The clock struck midnight on Friday night and I turned 30. I've been dreading this day all year.
Jason already witnessed my crying fits over turning 30 and pulled through with a day full of pleasant surprises. I really wanted to drink my face off, but Nugget spoiled that plan. Don't get me wrong, I would so much rather be pregnant than drunk... most days
My day started with a prenatal massage that I set up for myself. It was fabulous. Later that afternoon one of my favorite college friends showed up unexpectedly at our house. Jason set up manicures for us. I adore my college friends and miss them dearly. It was lovely to chat with Erica for a couple of hours and have some much needed girl time.
Next we went to Little Italy in Baltimore where I figured some of my teacher friends would join us for dinner. I was shocked to find more out of town friends. Jason arranged for 9 of us to have dinner together. Each person from a different stage in my life and most people did not know each other, yet everyone got along.
We finished the night with some game playing at our house then all our guests left. I was bummed no one spent the night, but it's probably better since our house is a disaster upstairs right now.
I normally dread birthdays because I feel this need to do something big then usually I am disappointed. I didn't have to hear one excuse from friends about being too busy or not having enough money, blah, blah. Jason planned the whole thing, so I had no expectations. It was a perfect day once I finished crying about having nothing cute to wear.
My 20's were OK. I was afraid to turn 30 because I felt I didn't do everything I wanted in those 10 years. I'm ready to put them behind and start enjoying my life in my 30s. We have many exciting plans for our 30s and I think it's going to be a great 10 years.
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Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Snow Days
I lucked out with TWO snow days this week. Wednesday was a bit of a surprise since the forecast was rain. I woke up to snow. I spent the day on the couch napping and writing semester 1 comments.
Wednesday night we got nailed with very heavy snow. Jason made it home before the traffic nightmares took place. On the road I normally take home from work (I-83), people sat for NINE hours Wednesday night. Anyone that left beyond 5 pm got stuck on the highway. I cannot imagine. I am so thankful both of us were home and safe.
Here's our neighborhood the morning after. I'd say we got 9-10 inches.
Our cars are somewhere under there. Notice the road untouched.
Jason dug out our cars while I watched from the house. Unlike many females, I don't mind shoveling. My neighbor made a remark last year that I needed to have a baby so I didn't have to shovel. This comment did not sit well with me. I don't think shoveling should fall all on one person. I like helping Jason. I'm usually home on snow days, so why not shovel? I also get so annoyed that people don't shovel their sidewalks. I am the one that shovels the sidewalk in the neighborhood that doesn't belong to anyone.
Jason took the day off on Thursday and we worked on the bathroom. We used our new tile cutter and cut all the tile. I wish I would have taken a picture. Jason was on the deck with a PSU poncho on cutting tile. It was messy operation, but we're ready to set the tile and move forward!
Snow days are amazing- especially at a private school where we don't need to make them up. Not that I will be there in June this year.
What an early birthday treat!
Wednesday night we got nailed with very heavy snow. Jason made it home before the traffic nightmares took place. On the road I normally take home from work (I-83), people sat for NINE hours Wednesday night. Anyone that left beyond 5 pm got stuck on the highway. I cannot imagine. I am so thankful both of us were home and safe.
Here's our neighborhood the morning after. I'd say we got 9-10 inches.
Our cars are somewhere under there. Notice the road untouched.
It sure was a pretty snow!
Jason dug out our cars while I watched from the house. Unlike many females, I don't mind shoveling. My neighbor made a remark last year that I needed to have a baby so I didn't have to shovel. This comment did not sit well with me. I don't think shoveling should fall all on one person. I like helping Jason. I'm usually home on snow days, so why not shovel? I also get so annoyed that people don't shovel their sidewalks. I am the one that shovels the sidewalk in the neighborhood that doesn't belong to anyone.
Jason took the day off on Thursday and we worked on the bathroom. We used our new tile cutter and cut all the tile. I wish I would have taken a picture. Jason was on the deck with a PSU poncho on cutting tile. It was messy operation, but we're ready to set the tile and move forward!
Snow days are amazing- especially at a private school where we don't need to make them up. Not that I will be there in June this year.
What an early birthday treat!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Projects Galore!
I think all homeowners would agree with me that it is impossible not to have a running to-do list of projects. Especially if you watch HGTV. We don't plan on living in our townhouse forever, so we're trying to pick our projects wisely. We want to make improvements for a future re-sell, but we also know we won't see thousands of dollars in return.
With Nugget on the way, we are trying to finish up as much as we can before house projects will be the last thing on our minds.
Jason and I get along well 99% of the time. The 1% of the time we don't is when we are working on a house projects. Jason gets frustrated, I get annoyed, and we end up screaming at each other. Then we're fine.
Last summer I kindly asked Jason if we could re-do the guest bathroom. As the person that cleans that room, I knew it needed some updating. We stood around discussing that bathroom for weeks. I think after 6 weeks of fights over what to do with the holes in the walls, 1000 trips to Lowe's, and buying tons of tools, we finished the bathroom. I must say, Jason did a great job! When I wasn't doubting what we were doing, I was Jason's moral support. (as I read my book, snuggling with Parker in the hallway...)
The problem with this bathroom being done well- I know Jason is capable of re-doing our master bath! Our realtor friend agreed that it needed to be updated. So after Jason worked so hard on the nursery, I put him to work on another room.
While I was away in NC for 4 days, Jason was at home working hard. He took everything out of the bathroom, which is a lot of crap. He chiseled up all the tile on the floor, took out the vanity, put down backerboard, and cleaned the bathroom and dusted our bedroom. I was shocked how much we did while I was gone. It took us about 3 weeks to get this far with the last bathroom.
As I was putting on a load of laundry today, I saw the sink guts nicely cleaned and drying on the washer. I do a lot of work around the house- cook, clean, laundry, etc. and often feel Jason doesn't do enough. Jason has been working his tail feathers off the past few weeks and I'm so thankful. I always commented to friends that I wished I had a handy husband. The more projects I give him, the more he can figure out. I need to give him more credit. He's gone above and beyond my expectations over the last 2 months.
The best news- I can flirt with this hot, handyman dressed in torn faded blue shorts that does all this work in our house :)~
With Nugget on the way, we are trying to finish up as much as we can before house projects will be the last thing on our minds.
Jason and I get along well 99% of the time. The 1% of the time we don't is when we are working on a house projects. Jason gets frustrated, I get annoyed, and we end up screaming at each other. Then we're fine.
Last summer I kindly asked Jason if we could re-do the guest bathroom. As the person that cleans that room, I knew it needed some updating. We stood around discussing that bathroom for weeks. I think after 6 weeks of fights over what to do with the holes in the walls, 1000 trips to Lowe's, and buying tons of tools, we finished the bathroom. I must say, Jason did a great job! When I wasn't doubting what we were doing, I was Jason's moral support. (as I read my book, snuggling with Parker in the hallway...)
The problem with this bathroom being done well- I know Jason is capable of re-doing our master bath! Our realtor friend agreed that it needed to be updated. So after Jason worked so hard on the nursery, I put him to work on another room.
While I was away in NC for 4 days, Jason was at home working hard. He took everything out of the bathroom, which is a lot of crap. He chiseled up all the tile on the floor, took out the vanity, put down backerboard, and cleaned the bathroom and dusted our bedroom. I was shocked how much we did while I was gone. It took us about 3 weeks to get this far with the last bathroom.
As I was putting on a load of laundry today, I saw the sink guts nicely cleaned and drying on the washer. I do a lot of work around the house- cook, clean, laundry, etc. and often feel Jason doesn't do enough. Jason has been working his tail feathers off the past few weeks and I'm so thankful. I always commented to friends that I wished I had a handy husband. The more projects I give him, the more he can figure out. I need to give him more credit. He's gone above and beyond my expectations over the last 2 months.
The best news- I can flirt with this hot, handyman dressed in torn faded blue shorts that does all this work in our house :)~
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Another Math Nerd in the Making
My Baby Center updates inform me that Nugget is starting to recognize my voice and hear sounds outside the womb. Most of my day I am teaching math and not just 2 + 2, I'm talking higher level math. I think I am creating a math genius!
Most of my department road tripped to North Carolina on Thursday for a 2 day conference in Durham. Nugget had the opportunity to listen to even smarter math teachers for 8 hours! I even felt him kick during some of the presentations in delight. Jason and I joke that we hope our children get Jason's athletic ability and my brains. I don't plan on reading to Nugget in the womb, but I do hope he will pick up some math smarts just listening to me teach. Wishful thinking...
After my math nerd conference, I spent a quick 26 hours with Jen & Matt in Raleigh. Nugget had his first flying experience back to Baltimore. I felt great until we started our descent into Baltimore. I felt so lightheaded and am pretty sure my coloring was not normal. The brisk Baltimore evening felt good and I made it without throwing up. My somewhat iffy flying experience will not stop me from flying at least one more time before Nugget is here.
Most of my department road tripped to North Carolina on Thursday for a 2 day conference in Durham. Nugget had the opportunity to listen to even smarter math teachers for 8 hours! I even felt him kick during some of the presentations in delight. Jason and I joke that we hope our children get Jason's athletic ability and my brains. I don't plan on reading to Nugget in the womb, but I do hope he will pick up some math smarts just listening to me teach. Wishful thinking...
After my math nerd conference, I spent a quick 26 hours with Jen & Matt in Raleigh. Nugget had his first flying experience back to Baltimore. I felt great until we started our descent into Baltimore. I felt so lightheaded and am pretty sure my coloring was not normal. The brisk Baltimore evening felt good and I made it without throwing up. My somewhat iffy flying experience will not stop me from flying at least one more time before Nugget is here.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Evolution of the Body Pillow
I grew up with a ton of stuffed animals. I loved sleeping with them nestled under my arm. I continued to sleep with stuffed animals until I got married. I figured I had a husband to hold instead of my bear, so I weaned myself off of it. Please, what married couple actually snuggles? Jason gets too hot, I get restless legs. Snuggling lasts about 2 minutes. I should have kept the bear.... But wait, the body pillow could be just as effective, but not as childish.
The body pillow was first introduced into our household after Jason's sledding accident. A quick recap- we got 40 inches of snow in one week last year and were trapped in our neighborhood for days. Our neighbors (all older than 28) decided to sled down the really steep and wooded hill behind our townhouse complex. No one would ever walk down this hill any other time. Somehow they thought it would be a good idea to sled down it. Jason came back limping thinking he torn his ACL. Turned out to be a bad bruise instead.
After sleeping with a pillow under his knee for weeks, I decided to buy him a body pillow for his birthday. I didn't see the need for anything fancy, so I got him a cheap one.
The body pillow was first introduced into our household after Jason's sledding accident. A quick recap- we got 40 inches of snow in one week last year and were trapped in our neighborhood for days. Our neighbors (all older than 28) decided to sled down the really steep and wooded hill behind our townhouse complex. No one would ever walk down this hill any other time. Somehow they thought it would be a good idea to sled down it. Jason came back limping thinking he torn his ACL. Turned out to be a bad bruise instead.
After sleeping with a pillow under his knee for weeks, I decided to buy him a body pillow for his birthday. I didn't see the need for anything fancy, so I got him a cheap one.
I quickly decided that I needed this pillow when I became pregnant. After all, I am solely a stomach sleeper, so I needed an alternative. Jason not so glady gave up his body pillow.
After hearing guilt trip after guilt trip, I decided to buy myself a better body pillow. Originally this pillow was very plump. Now a little worn down.
Next I heard there is a body pillow specifically for pregnant women (of course there is- can companies take any more of my money during these 9 months??) I'm having a hard time staying on my sides. I want to roll to my back which is a big no-no. I told Jason I needed another pillow to support my back when I roll over. Keep in mind Jason took back his body pillow, so we have two people and two body pillows in a queen bed.
While at Great Beginnings, we purchased yet another body pillow. This one solves all problems- back support, part for under my knees, etc.
The only issue I found last night was when I slept with my back to the C part, I don't have anything to hold on to, like I did when I slept with the other body pillows. Enter Parker. Parker completed my perfect sleeping situation. A soft, warm, loving dog curled up next to me. Of course he doesn't stay all night with me, but enough to make me happy.
Did I sleep well last night? Eh, ok. I think the new and improved pregnancy body pillow is a tad big for someone as petite as myself. I have to figure it out. It defintely makes it a little difficult to get in and out of bed during my mid-night bathroom runs.
So here's our bed- imagine two humans and a dog in whatever space is left.
Yeah, we need a king sized bed.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Nugget's Room
Jason and I finished up Nugget's nursery this weekend. Yes, even I helped out this time. I figured painting baseboards was about my speed. We are thrilled with the result. Jason has turned into quite the handyman in our house. The chair rail looks great and the two shades of green are just what we wanted.
We ordered Nugget's snazy furniture today. I'm having Jason call about a 2nd mortgage tomorrow. Just kidding. When Jason and I bought our house, we went on a spending spree buying furniture for just about every room. I guess money grew on trees 5 years ago- I forgot how much it costs! But, as Jason reminds me, we're hopefully going to use this furniture for multiple kiddos and/or it will grow with Nugget. We got something that will last a while, or so we hope.
New carpet will wrap up the nursery. Jason has already riped up the old stuff, so an ugly, yellow, stained pad is all that remains- with random junk piled on top. I think Nugget will have the best room in the house when everything is said and done.
We ordered Nugget's snazy furniture today. I'm having Jason call about a 2nd mortgage tomorrow. Just kidding. When Jason and I bought our house, we went on a spending spree buying furniture for just about every room. I guess money grew on trees 5 years ago- I forgot how much it costs! But, as Jason reminds me, we're hopefully going to use this furniture for multiple kiddos and/or it will grow with Nugget. We got something that will last a while, or so we hope.
New carpet will wrap up the nursery. Jason has already riped up the old stuff, so an ugly, yellow, stained pad is all that remains- with random junk piled on top. I think Nugget will have the best room in the house when everything is said and done.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
From the Birds to the Pack
My love of Philly sports can be accredited to my dad, who is quite a sports fan himself. I grew up going to Philadelphia Flyers games, with Ron Hextall as my favorite player. We never ate dinner in front of the TV growing up except during big Philadelphia games. Laura and Mom got in the spirit around playoff time, but I was a fan all year.
I luckily married someone who loves Philly sports as much as me. Watching the Eagles together on Sundays is one of the highlights of my week. At first we were astonished the Eagles acquired Michael Vick. Why did the Eagles want to take on this drama? We've grown to be big supporters of Vick this year and even want to get our dog a Vick jersey. The man has paid his time- let him be.
As soon as we heard the Eagles would play the Packers, I knew it would be a tough game. My heart raced most of the second half and I was very disappointed by the outcome. But that's Philly sports... our hearts are broken, often.
HOWEVER, I have silently cheered for the Packers this year (and previous years). My SHIP buds know him and if you watched the game today, you heard John Kuhn numerous times. John "KUHHHNNNN!!!", as the Packers fans chant, is a Shippensburg University graduate. He was our standout player when I went to Ship. I played in the band at most of his games. Jason and I have Ship pride when we hear him announced on Sunday or Monday night games as from Shippensburg University.
Take that D-1 schools. Even little schools in the middle of cow country can mold NFL players!
There are two players from Ship in the NFL these days. Grimes plays for Atlanta, Kuhn for Green Bay. The two will face off against each other next week.
I'm sad the Eagles are done for the season. I am now cheering for the Packers and my boy KUHHHHNNNNNN from Shippensburg. Even though we live in a Ravens crazed town, I haven't become a fan. I'll still wear my green on Friday to support Green Bay; I may even wear yellow too to upset all the Ravens fans. (they HATE the Steelers here...)
I luckily married someone who loves Philly sports as much as me. Watching the Eagles together on Sundays is one of the highlights of my week. At first we were astonished the Eagles acquired Michael Vick. Why did the Eagles want to take on this drama? We've grown to be big supporters of Vick this year and even want to get our dog a Vick jersey. The man has paid his time- let him be.
As soon as we heard the Eagles would play the Packers, I knew it would be a tough game. My heart raced most of the second half and I was very disappointed by the outcome. But that's Philly sports... our hearts are broken, often.
HOWEVER, I have silently cheered for the Packers this year (and previous years). My SHIP buds know him and if you watched the game today, you heard John Kuhn numerous times. John "KUHHHNNNN!!!", as the Packers fans chant, is a Shippensburg University graduate. He was our standout player when I went to Ship. I played in the band at most of his games. Jason and I have Ship pride when we hear him announced on Sunday or Monday night games as from Shippensburg University.
Take that D-1 schools. Even little schools in the middle of cow country can mold NFL players!
There are two players from Ship in the NFL these days. Grimes plays for Atlanta, Kuhn for Green Bay. The two will face off against each other next week.
I'm sad the Eagles are done for the season. I am now cheering for the Packers and my boy KUHHHHNNNNNN from Shippensburg. Even though we live in a Ravens crazed town, I haven't become a fan. I'll still wear my green on Friday to support Green Bay; I may even wear yellow too to upset all the Ravens fans. (they HATE the Steelers here...)
Attention Recent Moms!
I'm looking for feedback on taking classes for childbirth, infant care, breastfeeding, etc. Worth it or not?
I have a feeling childbirth classes are like dancing lessons before your wedding- sounds like a good idea, but once you are in the heat of the moment, you forget everything you learned.
Thanks!
I have a feeling childbirth classes are like dancing lessons before your wedding- sounds like a good idea, but once you are in the heat of the moment, you forget everything you learned.
Thanks!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Halfway!
Even though we had the "20 week ultrasound", I wasn't 20 weeks until this week. We're halfway there! Jason says it has gone fast.
For him.
These 20 weeks have not gone fast for me. It's been a daily struggle to believe this is happening and to stay positive. My belly has finally changed and I think I feel movement. Every day a different person at school congratulates me. Either word is getting out or they know I must be pregnant and not just gaining weight.
Going back to work was tough this week. The girls aren't motivated yet and getting up at 5:15 again is brutal.
The crazy part of all of this- I will be pregnant for almost the entire school year. The end of the semester is next week. That means not only am I halfway through the pregnancy, but also halfway through the school year.
Some updated belly shots.
For him.
These 20 weeks have not gone fast for me. It's been a daily struggle to believe this is happening and to stay positive. My belly has finally changed and I think I feel movement. Every day a different person at school congratulates me. Either word is getting out or they know I must be pregnant and not just gaining weight.
Going back to work was tough this week. The girls aren't motivated yet and getting up at 5:15 again is brutal.
The crazy part of all of this- I will be pregnant for almost the entire school year. The end of the semester is next week. That means not only am I halfway through the pregnancy, but also halfway through the school year.
Some updated belly shots.
 |
| 20 Weeks |
Monday, January 3, 2011
I've turned into my mother
As I set up my calendar for 2011, I thought about transferring over all the birthdays I wrote down on the 2010 one. After skimming through the calendar, I put the pen down and hung up the calendar without any birthdays or anniversaries
There are just too many birthdays and anniversaries at this point. Now there are babies galore and many due dates in 2011. It's impossible to keep track of everything. So I decided, there will probably be no cards in 2011 unless you're lucky and I remember. A phone call is a bit easier than finding a card and a stamp.
Actually, it started in 2010. Did you notice you didn't receive a Christmas card from us? I was torn between photo and regular and then felt like all we do in our hustle bustle lives is plop a card in an envelope and it's done. What happened to personalized messages in Christmas cards? I used to spend days writing out messages. I even received a card this year that wasn't signed. It's amazing how nice a hand written message is these days. We got maybe 3 cards with that.
So in my ripe age of 29 and 11/12ths I realize that my mother was not a grinch all of these years. My sister and I used to give her crap for never sending cards. I get it now and think I may be my mother this year. No cards unless the mood hits me or you invite me to a birthday party.
The ironic part- I am the head of the party planning committee for my team at school which means I'm in charge of getting cards. Ha ha.
I expect to receive zero cards this year after this post. Instead, I'll wait for your phone call on January 29th :)
Maybe when I'm a stay at home mom I'll be more aware of birthdays and other important dates. Until then, don't take it personally if you don't hear from me on your special day. Blame my mother. She taught me well. Just kidding! My mother has actually gotten better about sending cards, or at least to me, recently.
There are just too many birthdays and anniversaries at this point. Now there are babies galore and many due dates in 2011. It's impossible to keep track of everything. So I decided, there will probably be no cards in 2011 unless you're lucky and I remember. A phone call is a bit easier than finding a card and a stamp.
Actually, it started in 2010. Did you notice you didn't receive a Christmas card from us? I was torn between photo and regular and then felt like all we do in our hustle bustle lives is plop a card in an envelope and it's done. What happened to personalized messages in Christmas cards? I used to spend days writing out messages. I even received a card this year that wasn't signed. It's amazing how nice a hand written message is these days. We got maybe 3 cards with that.
So in my ripe age of 29 and 11/12ths I realize that my mother was not a grinch all of these years. My sister and I used to give her crap for never sending cards. I get it now and think I may be my mother this year. No cards unless the mood hits me or you invite me to a birthday party.
The ironic part- I am the head of the party planning committee for my team at school which means I'm in charge of getting cards. Ha ha.
I expect to receive zero cards this year after this post. Instead, I'll wait for your phone call on January 29th :)
Maybe when I'm a stay at home mom I'll be more aware of birthdays and other important dates. Until then, don't take it personally if you don't hear from me on your special day. Blame my mother. She taught me well. Just kidding! My mother has actually gotten better about sending cards, or at least to me, recently.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Working Hard or Hardly Working?
Painting Nugget's room has commenced! We decided to go with 2 shades of green with a white chair rail to break them up. Pictures to follow once it's finished.
Jason is working hard and I'm hardly working. He doesn't want me near the paint fumes and is kind enough to take on this project alone since I carry Nugget for 10 months. Parker and I took a 2 hour nap yesterday while Jason worked :)
I'm ready to buy furniture and get the nursery decorated. It's still a tad early, but it's definitely more fun than shopping for maternity clothes. Jason already put in a closet organizer, so new carpet will be next after the painting is finished.
Hooray for a productive weekend. Back to work tomorrow.
Jason is working hard and I'm hardly working. He doesn't want me near the paint fumes and is kind enough to take on this project alone since I carry Nugget for 10 months. Parker and I took a 2 hour nap yesterday while Jason worked :)
I'm ready to buy furniture and get the nursery decorated. It's still a tad early, but it's definitely more fun than shopping for maternity clothes. Jason already put in a closet organizer, so new carpet will be next after the painting is finished.
Hooray for a productive weekend. Back to work tomorrow.
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