37 Weeks

Because I realize I won't be like this for much longer, I thought I should take some belly pictures.

Oh, it's big. As long as people keep telling me "it's all baby," I don't mind being big. Much. ;) But I am getting to the point where I'm ready to be done. I'm ready to meet our little boy!

I'm over 37 weeks now. 3 weeks will be gone before we know it and I sure hope we're holding a baby on the outside by the time those 3 weeks are up!

Mushy

Another day, another afternoon, another naptime that thinks it's a playtime. Maybe he'll settle down and sleep today? I hope so because he has been crabby with a capital "C" today. The cold he has may also have something to do with it.

Drinking hot chwocwet from a vintage Pyrex mug. And we're out of cocoa, aaaaah!

This morning I finally made a move to unpack some baby clothes. I got as far as throwing everything in the dirty clothes pile--plenty of clothes need soaking, doggone stains--and rearranging Adrian's closet so I can start hanging teeny little outfits. In the process, I found our high school yearbooks. Oh boy, cleaning and organizing ends up taking a lot more time when you find treasures like that. There is a rather awkward note from me in one of Jeff's yearbook. It was the year we started dating. We dated for a month when I was barely 15 and then broke up because it wasn't really going anywhere.(Maybe because I was 15?) Then, by the end of the school year, we were kind of seeing each other again, but we must not have been officially dating yet. There was a lot of talk about being 'friends.' Those were the days. The next year's note wasn't quite so awkward but definitely cheesy. And I couldn't help but chuckle over everyone who signed my senior yearbook "good luck with Jeff." I know they were being sweet but now it just sounds funny. :) Of course, my maiden name was on everything and it looks weird now, it's funny how fast you get used to a new last name. It made me think of how far we've come in our relationship. It really does get better with time. *happy sigh* Our understanding, patience, respect, and love for one another grows day by day. I think having kid(s) changes that, too. We start to realize what Adrian sees and hears when we're together and we want to set the best example for him.

Ah, okay, enough with the sappiness. Enjoy the sunshine if you have it!

"Zooming Cars on the Couch"

"Zooming cars on the couch," playing Words with Friends, and a quick haircut. The man of the house is back to work. It's been a pretty slow day. Adrian is dressed now although I'll admit that it didn't happen until right before the nap that he's not taking.

Speaking of naps, they have been a real struggle lately. I'm not ready to give them up especially when I know he's not ready to be done with them. At least he stays in his room for an hour or so while he's supposed to be sleeping. I did hear him singing "Happy Birthday" a while ago, I wonder who that was for.

We took a tour of the hospital yesterday (we're going to a different hospital than we did last time so I can have a vbac) and I was telling Adrian that when we get our new baby he would be able to go there to see him and Mommy. We've been talking about the baby A LOT lately. He's already told me several times that it is his baby. We'll see how that goes. I always wonder what's going on in his little head. I'm sure he thinks this baby is going to be a fun playmate and has no idea how little he will be. I was hoping to show him some babies in the nursery while we were there but they were all with their mamas.

We tried spaghetti squash yesterday! I've been wanting to try it after hearing several people say it tastes just spaghetti (when you make spaghetti with it, that is). It's super easy too. I cut the squash in half, roasted it face down on a greased baking sheet in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes and then scraped it out with a fork. It comes out just like spaghetti pasta. I served it with my Mom's spaghetti sauce, it was delicious! Honestly, the only real difference was the texture. It was slightly less soft...as in a little more crunchy, but not quite crunchy. Give it a try, you'll see what I mean! It definitely made for a guilt-free meal. It's probably a little more expensive than buying regular pasta although we buy the rice pasta anyways, so it wasn't a huge difference cost-wise. (And as Jeff pointed out, it's probably more expensive this time of year.) Yum! We'll definitely be doing that again.

Restyle and the Fam

I've been a bit absent from the internet this week. With Jeff home, we've had a few things planned, mostly appointments, and somehow the week is nearly over.

We met with our new chiropractor yesterday and had the most thorough initial exam I've ever had in my life. I have quite a few issues to work out and I was very happy to hear him say he has a few ideas to help me out. I thought he would. When we got around to talking about Adrian there wasn't much to tell. He's been a healthy, happy kid. We were just a little bit proud. Actually, the receptionist was looking after him while we were talking to the doctor and she was telling us afterwards that Adrian is very articulate and has a very good vocabulary. I guess I've always felt that way, but it's nice to know I'm not completely biased in that sense. Jeff goes back to work on Saturday so we aren't able to get in again until the end of next week to go over his assessments for all of us.

Finally, here is the latest Restyle item I was talking about. A sweet little 70's style sunsuit! Makes me wish I had a little girl to put it on, I really like how it turned out.

When I added this, I realized that I still only have 1 women's item. I should probably focus on that a little more. Kids and babies clothes are so much easier because the sizing doesn't have to be exact since they are growing so fast, but I really do want to add more women's clothing.

Jeff and I are thinking about doing a gluten-free, dairy-free challenge next month so...I'm off to drink some hot chocolate while I still can! ;)

Thrifty, Thrifty my Husband is Nifty!

Remember this vintage sheet? It's okay if you don't. ;) I finally finished a project with it. A little something for Restyle actually. I should have it listed next week. Aaaand, I still have so much fabric leftover. What to make next...

I've been meaning to get pictures of my thifty finds. Yesterday, in between appointments, we went to Salvation Army and I finally found a maxi skirt! I'm so excited except it's completely see-through so I still need to find something to line it with. All colors except yellow tags were half off and cheapskate that I am, I didn't want to pay full price for a long slip or nightgown. I also found 2 sweaters. One is a cardigan that I just love, I'm hoping it fits post baby. I'm basically over buying maternity clothes. With a month left, it's time to start working on my regular wardrobe.

Have I mentioned that I love thrifting?

We had a busy day yesterday. I already had 2 appointments planned so why not throw in another one? The chiropractor was able to squeeze me in last minute, something was out of place so I wanted to get that taken care of right away. We had a little time before my OB appointment, which was the fastest time ever BTW. It was at 11 and we were walking back out the door by 11:15. That has never happened to me before, I was quite happy with that. The only problem was, Adrian stayed and played with the toys in the waiting room with Jeff while I was with the doctor and he wasn't quite ready to go when we left. The mention of Border Grill got him out the door. Geez, we've eaten there way too many times in the past month.

After my lucky finds at Salvation Army we went to a workshop by one the newest Chiropractors in the Marquette area. I'm so glad we went. I met him a few months ago during 'ladies night' (an open house of sorts for the local businesses) and I told Jeff that I want to switch chiropractors as soon as we can afford to. The one we had gone to before (that I just saw yesterday) is a sports chiropractor and basically only does adjustments. After hearing so much about the chiropractor my sisters see out in Minnesota, I have been waiting for someone similar in our area. This guy is one of a small number of Certified Chiropractic Wellness and Lifestyle Practioners in Michigan. He was offering a special rate for his initial exam to everyone who came to the workshop. So, so glad we were there or we probably wouldn't have switched for a looong time. (The initial exam is really expensive which is why I hadn't switched before.) We all have appointments next week. (Did I mention that Jeff has his second week of vacation right now?) I can't wait to see what's wrong with us. ;) In all seriousness though, I'm excited to see how he can help us become the healthiest that we can be.

Today was a pretty slow day at home. I went through some baby clothes to see what I still need, I can't believe I'll be taking them out for real in the next couple weeks! Jeff is finishing up his P90X workout right now and Adrian is looking at library books. Tonight, we are going to check out the dogsled races. They have a ceremonial start in Marquette and for some reason, we've never been. Adrian sounds excited to see the 'doggies.'

BTW, I was holding off mentioning this, but it looks like today's the day; Jeff started P90X again and this time, he's documenting it in blog form. I'm pretty proud of him for really putting himself out there. What better way to motivate someone else to do the same than to show such vulnerability? He is so committed, I think it's his nature to become practically obsessed with something once he decides to do it. He has officially lost 12 lbs in under 5 weeks! Be sure to check out his blog and cheer him on! (He usually posts on Monday nights.)

So Long, Picky Eater?

Adrian has been so picky for so long. According to his parents anyways, everyone else seems to think he eats everything. But I see how much he actually eats in a day and for a while there, it wasn't much. (Yet, he tells me all the time, "I'm hungry.") Finally, in the last week, he's been eating more. A lot more. Here, he's drinking the rest of the broth from White Chicken Chili. We always have tortilla chips with soups like this and he would gladly eat nothing but chips. I usually have to bribe him with chips to eat more. Not that I'm worried about how much he eats, I know he won't starve himself, but living on chips just doesn't fly in this house. This time, he gobbled it right up, hardly remembering to ask for chips. Same for the carnitas and beans we had a few days ago. And although he picked all the asparagus out of his breakfast bake, he ate several stalks at supper yesterday with no problem. That wild rice soup we had? He loved it! In the past, he wouldn't even try something if he didn't think he would like it. Bummer for him because I'm the type of mom that won't give him something else if he refuses to even taste what I put in front of him. Maybe he's finally catching on.

My little boy is growing up!

And yes, he loves that Red Wings jersey.

Say What?

I had forgotten how much fun it is to paint! Adrian got some watercolors in his stocking and they are pretty sweet. Super cheap, super awesome. He asks to paint, I set him up, and when he's done, he walks away. We've had no messes so far and they wash right out of everything. I've even been pretty 'okay' with all the mixed up colors. It was hard. And okay, so I kind of cleaned them up a bit when I made my hearts.

In other news, we went to the library today. It's been way too long and I needed to request a book, but I couldn't remember my password to do it online. That seemed like a good enough excuse to go for a walk. Adrian chatted away the entire time. I've never heard "what" so many times in one morning. Me and him. "There's a loader!" "What?" "A loader!" "Oh yeah, the loader has big wheels." "What?" "The loader has big wheels!" "Loader have wheels?" Geesh. I was beginning to wonder why we were talking at all.

Any plans for Valentine's Day? Despite the fact that I made Valentines, and I just painted a whole bunch of hearts, I'm actually kind of "bah humbug" when it comes to the romantic part of Valentine's. In fact, I think I'll be babysitting tomorrow night. Not that I'm against celebrating love, it just seems kind of cheesy and Hallmarky to do it on February 14th. Jeff feels the same way. In fact, when I texted him about trading babysitting so we could go on a date his response was, "Ahh well I'm not really a date guy on V-day but if you want to go somewhere then we can do something." I love that man.

look in the fridge

Oh dear, it's starting already...

"Minders" Park

 

We ventured to the park today since it was such a beautiful day. (Sunny and in the 20's.) We may have had to climb over some snowbanks to actually get there, but we figured it out. We had the place to ourselves except for the 5 minutes when a little girl and her Mom were there. Not sure what their hurry was. 

Do you like Adrian's handmade neck-warmer? Eh. I made it in about 5 minutes last year when I was headed out snowshoeing. It fastens in the back with a giant safety-pin. I should probably think about making something a little better, but then this one does the trick, yaknowwhatimean?

This picture cracks me up. Adrian's telling me, "No more pictures of me!" And I'm telling him, "Yeah, smile at the camera, buddy!"

I should have gotten a full body shot of myself so you could see how ridiculous I look. I've been wearing Jeff's snowpants this year, (he usually wears his Carharts) because mine have mysteriously disappeared since last winter and now, my coat won't zip so I had to wear his coat as well. I felt like the Abominable Snow Monster. Ah, well, at least we got outside!

Jeff's working today. We thought we had him until Friday, but he was offered overtime for today so after some hemming and hawing, he decided the smart, responsible thing was to go in to work. I suppose we'll survive; he is off tomorrow and then once he goes back on Saturday, he works for 5 days and has another week off. We sure love having him around! (Not that we don't get to see him every day, I feel very fortunate that we do, and at a reasonable hour no less. Many families aren't so lucky.)

Be Mine, Valentine

Our date went great the other night! I felt like a kid again when I didn't have the responsibility of caring for a kid. The weather was fairly mild so we walked around town, checking out some of the shops before heading to L'Attitude. It was our first time there and we were both impressed. It feels more upscale, but the prices are very reasonable. We ate on a couch. Ha! Can't say I've ever done that before. Jeff ordered the whitefish tacos and I had the chicken stir-fry--which was served with chopsticks. I was momentarily freaked out, I don't know how to use those things! But then I saw the napkin-wrapped silverware on the table and everything was cool. We'll definitely try it out again.

Afterwards, we went bowling and then came home to watch Water For Elephants which was a big disappointment for me, the book was much better.

When we went to pick Adrian up the next day I was hoping for a little more than a grunt that we were here, but that's about all I got. He wasn't completely thrilled that we were coming to take him home. On the other hand, I was glad to hear he did just fine overnight without us!

I guess this week isn't completely uneventful; Last night, the ladies got together for a craft night. (Which should definitely be a regular thing!) I didn't want to lug my sewing machine over, and besides, it's been acting up lately, so I decided to do some hand-sewing instead. I had seen these felt heart pockets on Pinterest and at the last minute (as in, 5 minutes before Kate arrived to pick me up) I grabbed some felt and embroidery thread to take with me.

I did them a little differently, with the opening in the back so I could put an initial on the front. They were super simple to make and now Adrian has a few Valentine's to hand out! Okay, so he's only 2, but I thought they were cute so I decided 'what the heck' and made them. I can just see all the late-night February 13th's when Adrian starts school...

Setting: Our Apartment

Adrian: Eating rice crackers with smoked fish dip made by,
Jeffery: Reading the latest Greeting of Peace in the sad red chair that is falling apart,
Me: Typing a quick blog post as I wait for my hot chocolate to cool with a bag packed at my feet. For Adrian.
Jeff and I plan to enjoy a kid-free night tonight! He's off this week and I wish I could say we have a jam-packed week full of fun activities, but the truth is, this vacation is completely random (they bid for their vacations and this happened to be when his fell, yay, not his first choice). We're enjoying having him home, I just wish it was a better time. Like say, in the middle of March.

NOOooo!

Sneaking up on my prey...

 

"Mom, I'm happy!"

"No more pictures, Mom!"

"Wait, I thought your were happy. Show me your happy face."

"Nooo! No more pictures, Mom!"

"Stop it!"

"No! Stop! No more taking pictures!"

Trying to get away...

Am I the only one that thinks it's funny that this 2-year-old does not like getting his picture taken? He's an odd one, that Adrian.