pool thing and then went to the Riverwalk for dinner. We walked around a bit before going to Rita's on the River for dinner. (I had printed off coupons before we left, and then mom sent me the same site for coupons- see I get my thriftiness naturally.) We had sopapillas for dessert and I don't think I have stopped wanting them since. They are like Mexican beignets but with cinnamon instead of powdered sugar and honey to dip them in. Obvi I couldn't have the honey so my sweet husband took all the ones without cinnamon from the bottom and let me have the cinnamon-y ones. Monday, after my spa and his golf we went to San Marcos, home of the world's largest outlet mall. We both saw LOTS we wanted, but literally the only thing we left with was an outfit for Caleb/ I think that was our first dose of what parenthood spending is really like.

On the way home we ate a Chipotle just on the way back to the resort. Neither of us had ever been to one, and it was love for our Mexican diggin' palettes. It's like a much healthier Moe's. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Tuesday, we ventured back to the Riverwalk after my facial. We also toured all around San Antonio's downtown from the Alamo to the Market Square. We ate at the CountyLine BBQ restaurant as a recommendation from the Glidewells. While Daniel and I are partial to Memphis BBQ this stuff was not half bad. Huge portions and great prices too!

Intermission- I started this blog in March, it is now June 9. I don't know that I can remember everything, so let's see how this goes.

Okay, so I have sat here and I've got nothing. I am not sure what comprised our last 3 and a half days. We had two more trips to Chipotle. Blame it on the mexican child growing within me. We also went to a place called Lulu's that we had seen on the travel channel and is known for the cinnamon rolls. These things were ridciulous and we took it back to the resort to nosh on for a few days and still never finished it. It was bigger than my head.

Every night the resort had a bonfire for guests to come and make s'mores on. Yes we were like the only ones there every night that didn't have kids, but we loved it nonethess!

Cinnamon roll from Lulu's--- MASSIVE

Another night we also ate at Hard Rock on the Riverwalk. So very overrated. It was gross, but I should have known that. I'm sorry to be so terrible, but that's about all I remember. Caleb has about pushed all my brains out at this point. So I'm working with what I got, but it isn't much :).

Regardless of the fact that I can't remember the exact details, this trip was truly special. We knew it would be our last real vacay without kids with us or on our minds and we enjoyed every moment. It was a treat for sure and the memories will last a life time. I love Daniel more than anything, he is my best friend and there is noone else I'd rather embark on this journey of parenthood with than him!

Hello, My name is Katie and I am an Addict

Not really what you expect to hear from a pregnant lady, is it? Well, the truth is I have come to realize in the past week or so that my appetite has finally made a massive uphill climb and I am left a slave to my own hunger. I try and balance out the healthy and not so, but it's much easier said than done.
Lately, my love has been in hummus and pita chips. Hummus not so bad, pita chips, not the greatest for the old child bearing hips. I am terrified that I am going to get so out of shape that post-baby body is going to be a massive blob that will take years to rebuild, if even possible. So here is my question to all of you mama's- what was your secret?
The first trimester I did great, but now that I am at the halfway point I just find myself drawn to the kitchen like flies to honey. Now that the weather is nicer I am planning on daily exercise, but still i can't help but feel guilty. This little man is going to be quite the chunk if this keeps up....

By the way we have decided on a name. Caleb Lawrence Sutton Horn. Caleb is a Biblical name. read numbers chapter 13 I think it is if you aren't familiar with his story. Lawrence was my grandfather's name and Sutton is Daniel's grandmother's maiden name. Two middle names, but in case we don't have any more boys Daniel wanted to throw Sutton in there.
His monogram will be CLH, I mention this because it was a big debacle in our house. Daniel doesn't understand the big deal, but a monogram can't be made of four letters and he's the one that chose the order of the names.
Anyway, that was just a little food for thought <<<< Ahh, see everything revolves around food!