17 Weeks Doctor Appointment

I had my 17 week doctor's appointment today. It went well, as usual. I had been experiencing a lot of round ligament (lower abdomen) pain the past week or so, and had been taking it very easy. I finally started feeling better this past Saturday. Anyhow, this is all normal, especially at this point in the pregnancy when things are really starting to grow and expand. I feel like I wake up each day bigger and bigger. I am at the fun point now though. It looks as if I'm pregnant (not so much fat anymore), but I'm not too big at all. I am wearing maternity pants now, and love them! My mom got me an awesome pair of jeans from Gap Maternity for Christmas. Anyhow, I know this won't last long...and I'll be looking like a beached whale soon enough.

So, back to my appointment. Bob was able to go with me because he is off this week from work (yay!). The heartbeat was at 147, which means we're basically right in the middle. No wives tale tricks for me here. I've gained 8 lbs. total, so I'm pretty happy. And, of course, hearing the heart beating was the highlight of the visit.

P.S. We find out the sex of the baby January 14th!!!!! Ahhhh!!! I CANNOT WAIT! :-)

Sigh...

I may sound like a big, fat Grinch by saying this, but I am so happy the holidays are done with!  As soon as I get my Christmas cards out today (ok, ok...maybe they are New Year's cards) I can wipe my hands of everything.  We only have a few decorations up, so taking them down will be quite easy.

I think this year has just been a lot more stressful than most, in regards to Christmas.  With moving and being pregnant, I waited for the last minute to do just about everything, and that just caused me to be stressed.

So, Good Riddance Christmas 2008, Hello 2009!

Once Upon a Time...

Once upon a time...

There was a husband and a wife. They were happily married with a cool labradoodle. The couple were married for almost a year, when a very big change occurred in their lives.

But, first... a little about their past! The wife knew right away when she met her husband that one day, she would want to have 10,000 of his babies. But, alas, her husband said, "why don't we wait a couple of years before we have a baby?" And, the wife said, "what?!?! Why don't we wait a year?"

Well, of course, the wife won out! But, here's a secret between you and me... the big change that occurred actually happened sooner than expected, by at least a few months.

So, one day, on October 1, 2008, the wife decided she would see if this change had occurred. And, lo and behold, it had...

The wife couldn't believe her eyes, and started jumping up and down with excitement! She took three tests total, and even took pictures. She thought for sure that her eyes were fooling her!

So, here it was in the afternoon, about 4pm. The husband would soon be arriving home from work. The wife had to think quickly! There was no way she could keep this secret any longer than she had to. So, she ran to the store and bought her husband an early Anniversary card.

The husband arrived home, and to his surprise, had this card waiting for him...

And, well, of course, the husband and wife had to document their excitement on film.

The husband, wife, and cool labradoodle are now awaiting for their new addition, come June 2009.

And, they all lived Happily Ever After.

Our 1 Year Anniversary

We spent our first anniversary at the infamous Grove Park Inn in Asheville. We actually celebrated our dinner on the 14th, because we were tired from sightseeing all day on the 13th. We did however, enjoy our top layer of the wedding cake on the 13th!

Here is the view we had from our table at dinner. Notice the hot-air balloon.

The four of us at dinner...the steaks were amazing! I, of course, was stuck drinking water, just being newly pregnant here.

Bob and I, with the beautiful view behind us.

Eating our top layer of our wedding cake, which, was actually pretty good!

The cake. This cake traveled with us from Orlando to Birmingham, and then from Birmingham to Asheville. Thankfully, my mom did an amazing job of saran wrapping it! The three apples on top were long gone.

Should I even bother?

Should I even bother to finish our anniversary trip recap?

Yes.

This blog not only serves as a way for our family and friends to keep updated on our lives, but also as a journal for our family. So, I know it's almost 2 months later...but, again, better late than never. I am hoping to be posting more, as the house is finally starting to come together. We still have lots to do, but it's definitely not stressing me out anymore.

So, without further ado...

Here are some cool pictures from the eclectic downtown of Asheville, North Carolina.

Locals engulfed in a serious game of chess.

A neato-mosquito copper door we passed.

Wig shop anyone?

It's not very often you see an iron sculpture!

Our lunch choice...it was organic Mexican cuisine. Fabuloso!

Asheville is a great little town. You've got the mountains and all things outdoorsy to do. And, then, you have the cool, eclectic downtown to explore. Asheville reminded me a lot of the place my sister-in-law lives in Atlanta, Little 5 Points.

Check out my new ticker --->

It's true...

I'm heavy with child.

Blogging Problems!!!

I tried for the second time in a few weeks today to finish our trip recap. Yes, I know...better late than never. However, the annoying Blogger God is not allowing me to upload pictures! I really hope it has something to do with me doing this at work, instead of at home.

So, instead, I will just fill you in on what's been going on with us. We are in the process of moving this week! Finally, our house is almost done. We have our final walk-thru tomorrow morning. I am living in complete chaos (which is not good for my mental state), and I must keep reminding myself that it is due to our EXCITING move.

Bob celebrated his 30th birthday on Thursday of last week too! I will have to definitely give him a proper post on his birthday. His parents and sister drove over from Atlanta to surprise him for lunch. Then, his parents drove back to Atlanta to drop of Jo, and turned around to come back for the birthday dinner surprise I planned for him. It was a fun night, with a great turn-out. No pictures though...can you believe that? It is my fault. I didn't think to bring our camera, thinking Bob's dad would have that covered. Grrr....I'm still very annoyed with myself. You only turn 30 once!

Anyhow, this blog has taken a backseat the past few weeks, and after our move, I am hoping to get back on track. We'll see though...we have the holidays upon us! Yikes!!!

Asheville Trip - Our Cabin

Our cabin was located in Weaversville, NC - a 20 or so minute drive from Asheville. It was named the Best View Hideaway, and trust me, it had the best view! Here is a picture of the cabin. Isn't it cute and eclectic?

This was taken on the deck. Can you see the mountains in the background? This deck was awesome! We had a fire going each night.

The cabin was on a horse pasture, and they often came to visit! I think this one ate Winston's frisbee.

Our view from the deck...

Bob took this picture of me on the deck one morning. He was out in the pastures with Winston. You'll notice another dog in the picture. His name was Chuck, and he was one of the owner's. The cabin shared land with the main house.

More details to come soon...

Trip Recap Coming Soon!

BWe made it home yesterday from our trip. It was a lot of fun, with absolutely beautiful scenery. It was also great to see Dave and Totty. I'll upload some pictures soon, with a recap of the vacation, hopefully by the end of the week.

I also have a few new house pictures, but may just wait until we go back on Sunday! Can't wait!!!

Be back soon!

We are heading to Asheville, NC on Sunday to celebrate our One Year Anniversary! I can't believe it's been a year, it really has flown by. We like to keep things exciting - in one year, besides getting married, we moved out of state, got new jobs, and built a home. Hey, the year's not over yet - what else can we do?

We'll be joined in Asheville by our two bestest friends from our honeymoon, Dave and Totty. Yep, you read that right...we are having our own Little Dix Bay reunion in Asheville! Be back soon!

November 13, 2008

We are closing on our house!

Enough said. Apartment living sucks.

House Progression, continued

Here is the the travertine countertop we chose for the master bath. It is a bit dusty at the moment...I don't think they have cleaned it yet. I suppose after they put in our sinks?

Here is our master bedroom. Again, I have those ghost "orbs" in the picture. I wanted to point out the color. It is a bit more blue in person. We love it! Another great thing about the house, they paint the walls and ceilings.

Our fireplace tile has been installed. The mantle has yet to be painted though.

Isn't this picture funny and cute?

Yesterday was also the Hometown Fair at Ross Bridge. We took this picture as we were driving away. Isn't this awesome? Ross Bridge is doing these types of events ALL the time! Never a dull moment at the Bridge!

House Progression, continued

Our house is coming along so quickly! We could not believe everything that had occurred in one week: tile, paint, countertops, light fixtures, fans... Seriously, it was insane. We are kind of freaking out about it. We think the closing date will be a lot sooner than originally anticipated. It's great, because we are so sick of the Jolly Green Giants that live above us, but a bit scary too. We just have to make sure we have all our i's dotted, and t's crossed.

Here I am in our master bathroom shower. We chose the tile.

Countertops are in! I am so excited, and really love the black we chose. I think it complements the darker cabinets quite nicely.

Here is the lighting fixture we chose for the dining room. I love it!

Here is the bathtub in the upstairs bathroom.

Garage doors were installed last time, but here is a picture of one down. We're still missing the lighting fixtures above the garage doors.

Mary and Ryan's Wedding

My cousin Mary got married on Saturday, October 4th. She is the cousin that is closest to me on both sides, being just 7 months older than me. I have so many fun memories of us growing up together. We would spend summers at her house, or mine. And, don't even get me started on the memories at Grandma's house! Anyhow, I wouldn't have missed this wedding for anything. It was held in Gainesville, FL. The drive was about 6 hours for us. We were only there for a night, as the wedding was in the morning. I would have liked to have hung out longer, but with that drive, we had to get back on the road.

Here is Mary being walked down the aisle by my Uncle Mike.

First Dance with new groom, Ryan Cooke.

Us.

The cake.

My grandmother with her children. From left to right, my Uncle Mike, Dad, Grandma, Aunt Susan, and Uncle Frank. They all look so much alike!

Defective Dog

If you know us, then you know that we are crazy about our pooch Winston. I am however, not crazy about his shedding. One of the reasons why we chose a labradoodle, was because of their minimal to no shedding trait. Well, our dog is defective in that way. He sheds like it is going out of style. I asked Bob to brush him a couple of weeks ago, and this is all the fur he was able to brush out. I know, I know...gross (but kind of funny, too?) No?

My 100th Post!

Well, it took over a year, but here I am - my 100th post!

Here are 100 things about me :)

1. When I was in high school, I had ice cream every night, topped with peanut butter, chocolate syrup, and sometimes caramel. Wow, how I wish I had my old metabolism!

2. I try way too hard to be a perfectionist, and I cannot stand that about myself.

3. I've had just one surprise birthday party thrown for me. It wasn't really a party, but more of a lunch with a group of friends. My best friend Lisa planned it. It was in 2004.

4. I treat Winston as if he is my child. I am definitely the easier "parent" on him. I wonder if this will be a reflection of how we will treat our children.

5. I can't stand to see people physically fighting - even in sports.

6. I thought our honeymoon location was absolute paradise. I can't wait for a Little Dix Bay reunion (Totty, you reading this?) :)

7. I was an avid reader growing up. I was constantly reading. I miss that part of myself, and have been trying to reclaim it for a few years now.

8. I want to run a marathon one day. I was on my way to a Half this year, but am sidelined with I.T. Band Syndrome! Grrr....

9. I wish people wrote more handwritten letters. I miss the days of getting GOOD mail. Did you have a pen pal when you were younger? I did!

10. I never win raffles - never! The last one I won was in 1st grade. I won a pair of really cool black and white speed skates at the skating rink.

11. I used to play Nintendo growing up ALL the time. I can rattle off any and every old school NES game. I also beat most of them.

12. I am not very crafty, but I want to be so badly! I envy how creative my sister-in-law Caryn is, and my mom too!

13. I love my family so incredibly much! We are so much alike, but so different too. I also feel so blessed to have married into such an awesome family!

14. I am so proud of my Cuban heritage. However, I must admit, I am most happy with the way it blessed me with great skin. Is that vain? ;)

15. I sent President Reagan a letter when I was younger praising him. He (or his peeps) in return, sent me a beautiful colored book about the White House. Do you see now why I am such a loyal supporter of the Republican party?

16. I used to like horror movies, but now only watch about one per year. The Ring scarred me for life!

17. I try to see the best in people. But, I'll admit, I do have a handful I just can't forgive for things done in the past.

18. My first job was at Blockbuster Video. I loved that job!

19. I feel like I have been on a spiritual journey the past few years. I used to have bad anxiety over the thought of dying. I have now come to terms with it, but it still scares me every now and then.

20. This list is completely random, but that's how I roll!

21. My running shoes are size 9.5. I bet you're in the wrong size, and don't even know it!

22. Sometimes I think I have ADD. It's hard for me to be completely still.

23. I am proud of the cook I am evolving into. My little sister hung out in the kitchen growing up, I did not.

24. I think I sneeze like a man - loud! Bob has told me this many times. I get this trait from my dad, I think.

25. I collected stamps growing up. I have a great collection, and often wonder if my stamps are worth anything.

26. I love to sleep in. I have gotten better since being with Bob, but if I can sleep in, I will.

27. I think my husband is better at decorating than I am.

28. I loved playing with Barbies as a little girl. I think I played with them until I was in 6th grade. Hey! I had a little sister, ok?!?

29. I hope to one day have the green thumb my mother-in-law has.

30. I have lived in the following states, in this order: Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Florida, Alabama. Do you see a pattern here?

31. I have had dreams that have told the future.

32. I graduated from University of Central Florida with a degree in Interpersonal Communications. It took me 5 years to graduate, but, I went to 3 schools.

33. I used to have dreams of being friends with Jessica Simpson. This was when Newlyweds was on TV. I think Lisa did too, right Lis?

34. I am hoping to make some life-long friends here in Birmingham.

35. It breaks my heart that doggies have such short life-spans. Why can't they live to be 100?

36. I want to have a girl first. I know it would probably be better to have a boy, but I really want a girl first!

37. I stole Bob from his girlfriend. Our story is very similar to Pam and Jim's of The Office. Except, he had the existing relationship, not me.

38. I am a scented candle freak. If you are in need of a gift for me, a Yankee candle will do just fine!

39. I love people watching.

40. I have kept a journal since the 6th grade. It is so disorganized though, comprising of at least 5 notebooks, and tons of loose pages. I sometimes think I may want to give it to my children one day - secrets and all...

41. All of my "special occasion" dresses are black and white. This is a total coincidence.

42. I have never seen my husband cry. He did tear up though during our wedding ceremony.

43. I LOVE to drink Bloody Mary's. It's kind of a sick and twisted obsession now.

44. My favorite season is fall.

45. I love going to stores like Costco or Sam's Club.

46. If my mom is crying, I'll cry. I can't help it.

47. I feel like I have way too many old magazines yet to read. I haven't been reading them since we got married, almost a year ago. I am currently reading an April '08 issue of Domino.

48. I have a tattoo on my right hip. I wish to have it removed one day.

49. I hope to have at least two children.

50. I have never been happier in my life, since being with Bob. The past four years have been amazing!

51. I love my blog, and so many others too.

52. I wish or hope to spend more time with my extended family, especially my grandmothers.

53. I want to learn how to knit. Jo Jo tried to teach me once, but I think I was really tired. Can you try again with me?

54. I was very flat-chested growing up, and hated it. Now that I'm older, I'm so happy to be on the smaller side.

55. My dad's positive attitude during his bout with cancer was inspiring.

56. I am terrified of speaking in public, even small groups. This is something that I learned, because I was never this way growing up.

57. I need to stop setting such high expectations for myself.

58. I love to watch TV, and am very thankful for DVR. Is that bad?

59. I cringe at some of the things I have done in my past. As a friend recently said, "thank goodness people change!"

60. I hate styling my hair. I let it air-dry 99.9% of the time.

61. I have always thought it would be fun to be on Big Brother. I have also thought I'd go far in the competition. I would never, in a million years though, go on a reality TV show.

62. I wish I had studied harder in college.

63. I met my best friend in the 4th grade. My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Cheney, is still my favorite ever.

64. I am so glad my parents sent me to sleep-away camp as a child. It is truly a memory I will always cherish.

65. I always have wax in my ears. Bob is constantly picking it out. I have noticed this in my mom and sister's ears too. Gross, right?

66. Right now, our home being built is our dream home. But, we have high expectations for ourselves, and I know that will soon change.

67. I hate coming up with blog fodder while trying to fall asleep. It makes me want to think more, instead of sleep.

68. I just choked on my coffee.

69. I rarely follow new music.

70. My favorite type of food is Italian, with sushi being a close second.

71. I loved running in the grass barefoot as a child.

72. I feel like I always have a never-ending pile of laundry. I just don't get it.

73. These are my top 5 funniest people: Bob, my sister Kathy, my brother Michael, best friend Lisa, and me!

74. I'm a stickler for proper grammar, even if I'm guilty of not having it sometimes.

75. I am finally happy to have long nails. Now, I just need my hair to grow.

76. Bob almost always falls asleep before I do. It has not always been this way. I don't like it.

77. I'll use the same bath towel for days. Is that gross?

78. I have to be in the mood to have a long conversation. I am typically not a phone person.

79. I believe God does not discriminate.

80. Bob and I call our casual Tee's, and shorts/pants our "comfy's." We change into our comfy's as soon as we get home from work.

81. I wish I had played an instrument growing up. I think I want at least one of our children to take piano lessons.

82. This list is taking a long time to create.

83. My husband can easily influence me. This is a positive and negative thing for me.

84. My parents took my sister and I on some awesome vacations growing up. I am very grateful for this.

85. Sometimes I wish all of my childhood beliefs were real.

86. I try to follow-thru with my promises.

87. I am usually very good at keeping in touch with old friends. This has not been the case the past couple of years. Thank goodness for Facebook!

88. My dad got mad at my mom when I was in 1st grade. He came home from a business trip to find me with a perm.

89. I don't like making a big deal over my birthday. And, I sometimes think it can be obnoxious for others to carry on their celebrations for a whole week!

90. My brother and sister think my toes are weird.

91. I hope that I am a good friend.

92. It can be hard for me to embrace change. But, once I do, I am very motivated.

93. I'd rather Bob spend money on something else, instead of flowers.

94. I could talk your ear off, if you let me.

95. I hope to always be happy in life.

96. I hope to never be complacent.

97. I hope to never be someone who is a people-pleaser. While it can be a good quality, it can also be very draining.

98. I really believe my husband is the most handsome man ever! I love the fact that he is 6'5.

99. My marriage is amazingly easy, fun, happy, and loving.

100. I am glad I made this list.

House Progression, continued

Here is a few of our side yard, with a tree.

We have garage doors!

Another view of the side of the house.

Closet doors in bedroom upstairs.

Detail of stairs' banister.

House Progression, continued

Here are the cabinets we chose for our master bathroom. We will have travertine countertops in here.

More detail... I wish we had a close-up of the knobs. We have already claimed our "sides." I get the sink on the right.

Here's the upstairs bathroom. We did not choose the cabinets, as the white is the standard in all houses. The powder room will not have cabinets, but a pedestal sink instead.

Close-up of knob we chose.

Here's our cute little mailbox.

House Progression, continued

September 28, 2008

Bob and I could not believe our eyes when we arrived at the house this week. We had our landscaping done! The grass is still being put down by the driveway, but for the most part it is complete. We totally thought this would be the very last thing to happen. I love the big bush they put in the front right side. The exterior painting is almost complete. All of the green is done, and now we are waiting for the trim to be finished.

Here is a BAD picture of our kitchen. It was quite annoying, as our camera had these pesky white spots showing up every so often. Does anyone know what causes this? Anyhow, we have a huge island, with tons and tons of cabinet space. I was thinking of where I'd put everything, and just can't believe how much storage space I'll have!

This is an upgrade we had put in our kitchen. We also have under-cabinet lights, and a couple of drawers for pots and pans too. The cabinets are a bit dusty, as this is still very much a construction site.

We chose every detail for this house - the knobs, grout for the brick, roof, paint (in & out), faucets, lights, just everything! It was an overwhelming, but fun process. I love the kitchen knobs we chose.