Let the contractions begin...

Contractions have finally begun...I don't think they are the real contractions...in fact I am pretty sure they are not.....but the Braxton Hicks contractions have started...getting my body ready for delivery....had a good hour earlier this evening with pretty intense contractions....they have subsided now...and I am feeling much better...it was a little difficult to be home alone without Collin here....when they initially started about after about a 1/2 hour of them I wasn't so worried..I guess I kind of knew that they weren't the real deal...in fact this could go on for another 2 and 1/2 weeks or so...before I am actually in real labor....I did though find myself running around the house organizing draws and cleaning today...its really amazing how most of the books you read about pre labor say that this is what women do........I also felt a intense urge to go for a walk........but I didn't maybe tomorrow when Collin is home...it was kind of funny though I decided to sit outside while the contractions were happening...I just wanted the fresh air...and Collin was on the phone wanting me to go in side...in case something happens....that struck me as funny...it wasn't like I was going to be delivering the baby on the front deck...something else that struck me as funny is my books talk about in early labor that women stay at home as long as they can....doing last minute chores and relaxing.....well I am all for staying home as long as possible........but last minute chores....I was in pretty constant state of going from uncomfortable to pain during that hour of contractions...there was no getting chores done........I for some reason have put off packing my bag for the hospital...I guess I was thinking in the back of my mind..it would be something good to do once labor started...you know the chores they talked about in the book...keeping my mind busy....well that all changed as soon as I felt better I promptly packed my bag for the hospital....it is now patiently waiting...as I will also be...........patiently waiting for the next contraction.....the next sign that Dylan is on his way...with that good night........and good rest

What Winston wants Winston gets........

Winston has been my baby since he came into my life as a 10 week old puppy...he is still my baby and brings me so much joy and comfort.....Winston has always been spoiled..he always gets what he wants....what I think he wants...what I want him to have.......no exceptions...that's the law by mom.........period. Whether its a new toy...going to work with mom... a new stroller since he gets tired easily...his nails painted for the holidays....special outfits....you name it.....Winston does not go without....anything.....this has been somewhat of a adjustment for my husband Collin....don't get me wrong Collin is a huge animal lover and actually has done some wonderful things for Winston that I don't do...but if Collin had his choice in the matter... he would not go along with some of the off the wall things that bring happiness to me and Winston...Collin and I have both made comprises to be together.......I moved to Cheyenne.......he bites his tongue when it comes to spoiling Winston.....it works for us......so here is the dilemma.......we thought we had this dilemma solved............but its not..........the stroller dilemma....we were going to by a stroller for 2...Winston could sit on one side Dylan on the other....the problem is these strollers are made for older babies.........not infants.....the nice stroller we bought for Collin has a adapter for Dylan's car seat...........which will work awesome........only one problem where is Winston going to fit............I decided that when we go as a family....Dylan in his stroller......Winston in his wagon....which by the way we are going to trick out this next week for him....we are going to turn it into a covered wagon just like on the prairie......and add a battery operated fan on the front....so he doesn't overheat on trips to the park in the summer....I am very excited to see our little Winston in his covered wagon......by the way he loves his wagon and loves to be pulled in it....it really has been fun being able to spoil Winston..........though I understand that you can't do that with children...it will be a interesting internal battle I will have with myself.....I know my tendencies..........and I will have to discipline myself in the matter of spoiling....I think I have enough commonsense.........to keep the spoiling just to my fur baby Winston..........with that...off to the fabric store to pick up the fabric for Winstons covered wagon...........

1 centimeter...........9 more to go

Just a quick update....Dylan is doing well...in fact he has dropped...which I thought he had...only because his little butt is sitting lower on my stomach...I am also 1 centimeter dilated.....last week I was 0...and he hadn't dropped yet...so progression is occurring...once he moves a little forward I should start getting more contractions.....my energy level is a little lower that it has been...so not sure if its the progression of the pregnancy...or just being under the weather.....both Collin and I are feeling better but we are weak...and can't do much for a long period of time...I need to head to work shortly and Collin is going to go lay down.......with that until next time

Patience........I have none

Patience has never been one of my strong points...whether its in business, or my personal life...I am fortunate that I have enough discipline that when it is absolutely necessary I can be make myself be patient...so this sick stuff......drives me crazy...I have no patience to wait to get better....the good news is both Collin and I are feeling better....now its time to show patience in waiting for Dylan to arrive...I have been pretty darn patient........for a long time now....but now that we are down to the final weeks.....I can hardly stop thinking about when he is going to come and wanting to meet him....love him...take care of him.....I am truly enjoying this pregnancy...and am really embracing every kick, every move, since at 38 there is a good chance this will be a one time experience of being pregnant....but I am ready to meet our son...to start our a new chapter in our life as a family...I feel like a little kid waiting for Christmas...its just almost unbearable at this point...I just can't wait to meet him....during most of the pregnancy I thought that he would arrive early before our due date...but now I think he will make it into our arms sometime around his due date or perhaps a little after..........ughhhhhhhh I hate the thought of having to wait that long ........but I am feeling pretty well except the last 2 days.....and I just think he is pretty happy and not ready to come into the world anytime really soon....we have a Doctors appointment tomorrow...so we will see if we have had any progression for delivery......I honestly don't expect any......but will keep you all posted.........with that good night........

still ill.......................

Another day of not feeling very well...had a blood test ran this morning for my blood sugar level...but it very well could be the same thing that Collin has...he is also still under the weather but has managed to make it to work today...me and being sick really don't get along....I feel guilty for just laying here...because I am ill but not deathly ill...and I feel like I should just deal with it and get up and go to work....the good news is everything at work is caught up...so no real reason for me to go to the office...I am hoping by this afternoon that I feel better and can do a couple of small projects around the house....I have 2 open houses scheduled for this weekend and am planning on being in the office most of the day tomorrow....Winston has been wonderful keeping me company...he hasn't left my side all morning....Ardie and Solomon are still often in my thoughts and miss them both...but I can also say its really nice just to have one dog to take care of...I really do think we are going to be a one dog family for sometime....the house stays cleaner....the yard stays nicer...and we still get all the joys of having a family of pets....Mr Mooks and Winston seem to be a nice harmonious balance...with that I am going to lay down and if I feel better might blog later this evening.............until next time

Under the weather

Today both Collin and I are under the weather...we are both just not feeling our best...Collin has nausea and upset stomach....I am feeling very weak, and have little energy....I feel like my blood sugar level is off and I can't get it back on track....called the doctor and I am going in tomorrow am for a blood test.....just to make sure that I am wrong.....this is very similar to how I felt early on in the pregnancy...Dylan is still reminding me that he is ok...and is moving often....I think he is going to be a long baby....I am getting lost of kicks back behind my rib cage close to my lower back......these are not flutters by the way........but pretty darn strong kicks or stretches...we are both hoping to feel better as the day progresses......not much else to write about......hard to be clever when you don't feel well..........until next time

Baking in the Rain

Well the garage organization will have to wait...Collin is working a over time shift today....which is a good thing...not that he is working...but to get a over time on a holiday is like tripe pay overtime...so its well worth it....the only catch is if Dylan arrives before the end of his pay period for this month the overtime won't be so hefty...so we are hoping that Dylan doesn't arrive before the 14th of June....I initially thought that Dylan would be early...but I am now thinking he will be closer to the actually due date of June 18th maybe even a little over the due date....I am just not showing any signs of being ready for delivery...and he seems pretty darn content....so plans changed today....I am still going to pack for the hospital...I have made a trip to Wal Greens to get all the birthday cards, graduation cards, and all the cards I am going to need for the next 2 months or so....also went to Sams Club to stock up on food before Dylan arrives....we have 2 fridges and a freezer so plenty of room to stock up....finished my shopping at the grocery store stocking up on all the Memorial Day Grocery Specials.......now I am baking in the rain....its raining here which is kind of nice ...its a cozy warm afternoon with cookies in the oven....tea by my side...and Winston and Mr Mooks all cuddled up for afternoon nap........I am going to take 3 or 4 dozen cookies to the Fire Station later this afternoon....since Collin got the overtime he is suppose to buy Dinner for everyone....so I am going to bring them cookies and pick up some ice cream for them for dessert......with that I need to go and check my first batch of cookies...........until next time

fixing fence....raised planters..and these darn motherly hormones

So far its been a great weekend...with lots accomplished we have headed to Eaton to help Collins mom out the last two days....getting some fence mended and today putting in raised planters for her garden inspirations....they still need soil and need to be dug down but are on the fast track to being just about ready for her garden....it was nice to be able to get to Eaton and get a couple of these projects done before Dylan gets here....for some crazy reason....I think the world is going to stop once Dylan gets here....that there will no time left in the day...that we will be all consumed...which might all be true...but life does go on after babies are born....household chores get done.......parents go to work......projects get planned and happen...the world continues to turn...perhaps its just these darn motherly hormones......that drive us expectant mothers to be prepared.........to the best of our ability...the good news is a lot of stuff has gotten done....tomorrow we are going to work on getting the garage organized...Collin is going to go for a bike ride.........and how about this we actually have scheduled sometime to relax for the balance of the day..........that's unless I notice another project that we can fit in........ohhh that's right we have a couple of flower boxes that we need to make.........should still give us plenty of time to sleep in and have a lazy afternoon...............until then

Winston my security blanket

I have often complained during the pregnancy that its been difficult because Winston has to sleep right next to me all the time....45 pounds of snoring dog cuddled up to you can be a little frustrating at times........pregnant or not....we have also been a little concerned about how we were going to accommodate Winston's need to sleep in the bed with our need to be next to Dylan...yesterday Collin put together Dylan's pack'n'play which we have put next to the bed in our room...this will be Dylan's bed initially...because of our room configuration it was necessary to put the pack'n'play on Collins side of the bed...which now has become mine....so needless to say...switching our sides of the bed was difficult for everyone....Winston was initially confused and not quite sure where he was to sleep...but pretty quickly settled into his usual place...the only problem was I wasn't there....it really didn't seem to bother Winston or Collin much....but I found it difficult to put myself to sleep....my Winston.... my security blanket for the last 5 years...the one I often complained about was not there to comfort me ....to help put me to sleep....there is something comforting to me about this little... stinky... loud snoring dog cuddled up to me at night..I woke up a couple of times trying to get him to come sleep next to me...it didn't work he was out........how could he sleep so well........without me..........it made me even sadder....how easily I was replaced in his nightly sleeping habit...it also makes me sad that as a new chapter of our life begins...one begins to end....my focus and my time and energy toward Winston is going to change...our relationship will change...out of necessity not out of want....because I love this little dog so much...this sleeping arrangement is fairly devastating to me....I really don't see a tremendous amount of change in our life that some families experience when they add a child...and the dogs are no longer important part of their lives...........I won't let that happen...not for Winston's sake but for my sake....we have a very special bond...but this small event brings the reality of change that is about to happen in our life.....so tonight since Collin is at work we will cuddle close and have the whole bed together........expecting a content evening with my little security blanket back by my side...............

My belly my friend

I have embraced this pregnancy from pretty early on...besides the first 3 months I have really enjoyed being pregnant...I have been very fortunate that I have felt so well and have had a good pregnancy...no doubt I have been fortunate with good energy, a good pregnancy, and good health....Like with all things in life it is how you approach your challenges...a good attitude and positive thinking is very powerful...I am getting approached by quite a few people....about if I am tired...I should take it easy...and that if I am tired of being pregnant and just ready for him to be out yet...I can honestly say I am not tired....until the end of the day...I don't believe in taking it easy ever....and that I am not to the point where I just want him out....I am taking in every moment of being pregnant and embracing every kick, every movement, all the motherly feelings I am feeling....it doesn't mean that I don't get tired of having to go the bathroom every hour...that if I eat any salt I swell and blow up...that it would be nice to wear attractive shoes...I can't wait to wear pants without a elastic waist...my belly though is my friend...it is caring very precious cargo...keeping Dylan nourished and safe until it is time for us to meet...and I noticed earlier today that I was using it as shelf for the remote control...it made me laugh that it was such a subconscious act to set the remote on my belly....I must say it works pretty well...my belly is big enough to keep it in place and I don't have to worry about losing the remote....with that me and my friend my belly are going to finish the evening with making some chocolate covered strawberries for all the neighbors that came to Dylan's BBQ and pass them out with their thank yous in the morning...........until tomorrow

Bring it on

Well we think we are ready...so bring on parenthood....Dylan's nursery is ready to go with everything we think he will need...or everything that we think we will need...going to pack our hospital bag tomorrow when Collin gets home...and the yard is done...the nest is ready...we are now just waiting for Dylan to make his grand arrival...we sometimes confide in each other our fears....if we are ready...our worries about how tough it will be...perhaps just the unknown of not really knowing what to expect....the comments oh my the comments we get from everyone are neither helpful or comforting....we hear oh your life will never be the same....you will get no sleep...its so hard.....its the best thing ever....on and on and on....I believe all the comments are true and I know they are meant with good intentions but its just something that we will have to experience for ourselves....telling us our life will never be the same and that we will get no sleep...really doesn't help us prepare any better ....it just creates more anxiety.....we often comfort ourselves by looking and watching other families...we were in Wal Mart yesterday...its amazing how many babies you notice when you are looking for them....we always take special note of these families...young couples that don't even look old enough to drive managing thru the isles of Wal Mart with a little one in tow....older couples with 4 kids and a baby and everything in between...for the most part...the babies look content...and the parents seem to be making it.........we find relief in this little routine that we do....we look at these couples and say if they can do this..........we can do this.........its our little way of building ourselves up for the upcoming challenge........we are very excited and ready to face our fears, embrace our son with love, and to start to figure out how to be the best familywe can be we are aware of the life changing experience that is about to happen and we are embracing it with all that we have.......thats it for now.......its a beautiful evening I think I am going to BBQ a steak and tinker in the yard enjoying this special time in our lives.........until tomorrow

My Husband is virtuous....3 baby swings later

They say patience is a virtue....Well then that would make Collin a very virtuous man....We had a wonderful party yesterday in honor of Dylan....Collin is working on a video as we speak to put on the blog...and I will also blog on our party.....but this blog will be about baby items and Collins patience with them and with me....

It all started last night....after entertaining, cooking, and having a great day....I begged Collin to put our new baby swing together...I have waited so long to buy or get Dylan's baby stuff I just couldn't wait anymore....6 pages of confusing directions...tons of little plastic parts....and lots of patience...and by 10:30pm or so he had a contraption that looked like a baby swing...I picked out this baby swing online...without seeing it in person...the main reason we wanted it was because it had a power adapter so no eating all those batteries up...my sister Cheri was kind enough to get if for us....as I studied it....I realized it was not going to offer the support I was hoping for a infant... it would probably work fine for a older baby....but not for Dylan...so with that the nightmare began...I couldn't find my gift receipt...we digged in the trash...no luck...called Target and they explained to me how to get a gift receipt off of my registry....Collin attempted to get the swing dismantled.....like I said lots of little cheap looking plastic parts...its really amazing how flimsy these parts seem until the units are complete then they become quite sturdy....well there was no way we were going to get this swing completely dismantled and back into the original box.....so off to Target I go with the swing partially in the box... 45 minutes later while at Target.....I finally made my way with my credit back to the baby department to find a new swing....today was also a big shopping day....we decided to go ahead and get the rest of the items we need before Dylan gets here...I guess I should clarify needs...and my wants...they are really my wants not needs...not sure why I want these things.........but I do...and with that I shall get them...originally I had found most of the baby items I wanted online...but the shipping charges are outrageous so I decided to find items in the store that would work...not to mention the swing I just returned came from a online order that I assumed would be different.......with that I find a baby swing that I like....not love but really like....the one I love is $40.00 dollars more and I know it has lots of gimmicky gadgets that I really probably won't use...so I resist...I also purchase a baby vibrating chair....and we also get a very nice pack'n'play that we will use in our bedroom initially...after much deliberating I go for the pack n play with all the bells and whistles....it had a couple of features I think will be very nice....here is the unfortunate truth on bells and whistles on products...I never....never use them...my car...has lots of them...don't know how to use them...same thing with my phone and computer....even my bike...I could learn how to use the bike gears to my advantage...to make my like easier...no I am to stubborn...I just pedal harder...but I will tell you when I picked out that bike....I am sure the bells and whistles are what sold me on it....I know myself so well...yet I fall for those bells and whistles on items everytime...I guess I just feel more secure knowing that if I ever really wanted to use them they are there....so at this point in my shopping spree I am pretty proud of myself....I bought the reasonable vibrating baby seat....the reasonable swing...though I wanted the fancy one...I was weak though and did buy the pack n play with way to many bells and whistles...I also ordered my breast pump....pricey pricey...but good breast pumps are pretty darn necessary and I have been told by everyone to purchase quality quality and more quality.....as I head out the store I am feeling pretty good about getting all of our baby shopping done....as I make my way home.. I immediately tear into the vibrating chair...I offer to put it together...as I get out the 6 or so pieces I immediately realize its beyond my ability to assemble...2 pieces maybe 3 and I am good but 6 pieces...2 pages of directions and a bag of screws...I'm done....so with that my virtuous husband starts the assembly of the chair...I assure him ....that I am very happy with this purchase and we will not be returning it.....I am very happy with the chair...he did a great job and its all put together waiting for little Dylan....unfortunately though Dylan will never have the opportunity to sit in this little wonderful vibrating chair..........because we are returning it.....we are returning it...because we decided to return the 2nd baby swing that we bought....after much discussion with Collin we decided to head back to Target today...our 2nd trip...2nd return of the day...thank goodness we still had it in a sealed box....the more expensive swing the one $40.00 more also had a power adapter...like the first one I wanted...plus it has really awesome bells and whistles....with Collin making the final decision...we get the more expensive swing....relief has finally set in.....as we get home we realize that this super duper swing also can change into a vibrating chair............how cool is that....so we have decided to box up the vibrating chair and will be making our 3 rd return and 3rd trip to Target promptly tomorrow am.....Collin probably would have had the video done by now for the party...but he is busy putting together our 3rd swing and will be dismantling the vibrating chair...I do feel confident that we will get the chair back in the box..............with that I am signing off.........happy with all my bells and whistles...and thankful for a virtuous husband

Frustration

This will be a short blog...I am slightly frustrated with blogging at this point...my last blog actually was suppose to be about twice as long as it was....it really was quite clever if I say so myself ....unfortunately you all will never know this....since it did not publish....I don't know what I did wrong....and I was so frustrated I had no interest in attempting to rewrite it...so I apologize if you read my last blog.....it was only half done....this is the 2nd time this has happened to me in the last week or so.....

Well with that...I am going to call this a blog...I promise a better blog this afternoon...there is actually quite a bit I would like to write about but need a little more time to get over my frustration and gain a little more patience before I attempt another blog.....until then

hopefully this thing post............

A win win for both of us....and a 30 cents savings to boot

Its amazing the things you learn and admire from your partner....these same wonderful charcteristics that have drawn me to Collin are at times the same ones that annoy me...especially at 8 months pregnant...don't get me wrong...I feel very lucky to have such a wonderful kind caring partner in my life...and he is pretty darn close to perfect....perhaps thats the most annoying part...is often he is right....most of the time he is right...so that means yes you got it...often I am wrong....most of the time I am wrong....oh well I guess opposites attract...I am sure he loves this quality about me...always being wrong...it must feel really good to be right most of the time.........anyways I have been learning to become more frugal...from of course who else....Mr Right most of the time Collin....I actually enjoy going to the grocery store now and looking for the least expensive brand...or cost per ounce....I slow down and actually pay attention to what I am buying what is on sale....its amazing how much you can save just by paying attention....we read the sale adds everyweek...and base our shopping and eating based off what is on sale...we are going to take it a couple of steps further and start shopping in bulk on the items that we use all the time...stock up on the freezer and pantry on the sale items...and start planning more affordable casserole style meals...that can be cooked in large portions...that we can eat for a couple of days and freeze some for later.....food has just gotten so expensive...we need to figure out how to make it more affordable....before I would have never considered even really looking at the price of food...I simply bought what looked good, when I wanted it, for whatever price it might be......so this is a long way for me...it doesn't mean we won't eat well...infact I am headed to Sams Club to get a entire 10lb prime rib....its on sale for $5.69 a pound for rib eyes no bone...its a very good deal...I will have them cut it into Ribeye steaks and package it for us....very good quality meat...but at a great price....the other thing we are going to do is buy gift cards at the supermarket...if you buy a $300.00 supermarket gift card...you get 15% off your entire grocery purchase when you use the $300.00 gift card at the supermarket...thats hard to beat....so I have really embraced Collins good sound ideas on saving money at the grocery store...and am really enjoying it...one of the many ways he is right...



Now lets talk about when he is wrong....wrong...wrong...

A day of nesting

First of all I must apologize for my last blog...I wrote quite a lengthy blog only to have lost it somehow before I was able to post it....I was so frustrated...I just left it....so with that on with today...its been a busy week at work and at home....today was a pretty lazy day....I curled up on the couch most of the day....I had a quick appointment at work and put a land deal under contract....finished up some paperwork for 2 closings for this Friday and have 2 more closings scheduled before the end of the month....so work is going well....Dylan is doing well also....he was a pain in my side ...literally last night....I think he was doing jumping jacks...lots of them....he was moving alot and very powerful moves last night....you could literally just watch my stomach jump all over....he is being better today....I am still feeling pretty well for the most part....and am still enjoying being pregnant...but we are very excited to meet little Dylan....well that's it for today perhaps something tonight will inspire me to right a better blog tomorrow.........

Trash Tv...and Dylan craving triple chocolate icecream a end to a good day

These are a two of my favorite things

Its a beautiful morning here in lovely Cheyenne...this morning is going to be filled with strawberries and hot cereal....strawberries are probably my favorite pregnant food...I can't get enough strawberries....and Winston one of my other favorites ...is also having a wonderful morning....he got to sleep in this morning...one of his favorite things....its always so cute to watch him sleep in....once we get up...he still stays in bed for a good 30minutes or so...he eventually meanders into the living room and cuddles up with us on the couch....right now he is sucking on his newest stuffed animal a little lamb...he never tears them to pieces..he just sucks on them like a pacifier....I have to go to work this morning at 11 and then show a property at 3 otherwise I am going to tinker in our yard and finish up some of our projects...Dylan is quite active this morning...I think he is trying to tell me he is ready for the strawberries...with that off to make my breakfast and start my day.....

Baby books....what do they know anyways....

Baby Books, Baby Books, we have all kinds of baby books with all kinds of advice in them...at first it is really great...all of the knowledge...all of the information...with all this advise and information it would be impossible to fail.....at least that is the hook....that's how they hook us to buy and read all of these different baby books on everything you can imagine...with them we will be better parents....yes I bought it...hook...line...and sinker....but I am just about ready to ban baby books....unless they are going to support my own personal thoughts on parenting....I'm done with them....Collin was the first to bring this to my attention...as I have urged him to open up the baby books....he finally looked at me and said I don't think the mothers in Africa read these baby books...they do what is natural....he is right....100%...I really think we can over analyze all of the information we are bombarded with....not that information is not wonderful...and I truly believe knowledge is power....but more importantly I think it is dangerous territory when we begin to question our own instincts based on what someone else has wrote as gospel...I truly believe that if we clear our mind and listen to ourselves instinctually we make alot of right choices...whether its in business, love, or raising children....today we purchased a activity seat for Dylan...it was a spontaneous purchase...I was so nervous buying it....what would my baby book say....was it a good purchase....how was it rated....will it harm him...this was absolutely crazy I am a grown woman....I have helped people make the largest decisions in their life....and I am panicking because I don't have my baby book to tell me what to do....my nervous frustration of not being able to make a decision with out my baby books approval soon turned to being down right mad....mad at the the stupid baby book....and mad at myself....for not relying on my own ability to make this fairly simple decision...as soon as we got home...I of course checked my baby book....it says that they are o-k but that children that use them are not as quick to walk as children that don't use them....basically that if I use it for extended periods of time its not healthy for my child....duhhhhhhhhh.....moderation is everything in life......I knew this without having to be told this....but its crazy that I did not trust my own instincts on this purchase...that's the real problem here....not what the books says...but that there was a part of me that did not listen to my instincts...as I look at this little play contraption...it looks pretty fun in fact it says words in Spanish and English....so I guess best case scenario Dylan will be slow to walk but will be able to speak Spanish....worse case scenario he will hate it and walk early and we will give it to Winston...he already can walk.... and will love it....I don't mean not to sound appreciative of all the information these books give me ...but I truly believe our hearts know best.....with that I am going to finish reading one of my baby books...........until tomorrow

Good day at the Doctors........

Had a good doctors appointment this morning...I haven't gained any weight since my last visit...which is a relief....and Dylan is head down and butt up....I also found out that my Doctor is from California....we actually went to the same high school....he stated that he became a doctor because of a dear family friend that was a Ob Gyn in California....which very well could be the same Doctor that delivered me 38 years ago....what a small world...anyways we got on the subject because I have concerns about the size of Dylan....he asked where I was born at...and that's how the conversation came together...well it seems that babies grow bigger at sea level....since I was over a 10lb baby on the coast he is guessing that Dylan will be somewhere around 8.5 pounds here at the higher altitude....so all went well.......another appointment in 2 weeks then from there every week until he is born.........on the home front.....we have been working really really hard to get everything done before Dylan arrives...we are getting close...and I had good energy today and worked pretty darn hard....unfortunately our grass in the front yard.......is dead....2 big dogs and lots of medicine just killed it dead....so we decided to rent a sod cutter and remove the sod....we are laying new sod in the morning....got the rest of the flowers planted...mulch in....and pond done and running...so tomorrow is sod, then bring in more rock...staining lattice...and doing a little more additional work on the patio...then we should be able to call it done..........then all we have left to do is work on the downstairs.....very minimal..pack my bag for the hospital and figure out how to get our car seat in....and then we will be ready for our little guy.....all is well at work...I need to put a couple of hours in first thing in the morning I have a closing on Friday, Monday, and one on Tuesday...and one more at the end of the month....I will do my best to have a more entertaining blog tomorrow...just to tired right now to be clever..........

Busy Bees.........

Yes we were busy bees...I would say busy little bees...but I am not so little ....I unfortunately did not get all of the flowers planted today....but should have them finished by tomorrow....I was very content in my planting...unfortunately I only made it till about 3 pm...I hit a wall.....and needed to lay down....my body just won't quite go as long as it used to....I rested for about a hour and a half and worked for about another hour then needed to call it a day...Collin was busy hauling rock and working on outside projects....we grilled steaks...Dylan kicked like a mad man....Collin had a union meeting tonight...and I am watching a little trash tv ....with that I am calling it a night...tomorrow am is our Dr. appt...we will verify that Dylan is finally facing down and ready to deliver...........

Very pregnant

Almost daily I am asked how the pregnancy is going...how I am feeling...I usually always answer that it is going well...feeling good....sometimes followed up with my legs are hurting or having some heartburn...but today....I feel very pregnant....my energy level was quite a bit lower today and the simplest task were exhausting...my asthma has gotten worse during the pregnancy but today it was just fairly miserable for most of the day...I definitely waddled today....I never thought of myself as a waddler...though all baby books say at the end you waddle...hopefully tomorrow will bring more energy...less waddling...and better breathing....I did though manage to get flowers for our flower boxes and all of our pots...tomorrow will be a busy day...with a meeting at 8:00 am...and then helping Collin when I get done...staining lattice...getting the pond up and running... finishing the fence, hauling rock....and getting all of the flowers planted...lots of flowers....14 flats of annuals...and about a dozen perennials.......I usually always try to plant during a 2 day period every year...it almost like Christmas for me...I really love planting...I have spent the last week watching the weather...and watching the deals on annuals....I really shop around to get just the flowers I want at the best deal possible....right before mothers day is always a good time....the weather usually will hold at this point....prices are great for mothers day....and the selection is at its best....I have planted this way for years....it is thought the first year that we have done this much here in Cheyenne...next year hopefully we will not have to buy anymore perennials but this last year...Ardie and Solomon found comfort in 3 of our flower beds...so these will have to be partially replanted....well with that I am going to do my best to get a good night sleep........and will give you a update tomorrow.........

I never knew hot dogs could be so romantic.....

Hi everyone...just got back from our last weekend away before Dylan arrives....we decided to go to Denver for the weekend....Friday night we went to one of Collins good friends wedding Scott Ingrams...it was good to see everyone and the wedding was alot of fun...guilt is a wonderful tool to use when you are pregnant...and Collin is such a nice guy that he falls for it all of the time :)...I had him running several times back to the cake table to fetch me these most wonderful chocolate covered strawberries.......heaven pure heaven.....so Saturday morning we got up early and headed off to Denver....we decided to put Winston in a kennel for the weekend....normally he would stay with us at a pet friendly hotel....but we felt just a weekend for the two of us was in order...it was very difficult for me to take him to the kennel....we found one that I thought would be acceptable in Fort Collins...none of the kennels here in Cheyenne made the grade....Winston really stayed at a top notch facility but I still worried about him until I picked him up this afternoon....which brings on more concerns...how am I ever going to leave Dylan if I can hardly leave Winston.....Once we made it to Denver we made our way to Babies R Us....since we have a pretty limited selection of baby stuff here in Cheyenne...I am glad that we went........once....I don't see myself ever making my way back there again...really not quite the selection, quality, or good deals I had hoped for...we made it out of the store with only a new diaper bag in tow...............which we both really like...otherwise I think Target will do just fine for the most part and will order specialty items online....we had a great lunch at a BBQ restaurant....it just hit the spot....we then made our way to our hotel room...which was very nice...we stayed at the Hyatt near Cherry Hills.......we were planning on going out to a very nice dinner...since it will probably be along time before just the 2 of us make it to a nice formal relaxing dinner once Dylan is here....but we were both so tired and just really wanted to sleep....we ventured out about 7:00 pm and made our way to a hot dog stand down by the University of Denver...we finished our romantic meal with Ben and Jerrys icecream....and followed up with entertainment back at our hotel room...cuddled up together...we ordered our free movie on the tv and called it a night...it actually was pretty close to a perfect day....we spent the whole day together...we relaxed...ate well....laughed alot ...and shared a couple of romantic and special moments together....I never knew that hot dogs could be so romantic....we finished our wonderful weekend with a top notch Rockies game.....the weather was perfect...our seats were great...and Rockies kicked butt........we are now safe at home....with Collin watching TV, Winston snoring, and me blogging.....

The National Geographic in my front yard

I am very upset as I type this blog.....I am tired of watching survival of the fittest play out in my front yard....you see we have a bird house in our front yard...every year about this time we get to watch these cute little birds start building their nest and going to work on creating a home for their soon to be babies....every year they die.....they fall out and die...I have not once seen a successful little bird fly away...I hate it....and you can't help but watch out our living room window...this year its the WORSE....I heard all of this noise...out the window I look and I see this big bird eating the little birds eggs.....they are crying and making a fuss trying to shhhhewww the big mean bird away...I waddled to the door and shewwwed the big bird away...but within minutes he was back...there was nothing that I could do to save those little baby eggs...if I was able to ...still would be doomed to die just like every other year...so with that...I am going to have Collin take the bird house down...I just can't watch another episode of National Geographic play out in my front yard.........