Everything gets a new home

The process of reorganizing our house has officially begun. Who knew that bringing a 7 pound, tiny person into our lives would mean that we needed to rearrange every single room and closet? No space has been left untouched, and our house looks like Hurricane Ike came through for a second visit.

There are definitely fun results from reorganizing. One very big result is that Kara's room is starting to be the nursery rather than the "catch-all" where we store unused electronics, old college text books, Lee's comic book and baseball card collections, and basically anything else we aren't using but don't want to (or don't know how to) get rid of.

Organization isn't one of my strong points. I love when things are organized, but I'm not a fan of actually doing the organizing. What's that you say? I can't have my cake and eat it too? On the contrary...my husband likes organizing, and I like doing projects with him. So, I feel like my needs get met without the drudgery and frustration of pushing through something I hate.

It has been nice to see our house start to transform, but we still have a long way to go.

The Supplement Dance

This pregnancy has been relatively easy. Most days I feel quite normal, and only remember my "fragile state" when walking past a mirror or struggling to get out of a chair. My biggest complaint about pregnancy...prenatal vitamins. They're the devil.

For those not well acquainted with these jumbo choking hazards, here is what you're not missing:

• Nightmares/scary, vivid dreams
• Gagging
  
• Sudden onset nausea & vomiting
• Vitamin burp (tastes a little like chalk...or fish if you're taking DHA as well)
• Horrible guilt from missing one (I'm a dietitian; I know it's not a big deal)
  

However, after 26 weeks of pregnancy and 4 different vitamins, I think I have found a winner. THANK YOU Nature Made brand for making a prenatal vitamin that I can tolerate. You have made me very happy, and I hope we can continue this relationship through the next 3 months of pregnancy and into lactation.

Dare I?

I have an old Dell desktop that my grandmother (Grammi) has asked me to clean off and get rid of. But, a baby rocker made out of a pc ... I'm not really considering this, but it appeals to my nerdy/fathery side at a deep level.

A New Kind of Monday

I loved the past 11 months of Mondays. I had the awesome privilege of starting each week by baby-sitting my nephew, Carson. But now that Kara is getting bigger, keeping up with Carson has become more of a challenge, and our weekly play days have come to an end.

Getting to watch Carson's growth and development over the past year has been amazing. Being present for each new stage and being a consistent part of his life has been a huge gift to me. I will miss several things like seeing his little smile when he wakes up from a nap, playing chase with him around the house, and answering his never-ending question, "wha' sat?" I will also miss the encouragement and friendship of my sis. She has listened to and mentored me through a year's worth of struggles.

When Kara is old enough, she will have to thank Carson for preparing her mommy for parenthood. Hopefully, there will be fewer moments of freaking out due to plain ignorance and lack of experience...I don't mean to brag, but I can now handle poopy diapers, spit up, crusty boogers, and other baby grossness like a pro!

Sense & Sensitivity

Today's conversation:

Ashley: Well, can't wear this shirt anymore. I keep having to pull it down over my belly.
Lee: Yeah, when I came home and saw you I was like, "Woah, there's my pregnant wife."
Ashley: Uh-huh.
Lee: I mean, I'm just not used to seeing so much of you.

The Epitome of Pitiful

What happens when you have a husband coming down with a cold and a wife with pregnancy pains? Nothing, that's what.

My poor man has been getting more sick every day, and I have been trying to force that practically nonexistent nurturing side of me to come out. I was doing well until yesterday afternoon when I started having pains in my side and back (likely related to ligament/muscle stretching).

When Lee came home from work, he joined me on the couch where we stayed until bed time. Neither of us wanting to do anything. I tried to impress upon the dogs that they would need to take care of themselves, but their English is still limited. And they have not grown opposable thumbs, which makes opening doors and throwing balls more difficult.

Today, I am feeling better, but Lee is more sick than ever. Please say a prayer for him...I know he feels miserable, and he hates missing work. Personally, I don't mind him missing work. It is always nice to have him home, sick or not.

We got stuff!

This Monday, we received a special gift from my sister and her family. They let us have our pick of Carson's infant paraphernalia which he has outgrown. We are now officially a part of the 3B club (boppy, bumpo, & bouncer).

I have to admit, having that stuff in the house is making me even more excited for Kara's arrival. Too bad we're only half way there. At least it gives us plenty of time to read the instruction manuals included with each of the products.

Thank you so much, Daniel, Amber, and Carson! We are incredibly blessed and grateful for your generosity!