Wanted to add...

For those wondering... yes, we did take Winston to the vet to get checked out. Forty dollars later, he was given a clean bill of health!

He does it again!

Bob and I were able to catch the final two rounds of the Arnold Palmer Invitational (in Orlando, FL) this weekend, via TV. We were lucky enough to have been there last year (thanks to Kelly and Kyle Becker.) Anyhow, just like last year, Tiger came back from behind and won the tournament at the 18th hole! He did a fantastic job, considering he was behind Sean O'Hair up until the 14th hole. Oh, and did I mention that he had just recovered from knee surgery? Anyhow, I'm not going to pretend I know a lot about golf, but when we watched him sink his birdie on the 18th hole last night, we couldn't help put jump up and down. He's just downright AWESOME!

(I wish I had a better picture of him, but this was all I could find on Google Images from yesterday.)

ON A MUCH DIFFERENT NOTE...

(Mom, for your love of Winston, you may not want to keep reading...)

I came home from Publix yesterday to a horrid tale! My husband greeted me in the kitchen, and within a few moments tells me he has a confession, or rather, something to tell me. Evidently, while I was shopping, Winston (the best labradoodle in this entire universe) was hit by a car! Yes, take a deep breath. It's true... our beloved pooch was actually hit by a car yesterday! Before I scare your pants off, he's perfectly fine! Bob said that he was a little bit shaken up, but he didn't cry out in pain or anything. There was no blood either. Luckily, the driver was going slow, but Bob did say he did not have his eyes on the road. Grrrr.... Anyhow, I think the whole experience shook Bob up more than anything. My poor hubby. What a horrible thing to witness! I know if I was there, I would have been hysterical. That's just how I roll. All calmness I have in me just vanishes! Anyhow, we gave him a bath last night, and he's back to his old self. Actually, I wonder if he even realizes the danger he put himself in?

Probably not.

So, going forward, we will definitely be much more aware of our surroundings with Winston. He's always been an off-leash dog, and it is probably partly our fault this happened. But, we lived, and we learned. And, we're just very grateful he's ok.

"My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me." ~ Winston Churchill

Have you seen the below article?

If you have seen this, then you should know that it is a hoax. However, it is still fun to read, and I get a kick out of it each time.

Lately, I have been thinking of what my life will be like as a stay-at-home mom. Being at home is something I have dreamed for myself since I was a little girl. Yes, I know... it's not for everyone, but it's for ME.

Anyhow, here is my take on the article above:

1. Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favorite dish!) is part of the warm welcome needed.

What I think: I plan my menus each Sunday for the week. So, yes, if I am not working late, I typically cook each night. Granted, it may not be ready when he's home, but it will get done. And, I am concerned about both of our needs. I don't want either of us to starve!

2. Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people!

What I think: I don't think Bob considers his co-workers to be work-weary people! As a matter of fact, he enjoys his job and the people there. Oh, and I don't have any ribbons, so no help there. If I'm home all day, I do usually try to shower before he gets home though. And, how does one be "fresh-looking?"

3. Be a little gay and a little more interesting to him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

What I think: A little gay? Geez! Ok, ok... this one is kind of easy. If my husband comes home in a bad mood, or has had a bad day, then yes, I'll be gay for him! I know he lifts my spirits up when I need it; so, why wouldn't I do the same for him?

4. Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.

What I think: I DESPISE clutter, so I am constantly doing this anyways. Enough said.

5. Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc. and then run a dust cloth over the tables.

What I think: No kids yet, but see #4.

6. Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too! After all, catering to his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

What I think: Does handing him a nice, cold beer count?

7. Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair and, if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. Minimize the noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.

What I think: Again, no kids yet... but, I would hope that I would wipe the boogers and crust off the baby as soon as I notice it! And, goodness, if one of us can live under the illusion that our children will be treasures, more power to us! As for minimizing the noise, most household appliances these days are quiet. And, he does the vacuuming - whew!

8. Be happy to see him.

What I think: Ha! I AM happy to see him. What an easy "request" to fulfill.

9. Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.

What I think: Again, if one is happy, one will smile. As for the desire to please him... I think the labradoodle has that one under control!

10. Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

What I think: Ok, ok...this one is a toughie. I am not going to start nagging him the second he walks in the door. I know what it's like to come home from work exhausted. However, I don't think his topics are necessarily more important than mine.

11. Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.

What I think: Other places of entertainment? Like what? A strip club!?! Ha ha! I encourage Bob to have "guys night" or activities, and he does the same for me. If anything, it's a chance for me to do what I WANT for the evening. However, we both know that this is an every once in awhile thing. Hey, we're homebodies. What can I say?

12. Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order, and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.

What I think: Well, d'oh.... who doesn't do this? For themselves too, of course!

13. Don't greet him with complaints and problems.

What I think: Again, I hardly nag him, and I certainly won't do this the second he steps in the door. Perhaps, over dinner?

14. Don't complain if he's home late for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.

What I think: Bob stay out all night? When hell freezes over.

15. Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.

What I think: Ok, ok, who's the pregnant one here?

16. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing, and pleasant voice.

What I think: I can barely take off my shoes, let alone his. Oh, and if I changed my voice, I think it would freak him out.

17. Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgement or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and, as such, will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.

What I think: I might get slack for this, but I actually trust his judgement over my own. So, no, he's not necessarily the master of our home, but I certainly trust him to make most of the big decisions in our life. However, I do question him all the time!

18. A good wife always knows her place.

What I think: Couldn't agree more - right by my husband's side, as his equal.

So, what do you think of this list? Has the role of the wife changed over the years? Are you a June Cleaver, or a Claire Huxtable?

28 Week Ultrasound

Here is the latest picture of Bobby. Isn't he the cutest? His cheeks have definitely filled out! We only got a few good pics this time around, because he was not cooperating :-)

The technician said he is actually measuring a week ahead, which would give me a due date of May 31st, instead of June 7th. But, she said because it is only one week, they will keep the due date the same. At the 19 week ultrasound, he was only measuring one day ahead. He is definitely growing! She also said that he weighs between 2-3 lbs. right now.

As for me, things are going great! I passed my glucose test with flying colors! Thank God. I could barely sit through the hour test, let alone the three hour one. I have gained 20 lbs. total, and my doctor says I will probably gain a pound a week going forward. With 11 1/2 more weeks to go, that should put me at just over 30 lbs. If that's the case.... I'll be a happy camper! (I literally just finished off a bowl of ice cream). Hmmm...

I also had my Rhogam shot today too. Oh, and because I have high blood pressure, I will have to start seeing the doctor weekly at 32 weeks, instead of 36 weeks. Boo.

Overall, everything is going great! My baby shower is April 5th, and after that, I plan on spending most of my free time getting ready for this baby. I have my first of three classes next week regarding baby stuff. The first one is for breastfeeding.

Yippeee!

28 Weeks Pregnant

Here are some shots of Bob (and Winston) putting together the nursery furniture, along with new belly pics.

Enjoy!

Bob is all smiles while putting the crib together. The dresser/changer is done, in the background.

You can totally see my bra strap and undies in this pic, but I don't care. I LOVE it. Look at the happy dad's smile!!!

28 weeks pregnant, third trimester - holy cow!

The lovely belly shot.

And, that, my friends is all you'll see of the nursery, until it is fully done!

Test

Ok, I have never uploaded a video on my blog, so here goes nothing... This was from our one Snow Day we had a couple of weeks ago.

Spring, where did you go?

Baby Stuff

I forgot to post about my 26 week appointment last week, so here are the details...

Everything was great, as usual. My doctor really does shower me with compliments. At this appointment, he told me that I make pregnancy look easy! Ha! I feel like this might be coming to an end. My a*s seems to be getting bigger each day, and I feel like my face is starting to fill out more.

Will I ever have my old figure back?

This picture of me was taken almost three years ago at my cousin's wedding. I'm the one on the left in the pink skirt. My crazy sister is next to me.

In all seriousness, I cringe to think that my figure will probably never go back to what it was. But, I am determined! I have already committed to running the Ragnar Relay 5 months after giving birth! To date, I have gained 18 lbs. I only gained 2 lbs. within the past month, so I am happy about that. But, I know I am getting to the point where a 1 lb. weight gain per week is the norm.

Other than that, the appointment was great. We heard the baby's heartbeat again, and melted. I love to hear that! I go tomorrow for my glucose test. And, then next week we get another ultrasound - yay!

I'll keep everyone posted.

NurtureBaby

A childhood friend of mine has launched a great, new website, NurtureBaby.

As an expecting mom, I am already thinking of ways to give my son the best possible nutrition, without spending an arm and a leg. Thankfully, this website will be a huge resource for me. As the website states, there are three reasons why mom's should check it out: Nutrition, Cost Savings, and Environmental Stewardship. And, to top those great benefits off, you only need about an hour/week to make the recipes! I'm sure the amount you'll save in time and money, along with a healthy baby is well worth it!

The website is by far one of the cutest I have seen out there. The recipes are organized by age groups, and types of foods. There is also a resource of information on everything from what supplies you need, what fruits or veggies are in season, and how to make the food. You really just need to see it for yourselves!

New moms, expecting moms, anyone - if you like what you see, spread the word. Christen (the founder) is by far one of the sweetest women I know. Check out her information on the About Us page. I'd love to let her know some bloggers have helped the cause :-)

Did I mention it's FREE!?!?

Ok...

Conversation between myself and the bagger at Publix, as he is helping me to my car:

Bagger:  Are you doing anything for Spring Break?

Me:  (laughing) No.

Bagger:  Just because you're old doesn't mean you can't do anything.

Me:  (Silent).

"It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!"

- Mark Twain

A couple of years ago, I started buying fresh flowers for the house. I feel like it really does make a difference in your mood, and just the overall perception of your home. I fell off the bandwagon for a bit, but am now back on! I have been beautifying our home for the past several weeks with flowers. Soon enough, we'll get started on the outside.

I LOVE spring.

I should have retaken this picture - all the flowers have since bloomed. These are in our entertainment center in our family room.

I love, love, love putting flowers in our master bathroom. I have usually always done orchids, but these are beautiful!

A vase for our kitchen table.

A vase for our dining room table.

And, finally, our fireplace mantle.

I am definitely planning on adding more throughout the house, but I have no more vases or pitchers left. Soon enough...

***Speaking of new arrivals, Congratulations to the Woodham's on the birth of their new baby girl, Julianna Harper! Julianna was born March 5 weighing in at 7 lbs., 12 oz.

"To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold."

author unknown

March 1, 2009

Bob and I experienced snowfall for the first time in our new home, here in Birmingham. Overall, we received about 5 inches. Snow in Birmingham is not very common, so this has been a special day for us. And, Bob and I have not seen snow in years, having moved from Orlando last summer.

We are some cold Gators!

Winston enjoying his first snowfall EVER!

Today is also Winston's 4th birthday! I told Bob this morning that God decided to give Winston snow for his birthday. He enjoyed playing fetch with the snowballs we threw.

The two of us, with what I believe to be a snowflake over my face!