The Real Reason We're Having This Baby

This past weekend Eddie and I were able to cross off an impressive two of the tasks on a running list in my head to ready our home for this tot. I am wise enough NOT to write this list down, but to reveal those items that are necessary to accomplish with the time we've set aside to do so. Actually committing the entire list to paper, screen, or anywhere else he could see it would be foolish. It could scare him away. Most of the items on the list involve an effective reorganization of the storage in our home to accommodate the newest member.

It's great to be able to finally share this verve for getting everything in order. I'm always motivated, because I get a natural high from the result. Case in point. Eddie's motivation stems from getting a head start on being a good dad. He's giving, kind and wonderful. And I will totally be taking advantage of this. The baby needs new cabinet doors next to the fire place in the living room.

After all of the work is done, we will have to rename the toilet paper room. Only 21 more weeks left to complete the list and consider yet another name for something.

Week 19

Milestones and Blind Trust

The first time we heard the baby's heart beating was supposed to be the moment that would let me release every crippling fear I had about being pregnant. It didn't. So I'd set another milestone to look toward, hope for The Moment that would free me, that would allow me to experience absolute joy. That instant didn't come in the presence of a doctor, a sonogram technician or while on the other end of the phone listening to a nurse with test results. It was the moment I decided to experience joy.

Just before I made an appointment to speak with a counselor, one of the steps on my way to That Pregnant Glow, my youngest aunt gave me the soundest piece of advice I've received in recent memory. She said that no matter the emotional preparations I'm attempting for the worst-case scenario, if it happens, it won't hurt any less. Why was I wrapping myself in worry when I could just be happy?

Just be happy.

It seems so simple. I have a gift for over-complication. Although I'm in a much better place than I was at week 10 or even week 15, I'm still on my way to absolute bliss. I'm smiling and looking forward to every little moment.

Week 18

Number 21 - On A Balance Beam

I found this list on a blog this morning. I bolded the things I have done, just as the person before me. I've still left quite a list undone, so there's lots to look forward to. I haven't yet grown my own vegetables... but the tomatoes go in the soil in a couple of weeks!


1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (Does Rock Band count?)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland (DisneyWorld)
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (from the beach)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child (She lives in Africa and I live here, but they called it "adopting.")
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (The line was too long - but I've stood at the foot.)
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (in general)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Happy Birthday To My Smokin' (Hot) Man

This boy is 33 today.

I love you Sparky.

Little Pink Feet

Rest was good.  To tell the truth, this year's NaBloPoMo has gotten the best of me.  It was an honest effort in the beginning.  I could have mailed in a one-liner each evening but I didn't really want to do that.  Instead, I chose just to go on to bed and leave the blog for another day...or as it turned out - another 9 days.  

The first baby shower I've ever thrown was no more than I could have asked of myself or of the guests.  Everything was a tasteful, adult pink.  I decorated with flowers, balloons and food.  The centerpiece: Cheesy Grits and Spanish Style Grillades.  Mmm.  I went a little far though - making a sound track for the event.  Every song on the pink CD was either named "Baby" or had the word "baby" repeated throughout.  It was the prize for the only game we played.  

Glass punch cups, silverware and china were set off by the white napkins stamped with small, fushia baby feet.  It was fun and fabulous.  And I'm glad it's over.

Cramming Until 2:30am

The shower was a success. I'm looking forward to returning to sleep (I took a wonderful nap this afternoon). My bed is calling. More details forthcoming.

Everything Will Be Pink In The Morning

I'm throwing a baby shower mid-morning tomorrow.  She's having a girl.  At this moment, there are lots of things on the stove and in the oven and on the cutting board...all waiting to either get cooked, chopped, mixed, cooled or put away.  

I must dash.